Bonds of Affection

Episode 1

Eva Ricci, a dance student from a modest studio in Milan, at 20, dreams of starring in a ballet musical.

Every day she leaves early to study, but her real work begins at dusk when she transforms into a stripper.

"I can't do what you're asking, I have a dance audition tomorrow and I need to pass to get out of this dump," Eva tells Mercedes, the nightclub owner.

"You know, Eva, you should be grateful this dump helps you get by. Riccardo just wants you to dance for him," Mercedes says.

"I understand, but I'm sorry, I can't," she says, appearing resolute.

"Eva, I'll give you thirty percent of everything he spends."

The girl ponders; she knows that every time he shows up, he spends a good amount of money there.

She's saving up because she has an audition for the top ballet school in the United States in fourteen months.

"I'll accept if you pay me fifty percent of the amount," she says, standing up and approaching the woman.

"I only pay the thirty percent."

"Thanks for the offer."

Eva says, grabbing her bag and heading for the exit, but before she can reach the door, Mercedes calls out to her.

"Fine, I'll pay what you asked for, now get ready, he's waiting for you in private room three."

Eva returns, sits in the chair, applies her makeup quickly, removes her coat, and heads to the room where he awaits.

Entering the room, Eva sees the man lying on a sofa with a redhead performing oral on him and another woman sitting on his face.

She enters, starting a song, drawing the attention of everyone in the room.

"Finish this some other time, I need to do my performance."

She states with a serious posture and heads to the pole to begin her act, while the man adjusts himself on the sofa to watch her dance.

Riccardo Ferrari, a mafioso of immense allure, is well aware of the desire he provokes in women. His cocaine trafficking cartel garners substantial wealth, yet his ambition constantly seeks more power and riches.

He met Eva a while ago and proposed a deal she refused. Despite his irresistible looks, she isn't overly impressed by them.

After her performance, he stands and approaches her.

"Darling, have you decided to accept my offer and give yourself to me?" he says close to her ear.

"Forget it, I'm not a prostitute. If I'm here, it's to earn money honestly, not to go to bed with a jerk like you," the girl says, turning her back to him.

"I could pay you well to take your virginity."

Riccardo had taken an interest in her the first night he saw her there, buying an hour of her dance every chance he got.

But one night he offered money to spend the night with her, offending her. She slapped him in the face and left him talking alone.

"As I said, I don't offer that kind of service, so would you mind stopping this nonsense?"

Eva says, provoking irritation in the man unschooled in handling rejection.

"Listen here, girl," he snaps, gripping her neck and lifting her off the ground. "I've been very patient with you, but don't test my temper, or you'll encounter my true nature."

Eva gazes at the man, her eyes wide, clutching his hand, attempting to ease the grip making her gasp for air.

He releases her, she falls seated, and he locks the door, pocketing the key.

Riccardo approaches and crouches to her level while she's still trying to catch her breath.

"You know, girl, I could take you by force, you're so vulnerable," he says, leaning in close.

"I despise you, you son of a bitch," she spits, and spits in his face.

Riccardo glares with dark rage, wipes his face, but before rising, he slaps her, turning her face and bringing her hands to the stinging spot.

"Look what you're missing out on by refusing me."

Riccardo says and moves towards the two women previously in the room.

He grabs the redhead by the neck and kisses her violently, a kiss devoid of care, filled with raw desire. He seats himself on the sofa, giving Eva a clear view.

He unzips his pants, reveals his arousal, and has the woman perform on him.

Eva is scared and enraged, unable to fathom the repugnance of the man before her.

"If you close your eyes, I'll have the pleasure of using your mouth," Riccardo says crudely.

Eva's eyes fill with tears, fearing what the monster might do to her.

Once he reaches climax, he tosses the key to Eva, who catches it and runs from the room in terror.

She locks herself in the bathroom, releasing the tears held back from the horrifying scene.

After nearly fifteen minutes, she washes her face, retouches her makeup, and looks for Mercedes. She bumps into her friend Lara.

"Have you seen Mercedes?" Eva asks in haste.

"I saw her at the bar," replies Lara, the friend who helped her get the job.

"I need to get my pay; wait for me, we'll go home soon."

She reaches the bar and sees the woman beside the man who gives her a malicious smile.

"We were just talking about you, darling."