The First Night in His World

Alessia lay on the massive bed, staring at the ceiling, her mind refusing to quiet down.

Sleep was impossible.

The events of the past few days crashed over her like a relentless tide. One moment, she had been living a normal life, struggling but free. The next, she was in a world of crime, danger, and a man who both terrified and intrigued her.

Damian Russo.

The name alone carried weight.

She turned onto her side, staring at the moonlight spilling through the balcony doors. Everything about this place screamed wealth and power. The silk sheets, the luxurious furniture, the quiet hum of security cameras outside her door.

This wasn’t just protection.

This was control.

She sighed and sat up, rubbing her temples. The air felt heavy, filled with an energy she couldn’t name. Restless, she slid out of bed and padded to the window, pressing her fingers against the cool glass.

The estate was quiet, but she knew better than to think it was unguarded. Damian’s men were everywhere, ensuring that no one got in… or out.

She turned away, her chest tightening.

Was this really safer than running?

Before she could spiral deeper into her thoughts, a soft knock at the door made her freeze.

Her pulse quickened.

She already knew who it was.

Taking a slow breath, she walked over and pulled the door open.

Damian stood there, his tall frame filling the doorway. His shirt sleeves were rolled up, exposing strong forearms, and his dark eyes swept over her in a way that made her stomach tighten.

"You're awake," he said, his voice smooth, unreadable.

She crossed her arms. "Hard to sleep when you’re locked in a stranger’s house."

His lips curved slightly. "You’re not locked in."

She arched a brow. "So, I can just walk out the front door?"

Damian leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed over his broad chest. "You could try."

A challenge.

A dare.

Her heart pounded, but she refused to let him see the effect he had on her. "What do you want?"

His smirk faded. "I wanted to make sure you’re settling in."

She studied him, searching for hidden motives. "Why do I get the feeling you don’t do this for everyone you take in?"

His jaw tightened, but he didn’t answer.

The silence stretched between them, thick and charged.

Finally, he pushed off the doorframe. "Get some rest, Alessia."

Then, without another word, he turned and walked away, leaving her standing in the doorway, heart racing.

Why did it feel like she had just lost a battle she didn’t even know she was fighting?

She had two options.

Obey what he said. Or dare walking out his fort. The second option does not seem to be doing any good to her. Neither does the first though. So, should she simply obey his orders like a good puppy, surrendering to his commands in the name of 'protection'?

Anyway she decided to go and sleep for now. If she could.

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