Diavolo (Devil’s Playground #1)

5. Chapter 5

5

For a full, paralyzing minute, Elyse froze, gaping at him. A pair of ratty underwear and a threadbare cotton bra dangled awkwardly from her hands. This was surreal. It felt unreal. Yet, there he stood in the flesh. The universe must be playing tricks on her.

Fully recuperated from his brush with death, the brown-and-blue-gray-eyed man appeared even more beautiful than Elyse remembered. Unlike last time, his bronzed skin now glowed with life and vigor. His sudden appearance in this remote chalet— in fucking Crans-Montana, Switzerland, of all places —sent her reeling with despair and dread.

Despair. Over the realization that she, like a senseless fly, had flown herself four thousand miles across the Atlantic only to land in the nebulous web of an even more dangerous spider than Stefano. She felt nauseous.

Then, there was the dread. Over her body's instinctive reaction to this man's mesmerizing presence. Heat crept over her skin. He pulled her to him as though ensnared by a coiling, ever-tightening thread. It seemed their months-long separation had done nothing to cool her hormones. He was still very capable of wreaking havoc on her senses. Elyse's jaw clenched with shame. Papá's advice taunted her. Not everything that shines is gold, mija.

Elyse began to retrace all the missteps that had led her to this predicament. Desperation to escape from Stefano had turned her reckless. The promise of a better life in Zurich had skewed her judgment. She studied the man closely. His expression remained impassive. Why was he so fucking calm? He didn't seem surprised to see her at all. Suspicion crept through Elyse. The bastard better not be the elusive Mr. Vitale. Elyse hoped her theory was wrong, but instinct screamed otherwise.

This whole situation was beginning to feel like an intentional trap. It was unnerving. Why was he targeting a nobody like her? Elyse wanted to uncover the bastard's intentions before planning her next move. She hated being manipulated. For far too long, Elyse had felt like a pawn in a game she never wanted to play. White-hot outrage coursed through her veins, but she didn't succumb to it. She needed to show him that he wasn't the only motherfucker who could stay calm under pressure.

With a mask of indifference, Elyse gave him a quick once-over. "I see you've made an excellent recovery."

"I owe it all to you," he replied with a smile.

She said coolly, "I wasn't expecting to run into you. Here . In Crans-Montana."

"The universe works in miraculous ways."

"Our reunion feels moreman-madethan miraculous. Don't you think? "

The man who made their paths cross again chose not to comment on her accusation. Instead, his gaze drifted over to the undergarments that were still in her hands. "Those relics ought to be discarded. I will buy you new ones."

Her cheeks flushed with indignation. "Excuse me?"

There was a teasing gleam in his eyes. "You work for me now. Image is everything."

She worked for… him? Elyse's gaze sharpened like knives. His admission cemented her theory in reality, and the realization felt like a slap in the face. She didn't know whether to feel furious at him. Or herself. For being such a pinche tonta . Damn fool.

He grinned and continued, "My name cannot be associated with someone who dresses in rags."

She should've never come to Switzerland. Her expression grew stormier. But she refused to let emotion rule her head. Elyse quickly shoved the bra and panties back inside her suitcase. With some effort, she also shoved aside her anger and embarrassment. Such emotions would only hinder her. She needed to focus on finding her bearings in this precarious situation. "Tell me the truth. Have you been propositioning me through Mr. Schmid?"

The response he gave felt evasive, "You seem upset, Dr. Romero."

"That's because you used your lawyer to deceive me."

The man didn't deny anything. He simply deflected, "Was the salary not to your liking? Numbers are negotiable."

Elyse eyed him warily. "I don't want to negotiate numbers. I want to talk about you . Earlier, the housekeeper informed me that my employer's name is Mr. Vitale. Would it be correct to assume that you are Mr. Vitale?"

He avoided her question. "You look tense, angelo . This distresses me. What can I do to ease your concerns?"

"I want to know who the hell you are and what you intend to do with me."

"My name is Alessandro Vitale," he finally confirmed, "and you are going to be my private physician, Dr. Romero."

Her temples started to ache. After escaping the Mancinis in New York, Elyse couldn't believe that she'd somehow landed deeper in the mafia's trenches. She closed her eyes. "I need to resign."

"Do not make a decision that you will regret later."

Elyse's eyes opened as her mouth flattened into a resolute line. "Even if I regret it later, I can't work for you."

A grim look crossed Alessandro's handsome features. He prompted quietly, "What about Stefano Russo? And your father's debts?"

His knowledge of Papá's situation caught her off guard. Green eyes grew wide. The man must have done some digging into her past. She glared at him. "I see you've done your homework. Are you planning to use my father against me?"

He was part of Cosa Nostra , after all. Blackmailing the weak and strong-arming the powerless was pretty much their bread and butter. Elyse reminded herself that Alessandro was no different from Stefano. A devil in prettier packaging was still a fucking devil.

He countered in surprisingly gentle tones, "I am merely reminding you that I can offer protection for you and your father."

Elyse knew how shit worked. He'd start exploiting her the moment she accepted his goodwill. "Your protection isn’t necessary."

"Let me help you pay off your father's debts."

Papá had borrowed from the mafia to pay off his debts as well. She wasn't about to make the same mistake. Elyse regarded Alessandro with contempt. "Keep your money. I don't want it."

"Don't you wish to reclaim your freedom?"

Alessandro's inquiry struck a chord in her. A painful one. How did he know that freedom was the one thing she desired most? It was also the one thing she could never have. Not with Stefano around. Not with her father's debts to be repaid. Elyse's shoulders slumped as though she could no longer find the strength to carry these burdens. The yearning in her eyes darkened with defeat. "There's no such thing as freedom from men like you."

He grimaced. "The tragedy on your lovely face grieves me. I would move mountains and drain the seas. Just to see you smile once more."

Alessandro's flowery words sounded utterly absurd, of course, but the passion in his voice tugged at her heartstrings. Elyse tried to contain her emotions. "I don't expect anyone to lift a finger for me. I'm a big girl. I can figure out how to save myself."

"My only wish is to help you. You can trust me."

For some reason, his soft words hardened her resolve. Her defenses kicked in. Elyse laughed harshly. "Trust you? I'll probably end up in a body bag."

"You will definitely get yourself killed," Alessandro retorted, "if you keep working with Stefano Russo and the Mancinis. I am trying to give you a way out."

With a raised eyebrow, she inquired, "Why do you care whether I live or die?"

He smiled tightly. "A life for a life, angelo . I always repay my debts."

Elyse's resolve wavered a little. Was he telling the truth? It seemed unlikely. Best to keep her guard up.

"Do not let pride stand in the way of your well-being."

"What do you know about my well-being?"

Alessandro suddenly gazed upon her as one might look at a lover. Foolishly, Elyse felt her heart quicken inside her chest. In seemingly sincere tones, he expressed, "More than you think."

Elyse muttered, "Doubt it."

Alessandro countered, "I know you are capable and intelligent. These qualities make you a force to be reckoned with. You never stop fighting. Even though the Mancinis have been trying to break you for years. You are also a very attractive woman. It is extraordinary to find so many desirable qualities in one person. It would sadden me to let such a treasure go— unappreciated . Believe it or not, your well-being is closely tied to mine. I care very much about whether you live or die. Stay at my side, and I promise you will not regret your decision."

Against Elyse's will, every single one of Alessandro's compliments hit home. Not because she was desperate for the bastard's praise or approval. But because his words made her feel seen for the first time ever. She'd always hidden the darkest parts of herself from the world. Yet, in this very moment, he'd strolled right into her private hell and offered to join hands with her demons. It stirred up unfamiliar emotions. Emotions that Elyse didn't know she was capable of feeling. It'd been so long since she experienced any kind of real connection with another human being. Elyse hadn't realized how lonely her existence had been until now.

Standing only a few feet away, Alessandro watched her through a hooded gaze, observing her, always observing her, as though he could read her thoughts. Elyse frowned. "You claim to admire me. But you didn't have the balls to approach me directly. Why did you hide behind Mr. Schmid?"

Alessandro smirked. "Would you have come to Switzerland? Knowing that I was going to be your boss?"

"Of course n—"

"Exactly."

Her bluster faltered as she accused, "You played me."

He countered, "I simply presented an offer you could not refuse."

The bastard wielded words in the way she wielded surgical tools. Skillfully and strategically. He kept catching her off guard. It allowed him to drive the conversation. She was simply along for the ride. Elyse's brain was starting to hurt, trying to filter through the bullshit without losing sight of the facts. Her expression tightened as she realized, "Your job offer was the bait, and I was desperate enough to bite. It's my fault for being so fucking dense. I should've known better. I want to trust you, but—"

"Then," he urged, "trust me."

If only she could. Nothing about her position as his physician felt legal or legitimate anymore, and staying in a remote chalet with a member of Cosa Nostra seemed borderline suicidal. "Easy for you to say."

"But do you really want to go back to New York?"

Green eyes flickered with fear. This question forced Elyse to reevaluate her stance. On one hand, Alessandro Vitale seemed as reliable as the Mancinis, which meant she didn't trust the bastard at all. On the other hand, Alessandro was the lesser of two evils. He hadn't threatened to kill her. Yet. In contrast, flying back to New York felt like a guaranteed death sentence. Luck was bound to run out, and Stefano would eventually follow through on his threats. If she was likely to end up dead either way, might as well die on her own terms. Her mind set. She had nothing to lose by sticking around. Just for a month or two. Elyse decided to give this job a shot and use this reprieve from the Mancinis to plan an escape from every single one of these fucking assholes.

Haltingly, she mumbled, "I suppose I don't have to resign. Right this moment."

He beamed in approval. "Does this mean you will stay?"

Stay at my side, and I promise you will not regret your decision.

"For now, yes."

Maybe it was time to lease her soul to a new devil. Elyse prayed his promise wouldn't prove false. Did Alessandro actually care about her well-being or was there another reason why he wanted to keep her close? She bit her lower lip with uncertainty. Elyse didn't know where she stood with him. She attempted to find out, "If I resigned in a few months, would you stop me from leaving?"

Alessandro's response was immediate, "Sì."

His honesty alarmed her. She challenged, "Does this make me your employee? Or your hostage?"

He gave another non-answer, "You work for me. So you are mine to protect."

"You haven't answered my question."

"I would do everything in my power to convince you not to go," Alessandro confessed, "but I would never hurt you. If that is what weighs on your mind."

Elyse tried to read his face, searching for signs of deceit or fuckery, but he wore an impenetrable expression. She decided to set him up for a curveball. Just to see if it was possible to dent his armor. She glanced at his wrist. "That looks new."

He nodded. "It is new."

"Didn't know you had a thing for angels. Or swords."

"Never cared for them, actually," drawled Alessandro. "Until recently."

Elyse stole a glimpse at the winged blade again. "What made you change your mind?"

Brown and blue-gray eyes were riveted on her when he dared, "Take a guess."

Her heart gave a funny stutter. She ignored it.

"It's funny," Elyse remarked, clearing her throat, "because the first word you ever said to me was— angelo ."

"I know."

"Why did you call me that?"

With a lopsided smile, he quipped, "I had a feeling you might bring me back from hell."

Their gazes met as the bond between savior and the saved deepened in ways that words couldn't capture. Softly, she prompted, "Can I ask you something?"

"Ask."

"Your new tattoo. Did you get it for… me?"

Elyse waited with a clench of suspense. Alessandro claimed to care for her. He wanted her to trust him. But were his feelings permanent or fleeting in nature? Words were fleeting. A tattoo was more permanent. Elyse had directed this awkward, tactless question at him on purpose. To put him on the defensive and force a reaction. She hoped his response might provide some insight into whether or not he was sincere about her.

His eyes flickered as he gave pause. "I…"

"Yes?" prompted Elyse.

Suddenly, Alessandro smirked. "Do not get me wrong, angelo . I am fond of you, but this bit of ink was nothing more than a drunken whim."

Elyse didn't understand why his answer felt slightly devastating. Whether or not he'd gotten those damned wings for her was beside the point. She'd offered such low-hanging fruit. A Casanova like Alessandro should've jumped on the opportunity to proclaim his undying devotion through this tattoo. Even if it was a blatant lie. But he'd declined it for some reason. Elyse refused to let her disappointment show. It was time to up the ante.

"May I ask one more question?"

Alessandro bowed his head with a nod. "Of course."

He regarded Elyse with caution as she lowered her lashes prettily.

"Did you lure me across the Atlantic," she murmured, "just to fuck me?"

Surprisingly, a faint blush warmed his cheeks. He shifted his weight from his right foot to his left. Elyse smiled. It was good to know that she wielded this power over him. He chuckled, soft and low. "I believe any red-blooded man would want you in his bed. I am certainly no exception, but, sadly, the answer to your question is— no . I did not bring you here solely to fuck. I have other reasons."

Other reasons?

"I don't believe you," she taunted.

Elyse intended to uncover these other reasons. Like a playful feline, she sauntered toward Alessandro with light, fluid steps. Elyse didn't stop until her breasts came teasingly close, brushing against the muscled wall of his chest. She tilted her face toward him. Like a flower to the sun. He gazed down at her with unmasked desire. Mere inches separated their lips. His jaw clenched. Unclenched. Want and need whispered in the air. Elyse knew she was playing with fire, but she was ready to employ every weapon in her arsenal until, at least, she uncovered a glimpse of Alessandro's real agenda. At present, he held too much power over her. The playing field needed to be leveled, and it was quite clear that his dick could be used in her favor.

Elyse rested a hand on his shoulder, rose on her tiptoes, and whispered in his ear, "Ever since you left New York, I've thought of you. Play your cards right, Mr. Vitale, and maybe I'll show you just how much I missed you."

His eyes darkened. "Do you mean it?"

There had been far more truth in her words than she wanted to admit. "I do."

Alessandro dipped his head to nuzzle the crook of her neck, groaning happily, " Dio , I am a blessed man."

Elyse gasped as she felt the warmth of his lips brush against her jaw, then her neck, and finally her collarbone. His hands claimed the small of her waist. Desire unfurled within Elyse as he pulled her closer. He lifted his head, and his hungry gaze fell upon her lips as though he intended to kiss her. Worst of all, she wanted him to kiss her, too.

She scrambled away from him. "Don't get ahead of yourself."

His expression darkened with displeasure, but he let her go. "A word to the wise, angelo . Do not offer yourself to a devil. Unless you are prepared to be swallowed whole."

Elyse took his warning to heart. She decided to abandon her plans to sway him with sex. Her attraction to him was too strong to become an effective femme fatale . The bastard wielded as much power over her as she did over him. Feeling dejected, Elyse fell back to square one. A different strategy was going to be necessary.

She grumbled, "I'm sorry, I don't know what came over me."

"I do not need apologies. My only wish is for you to finish what you start next time. If you pull this shit again, I will be ready to fuck your brains out."

Her jaw dropped. Heat pooled low in her stomach. Alessandro's words made her feel somewhat self-conscious and dickish. They also made her very hot and bothered. The man never hid his desire for her, and Elyse couldn't help wondering what it might feel like to finally give in to temptation. Awkwardness mingled with anticipation.

Right as Elyse tried to form a semi-coherent response, Alessandro's phone began to ring. Her mouth snapped shut. He answered the call and started talking very rapidly in Italian. After he hung up, his entire demeanor changed. Gone was the teasing, charming womanizer who'd kept her company for the past twenty minutes. His posture tensed like a soldier readying for battle. His beautiful eyes became bleak and soulless. The shift was frightening. Swiftly, Alessandro excused himself from her room. Elyse said nothing, but the moment stuck with her. At the end of the day, Alessandro Vitale was a dangerous, cold-blooded criminal, and she'd be an idiot to forget it.

Once Alessandro disappeared, Elyse fell under Malina's care for the next few hours. Her new employer didn't show his face again for the rest of the night. Malina told her that he was occupied with important phone calls in his study. Elyse didn't pry. She was too exhausted and overwhelmed to care. At this point, Elyse only wanted to eat, bathe, and sleep. She'd worry about everything else tomorrow.

Later that night, the chalet's private chef served her a very hearty Swiss dinner. Elyse sampled Luzerner Chügelipastete , a vol-au-vent filled with sausage meatballs in a white sauce, and H?felichabis , a pork and cabbage stew, for the first time. Even though the flavors were foreign and new to her, the meal felt warm and comforting in her belly. Full and sated, Elyse could hardly keep her eyes open. Around seven o'clock, she retired to her room and locked the door just to err on the side of caution. Then, Elyse jumped into the shower for a quick rinse and succumbed to jet lag, passing out on her king-sized mattress in nothing except an oversized T-shirt and a pair of underwear.

Elyse awoke the next morning— refreshed . Faint rays of sunlight kissed her skin. Green eyes fluttered open on their own. For the first time in years, Elyse had slept through the night without Stefano blowing up her phone or banging down her door. There had been no beeping alarm to disturb her. No need to rush out of bed for a shift at the hospital. She smiled and stretched like a cat. In her lounging state, Elyse suddenly heard a rattle andclickfrom across the room. Someone was unlocking the door. It swung open. Her muscles froze as heavy footsteps padding through the doorway. Was it Malina? No, the housekeeper would have the courtesy to knock before—

"Good morning, angelo ."

With a gasp, Elyse's eyelids flicked open. She sat up in bed and, through a narrowed gaze, honed in on her tall, masculine intruder. The black hair. The brown and blue-gray eyes. The intricate tattoos.

Alessandro .

He stood before her, completely at ease, as though she'd invited him here. Instantly, Elyse's sleepy stupor grew more vigilant. The bastard looked like perfection in his white dress shirt and navy blue trousers. She felt underdressed in his presence. Alessandro didn't have any right to look so damned fine when she felt so damned annoyed with him.

Sharply, she demanded, "What are you doing in my room?"

His lips curved into an innocent smile. "In case you have forgotten, I live here, too."

The devilish look Alessandro gave Elyse sent a wicked, little flip through her heart. Her attraction to him kept flaring up at the most inopportune times. Bristling at her runaway hormones, Elyse protested, "But Malina told me that this room was going to be my —"

He interjected, "She brought you to our room."

Elyse's brow creased with more annoyance. Especially at Malina. The housekeeper's sweet, grandmotherly appearance had betrayed her. She would never trust the two-faced abuela again. Firmly, Elyse ground out, "If I continue working for you, Mr. Vitale, we must sleep in separate rooms and different beds. This is non-negotiable."

Alessandro remained unfazed as he drawled, "My house has multiple rooms with many beds. Sleep wherever your heart desires. With or without me. But—"

He gave a pause as his brown and blue-gray eyes locked onto her green ones. His amusement faded away. An entirely different kind of tension took its place. Slowly, Alessandro's gaze dipped from Elyse's face to the thin fabric of her T-shirt. His eyes grazed the outline of her braless breasts before darting up again. Breath caught in her throat. Elyse felt transfixed under a spell.

He continued in a low and intimate voice, "That will not stop me from wanting you. Or you from wanting me. Every time we cross paths, there is an undeniable pull between us. Why deny it?"