Diavolo (Devil’s Playground #1)

7. Chapter 7

7

The next morning, Malina knocked on Elyse's door at five o'clock sharp. "Dr. Romero? Are you awake?"

Elyse buried her face into her pillow. Her physical with Alessandro wasn't scheduled until three in the afternoon. What did Malina want at this ungodly hour?

"Dr. Romero," the housekeeper called again, "I am sorry to bother you, but it is time to get up."

Elyse dozed on, pretending not to hear a word, but Malina refused to give up. "Nils is ready to drive you to Zurich. We need to leave in ten minutes to make our 9 am appointment."

Green eyes flew open. They had an appointment? With a disgruntled sigh, she rolled out of bed to unlock her door. As it swung open, Elyse stared at Malina with suspicion. "Why was I not informed of this appointment in Zurich?"

Malina smiled brightly. "Oh! But you were. Didn't Signor Vitale tell you last night that we would be going shopping today? The boutiques in Crans-Montana are quite limited in their selection. Zurich offers much finer goods and services."

On second thought, do not pack anything. As Alessandro's condescending remarks echoed through her head, realization cut through confusion. I will have Malina take you shopping first. She grimaced. "I see."

"I apologize for the short notice."

"It's fine. Please give me ten minutes to get ready. Then, we can get on our way."

To Elyse's surprise, however, it was not Malina who ended up accompanying her to Zurich. As she approached the Benz, a pair of brown and blue-gray eyes locked on to her. A scowling Alessandro stepped out of the vehicle to open the door for Elyse and help her inside. She hesitated before taking his hand. Fuck. The backseat had never felt smaller with Alessandro's large, powerful body sitting beside her. Making matters worse, his shitty mood from the night before hadn't improved at all. The air felt suffocating. Elyse attempted to make small talk, "How are you today, Mr. Vitale?"

"I am doing ," he grumbled in mocking tones, " wonderfully ."

It took Elyse a beat or two to realize that Alessandro was mimicking her response from the evening prior. Cautiously, she prodded, "Did you not sleep well last night?"

" No ," he bit out, "unlike some people, I have not been sleeping well for the past two months."

Elyse eyed him curiously. In an oddly endearing way, he was acting like a toddler who had his favorite toy taken away. Maybe Alessandro wasn't as indifferent about her as she believed? Only a presumption, of course. She was no mind reader. Yet, Elyse understood enough about criminals to be wary of their tendencies. They were prone to mood swings. Elyse needed to be careful. Alessandro might fire her over the smallest infraction.

Suddenly, it seemed imperative to work harder to keep him happy for, at least, two more years. A rich, attractive playboy like Alessandro might soon tire of her. She needed him to like her. To want to keep her around. Papá's debt needed to be repaid. Her dreams of freedom were very much at stake. Elyse's walls against the man began to wane. Now that her employer was no longer trying to fuck her, Elyse supposed that it wouldn't hurt to strike up a friendlier relationship with him.

"It's nice of you to come with me," Elyse said sweetly. "Thank you."

Alessandro side-eyed her. "When provided with the rightincentive, Dr. Romero, I can be very accommodating. Especially when it comes to you."

Their gazes locked. A flare sparked between them. "Sir?"

He smiled faintly. "I like it when you call me that."

"What?" she asked.

Alessandro answered almost playfully, " Sir ."

She blushed. "I assume that we'll be conducting your physical in Zurich… sir?"

Alessandro glanced at her again. His smile spread wide in approval. " Sì ."

"Looking forward to it."

The ice in his countenance warmed a little more. "Do you have everything you need?"

She nodded. "I packed more than enough for a one-day trip."

He pursed his lips.

"Is there a problem?"

"We will be departing for Paris from Zurich."

Elyse's mouth parted in dismay. "You mean, we aren't returning to Crans-Montana?"

" No ."

A troubled crease appeared between her brow. Elyse had brought along some cash for this trip, but she left most of it back in her bedroom in Crans-Montana. Elyse cursed silently. She needed to be smarter about this shit in the future. Predictable routines didn't exist in Alessandro's world. Sudden changes to best-laid plans were going to become her norm.

The drive to Zurich took over three hours. They arrived at Alessandro's villa shortly after nine o'clock. The property boasted a scenic view of Lake Zurich. The square footage was much smaller than the chalet, but the house wasn't any less impressive. Alessandro brought Elyse inside. Unlike the rustic charm of the chalet, the interior of his villa was sleek and modern. He settled comfortably onto one of the black leather couches and rested his arms along the back of the chair. Alessandro didn't look like he was planning to go anywhere. Elyse gazed at him with a question in her eyes. "I thought we were going shopping today?"

"We do not have to go anywhere," he explained, "because they will come to us."

Right on cue, the doorbell rang. A team of stylists and personal shoppers rolled into the living room with racks upon racks of couture gowns and designer shoes.

A sharp-faced woman named Camille introduced herself as the lead stylist. She communicated with Elyse mostly in French. Her English seemed very limited. Elyse couldn't understand much as Camille and her team descended upon her like a whirlwind. Soon, Elyse's clothes were flying off of her body. Camille let Elyse keep her bra and panties on, but the whole experience felt chaotic and overwhelming.

Feeling exposed, Elyse snuck a glance over to Alessandro. He was still planted firmly on the leather couch. His brown and blue-gray eyes were roaming over her body as though he had every right to enjoy the free show.

Elyse gritted her teeth and forced him out of her mind. She was about to score a fuckload of free designer clothes, and everything that needed to be covered was covered. It wasn't like she was bare-ass naked. Let the man look his fill and pant after her curves. As long as Alessandro was onlylooking and nottouching, Elyse willed herself not to be affected by him.

It was impossible, though.

Hot and heavy, his gaze was practically burning her skin. Over the next hour or so, Elyse tried on dozens of Dior and Valentino dresses, Manolo Blahnik heels, Louboutin boots, Gucci shirts and jackets, and Chanel skirts and trousers. Then came the accessories. Jewelry. Hats. Scarves. Belts. More bags. And more fucking bags. Through it all, Alessandro sat and watched in silence while Elyse vetoed some pieces and accepted others. When Camille deemed her new wardrobe to be complete, Alessandro sent the stylists and shoppers away. Once they were alone again, Elyse started getting dressed.

As she reached for her shirt and pants, Alessandro tutted chidingly. "We are not finished, Dr. Romero."

Elyse gaped. "I couldn't possibly need more. I've tried on enough clothes to last ten lifetimes."

He gestured toward a stack of luxe black boxes in the corner of the room. Camille had left those unopened for some reason. "Those are also for you."

With a slight frown, Elyse shuffled over to the stack of boxes. Gingerly, she picked one up, lifted the lid, and peered inside. Delicate, intricate pieces of lingerie peered back at her. Most of the bras and panties were barely held together by pretty bits of lace and silk and tiny, little strings. Elyse flushed as she snapped the lid shut. She stammered, "I-I don't think I need these."

Alessandro rose from the couch and strode toward her. He stopped right behind her. She could feel his solid warmth brush against her shoulders and her back. "Your relics need to be replaced."

"It's fine. No one will see them."

"But a beautiful woman needs beautiful things," he whispered over her shoulder. "It does not matter who sees them. You— will know."

Alessandro moved even closer to her. His chest was now pressed firmly against her back. Elyse's insides melted. The man seemed to be radiating heat like the sun. Joy unfurled within her chest. Elyse realized, then, that she'd missed him over the past two months. His hand rose to trace her bared shoulder blade. Elyse trembled at his touch. His fingertips ghosted a tantalizing line down her back until he reached the clasp of her bra.

He toyed with the closure. "May I, Dr. Romero?"

Desire surged through Elyse. At this particular moment, there was something irresistible about Alessandro. More so than ever. The man had been fucking her with his eyes for the past hour. The lingering effects left Elyse feeling weak. It was clouding her judgment. She turned around to face Alessandro. Her hip barely brushed along the hard ridge of his crotch, but the repercussions were immediate and potent. His nostrils flared with a sharp intake of breath. Every muscle grew tense. Her body reacted to him like a tide to the moon. How much longer could she resist the pull? Slowly, she reached behind her back.

"Allow me," Elyse offered quietly, " sir ."

One by one, her fingers unlatched the tiny metal hooks. Her bra fluttered to the ground.Cool air pricked her breasts. Elyse stood before Alessandro with her posture steady, her head held high, and her tits completely bared. The man seemed mesmerized by the rounded teardrop curves and dusky rose-tipped nipples. Releasing a moan of appreciation, he tried to reach for her. But Elyse smiled coyly and took a step back.

"Look," she instructed, "don't touch."

His eyes darted between Elyse's face and her breasts like a broken man. Desperately, he pleaded with her, " Angelo, per favore , be kind."

It seemed, in his eyes, at this moment, she was no longer Dr. Romero. Elyse no longer felt like herself, either. Their two months apart had allowed Elyse to prove to herself that, despite Alessandro's magnetism, she was quite capable of standing her ground. A deeply feminine energy sang through her veins. It transformed her into someone else entirely. The change felt freeing. "I will be kind. But only if you behave."

His jaw clenched. "Do not tease."

"I would never," Elyse retorted in mocking tones.

Alessandro eyed her suspiciously. "I gave you two months. You did not come ."

"I didn't mean to stay away."

"And yet," he grumbled, "you forgot about my fucking existence while I pined day and night."

Pined? This bastard and his theatrics. With a sigh, Elyse tried to soothe Alessandro's bruised ego, "I only kept to myself because I was frightened."

"Of me?"

She paused before answering honestly, "Of how you make me feel."

"Are you still frightened?"

"No."

"Then, per favore , come to me now."

The plea in his tone only fueled Elyse's confidence. It was undeniable. She lusted after him, she had missed him, too, but, in the end, he was the one to knock on her door. Because the bastard desired her more. Lightly, Elyse placed a hand upon Alessandro's chest. She could feel the hard muscle under the fabric of his shirt. She could also feel his heart hammering away against his flesh. Exerting only the slightest bit of force, she pushed him back, back, back toward the leather couch.

"Sit," she ordered when the back of his legs hit the edge of the cushion, "and watch."

Donning a dazed expression, Alessandro sank to the couch. He was surrendering so quickly. It was shocking. As he gave in to her request, Elyse sensed the power shift between them. Such a realization caught her by surprise, and it filled her with profound clarity. Suddenly, Elyse knew exactly how to keep her employment for the next two years. In addition to providing the best goddamn medical care that money could buy, she needed to show Alessandro that he was better off with her than without . She'd mold herself into the shape of his fantasies. To be willing but not too eager. Agreeable yet unattached. Make him obsessed with her . It mattered more than actually fucking him.

Her intentions might be all sorts of wrong, but freeing herself from Papá's debts seemed like a just motive. Besides, Alessandro had deceived her first. This ploy of hers was simply a form of insurance. A means to discourage him from dismissing her on a whim.

Determination rose in her. The more she could prolong his attraction to her, the greater her influence would grow. Desire fueled power. Last time, Elyse realized, her attempt had failed because she fought against her feelings, chickening out halfway, when, in actuality, what she needed to do was stoke the passion, tease it, coax their need to the very edge of madness. Let it burn until he fell to his knees before her. As long as Elyse craved him less and he craved her more, she'd be safe. He'd be less likely to fire her, hurt her, or strip away her chance at freedom.

Clinging to this newfound resolve, Elyse opened one of the black boxes. There was a lacy white bra and matching panty inside. Elyse took out the bits of lace. Then, she spun away from Alessandro, positioning her back to him on purpose, before hooking her thumbs on either side of her underwear to push it down. The scrap of cotton fell to her ankles. Elyse stepped away from it in an elegant, fluid motion. Her tits were still hidden from view, but her ass was on display. From behind, she heard him grunt in approval. With unhurried, sensual movements, Elyse secured the lacy white bra around her breasts and slipped on the lacy white panty. When she turned back to Alessandro, he was dragging his hand down his mouth. His eyes held a feverish gleam as he drank in the sight of her.

Elyse sauntered to him, stopping only a few feet away. He immediately sat up straight, leaning away from the couch toward her like a magnet. She smiled. "Like what you see?"

Alessandro moaned through a chuckle, his gaze never leaving her side. The man couldn't seem to find the words to form a proper response, but the fire in his eyes spoke volumes. Elyse took another step toward him, then another, and another, until she was close enough to climb on top of him and straddle him. She didn't touch him, though. Not yet. She intended to torture him for a while longer, to draw out his thirst and hunger until her grip on his cock could be wielded like a weapon.

"Do you remember the day," Elyse murmured through lowered lashes, "I stayed in the shower longer than usual?"

Alessandro's face and neck flushed. He gasped as though in pain, "How could I forget?"

Her lashes lifted. Their gazes caught. She admitted softly, "I was thinking of you."

Alessandro cursed under his breath. " Mi fai impazzire. "

His hands shot out, gripping her hips, to draw her onto his lap. Elyse didn't fight him. Not at all. She did just the opposite. She encouraged him by melding her soft, pliant curves to the unyielding hardness of his muscled form, anchoring her knees on either side of his body before sinking down to rub herself against the prominent tent at his crotch. He groaned in bliss. As she settled over him, his arms snaked around her waist, pulling her close, crushing her breasts against his chest.

"Is this my reward?" he whispered.

Alessandro looked like a man who was drowning in lust. Her head dipped down to rain soft, fluttering kisses along his jawline. "Not yet."

A long, hard sigh fell from his chest. The conflicting breath carried contentment and frustration. His hands proceeded to rove across her body, caressing and exploring as though he was trying to learn every dip and swell of her flesh with his palms and fingertips. Pleasure thrummed between them. His hand then rose to cup her cheek. He leaned in to kiss her. Elyse shied away. Alessandro frowned. She shook her head and said again, "Not yet."

Impatiently, his fingers skimmed down her back. He tried to unclasp her lacy white bra. Elyse denied him a third time, " Not yet ."

"Do not be cruel."

But his threat sounded like a plea.

"Behave," she commanded, "or we're done here."

" Fine ."

Even though Alessandro's handsome face tightened with annoyance, his eyes still darkened with desire as he caved to her demands. Elyse slid away from his lap. She knelt between his legs on the floor. He eyed her movements obsessively. The sides of his mouth quipped up. His dark brow rose with interest. With a knowing smirk, Alessandro inquired in a husky voice, "What is this?"

The man's irritation, Elyse noted wryly, had given way to anticipation. Men and their dicks tended to be very predictable.

" This ," Elyse said as she slowly unzipped his trousers, "is your reward."

Alessandro grinned like the devil as he corrected her, " Sir. This is your reward, sir ."

She chuckled throatily, repeating, " This is your reward,sir ."

Alessandro helped her pull down his pants. His cock sprang out. Massive and solid. Veins pulsed along the thick, girthy length. Her heart thudded with excitement. Need throbbed within her. She leaned over to leave a trail of light, teasing kisses on either side of his eager dick. At the brush of her lips, Alessandro released a choked, staccato-sounding gasp. She lapped at his solid heat. Up and down. Down and up. He panted slightly. He moved his hands over her head and wound her long, dark hair around his fingers, holding it back from her face like a gentleman.

Good boy.

Elyse kissed the base and nipped gently at his taut, heavy balls. She felt the muscles in his thighs clench. She glanced up at him with wide green eyes and then dragged her tongue all the way up to the angry-looking head. The entire time, their gazes didn't break contact. Alessandro's brown and blue-gray eyes glazed over. His jaw fell slack as his breaths accelerated. Desperation wept from the tip of his cock.

He muttered, " Voglio sentirti sulla mia pelle, angelo ..."

Elyse closed her eyes and took him with her mouth, swirling her tongue around his head and sucking his length between her cheeks. Grunting, he began to pump into her. Quick, shallow thrusts. She took him deeper until he hit the back of her throat. Alessandro's grip tightened around her hair, his firm, rhythmic strokes gained strength and speed. She sucked and swirled in time to his movements. His breathing grew even more erratic. A few minutes later, he moaned helplessly, "Angelo, angelo, angelo, I cannot... I am about to..."

With round, panicked eyes, Alessandro tried to pull away, but Elyse wouldn't release him. Her lips tightened around him with a punishing yet pleasurable suction. Her hands clung to his thighs, holding him in place. Seconds later, he released a low, gasping groan. Alessandro's entire body shuddered. His cock spasmed in her mouth as he found release. She swallowed. He tasted salty with a touch of sweetness.

His eyes closed sleepily. A satisfied, lazy smile spread across his face as he pulled her up back into his lap. His arms tightened around her as he nuzzled her neck. Alessandro pressed his lips against her temple and whispered, "You are a godsend. A gift. Grazie . Give me but a moment to rest,and I will return the favor."

The smokiness of his voice turned her insides slick and hot. As much as Elyse wanted to take him up on his offer, she knew better than to give up everything at once. Even if they ended up fucking, he could never possess all of her. She needed to keep him panting, chasing, and wanting more for two fucking years. With a set expression, Elyse pushed away from him and moved to the other side of the couch. His eyes lifted open. Still floating in a haze, Alessandro appeared to be genuinely perplexed. "Where are you going? Come back."

She slid a hand down her belly, toying with the lacy hem of her underwear. "For now, keep eyes on me . Only your eyes . Nothing else."

He started shifting across the couch toward her. A predatory gleam shone from his glare. "Fuck that shit. I want you make a mess all over me. Ride my fucking face until you scream. I want you begging when my fingers aren’t enough. But you will not be given more. No matter how prettily you beg for my cock. I will edge you until tears fall from your eyes. Only then will I let that pretty, little cunt of yours swallow every inch of me. Only then will I bury myself in you so we fuck to the point of no return."

The air in her lungs shorted. His heated words seared sinful images across her mind. She could practically feel his tongue on her clit. His fingers pumping inside her. His cock stretching her.

Feeling breathless, Elyse lifted her right foot and placed it on his chest to stop him. He clasped her foot and placed a kiss on her ankle. She retracted her leg from him. "Not so fast."

" Angelo —"

"Earn the right to touch me."

"How?"

"A game," Elyse suggested with glittering eyes.

Alessandro didn't look interested in games. His eyes kept flicking between her breasts and her pussy as though he was trying to choose between two priceless treasures. He mumbled in distracted tones, "What is the prize?"

"Fucking me, of course."

Alessandro smirked. "I am already planning to fuck your brains out. You do not need to seduce me with games."

He started crawling toward her once more. His cock twitched and rose with renewed vigor. Alessandro grabbed her ankles and pulled her toward him until his head was nestled between her legs. He began to kiss her thighs. His fingers slipped under the lace of her panties. He massaged her outer lips and teased her inner folds. His fingertip circled her clit in featherlight motions. She felt swollen and needy. Elyse writhed and grunted as pleasure shot through her cunt. Dios , it felt good. But she couldn't lose sight of her goal.

Elyse enticed Alessandro again with the very words he once used on her, "But games are more rewarding . If you win, you can have me. All of me. However you wish. Wherever you wish. As many times as you wish. "

A dark eyebrow rose. "If I win, you will do whatever I ask?"

"Yes."

This seemed to give him pause. Alessandro lifted his head. His fingers stilled. "No matter what?"

She confirmed, " No matter what ."

"What happens if you win?"

"Then you get to be my fuckdoll."

Alessandro laughed as though her threat didn't faze him. In fact, he seemed captivated by the idea of becoming her little bitch. In bed, at least. "I never knew that you possessed such a filthy mouth, Dr. Romero."

Elyse grinned shamelessly. He chuckled again. "How do I win this game of yours?"

Her eyes narrowed. "By not giving into temptation. You may tease and touch all you like, Mr. Vitale, but the moment you beg to fuck me— I win ."

His breath caught. "It seems there can be no losers in this game."

"Exactly."

"When do we start?"

A small, pleased smile graced Elyse's lips. "Whenever you want."

Her smile held the secrets of a siren, of Aphrodite, of Eve. Little did he know, she was planning to play this game with him for quite some time.

Two years, to be exact.

He smiled back. Want and need darkened his eyes. He looked at her as though she was the only woman in the world. She'd bewitched him. She felt bewitched by him. Such passion might not last forever, but, for now, Elyse knew, without a shadow of a doubt, that Alessandro desired her as much as she desired him.

Game on.

May the devil between us win.