DRIVEN BY DECEIT

**Chapter 1: Moonless Night**

The darkness swallowed me whole as I stepped out of my father’s mansion. The cool night air danced across my skin, carrying the sweet scent of blooming flowers and fresh cut grass from our perfectly manicured lawn. My name is Alessia – Alessia Russo. Daughter of Don Russo, the most feared mafia boss in the city.

I wore a red dress, fitted at the waist, flaring out in soft silk waves to my knees. My dark hair cascaded down my back like a waterfall of night. The dress had been chosen by my father – a reminder that even my wardrobe was not my own. My cousin Luca waited by the car, leaning against the door, his eyes fixed on me.

My father’s voice echoed behind me, “Alessia, your cousin’s waiting – go with him to the party. And remember, you represent our family tonight. Behave accordingly. Smile, laugh, and flirt – but don’t get too close to anyone. You’re not theirs to have. You will marry well, Alessia. Someone who will strengthen our family’s position. Not some weak-willed boy who will make you happy but ruin our reputation. Do you understand me, Alessia?”

I nodded, though I wanted to scream. Another night, another party, another chance for my father to parade me around like a prized possession. But I didn’t want to go with cousin Luca. He was always touching me, finding excuses to brush his hand against mine or wrap his arm around my waist. I shuddered at the thought.

As I walked towards the car, the sound of my heels clicking on the driveway seemed to echo through the night. Luca pushed off the door and opened it for me, his eyes roaming over my body. I felt exposed, vulnerable.

I forced a smile, trying to hide my discomfort.

Thanks, Luca.

He waited for me to slide into the car before closing the door behind me.

As he walked around to the driver’s side, I let out a sigh of relief.

At least I’d have some time to myself before we arrived at the party.

But that relief was short-lived.

As soon as Luca got into the car, he reached over and placed his hand on my knee.

I felt a surge of anger and pushed his hand away.

Luca chuckled.

Alessia, you need to relax. I’m just trying to help you have a good time.

I turned to face him, my eyes blazing.

I don’t need your help, Luca. Just drive.

He raised his hands in mock surrender.

Okay, okay.No need to get upset.

I turned back to face the front, trying to calm down.

But my heart was still racing.

I hated when Luca touched me like that.

It made my skin crawl.

We drove in silence for a few minutes before Luca spoke again.

So, Alessia, have you heard from any of the other families lately?

I shook my head.

No, why?

Luca shrugged.

Just wondering. There’s been some tension between us and the Blackwoods lately. I heard they’re planning something big.

My heart skipped a beat at the mention of the Blackwood family.

Damien Blackwood, to be specific.

I hadn’t seen him in years, not since that night at the party when we were teenagers.

The night that ended with my father’s goons dragging me away and Damien’s whispered promise:

Until we meet again, Alessia.

I pushed the memory away, focusing on Luca’s words.

Tension between our families wasn’t anything new.

They hated each other, and it seemed that hatred only grew stronger with each passing day.

Before I could respond, a black car cut us off, forcing Luca to swerve to avoid it.

I gasped, my hand reaching out to grab the door handle.

Luca muttered under his breath,

Idiot driver.

But as I turned to look at the car that had cut us off, my blood ran cold.

It was a black SUV with tinted windows – the same kind of car my father’s enemies used.

Suddenly, our car was surrounded.

The black SUVs boxed us in, trapping us.

Luca’s eyes met mine, filled with fear.

Alessia, get down.

I didn’t have time to respond before the doors of the SUVs opened and men in black masks poured out.

They surrounded our car, their guns drawn.

One of the men opened my door, reaching in to grab me.

I tried to scream, but my voice was frozen in my throat.

The man dragged me out of the car, throwing me into the back of one of the SUVs.

I landed hard on the floor, my head spinning.

As I looked up, I saw Damien Blackwood’s piercing eyes staring back at me.

He smiled, his eyes glinting in the dim light.

But before he could speak, one of his men leaned in, whispering something in his ear.

Damien’s smile faded, replaced by a look of anger.

He turned to me, his voice low and menacing.

Alessia, it seems your father has something that belongs to me. Something precious. And I’m going to get it back – with your help.

I shook my head, trying to clear the cobwebs.

What was he talking about? What could my father possibly have that belonged to Damien?

Damien’s eyes narrowed.

Don’t play dumb with me, Alessia. You know exactly what I’m talking about. Your father has my brother’s killer. The man who pulled the trigger – Marco De Santos. He works for your father now.

My eyes widened. Marco De Santos? The name echoed in my mind. I had heard my father mention him before – he was one of his most trusted men.

Damien’s voice cut through my thoughts.

I want De Santos. And I’ll do whatever it takes to get him. Even if it means hurting you, Alessia.

I felt a chill run down my spine.

Damien Blackwood was not a man to be trifled with. If he wanted Marco De Santos, he would stop at nothing to get him. And if I stood in his way… I didn’t want to think about it.

The SUV started moving, and I stumbled, falling into Damien’s lap.

He caught me, his arms wrapping around my waist.

I felt a spark of electricity at his touch.

He looked down at me, his eyes burning with intensity.

You’re coming with me, Alessia. Until your father returns what’s mine.

I tried to push away from him, but he held me tight.

Where are we going? I demanded.

Damien smiled again.

My home. At least until your father sees things my way.

The SUV drove through the city streets, eventually stopping at a large mansion on the outskirts of town.

Damien pulled me out of the car, leading me inside.

The mansion was lavish, with marble floors and crystal chandeliers.

But I didn’t care about any of that. I just wanted to escape.Damien led me to a room on the second floor, pushing open the door.

The room was beautiful, with a large bed and a sitting area.

But what caught my attention was the window.

It was barred.

I felt a surge of panic.

I was a prisoner.

Damien smiled again.

Make yourself at home, Alessia. You’ll be staying here for a while.

I turned to face him, my eyes blazing.

You can’t keep me here. My father will find me. And when he does, you’ll pay for this.

Damien chuckled.

I’m shaking in my boots. Your father doesn’t scare me, Alessia. He should be scared of me.

He turned to leave, but I stopped him.

Wait. What about Luca? What did you do to him?

Damien shrugged.

He’s alive. For now. But if your father doesn’t cooperate, that can change.

I felt a chill run down my spine.

Damien was capable of anything.

He left the room, closing the door behind him.

I heard the lock click into place.

I was trapped.

I walked over to the window, looking out at the grounds.

The mansion was surrounded by a high wall, topped with barbed wire.

I was going to have to find another way out.

I turned back to the room, searching for anything that could help me escape.

But there was nothing.

No phone, no computer, no weapons.

I was completely at Damien’s mercy.