Camilla’s POV

“N-no,” I stuttered. “B-but, I can try.”

The car stopped at a secluded spot. I was brought out of the car.

“Can I have your phone for a minute?” the man asked, stretching his hand.

“Why?”

“For safety reasons,” he replied with a smirk.

I gave it to him.

“Password, darling?”

I told him.

I didn’t have any idea what he needed my phone for. I just stood there staring at him and silently praying for Nana Beatrice’s safety.

He returned my phone to me and gestured to his men. “Watch the environment.”

“Yes, underboss,” they retorted.

The man led me inside.

Everything was set. A set of hand gloves, a pair of scissors, cotton wool and an operating plate. I quickly put on the gloves.

“Are you ready?”

“Please don’t hurt my grandmother,” I cried out. “She’s the only one I’ve got.”

“Your grandmother’s life is in your hands. Do everything to get out the bullet. Save Don’s life and I’ll spare your grandmother’s life.”

I swallowed hard and got into the room with the man.

“Boss, I found someone that can take out the bullet,” he said.

“E-Enzo,” the man called out weakly.

I stared at the man. He had a familiar presence and aura I couldn’t quite match. And his voice? Was he the man that saved my life, last night?

“What’s wrong?” Enzo asked, bringing me out of my reverie.

I blinked. “Um, n-nothing,” I said.

“How long will it take you?”

“Taking out the bullet won’t cause any damage because it’s not that deep,” I said, examining the man. “It’d take me an hour or more and I’ll need to sew the wound up and administer antibiotics.”

“I’ll be waiting outside—“

“It’d be better if you take him to the hospital,” I said.

“I’d rather bring the hospital to him, sweetie. If you need backup, I’ll arrange for one,” he said, staring at me.

—

Two hours later;

I took off the gloves and cleaned my face with a Kleenex.

“How do you feel?” I asked.

“Much better,” he said, trying to sit up.

“I’ll suggest you rest for some days because—“

“What mess did you get yourself into, Marcello?” a fierce voice interrupted.

I turned around and saw an elderly man in a black tuxedo and a hat standing at the doorway.

“I was attacked,” Marcello replied sitting up.

“I’ve led this family for more than thirty-six years and never for once did I get shot,” his dad said approaching his bed side.

“That’s because all you ever cared about was yourself,” Marcello scoffed. “And that’s why mother—“

“Be quiet,” his dad growled, causing me to tremble.

I had to leave.

“You may be the leader of this Family, but that doesn’t give you the right to speak to me like that. Let me remind you, I am the Godfather of this Family.”

I apologize for losing my cool,” Marcello quickly said.

I was already at the doorway, about to walk out and find my way to Nana Beatrice’s hospital when a voice called out to me.

“Young lady, I have not seen you before,” the man said, making me come to a stop.

My heart hammered against my chest.

“Good day, sir,” I said, turning to face him.

“I’ll like to assume she is the one,” his father said, smiling at me.

I’m the one? I stared in complete confusion.

“Yes,” Marcello said, struggling to stand.

“I can start planning a wedding. Italy or New York?”

“Italy,” Marcello replied.

What the hell was he talking about? What wedding?

“Italy it is,” the man said, tapping his son’s shoulder. “She’s very beautiful and I hope she’s not like your mother. Get well soon and bring her to me.”

The man approached me and drew me in for a hug. “I’m glad to finally meet the mother of my heir, my grandson. We will forever protect you and everyone related to you.”

I pulled away from the hug. “You are mis—“

“Pretty one, my father has work to do. You both can catch up, later. For now, come give help to your future husband,” he said, tiredly.

His father smiled at me and left.

“What the hell was that about?” I asked curiously. “I understand you saved my life but—“

“Shut the door,” he said, sitting back on his bed.

“First you save my life, then you have your men stalk me and kidnap me and now, you want to marry me against my will? Who the hell do you think you are?” I questioned angrily.

He gave me a long stare before clearing his throat.

“Enzo,” he called, huskily. “Come here, right now.”

The man who had kidnapped me rushed in. “Boss, you don’t look like you were shot,” Enzo said, smiling.

“What the hell did you do? Who’s she?” Marcello questioned grimly.

This was definitely an act. How could I have recognized him but he couldn’t recognize me?

“Taylor had found her ID card when you asked him to go back and search for your necklace. I still don’t understand why you so much give a fuck about that necklace when you can afford to get the most expensive necklace made of gold and diamonds.”

“Shut up, asshole!” Marcello sighed. “Who the hell is she?”

“Sorry, Don,” Enzo said and shifted his gaze to me. “According to her ID card, she is a medical student. I carried out some research about her and found out she also works as a clinical assistant, has a grandmother who has stage four cancer and is in need of chemotherapy. I figured she’d be the best person to take out the bullet and treat your wound, since Sarah bailed on us. Although she administered antibiotics to your wound and made sure you were safe.”

“Sarah bailed on us?”

“I swear I had no idea our personal doctor had booked a flight to Portugal,” Enzo said.

I folded my hand as I watched them converse.

“So you kidnapped her?” Marcello inquired, averting his gaze to me.

Enzo nodded. “I had to. I couldn’t get anyone else because I didn’t want to draw the attention of the FBI agent.”

“Excuse us, Enzo. I would like to speak to her alone.”

“Yes, boss,” Enzo nodded and left.

“And you are?”

I bit my lips trying to hold back the cuss words I wanted to throw at him.

He arched an eyebrow.

“I’m Camilla,” I said, frowning.

“I apologize on behalf of my second in command—“

“You apologize? That man had men track down my grandmother’s hospital and as a matter of fact, they are with my grandmother,” I snapped furiously. “If anything bad happens to my grandmother, I swear I’ll make you pay for it.”

“No need for empty threats, nothing bad will happen to your grandmother,” Marcello said. “I may not have experienced motherly love but I do not play when it comes to family.”

“I never got the chance to say this to you, last night. Thanks for saving my life,” I paused. “And I hope we never cross paths again.”

I began to walk away.

“How is your grandmother?”

“Sick,” I said without stopping. “If only I had money for her chemotherapy—”

“I’d like to make you an offer—”

“No, thanks!” I scoffed and continued walking. “I won’t give you my body for your money. I don’t even know who the hell you are.”

“Stop walking and hear me out, young lady,” he said in a low pitched voice.

I stopped and turned to look at him. I folded my arms.

“I don’t want you in my bed. I can have any woman I want in my bed with just a word,” he said, squinting his eyes.

I swallowed. “What’s the offer?”

“I’ll pay for your grandmother’s treatment and everything that has to do with her health and in return, you’ll spend the next twenty days with me. If after twenty days you don’t want to be with me, you are free to leave and I’ll pay you for every inconvenience I caused but if you decide to be with me, we’ll get married right away and I’ll forever protect you and everyone dear to you and I’ll make sure you never lack anything,” Marcello proposed.

I froze. I couldn’t believe what I heard.

“Do you accept my offer?”