Page 1 of Claimed By the Possessive Mafia Prince
PROLOGUE
SIENA
The cold metal of the gun barrel presses against my head. The hot breath of the man moves over my neck, making me want to cringe away, but I can’t. He’s got his arm wrapped around my body as he presses the gun harder against my head.
It’s like I float out of my body, looking down at the surreal scene.
I came here to make sure the vow renewal went off without a hitch. That’s why I flew to paradise, but now it’s turned to hell.
“Do you want to die, bitch?” he growls. “I’ll blow your goddamn brains out.”
I try not to look or sound scared, but I can’t lie. I’m terrified.
Outside, the horizon stretches to a deep blue sky, the sea glittering. The peace and serenity of the vignette don’t match the horror of this scene.
The man leans down, lowering his voice to a vicious whisper just for me. “I bet you never dreamed this was how you were going to die.”
CHAPTER 1
SIENA
Iwalk up the beach, the sun already burning down, the sand bleached white. The palm trees watch me as I make my way past the huts, which sit on the clear blue water. No one else is stupid enough to be up this early, but I’ve got a job to do. I’m not here for pleasure, nor for leisure.
I’m here to do a good job. For my career. For Mom.
The Bianchis are old money. Not only have they hired an entire island in the Maldives for their vow renewal. They’ve also built infrastructure, such as this makeshift hut with ‘Fantasy Boat Rental–Making Dreams Come True’ written across the front in cherry red letters.
This island didn’t have a boat tour station here, meaning they would’ve had to wait longer for their tour. The Bianchis are too rich for that.
I knock on the door, wait a minute, then knock again.
Finally, a skinny man answers, his almond eyes narrowed suspiciously as though I’ve committed a crime. “Hello, miss?”
“Ahmed?” I ask.
He bows slightly. “Yes.”
“Hi–I’m Siena. We spoke on the phone?”
“Yes?” He says, like it’s a question.
“I want to confirm that everything is still okay for the Bianchi boat tour.”
A flicker of… something moves across his face. Fear? Awkwardness? “Ah, that, Miss Siena.”
“Yes, that.” I fidget, then hear my mother’s voice in my head.Don’t get antsy. “I arranged it in advance.”
“I’m afraid we’ve had to cancel those arrangements, Miss Siena.”
I feel my face turning red. “That’s impossible. The Bianchis were very clear about wanting to go on this tour. What reason could you have for canceling? We’re the only large party on this island.”
He looks down, and it’s there again. Fear. I’m almost certain. “There have been complications.”
I resist the urge to grind my teeth, put on my best friendly voice, which is a challenge, I’ll admit. “What complications?”
Unbelievably, he shuts the door in my face. “Very sorry, Miss Siena, but there will be no boat tour.”
I stick my foot in the doorway. “Have you spoken to my boss, Veronica Lane, about this?”
