THE MAFIA KING'S LITTLE PET

Chapter 8

Esmeralda's heart dropped at Santiago's words. She knew she was imposing on him, she could see it in the lines of his furrowed brow and the sharp edge of his voice. He had always been someone who valued his solitude, his control over his life and surroundings. And here she was, crashing into his world with her baggage, her desperation, and her unspoken demands. She swallowed hard, forcing herself to meet his gaze, knowing she couldn’t afford to lose this one lifeline.

“I know it’s a lot,” she whispered, her voice trembling but determined. “But I don’t have anywhere else to go, Santiago. Please... I’m willing to do anything if you let me stay here. Just for a while. I need time to figure things out.”

Santiago’s eyes flickered, his posture still rigid. He took a slow drag from his cigarette, the smoke curling around him as he regarded her in silence. Esmeralda could feel the weight of his gaze, studying her, testing her.

He was calculating, as always, one foot already out the door, ready to push her away if it wasn’t worth his time. Her heart pounded in her chest, every second ticked by tightening the knot of anxiety in her stomach.

And then, suddenly, something shifted. A small, mischievous glint sparked in Santiago’s eyes, a look that sent a chill down her spine. He raised an eyebrow, exhaling the smoke slowly before speaking.

“Anything?” His voice was low, dripping with amusement, as if he had just discovered something fascinating. “Are you sure you’re willing to do anything, Esme?”

Esmeralda blinked, her breath catching in her throat. There was a dangerous edge to his words, a sharpness that hadn’t been there moments before. She hesitated, unsure of where this was going, but she knew she couldn’t back down now. She nodded slowly, swallowing her fear. “Yes. Anything.”

Santiago’s lips curled into a slow, almost predatory smile. “Fine,” he said, his tone deceptively casual. “I’ll let you stay. But there’s a condition.”

Relief washed over her, but it was short-lived as Santiago stepped closer, his eyes darkening with intent. “You can stay here as long as you want. I’ll help you sort this mess out with Diego. But in return, you’ll be mine.”

Esmeralda’s heart skipped a beat. “Yours?” she echoed, confused.

Santiago’s smirk deepened, and he leaned in, his voice dropping to a hushed, intimate tone. “Yes, mine. My little plaything. I’ll do whatever I want with you, whenever I want. And you won’t say no. That’s the deal.”

Esmeralda felt her blood run cold. Her eyes widened as she stared at him, trying to comprehend the gravity of his words. “Are you serious?” she whispered, her voice shaky.

Santiago’s expression remained unreadable, but his gaze was unwavering. “Have I ever joked around with you, Esme?” His voice was firm, devoid of any hint of humor. “It’s a good deal, and you know it. You need a place to hide, and I need… something to keep me entertained.”

Her mind raced, and she could feel herself spiraling into panic. This was the same Santiago she had known years ago, but also not. He had always been intense, always in control, but this was different—darker. And yet, the truth was glaringly obvious, she had nowhere else to go. No one else she could trust. And he was right, Diego would kill her if he found out what she had done. She had stolen dangerous information, secrets that could ruin him, and he wouldn’t let her escape that easily.

Santiago must have sensed her hesitation because he took another step closer, his presence overwhelming. “There’s not much time to think about it, Esme,” he murmured, his voice almost a purr. “Diego’s going to come after you, and you’re running out of options. This is a win-win for you. I keep you safe, and you… keep me company.”

Esmeralda’s throat tightened. She felt trapped, her mind a whirlwind of emotions. How could she agree to this? But then, how could she not? Santiago was offering her protection, and she needed that more than anything right now. Even if it came at a price, a price that felt steep, but maybe… maybe she could survive it. Maybe she could use this to her advantage.

Santiago’s voice broke through her spiraling thoughts. “Come here, Esme,” he commanded softly, his eyes glinting with something dangerous. “Do the needful and seal the deal.”

Her breath hitched. “Seal the deal?”

Santiago leaned back slightly, his smirk widening. “Come kiss me. You know, to make it official. It’s not like we haven’t kissed before.”

Esmeralda froze, her pulse quickening at his words. She had kissed Santiago before, back when things were different when there had been something simmering between them. But that was a lifetime ago, before Diego.

Santiago’s patience was running thin. His eyes sharpened, and he tilted his head, watching her with that same dangerous intensity. “Well?”

Esmeralda’s hands trembled slightly as she looked up at him, the weight of her decision pressing down on her chest. She knew what he was asking, what this would mean for them both. And yet, as much as she wanted to resist, as much as she wanted to run, she couldn’t deny that he was right. She needed him.

Slowly, hesitantly, Esmeralda got out of bed and took a step forward, her heart pounding in her ears. Santiago watched her, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction as she approached. She stopped just inches from him, her breath shallow as she gazed up into his dark, expectant eyes.

With trembling fingers, she reached up, her hand brushing against his cheek as she leaned in. Her lips barely grazed his, but that was enough. Santiago’s hand shot up, gripping the back of her neck, and he deepened the kiss, pulling her against him with a hunger that sent a shiver down her spine.

When he finally pulled away, his grip still firm on her neck, he gave her a satisfied smile. “There,” he whispered, his breath hot against her skin. “Now it’s official.”

Esmeralda stood there, her mind reeling as she tried to process what had just happened. She had made her choice, and now there was no going back. Santiago’s grip loosened, and he released her with a look of triumph.

“You can stay as long as you want, Esme,” he said, his voice smooth, almost smug. “But remember...you’re mine now.”

Esmeralda felt the weight of those words settles in her chest. She was his now.