The Slave of Pleasure
chapter 11

Rachel

I climbed the stairs of the Moretti mansion with hesitant steps, trying to ignore the knot in my stomach. Each step felt higher and heavier than the last, and the atmosphere around me seemed to pulse with palpable tension. My thoughts swirled around what might happen next. Vincenzo had been vague with his details, but the urgency of my situation left no room for doubt: I had to accept his terms, no matter how uncomfortable or terrifying.

The hallway was elegantly decorated, with luxurious tapestries and framed artwork that seemed to watch my progress with enigmatic gazes. The silence around me was almost deafening, broken only by the sound of my own footsteps. When I finally reached the door to Vincenzo's room, a feeling of claustrophobia enveloped me. I knocked lightly, more to make my presence known than to actually expect an answer. The door opened slowly, and one of Vincenzo's servants, a tall, stern-looking man, looked at me neutrally.

"He's waiting for you," the servant said, opening the door with a sweeping gesture.

I stepped into the room and stood there for a moment, trying to process the scene before me. Vincenzo was reclining on the bed, his shirt open, revealing an impressive, well-defined torso. The image of him was simultaneously imposing and intimidating. In one hand he held a small key, which jingled gently as he rose from the bed.

"Please leave us alone," Vincenzo told the servant, his voice carrying an authoritative tone that brooked no question. The servant bowed slightly before leaving, closing the door behind him.

I found myself alone with Vincenzo, and the room seemed to shrink around us. I stared at him, trying to remain calm as my heart pounded. His dark eyes were fixed on me, assessing me with an intensity that made me feel even more exposed. Vincenzo took a step toward me, the key still in his hand. He turned it slightly, as if it were a small amulet of power he held.

"Rachel," he began, his voice deep and resonant. "You must be wondering why I am so interested in you and why all of this is happening."

He stepped even closer, and I had to look up to meet him. His presence was overwhelming, and I felt as if I were being enveloped by an aura of dominance and control.

"Your mother's situation was a major factor, I know," he continued, his voice low and controlled. "But you must remember that despite the urgency, the terms of our agreement still need to be met."

I swallowed hard, my nervousness growing as he stepped closer. His closeness was almost suffocating. The gaze he gave me was like a beam of light, piercing and unforgiving.

"I know you expected negotiations," Vincenzo continued. "But, given the circumstances, that was not possible. Now, you are completely at my mercy. As you can see, this is your new home for the next year. I hope you understand that this is your new life, and there is no going back. This agreement can only cease to exist if I want it to," he said in an imposing and calm voice. "I want to start right away."

"But before we can actually start, I want to make it very clear that no one knows about our agreement, and it must be kept that way. You can go out and explore the city if you want. I have left a limousine at your disposal. Anything you need, you can ask the maid that the butler has left at your disposal."

He stopped a few inches away from me, the key still dangling between his fingers. I could feel the electricity in the air, and the sensation was both exciting and terrifying. His gaze wouldn't let me escape, and I was fully aware of the enormity of what was about to happen.

Vincenzo leaned in slightly, his breath warm and noticeable against my face. I could feel the slight tremor of his muscles beneath my skin, and it only increased my alertness and nervousness.

"After this, I want you to go see your gynecologist. I asked him to prescribe you a contraceptive. I don't like condoms."

"Let's get started," he said, his voice filled with a certainty that left no room for questioning.

As I stood there, my heart pounding frantically, an important question popped into my mind. I knew that throughout the year, many things would happen, and that there would be times when I would need to understand what was coming. One worry plagued me especially now: what would happen next? during my period?

I approached Vincenzo with a bit of hesitation, but it was crucial to clarify this. "Vincenzo," I began, trying to keep my voice steady, "what about my menstrual cycle? What will happen to me?"

These days?"

He looked at me with a calm, almost relaxed look, as if this were a routine matter. "Rachel," he said in a soft voice, "don't worry about it. When you get your period, you'll have time to rest. That won't be a problem."

I breathed a sigh of relief, feeling a weight lift from my shoulders. It was a relief to know that even in the midst of all this, there was some consideration for my health and well-being. His answer gave me a small sense of comfort, even though I knew there was still much to deal with.

Vincenzo continued to look at me with the same calm expression, as if he was waiting for me to process his words. "Your health is important to me, and I want you to be well. When that time comes, we will make the necessary adjustments to ensure that you are comfortable."

This reassurance was a relief, even though I was still uneasy about everything that lay ahead. The fact that he seemed to have a plan for these times made me feel a little more secure, even though the future remained uncertain.