The Slave of Pleasure
Chapter 8

Rachel

I sit across from Vincenzo in the luxurious hotel room. The table between us seems to be the only obstacle separating me from an abyss, but at the same time, I feel like I'm already falling into it. Vincenzo seems calm, almost serene, but there's something in his gaze that makes me shiver inside. The power he exerts over the room, and over me, is undeniable. He doesn't need to raise his voice or make exaggerated gestures. He's just there, present, with an intensity that consumes me. "I confess I was surprised by your call," he begins, leaning forward slightly, his eyes fixed on mine.

"I was surprised too," I admit, looking down at my trembling hands. "I never intended to accept your proposal, but... things have changed. I need an advance of $150,000."

He smiles almost imperceptibly, as if he expected me to say exactly that. "And may I ask why?"

"That's none of your business," I say, trying to sound firm, but feeling a wave of insecurity wash over me the moment the words leave my mouth.

Vincenzo laughs, but it's a dry laugh, full of irony. He leans back in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest. "I don't like the tone you used to answer me, Rachel. You should choose your words better when you speak to me."

My heart races. I know I've crossed the line, but something inside me refuses to give in to him completely, even though I know I'm playing a dangerous game. I try to maintain my composure, but the silence that follows makes me realize how much of a disadvantage I am here.

"I'll give you the money," Vincenzo finally says, leaning forward again, his eyes fixed on mine as if he's evaluating my every reaction. "But you'll have to leave with me immediately. There will be no room for negotiation, much less for changing the terms of the contract."

My stomach churns. "When do we leave? And where?"

"To Italy. "In a week," he answers without hesitation, as if he had everything planned out. "And if you prefer, you don't need to bring anything. I'll take care of everything you need."

My entire body trembles at the thought. A year. A year of living under the rule of a man I barely know, in a foreign country, with no control over my life whatsoever. Every fiber of my being screams at me to get up and run, but I can't. Not after everything I've heard from the doctor. My mother needs this surgery, and I need the money.

The room seems to close in around me as I try to process all of this. Vincenzo remains calm, watching me silently, almost as if he's enjoying my internal struggle. He already knows the answer, he's just waiting for me to say it. "Okay," I say, my voice weaker than I'd like. "I accept your terms."

He smiles, a smile that sends shivers down my spine, but also brings a strange sense of relief. As if, for just a moment, things are out of my hands. "Good. I'll prepare everything for our departure. You won't regret it, Rachel." He stands up and walks towards me. I stand still, feeling his gaze on me. When he stops beside me, his hand lightly touches my shoulder, the heat of his touch seeping through the fabric of my clothes and making me even more nervous. "We're about to start something that will change your life forever. I hope you're ready for it." Before I can respond, he walks away, heading towards the door. Pausing briefly, he turns to look at me one last time. "Rest, Rachel. We'll need all your energy for what's to come." With those words, he leaves the room, leaving me alone with my chaotic thoughts. My heart beats wildly, and my breath comes in short pants. I try to compose myself, but it's impossible. The idea of leaving with him, of giving myself completely to a man I don't know, scares me deeply. But I know I have no choice. Not anymore. I get up from the chair and walk to the window, looking out at the city below. My mind is a jumble of conflicting emotions and thoughts. Part of me wonders if I'm doing the right thing, but the other part, the desperate part that's willing to do anything to save my mother, has already made up its mind.

This is the price I'll have to pay. And as much as it scares me, I'm not going back. I turn around and start gathering my things, trying to focus on what I need to do now. There's a whole life ahead of me, full of uncertainty and fear, but also of hope. And maybe, just maybe, I'll make it through this.

My phone vibrated, notifying me that the money had been transferred to my account. I was relieved to save my mother, but I also felt like my life was over.