Chapter 90: Curiosity Kills the cat
Vanessa
The bug I had been given felt like a weight in my hand as I stood by the window, staring out while watching Nico and Carmen leave the mansion grounds. Their figures grew smaller as the car pulled away, the gates closing behind them with quiet finality.
I was only this aware because I had been waiting for it.
The moment I was sure they were gone, I scrambled away from the window, my heartbeat quickening as I headed out of my room. I didn’t have to rush like this, but Adam had given me a way to listen in, and that alone was enough to push me forward.
It was easy enough—I could simply connect through my phone, listen in, and send everything directly to him.
Enough to make my curiosity rise.
If Nico was indeed more than what he seemed, then I intended to leave. I had more than enough money from him to move my mother and me to some faraway country—somewhere he wouldn’t care enough to search for us.
Staying here would only get me killed.
Moreover, after spending all night thinking about it, I knew the agent hadn’t been bluffing. He had looked easygoing, almost relaxed, but there had been a cruelty in his eyes that made it clear—he would sacrifice me without hesitation if it meant achieving his goals.
Heading out, I moved straight to the right side of the mansion, my steps quick but controlled as I climbed the stairs and headed directly toward Nico’s study.
I forced myself to act calm.
Relaxed.
Like I belonged there.
Ignoring the guards stationed outside, I walked straight toward the door—only for both of them to step in line, blocking my path almost instantly.
"Boss is not around," one of them said flatly.
I shook my head immediately, letting an exasperated look spread across my face as I sighed.
"I know that," I replied, my tone casual. "Carmen forgot my iPad inside, so I just came to pick it up."
I watched the second guard begin to shake his head, already preparing to refuse, and quickly spoke again before he could interrupt.
"You can watch me. I’ll be in and out in a second!" I added, forcing a small, impatient smile, already aware that I could use the large mahogany table inside to block their view while I planted the bug.
I waited.
Impatient.
My fingers twitching slightly at my side as they exchanged glances.
Then, almost in sync, they both shook their heads again, their expressions firm as they looked back at me, making it clear they had no intention of letting me through.
At this point, I was desperate.
It would be far easier to do this while Nico wasn’t around rather than risk it when he was back.
I was just about to turn and leave, frustration tightening in my chest—
When the door suddenly opened behind them.
I glanced back, stunned.
One of Nico’s men stepped out.
That alone made my confusion spike. A servant would have made sense—but him?
More importantly... why was he allowed inside when I wasn’t?
There was something off about the way he glanced at the guards, and the guards at him, before all of them shifted their attention back to me.
"I know you," I said quickly, stepping forward slightly. "You helped bring me here."
I met his brown eyes, ignoring the way he towered over me with ease. His muscles strained against his shirt, the fabric doing little to hide the tattoos creeping up his neck.
"Caleb, right?" I asked.
His entire body stiffened.
"You remember me?" he asked, his voice deep, his expression turning ice cold in a way that made my heart skip—and not in a good way.
A smile spread across my face anyway.
"Of course," I said lightly, letting my eyes trail down his body the way I normally would when flirting.
From the corner of my eye, I noticed one of the guards’ hands drop subtly toward his waist—toward his gun.
"...it’s hard to forget those bulging muscles and that face," I added, stepping closer to Caleb, stopping just by the door as I sent him a knowing look.
His face wasn’t particularly handsome. His head looked slightly too small for his large body, and there was something about him that felt... off.
Still, I placed my hands lightly on his chest.
"I’m bored," I said softly.
That was all it took.
His expression shifted instantly, excitement flashing across his face as he grabbed me and pulled me inside, slamming the door shut behind us.
But I was already pointing toward the cameras.
"What? Definitely not here," I said quickly, pushing him away slightly.
He chuckled, his grip tightening around my waist as if he hadn’t heard me.
"I’m one of the managers, per se. In charge of security," he said, his voice thick as he stared at me with open lust. "I’ll scrape the footage. We can do some interesting things in the meantime."
Before I could react, he grabbed my hand and pulled it downward.
I felt it.
Hard—but small.
For a split second, shock almost showed on my face, but I swallowed it down as he let out a low groan.
"On the table," I snapped, squeezing just enough to keep him distracted.
He pulled away immediately, moving toward the table and leaning against it carefully without disturbing anything.
"We have to be careful," he said, his tone excited but cautious. "We can’t scatter anything or touch anything on the table. Boss will know."
"Of course," I murmured, leaning toward him.
At the same time, my other hand moved swiftly beneath the table.
I placed the bug.
Pressed it firmly into place.
Secured.
Then I straightened.
He reached for me again, his hands moving toward my chest—but this time, I slapped them away sharply.
"What do I look like to you?" I snapped, anger slipping into my voice. "A whore?"
He froze, clearly caught off guard.
I stepped back, wrapping my arms around myself as I glared at him.
"With that thing?" I continued coldly. "There’s no way you’re getting women."
His expression twisted, unsure whether to be angry or embarrassed.
"You should take me on a date first. Spend money on me, no?" I added, tilting my head slightly.
His gaze flickered—half on my face, half on the neckline of my blouse.
"So when is it?" I asked.
He pushed himself off the table slowly, still staring at me, my heart hammering hard against my ribs. If he turned violent now... there would be nothing I could do.
"Tomorrow?" he said finally. "8 p.m. I’m free by then. I can... arrange something."
I stepped closer again, trailing my fingers lightly across his chest before turning away.
"I’ll be waiting," I said over my shoulder.
Then I walked out.
Fast.
I didn’t bother closing the door behind me. I didn’t look at the guards. I didn’t stop.
I just needed to get back to my room.
Somewhere safer.
Somewhere my heart wouldn’t feel like it was about to explode out of my chest.
They all had guns.
I had seen it clearly when he pressed against me.
Carmen wasn’t the only one with mafia ties.
Nico was the same.
’I need to leave. I need to leave this madhouse.’
