Chapter Seven

Aspen's POV

He didn't say a word as we drove out of the courthouse. I was exhausted as I haven't done this in a while. I wonder if this was how exhausting it used to be back then too or just because I am getting lazy.

I remembered the first day I had defended a client too. Although I won the case, it was just so nerve wracking I never got over the nerves for the first few days. Besides there's been tons of news on how being a lawyer wasn't safe even if you didn't get involved with the mafia men. Either way, back then, I loved what I did no matter what was said.

Staring out the window, I realized we were heading towards a direction I didn't recognize. I don't think I've even been yo this side of the city before. And that could only mean that he was heading towards the restricted part of the city from normal citizens as high ranked individuals lived there, which must include him. It wasn't s surprise to me but it felt soon being pushed off I to this world after being shaken just now.

The car soon pulled up in front of a huge mansion after what felt like hours upon hours of drive. Stepping out of the car, I realized we were in front of a huge mansion which you wouldn't be able to guess if shady people lived there or not.

There was a greenhouse on the right side of the house with flowers being seen through the transparent walls. There were a couple of maids and guards waiting upon us towards the entrance.

“Where are we?” I raised a brow, looking at him for answers as we both got out of the car.

“Welcome to your new home.” He replied, leaning against the car behind me.

“New home?” I turned to look at him in confusion. I never requested somewhere to stay or anything. I was perfectly fine with the apartment I was in.

“Our deal begins after you win your case against the Scars. You've dealt with them and now you work for me. Or don't tell me you've forgotten all about that?” He tilted his head to a side with a raised brow but his gaze was soft which was one thing I never expected him to have.

Of course I didn't forget about it but did you expect me to expect being whisked away immediately? I wanted to ask him but I kept quiet, turning to look at him. “I think my apartment would be enough.” I replied.

“You and I both know Kai wasn't included in today's trial and sentence. It was spike he never existed in the Scars family. He might still be after you. You know well that apartment is quicker to his feet than anywhere else. I've asked my men to pack your things in so no need to bother.” He assured me but I didn't know if I should be assured or not. At least I could have packed my stuff myself.

“Are you scared of living with me? Scared I might devour you in my bed anytime I want?” his tone came out teasingly, trying to hint at his intentions to make love to me again but I wasn't having any of it.

“Very funny.”

I walked through the enormous double doors, the first thing I was met with was the cold eyes of the dozen guards stationed at every corner. Giovanni stood next to me as I took in the entire place. The marble floors gleamed beneath my heels and the chandeliers hung above was almost shining off the floors.

I felt as if I have been thrown into the world of the rich without having a choice in it. I wasn't complaining about it though.

“Just your typical lavishly designed waiting room for show.” He commented with a small smirk on his lips which I could see from the corner of my eyes.

“You can have a tour some other day but let me show you to your office to start with everything needed once you're settled in.”

We walked through hallways and hallways. The view of the house on the outside wasn't one I could completely but no being in it, the place was huge. Walking down a carpeted floor, the only thing I could see on the floor were two huge doors.

He turned over to the one on the left, pushing the doors open to reveal a not too huge and not too small office room. It had a refined and modern touch to it. The deep blue walls were just to my liking, a large desk with heaps of documents surrounding the computer but it was all neat.

“You didn't spare any expenses.” I murmured, walking over to the bookshelves that lined one wall stocked with lots of books that would help me in understanding their dealings more.

Giovanni, who was leaning against the doorframe, had a satisfied smirk on his face. “I spare nothing for one who managed to intrigue me as much as you do.”

And there he goes again.

“Everything else aside, you understand what you're here for Aspen. I am literally putting all of our dealings safety in your hands. I might be at the top of the food chain in this territory, but I can also end up like the Scars if there's a betrayal and it all depends on how you deal with things for me.”

He didn't have to tell me twice. Which was why I still didn't understand why he had given me this huge task. But it was all my fault for walking into the lion's den.

I sat on the leather chair behind the desk, fixing my posture as I tested its comfort. I turned to look at him, eyebrows raised. “So now I am in charge of all of that? How sure are you that I won't betray you?”

A slow smile spread across his face. “I would want nothing more than hunt you and punish you the way you won't be able to walk for weeks.”

Standing up, I headed towards him, my gaze not leaving his. “Look down at me, Giovanni.” I grabbed his necktie, pulling him closer to reach my eye level due to our height difference. “If you're looking for an easy girl to fuck, I can easily pull out of this now but I've already come this far.”

“But let's make one thing clear, before you get a taste of me, you have to earn it.” I said with a slight smirk, dipping my hand in his pocket to pull out a pack of cigarettes and lighter. “Thanks for the smoke. Now show me to my room.”

“You intrigue me, Aspen.” I heard him mumble as I walked away from him. I could be whatever he wanted me to he as long as I got something out of this deal also.