When in Rome, live as the Romans do; when elsewhere, live as they live elsewhere.

Saint Ambrose

Haven Pierce's POV

"Get dressed, we're leaving."

My head snapped in the direction where the autocratic voice came from. I found the mafia boss standing behind me with his hands tucked in the middle of his chest while looking at me expectantly.

With a frown, I removed the AirPods from my ear as I stopped wiping the glass windows of his room. "I'm sorry?"

"I said we'll be leaving in half an hour. I need you to get dressed now." He repeated his command once again while looking at me as if I would do his bidding with just the snap of his fingers. Well, he was highly mistaken.

I turned my back on him and continued to clean the glass windows with the cloth rag in my hand. "I don't remember making any plans with you today. Besides, can't you see that I'm busy with housekeeping? Why don't you just bring Nico with you?"

"He can't come with us because he has other things that he needs to attend here but I need to go to this party and I need a companion for the event."

I looked at him past my shoulder with a questioning stare in his direction. "Why don't you just ask one of your women to accompany you? I'm pretty sure that they will be more than happy to go along with you with whatever kind of party you want to attend."

"That won't do." He answered with a nonchalant shrug. "I don't have time to do that so you'll do it for this job."

I grimaced while looking at him. I didn't know if I should feel annoyed by his answer because I was just his last choice. I shouldn't feel upset about it but for some reason, I was irritated. "So I am just your last-minute choice, isn't it?"

"Not really."

I threw an acid glare at him before continuing with my household chores. "Well, I am not interested. Just go and ask someone else to accompany you."

I heard him sigh loudly. "If you're not ready by half an hour from now. I will have no choice but to bring you with me dressed like that." He boldly threatened while gesturing for my sweatpants and oversized vintage t-shirt.

I breathed deeply, throwing the rag cloth on the plastic bucket with frustration. "You can't be serious? Why don't you just bother someone else instead of me? I don't want to attend parties with you. I'd rather stay here. I think I will be out of place in those glitzy gatherings."

"Half an hour, Haven. Half an hour." He stated stubbornly before disappearing into his walk-in closet leaving me staring at him in utter disbelief.

What's wrong with him today? Why he's so extra tyrannical this morning? I don't understand why he came into his mind and decided to bring me along to this party he needs to attend. I'd rather spend my day inside my room than be forced to socialize with his circle.

With an angry sigh, I picked up the plastic bucket and decided to throw the dirty water outside his balcony so I didn't have to carry the heavy bucket downstairs. I heard a few Sicilian curses and little commotions below I decided to look down and see what was happening. I saw several pairs of eyes staring back at me from the driveway with absolute bafflement.

I could feel that my blood was draining from my face when I noticed that the interior of the black Ferrari parked in the driveway was now soaked with dirty water. Holy shit...

"I never guess that you are this vindictive, Signorina Pierce."

I gasped loudly when I realized that the owner of that ultra-expensive car was now standing next to me on the balcony. "I—I...didn't mean... Oh, God, sorry!" I stammered while I could feel my blood running cold in my veins. Would it cost me arm and leg to pay for the replacement of those expensive leathers?

There was a cold smile playing on his lips that made me more nervous than ever. "Say, is this your revenge to get even with me? I mean, that car is brand new they delivered it to me only yesterday after months of waiting."

Shit. Double shit. I could feel my mouth go dry. Why does he need to park it in the driveway of all the places? Didn't he have a huge roof garage? I took a few steps backward because I could feel the hard pounding of my chest and the way he was standing too close to me. "I swear, I didn't do it on purpose! It was only an accident. I'm willing to pay for the replacement of those leathers."

"Hmm..." he tapped his bearded jawline as if pretending to think. "I wonder how much it would cost to replace those leather seats."

You're doomed, Haven. It would cost you another student loan to be able to pay for those! "I promise to pay you back just give me time. I don't have enough money in my bank account right now but I assure you that I will pay you back."

He smiled at me evilly, his eyes held a dangerous glint in their depth. "If you don't have money right now you can always pay me with your body, for example."

I automatically cover my torso with my arms while staring at him with horror. "Like hell, I will do that! I'd rather die working day and night just to save enough money than pay you with sex."

Santi rolled his eyes in my direction. "I am not talking about sex! As I told you before, I am not the type of man who will force a woman onto my bed. I am talking about doing favors for me. For instance, going to the party with me."

I threw a guarded look in his direction. I couldn't let my defense down even for a bit when dealing with this cunning man. "Is that necessary? You already leave me no choice but to come with you to this party."

"I want you to come with me willingly not because I am forcing you," he answered with a serious tone.

I stared at him for a long moment before exhaling deeply. "Very well. I agree with your suggestion but only because I am remorseful for the misfortune that happened in your car. I didn't mean it to happen just so you know."

My eyes narrowed in his direction when I saw the victorious smile playing on his lips but he caught me looking at him suspiciously he immediately looked at me with a blank expression. "I believe in you. I'll wait for you in the driveway in..." he glanced at his wristwatch. "...twenty minutes. We can't be late."

With a muttered curse, I left his balcony to get ready in twenty minutes. I don't even manage to ask what kind of dress code. I went to my room and hoped that there was a suitable outfit in my closet for this event that we needed to attend.

I found a simple dress that might work for the event that we need to attend. I took the fastest shower of my life blow-dried my long pink hair and styled it with a curling iron in record time. I also even put a light makeup so I wouldn't look too pale. All in all, I think I look presentable.

At exactly nineteen minutes and thirty seconds later, I was already outside ready to leave. I couldn't help but feast my eyes on his handsomeness. He looked so debonair in the black tuxedo suit he even slicked back his hair. Double kill for the attractive appearance.

"Ready?" He asked pleasantly.

I only managed to nod my head and slid inside his car. I remained silent throughout the car ride I was only aware of the way I played with my finger because I was kind of nervous about the whole thing. I don't know what to expect from this.

My lips parted slightly when I realized that we arrived at the private tarmac of the airport. He even skipped customs and went straight here. This only proves the stretch of his power and influence here.

"I didn't realize that this party that you are talking about needs a plane ride. I don't even have my passport with me," I commented as I went out of his car.

"Don't worry," he answered with a slight smile. "We will not leave Italy. We're just going to Rome for the party and then we'll be home probably late this evening."

"Oh..." that's all I manage to say. Everything went into a blur after that. One moment I was just cleaning windows in his house—then the next thing I knew I was strapped in his private plane going to Rome.

After one hour and thirty minutes of a plane ride, we finally arrived in Rome. To be honest, this was my first time in the city so I am pretty much excited. I couldn't contain my awe as I looked outside my plane window. I wanted to travel on the streets and see what this city has to offer but I don't think that's possible right now. We're here because he needs to attend a gathering somewhere probably ostentatious and different from what I have in mind when I think of Rome.

When we descended from the iron steps of his private aircraft there was already a car waiting for us on the tarmac we got inside the car and once again I felt slightly nervous because this would probably be the first time I would attend such an event.

I looked at him questioningly once the car parked on the side of the road of the lanes of the high-end boutique.

"Let's go." He said before I had the chance to ask him what we were doing here. He was already sliding out of the car I couldn't do anything but follow him.

I stood beside him on the side of the road staring at the intimidating shops before us. "What are we doing here? Aren't we going to be late for the party?"

He looked at his expensive wristwatch briefly. "We still have time to shop for your dress. Come with me." He took me by the wrist and pulled me inside the designer shop. "We need an evening dress for this lady," Santi told the saleslady who was already beside us the moment we entered their shop.

"Certainly, sir." The professional-looking shop assistant gestured to the sofa for us to take a seat if we'd like with her hand. I don't even want to sit on this sofa because they might charge us for it. "We have a new collection fresh from the runway if you would like to see it, Signore."

"Show us your most expensive dress." The mafia boss announced and the woman's eyes brightened as if she saw a dollar sign on this man's forehead.

"Please wait a moment," the saleslady informed us as she probably got the most expensive dress in their shop.

I put my hand on Santi's arm to get his attention. "I don't think I have money to pay for the dress you order. You have to remember that I'm a broke college student."

He frowned at me as if I was being ridiculous. "Stop being frugal, will you? Are you forgetting how rich your father was? You are his only heiress which makes you a very wealthy college student. Wealthier than you could imagine—"

"And as I told you countless times now I don't want his dirty money. You can keep it if you want I don't want anything to do with that money that came from illegal deeds."

He shook his head in bewilderment. "I don't understand why you're being stubborn about your inheritance. Would you rather work on minimum wage than use the money your father left for you and live a well-off life?"

"Yes, I am," I answered with a serious tone while locking my eyes on his.

"Whatever," he responded with a resigned sigh. "Besides, you don't have to worry about this dress I will pay for it."

"I don't want anything from you."

He raised an eyebrow in my direction. There was a mixture of annoyance and amusement in his expression. "Why? You don't want it because the money also came from my illegal business just like your father's money?"

I don't know but I suddenly felt that my cheeks were heating up. It was probably because in a way his word feels like mocking me. I exhaled deeply and decided to meet him halfway. I also don't want to attend this party underdressed in my simple cocktail dress and be the center of the other guests' attention because I bet everything I have that this gathering he needs to attend must rival the presidential inaugural ball in the US.

When the saleslady emerged all I could do was gasp softly when I saw the exquisite gown in her hand. It was a champagne-colored, off-shoulder crossover sweetheart neckline, an A-line evening gown with a side slit. It was also studded with Swarovski crystals from top to bottom. This dress without a doubt would cost serious money.

"Perfect," I heard the satisfaction in Santi's voice. He looked at me expectantly. "Now, fit the dress, Haven."

I was reluctant to do that but I had no choice since I didn't want to arrive late to this party and be the center of everyone's attention. I followed the saleslady and asked her to help me get dressed when I finished dressing I went out for Santi's inspection. "Well, what do you think?"

He raked his gaze on me from head to toe, his lips twitched. "Now, a purse and heels to go with that dress if you have any."

"We indeed have, Signore." She went to the display shelves and took the small clutch bag that you couldn't possibly put anything inside and its only purpose was to have something in your hand and a pair of sparkly sky-high heels.

Without another word, Santi presented his black credit card to the saleslady to pay for everything. My mouth was hanging while watching him sign his name and I couldn't believe that he spent five freaking figures for my entire ensembles.

"Let me get this clear," I told him as soon as we were back in his car. "I will not keep this entire thing after the party. They are only loans from you. You might want to resell them if you want so you can get your money back."

He gave me a weird look with a private smile playing on his lips as if he was enjoying a private joke on my behalf but he didn't say anything. I thought that we were already done but I was wrong. Next, we went to the salon to have professional makeup and styled my pink hair the way it would be best for my expensive dress. While the makeup artist was busy applying eye shadows on my eyes I could see from the mirror that Santi's bodyguard gave him a small paper bag while they were waiting for me on the corner.

After what feels like an eternity we are finally on our way to the party. It feels like I already spent half of my energy on my transformation from this plain Jane to this sophisticated woman.

"Now to complete your look." The Don presented a small velvet box that he took out from the inside pocket of his tuxedo.

I reluctantly accept the small box and I already have a feeling that could be inside this thing. I opened it and took a deep breath when I saw a pair of diamond drop earrings. I stared at him dryly. "Do you want me to get robbed today?"

He smiled coldly in my direction. "Before they can do that I already sent them to the deepest pit of hell so you don't have anything to worry about. I will keep you safe. Always."

I don't understand why his words made my heart tremble but I just ignored them and wore the earrings with shaky hands. For a woman who was just paying her debt for ruining the leathers of his new car, I was pretty much dressed expensively for the job.

The car pulled inside the stunning mansion and I couldn't help the uneasiness that ran down my spine. Can I survive this day?

"You know it would not hurt if you put your hand around my arm." He suggested dryly when we stood in the receiving room and everyone was staring at us.

I was so nervous that I could feel my legs shaking badly. I even ignored the sarcasm in his voice and I only became aware that he guided my hand around his arm. I also became aware of the longing stares women threw in his direction. He might be a fearsome mafia but no one can deny how devastatingly handsome he was.

I cleared my throat and focused my attention on him. "Where are we again?"

His lips twitched with a smile. "Oh, right, I didn't tell you, have I? I am invited to the birthday party of an acquaintance of mine."

"Ah, I gather that much—"

Our conversation was interrupted when a male voice interrupted us with a cheerful tone. "Santi! Good to see you, my boy."

"Fuck it," he muttered under his breath as he turned around to face the newcomer with a fake smile on his face. "Marco."