Zara's POV

I looked at myself in the mirror one last time. Perfect. Handsome bastard, here I come. I packed my luggage, and damn it, they were too heavy. I had crammed in everything I could think of: outfits for every occasion, a few weapons for protection, lingeries. I needed to be prepared.

A knock came at the door, pulling me from my thoughts. I opened it to see Xander, giving me that infuriatingly charming old smile of his. "Need some help, kid?" he asked, raising an eyebrow. I scoffed, stepping aside to let him in.

He grabbed my luggage like they were made of feathers and carried them down to his car. I followed and we got into the car, and he ignited the fire into the engine.

As we drove, Xander's expression turned serious. "We got a report that he killed thirteen people yesterday."

"What the fuck?!" I screamed, feeling the blood rush from my face. Thirteen! What the actual fuck?! I know I'm not a saint, but that was too much! Like fucking too much! "Are you sure he's really the one that killed them? I mean, they could have died in an accident or a fire or anything," I said, trying to rationalize the horror.

"No, they have the Mafia signature on them," he replied. His tone was grave, and I felt a chill run down my spine. Cassius had a reputation, one that sent shivers through even the most hardened criminals. Anyone he killed bore his signature-a stark letter M etched into their foreheads. It was as if he wanted the world to know who was behind the violence, taunting the authorities who had failed to catch him for five years and counting.

I am an assassin too, but I kill only when sent to do so. I made sure my targets were truly evil, and my killing motives were driven by the bastard who had murdered my innocent parents. Since that day, I had vowed to eradicate all the bad people I ever set my eyes on, and Cassius was next in line.

"This one that you are gritting your teeth-don't destroy the mission, Zara," Xander said, breaking into my thoughts. I hadn't even realized I was gritting my teeth in frustration. "Get a lot of information on him before you kill him. You know the only way to get information is by seducing him."

"I know, Xan," I said, forcing the words out through clenched jaws.

"Good, that's my girl." He flashed a smile at me, and I tried to return it, but it felt forced.

He dropped me at the front of the mansion. As he helped me with my luggage, a bodyguard approached, taking the bags from us. I followed the bodyguard into the elevator, and waved at Xander who waved back. Xander had been like a father to me ever since he took me and my sister in when I was twelve years old, barely two years after my parent's death.

He had witnessed me stab a boy my age who had been harassing a little girl. Instead of turning me in, he took a liking to me and saved me from going to prison, choosing instead to take me with him.

As the elevator doors slid open, Cassius was standing outside, leaning against the wall with a casual air that belied his sharp gaze. He looked at me with an unreadable expression. "Who was the man that dropped you just now?" he asked, his tone casual. I felt like dipping a hand into my suitcase where a knife is and stabbing him right there. This is the same person who had killed thirteen people just yesterday, looking dashingly innocent.

"The man? Your bodyguard, of course," I replied, as I turned to the bodyguard who just dropped my luggage, bowed to Cassius and entered into the elevator immediately.

"I mean, the one that dropped you in a car," he pressed, his eyes narrowing.

"Why do you care?" I shot back, but he simply turned away, walking through the hallway.

"I didn't know you were into old men," he muttered under his breath.

I could hear you, bastard. I wanted to scream, but I swallowed my anger, dragging my luggage through the hallway behind him. I hated how he could get under my skin so easily.

His house was built like a hotel-really, it was since he brought different women home every night, each one more beautiful and curvy than the last. Zara, how did you know? i screamed internally. But it's obvious, isn't it?

The layout of the house was grand, with one long hallway. At the end of the hall was a large room to the left, and at the right, an equally imposing door that probably led to a large room as well.

"This is your room," he said, pointing to the door on the right. "Come and make a quick meal once you settle down." He handed me the key and didn't wait for my response before disappearing into the room on the left.

I unlocked the door and stepped inside, my breath catching in my throat. Thankfully, this room wasn't painted that garish green like the others I had seen. Instead, it was decorated in warm, inviting tones. I gasped as I took in the expansive sitting room, plush furniture.

"This place is insane," I murmured to myself. I wandered further into the suite, marveling at how lavish everything was. The kitchen was stocked with high-end appliances, and the bedroom was larger than my entire apartment back home.

He sure is a fucking rich bastard. Staying here wouldn't be as bad as I had thought.

***

I had been living in this luxurious mansion for two days now, and I had been making sure to cook him the perfect meal. My culinary skills seemed to be impressing him, as I noticed he couldn't get enough of my cooking. I was determined to use this to my advantage.

As I got ready for the evening, I decided to wear something that would catch his attention. I opened my closet and pulled out a pair of bum shorts and a V-neckline crop top that revealed my breast moulds. I checked myself in the mirror, making sure I looked perfect.

I headed out of my room, feeling seductively attractive. It was dark already, the perfect time to put my plan into action. Now, to the mission: seducing the Mafia Lord.

I opened the door without bothering to knock, as I had grown accustomed to doing. And then, I saw him. He was sitting on the couch, shirtless, and my heart skipped a beat. I gulped down my spit, trying to composed myself.

"Can't you knock?" he barked, his deep voice sending shivers down my spine.

"I'm sorry," I quickly replied, trying to sound as innocent as possible.

He scanned me from head to toe, his eyes lingering on my curves. I could feel his gaze like a physical touch, and I shivered inwardly. Why the fuck is his gaze making you shiver, Zara? Get a hold of yourself.

"Why are you wearing that?" he asked, his tone rising.

"It's late already, so I just decided to quickly come and make you dinner," I replied, trying to sound nonchalant.

He looked away, his eyes fixed on his phone, but I could sense his gaze still on me. I felt a pang of frustration. Why wouldn't he just wear a shirt? Did he want to torture me with his half-naked body? Torture? Zara, do you just say torture? Get the fucking hold of yourself! You are here to seduce him nor the older way round.

I entered the kitchen and quickly made him a plate of spaghetti. I dished it out on the dining table and then went back to the sitting room, where he was still busy on his phone.

"Your food is ready, sir," I said, trying to sound as professional as possible.

He scanned me again, then nodded, and I left his presence to go back to the kitchen. I was starting to get frustrated. This wasn't going as planned. He was supposed to be seduced by now, not still ignoring me. I never dressed up to this that men bowed at my feet.

As I stood in the kitchen, I couldn't help but wonder why he was resisting my charms. Was it because I was his cook? Did he not see me as a woman? Should I have entered his life as a whore instead? Ugh, the thought alone made me shudder.

Just then, he yelled from the sitting room, "Bring a rag and clean this place." I scoffed inwardly. How did a cook become a cleaner? But I didn't say anything, I just picked up a rag and headed towards the sitting room.

As I entered the room, I saw that water had spilled on a low table in front of him. Then, a thought crept to my mind and I bent over the table, making sure my boobs showed in a great amount, as I rounded the table seductively, swaying my hips as well. Then, when I got to his side, I quickly dropped the rag on the floor and pretended to slip, falling onto him.

My boobs hit his bare chest, and my heart raced as I looked up at him. His expression was confusing - anger, annoyance, or was it lust? I couldn't seem to read his expression. But then, his hand went to my boobs, rubbing the visible moulds, and pulling me closer so my boobs were hitting his chest even more. It seemed my plan had been working all along, he was just holding back.

He rubbed my nipple with his thumb beneath the clothes I was wearing. He must have been an expert to know exactly where my nipple was located. I felt a shiver run down my spine as he pinched it with the cloth, and I let out a gasp.

The gasp seemed to awaken him, and he pushed me away almost immediately making my butt hit the couch with a thud. Fuck. Why did he stop? I didn't wanted him to.

"Crystal, you are playing with fire," he growled, his eyes flashing.

Zara's POV

"What?" I gasped. "I really didn't do anything."

"We shall see about that." he said, stood up, hissed, and left for the dining room. Fuck. My body still tingles from his hand on my nipple. Is that how he played with everybody's feelings? Zara, I think you are really the person here playing with someone's feelings. But I haven't even done anything.

"Crystal." I heard his voice as I quickly adjusted my top and raced to the dining room. "Am I supposed to serve myself?"

I bit my lip and bent over to dish his food as I stood before him as he dipped the fork into the food. "Are you going to stand and look at me?" he asked, and I scoffed and took my seat opposite him. "Are you going to be counting the amount of food I eat, or did you poison it, and you are waiting for me to die?"

How I wished I had poisoned it, bastard. I stood up and went to sit in the sitting room. Then, I saw his phone on the table and I looked toward him to see he wasn't looking.

Then, a message popped up on the phone from the contact saved as Shadow: 'It's happening tonight.'

What the hell is happening tonight? Is he going to kill people as well? I really need to keep an eye on him.

"Bring my phone here." he yelled from the dinning room. He must have heard the pop-up notification sound. I picked up the phone and headed towards him as I handed it to him. He looked at the phone and looked at me, then looked back at the phone as he typed something and placed the phone back on the dining table as he continued eating.

"Did you check my message?" he asked as he scanned me.

"What's there to see?" I retorted back.

"Are you talking back at me?" he demanded.

"I am just answering you." I replied and in a swift motion, he stood up from his chair and headed towards me as he pulled me toward the table pinning me on it as his gaze went to my boobs who was clearly visible.

He used his other hand to push my boobs upward, making the mould more visible. I almost let out a gasp but i didn't wanted him to stop like the other time."I told you, you are playing with fire." he said as his gaze left my boobs to mine, he let go of the hand beneath my boobs.

"What will happen if I continue playing with it?" I said.

"You will get burnt." he said.

"Does that mean you would fire me?" I asked. Heck. I was starting to leave Crystal Greene, now I am becoming Zara Singh. I really should stop if I don't want to lose my chance at him. He can fire me right now and nothing would happen.

"That would be for me to decide, not you." He said and I bit my lip to stop words from coming out. If I don't do that, I really would say what I am not supposed to. "Stop doing that." he said, letting go of me as he went back to the table.

"Stop doing what?" I asked, but he groaned instead. I wonder what he asked me to stop doing? Stop behaving like that? Fuck him!

I went back to the sitting room and barely sank into the cushion when his voice rang through. "Come and clear the dishes."

I stand straight and went back to the dining room, and made to pack the dishes. "I am not done." he said and I sighed controlling myself from saying what's on my mind. If he wasn't done, why the hell had he called me?

I took my seat opposite him and then the idiot voice came again. "But, I didn't ask you to sit down." and I quickly stood up and waited until the devil was done eating before packing the dishes into the kitchen. I have to find a way to keep an eye on him today, I can't let him out of my sight. I have to make sure he doesn't kill any innocent body tonight as well. But how?

"You can go now." he said as I emerged out of the kitchen.

"Is there any other thing you want me to do?" I asked.

"Coming from someone who was squeezing her face on mere little errands." he said and I scoffed as I rolled my eyes.

"Well...I am ready for any work now." I said.

"I have somewhere to be in an hour." he said. "So, you can leave so I can start preparing."

Yeah, he's definitely going to kill more people. Bastard.

"Where are you going?" I had said before I regretted it.

"Do I need to tell a kid like you where I am going?Moreover, it's not a place for kids like you." He said and I scoffed. "You will really lose your job if you continue behaving that way, Crystal." he said and I fought the urge to roll my eyes.

Wait...I can just follow him secretly. Perfect. Why didn't I think of that before?

"I am feeling sleepy." I said as I pretended to yawn. "Goodnight sir." I bowed slightly.

"Stop pretending to be respectful." he said as he stood up from the chair and went upstairs as I hissed behind him. Handsome devil.

I quickly rushed into my room as I rummaged through my closet, I needed to wear something that would allow me to move freely. After a moment of deliberation, I settled on an orange shirt and fitted jeans, pairing them with a black face cap. A quick shower invigorated me. I was supposed to call Xander, but Cassius would soon be out, and I didn't want to miss him. I could inform Xander of my findings later.

I sank down on the couch in my living room, anxiously waiting for the sound of Cassius opening his door.

Finally, I heard his voice, faintly talking on the phone. My heart sank a little as his voice faded away.

I opened the door slightly and crept through the hallway to the elevator. The elevator beeped as I pressed the button, and the doors slid open and I stepped inside.

Once outside, I scanned the area. All the bodyguards were gone, and I caught sight of Cassius's car driving away. "Fuck," I muttered under my breath. I wished I had brought my own car, but Crystal was supposed to be a struggling rat, making ends meet. I stopped a taxi, urgency propelling my words. "Follow that car at a close distance," I instructed the driver, pointing at Cassius's sleek black Mercedes-Benz. I had studied my surroundings as part of my work and knew Cassius owned at least five cars-those were just the ones parked in his compound

The taxi driver nodded, and we took off, following Cassius's car. It stopped in front of All Enjoyment Club, the only five-star club in all of New York. My stomach twisted with dread. Is he planning something terrible in a club? OMG! Devil!

A bodyguard jumped out of the driver's seat, swiftly opening Cassius's backseat door. He stepped out, and the two security men at the club's entrance bowed as he entered. Where are his other bodyguards? I thought, but I pushed the question aside. I had to focus.

I paid the taxi driver quickly and made my way to the club entrance, only to be stopped by a stern security guard. "Where's your entry card?" he asked, his tone leaving no room for negotiation. Dammit. I hadn't thought of that.

Before I could respond, a strange voice interrupted me. A man suddenly held me by the waist, declaring, "She's with me." The security men bowed, and I was swept inside. I had no idea who he was, but I didn't question it.

"Thank you," I said as we crossed the threshold, finally getting a good look at him. He was undeniably handsome.

"Not yet," he replied with a smirk, pulling me toward the dance floor. Fuck me. What have I gotten myself into? I thought, covering myself with the face cap as I forced myself to dance with him.

Then, fortune smiled on me when a man approached and whispered something in my companion's ear. He let me go and left the dance floor, and I seized the opportunity to slip away to a quieter corner of the room. Where is Cassius?

I scanned the crowd but found no trace of him. Suddenly, a commotion erupted from a corner, and I hurried over to investigate. My heart dropped as I saw a group of girls collapsing to the ground. I moved closer, inspecting the scene-they had been drugged. Some girls were shouting in panic, and anger surged through me. Is this Cassius's handiwork?

Just as I was about to intervene, a hand spun me around, and I stumbled against a solid chest. It was the guy who had helped me enter.

"Don't get involved," he said firmly. "Let's go enjoy ourselves."

"We need to save them! They're being harassed!" I protested, pointing at the girl being dragged away by some guys.

"No, there's nothing you can do," he insisted, pulling me by the waist. This bastard won't let me go!

I leaned in closer as if I had accepted his words. In a split second, I kicked him where the sun doesn't shine. He let out a cry, doubling over in pain.

Two guys who seemed to be his bodyguards rushed toward me, but I was ready. I grabbed a glass from a nearby counter and smashed it over the head of one of them, blood gushing out as he crumpled to the floor. The other lunged at me, but I twisted his arm behind his back and kicked him hard in the stomach; Xander trainings helped.

I darted toward the girls, but just as I was about to reach them, I felt a sharp pull on my leg that sent me crashing to the ground, my face cap flying off.

I turned to see the guy I'd smashed the glass on. He was the one who had pushed me down. But before he could react further, he suddenly fell to the ground, and I looked up to see another guy had kicked him from behind. Then, to my shock, I saw Cassius standing behind the guy.

Panic surged through me, and I instinctively ducked my head, scrambling to retrieve my face cap. I really don't seem to understand what happened but Xander can help find out the rest. I just need to get out of here first. Cassius mustn't see me!