44

Stefano

I sighed as I stared at the ground, hating myself. I acted just like my step-father, the one thing I swore to never do. I'm supposed to be protecting her, but I'm the one who hurt her.

I ran my hand through my hair, why am I like this? This is exactly why I can never have her, I'm not good enough for her. I never will be.

I snorted, Stefano De Rege actually having someone love him? That's impossible, how could anyone love someone as messed up as me? My own family couldn't even love me.

"Stefano? Baby?"

I internally groaned at Lexi's voice, why is this woman my maid? Oh, right, I used to have sex with her. I sighed and looked up as the red haired woman walked into my room. She was dressed in her usual outfit, it left nothing to the imagination.

"What?" I sighed.

She grinned as she sat on my lap, "You seem so tense."

I clenched my jaw, "Get off of me."

"Why? We haven't had sex in four weeks, I need you, baby." She cooed.

"Lexi, I understand you can't control your vagina, but I don't want you anymore." I growled.

She chuckled and grinded against my member, "Now, I'm finding that hard to believe."

"Why am I not surprised? You know what isn't hard?" I smirked.

"What?"

"My dick. Now, get the hell off of me and leave."

She glared at me, "I don't think you would want me doing that."

"Oh? And why is that?"

"Because...you don't want your brother finding out about that bitch." She grinned.

I gulped, "What?"

"I'm not stupid, Stefano. You know the only reason you ever fucked me was because I dated Angelo. Turns out, he called me the other night and wants me back. Of course I agreed, but he sucks in bed." She sighed.

"Anyways, he told me all about Vienna Lace. The girl who's making you feel again. Something you're afraid of."

I narrowed my eyes, "You son of a-

She suddenly held a knife against my throat, "Now, Angelo sent me here to see if Vienna is hiding here. Turns out she is, I am willing to lie to him if you have sex with me once a week. Starting now."

"You do realize I can kill you, right?"

She chuckled, "That would give Angelo his answer then. Do you want to risk him coming here?"

I clenched my jaw, knowing she had a point.

"Imagine poor Vienna being kidnapped by him. He would most likely beat her and maybe even...rape her."

She smiled as she leaned in, "And it'll be all your fault."

I sighed as Lexi walked out of my room, closing the door behind her. I threw on some pants and walked to the kitchen, needing a drink. When I walked in, I was shocked to see Vienna sitting on the table.

She looked up and immediately glared at me, I ignored it though and grabbed a glass.

"Did you enjoy screwing that maid?" She suddenly asked.

I froze, "What?"

"Yeah, I meant to check on you, but found you fucking that hooker. I find it amusing how you can easily choke me before turning around and having sex with some woman. Does choking someone turn you on?" She snarled.

I bit my lip and looked down, "No."

"I'm surprised." She replied.

I slowly grabbed the glass and filled it with water. I thought over everything as I drank it. I could kill Lexi and make it seem like an accident, but my brother is smarter than that. He would immediately come here, I don't have any other place that Vienna could hide. Besides, he knows of my beach house.

I sighed, I guess screwing Lexi once a week isn't so bad. If I think of Vienna the whole time, I can actually act as if I enjoy it.

You're a sick fuck, Stefano. I thought to myself.

I shook my head, I can't do anything right. I can't even protect Vienna without causing her some sort of pain.

"Vienna." I said calmly, preparing myself to say this.

"What?" She sighed.

I swallowed, "Stay away from me. Find Hank and ask him to teach you to shoot. Once you learn, you can leave."

I turned around and looked at her, hiding my emotions. If I can make her hate me, then it'll be easier for her.

I turned around as Hank walked into my office, along with two of my men. I took a seat, trying to figure out how to explain my not so brilliant plan.

"What is this idea of your's?" Hank asked.

I sighed, "Lexi is blackmailing me into having sex with her once a week. Now, you know how she is. Once will turn into a fucking wedding with how she works."

"Angelo is using her as a spy, to see if Vienna is here. Lexi is lying to him as long as I continue to have sex with her. However, I don't want to."

"Okay, so, we kill her." My one man, Vito, stated.

I frowned, "Not that easy. Angelo will come here and find Vienna."

"Then we'll take her to the beach house." My other man, Steve, piped up.

"I know my brother, while he comes here, he will send his men over to the beach house. No matter what, Vienna wouldn't be safe. Which caused me to come up with this plan."

"In two weeks, I will use Lexi to get Angelo to meet me some place secluded. He will probably kill me, but I no longer care. While doing this, you are to take Vienna to Italy, where she will have the protection she needs. Also, my friend left his mansion to me, so she can live there. Hank will become the new boss and can choose whoever to be his second in command."

Hank frowned, "Stef, what...what the hell? You're just giving up like that?"

"I'm tired of it all, Hank. I...I just want to be happy for once." I whispered.

"Getting yourself killed won't do that. And what about Vi? She cares about you."

I shook my head, "Not anymore, I want her to hate me. That way, it won't hurt her to see my death on the news."

"You're an idiot." Vito seethed. "Yes, you may fool that girl into hating you, but once she finds out what you're doing for her, she'll hate herself. She'll feel guilty for not seeing what your plan was. She may even blame herself for your death."

I sighed, "She'll get over it, Vito. She only pities me. Once she understands I'm dead, she'll move on and enjoy life."

"Why is Angelo after her?" Steve asked.

"He wanted to marry her, apparently. Which is why Hank will be taking her to Italy in two weeks. I'll leave money for her and I expect you guys will keep her safe. Please."

Hank frowned at me, "Alright, but...at least be nice to her. Yes, it'll hurt when you die, but she won't feel guilty at least."

I stayed silent as they left, I sighed and stood up. As I paced my office, I glanced at my phone. I should call him, tell him that Vienna will be safe once she's in Italy. He may be able to help with making sure everything is ready.

I shook my head, all of this is starting to give me a headache. I thought over what Hank had told me and what Vito had said. Both of them were right, knowing Vienna, she would feel guilty. Even if she just pities me.

I bit my lip, two weeks of being kind towards her won't hurt. Besides, I don't want her to keep seeing me as a monster. Even though I am one. If I can make her smile, then I'll die a happy man.

I sat down and looked at my phone. He'll want to know how she's doing and if she's safe. I finally gave in and dialed his number.

"Hello?"

"Vincent?"

"Stefano! How are you?"

"Good, I think uh...it's time you've come out of hiding."