Chapter 3 - THE VENOM OF BIANCA
The next morning, Clara walked Bruno along the crushed-gravel paths of the winter gardens. The sun had broken through the gray clouds, reflecting off the icy waters of Lake Como like fractured silver. Bruno walked beside her on a loose leash, his tail wagging slightly whenever she spoke to him.
As they approached the glass conservatory, Bianca Russo stepped out from between the marble statues, wearing an immaculate white fur coat.
“Enjoying your promotion, little mouse?” Bianca asked, blocking the path.
Clara stopped, holding Bruno’s lead firmly. “I’m just doing the job Mr. Moretti gave me, Signora Russo.”
“Mr. Moretti gave you a pity job because he finds your ineptitude amusing,” Bianca spat, stepping closer, her heels clicking sharply against the gravel. “Don't mistake his tolerance for interest. Matteo comes from old money and older blood. Men like him don't look at charity cases like you with anything other than mild entertainment.”
Bruno let out a low, rumbling growl from his chest, stepping squarely between Clara and Bianca. He didn't lunged, but his posture was an unmistakable warning.
Bianca gasped, taking a panicked step back. “Get that beast away from me!”
“He senses when people are hostile, Signora,” Clara said evenly, feeling a sudden surge of quiet courage she hadn't possessed twenty-four hours ago. “If you step back, he’ll calm down.”
Bianca’s eyes narrowed into venomous slits. “You think you’re safe here because the dog likes you? You have no idea what kind of world you’ve stumbled into, Clara. Matteo Moretti isn't a hero. He’s a killer. And when he’s finished playing with you, I will make sure you are thrown back into the gutter where you belong.”
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She turned on her heel and hurried away toward the main villa.
Clara knelt beside Bruno, hugging his thick neck. “Thank you, buddy,” she whispered. But inside, her mind echoed with Bianca’s warning. She knew Matteo was a mafia boss. She knew the armed guards patrolling the estate weren't there for decoration. Yet, every time Matteo looked at her, she didn't feel terror—she felt seen for the first time in her life.
