Chapter 16 Delilah's lips curled into a seductive smile , her voice dropping to that low , teasing tone she knew Marco couldn't usually resist . " I've been eyeing this golden wristwatch . It's exquisite , " she purred , her fingers trailing lightly across his chest , " and quite expensive . " Marco's eyes flickered , but there was no smile , no shift in his stance . Delilah expected his usual smirk , the one that always preceded him giving in to her whims . But instead , his expression hardened . " Do you think you can try the same stunt you pulled at the boutique ? " His voice was calm , but there was an edge beneath it . Delilah froze , her fingers stilling on his shirt . For a moment , she wondered if she'd gone too far . He resisted ? This wasn't like him . Marco always played the game , always indulged her when she pushed . 0.00 % 13110 Chapter 16 1288 Vouchers But now , his expression had darkened , and the usual playfulness in his eyes was replaced by something harder , something ... .. dangerous . Delilah felt a flicker of uncertainty . The flirtatious control she thought she had over him seemed to evaporate in that instant . And then , before she could fully process it , Marco moved ― fast . In one swift motion , he grabbed her by the waist and hoisted her over his shoulder , as if she weighed nothing . " What the hell ! " Delilah gasped , pounding her fists against his back , her surprise quickly turning to fury .. " You're coming with me , " Marco growled , his grip ironclad as he marched away . " One way or another . " Delilah squirmed , her face pressed against his back , but he didn't falter . The cold realization that he was truly in control hit her hard . For all her bravado , Marco was still the one calling the shots . " Put me down ! " she demanded , though her voice wavered . " You can't just i Marco ignored her , striding toward the waiting car with determined 73 599 13.11 Chapter 16 strides . 18 Vouchers Delilah kicked her legs , aiming for his stomach . She managed to connect , her shoe hitting him solidly . Marco's expression darkened , but he didn't stumble or release her . Instead , he turned , a flash of anger in his eyes . " Really ? " With a swift , unexpected motion , Marco delivered a sharp spank to her backside . Delilah gasped , a rush of anger flooding her . " How dare he ?! " . She twisted in his grip , her heart racing with a mix of outrage and disbelief . " You jerk ! " she shouted , the defiance bubbling over . He tightened his hold , his grip like a vise . " You're only making this harder on yourself , " he warned , a trace of amusement in his voice , as if he enjoyed the game they were playing . 25.50 % 13 110 Chapter 16 128 Weachers " Let me go ! " Delilah shouted , struggling more fiercely now . But his hold was firm . He moved swiftly , and before she could protest again , he plopped her into the back seat of the car , the door slamming shut behind her . Delilah huffed , crossing her arms in annoyance , glaring at Marco as he slid in beside her . " You can't just kidnap me , Marco ! " " Kidnapping implies I'm doing this against your will , " he replied , a smirk tugging at his lips . " And you know you're coming with me willingly . " " Willingly ? I'd rather eat nails ! " she snapped back , turning to face him . Marco met her gaze , amusement flickering in his eyes . " Sure you would . " Fueled by anger , Delilah lunged at Marco , her hand swinging toward his face in a heated slap . Her fingers were inches from his cheek when Marco , quick and composed , caught her wrist with ease . His grip was firm , pinning her hand down onto the seat between them . " You think you can just- " she began , her voice sharp with frustration , but Marco cut her off , his tone low and measured . 28 537 13110 Chapter 16 " I'm doing this for my position , " he said , his eyes locking onto hers . The words hung in the air between them , and Delilah's mind raced . 128H INCANTHYS Her suspicion was right . He needed her , not just for whatever personal feelings he had but for the Capo position . This wasn't about love or desire - it was about power . Realizing the truth calmed her , and she let out a slow breath . She stopped struggling against his grip , her shoulders loosening . Sensing her shift , Marco released her wrist , his hand lingering for a brief moment before he leaned back in his seat . They sat in silence , the space between them tense but quieter now . Marco spoke to the driver , who Delilah hadn't even noticed until now . " Drive us to the mansion , " Marco ordered . The driver , who had undoubtedly seen the entire exchange , simply nodded and pulled away from the curb . Delilah felt a wave of embarrassment wash over her . The thought of someone witnessing her outburst made her skin prickle with discomfort . 40.91 % 13.110 Chapter 16 11 288 Wouchers As the car moved smoothly through the streets , Delilah shifted in her seat , stealing a glance at Marco . He was pulling something out of his jacket . Her curiosity piqued , and she leaned slightly toward him , just enough to catch a peek . Photographs . She blinked , realizing they were all of her . Marco had been stalking her . She recognized the images : one from outside her café , another from her pole - dancing days , one of her at a club , dressed to kill . Marco flipped through them slowly , almost deliberately , as if waiting for her to react . " Café owner , " he began , his voice as casual as if he were discussing the weather . " Pole dancer . Lap dancer . Clubber . " He paused and looked at her , his gaze intense . " What else am I missing ? " Delilah's breath caught in her throat . Her mind clicked into place . He didn't know . He had no idea about her involvement with Mr. Bayou's murder . 62 69% 13.11 Chapter 16 295 orchers . Relief washed over her like a tidal wave , and she exhaled softly . He was digging into her past , sure , but the worst of it - what she'd done to Bayou - remained hidden . Delilah leaned back , a quiet confidence settling over her . She slipped her phone from her pocket as it buzzed against her hip . Glancing down , she saw a message from Gaga . Her lips curled into a small , satisfied smile . It's done . The message was simple , but Delilah knew what it meant . She had contacted Gaga after handling the situation with Mr. Bayou . There was no need for explicit details - Gaga understood perfectly . Gaga's reply was just as cryptic : Good . I'll make sure to recommend you to others . Delilah smirked and quickly typed back a short , Thank you . As she put her phone down , she caught Marco's eyes on her . His gaze lingered on her face , then shifted to the phone in her hand . She could sense his curiosity , but she wasn't about to explain anything . 76.16 % 13.120 Chapter 16 218outhent Instead , she met his stare and , for the first time , smiled at him - an easy , genuine smile . " Today's a good day , isn't it ? " she said , her tone almost playful , light . Marco blinked , momentarily thrown off by her sudden shift . His chest tightened unexpectedly . That smile - soft , unlike her usual sharp edges - did something to him . His heart quickened , a feeling he didn't recognize spreading through him . He looked away , jaw tightening as he fought to steady himself . " Drive faster , " Marco muttered to the driver , his voice strained , low . Delilah leaned back , still smiling , her confidence growing . She'd seen the flicker of surprise in his eyes , felt the subtle shift . For the first time , she had him off - balance , and it was a feeling she intended to savor . 120