Taming the Devil

By Amelie Vesper

Taming the Devil

He lost his soul to vengeance. She was sold to the devil himself.
Neither expected to find salvation in each other's darkness.

Rodolfo is the most feared mafia boss in the city—cold, ruthless, and untouchable. After losing his wife in the most brutal way imaginable, love became his greatest enemy. He built an empire on blood and control, burying his heart beneath layers of rage and power.

But everything changes the moment Beatriz is thrown into his world.
Broken, terrified, yet defiant, Beatriz is forced into a deal that steals her freedom. Her brother's betrayal sells her to the very man people call the Devil. She should hate him. She should run. Instead, her heart begins to beat for the monster who owns her.

In his darkness, she finds a strange kind of light.
In her defiance, he rediscovers what it means to feel.

But loving the Devil comes with a price—and some hearts aren't meant to be saved.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Amelie Vesper
• Release date: Nov 4, 2025
• ISBN: 9798232321154

Amelie Vesper

Amelie Vesper crafts dark romance, suspense, and thrillers that explore obsession, danger, and forbidden desires. Her gripping stories pull readers into shadowy worlds where passion burns, secrets unravel, and nothing is ever as it seems—perfect for those who crave the darker side of love.

Book preview

PROLOGUE

Beatriz Moretti

WHEN I WAS FIFTEEN, I witnessed something terrible. It was a day like any other, following the same worn-out routine: my older brother Robert would drop me off at school, then try to scrounge up odd jobs to help our parents make ends meet.

My father was always drunk or high, which explained his violent outbursts toward my mother.

Often, when he’d get angry at something I’d done, it was my mother and Robert who bore the consequences, because they wouldn’t let him lay a hand on me.

Every cent he could get his hands on went to booze and drugs. He’d even sold off what little we had in the house to pay off his debts at the drug den.

That morning was one of those days. He stumbled in at dawn, wasted and strung out, muttering crazy things like, They’re coming. We ignored him and left for school on foot. Sometimes I’d run ahead of my brother. When we got there, I said goodbye, and he went off to whatever little job he’d found for the day.

School was as boring as ever, and when the final bell rang, I ran out to catch the bus home. I just never expected that goddamn afternoon would change my life forever.

The moment I stepped off the bus, I heard it—a wrenching scream, then my mother’s voice, raw with desperation, repeating the same phrase over and over: Not her, you can kill me, but no one touches her, neither of them. My breath hitched, my chest tightened, a sob tore from my lips. My eyes burned, and tears streamed down my face.

My curiosity was stronger than my fear. I peered through the corner of the window. My father was being beaten, my mother tied to a chair, and two men were laying into my father even harder.

Then I heard a gunshot and squeezed my eyes shut. My mother’s screams were pure horror.

I was screaming too, but no one could hear me over the sound of hers.

We lived too far from anywhere for anyone to come help.

My mother was being brutally assaulted. The scene was monstrous. Her screams were of terror and utter despair. Her eyes found mine in the window, and then she closed them. I sank down and hugged my knees to my chest.

I heard the sound of cars pulling away and rushed inside. The scene was straight out of a horror film. My father’s body lay in a pool of his own blood. My mother was covered in wounds, deep cuts on her arms and a knife buried in her chest. I threw my arms around her and screamed.

Mommy... You can’t leave me. I clung to her cold body, her lips pale. Come back, Mommy, stay with me. Tears poured down my face; my hands were smeared with her blood. I didn’t hear anything else, and the world went black as Robert’s screams echoed through the room.

I don’t know how long I was out, but when I opened my eyes, everything was spinning. I was in a bedroom. Robert was beside me, his face unable to hide the grief. He leaned closer.

They’re gone, he said, his voice thick.

I saw everything, and I couldn’t do anything, I whispered, clinging to him.

Don’t blame yourself. They left a note. Dad owed them a lot of money for drugs.

Why did he choose that life?

Robert stayed with me until I calmed down.

The doctor released me, and by late afternoon, we were at our parents’ funeral. The grief and the fear were paralyzing. For a moment, it all came rushing back: the look of agony, the screams. My legs gave way, and I collapsed to my knees before the freshly covered grave.

I screamed and I cried. It felt like my soul was being shredded by a crushing pain. My brother gathered me in his arms and carried me to the taxi.

He decided we were moving, and I didn’t question it for a second. He rented a house closer to the city center, and that’s where we started over.

The first months of grief were crushing. I was just surviving. Panic was my constant companion. The image of my mother, brutalized and bloodied, wouldn’t let me sleep.

The memories terrified me, and I fought the fear alone. Whenever I dozed off, that damned scene would flash behind my eyes, stealing the very air from my lungs.

CHAPTER 1

Beatriz Moretti

THREE YEARS HAD PASSED, and in that time, everything changed. I can’t forget the painful memories I carry with me; the nightmares continue.

Robert had changed completely, and I rarely saw him.

He was drowning himself in drink, and I suspected he might be going down the same road as our parents, using drugs.

I studied and worked at a market in my free time. When I got home, my brother was pacing back and forth, visibly nervous and reeking of booze, which was awful. As soon as I walked in, he stared me down.

I need cash! he said impatiently.

I don’t have any. Your eyes are red, and I know you’ve been smoking that shit. My throat tightened. Robert, when are you going to quit this life? You’re going to end up just like our parents.

Fuck off, leave my life alone! I’ll do whatever the fuck I want in this shithole. He raised his voice. You need to mind your own fucking business and stay out of mine. The decisions I’ve made have consequences, but I’m the only one who’ll suffer them.

I went to the kitchen, and when I came back, I felt something strange. I noticed a strong smell and someone putting something over my nose, and then I lost consciousness.

Robert Moretti

AFTER WITNESSING THE horrific scene of my dead parents, it wasn’t easy to pull myself together, because I was still so young.

I had to move houses and take on responsibility for my sister, who now depended solely on me as her only family.

The first few months were hard, especially when my sister had terrible nightmares about everything she’d seen.

I had to work more to make sure she didn’t go without, but that life was becoming exhausting.

The jobs I could get never lasted long; I always ended up getting fired.

Three years passed, each one harder than the last, and my one job wasn’t enough to cover our expenses.

I wanted to enjoy life, not be stuck in a job that gave me no time for anything.

One night when I went out to have fun, some acquaintances at the place offered me drugs, and I accepted without thinking much. I wanted to understand why my father had fallen into that life, the one that ended up destroying our family on that cursed night.

I smoked the first one and wanted more and more, starting to buy regularly. Nothing went better with it than a drink, feeling the alcohol burn my throat.

My money only stretched far enough for drugs and booze.

Often, when I got home, my sister was awake, and we’d fight, but I didn’t care about her opinion. The addiction became my only sustenance; on days without money, I had to sell something to feed my need for the drug.

The household bills were overdue, and the little Beatriz earned was only enough for her.

The guy who supplied me with drugs was demanding payment on a steep debt I’d racked up.

I needed to find a way out, to pay that debt and get more drugs.

Today, I’d only smoked one, and I was restless.

Taking advantage of my sister not being home, I rummaged through her things but found nothing of value, let alone money.

I went down to the living room and stayed there, the hours ticking by with no sign of her.

My phone got a notification from a guy I knew. I opened the message immediately because it looked interesting.

Message:

You can get all the money you need for your problems. If you don’t pay tomorrow, you’ll end up in the same place as your parents.

Use your sister’s sweet ass, that girl is nothing but trouble for you.

I thought for a moment and replied.

My sister doesn’t have cash. She’s just been stressing me out these last few days."

I urgently needed drugs, but how to get them? Another message arrived right away.

Message:

Sell your sister. If she’s a virgin, it’ll solve all your problems. I know a brothel owner who’ll pay top dollar for a pretty young thing like her, untouched.

I don’t know why this deal interested me. I’d have money to solve all my problems, and I wouldn’t have her bitching about my choices anymore.

Send the number, I’ll talk to him. If it’s a good offer, I’ll accept and we’ll solve my problem for good.

He replied.

It’s not that easy. I want 10% of what you get. If you accept my cut, I’ll give you the number.

I knew this guy wanted something in return, because nothing comes for free.

Fine, I accept. Now stop fucking around and send the number. Wait for me on the corner by my house. When my sister goes in, you can block the front. If necessary, we’ll take her tonight.

I got the number and texted immediately. I needed to be smart and fast. The brothel guy asked for a picture of her. I knew she’d never been touched by a man, she had no friends and didn’t spend much time outside the house. The guy liked what he saw and offered me more money than I’d imagined. I smiled because I’d finally be rid of my problems. The brothel was located in another country. He said his team would come pick up the merchandise at a specific spot and bring my money. We closed the deal, and I sat there, irritated, waiting for my sister to arrive.

The door opened, and she stared at me. I wanted money and, as usual, she refused. Said she wasn’t going to fund my habits. She went to the kitchen, and when she came back, I surprised her, covering her nose with a cloth soaked in liquid, making her pass out in my arms.

I picked her up, and my guy opened the door for me. I put her in the passenger seat and got in the driver’s side.

Let’s go, they gave us half an hour to be at the spot.

Alright, we’re here. Knew you wouldn’t think twice about solving your problems." Otávio spoke while driving.

It was either her or me. Better to get rid of her.

The whole drive was made in silence. It took a few minutes, and we arrived at the abandoned airport, where a private jet was waiting. A guy came toward us when the car stopped and he tapped on the window.

You got the merchandise? the soldier asked me.

Got it, she’s in the passenger seat.

Here’s the payment Mr. Smith sent. He handed me the briefcase. I opened it and checked, rifling through all the bills. I didn’t want to get screwed over. You can take her. I unlocked the door.

He picked her up, and they went to the jet, which took off right after, and we went to my house. I needed to settle my debts.

Beatriz Moretti

I WOKE UP FEELING MY head throbbing, opened my eyes, and everything started to spin.

I didn’t know what had happened, I only remembered that after the argument with my brother, I went to the kitchen for water. And when I came back, I felt something on my nose and lost consciousness.

I sat up and realized I was in a dark room I didn’t recognize.

I got up and went to the door, but it was locked. Fear and despair took hold of me. I pounded on the door and screamed.

Help! Get me out of here! Someone, please! I shouted, banging on the door, but no one came.

The window was small, and the light outside barely illuminated the room. The door opened and a complete stranger walked in. I ran and sat on the bed, hugging my legs. He looked over my entire body with a penetrating gaze.

Good, you’re awake. I believe you already know why you’re here and what happened.

I won’t be here long. My brother will come looking for me. I said, with an ironic smile.

How would he come find you when he’s the one who sold you? he said, and I couldn’t believe the cruelty of my own brother.

No, he didn’t do that! He tossed me a phone so I could see.

Read it and see. I picked up the device with trembling hands, not wanting to believe. Tears streamed down my face. No, this is a lie! I screamed, throwing the phone against the wall. The man stared at me.

He looked into my eyes and gripped my chin hard, making me whimper in pain. He brought his face close to my neck, I shrank back in fear as his body shuddered.

Do you know what’s going to happen to you? he whispered, sliding his tongue along my neck, making me nauseous with his closeness.

You’re going to become the worst whore in my brothel, you’ll be used by all kinds of men. You’ll be worse than an animal.

So get ready, you’ll have clients tomorrow.

He let go of my chin and slid his hands up my thigh. I don’t know if I’ll be the first to fuck you, but I’m dying to feel that virgin cunt squeezing my cock. And I can still make money, I have important clients who’d love to fuck a virgin. He said, squeezing my thigh.

Let me go! I said, my voice choked.

I’ll be around. Wait until tomorrow night, when you’ll have your first clients. He left the room with the phone in pieces.

I lay on the bed and cried uncontrollably, thinking how my brother could do this to me. He’d become someone I didn’t recognize, worse than my father.

As wrong as my father was, he would never have done something like this to either of us.

I still didn’t understand why my parents had to die in such a tragic way.

And the person who was supposed to love me did this to me. My only family now was just a man consumed by drug and drink addiction, willing to sell his own sister to feed his habits. My sobs echoed through the room.

An older woman came to bring me food and clean clothes, but I wasn’t hungry and didn’t touch the food.

I went to the small bathroom and faced my reflection. My face was swollen from crying. I promised myself no man would touch me, but I didn’t know how I’d get out of here tomorrow, when I had the chance.

I took a quick shower, letting my tears mix with the icy water. I stood there as long as I needed to feel the cold, because the cold had become my refuge. I preferred the pain of the chill to ease the pain I felt in my body and my heart.

I got out of the bathroom and got dressed, hugging my own body. I tried to sleep, but the nightmares came to my mind. I saw my mother being abused and then their bodies on the floor, in their own blood.

CHAPTER 2

Rodolfo Dmitriev

I AM KNOWN AS THE MOST bloodthirsty man of our age. I kill without mercy and I don’t like explanations. Everyone gets the worst of me. The only person who ever knew a completely different version was my wife. For her, I became the best man I could be; I changed completely to be worthy of her in my life. She was always a devoted wife and loved our family. The arrival of our first heir multiplied our joy. Our family was a kingdom of love and understanding.

But one day, everything changed in a fraction of a second. I was on a business trip when I saw my world drain of color: my wife had been kidnapped. By my worst enemy—an abuser of women and children. I was blinded, and a fury grew inside me at the knowledge that someone had betrayed me this way. We returned immediately to our headquarters, dropping everything, and began a relentless search for my woman. Nothing. No trace. It drove me mad, having no news of her, wanting to kill every son of a bitch who came to tell me there was still no sign.

We searched for a month. I was not the same man; hatred consumed me day after day. My son missed his mother, crying constantly, running emotional fevers. I was psychologically and mentally exhausted, on the verge of snapping at any moment. I put the entire organization on the hunt for my wife. I was surviving for my son and for the hope of finding her one day. I killed every one who dared betray me, one by one.

Then, one day, the best news: they’d found a lead on the damned abuser. Fear gripped me, thinking what that son of a bitch would do to my woman. Unfortunately, I didn’t arrive in time to prevent the worst. The scene still hurts my soul; I’d give everything to have her here with me. After her death, I am merely surviving. I became the worst man of all. I kill without mercy and spend little time at home. I dedicated myself solely to becoming the most feared mafioso in the country.

I’m here in my office at this very moment. As always, my company is a bottle of strong whisky. I haven’t known what it is to sleep at night for a long time. The damned memories torment me again, and a suffocating tightness in my chest leaves me breathless. Tears streamed down my face as the memories invaded my mind once more, while I tipped another liter of whisky into my mouth.

My vision was blurred, and I felt the hot tears running down my face. That feeling of emptiness, the intense sadness, but at the same time, rage dominated me.

It was my fault. All of it was my fault. Why didn’t I get there sooner? Why couldn’t I stop this hell? My thoughts screamed. And even though she said it wasn’t my fault, nothing could convince me otherwise.

I close my eyes and see the damned scene again.

And I let the tears fall, trying to tear that damned pain from my chest. Why didn’t I kill him?

Her face was bathed in tears, while that son of a bitch held her by the hair with a knife to her throat.

The scene was horrible to behold. My wife was completely naked. A trail of blood ran down her legs, and her body was covered in bruises.

But even then, she was still smiling. She still had that smile on her face, despite the profound pain I knew she was feeling.

Her gaze held tenderness and passion.

It’s going to be okay, she said, her voice completely broken. I love you, Rodolfo, and I love our son.

SHUT THE FUCK UP OR I’LL KILL YOU, YOU HELL-BOUND WHORE! he screamed in her ear, making her close her eyes and release a sob.

I’m going to kill you, you son of a bitch. I’m going to end your life, you damned bastard. Let go of my wife, I said, aiming my gun at him.

Shoot, Don. Go ahead, shoot, he said and laughed. If you do that, you’ll kill her too. And you’ll remember that her blood is on your hands, he said.

None of this is your fault, my love, she said, and I saw her face bathed in tears. I will love you for all eternity. I will love you forever, and our son.

Mirella, I whispered her name.

I TOLD YOU TO SHUT UP!

Promise me you’ll protect him. Promise me you’ll move forward and find someone who will love you and love him as I do, she said, and my desire to kill that wretched bastard grew. Promise me you won’t lose yourself, my love.

LET HER GO NOW, YOU SON OF A BITCH, OR I’LL KILL YOU! I shouted, feeling the anger and desperation take hold of me.

It doesn’t matter what happens. I’m going to die anyway, he said and smiled. So I’ll take her with me!

Rodolfo, please, promise me, she said, and I could see in her eyes that she needed to hear it.

I promise, my love, I said, even though I knew if I lost her, I would lose myself.

You will pay for everything, Don Rodolfo, he said, and drew the knife across Mirella’s throat, cutting slowly while she smiled at me, even with her eyes full of tears.

And. I love you. Those were her last words.

NOOO! I screamed, and before I could kill the son of a bitch, he plunged the knife into his own neck, letting my wife’s body fall to the ground. I ran to her, gathering her body in my arms. PLEASE! I screamed in despair. You can’t leave me, YOU CAN’T LEAVE ME, MI, PLEASE, MY LOVE, OUR STORY CAN’T END LIKE THIS, LOVE! I cried as I had never cried before. The pain was profound, hurting as if it were tearing my chest and my soul apart. I’d rather go in your place, please, don’t abandon me.

I promised her I would move forward. But how do you do that without her by your side? When even the simplest things reminded me of her and her smile full of light.

I avenged her death. I tortured everyone involved, one by one, slowly, without a single drop of mercy.

They took from me the person I loved most. They took my light, leaving me in darkness. Someone who didn’t deserve to go through what she went through.

AFTER DRINKING NEARLY two bottles of whisky, I stood up, feeling my head heavy. I put everything away and headed home. It was already night, and everything was silent.

I went up to my room, took off my clothes, and went to the bathroom. I stepped under the shower with the water on cold, relaxing my tense body. I finished, put on only a pair of sweatpants, and went to my son’s room.

He slept peacefully, clutching his blanket. I ran my hand over his small face, left a kiss on his head, and left the room in silence.

I returned to my room, threw myself on the bed, fell asleep, and woke in the early hours with the usual nightmares. I lay in bed, tossing and turning, unable to sleep. I sat up, ran my hands through my hair, and went to the bathroom. I was sweaty from the desperation of the nightmares. I splashed warm water on my face and finished my personal hygiene.

I got dressed and went down to my office. I worked and watched the day dawn once again.

My phone rang, and I saw it was my sister calling on video.

Call On.

What’s up, brat? I called her by the nickname she hates.

Ugh, don’t start. But tell me, how’s my baby over there? she asked with a smile on her lips.

He’s fine. Smarter every day.

Ah, good. That relieves me.

And when are you coming? You know there’s a contract to fulfill. I gave my word that you would marry him on the night he saved you. She sighed heavily and stared at me. Pedro is a good man. I’d trust my life in his hands. That’s why I’m trusting you, who are one of the precious people in my life. I spoke and took a sip of whisky.

I know your word can’t be broken. And yes, I’ll come, so as not to devalue you in front of everyone. If you decided this, I have no reason to question it. At least my future husband is handsome. She let out a laugh and put on a smile. But I’ll only come when you arrange everything. I’ll be there on the day.

I have some pending matters to resolve. As soon as I finish, I’ll schedule the wedding ceremony for you. I’ve already had the house on the property prepared.

Thanks, little brother. And you, when are you going to start living again? I know it’s only been six months since your loss, but remember, Ryan needs maternal affection and a good mother’s embrace.

Worst of all, my sister was right.

It’s not in my plans to put any woman by my side right now. I closed my eyes. The image of Ryan and his mother invaded my mind, their perfect laughter. I looked back at my sister. How’s Mom?

She’s fine, anxious for us to go and ease the longing for her grandson. But now I’m going out with her.

Annah, take care of yourselves. I don’t want you running risks out there, I said, worried, especially since my mother wanted to live in another country.

Don’t worry, little brother. With this army of soldiers that walks with us here, no one dares to look at us. Kiss, I love you both, and give a kiss on the fat cheek of my baby.

Take care. Call me if anything happens.

Call Off.

After the call, I went to have my breakfast.

As I was finishing, Joana came down with Ryan, already bathed.

She handed him to me for a moment while she went to the kitchen to prepare his bottle.

I stayed with him, who made noises trying to speak without knowing how and played with his little hands. She returned and took him, and I left a kiss on his forehead and left the house.

My men were already waiting for me.

I got into a black SUV, and we went to the mafia headquarters.

On the way, I paid attention at every moment until I realized we were being followed.

Soon I felt the first shot hit our car’s tire. My soldier stopped, and we began an exchange of gunfire.

I got out of the car and tried to leave one of them alive. Through a moment of carelessness, I felt someone behind me and turned slowly, striking the unfortunate man, making his weapon fly away. I hit him on the head with my gun, knocking him unconscious. I looked around; everyone was dead, except the damned one I left alive for information.

Let’s go to the headquarters and leave this wretch in the warehouse. I’ll visit him later, I said, getting into the car.

We proceeded to the headquarters, and when we arrived, my men took him to the warehouse.

I went to my office, poured a strong dose of whisky, and felt my throat burn from the amber liquid. I took a deep breath and went to the training area.

Pedro was on the mat. I entered, put on my gloves, and we began a hand-to-hand fight. I took a few hits, but I also landed some on him. We finished and sat down.

When are you going to visit your guest? he asked.

I’m going now. I almost forgot: my sister will come when you expedite the contract paperwork and we have a date set to formalize the agreement.

Don’t worry about that, man. Are you working late tonight?

No, after I leave here, I’m going to the usual place. I need to relieve some tension, and I was invited to an auction happening there today with new merchandise. If I’m not mistaken, they’re auctioning a night with a virgin. But you know I don’t like virgins; I prefer the more experienced ones, I said with irony.

May your night be eventful.

Let’s go to the warehouse. I need to see if I can get information on who’s behind this attack, I said, standing up, and we headed to the warehouse.

WE ENTERED THE WAREHOUSE. The wretch was sitting on a chair, bound in chains that held his hands and feet. As soon as I entered, the unfortunate man stared at me. I picked up a knife and approached him.

Let’s have a little fun, I said, driving my knife into his thigh, making him hiss in pain. I’ll keep your tongue in your mouth because I need answers. Later, you’ll beg to die.

I will never betray my boss. If there’s one thing I’ve learned in this life, it’s to be loyal to my own, he said, staring at me. "So, you bastard, you can