Novels by Beth P. Monasterio

CHIARA P.O.VMy steps echoed through the room, a constant drumming fueled by fear. A lone table lamp wouldn't be enough the next time I faced Aldo. I need something more, something that will give me a chance to protect myself once again.Suddenly, a deafening sound reverberates throughout the building, and the ground beneath my feet trembles. The explosion resonates in my chest, and my heart beats intensely. Wolfgang? The mere thought of losing him paralyzes me. Tears blur my vision as my mind fills with fears. But I can't allow this wave of panic to sweep me away.I run towards the nearest table, trying to find shelter underneath it. My heart beats so loudly that I feel it's going to burst out of my chest. "No, not again," I repeat to myself, but the betraying tears persist. I can't afford to fall apart now.The door swings open, and Aldo's mocking voice cuts through the air, the certainty of his presence filling me with terror. How did he find me so quickly and amidst the explosion?

WOLFGANG P.O.VSeparating from Chiara, even for a moment, unleashes a whirlwind of emotions within me. I watch as Aldo takes her away, her figure disappearing down the hallway, and desperation consumes me. I shouldn't have let this happen, we shouldn't have separated. For a moment, I think about my decision to let Chiara come along as well, and I fear that my thirst for revenge is stronger than what I feel for her.But I know it's not true, my feelings for her are intense, deeper than I ever imagined possible, and that's why I allowed it, I want her to feel that with me she can be free to make whatever decisions she wants, that she's no longer and will never be imprisoned again. So, even though every step I take in the opposite direction of her is a stab of helplessness, and it torments me not to be by her side at this moment, protecting her, making sure she's safe, I remember that this is our battle, not just mine. I trust Hans and the plan we've devised.I promised to free Chiara fr

CHIARA P.O.VI thought I was going to have a heart attack during that infernal minute I shared with my uncle in the elevator up to the 7th floor. Then Aldo drags me through the intricate network of hallways, and meanwhile, I try not to think that every step takes me further away from Wolfgang and the safety he represents. Walking under Aldo's control was like reliving my worst nightmares all over again. The feeling of being trapped, at the mercy of my uncle, of not being able to speak up again, plunged me into silent despair. Suddenly, separating from Wolfgang felt like they were extinguishing the spark of hope that had given me back my voice, and now I felt almost literally mute again.Fear is making me reconsider whether I'm really capable of enduring this without breaking down again."You look better than before," Aldo comments, irony lacing his voice. "Wolfgang seems to feed his hostages well. I guess that's your little power, your breasts and your body, men desire you and you can

CHIARA P.O.VI glance towards Aldo, and beside him, a man with a lecherous gaze whom I don't recognize. A shiver runs down my spine as I recognize the lust in his eyes. The premonition that this man is the one they call Il Lupo makes me feel like vomiting. His greasy hair slicked back, he's tall but lacks muscularity. His suit is white, and he wears a red scarf around his neck, ridiculous for a mafioso. His eyebrows are thin, and his eyelashes are long. Though he looks off, I can sense his evil and dangerous aura.Wolfgang walks with astonishing confidence and assurance, as if he's playing the role of his life on a stage. For a moment, I question if Wolfgang would really hand me over. Fear starts to play with my mind, but I stop, reminding myself that Wolfgang wouldn't do that. The tension in the air is palpable. I also remind myself that this is a plan.I keep calm, though my hands are trembling. I can't help but wish to cling to Wolfgang for security, but I know that could give away

CHIARA P.O.VI place my hand on Wolfgang's arm, momentarily freezing the anger on his face. It takes him a moment to turn towards me, as if it's difficult for him, but he finally does, lowering his gaze to look at me."What's going on?" I ask, gripping my hands on the lapel of his suit. "I don't want you to lie to me anymore. I don't want anyone to lie to me anymore."Wolfgang looks towards Hans and Blaz, orders something in German, and they step out onto the balcony, leaving us alone."What should I do?" I inquire."They want me to let you go alone with Aldo if the opportunity arises. You'd have an earpiece and microphone to communicate with us, since you can speak. They believe Aldo and Il Lupo wouldn't suspect anything if I agree to let you separate from me, and that would give Hans and the others more time."I do my best to appear unfazed outwardly, even though inside I've already started to hyperventilate."If it's necessary, I can do it."Wolfgang frowns. "No. Look at yourself,

WOLFGANG P.O.VThe water cascades over my skin, and I have Chiara against the tiled wall, her soft voice releasing moans that drive me even wilder. I still couldn't believe she had regained her voice at such an unexpected moment. If I had known earlier, I would have proposed to her a long time ago because I know I've always wanted her for myself, but the man of flesh and bone that I still have in me wanted her to truly want that too.I didn't know what to expect from this change in our plan to confront Aldo tonight, how it would transform her personality, or if she would remain the same. What I didn't expect was the deep impact it would have on me. Every word that escaped her precious lips awakened in me an obsession, a dangerous and animalistic desire. I hadn't been warned about this, about how every time I heard her speak, I would feel my blood boil and my soul ignite. Any man who dared to look at her or simply stop to listen to her during our walk triggered an uncontrollable fury w