Bound By Blood
Isabella Marino has spent her life toeing the line between duty and desire, torn between her family’s expectations and her dream of freedom. When her father arranges her marriage to Leonard Ricci, the most powerful and ruthless mafia boss in Italy, she’s thrust into a world of power, violence, and deception. She knows Leonard’s reputation—a man feared by his enemies, respected by his allies, and untouchable in the criminal underworld.
But as their marriage forces them into each other’s lives, Isabella soon discovers the man behind the ruthless façade—a man scarred by betrayal, driven by loyalty, and desperate to protect the empire he’s built. In the shadowy world of mafia politics, where trust is a rare commodity and enemies lurk at every corner, Isabella and Leonard must navigate a dangerous game of power and survival.
As secrets unravel and bloodlines are tested, Isabella faces an impossible choice: follow her heart and risk everything, or remain loyal to a family that sees her as a pawn in their game. But Leonard has his own battles to fight, and in a world where love is a dangerous weakness, the only thing more treacherous than their enemies is the growing connection between them.
Power. Betrayal. Love. When the stakes are life or death, can two souls caught in the crossfire find a way to save each other, or will they be torn apart by the very forces that brought them together?
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Chapter: Chapter 5: I Will Find YouI could feel the weight of it all as soon as I entered the restaurant. The sound of glasses clinking and soft conversation blended with the aroma of roasted garlic and herbs. It was meant to be familiar and reassuring. But it felt like a prison tonight. The shiver that was creeping up my spine was too strong for the cozy glow of the candlelight.I saw Leonardo already seated at the table with my father. Wearing his typical fitted suit, my father appeared very relaxed, as though this were just another informal family meal. He took a slow, peaceful sip of his wine. However, Leonardo was another matter.He sat there like a king on his throne, exuding power in every subtle movement. He didn’t have to say a word, but his presence alone commanded the room. The waiters even appeared to be more careful around him, as if they were worried about taking a wrong step. The whole place seemed to give way to his will. With every step becoming more difficult, I forced myself to move in the direction
Last Updated: 2024-10-27
Chapter: Chapter 4:Rebel?I watched the steam rise from my unfinished cappuccino while I sat in the rear of the café. The outside world seems so typical. People were passing by, having fun, and going about their daily lives as if nothing had happened. As if they weren't stuck in a nightmare from which they couldn't escape.As though I wasn't.Gia was eyeing me with that expression in her eyes as she swirled her drink across from me. When she sensed I was going to break, she always had the one.She crossed her arms and leaned back in her chair, saying, "Spill it." "You're suppressing something, and I won't let you go until you tell me what's happening."With a sigh, I combed through my hair. Even though the sun was streaming through the café windows and giving everything a lovely glow, it didn't make the pit in my stomach go away.What was I meant to say about this? How could I explain something to her that even I found difficult to comprehend?With a sour tone, I blurted out, "I'm getting married."Gia blinked
Last Updated: 2024-10-27
Chapter: Chapter 3:Sleepless NightAs requested, I spent the night in Ricci's residence.I didn't get any sleep.Not even a second.One of the anonymous men in black suits led me to a guest room after I left the study, but the term "guest room" seemed a joke. It resembled a prison cell more than anything else, complete with polished wood and silk blankets. I remained there for what seemed like hours, gazing out the window into the wide, icy blackness outside the estate walls, as the door clicked shut behind me.The sensation of his eyes on me persisted. Leonardo had already gauged my value based on the way he had regarded me. As if I were a piece in whatever perverse game he was engaged in.Perhaps I was.I was startled out of my reverie by a knock on the door. I whirled, anticipating one of Leonardo's goons, or worse, Leonardo himself, and my heart jumped into my throat. But it was a woman when the door opened. Her dark hair had silver strands, and her eyes were keen and perceptive; she was older, perhaps in her fifti
Last Updated: 2024-10-27
Chapter: Chapter 2:Twisted MomentIt was a stuffy vehicle ride.My hands were gripping the leather so firmly that my knuckles were getting white as I sat in the backseat. Roberto, my father's driver, seemed to sense the tempest building within of me as he silently kept his eyes forward. Florence, the lovely city where I had grown up, seemed strange to me as I watched the streets go by in a whirl of color, like a cage closing in around me.My thoughts were so loud that I could hardly hear him over everything else. Next day. Leonardo Ricci and I are meeting tomorrow.My gut twisted at the thought. I had only heard rumors and whispers about him, never really seeing him in person. brutality, deceit, and aggression. With an iron grip, he oversaw his kingdom, and now I was going to be bound to him for the remainder of my days.As the automobile drove down a long, winding road and approached the gates of a massive estate that loomed in the distance, my heart beat in my chest. My breathing became labored. That was it. Ricci's
Last Updated: 2024-10-27
Chapter: Chapter 1:Indecent ProposalMy footsteps reverberated throughout the quiet hall as I ran my fingers over the cold iron railing. I had trembling fingers. The lavender scent of the air was a far cry from the fear that was rising inside of me. Important always meant terrible in my household when my father called me to his office—he never called unless absolutely necessary. I had a feeling something wasn't right.The last time I was called, it was to let me know that my older brother, Dante, was being sent to America. And just like that, he was gone. I haven't seen him since.Then it was my turn.My heart hammered so loudly that I could barely hear my own thoughts as I stared at the heavy oak door. I was aware in my heart that I had no idea what was waiting for me on the other side, but I had a gut feeling that something negative was there. I prepared myself and knocked, barely creating a sound that was more than a whisper in the silence.The cold, commanding voice inside said, "Entra."I swung and shoved the door o
Last Updated: 2024-10-27
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