Novels by Dainne

I get a wave of uneasiness as soon as the message is sent. My chest is filled with a profound sensation of fear, and my heart is pounding. We've started a risky strategy, and I can't get rid of the sensation that we've made a grave error.Marco looks at me with an unreadable expression. "It's finished," he murmurs. "We wait now."I nod, but my thoughts are whirling. The rival family has consistently been erratic, even cruel. We just gave them a chunk of our city and our lives, and we have no idea what they will do with it.I keep thinking about Sofia's words: They're going to exploit the instability and leave us with nothing.I look at Marco, who is already thinking deeply and perhaps preparing his next move. I can't help but wonder whether he's in over his head this time, even though he's typically so focused and dedicated.Marco breaks the stillness with, "We'll get through this." "We must."I nod, but my chest still aches from the fear. At what price is the alliance sealed? Doubt w

The coffee abruptly becomes sour in my throat, and I feel my stomach turn. "Cut the city in half?" I say it again, hardly raising my voice above a whisper. "That's Marco, that's too much. We are unable to provide them with that.He stretches his fingers through his hair and exhales deeply in frustration. "I understand. However, we require their assistance. We will never be able to defeat Gianni without them.I examine him, looking for any hint of uncertainty or weakness in his commitment. Marco, however, remains steadfast, his eyes steely and unforgiving. I'm afraid that he has already made up his mind."However, half the city..." I repeat, my voice faltering. "It's all of that."Even though Marco remains silent, our quiet is sufficient. I understand his thoughts. We've been driven to the limit by this conflict with Gianni, and now we have to make hard decisions. But accepting this? Giving a family we can't trust half of everything we've fought so hard for? Everything we have battled

Marco takes a while to reply. His face is fixed in that unreadable expression he always has when he's pondering, and he's also staring at the ceiling. He sighs after a moment. "We had no other option. Gianni made us hold his hand.I shake my head, a feeling of frustration rising within me. However, Marco, things didn't have to be this way. For months, we have been hiding, battling, and running. I have lost any sense of what we are fighting for.His voice is sharper now as he says, "Francesca, we're fighting for survival." His eyes are harsh as he turns to face me. "Gianni is determined to get what he wants, and he wants me dead." It's no longer just about us. It all comes down to survival.With each syllable, I sense the gap between us widening. "How about us? What about all of our experiences? This conflict cannot cost me you.For a little moment, he becomes softer and reaches for my hand. "I won't leave you. I swear. Even though his comments are supposed to be consoling, they seem h

At last, he turns, his eyes dark and roiling with an inexplicable tempest of emotions. "We continue to battle. Gianni is unstoppable. Until one of us passes away, no."With my heart racing, I take a step closer. "And if it’s you?"Marco clenches his jaw. "It won’t be."Despite the destruction all around us, I want to believe him. "This war... it’s going to destroy everything, isn’t it?"His quiet is sufficient even when he doesn't respond.Luca approaches us with a grim expression on his face. "We must reorganize. They will return.Marco nods while continuing to gaze at the debris. "Yes. And we'll be prepared the next time."The impact of what he said becomes apparent. This is just the start. And I'm in the midst of it all.I'm caught in the middle of the conflict between Marco and Gianni, which has officially started. I have no idea what's going to happen next, and there's no going back now. I can only hope Marco is correct and that we will survive in the future.Hours after the atta

I draw away from him and shake my head. However, what if you are unable to stop it? Marco, you are not in charge of everything.The strain radiates from him as he clenches his jaw. "I must."His remarks are like a punch to the gut. Even though he knows it might not be enough, he is carrying the weight of keeping us all safe.Scene Two: An Unexpected AssaultMy restlessness is still bothering me as I toss in bed later that night. Although there is silence in the home, my anxious thoughts are loud. I'm about to fall asleep when...Break!One sound slashes through the darkness, then another.Fire.My heart is pounding as I sit straight upright. "Marco!"I scurry out of bed when I hear the shouting coming from downstairs. I run to the window and pull back the curtain. Men with guns pour into the yard."Oh my God." My breath catches. It's happening.With my heart thumping in my ears, I fling open the door and dash down the stairs. I make it to the hallway when Luca, clad in filth and brand

Sofia doesn’t move. Her expression remains calm, her voice steady as she replies. “What we want is simple. We want Gianni out of the picture before he damages all we’ve built.” “And what happens after that?” the younger man says, his tone scornful. “You expect us to just shake hands and walk away? You think we’re that naïve?” The room goes silent, and I can feel the weight of his words weighing down on us. He’s not incorrect. Even if we manage to take Gianni out, there’s no certainty this union will hold. Trust is delicate in our society, and relationships may shatter in an instant. The elder guy narrows his gaze, watching us in quiet. The tension is oppressive, and I can feel my hands trembling in my lap. I tighten fingers into fists, attempting to stabilize myself, but the weight of the moment is crushing. “I’ll be honest,” the elder guy says after what seems like an eternity. “I don’t trust you. But I also don’t trust Gianni. And maybe that’s enough for now.” His words are lik