Alessia's Pov The first thing I felt was a dull, pounding headache.I groaned, turning over in the bed, my body still heavy with sleep. My mouth was dry, and my limbs felt weak, but something felt… off.I blinked a few times, my vision adjusting to the dim light filtering through the curtains. My mind was slow to catch up, memories scattered like puzzle pieces waiting to be put back together.And then it hit me.Luca.The bar. The drunken rambling. Vomiting on him. Him carrying me back to my room. The warmth of his arms. The way he had helped me wash up, dressed me, tucked me in. And then—I sat up abruptly, my heart hammering.Dis we really have sex?I touched my body instinctively, heat rushing to my face. It had felt real—too real. But now, with the morning light casting shadows over the room, doubt crept in.Had it been the alcohol playing tricks on me?I looked around the room, expecting to see him somewhere, maybe sitting in the chair across from the bed or leaning ag
Alessia's Pov The ceremony was nearing its final moments, each word of the priest’s blessing washing over me like a distant hum. My hands felt clammy in Andrea’s grip, my heart hammering so loudly I was sure the guests could hear it.I wasn’t even listening anymore.I was drowning in a sea of thoughts—of Luca, of last night, of the strange way Sophia had whispered that she needed to step out for fresh air just moments ago.Something was wrong.The air around me felt too still, as if the world itself was holding its breath, waiting for something to break.And then it did.A loud crash from the back of the hall shattered the silence.Heads turned. Murmurs erupted.And then, a voice—sharp and laced with rage—cut through the air like a blade."You!"I barely had time to process what was happening before a woman stormed into the venue, her heels clicking furiously against the marble floor. Her dark hair was slightly disheveled, her expensive gown wrinkled as if she had been runn
Alessia's Pov The air in the grand hall was thick with tension, the hushed whispers of the guests rippling like an incoming storm. Elena’s dramatic outburst had already shaken the foundation of the event, but just as I thought things might settle, another disturbance was brewing.From the center of the crowd, a man—tall, with streaks of silver in his hair and a sharp, authoritative gaze—stood abruptly. His voice carried through the hall, commanding immediate attention."This farce has gone on long enough!" he declared, his tone laced with anger and conviction. "Madam Claudia is no longer fit to lead. This entire operation has turned into chaos under her rule!"Murmurs of agreement spread like wildfire. The guests, who had been silently processing the recent turn of events, now had something to latch onto—something tangible.The man took a few steps forward, his confidence unwavering. "Think about it—under Madam Claudia’s reign, we’ve suffered unnecessary losses. Betrayal has fest
Alessia's Pov The moment I stepped into my room, I slammed the door shut behind me, leaning against it as I struggled to breathe. My chest felt tight, my mind spinning.Sophia.Sophia was Madam Claudia.How? How?I let out a harsh, shaky breath, pacing the length of my room. My fists clenched at my sides as I tried to piece together the impossible truth. It didn’t make sense. It didn’t align with anything I knew about her.Sophia—my Sophia—had been poor. She had come to me desperate for a job, practically begging at Marcello’s bar. She had been struggling, scraping by. And now I was supposed to believe she was the woman who had been pulling all the strings from behind a mask? The woman who had orchestrated everything, controlled everyone?I let out a bitter laugh, but it was hollow.I wanted to believe that I was mistaken, that I was seeing things. Maybe I was still drunk, still disoriented from everything that had happened. Maybe the chaos in the hall had clouded my judgment.
Alessia's PovThe man in the cheap suit smirked at me as he slid a crumpled bill across the counter, his eyes lingering far too long on my chest. I could barely resist the urge to shove it back at him."Keep the change, Alessia", he drawled, his grin crooked and irritatingly self assured.I stared at the greedy bill like it might catch fire. " Change? This isn't even enough to pay for the damn coffee"His smile flattered. " What did you just say?" "You heard me" , I shot back, crossing my arms " Next time try tipping the barista instead of ogling her ". The man's face turned red, his smile replaced with a sneer. " You're lucky I'm feeling generous today, sweetheart." " And you're lucky I didn't pour this coffee down your damn throat."The sharp bark of my boss's voice yanked me out of my anger, I turned to see Carlo stomping towards me, his beefy hands balled into fists, his face already blotchy with rage." What the hell is wrong with you!!"I gestured at the man, who was now stom
Alessia's Pov"Alessia!"Marcello’s sharp voice snapped me out of my glare at the two drunk men at the bar. He stormed over, his heavy footsteps echoing against the wooden floor.I still had a bottle clenched in my hand, ready to smash it over someone’s head.Marcello yanked it from my grip. "What the hell are you doing?"I exhaled sharply, ignoring the laughter from the two men who had just grabbed me. "Handling myself," I muttered.Marcello’s jaw clenched. "You’re handling yourself straight into unemployment."I knew I should bite my tongue, but my frustration boiled over. "You saw what happened!" I gestured toward the men, who were still chuckling at the far end of the bar. "They think they can grope me and get away with it."Marcello pinched the bridge of his nose, exhaling. "I get it. But you can’t afford trouble right now. You need this job." His voice softened just a little. "Your mother needs this job."That hit me hard. My stomach twisted, the fight draining out of me.I swal
Luca's povFew hours ago...The bar was dimly lit, creating long shadows as I sat with Rico, a whiskey glass resting in my hand. The air buzzed with low conversations and occasional bursts of laughter, but beneath the noise was something heavier.Tension.This place wasn’t just a bar—it was a breeding ground for whispered deals, hidden threats, and alliances that could crumble with a single wrong move.“They’re bringing in a new guy,” Rico said, leaning in closer. “Matteo Greco. The Claudia family’s latest pet.”I swirled the amber liquid in my glass, unimpressed. “And?”Rico smirked. “And he’s about to be made a picciotto at the upcoming initiation ceremony.”That caught my attention.“They trust him that much already?”“They don’t trust him. They need him.” Rico’s voice lowered. “The Claudias lost too many men this year. Matteo’s efficient. Brutal. He’s earned his place.”I took a slow sip. “So, what’s the plan?”“You’re getting close to him.”I raised a brow. “You want me to be his
Alessia's povI was supposed to be heading home.That’s what I told myself when I left the bar. That’s what I told myself when I turned onto the dimly lit street.But instead of walking straight to my apartment, I found myself here.Outside the Palermo Grand Hotel.Why?Because of him.Luca Romano.I didn’t know why I was curious about him. Maybe it was the way he carried himself, the way Marcello had warned me to stay away.Or maybe it was how he had looked at me in the alley last night—like he knew something I didn’t.Whatever the reason, I was here. And I was about to leave when—Boom.A deep explosion rocked the side of the building. The windows on the third floor shattered, smoke billowing out. The explosion of glass and the shriek of a car alarm. Shards rained down like a deadly confetti, and I stumbled back , my groceries falling to the ground.People screamed, a few ran towards the scene and others away from it. My heart pounded in my chest as I stood frozen, staring at the c
Alessia's Pov The moment I stepped into my room, I slammed the door shut behind me, leaning against it as I struggled to breathe. My chest felt tight, my mind spinning.Sophia.Sophia was Madam Claudia.How? How?I let out a harsh, shaky breath, pacing the length of my room. My fists clenched at my sides as I tried to piece together the impossible truth. It didn’t make sense. It didn’t align with anything I knew about her.Sophia—my Sophia—had been poor. She had come to me desperate for a job, practically begging at Marcello’s bar. She had been struggling, scraping by. And now I was supposed to believe she was the woman who had been pulling all the strings from behind a mask? The woman who had orchestrated everything, controlled everyone?I let out a bitter laugh, but it was hollow.I wanted to believe that I was mistaken, that I was seeing things. Maybe I was still drunk, still disoriented from everything that had happened. Maybe the chaos in the hall had clouded my judgment.
Alessia's Pov The air in the grand hall was thick with tension, the hushed whispers of the guests rippling like an incoming storm. Elena’s dramatic outburst had already shaken the foundation of the event, but just as I thought things might settle, another disturbance was brewing.From the center of the crowd, a man—tall, with streaks of silver in his hair and a sharp, authoritative gaze—stood abruptly. His voice carried through the hall, commanding immediate attention."This farce has gone on long enough!" he declared, his tone laced with anger and conviction. "Madam Claudia is no longer fit to lead. This entire operation has turned into chaos under her rule!"Murmurs of agreement spread like wildfire. The guests, who had been silently processing the recent turn of events, now had something to latch onto—something tangible.The man took a few steps forward, his confidence unwavering. "Think about it—under Madam Claudia’s reign, we’ve suffered unnecessary losses. Betrayal has fest
Alessia's Pov The ceremony was nearing its final moments, each word of the priest’s blessing washing over me like a distant hum. My hands felt clammy in Andrea’s grip, my heart hammering so loudly I was sure the guests could hear it.I wasn’t even listening anymore.I was drowning in a sea of thoughts—of Luca, of last night, of the strange way Sophia had whispered that she needed to step out for fresh air just moments ago.Something was wrong.The air around me felt too still, as if the world itself was holding its breath, waiting for something to break.And then it did.A loud crash from the back of the hall shattered the silence.Heads turned. Murmurs erupted.And then, a voice—sharp and laced with rage—cut through the air like a blade."You!"I barely had time to process what was happening before a woman stormed into the venue, her heels clicking furiously against the marble floor. Her dark hair was slightly disheveled, her expensive gown wrinkled as if she had been runn
Alessia's Pov The first thing I felt was a dull, pounding headache.I groaned, turning over in the bed, my body still heavy with sleep. My mouth was dry, and my limbs felt weak, but something felt… off.I blinked a few times, my vision adjusting to the dim light filtering through the curtains. My mind was slow to catch up, memories scattered like puzzle pieces waiting to be put back together.And then it hit me.Luca.The bar. The drunken rambling. Vomiting on him. Him carrying me back to my room. The warmth of his arms. The way he had helped me wash up, dressed me, tucked me in. And then—I sat up abruptly, my heart hammering.Dis we really have sex?I touched my body instinctively, heat rushing to my face. It had felt real—too real. But now, with the morning light casting shadows over the room, doubt crept in.Had it been the alcohol playing tricks on me?I looked around the room, expecting to see him somewhere, maybe sitting in the chair across from the bed or leaning ag
Alessia's Pov It feels so good, I instinctively squeeze my eyes shut to focus as much as I can on it. he continues on for another minute, slowly licking and sucking. Suddenly, I feel his mouth open wide, sucking as much of my breast into his mouth as he can. My hips start to buck, pushing up against his, and I feel his hand move down between my legs.Oh my god, it hadn’t occurred to me he’d do this. I’d only imagined simple things, kissing and touching, in the very brief fantasy that had entered my brain as I walked away from the bar. Logically, of course, this shouldn’t be a surprise, but somehow it is, and now the idea that his hand is going to be on my pussy is overwhelming. Hands, and what else? Tongue? Mouth? His dick? The very notion has my lower body aching, and I can feel myself squirming, moving, pushing my hips up to meet his hand.he lifts his head from my breast then, his lips wet and pink, and he watches my face as his hand presses between my legs.“You like it, don’t
Alessia's Pov “You smell like whiskey and vomit,” he interrupted. “And if you think I’m letting you pass out like that, you’re dumber than I thought. I scowled at him. “You’re a jerk.” “And you’re a mess,” he shot back.Before I could protest further, he helped me out of my soiled clothes, guiding me into the warm water.I let out a small sigh as the heat washed over me, his hands moved in ways that sent chills down my spine, he washed beneath my breast, and then over them. His hands moved to back as he washed all the way down to my lower chicks, I could feel his hands linger. He looked at me as if amused by my body.Then he stopped, I looked at him "what—what happened?"If I continue I may not be able hold back" he said as he walked away. A part of me wanted him to stay, wanted his touch. But I held back and watched him leave.Luca stayed just outside the shower, arms crossed, making sure I didn’t collapse.After what felt like an eternity, I stepped out, and to my shock—Luca was hold
Alessia's Pov The bartender gave me a look—one of those patient, knowing looks that bartenders are probably trained to give. He didn’t say anything, just poured me another drink.I exhaled sharply. “But this isn’t about Luca. No, no, no, it’s about this island and how nothing makes sense. Do you know how many people have died since I got here?” I squinted, trying to count, but the numbers blurred in my head. “It’s a lot. And it’s all connected. Madam Claudia, the missing boats, the whispers in the dark—” I paused, leaning in dramatically. “And now people are leaving threats under doors. Under doors! Can you believe that?”The bartender’s lips twitched like he was trying not to smile. “Not funny,” I grumbled. He nodded, as if agreeing, though I doubted he was even fully listening. I sighed, rubbing my temple. “Andrea’s hiding something, too. “That made me pause.Andrea.I shook my head, downing the rest of my drink. “He acts like he’s protecting me, and maybe he is, but he knows s
Alessia's Pov The moment I stepped into my room, I locked the door behind me, pressing my back against it as if that would keep the night’s events from following me inside. My hands trembled as I exhaled sharply, the sound shaky and uneven. My pulse still hadn’t slowed, my mind still reeling from everything that had happened.The whisper, the voice, soft and taunting, had brushed against my ear like a cold breeze. Back off before you get yourself in real danger. I shuddered at the memory, wrapping my arms around myself as I pushed away from the door. My room felt too big, too empty, yet suffocating all at once. The dim lighting cast long shadows on the walls, and for the first time since arriving on this island, I felt truly unsafe.I needed to clear my head, but my thoughts spun wildly.Madam Claudia had been shaken—shaken in a way I had never seen before. The powerful, untouchable woman had walked into that room without her usual air of arrogance, and when the guests had demande
Alessia's POV “Did she know this would happen?”“She must have.”The tension in the room thickened, suffocating in its intensity. Suspicion swirled like smoke, curling around every name, every connection, every missing piece of this puzzle.Andrea exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair in frustration. “This wasn’t random,” he muttered under his breath, though I was close enough to catch it.I turned toward him, my throat dry. “You think someone warned her?”His jaw tensed. “Or she knew all along.”The words lingered between us, their implication twisting something deep in my gut. If Madam Claudia had truly known about this, then she had either abandoned her allies to die… or she had orchestrated it herself.Andrea’s focus suddenly shifted, his sharp eyes locking onto Vincent’s suit jacket. With careful precision, he reached out, slipping his fingers into the inner pocket. The moment he pulled out a small, folded piece of paper, the murmur of voices around us ceased,