Lexi's POV.My heart stopped for what felt like forever, my ears zoomed out all sounds, I could feel my palms become sweaty. As I watched my father bleed out on the cold ground of the hospital ward, my stomach lurched, I wanted to throw up. Everything around me felt too much, too heavy to contain, it felt like a heavy rock was being placed on my chest.Smoke left the nuzzle of Luca's gun. He turned to me and a smirk curled up his lips. As if it was all amusing to him, as if he enjoyed killing my father.I froze on the spot, unable to move a muscle or utter a word. All I could do was watch Luca and his men walk out of the ward while my father bleed out in the corner.There was this continuous buzzing sound in my ears, like a siren. It made me feel like my life was at a standstill, maybe it was. Because it sure as hell felt like it.My Dad was dead.My eyes grew wider as if the realization was just hitting me.He was dead. They killed him.“Lexi?” A familiar voice suddenly called and I
Leonardo's POV.I took her along so I could impress that shitbag Italian capo. Something I rarely indulged myself in. But I needed a swift deal and transaction of weapons from him and from my sources, he liked to be impressed.Instead I was embarrassed. While in the Exclusive lounge of the casino club, I boasted about my wife. How beautiful and smart she was. Only for us to end the meeting and not find her where I left her.That was the beginning of my rage.I found a silly excuse to delay Giovanni and his men while Grayson tried her number. But she didn't pick up. It was later discovered that she had left her phone in the club.Grayson also tried calling that bastard of a driver. He also wasn't picking up. I was pissed, beyond pissed. I was furious. Giovanni was beginning to throw small insults at me. I had to curb the urge to send a bullet in his fat skull.When all attempts to reach my so-called wife failed, I had to come up with a silly alibi for Giovanni. Again, something I didn'
Leonardo's POV.The driver slid my limousine neatly into the parking lot, in between two other exotic vehicles. One of them, I was certain, was Don Morano's.“He’s here.” Grayson pointed out but I did not respond. He got out first and opened my side of the door before I alighted.“Marco said he was not very happy.” I said as I straightened my jacket.“Well, whenever has he been?” Grayson said and we both chuckled.I looked upon the tall dark building where the meeting was to be held.The ‘fortress’ was the headquarters of all our Mafia activities. From the meetings to torturing of unyielding enemies.“Yeah, I still think calling it the fortress is shitty.” Grayson remarked as if he read my mind.I smiled. “Well, good thing no one asked for your opinion.” I said.A white Ferrari pulled up right next to my limo. I did not pay much attention to it until the occupant got out.“If it isn't the crown prince himself.” Greta said as she walked over to where Grayson and I were standing.“And
Lexi's POV.“Ma'am, dinner is ready.” The old man, who had told me he was Leonardo's butler, said as I opened the door. I nodded once and told him I would be down a bit before shutting the door.I sighed, scratching my hair roughly. I went back to my bed, where each wads of cash I had received from Leonardo earlier that day laid.Two million dollars. I made sure to count them thoroughly. Now, what to do with it.Leonardo had left the house hours ago and was yet to return. At least, I have not seen any vehicles driving in since he left.I made use of the space to think about my debts to Luca. Mother's treatment bills plus Dad's debts. Those were what I had to pay Luca back. Fortunately, they were not up to the money I got from Leonardo. So I'd have enough to pay Dad's hospital bills and rent a small apartment for them in the outskirts of the city. And perhaps, hire a few lower grade bodyguards and nannies.But the question was, would Luca leave my life alone even after paying up the de
Leonardo's POV.“Boss.” One of the workers greeted me as he passed. I simply responded with a nod.I stood rigid with my arms crossed as I watched the workers unloading boxes off some trucks into the fortress.Those were just the new arrivals that would be sold in a few days. I'm certain that even when all the trucks are unloaded, not a quarter of the fortress will be filled.I was there when Don Morano acquired the land. Back when I was still fresh into the underground business. About thirteen years ago. I hadn't even thought of becoming the sottocapo back then.And back then, the fortress was nothing but one of our simple warehouses for storing goods. But now, it was…well, our fortress.“Leo,” I turned my head and saw Grayson walking up to me.“The location of the docks ambush survivor has been acquired.” He informed me in a whisper.I nodded. “Good, get the car ready to move in thirty minutes. Just me and you.” I ordered and he left.I heaved a sigh and was about to take a seat whe
Lexi's POV"If it isn't the future Lady of the Morano Mafia group!" Luca exclaimed, his arms spread widely. "Boo!!!" The other men echoed, their voices reverberating through the walls.I rolled my eyes as I walked in with newfound confidence. Let's get this over with."Like I said," I said, slamming the bag on the table before him, "I have your money!"Luca glanced at the bag with an unimpressed expression. He rested his back and folded his arms. A smirk formed on his lips as he spoke."Well, I'm not surprised you were able to fetch this sum of money in such a short while. Given your background, I'm sure going to extreme lengths to get what you want is a tradition." Luca said, a cheeky smile on his lips.Gosh, how I hated it when he did that!"It's a way of life," I remarked."Hmm," he sat up, "Why don't you sit down and tell me something...?""I'm not sitting! Take your damn money and leave me alone!" I half-yelled, gritting my teeth and fisting my hands.An instant gunshot echoed, s
Lexi's POV"Welcome back, Mrs. Morano," Old Man Frank, the butler, greeted me as I stepped into the mansion."Thank you," I answered with a warm smile.He returned with a slight nod. "Is there anything you'll need, ma'am?"I shook my head as I kicked off my heels. They had been hurting for hours."No, thank you. I'm okay," I said, picking up the heels and walking past Frank.I headed to my room to change. Immediately I got in and tossed my heels and handbag aside, I crashed on the bed, sighing heavily.I had been out all day helping my parents. The bodyguards I hired for them a week ago were giving me good news, as there had been no form of danger hurled at Mom and Dad since then.But the nanny I hired for them had a problem. She claimed she couldn't take care of two sick old people all by herself and needed a helping hand.Today, I spent it searching for another nanny. Good thing I found one; else all this exhaustion would have been for nothing.I was glad to see my parents doing gr
Lexi's POVThe car pulled up in front of a grandiose white building. I peeped through the car window, taking in the magnificent lights that lit up the palace-like building.There was no doubt this Mr. Russo guy was just as wealthy as the Moranos, maybe even more."Are you getting down or not?" Leonardo asked in a grumpy tone.I muttered an apology as I fumbled through my handbag.My side of the door was opened, and I alighted the vehicle.There were numbers of vehicles lined up in the same place Leonardo's limo was parked.I gripped my bag, fighting off the anxiety that was setting in."I can do this," I muttered and exhaled."Don't forget what Grayson told you," Leonardo's voice broke into my mind.I nodded without facing him.He started moving, and I followed.As we walked side by side, I glanced at his right arm before sliding mine around his.I felt him stiffen, and his gaze was on me."You told me to put on a good act," I quickly explained.Luckily, I felt his arm relax a bit, an
Lexi's POV.The surprise on my face switched to a hard glare. He had a smile on, which infuriated me. What the hell was he doing here? Did he not get the memo that I wanted nothing to do with him?“Lexi, who is it?” Mum asked from the dining room.“Umm…it's no one mum…” before I could complete my statement, he cut me off.“It's your new neighbor, ma'am. I come bearing gifts!” He shouted, making sure his voice was heard in the whole house.“What the hell do you think you're doing?” I asked in a whisper, gritting my teeth.He shrugged, “Bringing my new neighbors flowers.” He said innocently. But I knew he was only faking it.“Look, whatever game you're playing here, I’m not interested…” I was once again cut off, by my mother this time.“And who is this new neighbor of ours?” Mum asked as she stood next to me. I bit the inside of my cheek, hating myself at that moment.“Hi. I'm Mason, I live just across the street.” He said, smiling as though he was some kind of saint.I had to get him o
Lexi's POV.“Mason?” I exclaimed, my brows raised in shock. Even as he walked over to where I was, I found it hard to believe he was the one I was looking at.“Hey,” he said as he got nearer to me.“Wha…what are you doing here?” I would not expect him to be working as a gardener in the outskirts of the city.“I live here!” He exclaimed, his one cornered smile on.I glanced at the house where he was coming from before facing him again. I was sure my face held the most confused expression ever because I did not see him there the last time I came here to visit my parents.“I just moved in, actually.’ he clarified, as though he had read my mind.“Oh…” my voice trailed off. I did not know what else to say. Meeting him, again, was an unexpected occurrence.Besides, he was clad in a white singlet which accentuated his chest and muscles. It was quite distracting even though I hated to admit it.“So…what are you doing here?” He asked, finally breaking the silence.“I…” I cut myself off then fr
Lexi's POV.“Argh!” I groaned as my eyes splitted open. My head was throbbing hard and it took me a great amount of willpower to sit up on the bed. With my back rested against the headboard, I started to breath unsteadily. I controlled my breathing until the headache slowly subsided.Even with that, I was still feeling all woozy. The hunger I experienced the night before had worn me down.It dawned on me. Speaking of last night, how did I get here? I looked around and saw that I was indeed in my room.Deciding not to think much of it now, I struggled to my feet, fighting through the body ache and dizziness. I walked over to the bathroom in slow and weak steps.I went to the sink and rinsed my face with water from the tap. I sighed and looked at myself in the mirror; I still looked pale. I needed to find something to eat.I stepped back into the room but suddenly felt the urge to go back to bed. My knees were killing me and I was sure if I decided to go downstairs, I would most certain
Leonardo’s POV.“Shut the door!” I barked at one of my men and he obliged by shutting the door of the private room in another one of my clubs downtown.The loud music from downstairs was blocked out and silence reigned.I took the glass cup from the tray that was outstretched to me by a waitress and sipped slowly. Grayson did the same.“You look like you’ve been busy.” I remarked, nodding at his jacket.He looked down and took a handkerchief, using it to wipe off the blood stain on it. “I was able to locate and roughen up the ‘external suspects’ of the attack. They had a lot to say.” Grayson informed, taking another sip of his drink.I arched my brow. “Roughen up? With guns?” I asked curiously.Grayson shrugged, “Maybe a few or more.” He muttered.Sometimes I forget how brutal my friend can be at times.“Gray, I only told you to question them to get some useful information and maybe a few beating, not by using guns.” I said.“Don't worry, no permanent damages done. But I've got to te
Lexi's POV.“Argh!” I screamed at the top of my voice, hitting the wall in a fit of rage. That bastard!I have been locked up here for hours. It felt like I was in a fucking prison.At first, when he had just locked me in, I began to hit the door continuously. I yelled out his name countless times, begging him to open up the door. I begged and begged as I banged the door, but he never came. When I noticed that he might have left the mansion, I switched to calling Frank.However, the situation was the same with him. No one answered for almost an hour of desperately screaming.I became exhausted, my voice was raspy and my hands were swollen due to intense banging on the door.It then occurred to me that I had seen Leonardo opening the door with some kind of digital code. A door with a digital lock system would most certainly be damned soundproof! Which explains why Frank did not hear me.Or it could be that Leonardo had warned him not to open the door even when I called for help.I wen
Leonardo's POV.I left Don Morano at the club and hit the road once more. Checking my watch and finding out that it was already getting late, I gave Grayson a call.“How was it? What did you find out?” He asked as soon as he picked up the call.“What did you expect, Gray? I told you it was impossible for Don to harbour any ill intentions against me.” I replied as I swerved the wheel to the right, taking a turn.“Hmm, alright then. I've given D’Angelo a call, your meeting is at your casino.” He informed.“Alright, be there.’ I said.“Already am.”I tossed my phone aside as I swerved the steering wheel to the left, taking another turn into an alley that led to a shortcut.I already knew who was behind the attack. That bastard I called a cousin. The only reason why I was busy bothering myself with Don Morano and the Italian mobster was because of Grayson. But they were not a problem, I would get Luca, sooner or later.In about thirty minutes, I arrived at the casino club. One of my initi
Leonardo's POV.“Don,” I said as I placed my phone on my ear. I crossed my legs as I rested my back on the couch in the living room.“Ah…Leo son, how are you?” Don Morano answered over the line.“Good.” There was a deep frown on my face.“Crazy night last night, uhn.” He said.“Yeah.”“I'm sure you're already on it.”“Of course,” I answered. Already on it. It was always expected of me.“Where are you? I’m in need of your advice.” I asked, twirling the half filled glass cup in my left hand.“Ahh…don't tell me you're having cold feet about being the next Don?” He asked in an amused tone.“I'm afraid that's it.” I said.“Hmm, alright. Meet me at Passion Pit. Let's clear your fears.” He said.“Alright, I'll be there.” I hung up, tossing my phone aside and downing my glass in a go.Grayson's words echoed in my fucking head. It has been messing with my head all day long.“Shit!” I yelled, smashing the glass cup on the ground. Its shattering sound filled the air.I raked my hair with my hand
Leonardo's POV.My eyes narrowed, my teeth grinding together as I pinned her to the wall.“I think that's a lie!” She spat and I growled, my grip around her wrist intensifying.I relished at the sight of her wincing in pain.“Don't cross me, citizen! You don't know what I'm capable of!” I seethed.No one has dared to ever trespass me like this. Even gangs trembled at the mention of my name, yet this…this little thing I got married to dared to speak back at me.“I know you're thinking that I should be afraid of you. But guess what, I've been living a life of hell for as long as I can remember, nothing scares me!” She shot at me, her eyes shooting daggers.A brief smile cracked my lips. She had guts, I will give her that. But that must break in my house.“You must have done your research. You’ve heard about what I did in Chicago, the way I took over the city. If you love yourself, I believe you should fear that man because he is standing right in front of you.” I conveyed dangerously.I
Lexi's POV.Seven years ago…“You can sit next to me.” The boy with jet black hair, sitting at the back of the bus offered. The subtle smile on one corner of his lips somehow made him look more endearing. I was compelled to blush.I took the side next to the window so I could get myself lost in the passing streets. Every now and then, I would turn my head and somehow, I would meet this guy's gaze. Every single time, my face would turn pink.Even with all the subtle chemistry going on between us, we did not say a word to each other. He did help me with my bags when we all alighted at college.I dragged my bags and boxes to my dorm room, feeling like a lost soul in an uncharted territory.After hours of settling in, I decided to head to my first class. But it seemed I had made a wrong decision, finding the correct lecture theatre was another puzzle for me to crack.I was walking along the hallway, checking the tags on each of the doors I walked past, trying to locate the one my class