...ADELINE Without Any Warning , he pushed me down onto the bed and Slammed his lips on mine , kissing me passionately , so passionately that I forgot the reason for being sad and crying and my whole mind was filled with the kiss we were sharing. I closed my eyes as his kiss got hotter each second. My body trembled feeling something building in me and he , all of a sudden , held the waistband of my pjs before pulling them down. I was weak and did not had the power so I just followed him. I closed my eyes and he pulled away , taking off my pjs and throwing them somewhere on the floor. I hide my face with the back of my hand and he chuckled before pulling my hand away from my flushed face. I gulped and he looked down at my underwear that had a wet spot on my underwear as his smirk grew wider making me look away in embarrassment. All of a sudden , he tapped my hip and I bucked my hips up as he slide down my underwear smoothly. I closed my legs and shut my eyes tightly not to fee
...LUCIANO I clenched my phone tightly, staring at Elena’s name glowing on the screen. Her tone earlier had been sweet yet suffocating as she insisted we meet. She had been wanting to see me and now that I had a reason to meet her too, I knew I should not delay anymore. I knew declining wasn’t an option; Elena never let go of things easily, especially not me. The choice of a dinner meeting, at a restaurant of her choosing, only heightened my unease.She would not have listened unless I said it to her face to face. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes to ease my mind. Stepping into the softly lit restaurant, I felt a pit form in my stomach. I did not know what was gonna be Elena’s reaction. I knew very well, she would not handle it well but I had to get it done before anything happened again. The place was elegant, intimate, with low-hanging chandeliers casting a golden hue over the polished tables. The faint hum of conversation surrounded me as I chose a table near the corne
...AUTHOR’S POV The front door swung open, and Adeline and Aurora stepped inside, their laughter echoing through the quiet house. They carried shopping bags, their arms brushing as they walked, lost in a lighthearted conversation about a couple they had seen at the mall.“I mean, seriously,” Aurora giggled, nudging Adeline. “Who slow-dances in the middle of a food court? It was so over-the-top!”Adeline laughed, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “And the way they kept feeding each other? I thought I was going to die of secondhand embarrassment!”Their shared laughter filled the living room as they entered, but it died in an instant when they noticed the atmosphere. They had gone out on aurora’s request as they were bored and also Adeline wanted some fresh air so aurora insisted. As soon as they entered the living room, the silence startled them. The entire family was gathered there, the air thick with tension. Luciano stood at the center, his posture rigid, his dark eyes blazi
...ADELINE I stormed into my bedroom, my face flushed with anger. I was fuming. The argument downstairs still rang in my ears, every word Luciano had said echoing over and over like a relentless drumbeat. I slammed the door shut behind me, leaning back against it for a moment, trying to catch my breath. My chest rose and fell rapidly, my emotions churning like a storm inside me.“Why does he think he can control my life?” I muttered to myself, running a hand through my hair. My hands were trembling, not just from anger but from the overwhelming sense of suffocation. I felt caged, like a bird with clipped wings.I did not want to live such a life following someone’s orders. I pushed off the door and crossed the room, flopping onto my bed. My fingers gripped the pillow tightly as I stared at the ceiling, trying to calm the rapid beat of my heart. “I don’t want to live by anyone else’s rules,” I whispered. “Not his, not anyone’s.”Just as I exhaled deeply, trying to steady mysel
...ADELINE I sat on my bed, my legs crossed as I stared blankly at my phone. My mind was still spinning from the pictures and the threatening call I had received earlier from Elena. The weight of confusion, betrayal, and anger pressed heavily on my chest. I could not believe it. How could Luciano hid this from me? I should be aware of his past and specially now that his past had come in my way. Our way. Our life. I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn’t hear the door creak open.When I finally noticed, my head snapped up to see my mother, Bianca, stepping into the room. My frown deepened when Bianca quickly closed the door behind her and turned the lock.We never had a good relationship. Never had that mother - daughter thing going on and she rarely came to see me and every time she came, it was all for her benefit or to show others. “What are you doing?” I asked, my voice uncertain as I set my phone aside.Bianca ignored the question, walking toward me with a determined expr
...ADELINE The loud music continued to blast through the speakers making my head slightly hurt. My chest rose and fell as I took a deep breath, the cool glass of vodka trembling slightly in my hand before I tipped it back. The liquid burned its way down my throat, but I welcomed the sensation. It was a distraction, a reprieve from the whirlwind of emotions Bianca’s words had stirred up earlier. I shook my head, trying to push the thoughts away, and glanced at the dance floor. Aurora, Kiara, and Rose were completely lost in the music, their laughter and wild movements blending into the pulsing beats of the club. They looked carefree—exactly how I wanted to feel. I wanted to be free and do whatever the fuck I wanted but this love had messed me up so bad. My fingers reached for another shot, determined to drown every ache in the bitter drink. I didn’t notice the figure approaching until a firm hand wrapped around my wrist, halting me mid-motion.“Let go,” I groaned, my voice slur
...ADELINE The flashing neon lights flickered erratically as the club’s music faded into the background. A moment ago, the pulse of the bass had been deafening, bodies moving in sync with the rhythm, but now, the sudden brightness exposed the faces of the intoxicated crowd, their movements sluggish as they adjusted to the abrupt shift. The once-dim corners, where shadows danced freely, were now illuminated, revealing everything—except the person I was looking for.My breath came fast, chest rising and falling in quick succession as I spun on my heels, scanning the faces around me. Someone had been close—too close. I could still feel the whisper of their presence, the ghost of a touch that had sent a shiver down my spine. The nickname. Yet, there was no one that stood out, no one that looked remotely suspicious.My heart pounded against my ribs, an erratic rhythm that matched the chaos of my mind. What was that? A horrible memory from the past flashed in front of my eyes sending
...AUTHOR’S POV The city lights blurred past the window as Adeline sat in the passenger seat, lost in thought. The quiet hum of the car’s engine mixed with the distant echoes of the nightlife behind them. Her fingers traced idle patterns on her lap as she stared out at the passing streets, her mind clouded with emotions she couldn’t quite untangle.William, ever vigilant, was focused on the road. His grip on the steering wheel was firm, his posture straight, trained to be alert even in moments of silence. He wasn’t just a driver—he was one of Luciano’s best men, trusted with her safety.The ride was smooth, almost peaceful, until—SCREECH!A car came to a sudden halt right in front of them, forcing William to slam the brakes. The tires screeched against the asphalt, jerking both of them forward. Adeline gasped, her pulse spiking as she grabbed onto the dashboard for support.“What the hell?” William muttered, already reaching for his gun. His sharp eyes locked onto the unmoving
...AUTHOR’S POV Adeline’s entire body trembled as Luciano’s hands traced over her bare skin, his touch sending waves of fire through her veins. She wasn’t sure when or how she had ended up laid out on the kitchen counter, but at this point, she couldn’t bring herself to care. Her mind was hazy, her breath coming in uneven gasps as he teased her, his fingers barely skimming the sensitive skin of her thigh before retreating, leaving her desperate for more.Then, his lips followed.Soft at first, a mere whisper of warmth against her skin, but then his tongue flicked out, dragging in a slow, deliberate motion that had her arching involuntarily. The unexpected sensation tore a moan from her lips—loud, shameless.Her own voice startled her.Adeline’s eyes widened in horror as the sound echoed in the quiet space, her pulse hammering against her ribs. She slapped a hand over her mouth, cheeks burning as if she could somehow take it back. But it was too late.Luciano stilled.For a mom
...AUTHOR’S POV The golden morning light filtered through the sheer curtains, casting soft shadows across the bedroom. The air was thick with the remnants of last night—the faint scent of him lingering on the sheets, the warmth still trapped in the bed. Adeline sat there, her legs tucked under her, the fabric of his oversized shirt draping loosely over her petite frame. It was far too big for her, the sleeves slipping past her wrists, the collar falling slightly off one shoulder, exposing a hint of bare skin.She let out a soft yawn, rubbing her eyes with the back of her hand, still groggy from sleep. The bed beneath her was messy, the pillows indented from where they had laid, the blankets bunched up from their restless movements during the night. Her body ached in the best way possible, reminding her of everything that had transpired between them just hours ago.The sound of the bedroom door creaking open made her freeze.Luciano stepped inside, his tall, toned figure illumi
...AUTHOR’S POV The night was still, wrapped in the quiet hum of their steady breaths. The flickering candlelight cast soft shadows on the walls, painting their intertwined bodies in a golden glow. The sheets were tangled, barely covering them, and the air carried the lingering warmth of their passion. Yet, in this moment, it wasn’t hunger or desperation that filled Luciano’s chest—it was something far deeper, something heavier.Adeline laid curled up, her bare back facing him, the duvet draped loosely around her waist, leaving the smooth expanse of her spine exposed to his gaze. She looked fragile like this, peaceful yet untouchably distant, her breath slow and steady, her body barely moving except for the slight rise and fall of her shoulders.Luciano propped himself up on one elbow, his dark eyes drinking in every detail—the way her hair spilled over the pillow, a few strands brushing against her cheek, the curve of her shoulder, the delicate dip of her lower back. His gaze
...AUTHOR’S POV Luciano’s lips trailed lower, his breath warm against Adeline’s skin as he took his time exploring her, savoring every reaction, every shiver that ran through her body. His hands, firm yet gentle, slid down her sides, his fingertips grazing her soft skin, leaving a trail of goosebumps in their wake.Adeline’s breathing hitched as he pressed an open-mouthed kiss to the inside of her thigh, the sensation sending a jolt of pleasure through her. Her fingers curled into the sheets, gripping them tightly as a soft whimper escaped her lips. Luciano’s dark eyes flicked up, watching her with a smirk, clearly enjoying the effect he had on her.“You’re trembling,” he murmured, his voice deep, laced with satisfaction.Adeline swallowed hard, her chest rising and falling rapidly. “Luciano…” she whispered, her voice breathless, filled with anticipation.He hummed against her skin, the vibration making her arch slightly. His hands pressed down on her thighs, holding her in pla
...AUTHOR’S POV Luciano’s lips were relentless, his kisses deep and consuming as he carried Adeline toward the bedroom. He moved slowly, deliberately, savoring every second their mouths were connected, as if afraid she would disappear if he let go. His hands held her securely against him, fingers pressing into her back, feeling the warmth of her body through the thin fabric of her clothes.Adeline’s fingers tangled in his thick, dark hair, pulling him closer, matching his intensity. Her heart pounded in her chest, her breath uneven as she surrendered to the fire between them. She felt weightless in his arms, but at the same time, she felt grounded—completely and utterly present in this moment, in his touch, in his kiss.The bedroom door nudged open as Luciano stepped inside, the soft flickering candlelight casting a golden glow over the space. The room was small, intimate, with a bed covered in dark sheets that looked impossibly inviting. A few candles flickered on the nights
...AUTHOR’S POV Adeline’s hands trembled as she scrolled through her phone, her breath coming in short, uneven gasps. The proof was there—staring back at her in the form of texts, images, call logs. Every single thing she had suspected, every single betrayal she had dreaded, was confirmed with cruel clarity. Her fingers shook so badly she almost dropped the phone, but she forced herself to hold on, forced herself to keep breathing.Her heart pounded as she turned the screen toward Luciano, her voice barely above a whisper. “See for yourself.”Luciano hesitated for only a second before taking the phone from her hands. His dark eyes scanned the evidence, his brows furrowing as he processed what he was seeing. The air in the room seemed to thicken, growing heavier with each passing second. His chest rose and fell slowly, deliberately, as if trying to contain the storm brewing inside him.Then, his fingers curled tightly around the edges of the phone, his knuckles turning white.
...AUTHOR’S POV Luciano’s grip was like iron—unyielding, relentless. No matter how much Adeline struggled, twisted, or pushed against his chest, he did not falter. His arms, strong and sure, locked around her as he carried her through the cool night air. The wind whispered against her skin, but the heat of his body, the power in his stride, made her pulse race with frustration. She kicked her legs, tried to shove herself free, but it was useless.“Let me go!” she hissed, wriggling in his hold.Luciano didn’t even flinch. His face was carved from stone, his jaw tight with silent determination. His boots struck the ground with forceful precision, each step taking her farther from whatever chance she had of escape.The house they approached looked small but sturdy, the kind of place meant for solitude—secluded, tucked away from prying eyes. The wooden structure was illuminated by the faint glow of the moon, its large windows reflecting the night’s darkness. It looked like the kin
...ADELINE’S POV The night was quiet, save for the faint hum of distant traffic and the occasional rustling of leaves as the wind swept through the empty parking lot. The cold air nipped at Adeline’s skin as she reached for her car door, eager to leave behind the tension of the evening. But just as her fingers brushed against the handle, a firm hand wrapped around her wrist.Her breath hitched, her body stiffening as she was yanked around with startling force. Her heart lurched in her chest, and before she could even process what was happening, she found herself face to face with Luciano.His dark eyes locked onto hers, unreadable yet brimming with an intensity that sent a shiver down her spine. His grip on her wrist was strong—unyielding but careful, as if he was holding her in place without actually hurting her.Adeline inhaled sharply, her pulse quickening. “What the hell are you doing?” she demanded, yanking her arm back.Luciano didn’t let go.“We need to talk,” he said,
...AUTHOR’S POV The grand hall shimmered under the golden glow of the chandeliers, their light casting elongated shadows across the marble floors. A soft murmur of conversation and the occasional clink of glasses filled the space, yet beneath the grandeur and the carefully orchestrated celebration, a silent war was unfolding.Charles extended his hand toward Adeline with a grace that spoke of confidence, of certainty. His fingers, long and steady, stretched out toward her, a silent invitation. Adeline hesitated only for a fraction of a second before placing her delicate hand in his. The warmth of his palm met hers, firm and unwavering. The moment their fingers interlocked, a wave of tension rippled through the room—not from the guests, who continued clapping and cheering—but from the two figures who watched them with barely contained fury.Luciano stood just beyond them, his gaze a storm brewing on the horizon. His dark eyes locked onto Charles with an intensity that could cut