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CHAPTER 20 - CAN'T I CHANGE MY MIND?
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2024-10-29 19:42:56“Where are we going?” Kara nervously asked a pis*ed-looking Nico Bernardi.
They are not going back to the Castiliogne Villa. They did not turn on the first stoplight like they used to.
She clutched the lapels of her jacket tighter when she saw his dark look.
“Mr. Bernardi, please slow down.” She said, beginning to panic.
But Nico Bernardi did not slow down. He jumped up on the gas, and the car almost flew along with Kara’s heart.
Then, they stopped in a lurch.
Kara looked outside. They were in an aband
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“Y-you can’t.” She stammered and backed away.Kara hugged herself. She did not know what came over her.Then, the events that happened that afternoon came to her mind. Kara squeezed her eyes shut, willing to blot it out of her mind. But every time she closed her eyes, she would see David’s bloodied face, causing her to shudder involuntarily.“What is going to happen to David? Are you going to..” Kara swallowed hard.The words could not come right out of her mouth.She took a deep breath and faced Nico Bernardi bravely.“Are you going to kill him?” The question came out hoarse. She was breathless.So many gruesome thoughts ran through her head.Nico Bernardi’s expression grew chiller. “I do not have to explain myself to you or anyone else, Ms. Baxter.”Kara bit her
BOUGHT: A Mafia Romance Story CHAPTER 22 - BIG TROUBLE
She was not his sister but his first love.Bruno flicked his thumb and index finger in front of her face, and that was when she recovered. “Are you alright, Ms. Baxter?” The two of them looked worried, Evan and Bruno when she reluctantly pulled out of her daze. “Oh shoot! I feel so stupid. And here I thought he was his sister.” She covered the awkwardness with a dry laugh. It sounded forced and hollow. Bruno eyed her. Kara felt stupid for misinterpreting. All along, she thought Nico Bernardi had been avenging his sister. It all made sense now. Nico’s revenge was for his lover. Kara felt a constriction on her chest. Bruno and Evan still eyed her worriedly. For their benefit, she smiled wanly to assure them she was okay before standing up. “Sorry, but I am tired. I’ll go ahead and rest.” She told them. They nodded and let her pass. Once she reached the safety of her room, Kara locked the door. She wanted to be alone. Kara went straight to bed, diving face down. H
BOUGHT: A Mafia Romance Story CHAPTER 23 - THIS WAS GOING BAD
Kara was stunned. Her mind went blank. “Kara, please tell me the truth. Are you in some kind of trouble right now? Do you need my help?” This time, there was urgency in Marco Bonacci’s voice. Kara closed her eyes. She blamed her mouth for being careless. She should have checked her caller before she let her mouth run loose. It would be too late to retract now. “Kara, are you still there?""Please, you had to tell me what is wrong so I can help you.” Marco Bonacci tried again. Kara did not know what to do.Should she tell him? What if Nico Bernardi gets wind of it? What other punishment would he mete for her?Kara shivered at the thought. In her mind, she remembered how Nico warned her off Marco Bonacci. How she was told that he was a dangerous man. His family owns Club Roman, which preyed on innocent young girls like him. But all these were just Nico’s words. Kara’s forehead creased into a frown. What if they are not even true?Nico Bernardi blamed Club Roman for th
BOUGHT: A Mafia Romance Story CHAPTER 24 - WAR PATH
Bernardi Hotel. A few hours earlier. “Evelyn, what is my next schedule?” Nico Bernrdi asked his secretary after emerging from the conference room. He had a busy morning, and Nico wanted to check on Ms. Baxter before his next appointment. He knew he had been harsh to her, locking her in her room, but what could he do? Kara Baxter is becoming a pain in the a*ss and his g*oin. She keeps on doing and saying things that test his patience. He walked briskly as usual, and Evelyn, his diminutive elderly secretary, walked faster to keep up. Her little legs worked double time. The clack of their shoes echoed in the hallway. While Evelyn recited his scheduled appointments, Nico Bernardi checked the time.Out of the blue, someone blocked his path and grabbed him by the shoulders before landing a blow on his right cheek. He reeled at the impact. “Oh!” He heard his secretary scream in fright. Nico shot her a quelling look that made her clamp her mouth shut. Nico Bernardi massaged h
BOUGHT: A Mafia Romance Story CHAPTER 25 - I WANT YOU
Outside his office, Nico Bernardi met Bruno and Evan. They accompanied him to the elevator bay. “Who’s tailing Bonacci?” He asked them. “Frank. He took some men with him.” Bruno replied. Nico did not say a word. His two assistants exchanged looks but did not say anything. They knew that look. Nico Bernardi is pissed, and when in this state, they steer clear of him. Nico Bernadi’s had a reputation for having a bad temper. When the elevator opened, they all boarded. Nico’s phone rang, and he took it. He listened for a while, and then he started blowing up. “What do you mean I have to follow protocols? I am not doing anything wrong. The girl is fine.”It was a call from the organizers of the Night of the Virgins. Nico Bernardi gritted his teeth in annoyance. He knew he would not be receiving this call if Marco Bonacci did not raise the issue with the organizers.He must hand it into that a*s*ole. He sure was quick and sly. He asked a question, and this is how he talked bac
BOUGHT: A Mafia Romance Story CHAPTER 26 - MINE
Nico paused, basking in on the feeling, the warmth that surrounded him like a glove.He took her hand and placed it over his chest. “Kara.” He breathed out her name.It was the first time he used her first name. He found the idea appealing but was hesitant previously. Now that he finally gave in to what he wanted, he felt a sense of satisfaction, a connection that was not there before.“Ah!” Kara cried out the first time he broke her barrier.She did not know that it could be this painful.Nico saw her pain but could not stop now. He had been dreaming about this moment for the longest time, and now that it was within his grasp, nothing could tear him away.He has to have her.He leaned in and kissed Kara’s tears.His lips showered her face with butterfly kisses until they reached her lips.His lips hovered ov
BOUGHT: A Mafia Romance Story CHAPTER 27 - THE BOSS'S GIRL
The next day, Kara dressed as usual, and before seven, she was going down the stairs and to the dining hall.The four men were already seated and were waiting for her.“Buongiorno” She greeted everyone before occupying her usual seat.Evan, Bruno, and Frank greeted her back, but not Nico Bernadi, who was busy reading the papers.The mood at the table was the same as before. Formal.The food was served and the maids left.Kara ate slowly. She tried to feel her way around her companions. They were all busy with their plates. She cast a glance at Nico’s way, but he was not looking in her direction. He was busy talking to the other three about business.It was a drastic change from the previous days when Nico would, from time to time, address her.It was unnerving that after what happened with them last night, Nico did not so much as glance
BOUGHT: A Mafia Romance Story CHAPTER 28 - I WANT TO DATE YOU
Kara bit her lip to keep herself from grinning. She was Nico's girl. She liked the sound of that.She stepped out of the elevator ahead of Nico, surprised when Marco’s sweaty face greeted her. He was panting.“Is it true?” He cornered her.Fear crept into her eyes. She did not like the way he was looking at her. Before she could respond, Nico already collared Marco Bonacci, to the shock of everyone. “I told you to stay away from my girl.” He said menacingly. “I won’t. Not until Kara confirms it. You are not going to intimidate me, Bernardi.” Marco Bonacci spat out.His chest heaved heavily after running two flights of stairs to chase them. There was a desperation in his expression that alarmed Kara.Marco's reply turned Nico's face cold. “You have been warned.” And before everyone could guess what he was about to do, Nico formed his free hand into a fist and leveled a heavy blow on Marco Bonacci’s face. Marco Bonacci flew at the impact. He landed on the floor, but he was qu
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BOUGHT: A Mafia Romance Story AUTHOR'S NOTE
Hello Loves, In every story, there is always a beginning and an end. I am deeply honored that you have become part of Kara and Nico's love journey. Your reviews, comments and votes matter a lot. They inspire me to come up with chapters regularly, and excites me every time because I knew that you were walking with me in this journey. Thank you, loves. Special mention to my editor Lyra Pinter for making this story possible. Thank you for the support and promotions you have given this book. A big thank you to my top 25 gem contributors as of this writing: magdalena.czajka, Roselyn Moore, Panela Ellis, Lei Esturas, Margaret, Katherine, Lean Cantara, Makhosazana Rebecca Mazibuko, Shirley Torres, Stina, Natalie Kae Foster, cathykoopman6, Laura Tomas, Edna Oclida, Blaca Villalpando Kelley, Joycelyn Eusebe, ruckik.evershine, Jody Conrad, Parker, Angelica Monteon, Annie Punto, Adeyiga Adepeju, Normah Mrs, Charlotte, and Anitra Christ. To my commenters and reviewers, I love your
BOUGHT: A Mafia Romance Story CHAPTER 85 - EPILOGUE
On a remote island in the Far East, a man leisurely reads an article from the spread-out newspaper. It says:‘Hotel Billionaire Nico Bernardi has finally been laid down to rest in a private cemetery in Sicily. His burial was attended by his adoptive father, Don Leo Castiliogne, and friends in the business. ‘It was a sad day not only for the Castiliogne Family but for the business world, having lost such a brilliant businessman who gained traction for the world-class service his businesses offered. Nico Bernardi reinvented the service industry, making it one of the most sought-after professions in the world. ‘His death impacted the industry, and many people are in mourning to date. ‘Meantime, the Castiliogne Conglomerate will hold an emergency meeting to discuss certain management changes particularly since the position of CEO has been left open due to the unfortunate demise of its CEO.’Nico folded the newspaper in front of him and placed it on the side of the rectangular dining
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After he heard the doctor declare Kara dead, a shift happened in Nico. His face became blank. He looked to be in a state of shock. “Sir, are you alright?” The doctor’s voice snapped Nico out of his mental breakdown. With a stony expression on his face, Nico kissed and patted Xoey’s head. Then, he handed his child to Frank. “Tell Rebecca to take care of our daughter.” Frank thinks of this as a bad sign. “Don’t act rashly, Nico. Think about Xoey. If something happens to you, too, who will care for your daughter? Her mother is gone. Don’t make her an orphan.” But it seemed as if Frank’s words had no effect on Nico. It comes and goes with the wind. Frank shook his head and took his phone to call his friends, Evan and Bruno. Both are expected to arrive today. ________Nico stepped out of the hospital, lost in his own grief. He felt constricted.He pounded on his chest several times, hoping that the simple act could make him feel alive, but it was no use. When he heard that
BOUGHT: A Mafia Romance Story CHAPTER 83 - SHE'S NOT DEAD!
“What have you done, you monster!” Nico shouted while he was trying to apply pressure on Kara’s head to keep it from oozing blood. His snot mixed with his tears as he attended to Kara, who lay on the floor unconscious. “Kara, wake up. Please, don’t leave me behind.” Nico choked on the words. The picture it painted in his eyes was so unacceptable.Don Leo’s gun still reeked of smoke. The older man looked stunned. The bruise on his cheek slowly turned purple, but he did not seem to mind. Don Leo looked shocked!Xoey’s cries echoed around them. The child must have sensed that her mother was in danger. Earlier, the baby was silent because Rebecca tried to cushion her little ears with her palms. Speaking of Rebecca, she, too, looked frozen on the spot. She did not think that her father would be capable of gunning a person point-blank. Her jaw dropped in disbelief. In her shell-shocked state, she almost forgot about Xoey, and her hold on the baby slackened. Were it not for Mar
BOUGHT: A Mafia Romance Story CHAPTER 82 - THE DAY HE OPENED HIS EYES
Nico heard the pain in Kara’s voice, but he willed himself not to look at her face, for it would be his undoing.He had things to settle first.There was general silence all around, except for Kara’s muffled sobs. “So, the prodigal son is awake.” Don Leo muttered under his breath. There was no relief nor excitement on his face at the knowledge that Nico surpassed death.For Don Leo, it would be better for everyone if Nico did not wake up. He can take care of the man until his last breath. But this twist forebodes nothing good for him and the Castiliogne family. Nico, getting out of the coma, was going to shake their world, and he wouldn’t let it happen. To him, Nico is better off as dead.For his part, Nico ignored the older man’s barb. He walked deliberately, his movements stiff due to the weakness in his leg, but he continued with his slow pace until he reached Don Leo’s side.Don Leo is a stocky man. Nico towered over him. He looked down on the man who had taken him under
BOUGHT: A Mafia Romance Story CHAPTER 81 - THE BABY IS MINE!
Nico’s eyelids flickered several times like a butterfly wing atop a flower, ready to explore. A short while later, his eyelids fluttered open, showing the dark eyes underneath. He looked around him. The familiar room was empty. After a while, his eyes glittered when he remembered his last ordeal. He thought he would not make it. But he had the best motivation on Earth. He remembered how he literally bit the bullets and braved through the obstacles. He remembered how he got hit. At the remembrance, he searched his body to check his injuries. He had two - one on his leg and one on his arm. He sighed in elation, muttering under his breath a prayer of thanks. It was good to be back. He mumbled to himself. He thought he died on the firing range, but it seemed like fate was giving him a chance. He vowed to use this chance to be with his family. He had endured enough. At the thought of Kara and their baby, Nico pushed his body to sit up, but all his strength had left him.
BOUGHT: A Mafia Romance Story CHAPTER 80 - WHAT ARE YOU DOING DADDY?
Don Leo’s men swarmed around them, leaving Kara’s body frozen in fear.Sweat and goosebumps fought for dominance in lining her smooth skin while being driven out of Nico's room. “Wait a minute. We are not doing anything wrong?” She blurted out when Frank and Marco underwent a body check. Marco was unarmed, but Frank had one tuck on the hidden holster on his jacket. The men confiscated the firearm before pushing them to walk the narrow hallway out of Nico's bedroom. Kara’s eyes darted from side to side, noting the unfamiliarity of the place. This was not the way out, she concluded to herself.“Where are you taking us?” She asked once more, thankful that her voice sounded strong, but deep inside, her heart beat fast - so fast that she nearly thought it would jump out of her ribcage. The men remained silent. They did not say a word. The only sound she could hear was the ringing in her ears. Frank, who was walking ahead of her, warned. “Stop talking and just walk.” Two men flank
BOUGHT: A Mafia Romance Story CHAPTER 79 - TAKE THEM ALL AWAY
“What happened to him?” The sound of anguish in Kara’s voice reverberated around the silent room. Gingerly, she walked to the bed and stopped near Nico’s head. She was trembling as she did so. Her eyes never left Nico’s unmoving form on the bed. Nico was breathing. Her eyes flew to his face, studying the changes in them. “He lost weight.” Frank told her everything that happened after Nico disappeared. While Frank talked, Kara sat on the edge of the bed, suddenly feeling like her knees were to give up on her any minute. Her hands trembling, Kara took Nico's free hand carefully and pressed it between hers. She was afraid that her movement might have hurt him. “What happened?” Without letting her eyes drift from Nico's, Kara asked Frank. “He wanted to get out, but the system did not let him. Given his position, it was impossible to allow him to go. He already knew too much. Besides, you only have a one-way ticket to the organization.” “There is no way out.” It was Marco
BOUGHT: A Mafia Romance Story CHAPTER 78 - OH MY!
Kara looked at the Grecian white building in front of her. Her brows furrowed in confusion.“I thought you were going to bring me to Nico? What are we doing here? This looks like a military camp to me.” She told him with a frown. For the first time, Kara regretted her decision to come to Sicily with Marco, and her doubt showed on her face as she watched Marco ducked his head when two men emerged from the structure. The men looked like hired goons. “Lower your head, and do not let them see your face.” Marco hissed. Kara did as she was told.She pressed her body into the cramped space at the back of the delivery truck where Marco pulled her in earlier. Afraid that any act of disobedience would endanger them. By now, she has fully understood that this is a covert territory and no one from the outside is permitted to enter. They were trespassing on private property!Suddenly, she felt for their safety. And fear slowly crept in. What if they were discovered and unable to leave this
