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CHAPTER 36 - CHANGED
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BOUGHT: A Mafia Romance Story CHAPTER 37 - I HATE YOU
When Kara woke up from her drugged state, she had no idea where she was. Fear gripped her as she sat up groggily, clutching the comforter to her chest. She tried to recall what happened earlier. Kara shuddered when she remembered the fright she involuntarily felt on the stairway while being chased. As the distance between her and her pursuer narrowed, she felt terrified that she almost passed out, until finally, her pursuer gained on her. He held her hand, and she felt repugnance like she had never felt before. Tears streamed down her face. She opened her mouth to cry for help, but her pursuer immediately covered her mouth with his gloved hands. Her vision became blurry, and right after, she passed out. Kara checked herself. She was still in her barmaid uniform, and apart from feeling limp, she did not hurt anywhere. She sighed, feeling grateful that at least, he did not touch
BOUGHT: A Mafia Romance Story CHAPTER 38 - JEALOUS
It was hours later when Nico awoke due to the incessant vibrating of his phone. His fingers wiggled, groping for the phone, and with his one eye shut, he tapped on the screen to receive the call.“Bruno was out?” It was Evan’s voice. At the mention of his most trusted assistant and right-hand man, something pinched Nico’s chest. All his life, Bruno had been by his side - mentoring him and guiding him. Bruno was like a second father to him. It hurts Nico to see the older man go. But he can not let the older man’s trespass slide. What he did was betrayal. It was Nico’s non-negotiable. Nico carefully slid the comforter off his body and sat on the edge of the bed. “Yeah. He is going back to Sicily.” He replied before rising from the bed and walking naked out of the bedroom so as not to disturb Kara. They talked some more. Nico asked about Rebecca, and Evan reported that Rebecca has been staying at the Castiliogne Villa. “Tomorrow, she can take the Penthouse if she likes.” Nico
BOUGHT: A Mafia Romance Story CHAPTER 39 - SHATTERED HOPES
Kara huffed and puffed in exhaustion.Her muscles complained everywhere everytime she hit the cylindrical-shaped punching bag in front of her and missed.She kept trying until sweat pooled on her forehead and drenched her cotton sports shirt.She was tired.Her muscles complained from too much exertion, but Evan would not let her stop. Evan harangued her to keep going and going and going to a point where she lost track of time.She did not know how long she and Evan had been at the boxing gym, but the latter kept nagging at her, making her ears ache and her mood extra lousy.It did not help that she had a rough night. She kept tossing and turning on her bed back in the guest room.When she realized that the woman who happily greeted Nico with an exuberant embrace was his first love everybody presumed dead, Kara felt a numbness all over her body. She does not know what to
BOUGHT: A Mafia Romance Story CHAPTER 40 - PIECE OF TRASH
“What do you mean?” Kara felt it hard to breathe. She was thankful that Nico broke the news to her while they were sitting. Otherwise, she did not know if she had any strength to carry herself after delivering the bomb. Her knees felt weak like they were made of jelly.For a while, there was silence between them. It was like Nico was allowing her time to digest his news.After a while, Nico cleared his throat, breaking her from her trance.Kara bit her lip. The pain inside her was unbearable, but she had to control herself. For days, she had been waiting for this moment, but nothing, no amount of pep talk or reasoning, could have prepared her for the real thing.“Rebecca asks me constantly about you. I do not want her to misunderstand.” Nico explained.Kara nodded. “I understand.” She was thankful that her voice sounded
BOUGHT: A Mafia Romance Story CHAPTER 41 - HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS
Kara’s resignation went smoothly because Ms. Granger of the human resources office had already been notified before her arrival.“We had been expecting it. It was actually a wise decision, Ms. Baxter. The staff is beginning to question the extra favors the management accords you. Even if you were the boss’s girl, you are still an employee of this hotel, bound by its rules and regulations. It puts me in a tight spot.” Ms. Granger told her lengthily and saw a relief on the older woman’s face.Of course, Kara could have argued that it was not her intent, but she chose to remain silent. It was never her intention to come back and it certainly was not her choice to neglect her job. But of course, she could not put any blame on Nico.He was the boss.The human resources would be in a bind if they tried to call his attention to her absences. In the end, none of thos
BOUGHT: A Mafia Romance Story CHAPTER 42 - MIRAGE
Nico wearily put his phone down. Evan had just reported that he safely sent Kara home. He was torn. He wanted to give in to his capricious heart and keep his promises, too. Nico bit his tongue when he was about to ask about her. He was hungry for more news about Kara Baxter but forbade himself to ask. He did not think he had the right. Besides, what is the use of knowing?Whether Kara is happy or sad with the sudden decision does not change the fact that he has made his choice and would never change his mind. Nico believes he is a man of promise. He never gets back on his word, even if it hurts him. “Are you alright?” He opened his eyes and saw Rebecca’s worried green eyes. For a moment, he allowed himself the luxury of remembering another set of green emerald eyes. But she was gone now.He drove her away. Nico shook his head. The two pairs of eyes were so much alike, yet so different if you would look beyond the surface. One does not rock his world like the other does
BOUGHT: A Mafia Romance Story CHAPTER 43 - HE'S GETTING MARRIED
The next morning, Kara bought newspapers to scout for a new job. She called some recruiters and scheduled an appointment for the next day.She just put down her phone when it alerted her for a new notification. It was from her bank. She opened the app and was dumbfounded. “That as*h*le!” She muttered Without thinking, Kara gathered all the newspapers laid out on the coffee table to put them away. She went to her bedroom to get her bag, leaving in a rush. Outside her apartment building, she flagged a taxi and asked to be taken to her bank. At the bank, she demanded to see the manager.The receptionist eyed her suspiciously. She did not have time to change, and she was in her house clothes and slippers. “I am not a criminal. I am a legitimate account holder of this bank, so please fix your eyes elsewhere.” She told the receptionist rather snarkily. The receptionist looked contrite and pulled her suspicious eyes away, calling the bank manager's office to relay Kara's concern.
BOUGHT: A Mafia Romance Story CHAPTER 44 - EMERGENCY
Kara did not understand what was happening to her. She felt possessed as she furiously kicked and flailed her arms to hit him. She let her frustrations out. The resentment and the pain inside her become uncontrollable.For the first time, she did not fear the repercussions of her actions. She wanted to lash out at Nico for hurting her. She had to retaliate. She wanted to hit back for all the pain he was giving her. “I hate you!” She cried when she extricated herself from his hold. “I know.” He agreed too easily. His admission fired her up. And without realizing it, her fist connected with his face.His nose bled, causing her to stop in her tracks as she surveyed her handiwork. This time, she felt a sense of satisfaction because she knew he hurt him so hard. What she did not bank on was the dark aura surrounding him. Kara shrank back in fear when she felt Nico’s body vibrate in controlled anger. “Stop it, Kara!” He snapped. But Kara was beyond stopping. She hated him. S
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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
BOUGHT: A Mafia Romance Story CHAPTER 84 - NICO IS DEAD
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
