Chapter 37 – Mattia’s out of his mindSofia Boyle – PriestPOVI laugh at Angie; we’re laying in my mother’s garden watching the clouds. The boys went out with my father again. Angie’s really close to Damien and Rowan. my older twin brothers. She’s dating my brother Rowan and she’s best friends with Damien. Where do I fit in that equation you ask? I’m the backup for when my brothers are out. It’s not that I mind really. If I’m not in the library studying, I’m with Angie so I didn’t mind being there for her when she needed me. “When Rowan and I marry. I want this big wedding, but I don’t want it Priest big but Graves big. If you get what I mean?” she says.I look at her frowning. “Why don’t you want people knowing you married to Rowan?” I ask her.“If we tell people I’ll have to be heavily guarded twenty-four seven and I want my privacy and freedom. Look at you, you have no freedom, a dirty little secret…” she smiles looking at me. My parents didn’t announce my birth to anyone. My
Chapter 38 – The Greco Family…Two days later…Third PersonPOVA black sedan with tinted windows drives down a back road in the city, in the back seat sits sixty-six-year-old gentlemen.“I’m going to need more than that, if you want me to submit your proposal to be approved.” A man’s voice in the car is heard.“No that doesn’t work for me…” he says over the phone.Balding at the top of his head, his grey suit a size too small. The red tie sticks out sitting loosely around his neck. The white shirts buttons straining…“You want me to approve of your idea for free. I’m going to need a lot more than that…”Slurping sounds echoes throughout the car.The girl on the floor of the car on her knees giving the man head.“You’ve got to be kidding me…” he snaps. “Those fucking Priests they want to come after me and I’ll let that slide? They think we’ll let them off because they have a little power?” the anger in his voice bounces around the car.The girl trembles.He glances at the girl below.
Chapter 39 – TrappedSofia Priest – BoylePOVWhen I woke up again, I was alone in what I assume is a basement. It was dark in here and there was no light except the one above my head. I could feel a blanket over my naked body, and I couldn’t help but feel grateful, I hated being naked in front of any man. I almost hated waking up. This was the last place I wanted to be.I was glad to be alone, I needed a few seconds to compose myself. I didn’t need Mattia being here messing with my head...There was no way to free myself. I’d already tried that. My cuffs were so tight they dug into my skin. Every time I moved or tried to free myself, I could feel my skin ripping. Tears run down my face, I didn’t know where I was or what day it was. I didn’t know how long I’ve been here either. I didn’t even know if I was still in New York.I kept praying that it was all a nightmare and when I opened my eyes and I’d be home with my daughter her asleep in my arms. I would wake up and I would find out m
Chapter 40 – Third PersonPOVMaria sits on the edge of the bed waiting for her husband to come out of the bathroom.“Maria!” Nikolai calls from the bathroom.She jumps running to the bathroom. She opens the door.“What are you just standing there, come here and help me!” he snaps.Maria walks in and helps Nikolai out of the tub. He walks out and she cleans the bathroom after his gone.She hears glass breaking.She drops the towel in her hand and ran into the bedroom.Nikolai laying in a pool of his own blood scared her. she looked toward the window seeing it broken.The bedroom door opens and a man she didn’t recognize walked in.She backs away…“Don’t worry I’m not here to kill you. I’m here to save you, or whatever…” Alex shrugs his shoulders.Frightened, Maria looks at Alex.“Dammit. I’m not good at this. We need to leave before people find out the fat bastards dead.” He sighs when he says she’s not making a move.“Yo, Amara I need your help…” Alex says into his comm.He hands hi
Chapter 41 – Mattia Greco’s punishmentAlexsei PopovPOVI scratch my head as we walk down to Rowan’s basement. I’ve been looking for a house around here. I want to give Sofia everything and I know she’d love to stay close to her family, plus for safety reasons I want no one to have access to her.Damien opens the door, and we all follow him in.When the bastard sees us walking in, he spits toward us.I roll my eyes. He’s tied to a chair, leather straps around his wrists. The same for his ankles. He’s butt naked, he’d given Sofia the same treatment.Damien slaps him across the face.He lets out a low chuckle.I shake my head. “Schastlivy ubludoc, esli by ya dobilsia svoyego, the byl by mertview…” I was waiting my turn. {You’re lucky motherfucker, if I had my way, you'd be dead…}I run my tongue over my teeth.When I see the questioning is going nowhere.I grab the hand drill from the table walking over. I drill a nail into his hand. He lets out a cry.“You mother fucker are you insane
Chapter 42Rayna Constance RussoPOV"Come on Ray don't be like this." Andre looks at me in confusion. Acting like he has no idea why I’m upset.Trembling in rage I glare at him. "Like what exactly Andre?" I snap.He sighs. "Like this. We've known each other since we were kids. It's just that I was in shock. I didn't mean for it to sound like I assumed you’ve been sleeping around. I don't know why you're so angry..." he says softly.I look at him in disbelief. How dare he? "I'm upset because I feel played. I feel like after what happened between us. We'd talk about it. No, you ignored me and snubbed me, like I was a pes. An insignificant bug under your blood-stained boots. Now when I want space you won't give it to me. What the fuck is your problem?" I ask. I was so fucking pissed off; I could feel steam coming out of my ears."Ray we've been friends..." I cut him off."Friends don't fuck Andre!" I snap.He flinches at my tone."Ray..." he sighs. He takes a seat on my hot pink love se
Chapter 43 – A real proposalSofia PriestPOV“So, what did you need help with?” Alex asks Rayna as soon as we’re seated in her apartment.I poke his ribs to stop him.He glares at me. “What? We need to find out why she called us here.” He tells me.I roll my eyes.“Th-thank you for coming…” she stutters. “Uhm, by now you must have heard I’m pregnant…” she announces.My jaw drops in shock. “No, we didn’t hear that. Congratulations Rayna…” I get up and hug her.“What does that have to do with us?” Alex asks.I sigh pulling away from her.This man has no filter. He is always saying whatever comes to mind and what goes on up there doesn’t always just hurt you but crushes your soul.“Well, I know your sister she’ll get the two of you off the grid I want her to do the same for me. I’ll pay her…” she adds the end.Alex frowns. “Who are you running from?” he asks.She bites her lip. “Andre Rossi.” She says softly.My eyes widen I take a seat beside her my arm wrapped around her shoulders. “A
Chapter 44Andre RossiPOVWhen I realized, Rayna wasn’t going to budge, I had to take extreme measures, so she’ll listen to me.She needed to listen to me. I know once she hears me out, she’ll understand.I step in front Eira’s grave placing the peonies in front of her grave. I bend touching the head stone.“Hey Eira. Leaving without is hard. Not seeing your face as soon as I wake up has been an adjustment. The crushing pain on my chest as gone away. That doesn’t mean I don’t miss you. every day without you hurts still.I’m having a baby with Rayna… Remember how I told you about my history with her.” I look away from her grave.I swallow.“No one knows about what happened then and I will never tell them. I’d never disrespect you like that…”Everyone believes Eira and I have this amazing love story. Because that’s the story we went with. Keeping her safe was my main concern and protecting her secret.I’d always loved Rayna, and Eira was my best friend, losing her hurt more than I’d li
EpilogueFive years laterSofia PopovPOVAlex turns me around roughly he glares at my jumpsuit. “What fuck is this? Why won’t the dress go over your hips.” he growls.I bite my lips to stop myself from laughing. “It’s called a jumpsuit. It doesn’t go up your hips, it’s not a dress.” I tell him.“What the fuck is a jumpsuit? Why would Sasha let you something so ridiculous?” he asks.Before I could say anything, I felt him rip the jumpsuit right off me.I stare at the fabric laying at my feet in shock.My eyes move up to my husband.He smiles innocently. He shrugs his shoulders. “I couldn’t get it off you and we don’t have much time before Sasha’s and the kids come looking for you.” He wasn’t joking.Today was Sasha’s wedding day and we were supposed to be downstairs at the reception, but Alexsei wanted some time alone away from everyone.Me being pregnant with our fourth child we barely have any time to ourselves anymore. Ellie’s nearly ten now and the twins Shasha and Dasha are three
Chapter 53Damien PriestPOVA few minutes ago, when my daughter was born, I watched her laying on her mother’s chest. She’s got a head full of dark hair similar to mine."Would you like to hold her?" Amara asks.I nod."Where’s the baby bag?” Amara asks.My eyes widen. “In the car…” I forgot to bring it in with us.I take Sutton from Amara and hold her in my arms. She’s so tiny.“Hello Sutton, it’s your father…” her little fingers form fists. she’s so fucking cute. I’ve never seen a prettier baby.“Why don’t we run a few tests and have little Sutton cleaned and we’ll have her back to you before you know it.” the nurse suggests.I nod handing her over to the nurse.I kiss Amara’s forehead. “You did great momma…” When I woke up this morning, I didn’t expect the day to end holding my baby in my arms.What I didn’t expect either was my wife being a fucking trooper through it all. I thought she’d be biting my head off cursing me out. She fucking took the pain I wouldn’t have known she was
Chapter 51{Three months later} Amara PriestPOV I’m sick of this. I’m so fucking sick and tired of this shit!!!!I’m so done with all of this pregnancy shit. I’ve been pregnant forever now. I’ve been pregnant for almost a fucking year.This little shit won’t get out. We’ve tried everything, spicy food, walking, sex we have sex almost five times a day and she still refuses to leave my damn body.If I could evict her I would. Damien’s been walking on eggshells around me because every time I so much as look at him I want to throw something at his fucking head! He put me in this situation in the first place.For the last month I’ve been to the hospital almost every week. I’ve been having those damn fake contractions. They don’t feel fucking fake to me though.Sutton is our rainbow baby; Damien and I’ve gone to therapy and had every hospital check up possible. We made sure she was healthy. Fear grips us no matter what we do.The longer she’s in here the more I worry. On the one side I w
Chapter 50Sofia PopovPOV"Ladies and Gentlemen please help me in giving a round of applause for Mr. and Mrs. Popov…" The MC’s voice boomed throughout the ballroom.My brothers were very generous when it came to today’s proceedings, Damien paid for the bridesmaid dresses, Rowan opened up his house for us for today.Growing up my brothers and I weren’t close, they had responsibilities they needed to take care of, I had to learn how to take care of a family while they learnt how to protect their own.Alex and I walk into the hall hand in hand. He squeezes my hand as we approach the table with my grandmother and some of my friends from Ireland.Ellie rushes off to her friend. They flew out to America thankfully. Everything happened so suddenly Ellie couldn’t even say goodbye.“Hello everyone.” I greet them. They stand. Wendy Moira’s mom hg me first. I introduce her and her husband Henri. All five of their kids were in attendance. Addis, Adeline, William, Rush, and Moira. Addis and Adeli
Chapter 49 – The WeddingTWO MONTHS LATERAlexsei PopovPOVToday was one of the biggest days of my life. Today I change the last name of the woman I plan to spend the rest of my life with. Sofia stayed over at her parent’s house last night while I stayed over at Sasha’s new apartment.My sister got her own apartment so I could get the house we were staying in, she said it was the perfect home for a family and she didn’t want to get in the way of our family time. I thought it would be better if she stayed with us, but she didn’t feel the same way.I stand at the end of the aisle, watching Sofia’s brothers stand with their wives. Amara was seconds away from popping.I had no idea how far along she was, but she looked ready to pop. Not that I know much about women’s bodies and how they work.A slap on my back brings me out of my thoughts. I turn to see Sasha.Wearing a teal blue dress.“What are you doing out here? You’re supposed to be with Sofia…” I remind her.She rolls her eyes. “Th
Chapter 48 – the dress part 2After everyone told Randy which dresses would look good on me.Randy asks me. "Please this way."He leads me to the dressing room. A woman is waiting for us when we walk in. “This is Samantha, she’ll help you into the dresses and have it fitted to you.” He introduces her.I nod. We talk a little more. After that he goes off to check out dresses.I am told to change into a robe and to wait for him.When Randy returns, he has a huge bag in his arms.“I want you to try this one on. Your father picked this one out…” he tells me.He walks back out.Samantha unzips the bag and I gasp out. The dress was stunning huge but stunning.An A line dress, it looked like a ballgown dress. It was white the material looked like mesh with lace appliques. The top was a boat neck, and the sleeves were off the shoulder.Samantha helps me into the dress, and it fits perfectly. It fit me so well. Tears well up in my eyes just looking at the dress on me.“It looks so good on you.
Chapter 47 – The dressSofia Boyle - PriestPOVToday is one of the best days of my life and the day hasn’t even started yet. Today is my wedding dress appointment.Today I’m getting one step closer to walking down the aisle.I have no idea what the men are getting up today, but Alex said Rowan and Damien asked to see him. I’m also well aware of the fact that if they didn’t, he would find a way to sneak into my appointment. He hates leaving me alone, even when we’re with family.He's constantly looking over his shoulder making sure Ellie and I are okay.Ellie will be joining us at my appointment today, she’s just as excited to pick out her own dress.All the women are joining. My mom, Amara, Grace, Sasha, Mia, Rayna and Ellie"What are you doing up so early?" Damien asks walking into the kitchen."I couldn’t sleep…" I say taking a sip of my coffee.He smiles he leans against the cabinet crossing his arms and legs.“What?” I ask.He shakes his head. “Just I never thought the day would
Chapter 46Four months laterDamien PriestPOVWe’re at a studio getting Amara and my pregnancy photoshoot.She’s only six months pregnant. But there’s are for our baby shower, Amara has this whole plan for the baby shower, she’s been planning it since she found out we’re pregnant again.This being our rainbow baby, Amara’s been extra cautious. She’s handed the reigns over to me. letting me take care of her.Do we still mourn the baby we lost before, yes. She’d insisted we get scans as soon as she found out she was pregnant. She wanted something to hold onto. We didn’t have anything for the baby we lost, no stuffed bears, no scans not a piece of clothing nothing.“I’m so excited to get this done…” Amara says with a smile. “Sutton will look back at these pictures and love them…” her smile bright her blue eyes shining brightly.Sutton our daughter’s name. We found out last month. We haven’t informed our family yet. We’re doing it at our gender reveal in three weeks.Sutton Wren Priest…
Chapter 45Rowan PriestPOVSitting in bed with my wife I keep thinking about how to be there for Andre and Rayna without overstepping.Andre was there for me through my darkest moments, I want to be there for him, help him.I don’t want to overstep by telling Rayna the truth. Andre helped me realize that was in love with Grace, he told me to move on with Grace and I know we wouldn’t be where we are without him.“What’s going on with you?” Grace pauses her show and looks at me.I shrug my shoulders. “This whole drama with Andre. I want to help.” I tell her honestly. Though it wasn’t the whole story, Grace knew there were parts of my life I could never be honest about.She’s never held it against me. When I say Grace is an angel, I’m not lying. She knows I’m a terrible man, that I’ve killed people. That our empire was built on other’s bones, yet she still finds it in her heart to love me.She’s not only an amazing wife but an amazing mom to the twins. I don’t know what I’ll do without