Share

Mine

Author: JacqueAuthor
last update Last Updated: 2025-03-08 16:11:35

I don't even turn towards the voice. I feel like I'm going to turn to stone. I guess I should have expected that, given everything that happened years ago. Of course, he's married. Did I think he was going to wait for me his whole life?

But I still can't believe it. I'm still not ready for the pain that envelops me when I hear that he's moved on, he's married, and he has a family.

I feel like I'm going to cry.

Asher doesn't say anything. He just looks at me, and I just stand there. Frozen into place.

All of a sudden, he barks. "get out!" the sound of his voice, the power in it—there seems to be some anger in it, and I can't help myself but scramble and start running towards the door.

But then he stops me again.

"Not you," he says.

"Everybody out," he continues.

Everybody stands up, and the whole room clears out in an instant.

I'm left standing there, looking at him as he looks back, he just stares at me blankly. There is no expression on his face.

I don't know how to react. I'm nervous as hell. I do not know what to say or do with myself.

It's been five years. He's already married. He's moved on. There's no reason I would think that he was still mad at me, that he still had grudges about what happened years ago.

Looking at him now, I can see how he has only gotten more captivating, more beautiful, more handsome with age. The boy I once knew is gone.

The Asher I loved had a reckless charm, a raw, untamed fire in his eyes. When I was in love with him, he still had this boyish, young look about him. And now—Now he looks older, wiser, stronger.

Oh so sexy...

It’s in the way he carries himself, the quiet authority in his voice. It’s in the way his tailored suit fits him, the way his jawline has hardened with time.

This is the better version of him. And somehow, that makes it hurt even more.

He aged like fine wine. I always knew that he was going to get even more handsome by the day. I just feel bad that I'm not that woman for him anymore.

Asher is still staring at me, he's not saying anything, and I can't read his expression, I decide to take the peaceful, easier way out. Words tumbling out...

"Hey, Asher. It's been a long time, right? Was that five, or four years? How are you? How have you been doing?"

He's just staring at me. I find myself continuing, blurting out words.

"You're Don now. That's nice. Congratulations. When did that happen?"

He raises an eyebrow.

"Yeah, I'm not in that world anymore, but I'm so glad that you moved on. Married and everything. That's so nice. I'm so glad that you're happy."

I don't know why I keep talking.

He's still staring at me, and I'm starting to sweat. A thought cones to me, Maybe he doesn't even recognize me. Maybe he just felt bad when his men or his acquaintances were touching me. I don't think he remembers me.

I laugh awkwardly. " You probably don't even remember who I am...But thanks for helping me out there. If you don't mind, I'll just get you your order."

I'm about to turn and leave when he stands. I find myself stuck in place as He stands to his full height.

Tall. Powerful.

His presence fills the room. And for the first time in five years, I feel it—the force of him.

He's so imposing. So controlled. So hot.

Oh my God. I can practically hear my ovaries dying.

My body betrays me.

Five years. Five years in the desert. No touch. No heat. Nothing but memories of what it was like to have him—his body, his hands, his mouth.

And now, seeing him, watching him walk toward me, knowing exactly what he's capable of… it's a struggle to stand here and act unaffected.

He moves with purpose, oozing power, and when he stops in front of me, I have to tilt my head back to meet his gaze. He's way too tall.

That's when I see it—the anger, the fire, the coldness lurking in his dark eyes.

Then, a slow smirk appears on his lips.

"Oh, I remember you, Ariella Costa. I remember you as clear as day."

His voice sends a shiver through me.

Five years ago, Asher Romano made me a promise. He promised I would regret ever breaking my promise. Ever breaking his heart.

And today, I feel like I just walked into his trap.

His next words are cruel. Mocking.

"People at home think you died five years ago. Your parents already mourned you. They're probably working on forgetting you ever existed."

I swallow hard.

It wasn't what I wanted to do. But it was what I had to do.

"Setting that fire to your house was perfect," he continues, his voice sharp, deadly.

"But you can never run away from me, Ariella. I knew I would find you and have my revenge."

My body tenses immediately. The way he's looking at me—with unfiltered, raw hatred...I should be terrified.

No, I am terrified.

Because right now, I have more than just myself to think about. I have a son who knows nobody but me. A son who needs me.

I cannot die.

"Please… don’t kill me."

The words slip out in a broken whisper, my voice trembling, my entire body shaking.

But instead of answering, Asher raises a hand. I flinch and close my eyes.

To my absolute horror, he touches me. Slowly, smoothly, almost tenderly.

His fingers caress my right cheek with a softness that sends an involuntary shiver through my body.

I don’t know if it’s fear or something else entirely. I don’t know if I want to find out.

A wicked laugh escapes his lips, dark and knowing.

"Why would I want to kill someone as beautiful as you, Ariella Costa?"

His voice is taunting with danger underneath.

"You have this beauty that captivates men, don’t you? There were plenty of naked women in this room, but the second you walked in, the men lost control. They wanted a piece of you. They wanted to own you."

His fingers trail down my jaw, tilting my chin up.

"Not knowing you already belong to me."

I swallow hard, my breath caught in my throat.

He moves away, settling into a chair with ease. He unbuttons his coat, leans back, and spreads his legs apart like a king, which I guess he is...

And then, his voice turns lethal.

"From now on, Ariella Costa, you are mine to use. Mine to play with. Mine to do with as I please."

The words hit me like a heart attack.

"Your body belongs to me. Your mind belongs to me. Your soul belongs to me."

He smirks, his dark eyes locking onto mine.

"I own you."

Continue to read this book for free
Scan code to download App

Related chapters

  • CLAIMED BY THE MAFIA DON   No Choice

    I shake my head. No.Again and again, I shake my head, willing this moment to be a nightmare.But Asher just watches me, his lips curling into a cold, calculated smile. His eyes gleam with amusement as if he’s enjoying the way I’m crumbling before him.He isn’t speaking. Just watching. Like a predator toying with his prey.I try to absorb his words, to make sense of them, but they don’t fit. They don’t make sense."But you’re married," I whisper, my voice shaking. "You’ve moved on. What are you saying? I don’t understand."He laughs, low and cold, his mockery slicing through me."It looks like you got caught up in your feelings, Ariella." His voice is taunting, cruel."I never said I loved you. I never said I was going to marry you. I never even said you had any significance."My breath catches."What I did say," he continues, his tone dripping with venom, "is that you my toy. I am going to use you until there’s nothing left. Until you don’t recognize yourself. Until nobody can recogn

    Last Updated : 2025-03-08
  • CLAIMED BY THE MAFIA DON   Let me Go

    He smiles. It’s slow, calculating."Whatever it is," he murmurs, "if they find out, you know the rules of the famiglia."His eyes darken, his voice almost a whisper. "You. Are. Dead."A shudder of fear runs through me. I flinch. Because I know he’s telling the truth. The moment he takes me back, I am dead.Nobody will save me. I can’t leave Leon. I won’t leave Leon. He needs me.He sees the fear in my eyes. And he likes it."So you better just tell me why," he says, his voice quieter. "Why did you run away, Ariella?"He leans in slightly, watching me. "Were you scared I was going to hurt you?" His voice is almost teasing, taunting. "Was it fear—after breaking my trust—that made you run away?"I am desperate for a way out. I can see that he wants me to say yes. He wants me to admit I was scared of him.So I do. I nod. Trembling. Avoiding his eyes. He smirks."Good."He tilts my chin up, forcing me to meet his gaze."I like your fear." He says licking his lip. Then, he moves. His hands

    Last Updated : 2025-03-09
  • CLAIMED BY THE MAFIA DON   The Destruction

    Asher stood still, frozen, as seconds ticked by before he turned towards me. He looked at me, and I could see the anger, the fury, the fire burning hot in his eyes, and it made me scared. I took a step back, and that little movement seemed to be the thing that broke him from his trance because before I could blink an eye, he was already there—right there in front of mAs he looked at me, I tried avoiding eye contact. His gaze was too piercing, too intense, and it made me too scared, so I looked down.But he gritted out angrily, commanding, “Look at me.”I raised my head up, forcing myself to meet his gaze.“Look. At. Me.” He gritted out each syllable, his voice sharp. Then, he asked me, “What did you say?”I shook my head. I was afraid to speak out, afraid to repeat the words that had already left my mouth. Just moments ago, he had mocked the idea of me having a boyfriend, of being with someone else, of being married. And now, now he was acting so mad because I told him I had a son.

    Last Updated : 2025-04-01
  • CLAIMED BY THE MAFIA DON   I Loved You

    "Nobody! It is nobody!" I cried out, my voice breaking with desperation. "I have never cheated on you, Asher. It’s always been you. It has always been only you.""Shut up, you bitch!" he snapped, his voice laced with pure fury. "You think I’m foolish? Do you think I’m stupid? You think I—" He cut himself off, running a hand through his hair before glaring down at me again. "Then where did this son come from? You think you're the virgin Mary?""No. I never said that, I....""You think I haven’t heard the rumours? People whispering behind my back, saying you were sneaking around? You think I don’t know why you were after me, the Don’s son?"I shook my head, my lips parting to speak, but he wasn’t done."You think I don’t know why you forced me to sleep with you just weeks before you faked your own death?" His voice dropped lower, more dangerous. "Staged it, I should say.""I don’t know what you’re talking about, Asher," I whispered, still curled up on the floor, my arms wrapped around m

    Last Updated : 2025-04-02
  • CLAIMED BY THE MAFIA DON   I Am Fine

    "Do you want me to get someone else?" Damien asked hesitantly. "A woman, maybe? Do you think you'll feel better talking to a woman rather than talking to me?"For the first time since this nightmare began, I answered. "No," my voice was barely above a whisper. "I just… I’d like to take a shower. Maybe a change of clothes?""Yes, of course!" His voice lifted as if I had finally given him something sensible to do—something that could help, even if just a little.He practically bolted out the door, his footsteps fading down the hall. For a few moments, I just stood there, hugging myself, my mind still reeling from everything. Then, not too long after, Damien returned, his arms full of clothes and toiletries."I brought everything I thought you might need," he said, placing them on a broken chair. One of its legs was missing, making it tilt slightly. "I asked Maddie to prepare it." He motioned toward the back of the room. "There's a bathroom right there behind you. You can use it. It has

    Last Updated : 2025-04-03
  • CLAIMED BY THE MAFIA DON   Pulled Over

    I went straight to my apartment.It was small—just one tiny room divided into a kitchen, a cramped bathroom, a bedroom, and a barely-there sitting area. The walls were dull, the furniture mismatched, but it was home.I prepared Leon’s soup first, making sure it was just the right temperature before heading out to Tracy’s place to get him.When she opened the door, her eyes widened in surprise. “Ariella? I thought you wouldn’t be back until later tonight. Doesn’t your shift end at eight? What are you doing here?”I forced a small smile. “Yeah… I just felt bad leaving Leon by himself.”Tracy scoffed playfully. “He was with me, silly.”“Yeah, I know. But he’s sick… and I just felt bad, so I asked to come back and take care of him.”She shrugged. “Okay, that’s fine.”Tracy and I were neighbours, but like most people in the city, we had separate lives. We were always working, always chasing money, always trying to survive. I was lucky she helped me watch Leon when she could—especially sin

    Last Updated : 2025-04-04
  • CLAIMED BY THE MAFIA DON   Know Why

    The officer reached my car and knocked on the window, signalling for me to roll it down. My heart raced, my palms sweating as I took a deep breath and lowered the window. The officer didn’t crouch down to look me in the face, standing tall as he asked in a voice that was calm but firm, "Where are you going, ma'am?"I froze, my mind scrambling for an answer. "I'm just going to visit a friend... a little out of town.""Where to exactly?" he asked, his tone still measured.I felt the panic set in as my mind searched for a place. Westwood. The name popped into my head before I could think better of it. "Westwood," I stammered, praying he wouldn’t ask anything else. It was far from the city, but it was the only thing I could think of."Yeah? Is there a problem? Did I do something wrong? Was I speeding?" I managed to ask, trying to keep my voice steady.That’s when the officer crouched down to look at me through the window. My breath caught in my throat as he still kept his cap low, hidin

    Last Updated : 2025-04-04
  • CLAIMED BY THE MAFIA DON   Our World

    There was a way that Luca was treating the whole thing. If we were to put him into terms, we would say he was here to kidnap me.But can you even call it kidnapping if you're being forced into doing things?It was the way he was so sure of himself, so certain that I was going to do everything he said just because he was Mafia, just because Asher had asked him to.But he didn’t know me. Not this new version of me.I wasn’t just going to let them pick me up and throw me into their cage, controlling me with their batons. I had survived too much, fought too hard, to let them take me without a fight.So, I decided to use Luca’s weakness against him.He hit the top of the roof of my car twice as he said, "Come on, let's go." Then, without another word, he started walking back toward his police cruiser.No. He wasn’t taking me that easily.I turned the car back on, gripping the wheel tightly. Just as I was about to press my foot on the gas, a hand shot out and held mine in place.I stiffene

    Last Updated : 2025-04-05

Latest chapter

  • CLAIMED BY THE MAFIA DON   The Master

    His grip tightened.With each struggle, with each desperate attempt to push him away, his fingers pressed deeper into my throat. My lungs burned, my vision blurred, and I realized—I was going to die.Here. Like this. Beneath him. Panic seized me.I couldn’t die. I couldn’t.Leon—he needed me. I had to stay alive for him.What would happen to him if I was gone?What would Asher do to him if I wasn’t here to protect him?Tears spilt from my eyes as I started to beg."Asher, please… please let me go. Please, I’m begging you." My voice was weak, hoarse, barely a whisper. "Please, don’t do this. I’m sorry."My vision started to fade. The edges of the room darkened, my body growing weaker by the second. My limbs felt heavy and useless. The fight was slipping out of me.And then—He let go.I gasped, sucking in air so violently that my lungs screamed in pain. My body convulsed as I coughed, trying to get oxygen back, my tears hot and endless. My hands clutched my throat as I struggled to bre

  • CLAIMED BY THE MAFIA DON   Defiant

    I was eager to feel him inside me. I wanted him to fill me. I wanted him everywhere. I especially wanted him somewhere that was calling out to him. Somewhere that needed him more than anything right now. I wanted him to fuck me. My hands went towards him as I started touching his chest, the firm muscle beneath my fingertips a stark contrast to my own trembling flesh. Planning to make my way towards his defined abs and go down there towards his member to touch him, to ignite the fire that was already burning within me. But just as my hands went towards him, he immediately caught my hands, his grip like steel, and put them in a grip on one of his hands. A little too rough for my liking, the sudden constraint sending a jolt of unease through me. Then he stopped what he was doing, the whirlwind of passion abruptly ceasing. The two of us were now breathing heavily, the air thick with unspoken desires and a tension that crackled between us. He looked into my eyes, his gaze piercing, and

  • CLAIMED BY THE MAFIA DON   The Intruder

    When we got home, Luca carried Leon to his room, took off his shoes, and tucked him into bed. Watching him drift off, I couldn’t help but feel love and sadness. It was hard to put into words, but I knew that, somehow, I was giving him the world, even though I wasn’t sure of my own place.Just as Luca turned to leave, I stopped him. The words came out before I could second-guess myself. “What about the tutors you mentioned? Leon hasn’t been to school yet, and I haven’t heard anything.”Luca paused his hand on the door. “Don’t worry. Everything’s under control. People are being verified, and by next week, you’ll have the timetable for everything. Just trust that they’re getting everything sorted out for Leon.”I nodded, even though I wasn’t entirely convinced. At least they were doing what they promised. For now, I should be grateful for that.It was getting late, and I figured Maria must be in her room next door to Leon by now. I didn’t want to disturb her, especially not when she nee

  • CLAIMED BY THE MAFIA DON   Is He Here

    I stood there, staring at him, speechless.Luca turned to leave, but then he stopped. Slowly, he came back toward me, taking my hand in his. His gaze locked with mine, softer than I had ever seen it."I always liked you, Ari. I am so sorry about what happened to you. I know the next few days won’t be easy. I know Asher will push you, but…" He exhaled. "I think he still has feelings for you, even if he won’t admit it."I pulled my hand away and scoffed. "Yeah, I can see how much he loves me."Luca shook his head as if there was more he wanted to say but decided against it. Before he turned to leave, he added one last thing."I haven’t turned the cameras on yet. But as soon as I walk out that door, I will. So take care of yourself, Ari."I nodded, though I wasn’t sure if I was agreeing or simply acknowledging what he said.I felt my throat tighten, my vision blurring. I swallowed the lump forming, forcing the tears back.As Luca stepped toward the door, he paused one last time. "Take ca

  • CLAIMED BY THE MAFIA DON   A Good Thing

    "You wanna go and choose your room upstairs, buddy?" Luca asked Leon.Leon’s eyes went wide. "I can choose my own room?"Luca smirked. "Yes. You can even choose your wing. Do you want the west wing or the right wing?"Leon gasped, spinning toward the grand staircase. "I'm going to see all of the rooms!" He bolted up the stairs, his laughter echoing through the house."Leon, wait! Be careful!" I called after him. My heart clenched at the thought of him running through an unfamiliar place. What if there were stairs he could trip on? Something he could knock over?"Relax," Luca said, waving me off before calling out, "Maria!"A young woman appeared from the hallway, moving swiftly toward us. She was petite, dressed in a neat uniform, her dark hair pulled into a tight bun."Mr. Morelli. Madam," she greeted formally.Luca turned to me. "Ariella, this is Maria. She’s your maid-slash-nanny."I blinked. "My what?"Maria gave a small bow. "Hello, Madam Ariella."I forced a polite nod. "Hello,

  • CLAIMED BY THE MAFIA DON   New Home

    My mouth hung open, but Luca just smiled, like this was all some funny joke."You ain't planning on keeping the money so you can run away from Asher again, are you?" he asked, amused.I stared at him, frozen, like a deer caught in headlights. That only made him chuckle. Then, as if I had just told the funniest joke in the world, he burst into laughter.Luca laughed so hard I didn’t think I had ever seen him like this. It wasn’t just a chuckle—it was a full, uncontrollable laugh, his shoulders shaking, his head thrown back.I frowned, growing more irritated by the second."You can't be serious," he said, still laughing.I just stared at him.Then, still chuckling to himself, he turned and walked out of the diner, shaking his head as he headed toward the car.Thank God Leon was too busy with his food to pay attention. He hadn’t noticed our exchange or pretended not to.I paid the bill and followed him outside. By now, I was mad. No—fuming.I got into the car, sitting stiffly, arms cross

  • CLAIMED BY THE MAFIA DON   Our World

    There was a way that Luca was treating the whole thing. If we were to put him into terms, we would say he was here to kidnap me.But can you even call it kidnapping if you're being forced into doing things?It was the way he was so sure of himself, so certain that I was going to do everything he said just because he was Mafia, just because Asher had asked him to.But he didn’t know me. Not this new version of me.I wasn’t just going to let them pick me up and throw me into their cage, controlling me with their batons. I had survived too much, fought too hard, to let them take me without a fight.So, I decided to use Luca’s weakness against him.He hit the top of the roof of my car twice as he said, "Come on, let's go." Then, without another word, he started walking back toward his police cruiser.No. He wasn’t taking me that easily.I turned the car back on, gripping the wheel tightly. Just as I was about to press my foot on the gas, a hand shot out and held mine in place.I stiffene

  • CLAIMED BY THE MAFIA DON   Know Why

    The officer reached my car and knocked on the window, signalling for me to roll it down. My heart raced, my palms sweating as I took a deep breath and lowered the window. The officer didn’t crouch down to look me in the face, standing tall as he asked in a voice that was calm but firm, "Where are you going, ma'am?"I froze, my mind scrambling for an answer. "I'm just going to visit a friend... a little out of town.""Where to exactly?" he asked, his tone still measured.I felt the panic set in as my mind searched for a place. Westwood. The name popped into my head before I could think better of it. "Westwood," I stammered, praying he wouldn’t ask anything else. It was far from the city, but it was the only thing I could think of."Yeah? Is there a problem? Did I do something wrong? Was I speeding?" I managed to ask, trying to keep my voice steady.That’s when the officer crouched down to look at me through the window. My breath caught in my throat as he still kept his cap low, hidin

  • CLAIMED BY THE MAFIA DON   Pulled Over

    I went straight to my apartment.It was small—just one tiny room divided into a kitchen, a cramped bathroom, a bedroom, and a barely-there sitting area. The walls were dull, the furniture mismatched, but it was home.I prepared Leon’s soup first, making sure it was just the right temperature before heading out to Tracy’s place to get him.When she opened the door, her eyes widened in surprise. “Ariella? I thought you wouldn’t be back until later tonight. Doesn’t your shift end at eight? What are you doing here?”I forced a small smile. “Yeah… I just felt bad leaving Leon by himself.”Tracy scoffed playfully. “He was with me, silly.”“Yeah, I know. But he’s sick… and I just felt bad, so I asked to come back and take care of him.”She shrugged. “Okay, that’s fine.”Tracy and I were neighbours, but like most people in the city, we had separate lives. We were always working, always chasing money, always trying to survive. I was lucky she helped me watch Leon when she could—especially sin

Explore and read good novels for free
Free access to a vast number of good novels on GoodNovel app. Download the books you like and read anywhere & anytime.
Read books for free on the app
SCAN CODE TO READ ON APP
DMCA.com Protection Status