[ Arielle ]“What am I going to do with all these clothes?” I sighed looking at the stack of bags on my bed. Povetta and Lilliana forced me to buy countless dresses of my choice in all the luxury brand stores in the city. How could I tell them that I was only allowed to spend a meagre amount of money on myself before. Branded clothes were only given to me during parties and auctions.“This is not even one percent of what Italian wives buy, Signora. You’re lucky that you got excess to the stock which isn’t launched in the market yet. Trust me, all the women during the upcoming gala will be envy of you. They’re very provocative when it comes to something rare and unreachable.” Emily said to me and I turned to look at her with scrutinized eyes.“Really?” I shook my head, “Such materialistic things don’t matter to me. I only love my freedom, it’s priceless for me.” I replied and stretched my arms.“Freedom is priceless for you because it’s unreachable.” Emily stated.I was speechless, it
[ Vincent ]Violence, blood, treachery, deception, lies and uncertainty.This is the normalcy in my day-to-day life. There’s nothing mundane or more humane things about me. I wake up with new targets and challenges to meet and when I comes back to the bed, I often have blood on my hands.“What are you going to do with this Wilson lad?” Stefano asked me as we seated leisurely in the warehouse. I lit his cigar and poured myself my favourite whiskey to cool off my brain.He is the closest I can call a friend. Our similar age can be the reason. We grew up and trained together until I was sent to the States by his father, the former Capo.“I haven’t decided yet. A part of me wants to lock him here forever. I wonder how a snob like Desmond fathered two incompetent sons. They’re going to cause his downfall before he reaches his grave.” I said glancing over the small cell where I had kept my second prize that I demanded from Desmond soon after the wedding.He’s the leash I have over Desmond.
[ Arielle ]“You’re looking breathtaking, Ma’am. I am not flattering, it’s true. The Capo won’t be able to take his eyes off you and so the others.” Emily, who was helping me to slipped into my heels, praised me.I agreed with her compliment though I am not sure about her latter comment. A beauty can’t fascinate Vincent De Niro. We were in Florance, it was a private suite in a seven star hotel. I could see the city down me. The royal blue dress in mermaid style perfectly hugging my curves, it’s intricate embroidery and design screamed wealth and elegance. I had never seen a beauty dress like this. Vincent sent a diamond and emerald necklace to wear. My over all appearance made me look more mature and womanly.“Are you ready, Signora?” My bodyguard asked me, his eyes were at the floor. No other men dare to look at me except Vincent himself and Marcello, of course.Marcello was with Vincent. For a weird reason, I missed him messing with my patience level.“Yes.” I nodded. I was nervous,
[ Arielle ]Vincent didn’t leave me even for a nano-second as he engrossed himself in serious conversation with different group of men. I just had to stand by his side and smile in response when someone looked at me. I didn’t understand a word they said. To be honest, I felt like an outcast among all Italian men and women.“I want to use washroom.” I whispered to him, I was afraid since I interrupted him in between a dialogue with an old man.He tilted his head to look at me, his face didn’t give away anything but he slowly loosened his grip around my waist.“Marcello, take her to the restroom and ensure that you stay around.” He instructed my personal nanny. I felt embarrassed when the other men chuckled.“Women always make us kneel when it comes to protect them. It is the hardest part of our profession.” The Italian man said in his broken English so I could understand his sarcasm.“Surely, they need our protection, Mr. Gionni because men can not be trusted. So, it’s not the women’s
[ Vincent ]“You invited Walsh, am I hearing the right news, Mr. Bianchi?” I asked the sly man who was sipping his drink in a silver ware.“Si, I invited him. What’s the catch, Vincent?” He raised his eyes at me and it took me every single fibre in my body to control my anger.“I want him as soon as your shit show is over, Bianchi. You know I have been looking out for him for a long time. I can’t allow him to slip away from my grip again. Do not root your friendship with him. It won’t be good for your health and your business.” I gave him a silent warning.“Are you threatening me, Mr. De Niro because my business also fruits you.” He tried to challenge me.Before I could say something, a group of men joined us. They were the English.“May we join the conversation if the gentlemen?” Edward Whitford, the English mafia lord asked us.I knew they wanted to talk about the same problem that is Faolan Walsh. He has his eyes on the English networks and it’d be a direct threat for Edward.“Faol
[ Arielle ]The thirty minutes ride from the event venue to the hotel was invaded by silence. I was sent back to the hotel by Vincent when I was enjoying the only thing I liked in the event; the food. My appetite died when Vincent told me to leave urgently. He looked tensed but his face was hard to express his emotions.“Order something from the hotel, Signora. I know you’re still hungry.” Marcello said when we were in the elevator.“I am not hungry anymore, Marcello. I just want to be alone and nobody ordering me around until morning.” I snapped back at him as I was really pissed off.The guards checked the suite before they let us go inside. I directly went into my room and locked it.“I am in the living room until Capo comes back. if you need anything, please do tell me.” I heard him saying from other side of the door and then he left.I quickly threw the heels in a corner not caring if it’d be damaged. I fell on the bed and took deep breaths. When I thought everything is falling o
[ Vincent ]“How could you let this happen?” I punched the wall beside Marcello’s head, I didn’t care if my knuckle hurt and started bleeding. Anger was fuelling me.“She was in the balcony. I wasn’t supposed to be there. Whoever aimed her, they knew that she’d be alone in the room, Capo.” Marcello answered but I aimed my gun on his forehead.“My wife was shot in the most secured hotel, I gave this responsibility to you, Marcello. You must had checked the other buildings as well.” I growled in a quiet tone as we were in the hospital.“We did check the other buildings but we don’t know how she was aimed. I believe it’s someone from our inner circle who breached our security and tried to hurt Signora.” Marcello looked down in shame.My eyes fell on his blood smeared shirt. Anger and vengeance to butcher the person who tried to kill Arielle fuelled me. It was her crimson blood. I felt a strange twist in my heart. She must be in so much pain. Whoever targeted her, they knew that she was a
[ Arielle ]White ceiling, a dull pain in my upper body and spinning head, that’s what I experienced when I woke up on a hospital bed. I hate hospitals and the smell of it but it was a private room. I tried to speak but my throat was dry so I pressed the alarm.The doors burst open within seconds and a group of medical stuff rushed inside before I could process anything. Behind them, the De Niro guards entered, alarmed and ready to shoot if they see danger when I recalled how I ended up in a hospital.I was shot but I survived.“How are you feeling now, Mrs. De Niro?” The doctor asked me after he checked my vitals, eyes and heartbeats.“I feel mild pain in my right shoulder. I hope it won’t increase when the effect of medicines wear off.” I told him with a weak smile but the sweat beads on his face was the evidence of the pressure he must be feeling.“Good, you’re in a good condition. The wound will heal in two weeks but you may need physiotherapy for a few weeks for the smooth moveme
[ Ella ]Fuck!What did I do? I kissed Marcello Romano on the lips. What he must be thinking about me? I couldn’t resist myself when I heard him promising me everything that a lover can do for me. I know he likes me, he expresses his feelings for me now and often but I am not certain about my own feelings for him. Sometimes, they are too intense that I am not able to supress them just like the unexpected kiss and sometimes my brain questions my heart.I shouldn’t be harbouring such emotions which may hurt me in the future. Marcello is a great person who only showed his good side to me but I can’t ignore the fact that he’s a mafia. He may not use violence in front of my eyes but he’s a part of it. He’s tend to use violence, if it’s not me, then others, his enemies. His life is always in danger. I can’t shake the insecurity off.I didn’t recall when I fell asleep while thinking and debating about my present and hazy future. When I woke up next day, I felt recharged and ready to start my
[ Marcello ]The beauty in front of me, I have no words to praise her because no words in the dictionary can justify her beauty inside out. I am obsessed by her, her sweet scent, her smile and laugh like a music to my ears. This girl stood against storms in her life, fought them bravely and still stay positive about her future even though I am not happy with her decision to go away from the city.“Marcello, you can drop me here. I can walk from here.” Ella’s soft voice forced me to look at her. we drove mostly in silence. This time I had my security with me because I don’t want to take chance with her safety.“No, I’ll walk you to your house, it’s not very late but your safety is my responsibility.” I said, she nodded her head in agreement.We stepped out of my car. I gestured my bodyguards to follow us closely behind but don’t catch attention of her nosy neighbours. I don’t want any inconvenience for her which can solidify her desperation to move.“Thanks for a wonderful day, Marcell
[ Ella ]“Thank you once again for this memorable day trip, Marcello. I enjoyed every single second I spent at the De Niro’s property. I can’t believe that I am one of the few people who got the opportunity to live this dreamy life of one of the wealthiest families in the city.He smiled and poured more wine into my cup, “I can do much more for you, mon cheri. Just give me a chance.” He said. We were having our dinner at the estate.I was afraid at first when I saw hundreds of armed men guarding the estate at each corner. The security was unbreachable. I met his mother who is a very nice lady. I didn’t feel like an outsider and they definitely didn’t behave like dominating people.“You can drop me off at my house now. It’s getting dark and I don’t want my neighbours to gossip about my personal life. I bet you’re already a breaking news among them.“Are you not happy that most of your neighbours now think that we’re a thing between us?” He teased me and I immediately looked down at my
[ Ella ]“You shouldn’t come to my house unannounced. The entire neighbourhood was looking at you. I bet, it’ll be spread to the others by now. Those ladies were practically eye raping you, Marcello.” I said to him with rotten mood remembering how those women ogled at him as if he was a piece of meat.“Are you jealous that I am quite popular among the ladies of your neighbourhood?” He smirked and I coughed while sipping on my coconut water that I bought to keep myself hydrated. I am still not used to with the humidity of the place.“No, I am not jealous. Why would I be jealous? You’re not boyfriend or something like that.” I defended myself.“Touche, I am hurt by your bluntness, mon cheri.” He acted to wince and again focused on the road.“This place is beautiful. I have seen vineyards but never been to a private property before.” I said as I saw vineyards on both sides of the road, stretched far and wide. It was a picturesque view.“You have the golden chance to spend an entire day a
[ Marcello ]“What if I tell you that I like you? Will you still leave?”I asked her, it was a now or never question for me. After she shared her fears and her goals for her life, I understood her. I know how it feels to go through pain of losing your loved ones, I had gone through this dark phase myself. Sometimes, I also wanted to leave everything behind and start a new life but I could never really discard myself from this city and this life. Eventually, I found my peace in my work.“Mr. Romano, I don’t know how to answer this yet but we can certainly be friends.” She said.I felt a ache in my heart after hearing her answer. She doesn’t feel in the same way as I do. I was willing to give her everything she deserves, from safety to fulfilling her dreams. I’d give her a loving family. All that I wanted is her companionship because my feelings for her are getting intense day by day.“I think it’s quite late. I should be going now. Please, don’t hesitate to contact me if you need anyth
[ Ella ]“Mr. Romano, please come inside.” I politely asked him to come into my house while ensuring that my nosy neighbours didn’t see a man coming to my house and later complain to the landlady who is an old fashioned woman.He stepped into my house and I closed the door carefully. My heart was hammering against my ribcage. It is the first time I invited a man inside my house that too late in the night. He’s the same man whom I hated and felt scared not less than twenty-four hours ago.“Here, take this food.” He handed me the bag and I went to my small kitchen to serve the pasta into two plates and also the grilled chicken in classical Italian tomato sauce with a lot of herbs and peppers. The delicious aroma made my stomach grumble loudly. I prayed that he didn’t hear this.I returned to my living room with the food tray. The space looked more smaller with his presence.“This is my favourite pasta dish, what a coincidence?” I rubbed my palms together before picking the fork to dig i
[ Ella ]“Ella, my darling. Thank God, you’re fine. I was scared to death.” My aunt rushed to hug me as soon as I walked into their house after my check-up and treatment at the clinic. The doctor advised me to rest for 2-3 days. I told Marcello to drop me at my uncle’s house. I need to talk to him. I won’t let go of this easily. I could be dead today.“I want to be alone for some time, aunt. Please, don’t mind.” I said slowly getting out of her grip. Her face reflected guilt but she pressed her lips and nodded her head.“Mrs. Romano, please take care of her. Make sure that she doesn’t stress herself in the café. I’ll come again to have a world with Rio Romano.” Marcello said and then he turned to me, his features softened when he looked at me.“Take care, mon cheri. Please, don’t hesitate to call me if you need anything. I have mailed you my private phone number.” He said to me and handed me the bag of some food which he grabbed for me from a Chinese restaurant in our way.“Thank you,
[ Ella ]It’s been an hour, I sobbed silently when my tears dried up. This place was no less than a hell if I have to imagine one. They didn’t come back again and with passing time, my fear was increasing. My uncle took money from dangerous man like my kidnapper, I had no idea about it and now, I am the one who will be sacrificed.“God, please, save me.” I prayed closing my eyes because I don’t want to die. Even though, I lost everything, my parents were victim of this kind of violence but still, I never lose hope of a beautiful future.Suddenly, I heard yelling and arguing of men coming from outside. I sat straight on the chair. Maybe, they received a negative answer from my uncle. Maybe, my end was near. All of a sudden, the door burst open and I was panicked without looking at the person.“Please, don’t kill me.” I begged assuming it was the same man.“Ella, shhh, calm down, it’s me.” I heard the most unexpected voice and snapped my face up. It wasn’t my dream. Marcello Romano was
[ Marcello ]I was more than excited to see my little angel. Throughout the night, I couldn’t sleep, her cute talks and cute facial expressions kept dancing in front of my eyes. Her sweet fragrance had enchanted me. I was only waiting for the morning so I could go to the café and ask her out like a gentleman.“I see someone is craving for Rio’s cookies early in the morning.” Vincenzo walked into the kitchen with a yawn, I glanced at him, he was in his night pyjamas and messy hairs.“I didn’t give you a day off from work, Vincenzo? You’re looking like a shit.” I raised my left brow at him who was fetching himself a cup of coffee.“I have a killer headache, Capo. I am sorry but I am not in a state to work today. Miss Ella’s friends are crazy, they drank like thirsty camels. If we had to pay the bills, I am sure my bank account will be left with only zeroes. But the real struggle was to drop Lucy, Miss Ella’s friend.” he groaned and by judging his face, I assumed he had trouble in dealin