Chapter 39Stacy ⟻⟼ ✦ ⟻⟼It was dark. I was running.“Don’t… don’t come near me,” I muttered under my breath, though I knew it was useless. My legs pumped harder, my shoes skidding against the dirt and roots. But it didn’t matter. Every second, he gained on me. I felt him—his eyes on me like I was prey.I glanced over my shoulder, and there he was, a dark silhouette moving faster than any man should. My heart slammed against my ribs, fear rising, but there was something else, deep in my stomach. It was almost… electric, stirring up a heat that shouldn’t have been there.I tripped over a branch, crashing down hard. My palms slapped against the ground, dirt and leaves sticking to my skin. Before I could even scramble up, a hand wrapped around my ankle, yanking me back“No—” I screamed, kicking, but he was too strong. His grip burned, and even though I fought, the heat inside me surged. His shadow loomed over me, and I knew I should have been terrified.Part of me was— just not my va
Chapter 40 Stacy ⟻⟼ ✦ ⟻⟼ New York City, the place I once called home. The streets were the same, the skyline unchanged, but everything about it felt… alien, like a distant memory. I kept my eyes fixed out the window as Vincenzo drove out of the airport, taking in the lively scenery. The cold wind bit at my skin, reminding me of all the nights I had once walked these streets freely. Now, I was just a captive— Vincenzo’s captive, literally shackled by his twisted sense of revenge. My wrists ached under the weight of the cuffs, and the cold metal collar around my neck made every breath feel heavier. Whatever small flicker of humanity or compassion I thought I saw in him these last days was gone, had vanished right before we boarded his jet, replaced by the cold, detached aura he had when he first dragged me to Chicago as his new slave. It was like flipping a switch. One moment, that morning, he was somewhat tolerable, teasing me and being all cocky and the next, he was ruthless a
Chapter 41Vincenzo⟻⟼ ✦ ⟻⟼I never liked Nikolai, and he never liked me either.I knew the feeling was mutual because I’d heard him say it once, not to my face, of course—but he said it to Russel. I hardly gave a damn about what people thought, but that one line stuck with me.My reason was simple: he’s one of the very few things my brother has that I truly envy—a true friend.I do have people, of course. I mean, there’s Aurelio and Vito, for example. But that was just duty and loyalty to their boss and nothing more. They’d kill for me, and I’d kill for them, because that’s what we do in our world. We have each other’s backs. But it’s work loyalty. It’s transactional.Nikolai was different. He was the kind of man who’d burn the world down for my brother. The kind of loyalty no one gives me. Not willingly, anyway.I hated the bastard for it.He’d do anything for Russel, just like his other best friend, Kegan, would. And that was exactly why he was helping me now.If Russel didn’t get
Chapter 42Stacy⟻⟼ ✦ ⟻⟼“Go ahead without us,” Vincenzo said, waving Nikolai off like he hadn’t just dragged me through their little discussion like I was some fucking handbag. “Perfect.” Nikolai responded with a low sigh of relief, then he stood up and left. They acted like I didn’t even exist. No surprise there—Vincenzo was always a step away from treating me like furniture.But the worst part was, this time, his grip felt different—like something else was going on. His hand around my wrist was iron, pulling me toward the car like a damn leash. My skin burned under his touch, and not in the way I’d ever admit out loud.He yanked the car door so hard that you’d think he had a beef with it. “Get in.”I glared at him, but he didn’t bother waiting for me to finish sulking or do what he just asked—just shoved me inside with the usual roughness and shut the door behind him. A damn dictator, that’s what he was. I wasn’t a person to him. I was a plaything. His possession.He entered too
Chapter 43Stacy⟻⟼ ✦ ⟻⟼I’ve never been one to possess self control.It’s almost amusing to think of that now, standing here under the scorching sky, next to Vincenzo’s mother’s tombstone of all places. What did it say about me that I had more issues with the dirt under my nails than the fact that he might just snap my neck before dinner?“You’re quiet,” he observed, his voice like a slow, dangerous melody. “What’s going on in that head of yours, little devil?”I gave him a sweet smile, feeling the tension rising between us like a hot current. “Oh, you know. Just thinking about how you remind me of a cheap cologne—overpowering and leaves a lingering headache.”His dark eyes gleamed with amusement, as he invaded every inch of my personal space. “Funny.” His hand suddenly snaked up behind my throat, fingers wrapping around my neck with a grip that was tight enough to make my pulse quicken but not enough to stop my breathing. “But you’re wrong about the ‘cheap’ part.”My heart did a ri
Chapter 44 Stacy ⚠️ TRIGGER WARNING⚠️ ⟻⟼ ✦ ⟻⟼ “What the fuck are you?” I roared. If my wrists weren’t cuffed, I would have slapped him so hard he’d have my palm prints branded on his face for years. “A sick psycho? A fucking ritualist? Were you dropped on your head as a kid?” He said nothing, his expression unchanging as he continued to drag me out of the now almost dark woods. My wrist ached from his grip, and from the barbaric cut he’d given me. As much as I tried resisting the constant pull, he wouldn’t let go and so the cut wouldn’t stop bleeding. “Were you raised by some halfwit cavemen?” I continued to rant, because it was all I could do to keep me from going insane. Although it did nothing to stop me from thinking about the fact that I’d practically just been made to bleed for some dead woman. “I wouldn’t call my stepmom and a bunch of Tristiano’s men cavemen,” he responded nonchalantly, his voice laced with exasperation, as if dealing with a petulant child. I glared a
Chapter 45Stacy ⟻⟼ ✦ ⟻⟼The drive back to Nikolai’s place was awkward, to say the least.Thankfully, Vincenzo left me alone with my thoughts, his usual unreadable self. He didn’t so much as glance in my direction, which was another bonus, because how do I look at him after what he’d just shoved his dick down my throat and then swiftly reminded me how miserable he intends to make my life?The heavy door to Nikolai’s place clicked shut behind us, and that familiar sense of dread washed over me. It wasn’t just the grand, sterile hallways or the coldness in the air—it was the unsettling feeling of being trapped with two of them.I followed Vincenzo, my stomach churning with unease. My mind was still buzzing from everything that had happened, while he moved with his usual air of indifference.The moment we stepped into the foyer, Nikolai appeared at the top of the staircase, his eyes sweeping over us. His gaze lingered on me for a second longer than I liked before he focused on Vincenzo,
Chapter 46Vincenzo⟻⟼ ✦ ⟻⟼She didn’t come down for dinner. Or any meals, for that matter, over the next three days.I wasn’t exactly losing sleep over her silent treatment. Hell, if anything, it gave me space to think and work. I had bigger issues on my plate, and I was still pissed at myself for letting my temper get the best of me the other day. I’d taken advantage of the moment, of her, and made her suck me off. The memory made me smirk, but the second that thought crossed my mind, I slapped a hand to my head, scowling.I should probably apologize to her.But I’d have to kill her after.A grin tugged at my lips again. My little mouse might be quick-witted, sassy as hell, and unapologetically wicked, but one thing she wasn’t good at? Sucking cock. And for some damn reason, that made me proud. Proud that my dick was the first one shoved down her throat, that she nearly choked on it.And I plan to teach her.I wasn’t apologizing because, deep down, I knew I had every intention of d
Hey everyone, A huge thank you for sticking with me through this incredible journey! Writing this romance has been such a rewarding experience, and I truly hope it’s been as thrilling for you to read as it was for me to create. At a point, I felt like giving up, but the passion and you guys kept me going, I’m grateful. There’s been love, suspense, and plenty of drama to keep things interesting, and I loved every moment of putting it all together. This book started as a small idea with Russel and Allesia, then grew into these amazing characters that I hope to keep exploring with you all. Next month, we’ll be starting another book with one of these characters (Haven’t decided who yet) and I hope you’ll be there for it. If you’ve enjoyed this ride, I’d be forever grateful if you could take a moment to vote and leave a glowing FIVE-STAR RATING. It’s not just for me, it’s a chance to share the love with others who might not have discovered this story yet. Your rating can really h
STACY Six Weeks Later ⟻⟼ ✦ ⟻⟼ The drive from the airport to God-knows-where was as stressful as the one to the airport. Vincenzo’s hand was on my thigh, warm, heavy, and impossible to ignore. I wasn’t sure if it was meant to comfort me or keep me from vanishing. Knowing him, it was probably both. “You’re quiet,” he said softly. “I’m tired,” I replied, leaning my head against the window. “And I’m trying to decide if I should nap or interrogate you.” His lips quirked, but his eyes remained fixed ahead. “Interrogate me about what?” “Hyacinth,” I said, shifting to face him. “What did you do with her?” His head snapped towards me instantly. Even Vito, ever the unbothered, tensed up in his seat. “Don’t worry about it,” Vincenzo said dismissively after a long look. “That’s not exactly informative,” I shot back. “She’s not going to, I don’t know, haunt us, is she?” His hand tightened on my thigh, a warning disguised as affection. “If she does, it’ll be your fault for asking too many
EPILOGUE Three Months Later ⟻⟼ ✦ ⟻⟼ One moment I was alone in the study, going over the endless list of things Vincenzo thought we should do before the wedding, and the next, someone was there, like a ghost from another world, watching me. I should’ve known better than to expect peace. Between being a human and being a ghost, I was pretty sure Dante enjoyed the latter. He stood in the corner of the study now, his broad frame cloaked in silence, watching me with the calm intensity that made me want to cry out for Vincenzo. “Seriously?” I hissed, slamming the ledger I was reviewing shut. “Are you trying to give me a heart attack?” “Knocking is overrated,” he said smoothly, readjusting his position. “Dante…” I glanced at the door, my pulse picking up. Vincenzo was in the house, and while he wasn’t one to hover, he had a sixth sense for trouble. “You can’t keep doing this.” His lips curled into a faint smirk. “Doing what?” “Sneaking in here like some kind of ghost,” I snapped, k
Chapter 115 Stacy ⟻⟼ ✦ ⟻⟼ “Manuel!” I shrieked, the weight in my chest momentarily lifting. I didn’t even wait for the car to stop completely before I threw the door open and bolted toward him where he was standing with Vito and a couple other guys I did not recognize. His head snapped up just in time for me to crash into him, throwing my arms around his neck. “What are you doing here?” I squealed in excitement, my hands still tightly wrapped around him. Manuel stiffened, his arms hovering awkwardly for a moment before he finally hugged me back, though cautiously. “Boss Nikolai’s orders. He’s staying at Boss Russel’s tonight, so we had to come.” I pulled back slightly, my hands still gripping his shoulders, my grin so wide it hurt. “What about the others? Are the guys okay?” “They’re all fine, Miss,” he said, a small smile tugging at his lips. His eyes scanned my face, softening. “You look… really good.” I felt my cheeks heat at the compliment, but before I could res
Chapter 114 Stacy’s POV ⟻⟼ ✦ ⟻⟼ I’d never felt smaller, yet somehow, every slight gaze in this room made me feel impossibly large. “Vincenzo, you brought her here. What’s your plan?” The question made my stomach twist. Everyone at the table had gone into the kitchen for dessert, leaving just me, Vincenzo and Russel at the table. They were discussing business just minutes ago, and now, they were discussing me. I sank further into my chair, wishing I could disappear, but I kept my eyes down and my ears open. No weakness, no surrender. My father had taught me that much, even if everything else he taught me dug the shitpit I was currently swimming in. Vincenzo, however, looked utterly unbothered, leaning back in his chair to look at me like a king surveying his kingdom. “She stays with me,” he declared, his tone firm, final. Russel arched a brow, unimpressed. “Stays with you? Care to elaborate, or are you just collecting strays now?” Stray. My cheeks flushed hot, a mi
Chapter 113 Vincenzo ⟻⟼ ✦ ⟻⟼ Fucking family meetings. The words danced in my head as I adjusted my cuffs, stepping out of the car and into Russel’s driveway. The whole fucking house was a fortress, just very fitting for my brother. Everything about Russel screamed control, even his damn lawn. Not a single blade of grass out of place. But as much as I hated these gatherings, tonight, I couldn’t afford to skip it. And so I brought my little mouse along. I glanced at her as she stood stiffly beside me, fingers fidgeting. Her usual fire was dim tonight, replaced by that gloomy look and the distant sadness in her eyes. “This is Russel’s place.” . “Good thing your memory is still good.” I placed a hand on the small of her back, steering her toward the door. She flinched at the contact but didn’t protest. That was new. We merely made it inside, when the sound of loud laughter buzzed, accompanied by the faint clinking of glasses. The scent of roasted meat and spices wafted through
Chapter 112 Stacy ⟻⟼ ✦ ⟻⟼ Four days. Four long, suffocating days since I last saw Vincenzo. Four days since he stormed out of that room, leaving me with the weight of my own confession—my love for him—and his silence. I’d told him to kill me. And judging by the way he locked the door from the outside, maybe he was still considering it. It was the only explanation. He didn’t trust me anymore. He didn’t want me anymore. That night, I’d noticed it, and seen it in his eyes. The memory of the way he used to look at me, like I was a puzzle he couldn’t resist solving, had been replaced with cold, empty indifference. If anything, the only emotion in those deep blue eyes was pity, pity for the poor pathetic idiot I’d become. And yet, it wasn’t the thought of dying that made my chest ache. No, death would be a mercy. It was the thought of losing him—the man he’d been before I’d ruined everything. The man I knew only briefly, the man he’d been that night, how he had held me and told me hi
Chapter 111 Vincenzo ⟻⟼ ✦ ⟻⟼ It’s easier to make enemies than friends. But, it’s better to make friends than enemies. Several minutes after Clyde was dragged out by Dante’s men, we were all still standing inside the vault, stressed as fuck. I still maintained my stance about letting the bastard breathe being a bad idea—he deserved a bullet, not diplomacy—but Russel and Nikolai were playing chess, not checkers. Their sights were set on the bigger picture, which was turning the Irish into allies instead of enemies. It made sense in the grand scheme of things, but letting Clyde walk out of here alive still felt like a slap in the face to every instinct I had. So, I let it rest. For now. But if Clyde so much as sneezed in the wrong direction again, all bets were off. “Well, that was dramatic,” Nikolai said with a grin, clapping his hand to break the oppressive silence. “Shall we toast to our little victory, or is there more bloodshed on the agenda?” I ignored him, my focus
Chapter 108 Stacy ⟻⟼ ✦ ⟻⟼ Vincenzo strolled so casually, like he had all the time in the world to deal with me and he wasn’t going to stress about it right now. When he reached where I stood, he didn’t speak right away. Instead, his hand slid to my neck, pushing my hair to the side. His touch sent an involuntary shiver through me, equal parts unsettling and electrifying. Then he plucked the tiny Bluetooth from my ear, the one Clyde’s goons had been whispering their sinister threats through, and held it up like it was a piece of garbage. “You no longer have to be afraid of the lunatic,” he said quietly, his voice loud enough that Clyde could hear. But then his dark eyes flicked to mine, and his tone shifted. “But you should be afraid of what I’ll do to you for leaving the way you did.” It was a cold promise My throat dried up instantly. “You don’t understand,” I said in a trembling voice. “Elixir. They’re going to kill him. Clyde is going to kill all of them.” Vincenzo l