Niko POVFor days I paced my floors, wearing out a clear line in the carpet. I didn't know what to do anymore. I closed myself off for so long I'm not even sure I can be anything but a beast, like Viv calls me.I walked the halls of my house, feeling everyone's hard glare on me. The look in my men's eyes were of disgust and I felt the same way about myself. Vivian has been here for months and I did nothing but try to put her under my thumb.She is a fierce woman with a compassionate heart that I should have never tried to silence. Viv could stare a beast in the eyes and tell me to fuck off, not even thinking twice about it. She didn't deserve this. I only knew I had a child after he was gone. She knew for weeks, if not months.I caught glimpses of her laying lifeless in her bed and I couldn't think of anything to do to help. I wanted her more than anything. I wanted to comfort her, mourn our lost child together, but I had no right to her anymore. I had so many opportunities to do right
Vivian POVI woke with all the people I loved piled in my bed and it gave me a spark to try and live today. I got in the shower, letting the steam roll away my sadness but nothing took away the pain in my heart. I just felt empty and helpless. My Aunt was on my bed reading to Amy while Dominick and Sophia shamelessly flirted with each other on my couch. They were cute together. "I was thinking... maybe we could get some food." I said with a small smile. I wasn't hungry but I needed to do the normal things again, like showering and eating. For now, I would concentrate on Amy, my friends, and finding out why my father caused such chaos. I hoped it would be enough to keep me up all day, but I also knew I could come to bed and cry to my heart's content too. No one put pressure on me to be ok, or to act in a certain way. Everyone was just there for me however I needed them. So, now I needed to try for them and maybe one day I'll want to do it for myself again. "Yes, that's a great idea.
Niko POVViv's Aunt was always quietly observing her surroundings. She held a scorned face as she looked around this house, as if it held memories she didn't want to remember. I knew she was uncomfortable here. Once she said she could tell us the truth about our parents it clicked. She was Peter's sister-in-law. Of course, she knew what happened over twenty years ago.I wasn't sure I could handle this story, but I also knew I needed to hear it. Vivian needed this too. She had been lied to her whole life. As much as I hated Peter for what he did, I still prayed he wasn't the villain I knew him to be. Viv loved her father and I didn't want her image of him destroyed. She lost enough already."I would like to know the truth, or at least your version of the truth from back then." I told her aunt. "And I do care for your niece. You know a vow is unbreakable and I vowed to protect her always."I didn't dare let my eyes drift to Viv. I already knew she would scruff at my words. They meant no
Vivian POVI couldn't believe the story my aunt just told us. Her and my mother endured so much pain for no other reason than for some men to have more power. All the years of my childhood she was cold and distant with me I now understood why. I was the reason she had to keep living."I'm so sorry Aunt Kathy." I whispered as she broke down in tears. She just said how she wanted to die but stayed alive to raise me. She had no pleasure left in this world. "I want to go home to my husband and my child now." She wiped her tears and pulled away from me. "Of course. Niko has a car for you all ready. You can go anywhere you want and they will protect you this time." I looked in her eyes, trying to convey her safety. She didn't care though."I will be leaving then. Don't come back causing me more trouble child." She scolded, then turned her back to me. I should be upset how little love she expressed for me but I knew how deep it truly was."Aunt Kathy, what was my cousin's name?"She slowly
Niko POVToday felt like a never-ending saga of depression filled with guilt. Viv's Aunt's story replayed in my head over and over again. It was strange that I felt so much anger for a man I admired, still admire. My father was everything to me, yet he didn't protect the woman I love. He didn't know what Peter's child would come to mean to me, but she was still a child. An unborn child, like my son, who I failed. I clasped my father's watch to my wrist then looked away with a deep breath. I will always love and respect my father, but I won't make the same mistakes he did. Many generations ago our ancestor created these alliances not just for money and power, but for protection. No one was going to rule our families, no laws would bind us, and no government would push us down. We ran the world behind the scenes and lived a luxurious life. Overtime the greed became too much, allowing men like Grasso to have more power than he should had been allowed. Being a made-man once meant a duty
Vivian POVThe second the meeting began I could barely feel my body. I stood confidently by Niko's side truly believing he would protect me. As they discussed my father, then my own fate, it seemed surreal. Rarely did any of them glance my way. How could they so candidly discuss my life and not even bother to ask my opinion?I realized how powerful these families really were. They weren't vile humans pushing drugs and fucking whores. They were united as one to keep the children and grandchildren on top. To keep their bloodline above tyranny and above any other's rule. They were like a cult, but with more money than God. It was sickening yet alluring. So much power they held, so much good they could do.Niko spoke of my time with him and I felt his words. I never wanted to be here or with him. There were times I found happiness behind closed door with Niko, but not within this life. It wasn't all true though. I loved Sophia, Dominick, Paul, Marie, and even Gio was growing on me again. I
Niko POVI walked away from Viv's cell uneasy with her plan. I didn't like her down here or alone. What if something happened? What if someone tried to get to her? I walked to the first cell and laid in my suit on the thin metal bed. I wasn't leaving her. When she left next week, I wasn't sure how I would be able to stay away. I promised her freedom, but I feared I may turn into a stalker. After a short while I fell into a deep sleep. Even though we were in different cells and well, in a cell, I still felt a calm in my heart. She was home and although she would never be mine again, I felt the tension slowly lifting between us. She smiled at me, teased me, even talked to me. Viv didn't hate me, even though she should.I heard the door creak open and guessed Paul was coming to check on her. When I saw a tall woman slink by my curiosity was at a new high. This was what Viv was waiting for. Vanessa was coming to confess something important. There was an army of men at the door ready to
Niko POV"Come in." I grunted to the knocking at my door."Good Afternoon, Capo. You wanted to see me?" Vanessa walked in standing at the side of my desk."Yes, now that we have this mess settled, I wanted to speak to you about our arrangement." I didn't even look up from my papers as I spoke. The last thing I needed was to pretend I wanted this woman in front of me. "Of course. I have everything arranged and there is nothing you need to do. In a little over two months, we will be married." She slithered her way behind my chair, lightly sliding her fingers to my shoulders. "You have been so stressed Nikola. Let me help relieve all this pressure." She kneaded my shoulders and it actually felt really good. I have been stressed a lot lately."Hmm, I could use a good release." I closed my eyes allowing her fingers to dig deep into my muscles. "You have so much responsibility Capo. I can help.""You have helped Vanessa. I know many ways you've stood by my side. I even noticed how you choo
Niko POv“What are you doing?" My kitten asked with venom in her voice. She knew I was up to something, and it drove her crazy."Nothing!" I shrugged my shoulders. Soon she will see him standing over there. Would she recognize him? "Sophia and Dominick are running late. Charlie hasn't been doing well with her teething. They are staying the week though. I have the guest wing prepared for them."I let out an annoyed sigh. I hated it when they came to visit."Niko! Be nice to your cousins." She warned."When that annoying woman stops stealing all my wife's attention, I'll like her more." I grunted out. Every time Sophia came Viv and her were glued to the hip. They even spent the whole night drinking and painting their nails. She was supposed to be mine every night and for some reason I had to share her with that little woman. You would think with them living in Chicago it would be enough distance, but it wasn't. "Stop being a child. Now tell me what you are up to. I don't want any prob
Niko POV"Paul, kill that fucker before I lose my temper!" I ordered my second as bullets flew past us."No way! She is your wife, you deal with her wrath." He dared talk back to me. I should have put a bullet in his head, but he was right. No one wanted to deal with Viv's anger. Over the years I may have given her too much power in the families. My men practically coward at her feet with one cold glare from her eyes. "Fuck! How do I get through to him?" I shouted to Paul."I don't know. He is fucking pissed and isn't listening.""Niko, come out and play!" The boy's voice taunted me."Will you just listen to me. I'm not here to kill you." I tried reasoning with him again."Oh, but I am here to kill you. You aren't worth anything Niko. I'll gut you for what you did to my sister." Fuck! He had been brainwashed all these years. How the fuck can I calm him down. My phone started vibrating and there was my goddess with a see threw shirt displaying on my phone. She gets on my ass everyda
Niko POVAfter making love to my soon to be wife I watched her until I became hard inside her again. It didn't take long and I planned on owning this body all night.She was fucking perfect and now I had her. She was no longer trapped under me. She willingly laid at my mercy, wanting every part of my soul. Being by her side wasn't enough for her and I wasn't sure what to feel about her proposal. She wanted my devotion to her. She wanted me as her husband. I didn't understand how she could love me, but I also didn't care. I would take everything she offered because I needed her as mine.I leaned down, kissing her lips softly and circling my hips. "I love you. I need you." I said between kisses. "Right now, I need to own your body. Can you handle my beast?" I lightly nibbled on her lips, praying that answer was yes. I began thrusting hard into her as she hummed back to me and I lost my willpower to restrain myself. Then her body popped up like she was in pain. I quickly slid out of her
Vivian POVI walked Niko to my garden and he looked almost disappointed. I know he really just wanted me naked in his bed, but I needed to know if he would choose me forever, or if this was just a game to get me under him again. I made my choice, now he needed to make his. "Wow! Did you have all my guards working out here? It hasn't even been 48 hours since I left." Niko looked around my garden filled with purple and white flowers for Amy, red roses for me, white lilies for my aunt, and the rest a rainbow of colors mixed with grass covering or ferns. "I did put them to work, but they happily agreed." I smiled at him. He looked at me for a moment and his eyes got big. He was realizing what this meant now."You are staying! This is your home!" For the first time since he walked through the front door, he lowered his walls. His harsh demanding voice faded away and his cold stare warmed to my eyes."I want to stay, but I want it all Niko. I'm a strong, loud mouth, independent woman. I ca
Vivian POVAfter we texted in the afternoon, I couldn't stop thinking about him. He wanted me in a skimpy lingerie and for some reason I wanted to please him. I had hoped he would be home before morning so, I got dressed in a little black night set, that was really just straps holding all my best features in the perfect position. When he began texting me at night, I had no idea it would turn into phone sex. I never let myself go so wild with anyone before, but the need for him was overwhelming. Once everything inside me burst over my fingers I was filled with so many emotions.He practically begged for me to stay, but I couldn't say it. I wanted him, but I couldn't say I would be his again. How could I need his embrace, yet pull away at the same time?I woke to a text from my beast saying good morning, beautiful. I stared at my phone for a long time. I could wake every morning to his husky voice, sometimes his large tongue. Would I really be able to just pack up and leave him? I ate
Niko POVRandy, Paul, and I arrived in Vegas by the late afternoon and I couldn't wait to get this over with. I had a long plan to cut off every one of his fingers, then peel his skin off his arms, then finally, leave him tied up as he bled out. Now I just wanted to walk in and put a bullet in his head so I could get back to Vivian. That fucking body was calling me every second of the day. I think I have a chance of taking it and I was here with this bullshit. I had to be the one to end him though. The families needed to understand that I was the Capo and I didn't take any orders or demands. Well, unless it was Viv giving them. Then I'll happily fulfill her every request. Especially in bed. Would she want me to take her to bed? "Capo!" Paul spoke my name in anger. My eyes stoned to pure evil as I faced him. "Sorry, boss. You were just standing there. The car is here." Paul coward down to my cold glare."Let's get this over with." Was all I could say as I got in the car. Fuck, I real
Vivian POVI walked downstairs with a smile on my face. I was nervous to go to his room last night, but now I was glad I did. He held me all night, spoke honestly, and he was even playful. Niko was my beast yet I've only seen him kneel to my ever demand since I returned. I knew in my heart I wanted to stay. My mind was still at odds with this decision though. I slowly opened my heart to him before and he ripped it wide open then stomped on it. Could he really change this much in such a short time? Could we make a real future together? I wasn't even sure what I wanted in my future anymore. Other than Amy, nothing in my life felt whole.The table was full of life at breakfast this morning. Everyone was chatting and joking around. I found myself tearing a few times watching all my friends laughing as I did too. This felt right. Niko didn't engage in much conversation, but he listened and he wasn't bruting. "Are you ready boss?" Paul asked as we finished eating. We sat there for over an
Niko POVI woke remembering the best dream where Viv was in my arms to find it was not a dream at all. She was really here. I put her to bed in her room despite wanting to carry her to my bed. Then in the middle of the night she came to me. "Good morning, beautiful." My voice was a bit raspy from sleep. I felt her body squirming awake and couldn't help but watch her body next to mine. "Good morning, beast." Her lips pulled a small smile, making everything inside me erupt in butterflies. "Did something happen or could you not resist me?" I teased. I was actually concerned something bad scared her. I can't imagine her leaving Amy's side if there was a threat though."I was just missing you and decided to crawl in your bed. Do you not want me here?""I always want you here." "I like being here with you." We didn't say anything else. I was afraid she would tell me she was still leaving and I couldn't handle that right now. We stayed in bed for at least an hour just cuddling each other
Vivian POVHe walked into the dining room in a black suit that was half a mess. Sleeves rolled up, top buttons undone, and hair ruffled. His muscles were throbbing, probably from all the tension in his body and it made my eyes walk over every inch of his skin. I don't know how and I don't know when, but something inside me just snapped into place about Niko. Maybe it was his vow, or how he looked at me like a mystical creature too far above him to even touch, or maybe it was his devotion to give me anything I ask of. All I knew was that somehow a brick wall came crashing down and now everything inside me flooded with emotions. Mostly, I just wanted to curl into his arms and hear his rough voice tell me it was all ok. I hadn't decided what it all meant though. I still wasn't sure if I could live this life or abide by their rules. I saw it all as barbaric and unfair. A few families with all this power. Niko killed Joseph, who was my half-brother, in his basement. He attacked Jonathan a