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A Lesson
Last Updated:
2025-02-17 00:00:09
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Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) Shadows of Suspicion
LAURENJake Donovan has been my long-time friend since I can remember. Back in high school, he had been my first crush before I got to meet Sylas. When he got promoted to detective, I couldn't go and meet him because Sylas had been too jealous and I wanted to please him. However, I could use his help now to win Enzo’s favor. I swallowed hard, watching Enzo’s expression shift as my words sank in. His grip tightened around the glass in his hand, knuckles paling. His intense gaze locked onto mine, studying me. The last thing I wanted was for Enzo to think I was some sort of spy for the police. I needed to know the truth about his dealings with my father's paintings. “Yes, Jake Donovan. He is just a friend. He can help get your sister out without digging too deep. He'll do whatever I tell him to.” I said trying to sound confident even though I knew I would need much more to convince Jake. Enzo's eyes narrowed at me and I could tell that he was not fully sure about my story. Watching as
Last Updated : 2025-02-17Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) His Claim
“Lauren, are you there?” Jake's voice echoed through the loudspeaker, making me tense up. The entire environment was tense and I could feel Enzo's eyes on me as Jake talked. The tension between us was already high as we sat down together. I hesitated, clenching my phone tightly. Clearing my throat, I answered,“I'm here,” I said as I glanced at Enzo. “I was just about to call you.” “ Oh? What do you need? Are you in trouble?” Jake asked making me shake my head. “ I'm not in trouble. However, I do need your help with a friend of mine.” I said glancing at Enzo as I spoke. Enzo’s gaze darkened with curiosity, his fingers tapping lightly against the armrest. He didn’t say a word, but I could feel the silent warning in his posture. “A friend?” Jake’s voice sharpened. “What kind of trouble is he in?”“ It's a girl. She was arrested yesterday at the club and I need your help. Can you help me? We are already near the station.” I said, my voice firm despite the unease twisting in my stoma
Last Updated : 2025-02-18Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) A Kiss Before Chaos
Jake’s hands clenched as he heard Enzo’s words.My womanThe fact that Enzo had said it so effortlessly made me stunned. Removing my hand from Enzo’s, I moved away a bit about to open my mouth when Jake beat me to it.“What are you talking about? Lauren is married. How can she be your woman? Mr. Santoro, it seems you have become delusional.” Jake said holding Enzo’s gaze.Enzo seemed calm but the tension between them was suffocating. Jake didn’t know about my recent problems with Sylas. It was normal that he was trying to defend my reputation being that he was my friend. Married? The words made my stomach turn as I heard them.Enzo let out a low dangerous chuckle as he titled his head, “Delusional? I’m afraid that’s hardly the case. Isn’t that right, sweetheart?” Enzo asked turning his gaze to me.I swallowed, feeling the weight of their stares. Jake’s eyes burned with confusion and protectiveness as if he was genuinely worried. Did he know Enzo’s real identity? The tension between th
Last Updated : 2025-02-19Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) Ambush
ENZO“Drive!” I ordered, my voice lethal as I pulled out my gun.Staring at Lauren, I could see how frightened she was as she crouched down hiding. Motherf**kers. I was going to make them pay for ruining the mood.Carlos wasted no time stepping on the accelerator as bullets came at us. The windows were bulletproof but it didn’t stop them from shooting at us. Lauren screamed as the sound of the bullets hit the car window. They were doing their best to catch up with us. Staring at one of the shooters, my eyes narrowed as I searched for something I could use to identify him. Once I did, motherf**ker was dead. The city lights blurred past us as Carlos swerved through traffic, narrowly avoiding a collision. The car jerked, and Lauren let out a small gasp, her fingers gripping the leather seat. Her wide eyes met mine, filled with panic, but I had no time to reassure her. Not yet.“Stay down,” I ordered my voice firm, leaving no room for argument.I spotted another SUV in the middle of the r
Last Updated : 2025-02-19Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) Secrets and Tension
LAURENI shot up in bed the moment I woke up, my breath unsteady. I was hoping it was nothing but a nightmare but the memory of those bodies on the road had haunted me. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t shake it. Sleep wasn’t an option.Dragging a hand through my hair, I got up, my legs feeling heavy. That’s when I noticed the light seeping from under the door. My stomach tightened. Slowly, I pushed the door open and stepped into the hall. The house was silent, except for the sound of my footsteps echoing.“Enzo?” I called out slowly as I walked down the stairs heading into the living room.The house was too quiet, the kind of silence that made my skin prickle. I clenched my hand into a fist, trying to steady myself as I stepped into the living room. Sunlight streamed through the curtains, casting a soft, golden glow over the expensive furniture. It looked peaceful, almost untouched. But something felt off.Where was Enzo?Last night, once we arrived, he had stayed with me, holdi
Last Updated : 2025-02-20Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) When the Devil walks in
The club was much louder than I expected. Sitting by the bar, I drowned the last contents of my glass before putting it down on the counter. The music was loud and there were a lot of people around but I didn’t care. All I could think about was Taylor’s face when she told me about the news of her pregnancy. She looked smug as she rubbed her belly back at the antique shop. It was obvious that she was there to mock me but I didn’t believe her. “You’re pregnant? Impossible.” I said staring at her. I didn’t trust Taylor at all. She was scheming, and annoying, and would do anything to get what she wanted. “You think because you didn’t get pregnant, Sylas was the one at fault? No, Lauren. You’re just the barren woman. You lied thinking that you could keep Sylas but mine is real…I’m pregnant.” Taylor taunted. The memory made me reach for the bottle pouring it so that the glass brimmed with whiskey. My fingers tightened around it as I fought the surge of emotions creeping up my throat. B
Last Updated : 2025-02-20Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) Submission
ENZO Domenico was already on his knees a few minutes later. Blood dripped from the corner of his mouth, staining his shirt but he was trying to act tough. He had the nerve to grin at me, even with my gun pointed at his head. I crouched in front of him, my grip steady on the pistol. The club was silent now. Only the bass from the music in the other room vibrated through the floor. My men had cleared everyone out. It was just us, and Lauren, standing a few feet away. It had been easy to deal with his men. They were amateurs. I wanted to get revenge on him but I waited. After seeing Lauren’s gaze earlier, I could tell she was having difficulty adjusting. I shouldn’t have let the motherf**ker breathe another second. “You think this is funny?” I asked, pressing my gun against his temple. Domenico was a young man in his mid-20s. He was desperate for power and wanted to uphold his father’s legacy so he created his own gang. I didn’t mind though. Bastard was a smart and creative motherf*
Last Updated : 2025-02-21Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) Pain and Betrayal
LAURENThe first strike hurt like hell.My eyes instantly teared up as I battled the pain. I turned back to look at Enzo. His face was unreadable but the strikes didn't stop. Unfortunately, I wasn't dressed in a way that could save me from the sting of the leather. Enzo continued, each strike worse than the last.“ This is what will happen every time you put yourself in danger. No matter what upsets you, you should never leave without your protection. Do you understand?” Enzo asked as he hit me again.Snap.A sharp gasp tore from my lips as the belt cracked against my skin again. The fire spread through me, hot and unrelenting. I clenched my teeth, refusing to give him the reaction he wanted. But my body betrayed me. My hands trembled and my breath hitched. I knew he saw it all yet he didn't stop.“ Answer me when I talk, gurriera. I hate having to repeat myself.” Enzo said.Another lash. My fingers curled into fists.I wanted to take it bravely. Show him that his threats and beatings
Last Updated : 2025-02-22
Latest chapter
Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) Pain and Betrayal
LAURENThe first strike hurt like hell.My eyes instantly teared up as I battled the pain. I turned back to look at Enzo. His face was unreadable but the strikes didn't stop. Unfortunately, I wasn't dressed in a way that could save me from the sting of the leather. Enzo continued, each strike worse than the last.“ This is what will happen every time you put yourself in danger. No matter what upsets you, you should never leave without your protection. Do you understand?” Enzo asked as he hit me again.Snap.A sharp gasp tore from my lips as the belt cracked against my skin again. The fire spread through me, hot and unrelenting. I clenched my teeth, refusing to give him the reaction he wanted. But my body betrayed me. My hands trembled and my breath hitched. I knew he saw it all yet he didn't stop.“ Answer me when I talk, gurriera. I hate having to repeat myself.” Enzo said.Another lash. My fingers curled into fists.I wanted to take it bravely. Show him that his threats and beatings
Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) Submission
ENZO Domenico was already on his knees a few minutes later. Blood dripped from the corner of his mouth, staining his shirt but he was trying to act tough. He had the nerve to grin at me, even with my gun pointed at his head. I crouched in front of him, my grip steady on the pistol. The club was silent now. Only the bass from the music in the other room vibrated through the floor. My men had cleared everyone out. It was just us, and Lauren, standing a few feet away. It had been easy to deal with his men. They were amateurs. I wanted to get revenge on him but I waited. After seeing Lauren’s gaze earlier, I could tell she was having difficulty adjusting. I shouldn’t have let the motherf**ker breathe another second. “You think this is funny?” I asked, pressing my gun against his temple. Domenico was a young man in his mid-20s. He was desperate for power and wanted to uphold his father’s legacy so he created his own gang. I didn’t mind though. Bastard was a smart and creative motherf*
Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) When the Devil walks in
The club was much louder than I expected. Sitting by the bar, I drowned the last contents of my glass before putting it down on the counter. The music was loud and there were a lot of people around but I didn’t care. All I could think about was Taylor’s face when she told me about the news of her pregnancy. She looked smug as she rubbed her belly back at the antique shop. It was obvious that she was there to mock me but I didn’t believe her. “You’re pregnant? Impossible.” I said staring at her. I didn’t trust Taylor at all. She was scheming, and annoying, and would do anything to get what she wanted. “You think because you didn’t get pregnant, Sylas was the one at fault? No, Lauren. You’re just the barren woman. You lied thinking that you could keep Sylas but mine is real…I’m pregnant.” Taylor taunted. The memory made me reach for the bottle pouring it so that the glass brimmed with whiskey. My fingers tightened around it as I fought the surge of emotions creeping up my throat. B
Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) Secrets and Tension
LAURENI shot up in bed the moment I woke up, my breath unsteady. I was hoping it was nothing but a nightmare but the memory of those bodies on the road had haunted me. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t shake it. Sleep wasn’t an option.Dragging a hand through my hair, I got up, my legs feeling heavy. That’s when I noticed the light seeping from under the door. My stomach tightened. Slowly, I pushed the door open and stepped into the hall. The house was silent, except for the sound of my footsteps echoing.“Enzo?” I called out slowly as I walked down the stairs heading into the living room.The house was too quiet, the kind of silence that made my skin prickle. I clenched my hand into a fist, trying to steady myself as I stepped into the living room. Sunlight streamed through the curtains, casting a soft, golden glow over the expensive furniture. It looked peaceful, almost untouched. But something felt off.Where was Enzo?Last night, once we arrived, he had stayed with me, holdi
Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) Ambush
ENZO“Drive!” I ordered, my voice lethal as I pulled out my gun.Staring at Lauren, I could see how frightened she was as she crouched down hiding. Motherf**kers. I was going to make them pay for ruining the mood.Carlos wasted no time stepping on the accelerator as bullets came at us. The windows were bulletproof but it didn’t stop them from shooting at us. Lauren screamed as the sound of the bullets hit the car window. They were doing their best to catch up with us. Staring at one of the shooters, my eyes narrowed as I searched for something I could use to identify him. Once I did, motherf**ker was dead. The city lights blurred past us as Carlos swerved through traffic, narrowly avoiding a collision. The car jerked, and Lauren let out a small gasp, her fingers gripping the leather seat. Her wide eyes met mine, filled with panic, but I had no time to reassure her. Not yet.“Stay down,” I ordered my voice firm, leaving no room for argument.I spotted another SUV in the middle of the r
Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) A Kiss Before Chaos
Jake’s hands clenched as he heard Enzo’s words.My womanThe fact that Enzo had said it so effortlessly made me stunned. Removing my hand from Enzo’s, I moved away a bit about to open my mouth when Jake beat me to it.“What are you talking about? Lauren is married. How can she be your woman? Mr. Santoro, it seems you have become delusional.” Jake said holding Enzo’s gaze.Enzo seemed calm but the tension between them was suffocating. Jake didn’t know about my recent problems with Sylas. It was normal that he was trying to defend my reputation being that he was my friend. Married? The words made my stomach turn as I heard them.Enzo let out a low dangerous chuckle as he titled his head, “Delusional? I’m afraid that’s hardly the case. Isn’t that right, sweetheart?” Enzo asked turning his gaze to me.I swallowed, feeling the weight of their stares. Jake’s eyes burned with confusion and protectiveness as if he was genuinely worried. Did he know Enzo’s real identity? The tension between th
Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) His Claim
“Lauren, are you there?” Jake's voice echoed through the loudspeaker, making me tense up. The entire environment was tense and I could feel Enzo's eyes on me as Jake talked. The tension between us was already high as we sat down together. I hesitated, clenching my phone tightly. Clearing my throat, I answered,“I'm here,” I said as I glanced at Enzo. “I was just about to call you.” “ Oh? What do you need? Are you in trouble?” Jake asked making me shake my head. “ I'm not in trouble. However, I do need your help with a friend of mine.” I said glancing at Enzo as I spoke. Enzo’s gaze darkened with curiosity, his fingers tapping lightly against the armrest. He didn’t say a word, but I could feel the silent warning in his posture. “A friend?” Jake’s voice sharpened. “What kind of trouble is he in?”“ It's a girl. She was arrested yesterday at the club and I need your help. Can you help me? We are already near the station.” I said, my voice firm despite the unease twisting in my stoma
Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) Shadows of Suspicion
LAURENJake Donovan has been my long-time friend since I can remember. Back in high school, he had been my first crush before I got to meet Sylas. When he got promoted to detective, I couldn't go and meet him because Sylas had been too jealous and I wanted to please him. However, I could use his help now to win Enzo’s favor. I swallowed hard, watching Enzo’s expression shift as my words sank in. His grip tightened around the glass in his hand, knuckles paling. His intense gaze locked onto mine, studying me. The last thing I wanted was for Enzo to think I was some sort of spy for the police. I needed to know the truth about his dealings with my father's paintings. “Yes, Jake Donovan. He is just a friend. He can help get your sister out without digging too deep. He'll do whatever I tell him to.” I said trying to sound confident even though I knew I would need much more to convince Jake. Enzo's eyes narrowed at me and I could tell that he was not fully sure about my story. Watching as
Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) A Lesson
ENZOI f**king got blood all over the place. Gripping my g*n tightly in my hand, I stared at the kitchen floor muttering a curse under my breath as I walked over to the sink. Dropping the g*n on the counter, I opened the water and let it run over my hands. At first, I had no intention of killing him. Being alone with Lauren had got me in a f**king good mood, and the idiot just had to ruin it. “ Take this traitor away. You know what to do.” I said turning to Stefano and the men. As they took him away, I ran my hand through my hair before reaching for the pack of cigarettes from my pocket. Pulling one out, I placed it between my lips before lighting it up, inhaling deeply as the familiar burn filled my lungs. The weight of the gun on the counter still lingered in my mind, but I ignored it. Turning slightly, I noticed Lauren standing frozen by the cupboard. Her face had turned white and I could see her hands clenched. She was obviously mortified by what had just happened. A part of me
