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Hidden Layers (2)
Dernière mise à jour:
2025-04-09 23:59:01
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Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) Cracks
I reached out, grabbing her face.Not gently. Not with the kind of touch she deserved. My fingers dug into her jaw, forcing her to look at me. Her eyes flinched, but she didn’t pull away. Maybe she knew it would only make things worse. I forced her to meet my gaze. “You think I’m sick?” I growled, my thumb pressing hard against her cheek. I could feel the tremble in her jaw. She was scared. Good.She didn’t say anything, her lips tight, but her eyes told me everything. She hated it here. Hated me. But I saw it. Underneath the anger, there was something darker. Fear. And something else. She wanted it. I let out a low laugh, my grip tightening, but not enough to break her. “You think you know me, don’t you?” I whispered. “You think you have any idea what I’m capable of?”Her breath hitched, but she didn’t pull away. That was good.“You’re wrong, Lauren,” I murmured, my voice low as I ran my hand along her thigh. “You’re the one who’s sick. Not me.”I moved even closer, my chest pressi
Dernière mise à jour : 2025-04-10Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) Cracks (2)
Barbara gasped calling my name. I rushed to her side immediately holding her before she could fall. Her hands went straight to her hips as she sobbed. Barbara's sobs hit me like a punch to the gut. I barely had time to process the blood pooling on the floor before she collapsed against me, her body trembling. Her face was pale, eyes wide with panic.“Enzo… help me…” Her voice cracked, raw with fear.I caught her before she could fall completely, my arms tight around her waist as I tried to steady her. But something wasn’t right. The way she was clutching her stomach, the way her breath came in short gasps, it wasn’t just from the shock.“Stay calm,” I muttered, my voice gruff, trying to ignore the pounding in my chest. My mind raced, but I couldn’t afford to lose control. Not now.Barbara’s hands shook violently as she gripped my arm. “I— I didn’t... I didn’t mean to…” She stammered through her sobs, her body shuddering in my arms. The words didn’t make sense. “It’s... the baby...”
Dernière mise à jour : 2025-04-11Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) Fleeing the Flames
LAUREN“I’m leaving.” I said staring at Enzo. It had taken me a lot of courage to say it out loud and even hold his gaze but, I couldn't bear it anymore. Seeing him with Barbara, the way they decorated their baby's room each day and the way she walked around with a smug smile each time she saw me. Now, her baby was almost at risk again. Just like that at the hospital. Seeing the way Enzo held her so gently and kissed her hair as I drove them to the hospital made me so mad. It should have been me in his arms.“ What are you talking about? I don't have time for this, Lauren.” Enzo said dismissively as he turned staring in the direction that the mysterious doctor had gone once again.He was still the same. He didn't listen to me. “ I am leaving. I can't stay watching you and Barbara act like a sweet, loving family every single day.” I said unable to hide my jealousy. Enzo's frown turned into a smirk immediately. He seemed happy seeing me slowly losing my mind. As if he was deliberat
Dernière mise à jour : 2025-04-11Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) Crossed Lines
ENZO“Ms. Hills is here to see you.” Stefano's voice made me open my eyes the moment he said the surname. I watched him leave feeling anxious. Quickly, I ran my hand through my hair before glancing at the mirror in my study. By the time he came back, I thought it will be Lauren but it wasn't. It was Taylor. My eyes narrowed as she walked into my study wearing a very elegant short flower patterned dress. She looked almost exactly like Lauren with the way her hair cascaded down her shoulders. “Mr. Santoro.” Taylor said bringing me out of my thoughts. “ I believe I have something to tell you.” “ What might that be?” I asked staring at her cold as I reached for the things on my table. I pretended to start arranging them and didn't offer her a seat. I thought Taylor would take the initiative to leave but she was beyond stubborn. “ I want what you were offering Lauren. Protection.” Taylor said making me stare at her. “ I was offering Lauren more than just protection. I was offering he
Dernière mise à jour : 2025-04-13Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) Crossed Lines (2)
LAUREN“Do you like the dress?” Dante asked as I stood in his arms dressed in a beautiful silver dress with shiny diamonds. I had managed to get away from Enzo. After running I had been kidnapped by the butler of the Riccardi family. I thought it was going to be Rafael but it was Dante. He offered me a deal I couldn't refuse. The same one Enzo had before in the past. Protection. I knew how to handle Dante. I knew what he wanted. I tilted my head, letting a small smile play on my lips. “It’s beautiful,” I whispered, my fingers brushing over the diamonds stitched into the soft fabric. The dress sparkled under the dim light, catching the gleam in Dante’s dark eyes.Dante's hand slid along my waist, pulling me closer, as if testing how real I was. “You wear it well,” he murmured, his voice low and smooth, like a silent warning wrapped in silk.I kept my expression calm, my heart steady. Dante wasn’t like Enzo. He didn’t need sharp words or raised voices. His danger lived in silence, i
Dernière mise à jour : 2025-04-14Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) Deadly Obsessions
ENZOLauren thrashed against my chest trying to push me away. I wanted to remind her who she belonged to. Who was the only man she should be with. After minutes of wanting of kissing her, of claiming her, I finally let her go watching as she gasped for air. Her body had texted to mine as it always did. She could run but she couldn't hide from me. “ You f**king bastard!” Lauren cussed as she raised her hand slapping me hard across the face.Her slap didn't faze me at all. I knew she would react like this yet I still did it. Raising my hand up, I touched my jaw. My gurriera didn't just slap me, she had f**king bruised me. I turned my head back to her, slow and calm, watching the fire in her eyes burn through the tears she was fighting to hold back. Her chest heaved, hands balled into fists, and for a second, I swore I could feel her hate trying to cut through me.But hate was better than indifference. Hate meant I still owned space inside her.“You done?” I asked, my voice low, steady
Dernière mise à jour : 2025-04-17Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) The Betrayal and the Chase
LAUREN"Come on, Sylas, I would never hurt your mother, let alone push her down the stairs. I love her. I love you," I said softly, my voice trembling as I tried to reach him, to make him see the truth. But Sylas didn’t move, his expression cold and unyielding.Suddenly, a sharp slap stung my face, the sound ringing out like a gunshot in the quiet house. My cheek burned as I knelt there, stunned. Sylas had hit me. And Taylor? She just stood there with smug satisfaction. I couldn't believe it. My husband whom I had loved so much had slapped me because of Taylor. It was her fault. She had lied to him. Made him believe that I pushed his mother down the stairs but it wasn't true.“Are you saying Taylor’s lying? She’s your older sister. Why would she lie about something like this?” Sylas demanded as Taylor busted out crying.She leaned against him, her head on his shoulder, playing the victim while Sylas comforted her, stroking her hair. They thought they had fooled me, but I wasn’t blind.
Dernière mise à jour : 2025-01-17Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) Bound by Secrets
ENZO A stranger I hardly knew sat on the edge of my bed, her presence more unsettling than the raging storm outside. Rain lashed against the windows, but it was the least of my concerns. She wore a torn blue dress that once looked elegant, now in tatters, and her hair was a wild mess, partly hiding her striking face. Cuts marked her arms and legs, painting a grim picture. I stood frozen, unsure how to handle the situation especially since she now knew my secret. God, I hated men who abused their wives. "Stefano, I need your help to investigate something. A man called Sylas. Once you are done, send his information to the police. Make sure nothing traces back-” I said as I stood by the window speaking to my Captain on the phone. A hand suddenly gripped mine and I turned to see the woman who had just entered my room. The look of fear in her eyes made something turn in my stomach. “ Please don't tell the police.” She begged, her voice barely audible. “F**k!” I said hanging up bef
Dernière mise à jour : 2025-01-17
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Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) Deadly Obsessions
ENZOLauren thrashed against my chest trying to push me away. I wanted to remind her who she belonged to. Who was the only man she should be with. After minutes of wanting of kissing her, of claiming her, I finally let her go watching as she gasped for air. Her body had texted to mine as it always did. She could run but she couldn't hide from me. “ You f**king bastard!” Lauren cussed as she raised her hand slapping me hard across the face.Her slap didn't faze me at all. I knew she would react like this yet I still did it. Raising my hand up, I touched my jaw. My gurriera didn't just slap me, she had f**king bruised me. I turned my head back to her, slow and calm, watching the fire in her eyes burn through the tears she was fighting to hold back. Her chest heaved, hands balled into fists, and for a second, I swore I could feel her hate trying to cut through me.But hate was better than indifference. Hate meant I still owned space inside her.“You done?” I asked, my voice low, steady
Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) Crossed Lines (2)
LAUREN“Do you like the dress?” Dante asked as I stood in his arms dressed in a beautiful silver dress with shiny diamonds. I had managed to get away from Enzo. After running I had been kidnapped by the butler of the Riccardi family. I thought it was going to be Rafael but it was Dante. He offered me a deal I couldn't refuse. The same one Enzo had before in the past. Protection. I knew how to handle Dante. I knew what he wanted. I tilted my head, letting a small smile play on my lips. “It’s beautiful,” I whispered, my fingers brushing over the diamonds stitched into the soft fabric. The dress sparkled under the dim light, catching the gleam in Dante’s dark eyes.Dante's hand slid along my waist, pulling me closer, as if testing how real I was. “You wear it well,” he murmured, his voice low and smooth, like a silent warning wrapped in silk.I kept my expression calm, my heart steady. Dante wasn’t like Enzo. He didn’t need sharp words or raised voices. His danger lived in silence, i
Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) Crossed Lines
ENZO“Ms. Hills is here to see you.” Stefano's voice made me open my eyes the moment he said the surname. I watched him leave feeling anxious. Quickly, I ran my hand through my hair before glancing at the mirror in my study. By the time he came back, I thought it will be Lauren but it wasn't. It was Taylor. My eyes narrowed as she walked into my study wearing a very elegant short flower patterned dress. She looked almost exactly like Lauren with the way her hair cascaded down her shoulders. “Mr. Santoro.” Taylor said bringing me out of my thoughts. “ I believe I have something to tell you.” “ What might that be?” I asked staring at her cold as I reached for the things on my table. I pretended to start arranging them and didn't offer her a seat. I thought Taylor would take the initiative to leave but she was beyond stubborn. “ I want what you were offering Lauren. Protection.” Taylor said making me stare at her. “ I was offering Lauren more than just protection. I was offering he
Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) Fleeing the Flames
LAUREN“I’m leaving.” I said staring at Enzo. It had taken me a lot of courage to say it out loud and even hold his gaze but, I couldn't bear it anymore. Seeing him with Barbara, the way they decorated their baby's room each day and the way she walked around with a smug smile each time she saw me. Now, her baby was almost at risk again. Just like that at the hospital. Seeing the way Enzo held her so gently and kissed her hair as I drove them to the hospital made me so mad. It should have been me in his arms.“ What are you talking about? I don't have time for this, Lauren.” Enzo said dismissively as he turned staring in the direction that the mysterious doctor had gone once again.He was still the same. He didn't listen to me. “ I am leaving. I can't stay watching you and Barbara act like a sweet, loving family every single day.” I said unable to hide my jealousy. Enzo's frown turned into a smirk immediately. He seemed happy seeing me slowly losing my mind. As if he was deliberat
Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) Cracks (2)
Barbara gasped calling my name. I rushed to her side immediately holding her before she could fall. Her hands went straight to her hips as she sobbed. Barbara's sobs hit me like a punch to the gut. I barely had time to process the blood pooling on the floor before she collapsed against me, her body trembling. Her face was pale, eyes wide with panic.“Enzo… help me…” Her voice cracked, raw with fear.I caught her before she could fall completely, my arms tight around her waist as I tried to steady her. But something wasn’t right. The way she was clutching her stomach, the way her breath came in short gasps, it wasn’t just from the shock.“Stay calm,” I muttered, my voice gruff, trying to ignore the pounding in my chest. My mind raced, but I couldn’t afford to lose control. Not now.Barbara’s hands shook violently as she gripped my arm. “I— I didn’t... I didn’t mean to…” She stammered through her sobs, her body shuddering in my arms. The words didn’t make sense. “It’s... the baby...”
Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) Cracks
I reached out, grabbing her face.Not gently. Not with the kind of touch she deserved. My fingers dug into her jaw, forcing her to look at me. Her eyes flinched, but she didn’t pull away. Maybe she knew it would only make things worse. I forced her to meet my gaze. “You think I’m sick?” I growled, my thumb pressing hard against her cheek. I could feel the tremble in her jaw. She was scared. Good.She didn’t say anything, her lips tight, but her eyes told me everything. She hated it here. Hated me. But I saw it. Underneath the anger, there was something darker. Fear. And something else. She wanted it. I let out a low laugh, my grip tightening, but not enough to break her. “You think you know me, don’t you?” I whispered. “You think you have any idea what I’m capable of?”Her breath hitched, but she didn’t pull away. That was good.“You’re wrong, Lauren,” I murmured, my voice low as I ran my hand along her thigh. “You’re the one who’s sick. Not me.”I moved even closer, my chest pressi
Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) Hidden Layers (2)
ENZO“Where is Lauren?” I asked staring at Jake as I stood outside his house. One of my men had sent me pictures of Lauren arriving at Jake's house and I lost it. Not only did she wander out of the hospital but she also came to see her long time ex-crush. Jake stood in front of me telling me a bunch of rubbish about how I couldn't enter his house but I didn't care. Pushing past him, I walked into his house. The moment I opened the door, I stopped as I saw Lauren lying down peacefully on the sofa in the living room. Jake appeared behind me and I froze the moment I heard him clock his gun. “ Leave my house right now. Lauren came to see me.” Jake said making me turn to look back at him. “ You better have the balls to shoot because no one points a gun at me and gets to remain standing on his two feet. I don't care if your father is an associate of mine.” I warned. “ Are you going to keep on having her caged? Keep her in your house like she is some sort of property?” Jake’s voice rais
Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) Hidden Layers
A few minutes later, I stood outside of a hospital room. The doctors were checking on Barbara and luckily, it didn't seem like anything serious. I just didn't understand her. Why did she do that in front of everyone? Why did she have to go and set me up as if I was the one who had pushed her to the ground? “Just because you are okay right now doesn't mean there is not a risk for miscarriage. Please be careful.” The doctor said nodding his head before he walked out of the room. I tapped my foot, eyes fixed on the hallway as the doctor finally stepped out. But before I could react, the sound of fast, pounding footsteps pulled my focus. Enzo came rushing toward me, his face tight with worry, exhaustion written all over him.“ What's wrong? Are you okay? Are you injured?” Enzo asked grabbing my two arms as he looked all over me. “ Enzo!” Barbara screamed begging for attention. I stepped back looking at her before I turned to Enzo. “ I'm okay. It's your child's mother that needs your a
Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) What the Body Remembers
A moan escaped my lips as Enzo turned me around all of a sudden pinning me against the wall. All I had to do was to say no. I wanted to. I knew I should. However, I couldn't. Enzo's hand slid down my wet body parting my legs apart. My body reacted to him instantly craving his touch as he stepped close to me. Suddenly, Enzo went down on his knees making my breath hitch. His mouth found my sweet opening sucking and nibbling. I throw my head back, one of my hands clenched around his hair. Enzo didn't like cutting all of his hair and I was grateful for it. “ Enzo,” I gasp, moaning in pleasure as I feel myself reaching the climax. Clenching his hair tighter, I arch my hips towards him giving him all of me. Enzo's tongue licks me as if I am sweet candy. Just as I am about to come, Enzo suddenly stops standing up as if he didn't do anything. My eyes are still dazed and I can't help but stare at him in confusion. Was this his idea of revenge? Before I can open my mouth to speak, Enzo pull
