POV - ESMEE BADEAUX "Stop it!" I scream, putting all my strength into removing Giovanni from Antonio."Fuck you!" Giovanni barks at Antonio. He grips onto Antonio's collar and aggressively draws him up then smashes his head on the ground. Gasp and cries are heard across the church as people witness the outrageous scene. "Giovanni, Antonio!" Arial cries to both of her sons. "Boys!" Giovanni's father Diego bellowsMy eyes widen when Giovanni stands up and draws out his gun. "Dear Lord." I hear a female voice over my shoulder. "You bastard!" Giovanni snaps and the sound of a gun cocking makes everyone scream, some are running out of the church and some are hiding for protection. "You don't deserve to breathe after what you did to Annah." He says, tears stroking down his face.I haven't seen Giovanni cry, especially when it comes to grief. It's really painful to see a loved one tear up, all because of your selfish mistakes, but you can't do a damn thing about it.Four weeks ago"Amore?"
POV - GABRIELLA SANGRIENTO I shut my eyes as tight as possible against the agitation that tried to intervene upon my black personal madness."Everything alright?" Abelard queries worriedly.I open my eyes and sigh, placing the teacup back on the coffee table. Standing up from my seat, I stressfully drag my body to the balcony, when I lean my body against the black railings I take in the beautiful night sky view of Paris. "Gabriella?" Abelard's soft voice calls out my name."I'm okay." I simply say."You're my cousin, I know you better than anyone. Now tell me what's bothering you?"My mind keeps traveling back to Italy, the events and activities are stressing me out. It's been three whole weeks since I escaped from Giovanni and last heard from Esmée and AntonioOscar and Chiara are back home taking care of the gang while I'm gone. Amelia and Francesco are in charge of the shipping and training.Usually, when I take a break from all this illegal bullshit, I come here to France and vis
POV - GABRIELLA SANGRIENTO I rubbed my eyes as I entered the kitchen. The smell of fresh croissants caused my mouth to water."Morning." Abelard chirped."Morning." I replied and sat on a stool near the island.Abelard turned around with a plate full of fresh fruits and two croissants, she placed the plate in front of me then a glass full of orange juice. I thanked her before eating."How did you sleep?" She questioned, leaning on the island as she took a sip of tea.I picked up a croissant then bit into it as Abelard waited for me to respond. After chewing I sighed. "Good." I lied.I barely slept last night, even if I tried nothing worked, the only thing I could do was think about him."That's good." She beamed, blowing on her tea before drinking."Oh! Almost forgot."Abelard set her cup on the island before walking out the kitchen, she returned with a small blue box in her hands."This is for you." She said, handing me the box.I narrowed my eyes. "Who is it from?""Not, sure but I
POV - GABRIELLA SANGRIENTO 9 years ago"I'm scared." My baby brother Théodore whines as he holds the gun."Seriously Théodore." I tease rolling my eyes."Relax, I'm here aren't I?""Yeah." He sighs.I love Théodore but sometimes he acts like a baby chick that fell out of its nest. "Why do I have to do this? I hate guns.""Well, when I was sixteen I already knew how to work a gun." I knew how to work a gun when I was five. Growing up with my grandparents was tough, especially with nonna, they would wake me up early in the morning to start training then go to school and come back to train again. But since I started at a young age I was familiar with how to balance both.I still remember the first kill. I was six at the time when these two boys bullied me every day, I toldnonna but she said as a female everyone will take granted the power you hold so I should show them what my capabilities are and make sure no man ever walks on me.And I still take her advice to this day.So I killed t
POV - GABRIELLA SANGRIENTO "Giovanni Carson is dead."I don't say a word. I completely froze on the spot. How could he be dead? How is it possible? It doesn't make sense.I completely claimed Giovanni which means he's untouchable. Or maybe..."How?" I simply question. "He was shot by a female named Esmee Badeaux at his sister's funeral. She was last seen with a man that was wounded as well, he goes by the name Antonio Carson. Giovanni's brother" Chiara explains.My mood shifts as I feel my blood boil from anger as a small smirk creeps its way onto my lips. "That little bitch." I whisper to myself. "Where is she?" I ask Chiara. I hear fidgeting in the background, I quietly and patiently wait for her to respond. "Uh, we don't know." She nervously speaks, swallowing her words."Five hours." I simply say that she has five hours to find her location. I drop the call and shift my attention to Theo."Uh-oh, who are we going to kill?" Théodore teased."There is no we." I pointed out, he roll
POV - GABRIELLA SANGRIENTOI tied my hair into a high ponytail and cracked my knuckles."3...""2...""1."Theo and I both sprinted toward the guy and knocked him over. The gun tossed across the room.Theo throws a punch and the Russian assassin yanks Theo off him, his body slams against the rotten wood causing a hole on the floor.Holy shit.The buff guy stood up and his 6'3 figure hovered over my 5'6 frame.He pulled out a pocket knife and tried to slit my neck open but I blocked it with my forearm, I gasped at the pain as warm blood caressed down my arm and stained my clothes and floor.I glared at him and kicked him in the gut, then punched him in the face. I slid on the wooden floor and kicked him in the balls.He groaned in pain and fell to his knees."Theéodore are you alive?" I yelled, "Yeah, fuck. I'm alright but I think he broke my ribs." He mumbled. "Well, get your ass up and help me out."I picked up an old piece of wood and hit the guy in the face, blood splattered all ov
POV - GABRIELLA SANGRIENTO "Don't hurt him," I whisper to myself.Being weak towards someone is so powerful, it will break you just by the thought of them being hurt.Théodore is all I have.I -I love him, I'd do anything to keep my little brother safe.My head facing the ground hung low, my body was numb and painful, head pounding, mouth dry, lips chapped. I'm weak.It's been two days since I was locked up down here, they cleaned my gunshot wound and fed me.I haven't bathed in a day, I feel dirty.I fucking hate being weak. It makes me feel disgusted. I hear footsteps from afar, suddenly coming to an end.Seconds later I hear keys shuffle together creating a crackling bell sound. The person enters the key into the keyhole and they twist it letting it lead to a click sound. They push the door open and I hear footsteps once again heading towards my direction."Wake up." A male voice calls out. "Rise and shine princess." They call out again, hitting my leg with their boot.It's silen
POV - GABRIELLA SANGRIENTO Alexei throws me on the bed and I bounce back a little.He hovers over me and starts kissing my neck. His hands roamed quickly, squeezing my breast before trailing his fingers along my collar bone.My body is heated and I feel myself dripping. I bring my hands to his erection, he stopped me before I could touch him"Careful." He warned, biting my lower lip.I rolled my eyes, flipping us over so now I'm taking the lead.I pin his hands above his head and slowly grind on him. Alexei's eyes roll back as his hands are on my waist and force me to fasten my pace.I place both my hands on his chest and start leaving hot sloppy kisses. My hand runs down his chest, I stop, placing my hand on his hard erection.He grunts, nibbling his lower lip. "You know I hate that Gabriella."I chuckle sucking on his collar bone.I start moving against him as I press my lips on his. He pulls my hair and moans in my ear.Alexei stops me, placing both his hands on my hips. He lifts
POV - GABRIELLA SANGRIENTO 5 months later"Congratulations. It's a girl." Dr. Ricci whispered with a smile as he handed me my baby.I carefully took her in my arms."Hey," I whispered as I gently caressed my thumb over her soft skin. "You're a girl," I muttered as tears caressed down my face and gently splattered on the baby's face, she shifted in my arms and cooed."Sorry..."I chuckled lightly and brushed off my tear on her small face.I pressed my lips together and screwed my eyes shut as I thought of him.He said it would be a girl...I sucked in a breath then fluttered my eyes open, threw my head back as I stared at the ceiling.I miss him so much.I shook my head and let out a shaky breath. Looking down at the baby, I thought of her name."Isabelle." I whispered. I slowly leaned in and placed a soft kiss on her cheek.I gently tapped my finger on her small nose and made a bop sound.I wish he were here.- - ┈┈∘┈˃̶༒˂̶┈∘┈┈ - -I played with Isabelle's fingers while I was nursing
POV - GABRIELLA SANGRIENTO The ocean was like a rippling blanket of electric blue. Squabbling seagulls flew overhead.It was soothing and I was glad to get away from the stresses of life."What are you thinking about?" A familiar voice was heard over my shoulder. "Nothing." I uttered.Giovanni was silent for a moment. "Thank you." I muttered out of the blue.He seemed shocked but immediately brushed it off. "For..." He trailed off.As I lay on my back, arms out with my eyes closed I wondered what I was thanking him for.I don't normally thank people but here I am thanking him for something.Probably what he did for my birthday. I don't normally celebrate birthdays, nothing too personal. I just grew out of it.I fluttered my eyes open and I gazed ahead. The sound of heavy waves crashing on the huge rocks and seagulls squawking brought a smile to my face.I chuckled softly. "I don't know." I said as I turned my body to the side, placing my head on my hand.Giovanni pulled himself up, w
POV - GABRIELLA SANGRIENTO His lips mashed against mine. I hungrily pushed him up against the wall, unbuttoning his black shirt then tossed it across the room.He unzipped my dress as it loosely hugged my body.Pulling away from the kiss I stepped back and slowly removed the dress. The only thing I had on was my white lace panties.He cussed under his breath then pulled me towards him. "Gorgeous." He whispered against my neck. I shivered as his finger slipped in my damp panties. "Fuck bellissima."A soft moan escaped my lips, I leaned on his chest as my fingers ran through his soft hair.He teasingly rubbed my clit, the adrenaline rushing through my veins wanted me to have more. "Giovanni." I moaned.He leaned in and whispered against my neck. "You want more?" His finger is sitting over my throbbing clit. I bit my lip then I looked up. "I want you."He kissed me slowly as he grabbed my bottom lip between his teeth.He caught me off guard when he picked me up bridal style and took us
POV - GABRIELLA SANGRIENTO One month later"Wake up."I groaned when someone slightly shook me. I slowly opened my eyes then shut them immediately when the harsh sunlight blinded me. "Why are the curtains open?" I mumbled as I pulled the sheets over my head.He chuckled and slowly removed the sheets. "Happy birthday."It took me a while to process what he said, it's my birthday...I sighed and forced myself to wake up. "How did you know today was my birthday?" I asked as I sat at the edge of the bed.Giovanni sat beside me and rubbed my swollen belly. "Théo."Of course, it's him. Running my fingers through my hair I turned to him. "I don't want to do anything," I stated truthfully.He rolled his eyes then his gaze shifted to my belly. "How is she?" He questioned. "He's okay." I smiled and placed my hand over his.As time passed I gasped when I felt him slightly kick. I turned to Giovanni with wide eyes. "Did you feel that!" I chirped.A wide smile plastered across his face. "I did."
POV - GABRIELLA SANGRIENTO My birthday is coming up in a month.I haven't told anyone about it because I don't like celebrating my birthday.These past few weeks have been calm and quiet and it worries me. After I killed Esmee and sent her deceased body to Antonio. Antonio and his gang haven't been causing any trouble and I find is suspiciousGiovanni has been distant with his family after his mother's and Annah's passing.The only time they talk is when business is involved and it's only with his uncles.I sat on the kitchen table, legs crossed on the chair, watching Giovanni cook."Are you going to tell me what's for dinner?" I asked."No, you'll have to wait and see." He said.I hopped off the chair then walked over to Giovanni, his back was facing me but he still managed to look hot.He wore a simple black-t shirt with grey sweatpants. I tiptoed so that I could peek and see what he's cooking but his big frame was blocking the stove.I sighed and stepped back. "I'm hungry and preg
POV - GABRIELLA SANGRIENTO1 week later"This is dumb." I blurted out.Giovanni said he had a surprise for me, I thought it would be jewelry or something but now that I'm blind folded as we both walk in the woods at night I have no idea what it is."We are almost there." He whispered in my ear.Lately I have been so tired in the morning, my vision is messed up like I have to have one eye shut, and it lasts for an hour or so. Then, at night I have long blackouts and during the day I randomly.I hate the side effects of being pregnant.He held me tight as he guided me through the forest, as we continued to walk through the forest he let me go. I stopped in my tracks and silently waited for him. "Giovanni?" I called out.I pressed my lips together and slowly lifted the blind fold. The tall old trees towered above me like skyscrapers, warm light shining down through the branches. Turning around my heart fell to the ground when I saw lit candles and fairy lights hanging from the branches o
POV - GABRIELLA SANGRIENTO I sat on the couch with my legs crisscrossed as I forced myself to read a book.It's been cold for the past two days and due to the cold weather I haven't had anything interesting to do besides, sleep , read or watch tv.There was nothing interesting to do in Giovanni's house. He had quite interesting stuff but they weren't for me.Like a room where he practices his knife throwing, a study full of books (I don't like to read) and an indoor pool, room full of weapons and etc.I lifted my gaze when I heard heavy footsteps.Enzo walked in the room. He paused when he noticed me then searched the room."Oh, you're here." He said dryly.I ignored him and continued to read.I've realized that Enzo doesn't like me. It doesn't bother me at all because the feeling was mutual."Where is Giovanni?" Enzo asked. "You just missed him."Enzo sighed, his expression tightening with frustration. "Why are you looking for him?" I asked.He leaned against the wall with arms cro
POV - THEODORE SANGRIENTO 2 weeks ago"Am I making the right choice?" Gabriella spoke softly.I pulled her closer and rubbed her back up and down, Is she making the right decision?It's not my place to answer that question but all I can do is support her. "Do you think you are making the right decision?"She sighed, placing her head on my shoulder. "I think so." She whispered. "Mama wouldn't approve." She chuckled.Gabriella and Giovanni remind me of my parents. They adored each other but were never on the same page, it was the lack of communication between them.Mama was never pleased when papa would train us and teach us how to use weapons and papa would be furious whenever mama wanted us to go to a public school, he suggested we do home schooling. They would argue and not speak to each other for days or sleep in separate rooms. That's how bad it was.I thought they were being immature as adults. They should sit down and discuss their problems calmly.The problem I see with these t
POV - GIOVANNI CARSON three weeks later I tapped my cigarette on the table as I gazed out the window, Blood dripped down my face with my ribs burning and the lit cigarette in my hand. I was covered in fresh warm blood. It's not mine , it's for that fucking dead bastard who owed me ten fucking grand along with 20-balls of coke. It's warm outside, the sun is bright and there isn't a sight of clouds. Birds chirped, the wind blowing causing the large trees to dance with the wind. Enzo and Luca have been trying to let me talk with Theo, letting him explain everything. I didn't bother to meet up with him. She made her decision and I made mine. I'm planning on calling this whole alliance thing off, we currently won't be able to behave in the same room. And it will be awkward for the others. Without trust and loyalty this thing won't work. Tomorrow I have to make a call and inform Oscar about this. The whole plan with Antonio is still in progress but it will take a while since we are