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Divorced and Rekindled (Once Divorced, Twice Loved) 22
Chapter 22AngeloSitting across from Salvatore, we review the schedules of the fleet we currently have at sea.“Will Renzo’s shipment still dock on time?” I ask. “Yes, I’m expecting it Tuesday before lunch.”Salvatore is a lot like me. He’s all business and painfully private. From what I know, the man lives like a hermit.But he’s fucking loyal and a hard worker, and it’s all that matters to me. My phone vibrates, and when I check the message, I see it’s from Tiny.Tiny: We’re wrapping things up. Tori asked if we could swing by her old place to pick up ingredients for the cannolis she wants to make. Is that okay with you?Giorgio is still in the hospital, but I don’t want Vittoria anywhere near her old home.Angelo: No. She doesn’t go near her old house. Take her grocery shopping.Tiny: Yes, boss.Tucking my phone back into my pocket, my eyes flick to Salvatore, then I announce, “By the way, I got married.”His eyebrows fly into his hairline. “That’s the last thing I expected to hear
Last Updated : 2024-09-27Divorced and Rekindled (Once Divorced, Twice Loved) 23
Chapter 23ToriAfter I light the two candles, I quickly shut the curtains so the room will be darker.I turn to look at the intimate corner of the dining room table, and happy that it looks romantic, I hurry back to the kitchen.I want tonight to be special for Angelo. It’s my way of making an effort to get closer to him.I’ve prepared baked eggplant with melted parmesan and roasted duck with blackberry-orange sauce.Before Rita left, she showed me the wine cellar and helped me pair the perfect bottle with our dinner.I take the chilled Romanee-Conti from the fridge, and grabbing the corkscrew, I try to figure out how the gadget works.“Need some help?” Angelo suddenly says behind me.“God!” I let out a startled chuckle, then mutter, “Please.”I wish the man would make a sound so I hear when he enters a room. I hand him the bottle and corkscrew.He checks the label. “Nice choice.”“Rita helped me choose the wine,” I mention as my gaze drifts over the faded blue jeans and white T-shir
Last Updated : 2024-09-27Divorced and Rekindled (Once Divorced, Twice Loved) 24
Chapter 24AngeloI watch as Vittoria’s tongue darts out to swipe up the cream from her lips, and it makes me rock fucking hard.When I bit into the strawberry, I almost gave in and claimed her mouth.The only reason I’m honoring her request is because I want her to kiss me out of her own free will. From the flush on her cheeks and the desire in her eyes, I know I won’t have to wait much longer.Christ, I hope not. A kiss never meant anything to me until she slammed me with the restriction. Now, it’s the one thing I want most in the world.Gripping hold of the fabric by her thigh, I order, “Feed me, baby.” When she reaches for a strawberry, my hand slips down to her calf. “I love this dress,” I compliment her.“You better. It cost a small fortune,” Vittoria mutters as she brings the fruit to my mouth.Taking a bite, I slip my hand beneath the fabric and trail my fingers up her leg. A shiver ripples thr
Last Updated : 2024-09-28Divorced and Rekindled (Once Divorced, Twice Loved) 25
Chapter 25ToriI’ve made two batches of cannolis, and as they cool down, Angelo comes into the kitchen.“Christ, I love the smell in the house since you moved in.”I grin at him from where I’m leaning with my hip against the counter while drinking a cup of coffee.When I woke up this morning and felt his arms around me, there was a shift in my heart.I’m starting to see Angelo in a different light. Not once has he been violent with me. Even though I’m well aware he can change at any time, I’m clinging to the hope that he’ll never raise a hand against me.He’s been kind and patient with me…and even loving. Sometimes, I forget he’s one of the heads of the Cosa Nostra. I forget he’s killed people. I forget he makes a living from criminal activities.When he’s home, he’s just Angelo, my husband.We’re forming a bond, and it has my feelings changing toward him. I’m not always on high alert around
Last Updated : 2024-09-28Divorced and Rekindled (Once Divorced, Twice Loved) 26
Chapter 26Angelo“What happened?” I demand as Vittoria runs toward me.She shakes her head, and plows into my chest. As she tilts her face up to me, there’s so much emotion in her eyes it looks like she’s a second away from crying.“What the fuck happened?” I growl, ready to rip whoever upset her apart with my bare hands.She shakes her head again as she reaches up, and framing my jaw, she pushes herself on her tiptoes. I automatically lean down, and when she stops a breath away from me, I realize what’s happening.I wrap an arm around her waist and lock her body to mine. Bringing my other hand to her cheek, I brush her curls out of the way.My eyes search hers to make sure I’m not misreading the moment, then she whispers, “I’m ready.”I stare at my beautiful angel, and the last resistance around my heart is obliterated. The most intense emotion detonates in my soul and my entire world shifts on its a
Last Updated : 2024-09-29Divorced and Rekindled (Once Divorced, Twice Loved) 27
Chapter 27ToriAs the private jet slows down on the runway, nerves tighten my stomach.I’ve experienced a roller coaster of emotions over the past month. But the past three weeks have also been a dream come true instead of the nightmare I expected when I was forced to marry Angelo.I’ve become good friends with Rita and Tiny. My relationship with Big Ricky is still developing because I don’t see him as often.I haven’t heard from Giorgio since he confronted me at the cathedral. All the bruises he left on me are gone, and being out from under his control is a dream come true.My duties at the Parish have continued as normal, although Rosa’s more distant than usual. I don’t blame her. People only know the dark side of Angelo, and they fear him the same way I used to.There are still times I’m cautious around him, especially when he comes home in a bad mood. He never takes it out on me but is just quieter than usual.The most important change is the way I feel about him.I’ve fallen in
Last Updated : 2024-09-29Divorced and Rekindled (Once Divorced, Twice Loved) 28
Chapter 28AngeloIntroducing Vittoria to my family went much better than I expected.In the past, Uncle Maurizio mentioned several times it would be to our benefit if I married a woman from a family with business ties to the Cosa Nostra. Someone like Valentina Toscano.Aunt Gloria took Vittoria to the kitchen to show her the recipe collection she’s so proud of, and I’m expecting some kind of blow-back now that we’re alone.Uncle Maurizio glances over the backyard, then lets out a sigh and murmurs, “You’ve always had an eye for beauty.”A grin tugs at the corner of my mouth. “Right? Vittoria is exquisite.” When my uncle’s gaze meets mine, I say, “I love her.”It’s the first time I’m saying the words out loud. I know Vittoria is taking longer to develop the same feelings for me, but I feel I’ve made significant progress with her in the past few weeks. It’s only a matter of time before my wife will love me the same way I love her.His eyebrow lifts. “When did you marry the girl?” “It’s
Last Updated : 2024-09-29Divorced and Rekindled (Once Divorced, Twice Loved) 29
Chapter 29ToriGlancing around the room, Aunt Gloria brought me to, I can’t keep from smiling.“You have such a beautiful home,” I compliment her as I walk out onto the balcony.The room is on the second floor, and it has a spectacular view of the Mediterranean Sea. I grin when I see a couple of sailboats bobbing on the blue water.The bedroom is situated on the side of the house, but we still have an amazing view. The breeze plays with my curls as I glance down to the rock garden below. Seeing how high up I am, I feel a slither of fear and lightheadedness.I turn around and walk back into the bedroom, but there’s no sign of Aunt Gloria.I didn’t hear her leave.The next moment, Uncle Maurizio comes into the room, and with a hostile expression, he tosses an envelope on the bed. “There’s five thousand euros. It’s more than you deserve.”Huh?His dark eyes lock with mine, and when I see the disgust on his face, my heart sinks to my stomach.Oh, no!He crosses his arms over his chest, t
Last Updated : 2024-09-29
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Divorced and Rekindled (Once Divorced, Twice Loved) 59
Chapter 20SamanthaAfter I cried my heart out, I made myself a cup of coffee, which I’m sipping on while I sit next to my mystery man on the couch.He has his arm wrapped around my shoulder, and it makes me feel safe. “I had a bad day at the office,” I whisper over the rim of my cup.That’s the understatement of the century.“Want to talk about it?” he asks, his tone gentle and caring.Not wanting to put him in any danger by telling him about Mr. Vitale being a mafia boss, I shake my head. “I can’t.”I can’t tell anyone about what happened.It’s something I’ll have to stay quiet about until the day I die.Feeling exhausted and emotionally drained, I let out a miserable sigh and mutter, “I need to do something that will take my mind off what happened today.”My mystery man pulls his arm away from my shoulders and says, “I’ll be back in a few seconds.”He gets up and walks into the restroom.I rise to my feet and take the cup to the kitchen. Placing my hands on the side of the sink, I
Divorced and Rekindled (Once Divorced, Twice Loved) 58
Chapter 19SamanthaWith a fresh wave of fear flooding my veins, I yank away from Mr. Vitale.Our eyes lock, and suddenly, I see his ruthless nature written all over his face.One of the five heads. The other men.Oh God. I was surrounded by the leaders of the Sicilian mafia.It feels like I’m having an out-of-body experience, and what has been a pretty mundane reality until today, warps into something unrecognizable.Spinning around, I rush out of the restroom and into the foyer. Spotting the front door, I make a beeline for it.Suddenly, Mr. Vitale darts in front of me, and obstructing my escape, he says, “You can’t leave until we’ve talked about everything.”“The hell I can’t,” I shriek, my voice shrill from all the shocks I’ve had. I move away from him, and feeling bewildered, I say, “I work for a mafia boss. Great.” My hands fly to my hair and grip fistfuls. “Oh God. I won’t survive going to prison.”“You’re not going to prison,” he snaps.Hearing his annoyed tone, I spin around
Divorced and Rekindled (Once Divorced, Twice Loved) 57
Chapter 18FrancoIt’s been ten minutes since I pressed the panic button on my wristwatch.Renzo and the others have received my exact location and will be here soon.I grab hold of Samantha’s bicep and haul her to her feet before pulling her toward the stairs.I’m fucking worried about Milo and Lorenzo. With men getting past them so quickly, it means we’re being attacked by half an army.As we cautiously take the stairs up to the sixth floor, my phone starts to vibrate. I quickly dig the device out of my pocket, and seeing Milo’s name flashing on the screen, I answer, “Where are you?”“Third floor. You?”“In the stairwell. We’re heading to the sixth floor.” “I’m coming.”I end the call and put the phone back in my pocket, then glance at Samantha’s pale face.“How are you holding up?” I ask. She shakes her head. “I’m not.” “It will be over soon.”When we reach the door to the sixth floor, I gesture with my finger in front of my lips for her to keep quiet.Holding the submachine gun I
Divorced and Rekindled (Once Divorced, Twice Loved) 56
Chapter 17SamanthaGod, I can’t wait for next week. I need a vacation, even if it’s only a week.As I leave the subway and walk toward work, my phone starts to ring, and seeing it’s Mom, I smile as I answer, “Hey, Mom.”“Hi, sweetie. I can’t wait to pick you up at the airport on Saturday. I was thinking we could start your vacation with a spa day. What do you think?”My smile widens at the thought of getting a full body massage. “Yes!I’d love that.”“Great. I’ll make an appointment for us,” Mom says.“Thanks, Mom.” At the end of the block, I turn right and move closer to the buildings to avoid the other pedestrians before I admit, “I can’t wait to see you and Dad.”“We miss you too, sweetie. Unfortunately Matt won’t be here. He’s so busy with the new account he landed.”“Aww, that’s a pity,” I mutter. I haven’t seen my brother since Christmas and make a mental note to give him a call.When I reach the office, I say, “I have to go, Mom.” “Okay. Have a good day, sweetie.”“You too.”E
Divorced and Rekindled (Once Divorced, Twice Loved) 55
Chapter 16FrancoAfter having dinner with Renzo and Dario, I stop at Paradiso to check on things.Once I’ve changed into my uniform, I take a moment to send Samantha a message.MMM: How are you?While I wait for her reply, my thoughts go back to the panic attack she had. It was fucking bad, and it’s clear our meetings haven’t helped as much as I thought.My phone vibrates in my hand, and I quickly read the message.Samantha: Honestly? MMM: Yes.Samantha: Not so good.MMM: Do you want me to come over?Needing to be there for her, I whisper, “Please say yes.”Samantha: Please. I’d really appreciate it.“Thank fuck.”MMM: I’m on my way. Open the window.I’m up and out of my office at the speed of light, and as I rush through the back entrance to the club, Milo and Lorenzo kill their cigarettes and give me a worried look.“What’s wrong?” Milo asks.“Nothing. I’m going to Samantha’s place,” I say as I open the back door of the G-Wagon.My men pile into the vehicle, and when we’re on our w
Divorced and Rekindled (Once Divorced, Twice Loved) 54
Chapter 15SamanthaGod, I feel like death warmed over.Mr. Vitale has been relentless this morning. You’d swear he’s the one who didn’t get any sleep.Asshole.Just as the thought crosses my mind, an incoming call comes through from his office.Answering it, I try to sound upbeat as I say, “Yes, sir?” “My office. Now!”God, I hate him.“I’m coming.” He doesn’t hear my reply, because he’s already hung up.I let out a whining sound as I get up from my chair and have to resist the urge to stomp my feet like a two-year-old.Opening the door to the chamber of wrath, I go inside.“Cancel all my appointments for the next two days,” he barks. “And fix all the mistakes on this contract.”Papers fly across his desk, and I dart forward to catch them. Before I can stop myself, I snap, “Do you have to be such an asshole?”When he raises an eyebrow at me, my words register in my tired brain.I did not just say that to him!I start blinking at him, and then an apology falls over my lips, “Oh my God
Divorced and Rekindled (Once Divorced, Twice Loved) 53
Chapter 14SamanthaSitting in my living room, instead of sleeping, I stare at my phone.This really could’ve waited until tomorrow, and he’ll return your call tomorrow. Go. To. Sleep!When a message comes through, I grab the device and quickly open it.You asked me to call. Is everything okay?“Shit,” I mutter.I type my reply and press send.I’m sorry for bothering you like this. We can talk tomorrow. I don’t want to keep you up.While I program the number under MMM, another text comes through.MMM: You’re not keeping me up. What’s wrong? Samantha: I just wanted to ask you something.MMM: What?I hesitate for a moment before I type out the question.Samantha: Do you do house calls? MMM: Why?Samantha: I’m worried the club is giving me a false sense of security, and while I think I’m getting better, I’m actually making no progress at all. I want to test the theory.Feeling like I’m asking too much, I quickly add another text.Samantha: Don’t feel obligated in any way. I’ll understand
Divorced and Rekindled (Once Divorced, Twice Loved) 52
Chapter 13SamanthaWhen I climb into the passenger seat of the BMW, I feel a little apprehensive.I’m taking a huge risk by getting into a car with a man I barely know.Barely…ha! I don’t even know his freaking name.When my mystery man settles behind the steering wheel, I watch as he adjusts the seat.My eyebrow pops up. “Isn’t this your car?” “No, it’s a friend’s.”He starts the engine, and realizing he’s going to drive through Manhattan with a balaklava on, I let out a snort. “You look like a bank robber. The cops are going to pull us over.”“Let’s hope that doesn’t happen,” he mutters as he reverses the BMW out of the parking bay. “Where do you live?”Knowing he can find my address on my membership form, I don’t bother lying and tell him where to go.We drive in silence for a minute or so before my nerves get the better of me, and I blurt out, “This isn’t nerve-racking at all.”Turning left at a set of traffic lights, he says, “It’s the same as being in a room with me. Try not to
Divorced and Rekindled (Once Divorced, Twice Loved) 51
Chapter 12FrancoTonight is a fuck-ton more difficult than I expected it would be.After spending time away from the office so I didn’t have to interact with Samantha, I knew tonight might be uncomfortable.But it’s not uncomfortable. It’s brutal.All I want to do is hold her. The fucking urge is driving me insane.I link my fingers again and rest my hands on my lap while I tell her about my parents.When Dad had the stroke, I had no choice but to take over as the leader of the Vitale family.Christ, I didn’t know whether I was coming or going. People looked to me to run the business even though I had no fucking idea what I was doing.“Were you close with your dad?” Samantha asks.“Not really. I was seventeen and at a stage in my life where I didn’t agree with anything my father said or did. Looking back now, I wish I had listened to him.”“Don’t we all,” she chuckles. “I argued with my mom about everything when I was a teenager.”Wanting to keep the conversation flowing, I ask, “Wha
