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2024-09-28 12:22:28Chapter 25
ToriI’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
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Divorced 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 : 2024-09-29Divorced and Rekindled (Once Divorced, Twice Loved) 30
Chapter 30AngeloWe’re five minutes away from the office building where I’m meeting with Sangrioti when my phone starts to vibrate.Pulling the device out of the breast pocket of my jacket, I frown when I see Aunt Gloria’s name flashing on the screen.“Zia Gloria?” I answer.She weeps uncontrollably, and it sends icy shivers down my spine. “He’s dead,” she gasps. “She killed him!”“What?” I pat Big Ricky’s shoulder, then order, “Turn around. We’re going back to the villa!” Focusing on my hysterical aunt, I snap, “Who’s dead?”“Your uncle. That snake you brought into our home killed him.”What the fuck?A dark frown forms on my forehead as all my emotions spiral into chaos. “Uncle Maurizio is dead?”“Y-yes,” she sobs. “Vittoria pushed him off the balcony.”No, she didn’t. She wouldn’t.“What. The. Fuck?” I growl before I shout, “Drive fucking faster!”I’m torn between the shock of Uncle Maurizio’s death and my aunt blaming Vittoria for it.Aunt Gloria weeps uncontrollably, and it has
Last Updated : 2024-09-29Divorced and Rekindled (Once Divorced, Twice Loved) 31
Chapter 31ToriReaching the counter, I’m breathless as I ask, “When is the next flight to America?”The attendant frowns as she looks at her computer screen. “Where in America?”“I don’t care. Anywhere.”Her eyes dart over my face. “Are you okay?”I nod and squeeze the words out. “I lost…I lost my husband.”I lost Angelo.A heartbreaking cry threatens to rip free from my throat.He sounded so angry over the phone. I just know if he finds me, he’ll kill me.Oh God.Another wave of trauma, fear, and heartbreak shake me to my core.Compassion softens the attendant’s features. “I’m so sorry.” She quickly checks the screen again, then says, “There’s one boarding right now with Swiss Air. It’s destined for Minnesota. Will that be okay?”I nod frantically. “How much?”“One thousand six hundred euros.”I quickly take the envelope from my handbag and give her the cash and my passport. “I’ll take it.”My heart beats out of my chest, and I keep glancing around me while she processes the purchas
Last Updated : 2024-09-30Divorced and Rekindled (Once Divorced, Twice Loved) 32
Chapter 32AngeloOne of the guards found the sedan, and after searching the vehicle, Vittoria’s luggage was retrieved from the backseat.The tracker’s signal disappeared ten minutes ago, meaning she’s probably on a fucking plane. It’s either that or the ring was destroyed, which I seriously doubt.“Find out what flight Vittoria is on!” I bark the order as I walk back to the SUV.“Where are we going?” Big Ricky asks while he grabs hold of the luggage to bring it along.“To the private jet. We need to be up in the air STAT.”“Call me as soon as you know which flight Mrs. Rizzo took,” Big Ricky shouts at Bruno, who’s already jogging toward the airport’s entrance.He waves a hand in the air to show he heard the order.Jesus, baby, stop running so I can get to you.We climb back into the SUV, and while Big Ricky drives to where the private jet is, I make a quick call to the pilot so they can refuel and get ready for take-off.Christ. The only thing I have counting in my favor is that she’
Last Updated : 2024-09-30Divorced and Rekindled (Once Divorced, Twice Loved) 33
Chapter 33AngeloFeeling Vittoria’s body go limp over my shoulder, I hurry toward the SUV.Big Ricky has his weapon drawn to handle anyone who tries to intervene.“Hey! What are you doing with that girl?” A woman shouts. “Mind your own fucking business,” Big Ricky growls.The way Vittoria screamed still echoes through my mind, and it’s easily the most haunting thing I’ve ever heard.Lowering Vittoria from over my shoulder, I quickly pick her up bridal style and climb into the backseat of the SUV. “Let’s go!”Big Ricky slides behind the steering wheel, and within seconds, we’re speeding away from the traffic we caused.Vittoria’s body is limp in my hold, and as I look at her face, my heart breaks when I notice how pale she is.“Baby,” I whisper.She’s been through so much. Just thinking about the trauma she’s suffered has rage burning in my veins.“I’ve got you,” I murmur as I brush wild curls away from her face. I pull her closer to my chest and hold her tightly as Big Ricky drives t
Last Updated : 2024-09-30
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
