Mag-log inShare
45
Huling Na-update:
2024-10-14 12:28:46
Kaugnay na kabanata
Divorced and Rekindled (Once Divorced, Twice Loved) 46
Chapter 7SamanthaMy breaths explode over my lips as I rush to the nearest subway, and on my way home, sweat beads on my forehead as I struggle not to have a panic attack.My fingers grip my handbag tightly, and my shoulders are hunched as I do my best to avoid the other pedestrians on the sidewalk.When I finally reach the safety of my apartment, I make sure all five locks are in place before sinking down on one of the couches.I cover my face with trembling hands and try to focus on taking deeper breaths.Feeling physically ill, my entire body is coated in a fine layer of sweat. It’s been a while since I had a panic attack, and it opens the floodgates,making the memories escape from where I keep them locked up in the darkest part of my soul.Unable to move a muscle or make a sound, I can’t even open my eyes. I think I’m lying on my bed.I hear movement, then Todd’s voice as he croons, “I’m never letting you go. We’re meant to be together.”Why is he here? I was clear when I broke
Huling Na-update : 2024-10-14Divorced and Rekindled (Once Divorced, Twice Loved) 47
Chapter 8FrancoStanding in front of the security monitor for Miss Blakely's room, I watch as she takes a seat in the armchair.Mr. Forester’s sitting on the bed, and even though I can’t hear what they’re saying, the conversation looks stilted.My eyes latch onto Miss Blakely’s face, and it’s clear as daylight she’s not comfortable at all.When she wraps her arms around her waist in a protective move, I order, “Put on the sound. I want to hear what they’re saying.”“Yes, sir,” one of the men replies.I step closer as he turns on the sound, and it’s in time to hear Mr.Forester say, ‘Are you always this quiet?’The man makes himself comfortable on the bed as Miss Blakely answers, ‘Yes.’Christ, she looks like she’s about to have a nervous breakdown. Where’s the feisty woman I’ve gotten to know over the past three weeks?‘So…uhm…what do you like to do in your spare time?’ she asks. ‘When I’m not at work, I’m here.’Minutes pass before Mr. Forester pats the covers and says, ‘Come lie do
Huling Na-update : 2024-10-14Divorced and Rekindled (Once Divorced, Twice Loved) 48
Chapter 9FrancoI’m not going to lie, I’ve never done anything remotely close to this.Sitting on the floor with my PA is the last thing I expected to do tonight. But it’s weirdly satisfying.Whenever I speak to Miss Blakely, I keep my tone soft and don't treat her like I would at the office, because I don’t want her to run for the hills.Passing a burger and fries to her, our fingers touch, but she quickly pulls back. Her features tighten, and while she’s busy drowning her fries in ketchup, I watch as she sucks in a deep breath of air.Haven’t we touched before?I search my memory, and realizing she’s always kept a couple of inches between us makes me wonder what happened to her.I can take a few guesses, but they all make me angry just thinking about them.She might’ve annoyed me the first two weeks she worked with me, but since she got her act together, it’s been, dare I say, pleasant.Wanting to separate the time we spend together here at Paradiso from when we’re at work, I ask,
Huling Na-update : 2024-10-14Divorced and Rekindled (Once Divorced, Twice Loved) 49
Chapter 10SamanthaPreparing a cup of coffee for Mr. Vitale, I can’t stop thinking about last night.It went so much better than I expected.A smile plays around my mouth as I place the cup and two cookies on a tray.Even though the evening started off rocky, it ended on a high note. I spent over two hours with a man, and not once did I feel panicky.I’m on the right track, and I’m confident I’ll be able to regain my trust in men with the help of my mystery man.Obviously, I’ll always be cautious when dating, and I’m not just going to allow anyone into my life.But this is a good start, and where I would usually feel depressed after a panic attack, I feel optimistic.Carrying the tray to Mr. Vitale’s office, I set it down on the corner of his desk before heading back to my desk.I’m bracing myself for Mr. Vitale’s anger because I snooped around in his house, but I have an apology ready.Just as I reach my chair, Mr. Vitale comes down the hallway. Today, he’s dressed in a dark blue su
Huling Na-update : 2024-10-14Divorced and Rekindled (Once Divorced, Twice Loved) 50
Chapter 11SamanthaWith Mr. Vitale hardly coming into the office, the past few days have been amazing.Up until the moment I walked into Paradiso, I felt ready to conquer my fears and was excited to spend some time with my mystery man.I’ve been looking forward to seeing him again, but I’m also nervous as hell because I’m moving to the next stage.When I made the appointment, I requested that he sit on the armchair while I lay on the bed.My heart lurches in my chest when I think about it. It won't be easy but I feel it would be a massive win if I can get through it.But the fear of not being able to go through with it keeps me from leaving the table and going to the room.He’s waiting. Get up and go. You won’t know until you try.Sipping on my second martini, I stare at the olive in the glass while I try to build up my courage.I can do this.He works for Paradiso, so I know he won’t try anything. I’m sure I’m safe with him.I can do this.Suddenly, someone sits down across me, and
Huling Na-update : 2024-10-14Divorced 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
Huling Na-update : 2024-10-14Divorced 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
Huling Na-update : 2024-10-14Divorced 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
Huling Na-update : 2024-10-14
Pinakabagong kabanata
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
