It is early evening on Sunday when the men start to arrive, Vincent and Danilo coming from their various rooms, Chase is alone when he arrives, Vanessa, true to her word has not been seen for some time now, I’m beginning to get suspicious. Eva joins us in the living room where I have the kids so everyone can say “Hi” Matteo is the last to arrive. He carries Caela from Tommy immediately, kissing her cheeks and whispering “Princepessa” Eva has Angelo at her hip, his fingers wrapped around the index finger of her other hand blinking up at her with wide blue eyes. Matteo sways from side to side, causing Caela to giggle her little palms on his cheeks “When will you make me a proud grandpa?” he asks his son “I’m getting older by the day” I pat his arm “What do you mean old? You’re still very dashing Matteo” Laughing blue eyes turn to me and he shoots me a wink, I almost swoon. The man is handsome and he knows it. Eva is very lucky in this regard. I shoot her a secret smile but her att
Tablet on my lap, I look at my phone vibrating on the table, I’ve just put Caela down for a nap and fed Angel so he is happily playing by himself on the floor. Having finished with my work before noon today, I was feeling very good and was hoping to catch up on some soap operas I’ve missed. My eyes fall back to my phone. Father barely calls me, The last time he contacted me was the card he sent along with gifts to the children, before that was to scold me for not having better control over my husband's actions, not sure in what universe he thought that’d be possible. Pursing my lips, I debate letting it ring but with a roll of my eyes, I exchange the tablet for my phone, taking a sip of sweet tea as I’m sure I’ll be needing it for the bitter conversation I’m about to engage in. I swipe answer and bring my phone to my ear for what is likely to be another scolding. “Delores” as always his voice lacks warmth. “Hello Father” “When do you plan to have another child?” he asks
Still pacing, I start the moment the call connects, “Why would father think to ask that if I happen to have another baby, a boy, I should think of sending him to Chicago? I mean no offense, I’m not against them coming for a visit, Chicago was my home, I was raised there, I want them to know where I grew up, and my family, you, and my other cousins, but for them to stay there indefinitely? I don’t think so.” “I didn’t think he’d actually suggest it” Mama sighed and I knew she was probably doing the sign of the cross. More like demanded, but that is his default setting. “You might not know this but your father has been trying to get another child, for years” I nod, That doesn’t come as a surprise to me while he is pleased that I was able to snag a powerful husband, Father isn’t one to be content, he always wanted a son. “He does this even knowing the risk to your health? Your life? Maybe it's time you consider moving to New York permanently?” After I was born, the midwife unlucky en
I try not to think more about Father and his demands for the rest of the day. As I fed Angel, the both of us curled on the couch, and my tablet popped to stand on the table to watch the next episodes of Triumph del Amor. When Caela wakes up, I put him in his chair, changing the movie to a cartoon on YouTube while I bathe his sister. Taking them to the living room, I place her in her chair as well as I prepare their food. When I’m done, I leave it to cool for a bit while I turn off the TV. And get some napkins from the kitchen I return with their food. Today, the kids are determined to be good because the feeding goes off without a hitch and I didn’t have to go change afterward. I kiss their heads loudly for their good behavior and turn the TV back on to keep their attention while I clean up and eat my dinner. I’m tired by the time I finish washing and drying the used utensils. “Want to go and watch movies with Mama?” I ask the twins out loud as I pop Calea on one hip, then le
The kids are awake by the time I drag myself out of bed, Maria is feeding them in the kitchen. “Why didn’t you wake me? Good morning” I greet her. I don’t know how I overslept and the babies are up and about before me. I yawn walking closer, Maria spoons some mashed carrots and feeds Caela. “Niko said to let you sleep and I’m happy to take care of these little munchkins” She pats the side of Caela’s lips with a napkin before feeding her some more. I look up “Is he still here?” He’s usually gone by this time, looking around though there’s clearly no one else around. “In the gym downstairs I believe” Now she holds another spoon to Angel who leans forward little mouth parted in an O. “Alright thank you, I’ll go shower quickly and be right back” I lean down, dropping kisses on the children's heads before hurrying back. It’s afternoon, Niko having left after kissing the children goodbye. His eyes lingered on mine as he leaned down to brush a kiss on my cheeks before leaving. Father
I lay on the exam table after having done the usual check-up on the twins, it’s my turn next, I’m wearing a loose dress, in the clinic downstairs that had been converted to a full blown hospital at the time I had the kids. Every other week, Dr. Andrea comes by for check ups. It’s safe to say I’ve forgiven her for the last time, when she delivered my babies, placing them in my arms safely. I would have let bygones be even with the devil himself. I am indebted to her. She goes on asking me questions as she just does at the end of our visits. “How are you feeling?” “Better, not as tired as I used to be” Thank God for that. Taking off her gloves, she tosses them in the trash before rolling her chair back with a push. “Anything you’d like to tell me?” My eyebrow goes up as I sit up straightening my dress “Such as…?” I trailed off as I was lost. “How you’re feeling any pain during sex?” My heart jumps to my throat, trying to keep a straight face I shake my head negative. There’
“You do know you will have to expand your circle of friends?” “Hm?” “Your little coven I mean” she drawls. I sputtered, laughing “Goddess Eva, you make us sound terrible” She ignores me “While they work on keeping you informed it’s not enough, you must mingle more, it is your duty” I shrugged, unconcerned. I suppose at some point I’d have to start holding court like my aunt Sara. “Niko doesn’t like people at the house though” excluding his trusted men and cousin. “Then you will find another way, you will have to start making plans, for yourself, for the children, the younger women will come to you for advice, the older ones too, all of them will have ulterior motives, but, like it or not, you will have to entertain them, host parties and gatherings.” I close my eyes as she leans forward, a headache brimming behind my eyes. “Their children will be the next generation, not just yours, wouldn’t you rather start knowing which ones would be threats in the future?” Her brow goes up
Niko left early this morning, kissing the children and hugging me tightly. “Are you taking some men?” “A few” “Take care of yourself,” I tell him.He leans down, placing a soft kiss on my lips.“I love you,” I say to him and he kisses me again.“Text you when I land”“Okay, bye” Releaseing him, I clap my hands behind my back. Now that he’s leaving I don’t want him to go. It’s only for two days I remind myself.The moment he leaves I get to work, trying to keep busy. Telling myself he’ll be fine. Even with the tension in Chicago, he’ll be fine. And he took some men for protection.I drown myself in emails and paperwork the rest of the morning.“There’s my favorite niece” Tommy appears from behind me chucking a finger under Caela’s chin making her giggle. “She’s your only niece” I correct with a smile, then my face twist in confusion “Right?”I know Niko hadn’t been living a chaste life before we got married, but I just assumed he couldn’t have impregnated a one-night stand when he w
The second I was out of sight, I braced a palm flat against the nearest wall, my heart beating so fast behind my ribs, I felt like I was on the verge of fainting. I try to get my bearings. My hands tremble I have to bring my right to my chest. My knees knocked together and sweat beaded on my forehead. I licked my dry lips and focused on my breathing exhaling through my mouth. I’d put on a brave face in front out there, that I wasn’t scared of Valentina. Truth be told, I am terrified of the woman. I’d given the performance of a lifetime and the anger boiling in my chest gave me an edge. It had to be done and I don’t regret it. Valentina Salvatore is a bully. Plain and simple. I've known a few in my life, My aunt Sara and daughter Katherina to mention, and a few from my time at the academy. The only way to get them to back off is to stand up to them. She treats everyone as less than and expects us to fall at her feet. She was very harsh with Eva, the thought of it gave me
The entire family is waiting for me when I get back. “Are we having a family gathering? Why didn’t anyone invite me?” I suppose they heard about my unplanned visit to Valentina and called a meeting. Tommy jumps from the couch, hands outstretched and I think he wants to come in for a hug, his hands clasped on my shoulders instead turns me to the right and then to the left, he draws back with a frown, “You’re fine” I watch his retreating back as he heads back to the couch, “Should I not be?” “I heard you threatened my mother, please tell me that is true?!” Matteo responds and then bursts into laughter. Niko glared at his uncle and then his eyes shifted to me. I read the annoyance in his gaze. “Don’t encourage her,” Eva chastises him. “That was beyond, foolish, I don’t know what to say to you right now” she scolded with a shake of her head. Still laughing he leans forward, “What I would I given to see it happen, Ivan did you at least sneak a picture of Mother’s face?” Ivan sha
My lips stretch into a smile. “I have to disarm your men” his voice is low, challenging. I hummed, waving my hand for him to have at it, I moved to step forward but Ivan held out his arm in front of me. I clear my throat, my polite smile dropping flat, the look I shoot him has him putting his arm down quickly. Valentina’s man, Maxim, steps to the side, letting me walk through, Ivan and Rico coming in behind me. Tilting my chin up, I follow where the sound of the voice came from, my heels clicking on the marble floors. Valentine is sitting on her patio at the side of her house, overlooking a small garden. I step through the wide double doors, smoothing a hand over my hair, pulled back into a low ponytail, the ends of my hair sweeping over my spine as I walk. I wonder where her other men are, seeing none of them around, this will be easier than I thought. She is dressed in a soft blue sweater and a long cream coloured skirt, pearls at her throat and ears, and her ever pre
I push out of the water breathing hard, I wipe water from my eyes with a hand, climbing out of the pool ungracefully. My arms shaking, lungs burning. I had hoped I would feel better after the workout. I don’t. I go to bed angry and I wake up frustrated, I’ve been to the shooting range every day for the past three days, shooting a few rounds, I’ve gotten more familiar with my weapon and my hands don’t shake anymore. The recoil and loud bangs don’t make me jump. My aim has also gotten better. My life is falling apart, the mansion is as tensed and quiet as a graveyard I don’t know how things are with Eva and Matteo as I haven’t been able to reach either of them, Tommy has been MIA, Niko isn’t speaking to me, I know he felt bad about pushing me away the other night but not enough to make peace, it’s all that witch’s fault. Everything changed the moment she arrived. Everyone has asked me to steer clear of VValentina. Matteo, Eva, Tommy, Maria, now, even Niko. He assures me that
When most women upset their husbands, as punishment their credit cards get taken away, some other of their favorite things, or he can new mistress brought to the house to show the woman her place and that she isn’t irreplaceable. My husband fucks me into oblivion. A strange feeling wakes me, I turn my head, trying to get a sense of myself, was it the kids, did I hear a sound? Breathing deeply, my lashes flutter, and with sleepy eyes, I notice a dark form just beside me on the bed, watchingas a large hand glides up my thigh.“Niko…?” I swallow, blinking away the fog of sleep from my mind, my eyes travel around the room, behind him, and it's dark in the room, only a soft glow from a bulb at the far end of the room. When he remains quiet, “Did something happen?” he looks fine, excluding his silent demeanor. I wasn't expecting him after he left me in bed this afternoon. “Are you hurt?” He pushes off his jacket and crawls onto the bed and over me throwing off the blankets as he goes.
“Oh my, yes!” I gasped. “Niko…”My core clenches at the onslaught of pleasure gathering between my legs. I scream his name when the wave comes, my head trashing, hair flying about at the intensity. He doesn’t stop, just keeps pounding into me as I ride my orgasm.A broken sound leaves me, I blink back more wetness in my eyes.“Oh…” I squirm beneath him, rolling my hips up into him, knowing I'll have a rug burn on my back but I need more of him. It gets too much, looking at his face eyes dark with pleasure, I tug on my wrists, “Please let me touch you” “No” he punctuated that with a particular vicious thrust and I screamed he repeated the action, hitting a sensitive spot inside me again and again intense pleasure swirled from my hips spreading over my limbs and I felt like I might disintegrate.“Oh…fuckkk” I stand right at the edge, on the precipice as my orgasm crests, about to fall over when he slips out of me. My entire body quakes, my pussy clenching around nothing, as I blinked,
“Hm-not much” I stammered, my eyes jumping around nervously, I wondered what he would do if I made a swift escape, in his current mood, probably chase me. His head tilts to the side in silent challenge. “We didn’t get to the gun part-" I decide to add "But he said to shoot to kill” Niko nods in agreement, walking around me, he says, “He’s right about that, don’t pull your gun unless you have every intention to use it.” I follow him with my eyes, my feet still rooted to a spot. Whenever he gets like this, anyone with the right sense will find a place to hide. “And if you do, aim to kill” Now behind me. “What else did your friend teach you” I winced at the way he gritted the word friend. My... I really fucked up. I didn't plan any of it, the thought of learning how to shoot came to me this morning and the more I thought of it, the more it seemed like a smart idea. The mansion is guarded like Fort Knox, but like I told Miguel, one day I might be the only thing standing between my
Angelo is sleeping on my chest, just months ago his little body could ball up on my chest but now his hands and legs hang over my sides, his head resting on my breast. They are growing up so fast. To imagine that a year ago they were inside me. My hand drops to his back.“Caela” I called softly. She turns to me, lips parted and struggling with Angelo's toy car happy to be alone with it, the both of them were fighting over it before Angelo had given up, deciding on a nap instead. Caela would have fought over her beloved giraffe until next year before letting someone have it. When I smile at her she turns back, slamming it on the couch and giggling by herself. “Caela” I called again and she turned immediately, eyes wide. I shake my head with another smile. When she turns away from me I say “Valentina?” Waving the car in front of her, she tosses it to the other end of the couch then struggles unto her hands and knees, crawling towards it. “Vale?” I try again. Nothing. “Isadora?” T
The door opens a head with brown curls peakes in before he enters the room fully, followed by a low whistle” Was this you Eva? Damn” Tommy eyes the destruction with keen appreciation. His long legs eat up the space easily and before I know it he is lowering down to the couch beside me. I take note that Eva and Matteo are no longer touching. “Are you all planning on how to get back at Nonna? Why did nobody call me?” at my surprised look je pushes his hair from his eyes with a careless shrug, “She wants to take my girl, that’s more than enough offense in my book” “We aren’t planning to get back at Valentina, I was just telling Lola to avoid her, you will do the same” “But why…” he practically whined, throwing his large arms around my shoulders in a hug. “I don’t think that’s necessary, Niko said no so we should be golden” “It's cute that you think that’s enough to stop Valentina,” Tommy says with a pat on my head. "Pretty sure she sacrifices virgins every night and drinks their b