Emma "Luca," I whisper as he leans over me; there's that weird smell of something I do not wish to recall, the past calling me down memory lane, but I push it aside, sighing as I open my eyes into the unfamiliar room that knocks me sideways as the memories of last night come crashing through my mind like a freight train.I breathe, smelling as I note Niko's manly aftershave surrounding me as if it's enveloping me like a second skin."I'm so sorry, bambina... have you rested enough?" Luca asks, his palm cupping my cheek tenderly as if he thinks I might suddenly break before him.Maybe I will, but I won't allow him to see that, especially not because of the way he's looking at me.I nod, my throat raw and sore; it's then I know I've been crying in my sleep, my cheeks suddenly feeling wet and sticky. Strands of hair clutch to the moisture as if they've lived in the Sahara and require the water my eyes have expelled."I need you to get up, bambina; I don't think I can hold on to my anger
Aldo's eyes rise to mine, an evil smirk plastered on his face as he holds me captive. My insides crawl, and the memories of my ordeal flood my mind as I start to hyperventilate.It's too soon. I shouldn't be in his presence this soon, but I know that Luca feels like he needs to do this."Aldo is a traitor, and traitors always have accomplishes," Luca looks to his men.I ride my gaze away from Aldo, staring out among the men who now frown. I hadn't expected this turn of events; I hadn't expected that more than just Aldo had planned my rape.I'm shaking now, my body trembling out of control, and all I want to do is climb into bed and hide beneath the duvet to sleep away the terror of yesterday, but that's not what happens.Niko steps beside me, his arm circling my waist as he holds me captive to him, and Luca starts calling names as if off a list.Three other men step forward, their gazes reaching mine. But only one of them mouths 'I'm sorry' in an attempt to correct his wrongdoing.I w
LucaAs I watched Emma and Niko work together to take down the man who dared to touch her, I felt a surge of conflicting emotions. On the one hand, I was grateful for his help and support towards her, but on the other, I couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy that it was he who was man enough to stand behind her. After all, shouldn't it have been me by her side, lending my strength and heat to protect her?To make matters worse, I couldn't shake my anger towards Aldo for going against me and trying to take what was mine. It was a betrayal I couldn't forgive, and I knew I had to act accordingly.As I stood in the basement, listening to Aldo boast that he touched 'my pretty little liar', I knew I couldn't stand by and let Aldo live. It wasn't just about protecting my asset—it was about safeguarding the woman I loved, and I would do whatever it took to keep her safe, even if I hated her because of her choice to leave me before. Loyalty is everything in the game of being part of the m
As I watched my men, I knew I had to find a way to restore the trust and love that had once bound us together whilst remaining as their leader.But where to start? The task ahead of me seemed insurmountable, but I knew I had to try. After all, we were more than just a group of people living together—we were a family."I won't tolerate any form of misconduct towards her. Anyone who dares to touch her or even thinks about her in that inappropriate manner will be met with these severe consequences," I say with a firm tone, glancing sideways to the dead men littered on the floor. "She is our queen—my queen, and as such, she deserves to be treated with the utmost respect and dignity. Let's not forget who she is and what she represents for our future." My words carry a hint of pride and equal amounts of frustration and disappointment, as I can't help but feel that some fail to see the gravity of their brother's actions, so I endeavour to keep my eyes on them.As I turn around and leave, I
Emma Soft knocks on the bedroom door startle me, and I hear Niko calling out my name. I sit up in Luca's bed, my face sticky with tears and snot running down my cupid's bow. I quickly use my arm to wipe away the unpleasantness before responding to Niko.After a moment, I answer him. "Yes, Niko?"The door opens slowly, and Niko stands there looking sheepish as if he's waiting for someone to jump out on him. He explained that he wanted to ensure I was okay after I had run off earlier, and I sensed a hint of concern in his voice.Swallowing the lump in my throat, I shake my head at him. But he turns his gaze away from me so he doesn't see the tears on my face. This allows me to compose myself and put on a brave face."I'm good," I finally manage to say, my voice sounding small and weak.Niko suggests that we train together, but I can't help but blurt out my question. "Are you afraid?" I ask, sensing that something is off about his behaviour.Niko whispers quietly, "We're not allowed in
Determined not to let my emotions get the best of me, I splashed some cool water on my face and brushed out my hair, tying it up into a high ponytail. I took a deep breath, feeling my nerves and fears begin to subside.Exiting the bathroom, I quickly reached for my trainers and approached the door of Luca's bedroom. As I walked, a sense of determination filled me, and I could feel my resolve hardening with every step. I knew I had to confront whatever challenges lay ahead, no matter how daunting they seemed.Despite my resolve, I couldn't shake off the guilt that gnawed at me. Only a few hours ago, I had put the lives of four men in danger by leading them into a hail of bullets. It was a choice that I deeply regretted, and I could only hope that the rest of Luca's men would be able to forgive me for my recklessness.As I stepped out of the room and into the hallway, I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the challenges that lay ahead. Whatever happened, I knew that I couldn't affor
Luca"I need you to attend a series of events that have been arranged to showcase your commitment to your fiancé before the wedding in a week," my father's monotone voice resonates through the phone as I hold it to my ear. I've notified him that the job is done, and he's seemingly happy with my progress."Is it vital to flaunt our relationship in front of everyone, father?" I ask, my displeasure evident in my voice."It is imperative, my dear son," he spoke with a hint of exhaustion in his voice. "This marriage is not just about bringing our families together or bringing business deals to fruition, but it is also vital for securing our organisation's future. Our rivals, the mafiosos, are always watching and assessing. They are waiting for the right opportunity to strike. Therefore, we must present a united and powerful front to everyone around us to gain momentum on possible new enemies. And to ensure that every other Don knows that your position is not up for grabs in this changeover
After much contemplation, I finally decided to make our wedding night an authentic experience. I want to fuck her as she deserved years ago when she was a virgin ripe for the taking. I realise that I didn't treat her virginity with the respect and importance it deserved six years ago, but I hope to make up for it now. My goal is to show her how much I love and cherish her and create a beautiful memory that we can both look back on with fondness even if I continue to treat her appallingly afterwards, of which my behaviour is up for debate.So, on the day of our wedding, I will consciously decide to embody the qualities of the past me—to be the man who values and cherishes every breath she takes. For that one day, I want to fully embrace the depth of my love and commitment towards Emma and make every moment count. I want to be the epitome of a true gentleman, honour her with my actions, and make her feel cherished beyond words. Perhaps my show of affection will also outline her life-lon
BiancaI knew the moment I woke, I'd be walking into something I didn't care to be part of, but equally, I knew that I had no choice in the matter if Dimitri deemed it so.His voice floated upstairs, not loud enough to decipher everything that was said between him and Niko but audibly sufficient to know his tone was condescending and simultaneously authoritative. So I dithered, sitting on the top step close enough to hear them talk yet hidden enough that neither heard nor saw me.Niko was essentially being summoned, and I could tell he wasn't happy about it.Even so, I sat there for a long while as they spoke about this job to remain hidden and out of the limelight until things slowly turned in my direction. It's as if I knew I would be the topic of conversation. I was nervous then; Dimitri knew skeletons I wanted to remain hidden, so I couldn't damn well stay hidden.I moved down the stairs as Niko opposed Dimitri's choice to keep Luca in this life with the one-track mind, which was
It's clear with the clearing of his throat that I'm asking too much; after all, the agreement is to go, get the girl, and sit tight with her until he or Lucia comes to take them to a marginally better life. Still, I need to know if there's a potential threat looming, especially if she was already intercepted. The risk the Ivarnis have enlightened the buyer about her possible saviour might have them wanting to complete the Passover sooner rather than later."Niko," Dimitri warns."I need to know who to look out for in case they are also there to pick the girl up. I doubt the Ivarnis are sitting tight about the fact you tried to take her. They'll be looking out for you and your men, Dimitri. I'm associated with you; they know that. Everyone does."Remaining silent, his shoulders stiffen. Did he not already think that over?"She's headed for the Densels," he admits with a snarl.It's my turn to stiffen; of course, she fucking is. They buy many girls off the back of the illegal trade, and
Niko We've spent the last two days exhausting ourselves whilst getting to know one another on this new, deeper level that I was second guessing if we would ever get to experience. Even so, I still have a few places I'd like to fuck her before we go home, whenever that may be.The very next morning, in the early hours of the morning, Sven turned up when I was taking a moment to stare out of the window Bianca seemingly loved to daydream in front of. The boat was a spec of darkness moving on the sea at first, but as he neared closer and the sun rose, I could figure out quite quickly that he indeed returned to help us explore the island as promised the night before.Leaving him waiting on the beach, I let Bianca sleep while I readied food for the pair of us. I prepared a platter of fruit for breakfast that I took back upstairs only after I filled a conveniently placed picnic basket in the kitchen cupboard with an array of antipasti we could enjoy.I planned to take her back to the waterf
Continued:I want everything he can give me.I want it all...I want him.Giving him myself is the only thing I can give him that's remotely worth his time. "Then take me to bed. Fuck me, use me—do whatever you please," I smile against his neck, whispering back so quietly just in case someone else can hear my deepest, dirtiest needs."Don't let go," he warns. Standing up, he encourages my legs around his waist as he holds onto my buttocks. His still erect cock brushes my labia as he moves to climb out, reminding me that we're completely naked. I hang around him, holding myself against his body as he manoeuvres us out of the hot tub and onto a stable floor.He chuckles, his voice throaty and natural, which makes my cheeks burn as he steps towards the house. Readjusting me, he brings me higher, his lips going straight for my cheek, or so I thought."I'm going to fucking eradicate any memory of that man," he promises against my ear so surely that I believe every word he says.My heart
Bianca"Tell me to stop," he begs me suddenly."No—," I whisper despite realising perhaps maybe I should bow down to his need not to use me. Because that's how he feels, right?Indecision is usually my middle name. However, as I watched Niko try to ignore my presence, I couldn't help but float over his lap. Both of us are trying to suppress our desire to keep each other on our toes, yet here we are, in each other's company, longing to touch one another but hesitant to express our feelings for fear of using the other.I know my reason is my past; I don't want to use Niko to gain anything. There is also the element of opposing this arranged marriage and honestly opposing Dimitri.I also recognise the need to keep everyone at arm's length. But I want something different for myself: happiness.That's what drove my need to sit on his lap and also drove my need to beg him to fuck me. I hadn't expected him to force his way inside me so swiftly, though, yet he did, and I revelled in the sens
Continued: I plate the gnocchi into two bowls, take forks with me and head out into the garden and over to the hot tub because I can't ignore her whereabouts. It went through my mind, leaving her food on the counter and taking myself to bed. It would have been easy to wind down without winding myself up, but her pull on me strengthened. I'll stick myself out through the torture if only to show her she can trust me. Building this trust may create prosperity for me. Do I have that kind of patience? I ask myself. "Gnocchi, Bee?" "I'm famished," she reveals, leaning forward to reach for the bowl. I pass it along, my eyes never leaving her cleavage. "God," she moans around a mouthful. "Do you often moan like that with...things in your mouth?" I ask with a devilish chuckle. Shifting uncomfortably, I rearrange myself in my swim shorts to relieve some of the pressure from the waistband. Bianca watches me inquisitively, and I know she knows I'm hard. It's times like now that I
NikoMy heart almost stopped for about the thousandth time today when she walked back down those stairs in nothing but that skimpy two-piece that left little for my imagination to run wild with. Memories of sharing the ocean, of having my hands on her waist, my thumb stroking the soft, subtle skin of her hip. Of watching her pull herself up and onto the ledge, muscles flexing as she held her weight before turning around. Of the soft swell of her breasts that barely contained themselves in the tiny triangles of material made for hiding them. It all begs me to give up on cooking, to grab her and march her back upstairs to the bed I hate sharing with her.Hate being a lie, honestly, but I do disfavour being beside her with the power to take what I need but not having the heart to force the girl to want me.Despite my intention of ignoring her reentry, I was unsuccessful. She walked right on by, heading out into the garden, where she walked into the hot tub, taking my breath and my cock
Continued: If I can't leave Niko, I may decide to live alongside him. I'm tired, mentally, of course, of fighting him at every opportunity. So very tired. I just want to have one person, just one, to be in my corner. Is that so bad? Am I an awful human being for wishing for the bare minimum in this life where most women get sold as scraps of meat for their orifices? My feet slap on the hardwood of the stairs as I descend them; I instantly have Niko's attention. I feel his gaze bore into my skin, warming and chilling simultaneously. I could walk up to the kitchen counter and bask in his presence, but I walked past him, heading out into the garden. He stares after me, the glass walls giving him a perfect view of me walking away from him. I sway my hips, and I smile secretly to myself. I've always been able to catch men's attention, but only once did I feel the need to keep it. "Shit. Ow!" Niko hisses from the house as I climb up and into the hot tub; one leg is already i
BiancaSven's inquisitive eyes and calculating stare kept me on edge throughout our journey around the island and back to the beach that houses Dimitri's home.I couldn't shake the burning sensation left by his gaze, nor could I stop the anxiety that overwhelmed me at his company. I should have appreciated the surroundings and been in awe of their magnificence, but all I could do was dwell on the troubling futures that loomed in my mind.Visions of Sven drawing a gun from his waistband and aiming it at the back of our heads before pulling the trigger on our lives made me uncomfortable. Yet, the most surreal aspect was the intense urge to protect Niko that emerged in my thoughts.Something is changing within me, and I'm uncertain about what is driving this new direction in my needs. It feels as though my concerns for my own freedom are diminishing—and they shouldn't be.Niko had dropped me at the house door, stipulating that I should go in while he dealt with Sven alone. It was then t