***The Hamptons, New YorkAlessandra"Thank you for your reassurance, Vittoria. I do hope that our families are united through this union as well. I would love to get to know you both as well with time if it's okay with you."Aysun shared, a shy smile on her lips as she tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. It was an unlikely reaction that neither Tori nor I had expected as she shared the same stunned look but we nodded eagerly all the same, glad to have gained such a great friend. She always kept her distance from people and was not easily approachable but she seemed to have warmed up to us considerably."We would love that. Thank you, Aysun."Granting us a final smile, she turned just as yet another couple of people walked up to pay their respects to her. Her walls were back up instantly, the unreadable gaze that was a familiar look on her and reminded me so much of my husband. It equally reminded me of the fact that she was a trained killer and one of the best at the craft i
***Brooklyn, New YorkDrakenI stared at the man before me, knowing well enough that there was certainly more to him than met the eye. Zeno Rinaldi may have been involved in one too many scandals with his Father that had traversed the underworld but it had seemed to strengthen him all the more. Despite Massimo Rinaldi's efforts, word of the hate that existed between his heir and his twin brother was commonplace.Which was why he had been the perfect person to approach- or rather to wait on for a much more comprehensive conversation away from small talk. Although our relationship wasn't strained, there was a tinge of awkwardness that could only be explained away by the tumultuous relationship between our families.It had nothing to do with the fact that he and Suyin Castellanos had made sure to pass across their veiled threats on the day of my wedding...they were protective of Alessandra and I respected that...My gaze shifted to the heir of the Triad who was every bit as terrifying a
***The Hamptons, New YorkAlessandraI crouched low, reloading my gun as I did while the gunshots ricocheted all around us. Tori and I had been holding our own in the wake of our accident, the two of us watching each other's backs as we advanced towards the individuals who had attacked us. Although some of our guards were still in the fight with us, others had been killed in the crossfire.And we were determined to avenge them as we reloaded our weapons and shot towards the army of men who had been sent to take us for some reason."Who the hell are these people? And why the fuck do some of them look like our men?!"Tori shouted, ducking back behind our bullet-ridden car as our assailants pushed forward. My stomach plummeted at my sister's words, reminding me of the realization that we had come to several days ago. Draken had been determined to find evidence that showcased my Uncle's involvement in all the shady fucking deals. We had uncovered illegal dealings existing as recent as no
***Long Island, New YorkAlessandraI stared at my little sister, a small smile on my lips as I took her in. She was radiant in her wedding gown, looking every bit like the gorgeous bride that she was meant to be. Her wedding day was here and although we had believed that it would be a day of sorrow, it had turned out to be a happier occasion than the weddings that had come before it.For one, she was smiling wide, readying herself for the massive change in her life with a man who seemed to care more for her than she had anticipated. Keisuke Satarou had revealed his hand on the night of the attack and although he had tried to play it cool afterwards, the sentiment had not worked as well as he had hoped. We now knew how he truly felt and it filled all of us with a sense of calmness to know that the two of them would be okay.They may not want to admit their true feelings for each other but they are perfect for each other. They are going to be just fine, especially now that everything
*** Brooklyn, New York Alessandra The loud music washed over me, euphoria filling every single part of me. Never had I felt more free, more in control of my life than when I was in the throng of sweaty, dancing bodies that were around me. Nothing could ever compare to this moment, the freedom that I longed so much for. Soon, Alessa...It won't be too long until your plans come to fruition... Until I can finally get away from the carnage, the sins of my father and the corrupt standing he beheld. His was a bloody life, one that each and every single one of my siblings and I had been pulled into. A timed existence for so many gunned for our heads. And with good reason after everything that the Rinaldi family has done... "You're spiraling, Alessa! Let's dancee! We'll worry about our fucked up existence tomorrow!" Vittoria shouted above the music, making me chuckle as I wrapped my hands around my little sister. Although there was a two year age difference between us, we were closer t
***Long Island, New YorkAlessandra"Alessandra? Gesù Cristo. Where the hell have you guys been?! Papa has his men out looking for you two!"Selene shrill voice was louder than ever, her disapproving glare making me roll my eyes as I gestured at a passed out Tori that I was struggling to get through the door."Now is really not the time to put the judgmental shoes on, sis. Can you help me get her into bed?"Selene seemed to comprehend my words, her gaze finally settling on Vittoria before she took her other arm. Together, we lugged our little sister into bed before covering her up as she muttered unintelligible words.The sight made me chuckle, reminding me of just how much I loved her despite the fact that she just made me piggyback her up the spiral staircase to the second floor."Porca puttana...I can't feel my back. That little brat better thank her lucky stars that I love
*** Long Island, New York Alessandra Papa's voice sent a chill down my spine, my eyes turning to find his as he walked through the door and past Mama. Silence reigned within the room, the darkness floating down to engulf us as we prepared for the wrath of his anger that always came. "I agree, Massimo. It seems Alessandra is yet to learn her place in this world. You have failed in that respect, Nova." Uncle Salvatore stated as he followed my father in, his voice chilling my entire body as he turned to my silent mother. For all the fear I beheld when it came to my father's fraternal twin and younger brother, I couldn't help the annoyance that settled over me when he spoke to my mother like that. She seemed to sense my annoyance, her eyes relaying the message that I knew they would. I had to calm down, to remember that I was now in the presence of two of the most dangerous men in our world. I was extremely conscious of the shifted environment, not only because of the change in the
*** Long Island, New York Alessandra "I can't believe I slept through all that. I'm sorry, sorella maggiore. I really didn't realize how much of a mess we created. Papa really meant it this time, huh?" Tori muttered from beside me as she nervously sipped her bubbly champagne, her third glass for the night. I couldn't blame her nervousness. We were amidst the sea of guests, all of whom had come forth to offer their congratulations on Emilio and Selene's engagement. All of them are a bunch of snakes, dangerous beyond measure. They not only possess power but are greedy for more. Neither one of these people would think twice before ripping us apart were we to show any sort of weakness. It was this kind of negativity and constant plotting that I longed to run from. I can't spend the rest of my life trying to figure out people's next moves and watching my back. It's just too much. "Yeah, he did. I'm sorry, Tori. This is my fault. We should have left a little earlier in the night like
***Long Island, New YorkAlessandraI stared at my little sister, a small smile on my lips as I took her in. She was radiant in her wedding gown, looking every bit like the gorgeous bride that she was meant to be. Her wedding day was here and although we had believed that it would be a day of sorrow, it had turned out to be a happier occasion than the weddings that had come before it.For one, she was smiling wide, readying herself for the massive change in her life with a man who seemed to care more for her than she had anticipated. Keisuke Satarou had revealed his hand on the night of the attack and although he had tried to play it cool afterwards, the sentiment had not worked as well as he had hoped. We now knew how he truly felt and it filled all of us with a sense of calmness to know that the two of them would be okay.They may not want to admit their true feelings for each other but they are perfect for each other. They are going to be just fine, especially now that everything
***The Hamptons, New YorkAlessandraI crouched low, reloading my gun as I did while the gunshots ricocheted all around us. Tori and I had been holding our own in the wake of our accident, the two of us watching each other's backs as we advanced towards the individuals who had attacked us. Although some of our guards were still in the fight with us, others had been killed in the crossfire.And we were determined to avenge them as we reloaded our weapons and shot towards the army of men who had been sent to take us for some reason."Who the hell are these people? And why the fuck do some of them look like our men?!"Tori shouted, ducking back behind our bullet-ridden car as our assailants pushed forward. My stomach plummeted at my sister's words, reminding me of the realization that we had come to several days ago. Draken had been determined to find evidence that showcased my Uncle's involvement in all the shady fucking deals. We had uncovered illegal dealings existing as recent as no
***Brooklyn, New YorkDrakenI stared at the man before me, knowing well enough that there was certainly more to him than met the eye. Zeno Rinaldi may have been involved in one too many scandals with his Father that had traversed the underworld but it had seemed to strengthen him all the more. Despite Massimo Rinaldi's efforts, word of the hate that existed between his heir and his twin brother was commonplace.Which was why he had been the perfect person to approach- or rather to wait on for a much more comprehensive conversation away from small talk. Although our relationship wasn't strained, there was a tinge of awkwardness that could only be explained away by the tumultuous relationship between our families.It had nothing to do with the fact that he and Suyin Castellanos had made sure to pass across their veiled threats on the day of my wedding...they were protective of Alessandra and I respected that...My gaze shifted to the heir of the Triad who was every bit as terrifying a
***The Hamptons, New YorkAlessandra"Thank you for your reassurance, Vittoria. I do hope that our families are united through this union as well. I would love to get to know you both as well with time if it's okay with you."Aysun shared, a shy smile on her lips as she tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. It was an unlikely reaction that neither Tori nor I had expected as she shared the same stunned look but we nodded eagerly all the same, glad to have gained such a great friend. She always kept her distance from people and was not easily approachable but she seemed to have warmed up to us considerably."We would love that. Thank you, Aysun."Granting us a final smile, she turned just as yet another couple of people walked up to pay their respects to her. Her walls were back up instantly, the unreadable gaze that was a familiar look on her and reminded me so much of my husband. It equally reminded me of the fact that she was a trained killer and one of the best at the craft i
***The Hamptons, New YorkAlessandra"Now remember, don't do anything I wouldn't do, malyshka. Play nice until I get there, okay?"Draken's instructions made me chuckle as I stared out of the window of the moving SUV. We were on our way to a formal event organized by the Sahin family. Although I had met the Turkish mafia's Don on very few occasions, she had been kind enough to extend an invitation not only to Draken and I for her younger sister's upcoming nuptials to one of the main Aristocratic families in the Cosa Nostra.The woman was an enigma, and the one and only female Don in the entire criminal underground. She was a force to be reckoned with many individuals choosing to stay away from her due to the rumours of her madness and ruthlessness. I, however, found her to be kinder than most with the familiar glint of hard brutality that was given in the world we lived in.She has to be tough to make it in this cruel world we live in...To stand at the top as she always does...She d
***Upper East Side, New YorkAlessandraThe ride home had been silent as we both seemed to get lost in our thoughts. Doctor Valentine had been incredibly pleased by the progress, recommending two sessions per week to continue down the right path of healing. Although I had been petrified at the thought of recalling everything, I was glad I did for the PTSD had distorted my memory, and made me bury it deep into my subconscious."It was my Uncle Salvatore. He had us kidnapped, the bastard. I've always been wary of that man but never would I have imagined that he had been behind that. I guess I always subconsciously knew that he was an evil piece of shit. I know Papa might not believe me but I should probably mention it to him. My only question is why? Why would he have kidnapped me? I'm not as valuable as Zeno probably would have been. I'm essentially insignificant in the grand scheme of things so why me?"I murmured out loud, earning a side look from my husband. He was driving us tonig
***I was in the back of the black SUV, windows tinted as always with two guards at the front. Mama was angry with me. I had defied Papa and embarrassed him at the event we had just left. I couldn't help it, though. The Serrano sisters had been mean again and I refused to let them talk ill of my little sister. I wouldn't let them bully us.Although Papa had been the one to banish me for giving them a beatdown, there was a proud glint in his eyes. I knew he wouldn't punish me too thoroughly. Probably a week in the basement or some gruelling training from Antonio. Zeno had been proud, Selene had been amused and Tori had hoped she could come with me. My siblings were my priority and knowing they had my back was all I cared about.At least I got to leave the boring party first. I was grounded but I was definitely okay with it. I didn't regret my actions one bit. The drive home wasn't as fast as I hoped it could be. I wanted to get out of this stupid dress. Mama always insisted on putting
***Upper East Side, New YorkAlessandraI stared ahead, trying not to internalize the place we were or the people milling about around us. I tried to process the decision I had made this morning- agreeing to follow the man sitted beside me who hadn't let go of my hand since we left the mansion this morning. He had stuck by my side even as he promised that his entire day would be committed to me.And now I know why...we're in a literal psychiatrist's office...I was moderately confused, alarmed by the fact that I had not fought off the man before me, stormed off and been incredibly offended by his initiative and yet here I was, Seated beside him, biding our time to wait for the Doctor to see us.Could it be because of last night? Because of yet another nightmare....They had been coming in more often for the last couple of weeks, some more brutal than others but lately, since the brunch from hell three days ago, I had experienced one of the worst nightmares since I'd left my childhood
*** Long Island, New York Draken I watched my woman walk away, revelling in her presence and her love. I could see it wedged deep within her gaze. Although the words had not been spoken, the sentiment was there and strong. I knew it would only be a matter of time before everything would be revealed. Everything was coming to a head, and soon, she would remember everything. She needs to know how long this has been simmering...how long I have longed for her and loved her... She had always been the one. The only one who owned me- body and soul. She was my Queen and I would worship the ground she walked on, always and forever. She had no idea how long I had longed for her. But soon, everything will change. Especially after all that has been revealed...Our revenge is coming to a head. Soon, this will all end...and I can finally be with her. She is my true reward, the woman I have been longing for all my life... I turned to gaze at the man before me, the literal scum of a human being w