***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