***Upper East Side, New YorkAlessandraThe sound of a deep, soothing and familiar voice woke me up, the sun's rays warming me up as I pulled the covers off of me. My sleepy gaze landed on Draken's tattooed back as he stood before the floor-to-ceiling windows, overlooking the incredible backyard view. I couldn't help but take him in, my stomach alive with butterflies and more at the sight of him.My thoughts strayed to our shared night, a blush settling on my features at the way my body viscerally reacted to his presence. I was growing more and more addicted to him, and it scared me. I couldn't allow myself to long for him as much as I did and yet the memories of our shared time together, the knowledge of his dedication to protecting me...He killed people down south for you, Alessa...You shouldn't be so turned on by this!My subconscious tried to remind me of the grey areas of my husband's actions and yet I couldn't help the part of me that was enamoured by him and the power he poss
***Upper East Side, New YorkAlessandraMy mind was a mess of thoughts, all of which seemed to take the back burner at the sight of my little sister who was quick to rush towards me and pull me into a warm, tight hug. Confusion coursed through me momentarily, stunned by the sudden display of affection."Good Morning to you too, sorellina. Is everything okay?"I murmured, holding her at arm's length to assess her for any injuries or more. Fear crept down my spine at the thought of something happening to her, of me failing to protect her as I always promise to."Yes, I was just worried about you. I thought I got you into trouble with Draken....when you disappeared last night, I thought that maybe he wasn't happy about you defying him. I wanted to come find you but Keisuke kept me away and brought me home forcibly. I wanted to wait up for you to come but I passed out. I'm sorry, sorella. I don't know what I would do if something happened to you because of me..."A tear trailed its way d
***Long Island, New YorkAlessandraMy childhood home loomed before me, bringing back memories of the days spent within the confines of it and the nights spent in the basement after a rebellious streak. Despite Papa's tenacity and punishments, he had raised us in the only way he knew how and although I couldn't reconcile some of his actions, I found myself being more understanding than I anticipated.It is the man I married...Draken has changed my perspective and reminded me of the life I was born into. Blood stains my hands, not only from the sins of my Father but from my own...I had spent some time regretting my actions from the previous night, second-guessing myself but the morality of the situation shone through as Draken's words settled within me. The man was the literal scum of the Earth and deserved the ending he got.My inhibitions were forgotten, replaced with contentment and a firm understanding of my responsibilities as the wife of the Bratva's Pakan. I was still wary of
***Long Island, New YorkAlessandraI rinsed my hands in the bathroom sink, releasing a small breath as I freshened up my makeup, my eyes alit with mirth and vibrancy unlike ever before. The meal went better than I had anticipated with the food and conversation flowing all around. The tension had been curbed by excellent food made by my mama and Aunt. All topics on work had been avoided, knowing well enough that the tension would be back with a vengeance.Draken had engaged in the conversation mildly, more than anticipated. Seeing him interact with my brother and cousin warmed my heart more than ever, bringing me unbidden happiness. We seemed almost normal, like a big, happy family. And definitely not a gathering of some of the most dangerous men in the world.I stared at myself in the mirror, releasing a small breath as I dried my hands. The smile I had been sporting the entire day was wide, just as much as my gaze. I was happy, happier than I had ever been in a long time.And this
*** 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
***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
***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 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