***Manhattan, New YorkAlessandraThe music was low and sensual and the drinks were flowing endlessly as we relaxed on the couch. My head was light, the buzz of alcohol back as I sipped on the multiple cocktails that had been brought out for me. My gaze hadn't left the middle of the room, and with good reason as the women sensually danced on the pole.Draken had asked the two women to come in, each of them clearly extremely skilled in their profession as they danced for us. I had been unsure of his request, at first, irked by his lack of self-awareness to have strippers dancing for him in the presence of his wife but now...now I wasn't so sure of my emotions.Something about the way they moved, their outfits almost non-existent which seemed to heighten the sexiness of the moment. I found myself genuinely questioning my sexuality multiple times as the girls manoeuvred their bodies along the pole. I definitely understood why men did this, why the Made Men back home always talked about
***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
***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