*** Upper East Side, Manhattan Alessandra "Are you serious? I can really have anything I want?" Tori asked for the umpteenth time, her wide grin and wild, excited look in her eyes making me chuckle in absolute amusement. I was not surprised by her reaction. Like me, she was a shopping fanatic and having her pick anything she wanted from the Designer store we were now in was like a dream come true. It was not that our father did not possess the money or the means to provide us with everything we could ever want. It was that he was highly restrictive- which is honestly the only form of normal parenting we ever got from him and mama. We had allowances and although it was substantial, it was certainly not enough for the things we really wanted to purchase. Unless it's weapons...now that was a purchase Papa could get behind, the maniac... But everything changed after my marriage. Now, I had some semblance of freedom to purchase whatever I wanted using the credit card availed to Vladm
***Manhattan, New YorkAlessandra"I had a night terror, Tori. I just had to have a nightmare in front of him and he took care of me! I showed him one of my biggest weaknesses and now, I don't know how to fix it. I mean, I got the usual weird stares from his staff- some of whom I am sure HATE me- but he said nothing. Who knows what the hell he is planning."I shouted over the music to my little sister who instantly pulled me in for a warm hug that I tried hard not to relate to the one He had given me last night. She understood the implications of such a revelation to the man I was trying to save us from.A man who was clearly capable of more than we gave him credit for...A true Mafia Made Man like everyone else around us..."It's going to be okay, sorella. He may have witnessed that side of you but he doesn't know everything. He can't use it against you."Tori tried to reason and comfort me but I knew well enough- as she did too- that the Russian Made Man was more intuitive and intel
***Manhattan, New YorkAlessandraHis gaze was fixated on the cowed college kid before us, never straying away from him despite my pleading gaze. The college kid, on the other hand, seemed to be rooted in the spot from the death glare that my husband was granting him. It was unsettling all those around us, the tense energy seemingly permeating through the haze of alcohol and euphoria."Draken..."I began, hoping and praying I could somehow get through to my breathtakingly handsome husband who towered over me, his blank features revealing nothing. His eyes, though. The emeralds that shone brighter than any diamond were raging, swirling with anger that threatened to suffocate those around us. Looking at them any longer had me worried, scared that I would drown in them too."Take him."He directed the words towards the two men who had appeared behind the scared college kid, their hulking forms instantly grabbing the kid who began to struggle but instantly froze once one of them seemed t
***Manhattan, New YorkDrakenMy wife's hand shook in my grasp as we made our way through my club. Receiving Vlad's report had been unsurprising, to say the least. Knowing what I did about Alessandra and her sister, Vittoria, I was aware of the possibility of their rebellion. The possibility that she would defy me and do this exact same thing. Which was why I had them sent to my club. My territory.Unlike her father, I do not mind her exeats. She deserves all the freedom she can get after a life of captivity. She deserves to be happy...But not in the arms of another man.Never in the arms of an idiotic child who knows Nothing of the despair I was about to rain down on him.The sight of his arms around her still lingered in my mind, fueling my rage even more. It had taken everything to restrain myself, to watch her reaction to the disrespectful advance. I could feel Keisuke, Rowan and Ioann's gazes on me. Kei's presence after my call confirmed quite a lot about his intentions in our
***Manhattan, New YorkAlessandraI can't believe I'm really doing this...I really have lost my damn mind...I murmured within, over and over again as Draken led me down the hallway, away from his office and into a larger room. This place was more secluded, dim red lighting within that gave the place a more sensual air. The poles surrounding the room alerted me instantly to the main use of the space. "The other rooms are currently...occupied. But I do believe this would be more than sufficient?"Draken's voice against my ear sent a pleasant shiver through me, an emotion I tried and failed to hide. I knew I should be repulsed by what he is asking of me. The excitement in his eyes when I lost my damn mind and agreed to torture a man just so I could save him. He seemed more attracted to me than I had ever seen.And all I had to do to get him going is tell him I'll torture a man... Dio. This is insane..."If the dancers don't mind then yes...this will be fine. It won't take that long."
*** Manhattan, New York Alessandra He let me go, allowing me to stand and approach the man once one of the guards finished laying out the extra things I had requested on a side table not too far from where a terrified Brad was handcuffed. I noticed that neither of the men in the room had left, that among them was my husband's cousin and the former Head of the Bratva before Draken made his presence known. I had met Ioann Zolotov once before, at my wedding but he had kept his distance since then, wading in and out of the manor too quickly before any words could be spoken between us. I sensed no animosity from him- only curiosity that seemed to be mirrored all around the room. The man beside him was, however, different. Amused and genuinely eager for what was to come. His smile was chilling as he granted me a simple nod of acknowledgement before leaning back into the wall and watching like everyone else. I hadn't anticipated a small audience but I didn't care as much. The only gaze t
***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
***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