LOGINShare
15: Hostile Territory
Last Updated:
2025-01-10 03:47:39
Related chapters
How to Escape from a Ruthless Mobster 16: The New Queen
POV: Beatrice After the tense encounter with Ryuu’s mother, I retreated to the bedroom—his bedroom—with a plate of hastily grabbed food. The moment I closed the door, the oppressive weight of the day pressed down on me, suffocating in its intensity. As my eyes scanned the room, something caught my attention: a stack of neatly labeled boxes, each marked with my name. My stomach clenched as I approached them. These were my belongings from Palermo. Someone—likely my aunt or cousins—had packed them. It felt like a parting gesture, pragmatic and cold. A way to send me off with what was mine while avoiding the mess of goodbyes. The silence of my phone amplified the sting. Not a single missed call, no messages from the family I’d always thought would be there for me. As I stared at those boxes, a hollow realization set in. I was no longer Beatrice Carbone. To them, I was already someone else: a Morunaga. Unpacking felt like an act of defiance, as though holding onto these pieces of my
Last Updated : 2025-01-10How to Escape from a Ruthless Mobster 17: Surrender or Resistance?
POV: Beatrice It would be a mistake. I knew it, felt it deep in my bones. And yet, the thought of kissing Ryuu again burned in my mind, vivid and relentless, like a fire I couldn’t extinguish. He stepped away, the distance between us growing with each deliberate stride. His dark eyes, so often unreadable, reflected something sharper now—irritation, maybe, or frustration. But whatever it was, it cut through the tense silence. “I won’t be staying here tonight,” he said, his voice like the edge of a blade. I blinked, caught off guard, my mouth parting as if to respond, though no words came. Heat rose to my face, an unwelcome flush of shame chasing away the dangerous spark of desire that had flickered moments before. He paused briefly at the doorway, as though reconsidering, then left without another glance. The emptiness of the room settled over me like a suffocating fog. The faint scent of his cologne lingered, an unwelcome reminder of his presence, and of the fact that I’d le
Last Updated : 2025-01-11How to Escape from a Ruthless Mobster 18: Warning on Paper
POV: Beatrice Ryuu didn’t come back to the bedroom that night. When I woke the next morning, he was already gone. Nitta had mentioned Ryuu’s habit of starting his day early, but knowing he’d left while I was still tangled in uneasy sleep made the air feel heavier. A pang of something unfamiliar settled in my chest—not quite sadness, but far from relief. I should have been glad. His absence spared me the awkwardness of facing him after last night’s disaster. But instead, an unsettling frustration lingered. Was it humiliation? Or something darker, something I didn’t want to examine too closely? I sat at the kitchen table, a half-eaten slice of bread with jam in front of me, my appetite as absent as my husband. The silence of the house felt oppressive, wrapping around me like a vice. Then a voice, light and teasing, broke through. “You know we have a dining room, right?” I turned to see Fukui leaning casually against the doorframe. Impeccably dressed in tailored navy slacks and
Last Updated : 2025-01-11How to Escape from a Ruthless Mobster 19: The Heat of Confinement
POV: Beatrice "Let’s see," I muttered, bitterness thick in my voice. "I can wander the gardens for the thousandth time, stay locked inside like a prisoner, or maybe… just maybe… stay locked inside. What do you think?" Nitta nudged me lightly, his grin as infuriating as ever. "Ah, Bel, don’t be like that," he said, his voice dripping with mock charm. "Don’t you enjoy my company?" I sighed, my frustration bubbling dangerously close to the surface. "I want to get out, Nitta," I groaned, nearly stamping my foot like a child denied dessert. "There’s nothing to do here. It’s like I’m being punished, and I don’t even know what for! Is this my life now? Sitting in a gilded cage while everyone else gets to do whatever the hell they want?" "I know it’s a little boring—” "A little boring?" I snapped, cutting him off. "It’s unbearable! I’m used to working, talking to people, actually doing something with my time—not wasting away in a house under constant watch like some criminal. An
Last Updated : 2025-01-12How to Escape from a Ruthless Mobster 20: Notes of a Crumbling Marriage
POV: RyuuHiding in my office felt pathetic, but I couldn’t summon the energy to care. The weight of my own failure pressed against my chest, the silence around me broken only by the rhythmic clink of whiskey against glass. I leaned back in the leather chair, the throbbing in my temples matching the pulse of the ache behind my eyes. Another swig of whiskey scorched its way down my throat, but the fire did nothing to burn away the image burned into my mind: Nitta and Beatrice, tangled on the floor, too close, too familiar. It played on a relentless loop, mocking me. No matter how much I drank, I couldn’t shake it. The door swung open, shattering the fragile quiet. I turned slowly, my gaze heavy with the haze of alcohol. Fukui stood in the doorway, his jacket slung over one arm and his car keys dangling from the other. He must have just returned. “Drinking again?” His voice carried a mix of irritation and worry, his expression carefully guarded. “Did I ever stop?” I bit back, the
Last Updated : 2025-01-13How to Escape from a Ruthless Mobster 21: Between Brothers and Enemies
POV: BeatriceThe suitcases sat in the foyer as I passed, gleaming and expensive, their unfamiliarity sending a ripple of unease through me. For a moment, I wondered if Ryuu might be throwing me out. The thought wasn’t entirely unwelcome—I’d gladly leave if I had anywhere to go. But the truth was, I didn’t. I didn’t even know if my father was still in Los Angeles or if he had returned to Palermo with the rest of the family. And even if he were nearby, living with him would be as suffocating as staying here. When I entered the kitchen, the scent of something savory greeted me. A woman I didn’t recognize stood at the counter, humming softly as she stirred a pot. Her presence startled me—another staff member I hadn’t met. “Mrs. Morunaga,” she greeted, not needing an introduction. Her tone was warm but carried a formality that reminded me of Mena. “Would you like to eat in tonight?” “That sounds fine,” I said, trying to return her politeness with a smile that felt forced. Her ta
Last Updated : 2025-01-14How to Escape from a Ruthless Mobster 22: Conditional Freedom
POV: BeatriceWhen I stepped into the kitchen that morning, the sight of Fukui leaning casually against the counter sent a ripple of déjà vu through me. He was immaculate, as always, dressed in another impossibly tailored suit that made me feel even more disheveled in my oversized sweater and messy ponytail. It was barely seven, and his sharp gaze met mine briefly before I looked away, pretending to be engrossed in the steam curling up from my coffee. The porcelain mug burned against my palms, but it was nothing compared to the searing intensity of his scrutiny. I knew I looked a mess. A restless night of tossing and turning had left me drained, and Ryuu had been the root of it. Again. Our constant clashes gnawed at my patience, and I had no doubt that Fukui, with his unnerving perceptiveness, could see every frayed edge of my composure. “Another coffee and a fresh serving of bad news?” I muttered, thinking back to our last encounter in this very kitchen when he’d delivered one of
Last Updated : 2025-01-14How to Escape from a Ruthless Mobster 23: Traces of Blood and Silence
POV: Beatrice “I didn’t know you were so charmed by my sparkling personality and conversational skills, Hime,” Fukui said, his voice smooth and dripping with sarcasm as he glanced up briefly from his phone. “You’re being an ass,” I retorted, the heat of frustration prickling at my cheeks. “You’re the only adult I’ve spoken to all week besides Nitta, and forgive me if that’s been less than fulfilling. And by the way, I don’t have any money, so you’ll have to pay.” Fukui scoffed, but his teasing smirk softened the edge of his reaction. When the café attendant greeted us and took our order, he handed over several bills with a bored efficiency that somehow made the mundane act look annoyingly graceful. “Can I have your number?” I asked, nodding toward his phone. His brow arched in surprise, amusement flashing across his face. “You want my phone number?” “I don’t have any of your numbers,” I said flatly, trying to ignore his smug expression. “That doesn’t seem particularly smar
Last Updated : 2025-01-15
Latest chapter
How to Escape from a Ruthless Mobster 98: The End and the Beginning
Ryuu’s POV"We have a rare opportunity," I said, my voice edged with steel. "The power I inherited from Esposito gives us an advantage, but it also raises expectations. From now on, we can’t allow anything—or anyone—to threaten the foundation I’m building. That means betrayal will be met with a punishment that is swift and unquestionable."Sofia’s expression hardened. "Daiki’s family," she said, her voice clipped. "They’ll serve as the example?"I nodded."Exactly. They will be a reminder of what happens when you cross the Don. When we eliminate a threat, we don’t leave loose ends. Loyalty in our world isn’t optional."Mateo’s smirk deepened in satisfaction. Nitta and Sofia both gave small nods, unde
How to Escape from a Ruthless Mobster 97: The Price of Betrayal
Ryuu’s POVThe heavy scent of metal and dampness filled my lungs the second I stepped into the basement. The cold was almost tangible, seeping from the concrete walls like a ghost of everything that had happened here. Ahead of me, Daiki knelt on the ground, wrists bound behind his back, his expression flickering between fear and defiance.The man who had once treated me like something disposable. The father of the bastard who had used my wife’s blood as his weapon.Mateo, Sofia, and Nitta stood around him, guns drawn, aimed straight at his chest. A circle of steel and hostility, a reflection of the atmosphere pressing down on the room. He saw me—his nephew—standing before him, but not the boy he had once manipulated. That version of me had died long ago."Y
How to Escape from a Ruthless Mobster 96: The Darkness We Share
Beatrice’s POVA heavy silence settled between us, thick enough to take form. I watched Ryuu, waiting for a response he seemed hesitant to give. Then, finally, he exhaled deeply, his voice low but steady."I'm here. With you. I promise."The words hung between us, weighted and certain. His gaze met mine, carrying the full gravity of that vow. And before I could think better of it, I leaned in, pressing my lips to his. It was soft, hesitant—charged with something raw and unspoken. I wanted to lose myself in him, but this wasn’t the time. There were too many cracks between us, too many wounds—both seen and unseen—that needed healing first.His hands slid to my face, holding me with a tenderness I barely recognized. He kissed me b
How to Escape from a Ruthless Mobster 95: A Fragile Confession
Beatrice’s POVRyuu’s gaze stayed locked on the group as he tightened his grip around me, turning me toward the other side of the bar. His arm around my waist pulled me away before I could see Sophia’s next move. The possessive hold, the tension crackling in the air, told me everything I needed to know.I didn’t have to look to know what was coming next."What was that?" I murmured, frowning as he guided me through the dimly lit space, straight toward a cluster of men who greeted him with quiet reverence."What was what?" he replied without looking at me, his jaw set."Mr. Morunaga?" I echoed, the words barely above a whisper, dripping with exasperation.
How to Escape from a Ruthless Mobster 94: Stubborn to the End
Beatrice’s POVDays had passed before we finally parked in front of the church. Neither of us moved to get out. Outside, a sea of black-clad mourners gathered, their hushed voices blending into the weight of grief hanging in the air. I hadn’t expected so many people to show up. Even less, I hadn’t expected Ryuu to be here, not in his condition."You shouldn't be here," I murmured, my fingers tightening around his as we sat in the silent shelter of the black limousine.I had begged him to stay in bed this morning. Pleaded. But nothing I said mattered. Ryuu was determined to be here, and nothing short of death would have stopped him."Don’t you think it’s my duty to attend my grandfather Vincenzo’s funeral?" His voice was sharp, eyes fixed on the crowd filter
How to Escape from a Ruthless Mobster 93: What He Left Behind
Beatrice’s POV"And Ryuu?" I pressed, my gaze flicking back to my husband’s unconscious body. "I can't leave him.""His cousins have already arranged everything. Trusted people, outside your grandfather’s empire." Sophia stepped closer, her voice laced with urgency. "Please, Beatrice."I gave in. I agreed to go with her, but every step I took away from that hospital felt wrong. Like I was making a mistake. Like I was leaving something vital behind.By the time I stepped into the Espósito estate, the echoes of what I’d left behind still rattled inside my head.I didn’t eat. I didn’t shower. I didn’t change my clothes.
How to Escape from a Ruthless Mobster 92: A Truth I Never Wanted
Beatrice’s POVRyuu had fallen asleep again, and I took the opportunity to find something—anything—to keep myself awake. The moment I stepped into the hallway, I caught sight of Mateo, his lips curling in disdain as he shook his head. "You let your mother suffer for years, and now you punish me for setting her free? What Ryuu did was mercy. You should be grateful." His voice dripped with mockery. "Why are we even discussing this right now? This isn't the time. I'm here for them, not you." The cold fury in Mateo’s words echoed through the empty corridor. Whatever Ryuu had done to create this rift between Bion and him… it had cut deep. "Do you always eavesdrop?" A sharp, youthful voice snapped from behind me. I exhaled, pressing a hand to my chest as I turned slowly. Nitta stood there, watching me with a smirk that was both amused and knowing. "I wasn’t…" The words trailed off, my ears still tuned to the remnants of the conversation between Mateo and Bion. "Oh, save it," he
How to Escape from a Ruthless Mobster 91: Stronger Together, Or Broken Apart
Beatrice’s POVHe looked better. A little more color in his skin, a little less fragile. But I knew, just as surely as I loved him, that appearances could be deceiving. He was still bound to this hospital bed, still far from the man I knew. His recovery would be slow, grueling. And he knew it too.I traced my fingers along his jaw, feeling the rough scrape of his unshaven beard against my skin. He exhaled softly at my touch, his features softening in a way I rarely saw. A vulnerable Ryuu. Exposed."Are you hurt?" His voice was deep, laced with concern, as he gently pushed strands of hair away from my face. I shook my head, my eyes locked on his, as if keeping him in focus was the only thing anchoring me to reality. He studied me a second longer, his gaze catching on the clean clothes I wore—so different from the last time he
How to Escape from a Ruthless Mobster 90: The Battle Isn’t Over
Beatrice’s POVThe moment Giorgio took his last breath, it was as if a spell had finally broken. I turned slowly, my body heavy with exhaustion, my hands still stained with blood as my gaze found Ryuu.He was pale, his skin damp with sweat and pain. His face was contorted, his eyes shut tight as if keeping them closed would somehow lessen the agony. I leaned over him again, pressing my hands firmly against the open wound on his abdomen, but it was useless. It felt like trying to hold his life together with nothing but my bare hands. The blood kept coming, relentless, spilling between my fingers no matter how hard I pressed.Then, the basement door burst open, slamming against the concrete wall.I whirled around, lifting the gun instinctively. I didn’t know who was coming, but I wo
