Hayden's POV
It had been over an hour since the chaotic, surreal scene at my supposed wedding. The image kept replaying in my head like a nightmare I couldn’t wake up from. Guests gasping in shock, my father’s cold, stoic face as he practically handed me over like a pawn in some twisted deal. The black SUV hummed steadily beneath me as it sped away from the disaster I left behind. Two of Vincenzo’s bodyguards sat in the front, their presence silent but intimidating. Their dark suits and earpieces made them look more like secret agents than criminals. Beside me, Vincenzo sat with the calm, composed authority of a man who always gets what he wants. The subtle scent of his expensive cologne mingled with the smell of leather seats, and it was making my stomach churn. I forced myself to stare out of the tinted window, watching the blur of city lights fade into distant hills. My thoughts were chaotic. How could my father do this to me? Did he even care about what would happen to me? I didn’t know whether to cry or scream, but I did neither. I refused to give Vincenzo the satisfaction of seeing me unravel. "What’s on your mind, Hayden?" his smooth voice cuts through the silence. I pretended I didn’t hear him, keeping my eyes fixed on the window. A sudden warmth on my thigh makes me flinch violently. His hand rested there, firm and possessive, sending a jolt of panic through me. Memories from last night flash in my mind—memories I’m desperate to forget. My face burns with shame. “The sooner you start talking to me, the better for you,” he murmured, his voice soft but filled with warning. His lips curled into a small, dangerous smile that sent a shiver down my spine. I swallow hard, my heart pounding against my ribs, but I stay silent. The SUV finally slowed as we turned onto a long, winding driveway lined with towering trees. My breath caught in my throat as the mansion came into view. It’s massive. Opulent. A fortress disguised as luxury. The towering iron gates stood like sentinels, gleaming under the faint glow of the driveway lights. Surveillance cameras were mounted along the walls, their lenses swiveling like watchful eyes. The car glided to a stop near the front steps, and a bodyguard promptly opened the door for me. His expression remained stone-cold as he gestured for me to step out. My legs felt like jelly, but I forced myself to move. Vincenzo exited the SUV behind me, his presence heavy and inescapable. The mansion loomed before us, its grand entrance framed by towering marble pillars. On the right side of the compound, a shimmering swimming pool stretches out like a miniature lake, reflecting the soft glow of garden lights. On the left, a meticulously maintained garden blooms with vibrant flowers, their sweet fragrance wafting through the air. Despite the beauty, the place felt cold. Ominous. A prison wrapped in gold. The massive front doors swung open, revealing an interior that was even more breathtaking. Crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceilings, casting shimmering light across marble floors. Plush carpets muffle our footsteps, and expensive artwork adorns the walls—paintings that probably cost more than my entire life savings. The maids greet us with polite bows, their eyes carefully avoiding mine. There’s a tension in their movements, a fear that clings to the air like smoke. I was led through a series of lavish hallways until we reached a private room. The door clicked shut behind me, and I was left alone in eerie silence. The room is luxurious, furnished with a king-sized bed draped in silk sheets, a velvet armchair by the window, and a chandelier that sparkles like a cluster of stars. But despite its elegance, it feels suffocating. The steel-reinforced door and bulletproof windows are a stark reminder that this isn’t a sanctuary—it’s a cage. I paced back and forth, my thoughts racing. What happens to me now? Am I going to be enslaved to a Mafia boss for the rest of my life? Anger bubbled beneath my fear. I didn’t ask for this. I didn’t agree to this. My father had sold me out like I was nothing, but I wasn’t going to let Vincenzo control me without a fight. A knock on the door jolted me from my thoughts. My heart raced. "Hayden, open the door," Vincenzo’s voice commanded from the other side. I froze, indecision paralyzing me. "I said open the bloody door!" he snapped, his tone sharp and unforgiving. Taking a shaky breath, I forced myself to turn the knob. The door creaked open, revealing Vincenzo standing there, his dark eyes locked onto mine. He stepped inside, closing the door behind him with a deliberate click. His expression was unreadable as he approached me, each step slow and calculated. I instinctively backed away until my back hit the wall. His presence was overwhelming, filling every inch of the room. I wanted to disappear, to melt into the walls and escape his piercing gaze. His hand brushed against my chin, tilting my face upward. "Next time when I ask you to open the door, you do so without hesitation. Do you understand me?" "Y-yes, I understand," I stammered, my voice trembling. "That's a good boy," he murmurs, his tone disturbingly gentle. "Now, I've got business to attend to. When I get back, I want you to be ready." "Ready for what?" I managed to ask, my voice barely audible. He just smiled—a smile that sends a chill down my spine—before turning and walking out. The door clicked shut behind him, leaving me alone with my racing thoughts. I sank onto the edge of the bed, my breath coming in shallow gasps. What did he mean by "ready"? The possibilities swirl in my mind, each one more terrifying than the last. Three hours later: The sky outside has turned dark, casting long shadows across the room. I hadn’t moved from my spot. My mind was a chaotic mess, but one thing has become clear—I couldn’t let myself be a prisoner forever. I refused to be Vincenzo’s pawn. A sudden noise outside catches my attention. I rushed to the window and peered out. Vincenzo’s car had returned, its sleek black frame gleaming under the mansion's lights. My pulse quickened as I watched him step out, flanked by his bodyguards. They disappeared inside, and moments later, there’s a knock on my door. This time, I didn’t hesitate. I opened it, revealing Vincenzo standing there with that same unsettling smile. "Now that's a good boy," he remarks mockingly. As he steps inside, I move swiftly, pulling the knife I’d hidden behind my back. My hands tremble, but I hold the blade tightly, refusing to show weakness. "I want to go home now!" I demand, my voice strong despite the fear coursing through me. "This is your home now, Hayden. Don’t you get that?" "This isn’t my home!" I snap, my voice rising with defiance. "Oh really?" He chuckles darkly. "Where’s your home then? With your daddy who handed you over to me like you were nothing?" His words hit me like a punch to the gut. My eyes stung with unshed tears, but I refused to let them fall. My momentary lapse in focus cost me. In a flash, Vincenzo lunged at me, disarming me with terrifying ease. The knife clattered to the floor, and before I could react, he pinned me to the bed. His body pressed against mine, his face mere inches from mine. "You’re going to learn, Hayden," he murmured, his voice low and dangerous. "Fighting me is useless." I thrash beneath him, my breaths coming in ragged gasps, but his grip is unyielding. Tears of frustration blur my vision. I hate how powerless I feel, but one thing remains certain—I won’t stop fighting. Not now. Not ever. “Don't you ever pull a knife against me. There will be punishment for acting out like this. But you're getting a free pass just this once." He said while gazing at my lips. He pressed his lips against mine, sucking it with so much intensity, I lost complete control as I let him undress me, I watched rip his shirt off, revealing his chiseled abs. My eyes followed the line that trailed down his abdomen. Suddenly being trapped with him wasn’t such a bad idea. I could feel my mouth salivating as he kissed my body all the way down to my waist. It was quick and before I knew it he had slipped my pants off my hips. Vincenzo’s eyes gleamed in amused knowing as moans left my lips with his ministrations. "Do you want me to stop?" The plea left my lips brokenly, "N-No!" And at that moment, I felt his tongue on my dick. I begged him not to stop as he sucked on it with a lot of intensity. Within moments my vision went white and my thighs trembled as I rode a wave of orgasm crashing suddenly against me. My dick felt tender and sensitive against Vincenzo’s warm mouth. He was swallowing my come, I realized with no small amount of embarrassment. Then swiftly after he stood up with a pleased smirk on his face. "Goodnight Hayden." Surprise filled me as I watched him saunter off without even trying to have his way with me. When he left I heaved a large sigh and buried my face in the pillow next to me. I couldn't help it, I kept remembering how good that felt, I knew I wanted more of it.Hayden’s POVIt was already 7:00 a.m.“What a night,” I thought to myself as I lay stretched out across the plush mattress.The early sunlight filtered through gauzy curtains, casting long shadows over the rumpled sheets. Even as I tried to savor the warm embrace of sleep, memories of the previous night ran through my mind. Each one so…intense.Every detail flashed before my eyes like a movie. The way Vincenzo’s gaze burned into me, the rough caress of his hand, the heady mixture of desire and danger.I closed my eyes at the memory, a smile curling on my lips.The sensation of his touch, so commanding and yet so tender, had left me both trembling and yearning for more. There was something raw and undeniably intoxicating about Vincenzo—his presence a dangerous magnet pulling me into a world where I could lose myself. Where I wanted to.After a long, reflective moment, I reluctantly pushed aside the soft covers.The memory of last night still clung to me like a delicate perfume I wasn’t
~Hayden’s POV~My mind was a whirlwind as I descended the sweeping staircase, my thoughts tumbling over one another. Every step toward Vincenzo seemed to echo with the uncertainty of my own desires and fears.I couldn’t help but wonder aloud, “Who came to get me? Was it my father?”The question, though softly spoken, carried the weight of a life I might have once known—a life free from the complications of desire and danger.Vincenzo’s response was curt, laced with possessiveness as if the answer was meant to dispel any lingering hope of escape. “It was no one. No one is coming to get you. You are mine and mine alone.”His words sent a shiver down my spine, a mix of terror and thrill that made my heart pound uncontrollably.In that moment, I realized that I should have felt trapped, suffocated by the gravity of his claim. Instead, I found myself inexplicably drawn deeper into his world—a world where I surrendered not only my body but also the fragmented pieces of my soul. It was a dan
~Hayden’s POV~I had spent the evening before Vincenzo returned wrestling with my own demons, lying on the couch and staring blankly at the ceiling. The hours of loneliness had been restless, haunted by thoughts I couldn’t quite shake. Rest had been a distant memory, and the thought of facing another day in this intricate web of power and submission had filled me with both dread and a curious sense of anticipation.In the quiet gloom of the late night, I had finally mustered the strength to rise from my place at the couch which had been a fort throughout the day, though every fiber of my being resisted the idea of facing the world.Going upstairs for a brief shower before dinner, I couldn’t help but wonder if this was a punishment for my mistakes or simply another test of my resolve.Just as I entered my room, I heard footsteps approaching with a deliberate cadence. Then a knock came at the door and I paused, my heart quickening its pace, before hastily making my way to open it. Stan
~Vincenzo's POV~The meeting room smelled of aged wood, cigars, and tension. The faint hum of conversation died the moment I stepped inside, my shoes thudding against the marble floor. The men seated around the long table were some of the most powerful in the underworld—old friends, enemies forced into peace, and blood relatives bound by duty.At the far end of the room, Maria sat with her arms crossed, her tailored black suit crisp and imposing. She always had a way of commanding attention without saying a word. Her sharp eyes locked on mine as I took my seat at the head of the table, right where our father used to sit before I inherited this burden."You're late," Maria said flatly, tapping manicured fingers on the polished wood."I had business to handle," I replied curtly, thinking briefly of Hayden locked up in Block B. His defiance lingered in my mind, gnawing at me in ways I didn't want to admit.The room was silent for a beat until Don Alberto cleared his throat. He was a barr
~Vincenzo’s POV~The mansion loomed in silence as I stepped into my bedroom, the familiar scent of leather and cedar filling the expansive space. The place was still, save for the quiet hum of the old house that had borne witness to so much over the years—the deals, the betrayals, the victories, and the losses. My footsteps echoed through the grand foyer as I made my way to the staircase, but my mind was elsewhere. My thoughts were tangled in the aftermath of the meeting with Maria, the conversation we had had about the future, about the family, and about the responsibilities that weighed heavy on me. But tonight, I had other matters to settle.I had ordered for Hayden to be brought to my room. His defiance—his blatant disregard for my authority—had forced my hand. I wasn’t the kind of man who took insubordination lightly, and Hayden needed to learn that lesson in full.The weight of the day clung to me, and I wanted to shake it off before I dealt with him. I had spent hours in that m
~Hayden’s POV~"Now, take your clothes off." Those were the words that set my heart pounding in the silence. I hesitated and he had noticed instantly.Without warning he grabbed me by the hair and I hissed in pain as he forced me to my knees. I struggled but then stilled as the warning in his eyes gave way to fear in my heart.It’s okay Hayden, I told myself.Remember that you have to do this in order to live. It’s only temporary. Vincenzo’s gaze was cold and unamused as I began to immediately unbutton my shirt.I didn’t waste anytime getting out of the shirt. With every thought swirling in my head I did the same for my pants. The air was cool but not overly cold as I tried to stand up. He stopped me with a glare.“Stay on your knees pet,” he commanded. I swallowed again and nodded. My hair befell over my eyes as it had been disheveled from Vincenzo’s handling and I was glad. I kept my gaze to the floor as I heard his footsteps drawing near. His boots were all I could see before I
~Vincenzo’s POV~The warehouse meeting had not gone well. The council were upset and so was I. The news of the De Luca mafia shipments being stolen was one thing but the fact that it happened so suddenly had settled in the pit of my stomach like a stone, a constant reminder that there were threats within my own ranks, lurking in the shadows. It had been a day since the council meeting, and the investigation had barely begun to scratch the surface, but I already felt the weight of its outcome. There was something personal about this betrayal—it wasn’t just stolen goods; it was a breach of trust that could unravel everything I had worked for.The council were already on my neck for my ‘indiscretions’ as they liked to put it. If any mistakes were made, it could affect my position as a Don and my place in the hierarchy of my family.The sound of my phone vibrating against the glass table broke the silence in my office, and I reached for it without hesitation. It was Miguel.“Talk to me,”
~Hayden's POV~The ride back to Vincenzo’s mansion felt like an eternity. The car was too quiet, the air inside thick and heavy, pressing down on me with each passing second. My mind replayed the scene at the De Luca warehouse over and over—the gunfire, the blood. But most of all, I couldn’t shake the image of Vincenzo, cold and unwavering, as he executed Hector without hesitation.I sat in the passenger seat, my hands gripping the armrest so tightly that my knuckles were white. The silence in the car was suffocating, and I found myself glancing at Vincenzo every few seconds, unable to get a read on him. His expression was unreadable, his focus on the road as he navigated the streets with ease. His silence was worse than any words he could have spoken. It was as though he wasn’t even affected by the violence that had unfolded—like it was something he did every day.I wanted to ask him what he had felt in that moment, what had driven him to pull the trigger so easily. But the fear insi
~Sofia Esposito's POV~ Pfft! I scoffed inwardly at the very thought of getting married to that arrogant man. Vincenzo De Luca—feared by many, ruthless, and unpredictable. He was exactly the kind of man I had spent my whole life avoiding. Yet here I was, being forced into an arranged marriage for the sake of power and alliances. The idea made my skin crawl. I wanted nothing more than to bolt out of this room and forget any of this had ever happened. I sat silently at the dining hall, my hands resting stiffly in my lap as the discussion dragged on. The others—my uncle Federico, Maria De Luca, and the other council members—spoke in hushed yet firm voices about the wedding preparations, discussing everything as if I wasn’t even here, as if I were just a pawn to be moved into place. "So now that we're all in agreement, this meeting is over. We can start making preparations tomorrow," Maria announced, her voice firm, leaving no room for argument. I barely held back an eye roll. Prep
~Hayden’s POV~I made my way down to the dining hall, my heart pounding in my chest. The atmosphere in the mansion had changed the moment I stepped out of my room. The usual opulence felt suffocating, the weight of the silence pressing down on me like a storm cloud ready to burst. As I got closer to the hall, I could feel the tension rising. It wasn't just the air; it was palpable, the kind of pressure that only comes from a gathering of powerful people.I paused just outside the dining hall, hidden behind one of the grand pillars that lined the corridor. The voices of the council members—an amalgamation of different families—filled the space, but the words were muffled, indistinct from where I stood. It was a murmur of words, of hushed whispers, like the buzzing of bees before an attack. I strained my ears, trying to catch something, anything, that would make sense of this strange gathering.Then, the chatter abruptly stopped. The room quieted, and I felt all eyes focus on the figure
~Hayden's POV~I sat on his bed, staring at the door as if willing it to open, but it never did. Vincenzo had locked me in, a decision that didn't surprise me at all. He never let me move freely, always keeping me under his control, like a puppet on a string. I could feel the walls closing in on me as I shifted uncomfortably on the soft, smooth bed. I sighed heavily and leaned back, staring at the ceiling, lost in thought.The bed was almost too comfortable, and for a moment, I allowed myself to forget where I was, but then the reality of the situation hit me again. This was his bed, his room, and I was just a temporary fixture in his life. I knew I shouldn’t be here, should be looking for a way out, but the thought of leaving—of facing whatever was out there, with him so volatile—made me hesitate. A flicker of concern gnawed at me. There had been something different about him earlier, something I couldn’t quite place. A shift in his mood, like a storm brewing just beneath the surfac
~Vincenzo’s POV~"Is Hayden here?" I asked, my voice steady, though anticipation curled in my gut like a predator waiting to pounce. "Yes, boss," one of my men replied. "We brought him here just as you asked." I grinned, slow and deliberate, as satisfaction rolled through me. Good. My fingers flexed at my sides as I took a moment to picture him—waiting, likely restless, probably trying to piece together why I had him brought here instead of letting him stay at the hotel. I turned to Alphonso. "Where is he?" "In your room." Perfect. Without another word, I strode through the hallway, the weight of the night shifting into something else entirely—something darker, more enticing. The mansion was silent, save for the faint hum of conversation from the men stationed downstairs. I climbed the stairs with purpose, my mind already envisioning how this would go. Hayden had been testing me, knowingly or not, pushing against the boundaries I’d set. But now, in my space, under my c
~Vincenzo’s POV~Find a wife.The words echoed in my mind like a sick fucking joke. I scoffed at the thought, my jaw clenching as I leaned back in my chair. A wife. A perfect, obedient, well-bred mafia princess to bear my heirs and strengthen our alliances. It was a leash. A fucking chain meant to control me. But I knew I had no choice. Not anymore. I kept my expression impassive as I glanced around the room. Salvador sat with his usual calm demeanor, his hands folded on the table like he wasn’t orchestrating a complete takeover of my authority. Maria, on the other hand, looked amused—like she was waiting for me to explode. And then there was Nadia, sitting across from me, the woman they’d chosen to put in my place. Fucking ridiculous. "We suggest you pick one from one of the families in the alliance, Vincenzo," Don Salvador said, his voice steady. "It will strengthen our forces and ensure no one dares to cross us." I inhaled deeply through my nose, forcing myself to stay
~Vincenzo’s POV~The thrill still lingered in my veins, the pleasure of fucking Hayden into submission, of watching him beg and squirm beneath me. It was intoxicating. He looked so fucking good when he was desperate—when he realized there was nowhere to run, no one to save him. The fear in his eyes, the way his body surrendered despite his protests… Fuck, it was a sight I would never tire of. But there was always something to ruin my moments of satisfaction. "Boss." I turned at the familiar voice. Alphonse stood in the doorway, his stance firm, his expression unreadable as always. He was one of my most loyal men—disciplined, sharp, and not one for unnecessary chatter. If he was here, it meant something serious had come up. "What?" I grumbled, adjusting my cuff as I leaned back against the chair. "I have a message for you from your sister," he said smoothly. "She’s requested a meeting at a discreet location. She wants you there immediately." Maria. Of course. That woman n
~Vincenzo's POV~I locked the door behind me with a sharp click, sealing us inside. The air in the room was thick with tension, and the only sound was Hayden’s unsteady breathing. He stood stiffly, his face bruised and swollen, a testament to the consequences of his actions. Yet, even through the damage, his beauty remained—a twisted contradiction to the betrayal that burned in my chest. I took a step forward, watching him flinch as my presence loomed over him. His reaction sent a rush of satisfaction through me. He should be scared. "You betrayed me." My voice was calm, but the weight of my words sent a shiver through him. Hayden swallowed hard. "Master, I—" "You freed Max," I continued, stepping closer until our faces were mere inches apart. "And you ran away with him. You’re no different from the rest of the cowards who have betrayed me. So tell me, Hayden, why the hell would I treat you any different?" His lips trembled, his hands twitching slightly at his sides. "I didn
⁓Vincenzo’s pov⁓Hours ago:It wasn’t him.That meant that Hayden was alive.I grit my teeth and sucked in a breath as I looked over the paramedics and police trying to clear the area. Everywhere was chaotic, a background full of death and destruction but none of it mattered to me.All I could think about was how I had been tricked again by that fucker, Max.If Hayden wasn’t at this location then where the fuck was he?And was he alive?"Don," One of my men called my attention. "The council called. They wish to speak with you sir."Not what I fucking wanted right then. I longed to get my gun out and shoot someone. Preferably that fucking bastard called Max.But he wasn’t here.Turning to the man I ordered, "Bernito. Search the area. Search the entire damn city of you have to. Make sure Hayden is found and brought to me. If he’s alive, return him in one piece.""Yes Sir."He was going to regret ever trying to turn against me. I’d teach him a lesson he’d never forget.Walking away from
Hayden’s POVClick.Click.The repetitiveness of that sound was what brought me back to reality. My eyes hurt. Lie.Every part of my body fucking hurt. I groaned softly as I laid on the hard ground listening to the sounds around me as I tried to regain myself.It was a miracle. A miracle that I even fucking survived whatever Max had intended for me.A miracle that I had managed to undo the bindings in time.Suddenly the sounds of sirens filled my ears and I winced as the back of my head felt envy. Groaning as I sat up, my vision blurred a little.Realization filled me as the siren sounds moved closer and closer.I had to leave.Stumbling to my feet I began to move in whatever direction I was facing. I didn’t care how I looked or where I was going as long as the police or whoever was coming didn’t find me here.The night was cold and more than once I shivered as a cool breeze hit my body. My breaths came out in heavy pants and I nearly thought my body would give out from fatigue. But