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CHAPTER TEN
Last Updated:
2025-01-24 22:30:06
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Love & Vengeance CHAPTER ELEVEN
Vittoria’s POV It was noon when we reached Las Vegas. The dry desert air was a stark contrast to the cold morning we had left behind.A black car drove to meet us and we slid into the passenger seat and signaled for the driver to move.As we weaved through the traffic I glanced at Mr Palazzo, unable to shake the question that had been in my mind. “Is Mr Lombardi coming?”He turned to me with an expressionless gaze, “No.”I pressed my lips together, annoyed with myself for asking the question. “We're here,” Mr Palazzo said as the car stopped in front of a white mansion.The gates swung open and we walked inside.Before we could even knock, the door opened revealing a tall man with slicked-back black hair and a roguish smile.Antonio Lombardi Ricardo's cousinHis eyes immediately landed on me, sweeping over me in a way that made my skin crawl. He stood up straight and widened his grin, stretching his hand out to shake me.“Ahh Mr Palazzo, thank you for coming. And thank you for bring
Last Updated : 2025-01-25Love & Vengeance CHAPTER TWELVE
Vittoria's POV Mr Palazzo didn't answer for a moment, his hands drumming on the trunk of the car.“Mr Palazzo?” I prompted.“We need to wait,” he finally said.I blinked, confused. “But you said…”“I know what I said, but we can't just report him, we have to wait.”“But you said we were leaving today, if we wait..”“We won't be able to leave today, I'll ask the driver to get you some supplies, we'll stay till tomorrow.”I clenched my fist, trying to hold in my anger. “Why?”“Because if we report the judge, it may put Antonio in trouble as well. It'll be like shooting ourselves in the foot.”“Why? What did Antonio do?”He hesitated, debating in his mind whether to tell me. “Some of the girls in those pictures were sold to the judge by Antonio. He doesn't know it though or he wouldn't be acting this way.”The words hit me like a punch in my stomach, I had suspected that he was either a pimp or a human trafficker. But having it confirmed was something else entirely.“So we're supposed t
Last Updated : 2025-01-25Love & Vengeance CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Ricardo’s POV I ended the call with Mr Palazzo, the extension of the trip was beginning to annoy me.It was supposed to be for one day, get in, handle the judge, and get out. Simple.Yet here we were, it was already the second night and they weren't back.The delay wasn't really the problem. It was the idea of Vittoria being around that bastard Antonio.My cousin had a problem with women and I didn't trust him being any where around Vittoria. She was even staying in house.The thought of of it made my blood boil.The memory of her fiery spirit came to mind. Yes, she was no damsel in distress but Antonio was a man.I paced around the room, my phone still in hand, a sense of uneasiness gnawing at me.I called my driver and told him to get the car ready, grabbing my jacket as I headed for the door.“Tell the pilot I'm going to Las Vegas,” I told Marco.“Yes sir,”The flight felt like eternity, each passing minute feeling like an hour.By the time the plane touched down I was barely hold
Last Updated : 2025-01-25Love & Vengeance CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Vittoria's POVI couldn't believe my ears.“From today henceforth, Vittoria is now my assistant.”I stared at Ricardo, unsure if I misheard him.Was he serious?He dropped the phone, his dark eyes locked on mine. “Did you hear what I just said?”I nodded, “The thing is….I actually applied to be Mr Palazzo's assistant, it would be wrong if..”“No, it won't” he replied calmly. “I am the Don, I decide who works for who, if you don't like that, then you can leave.”The finality of his tone left no room for argument. “Understood sir.”Even though the thought of being his assistant unsettled me, I knew that being closer to him made my mission easier.But still….Ricardo entered the bathroom and I took my phone out to charge, my mind racing with thoughts.This was not at all how I envisioned my day ending. Being here in a hotel with the Mafia boss, as his newly appointed assistant.I let out a breath, crossing my arms. I glanced towards the bathroom door. The sound of running water echoed fa
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Vittoria's POV I walked fast, my heels clicking sharply against the marble floor as I walked into the conference room. The image of the woman hugging Ricardo was still fresh in my mind. Who was she? I clenched my fist, whoever she was was none of my business. I straightened my blouse and looked around, a few other staff members had arrived and were setting up the projector. It was 10am, and the meeting was supposed to be held by 8am. They were going to hear it from Ricardo. I chose a seat near the middle and sat, greeting the others. Not long after, Ricardo came in. He walked in with his usual commanding presence and we all stood up to greet him. He answered us, scanning the room before his gaze landed on me. I turned away from him quickly, looking at the projection that was set up. He took his place at the head of the table and I looked down at my phone, jotting down some words to appear busy. The meeting began, reports were presented and discussed and fina
Last Updated : 2025-01-25Love & Vengeance CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Ricardo’s POV Her lips were soft, warm and intoxicating. As I deepened the kiss, I felt her hold on tightly to my shirt, pulling me closer.When she called my name, I just knew. I knew I would do anything for this woman.Then my phone rang.I ignored it, whoever it was could wait.She flexed her hands against my chest as my hand tightened around her waist, pulling her closer.The phone rang again, louder this time and I almost threw it away as she pulled away, resting her forehead on mine as we took deep breaths.The person on the phone better have a good reason if not…“I think you should take it,” she said in between breaths.“I don't want to.”The phone rang again and I picked it up angrily, putting it to my ears. “What?”“Boss,” Valerio’s voice came through the phone. “Eric Gambino is here to see you, he's waiting in the lobby.”The name Gambino jolted me out of the haze Vittoria had left me in.I wasn't fond of the Gambino family, I respected them for they were once the most fea
Last Updated : 2025-01-26Love & Vengeance CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Vittoria's POV My fingers trembled as I adjusted the hem of my skirt. My mind replaying what had happened between Ricardo and me.His touch, his kiss, and the way he looked at me shocked me more than I would like to admit.For the first time in a long time, I felt wanted. The thought of it was scary to me, I wasn't supposed to develop feelings for Ricardo Lombardi. That wasn't part of the plan.“Get it together Vittoria, This is not some stupid love story.”My plan was clear; infiltrate, gain their trust, gather information and avenge my father.For the first two, I had already done that. But gathering information in this place was like walking through a maze blindfolded.I leaned against my chair staring at the door he had just walked through.I had to remind myself that Ricardo was dangerous, just because he spoke softly and seemed kind didn't mean otherwise.I had seen him in action. But still….I couldn't stop thinking about him. Not about my revenge or my mission but the way he
Last Updated : 2025-01-27Love & Vengeance CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Vittoria's POV I watched Ricardo walk out with my mouth wide open. “Did I do something?” I asked no one.Or maybe It had nothing to do with me, there were folders on his desk. Maybe it was something he read.I stood up and walked to his desk, curiosity gnawing at me.I knew it was wrong to pry but I couldn't stop myself.On the desk, there was a file left open, but that wasn't what caught my attention.There were deep jagged claw marks etched into the wood beside it.My heart skipped a beat.Claw marks?“What's going on here?” I asked myself as I hovered my fingers on the marks, they weren't ordinary scratches, they were deep as if made by something inhuman.Did an animal enter the office in the night? Because that would be the most plausible explanation, but if it wasn't so, then…..“No, there's no way that came from him,” I whispered to myself, shaking my head.I laughed softly at myself, there's no way he did that. He's a Don, not a wolf.Still, unease crept up my spine like a sma
Last Updated : 2025-01-28
Latest chapter
Love & Vengeance CHAPTER FORTY ONE
Ricardo’s POVI watched Vittoria walk away, her footsteps fading into the corridor.My gaze lingered on the door for a moment, a mix of conflicting emotions filling my chest.I let out a breath, focusing on the task at hand.Valerio cleared his throat, drawing my attention. He was standing by the window, his arms folded across his chest as he watched me, his lips curled into a smirk.“Boss, let's continue from where we stopped.”“Ah yes,” I replied. “So what were we saying?”I said as he joined me by the desk.He slid a folder across the table to me and I grabbed it and opened, inside were reports of possible sites, a building permit and then the paper containing the demand of the local Mafia. The Nucci family.My jaw tightened as I looked through the figures. They were asking for an outrageous cut, and there was no way I was going to give it to them.“They're testing us,” I said, pushing the folder away. “They want to see how far they can push before we give up.”But that wasn't going
Love & Vengeance CHAPTER FORTY
Vittoria's POVMy stomach twisted as I went through all the excuses I rehearsed in my head, but they all felt like lies under her sharp gaze.“Mama, I…,” I began, my voice trembling despite all my efforts to keep calm. “There was an emergency….”“An emergency,”she repeated, her tone angry and disbelieving. “What kind of emergency will stop you from coming home for two days? Vittoria, you said it was a work dinner. What kind of dinner leads to an emergency?”“Mama…..,” I started, contemplating what to say to pacify her.“I don't think you're being safe vittoria,” she said, her hands on her waist. “I want you to leave that organization, and I'm not taking no for an answer.”The shrill tone of Mama's phone jolted her and she turned quickly and rushed into the house.I sank into the couch, watching Mama place the phone on her ear.My heart hammered in my chest and I twisted my fingers nervously on my lap. Who could be calling her now? I wondered, dread settling in my stomach.She nodded a
Love & Vengeance CHAPTER THIRTY NINE
Vittoria's POV “Be my girlfriend, Vittoria.”It took a moment for the words to register in my head and when it did, I froze, my heart pounding in my chest with different emotions struggling for dominance.Girlfriend? The idea of it bounced in my head. The rational part of me said a big no, he was Ricardo Lombardi, he had a hand in my father's death.But the rational side of me wouldn't have been naked in bed with him.I opened my mouth, wanting to speak but I didn't know what to say. “Ricardo….I,” I finally managed to say, panic evident in my voice.He pressed a gentle finger to my lips, “it's alright, you don't have to give me an answer now.”he said, his voice steady and calm.“Just think about it,” he continued and I nodded.He tucked a strand of hair behind my ear, the gesture causing my cheeks to heat up.Then a sharp knock sounded at the door, followed by three quick knocks.We both froze, staring at each other. “Boss?” Mr Palazzo’s voice called from outside. “We need you.”Ri
Love & Vengeance CHAPTER THIRTY EIGHT
Vittoria's POV Our lips met in a mix of warmth and urgency, a shiver running through me. His hands rubbed against my sides, his fingers under my blouse as he pulled me closer, deepening the kiss. I sighed softly against his mouth, my pulse drumming loudly in my ears. He tasted like mint and I leaned closer into him, my fingers tightening around his shoulders. The scent of his to mouth as he angled his head, claiming my mouth more firmly. I rose on my toes, pressing myself against his chest. His tongue brushed against my lower lip, and a tremor raced down my spine. I parted my lips, allowing him in and a soft moan escaped from me. He moved his hands to my hair, tangling his fingers gently but possessively. The other hand moved down, cupping my hip, pulling me in until not even a sliver of space remained between us. My skin burned wherever he touched, every nerve buzzing to life from the thrill of being near him. Each brush of his lips, every movement of his body made it all
Love & Vengeance CHAPTER THIRTY SEVEN
Vittoria's POV How is that possible? I wondered, turning his hand to examine. His skin was smooth, as if the wound had never existed. My mind raced as I remembered it, his hand was dripping blood and he had wrapped it with a cloth. So where was it now?Was the cut not that deep? Ricardo pulled his hands from mine, “what's the problem?” I opened my mouth, the question clear in my mind, How don't you have a scar?but something clamped it down, I don't know if it was fear or just the underlying belief that he wouldn't tell me the truth. “Nothing,” I replied, sounding casual. “I was just admiring your hands, you have very fine hands.” His gaze lingered on me for a moment before Marco's voice cut through. “Boss.” Marco approached us, his usual swagger absent, a bandage covered one side of his face, the left side. His jaw was tight but he still had a half smile. “Doc said I will live. I might even look tougher with a scar.” I knew he was trying to make something good out of it, I
Love & Vengeance CHAPTER THIRTY SIX
Vittoria's POV I nodded and walked out of the room with him, we descended down the stairs into the living room.It was already bright, the early morning light spilt into the room through the tall windows.My stomach fluttered with anxiety and excitement.When we entered the room, we saw some of the Lombardi men sitting around with injuries of different kinds. Marco was sitting on the floor, his legs spread apart, he was holding the side of his face like there was a wound there.“I'll get the doctor immediately,” Mr Palazzo announced and rushed back upstairs.Ricardo was sitting on the couch, his shoulders squared as he looked down at Marco, talking to him.The moment I saw him, my eyes scanned over him, looking for a sign of an injury, bruises, blood, anything.There was none.A wave of relief washed over me, it was so intense that tears burned at the corner of my eyes.Before I could think I rushed towards him, my heart hammering in my chest. He looked up and saw me, his gaze soften
Love & Vengeance CHAPTER THIRTY FIVE
Vittoria's POV It was Mr Palazzo, the sound of the book falling must have woken him up.My hands trembled as I thought of what to do, my back still facing him.“Vittoria, what are you doing?” He asked again, taking a step forward.I quickly tucked the small book under my top, my heart pounding so loudly I was sure he could hear it.I quickly picked up the thick book from the table and held it up.I turned to face him, a nervous smile plastered on my face. “Ohhh ….I was just looking around because I couldn't sleep, and I found a library so I decided to find something to read.” I said quickly, trying to sound as casual as possible.Mr Palazzo watched me quietly with his sharp gaze, his expression unreadable. For a moment I thought he had caught on to something suspicious but then he smiled.“I couldn't sleep either,” he said, moving closer. “No matter how hard I tried, I guess we're both just really worried.”“I guess so,” I replied.“But I would advise you not to go wandering about in
Love & Vengeance CHAPTER THIRTY FOUR
Vittoria's POV The helicopter descended through a veil of mist revealing what looked like an estate.It was a large property with sweeping lawns and tall elegant trees lining the driveway. Even in the dim light, I could still make out the grandeur of the place.The main house was massive, with bright lights illuminating the corinthian columns and casting a warm glow on the manicured gardens.As we touched down, the pilot moved the helicopter to a spacious landing pad near the house.The blades stopped moving and I exhaled in relief.When the door opened, the cold rush of morning air hit me.Mr Palazzo stepped out first, and I followed him with the three maids behind us.“Is this the Lombardi country house?” I asked Mr Palazzo and he shook his head.“No, it's the Boss's country house.”A group of maids rushed towards us, their eyes darting nervously as if they were expecting an attack soon.One of them, a tall lady with a kind face, moved towards me. “Come with me, miss. I'll get you
Love & Vengeance CHAPTER THIRTY THREE
Vittoria's POV His words sent a sharp jolt through my body, like a live wire sparking to life.Heat surged between my thighs and I clenched them together, holding my breath.The air between us was thick with so much tension. Ricardo didn't move, didn't press further. He just watched me with his dark eyes, awaiting a response.I couldn't understand why he was asking for permission.“Again, you mean?” I replied.“What?” He asked, furrowing his brows.“Can I fuck you again? You already did before,” I said with a chuckle.He threw his head back, the sharp jaw of his jaw evident as he laughed.When his gaze met mine again, there was a mischievous glint in it.“Alright, Bambina.” he said, his voice low and smooth. “Can I fuck you again.”The way he said it, the deliberate emphasis on each word sent a shiver down my spine.My lips parted but no words came out, my heart pounding against my ribs.Ricardo leaned closer, his breath brushing against my ear, his hands sliding up and down my wais
