LOGINShare
CHAPTER THIRTY EIGHT
Last Updated:
2025-02-18 15:38:44
Related chapters
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
Last Updated : 2025-02-19Love & 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
Last Updated : 2025-02-20Love & 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
Last Updated : 2025-02-21Love & Vengeance CHAPTER ONE
Vittoria's POVI have never believed in forgiveness.Not for the Lombardi's. Not after they destroyed my family.The Lombardi's killed my father.That was the thought I woke up to every morning. The thought that tightened my chest and stayed there, squeezing tighter every hour.I looked outside the kitchen window, watching the birds land softly on the skeletal branches of the Maple tree.It had been six months since my father's body was pulled out of the Hudson River, a year since he went missing.A gust of wind blew, scattering the birds from the tree. They flew away, their coloured wings flapping frantically against the gray sky.It was a beautiful sight, but I couldn't bring myself to smile.Vittoria, you're doing it again,” Mama said from behind, interrupting my thoughts. “Doing what?” I asked, turning to face her.“Brooding.” she said, placing her hands on her hips.“I'm not brooding.” I said, my voice coming out sharper than I intended. She sighed, and moved towards the dining
Last Updated : 2025-01-04Love & Vengeance CHAPTER TWO
Vittoria’s POVI froze, my fingers clenched even tighter. Francesco Russo was my father's name, he knew who I was.Or did he?I tried my best to maintain my composure. “The name sounds familiar,” I started. “I think I saw it on the news, he's dead right?”He nodded slowly, still watching me. “Yes, he’s dead.”I remembered the day his body was pulled out of the river, my Mammà was so devastated. Some members of the Lombardi Mafia were there that day, watching.I had hoped none of them would recognize me but it seemed like I had been deceiving myself.“Okay, miss Balotelli,” he finally said. “You can go.”I took my file from him, my hands shaking as I stood up and walked out of the office.The moment I was out I let out a breath, for a moment I thought he had caught on to who I was but he let me go.I don't think he would have let me go if he knew who I really was.I walked out of the building and hailed a taxi back home.I looked out the car window, my hands placed on my chest. “That w
Last Updated : 2025-01-04Love & Vengeance CHAPTER THREE
Vittoria's POV The man who I had spent the last six months planning to destroy.He was standing right in front of me and I couldn't even move.I tried to keep my expression neutral as hands gripped my bag strap.He moved his gaze from me to the man on the floor and I subconsciously moved out of the way for him to pass.“So…what has he said?” He asked, walking towards the couch Mr Palazzo was sitting on.He sat down beside him and Mr Palazzo leaned forward and explained whatever it was that they discovered.“Hmmm,” he murmured, leaning back into the couch. “Interesting.”Suddenly he sat up again, his eyes flashing. “Aguero” He said gently and the bruised man struggled to turn towards him.“Si” he managed to answer.“Six years,” he started, leaning forward. “We have worked together for six years Aguero and you betrayed me, for what? I don't believe what you told them so I'm going to give you one last chance.”“Don, what I said was true, I swe….,” one of the enforcers kicked him before
Last Updated : 2025-01-04Love & Vengeance CHAPTER FOUR
Vittoria's POVI flinched, closing my eyes. For a moment everything was silent.I opened my eyes and turned around to see Benito’s body lying on the floor, a pool of blood spreading slowly from beneath him. His eyes were wide open, fixed and lifeless.He was dead.My stomach twisted and a wave of nausea washed over me. I wanted to turn away but my eyes were glued to his body.“Get this mess cleaned,” I heard Lorenzo say. Mess? I wondered, was Benito not his family?The other men quickly grabbed Benito's lifeless body and carried it out of the room.My gaze remained glued to the pool of blood they had left in his wake, a maid rushed in quickly and started cleaning it.“Vittoria,” I heard Ricardo say but I didn't respond. I was pissed, why was it so easy for them to kill someone. Without hesitation.“Vittoria,” he said again softly, but I watched the maid in silence.The scent of his cologne filled my senses as he stood behind me, sending a shiver down my spine.I turned slowly to face
Last Updated : 2025-01-18Love & Vengeance CHAPTER FIVE
Ricardo’s POVI wasn't in the mood to deal with anyone.The morning had been a disaster, there had been an incident at one of our clubs in Las Vegas and the police had gotten involved.I sent Valerio to settle the matter but it did nothing to reduce my anger. I felt like ripping someone's head off.That someone was Antonio Lombardi, my stupid cousin or at least that's what everyone believed.I had sent him to Las Vegas because we had the police there in our pockets. Antonio wasn't meticulous and could easily get caught so I sent him where he wouldn't bring us any trouble but he still messed up.“When is he ever going to learn?” I wondered. Antonio was one of my most loyal men, despite his foolishness. I didn't want to get rid of him.I let out a breath, leaning back on my chair as I thought of an accurate punishment.Then I heard it, the sound of her heels clicking against the floor as she walked to the door of my office.I sat up, waiting for her to knock. She stood for a moment, she
Last Updated : 2025-01-18
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
