FrancescaI was weak.I could feel my resolve crumbling like stale bread. Those dark eyes of his, that sexy voice. It was as if Faust had a direct line to my hormones and could play those chords at will, flooding my system with lust so strong I couldn't breathe.Between my legs was a needy mess. My traitorous body had clearly forgotten everything Faust had done wrong, and no amount of reminders kept me immune to it.I entered the women's bathroom and went to the empty stall. After relieving myself, I went out to wash my hands and splash water on my face. I had to get myself together. I couldn't forgive him or start sleeping with him again. Both were terrible ideas.God, but the look on his face when he saw our eleven week old baby during the ultrasound. It was as if he was the emotional one, his eyes becoming glassy as he stared at the computer screen. I almost took his hand, needing to share the joy and excitement for a moment, but somehow thought better of it.You were my slut and a
FaustI stared at the card, not very surprised. It was a smart move by Guardia, getting closer to Francesca. They had left my lovers alone in the past, probably because none of them had lived with me and I never discussed business in front of them. Francisca was different. In all aspects. "I see."She dropped the card in my lap when I didn't pick it up. — I told her to fuck off.Marco's eyes met mine in the rearview mirror. I knew what he was thinking. He didn't trust her and was wondering if this was a tactic, telling me about the Guardia to gain my trust.The familiar itch slid down the back of my neck, the one that whispered to never let anyone in. Never give anyone power over me, over the business, especially a woman. These were words my father had repeated many, many times.It wasn't easy, but I ignored them. I was wrong to doubt Francesca's loyalty before. There would be indisputable evidence the next time I accused her of anything.—Who did they send? — Marco asked from the dri
FrancescaVincenzo's wrinkled, tanned face lit up when he saw me. —Signorina! I wondered if you would join us. — The winemaker looked over my shoulder and lowered his chin respectfully. — Signore Ravazzani. You honor us with your presence.Fausto came forward, shook the winegrower's hand and spoke softly. The people around us laughed, smiling at him, and I tried not to look as annoyed as I felt. What, would they kiss your ring next?A woman appeared next to me. She was a little younger than Faust, with a long braid of dark hair tucked under a sun hat. His brown eyes were kind, his smile patient. — Is this your first time?I shook my head. — I am a virgin of Vendemmia. The woman laughed. —That sounds like a T-shirt. — His expression became serious. — I've wanted to meet you for a long time. I am Emilia, Vincenzo's daughter.- Hello! He told me everything about you. — Vincenzo often boasted about his daughter, the accountant who had gone to university in London. — I'm Frankie.— I know
FrancescaThe castle was quiet when I arrived from the vineyards, and my skin crawled in the air conditioning. It was time for a shower and a nap. Stretching my arms to ease my pain, I walked up the stairs and turned toward my room. Instead, Faust's room. How could I forget? At least his bed was comfortable. That was the only advantage.Closing the bedroom door behind me, I entered and threw Faust's hat on an armchair. I started taking off my clothes then paused. Was the shower working?My hands froze, my mind stuck in that noise. Faust was there. And he was taking a shower.Oh God, I should leave. I shouldn't think about him naked and soapy, hands sliding under that body, his thick cock dangling between his legs. I loved showering with him, getting on my knees in the hot spray and worshiping him with my mouth. He braced his hands on the tile and watched as he pumped his hips, dragging his heavy length in and out of my throat.Desire, raw and undeniable, clawed at my gut and itched my
FaustGlass full of whiskey in hand, I stood in the dark at my office window and looked out into the night. With the lights off, the stars over the vineyard would be radiant, but I didn't even notice. Fury still burned bright in my chest, a ball of frustration that tightened with every breath I took.Giulio was supposed to be my heir, the future of my empire. Men looked to him for leadership, an example of our strength and tradition. He needed to instill fear and respect. Instead, he was getting high and stalking his ex-boyfriend. God damn, if anyone finds out...I rubbed my eyes. What did he want, to be the first openly gay leader of the 'Ndrangheta? This was a death sentence. He would never make it to capo and everything I had sacrificed, everything I had done would be in vain. Did he not care about this family or his own life? What did I build for?There was only one solution to this problem, but my son would hate me forever. There was no going back once I asked.But I knew I would
FrancescaI didn't have time to wonder if this was a mistake or not.I had used the red set as insurance, just in case I needed to go out with the lace-covered girls and seduce him so as not to hurt Giulio or Paulo. In my head, I thought Faust would take one look at me, agree to any demand I made, then whip me into a frenzy.I should have known better.The soft exhalations from his mouth teased my skin, and my clit throbbed with each beat of my heart. There was no way he hadn't noticed how wet I was at the moment. I needed your mouth on me. I craved the feel of his lips and tongue, the scrape of his teeth, the way he sucked and licked me like he was hungry for me...I hadn't missed the huge erection in his pants, though. He wanted this as much as I did.Reaching down, I threaded my fingers into his silky hair, needing to touch him. God, this man. He turned me on like no one else in the whole world.He grabbed my wrist and pulled my hand away from him. “Put your hands behind your head,
FrancescaA full bladder woke me up in the middle of the night. After I used the bathroom, I noticed that Fausto's side of the bed was perfectly made. Was he still awake or had he slept somewhere else?I did not care. I didn't need his warmth beside me to sleep. Or the affectionate way he enveloped me in the morning.Plus, I was still irritated with him. So what if he hadn't talked dirty or kissed me? Wait, that wasn't right. He had been talking dirty at first, until...I took a deep breath. That was it. He had been his normal, controlling, foul-mouthed self until the moment he asked who I belonged to. When I didn't respond, that's when everything changed.What an idiot.My chest burned as I looked at the bed. He had a lot of nerve to be upset with me - with me! - for not saying that I belonged to him. What, did he think his magic dick made all my anger and hurt disappear?Filled with fury, I grabbed my silk robe and left the room. I checked the guest rooms in our wing, but they were
FaustThe morning brought clarity to my issues with Francesca, much like the daylight that broke over my vineyards at dawn. As I sipped my espresso and watched the workers arrive for la vendemia , I thought about my family. For so long it was Giulio, Zia and me. Yes, there were cousins, but my son and my aunt were the two people who mattered most to me. I would happily take a bullet for any of them at any time.Now Francesca mattered to me too. Regardless of how it all started, she and this child were part of my family. I fought a war to get her out of Enzo's clutches and I would die before releasing her again.It's past time to prove it to her.But first things first. Picking up my phone, I texted my son that I would expect him in my office in the next ten minutes. Marco arrived when I pressed send. “Sit down,” I told him. — Emilia sent a message this morning and said she needed to talk as soon as possible. I asked him to discreetly start looking for money that could link one of my m
FaustFour and a half years laterThe door handle rattled, followed by a thud. More rattling.When Marco started to rise from his chair, I raised my hand. “Wait,” I muttered and hid my smile.A few seconds later, my office door opened and the beautiful face of my two-year-old daughter, Noemi, appeared. She walked in like she was in charge. — Papa! Zio Marco! Mom says it's time to come.I pushed away from the table and patted my lap. — Polpetta! I've been waiting for you. Come, give me hugs and kisses.— Oh, me first! — Marco took my daughter before she couldreached the table and turned it around. She screamed in pleasure, her short blonde curls flying.When he pulled her to her feet, she smiled and staggered. - I am dizzy.I gave him a second to get his bearings. — Now can I have my hugs and kisses?She ran over and jumped on top of me, squirming in my lap. Naomi was aggressive and energetic, just like her brother. And your mother, now that I think about it.Noemi stayed on my thighs
FrancescaI was worried the whole time he was gone.When Fausto was ready to return, I walked back and forth in the entrance while Nestor leaned against the wall, watching me. He didn't leave my side during my husband's absence, except when I used the bathroom. I knew this was to keep me safe, but I preferred to have Faust's gaze on me.After scolding me for scratching the entrance tile, Zia dragged me into the kitchen to order chicken in lemon sauce and a portion of roasted eggplant. She had a tartufo for dessert, which reminded me of Giulio and our dinner when I was first in Siderno. I started to tear myself apart.Zia shook her head at me. - He is better. He's a good boy, but he never liked this life, not like he should to lead. Your child will take over when the time is right.That was a conversation for another day. There was no way I was deciding my son's fate like that. I didn't care what Fausto said—our children would make their own decisions.“It's the hormones,” I told her.
In fact, I couldn't wait to sit down again. But instead I took a walk around the large hall where the round table was set up. I shook hands, kissed cheeks, slapped backs, and acted like I hadn't almost been murdered three weeks ago. Someone gave me a Campari and soda, and I saw it was Marco. I sent him a grateful look and drank half the cocktail in one go.Inside the room were members of La Provincia , the control council. The only person missing was Enzo D'Agostino. It was smart of him not to show up, because I would have strangled him right away.Finally all the leaders sat down, with our men behind us. I was sandwiched between the dons of Reggio Calabria and Platì, both men I knew well.Pasquale Borghese was the capo crimine, also the diplomat and mediator of the group, which is why he initiated the meeting. — Signori, let's begin, as we are all anxious to return home. Some more than others.— Yes, the ones with girlfriends! — Someone shouted, making everyone laugh.Borghese raised
FrancescaI couldn't stop crying.Five of us were gathered in the lobby, surrounded by three suitcases. Fausto was standing, leaning on a cane, with Zia and Marco nearby. Giulio and I stood to the side, near the luggage, and his arms were around me as I sobbed into his probably very expensive shirt. There was nothing more to be said. I had pushed for this result, I hoped it would happen, but it hurt.Giulio was the most composed of all of us, which was understandable. After all, it was his decision to leave. Fausto gave him a choice and Giulio eagerly seized the opportunity. Now he would begin a new chapter in his life as an entirely different person. When he walked out this door, he was no longer the Ravazzani heir. Not a Ravazzani, actually.And I would never see him again.I hated it, but I understood the reasons why he couldn't live happily here. And really, that was better for Giulio, that was all that mattered.When he broke the news to me, I heard the excitement in his voice abo
I looked at my wife's beautiful face, letting the tranquility she instilled in me settle into my bones. Then I pointed to the phone. When it started ringing, Marco put it on speaker and placed it under the table.“There,” said a voice, weaker than usual, but stronger than it should have been.— Enzo, come stai ? How are you feeling?— I've never been better, Fausto. But enough about me. I heard you're not well.- I am fine. Stronger than a bull. It's a shame you can't stay longer.- Yes well. Thank you for your generous hospitality. I'll have to see how I can reciprocate.“There's no need for that,” I said. — It was truly my pleasure.— Maybe you can come visit me next time. His wife seemed to like the beach house.I closed my eyes and took a deep breath through my nostrils. My wife's delicate fingers touched my hand, telling me to stay calm, so I said, “Last I heard your beach house was destroyed.Everything can be rebuilt, don't worry. Congratulations on your wedding, by the way.—
FaustI was too weak for the dungeon steps, so I instructed Marco to bring Vic to my new hospital room upstairs. In the middle of the night, they dragged him and threw him onto a plastic sheet spread out on the floor next to my bed. He groaned and winced, his broken and bloody body shaking in pain.Go well. That pleased me.— Can you hear me, pezzo di shit ?When Vic didn't respond, Giulio kicked him in the ribs. Vic gasped a few times, and after he calmed down, I replied: — Answer me.— Yes... Don... Ravazzani.—Know this, Vic Benedetti. I will make an example of you. They will whisper about the horrors of his death for years to come. You will suffer, coglione . You will suffer for spitting in the face of my trust and for what happened to my wife. The wife and sisters you were trying to protect from D'Agostino? They receive nothing from me after their death, noreven my protection.“No, please,” he panted. - Please.— He put a gun in my wife's mouth. A weapon. In my wife's mouth! — I
FaustI didn't sleep much that night.Lost in thought, I watched Francesca on the bed in the corner, the even rise and fall of her chest as she slept. A son. I hadn't lied when I said I preferred a daughter. Children brought a lot of headaches, a lot of worry. I did everything I could to mold Giulio into the man who would lead my family, but I failed. He did not want.You have to let Giulio choose.Two weeks ago, before I was shot, I wouldn't have cared about your feelings. He was the Ravazzani heir with a duty to me, to the family, and his wishes didn't matter.But I could no longer say that this was still the case.As I bled on the sidewalk, I thought about those I was leaving behind, including Giulio. My good boy, who only argued with me once, and it was because of his lover, Paulo. He would do whatever I asked, even at the expense of his own happiness. But did I want that life for him?I hated my own father, who never showed any consideration for my thoughts or feelings. We weren'
FrancescaThe nurse was in Fausto's room, reading his vital signs, when I entered. His heart machine started beeping like crazy when he saw me.— Ma che cazzo ? — Faust murmured.— Hello, husband. — I walked to the bed, ignoring the dark look he sent me. — How is he today, Angela?—Much better, signora. No sign of infection and he is regaining his energy.- Oh good. — I smiled at him and leaned over to kiss his cheek, which was now covered in whiskers. —Ciao, baby.Fausto was absurdly attractive when he was clean-shaven, but that was nothing compared to how hot he looked with a beard. There were even some gray hairs in his beard, which gave him a dad vibe that I definitely liked. I would beg him to keep some facial hair when he felt willing to play with me again.You shouldn't be here,” he said when the nurse left.—And yet here I am.— I should call Marco and have him lock you in the dungeon.— But you won't because they are busy with other things that are more important than me.—No
FaustI almost got killed. Again.This time, however, it was different. The other attempts on my life were botched, easily avoided. Except for the car bomb, I saw them coming.The shooter took me by surprise. I didn't expect a coordinated attack to facilitate Enzo's escape. I suppose I should have—he knew it was me or him, that one of us would end up dead—but I was shot in the street like an infantryman. In front of my wife.What was I thinking?I had been careless, which was unforgivable. She was carrying my son. Nothing mattered more than the two of them, along with Giulio. I should have stood my ground and made Francesca cancel the appointment. Instead, I let her manipulate me to get what she wanted.I wouldn't make that mistake again.Conscience once again tugged at me and forced me to wake up. My brain swam toward the sounds until my eyelids fluttered. I expected to see the beautiful face of my wife, who spent the night here with me, but Marco was there. It was the first time he