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CHARLENE CAN’T CHANGE ME
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
MAFIA’s COLLATERAL’S GIRL MY GREED
Everywhere I look, intoxicated people laugh and have a good time in the crush of bodies. I’m out of place in my own den of pleasure—this isn’t what I want anymore.Part of me wants to drive home at top speed to Charlene, but another part of me is determined to stay. Am I trying to prove something to myself? Or to her?I keep my gaze forward as Sean eyes a woman who touches my hand, trying to get my attention. Sean swiftly pulls her out of the way, and grinning, shakes his head no. She stumbles away, shrugging the rejection off, and searches for someone else who is willing. I ignore it all as I think about Charlene, but I won’t leave. Being seen out and enjoying life is the best way to show my enemies that I’m still invincible.The moment I knew I was in love with Charlene , she changed the rules. I’m dazed by the quickness with which her mind changed about me. She wanted to be with me until she took a closer look at my life and remembered the truth.I don’t fit her image of the perfec
MAFIA’s COLLATERAL’S GIRL THE MONEY
CharleneI tap on Regina’s bedroom door before going in, but I know she’s home, and more importantly, alone. I saw Atkins go into the garage moments after Alfredo, and he must have left in one of the Rovers. I keep telling Regina to stay away from him while ignoring her over-the-top eye rolls. I can only hope she’ll listen to my repeated warnings before Alfredo catches them. But I doubt she’ll listen to me.Regina is sound asleep on her bed on top of a pile of wrinkled clothes, paperback thrillers, and the enormous purple tote bag beside her. There’s hardly any room for her on the queen-sized bed.Her laptop is open, and the bright light from the movie playing casts an angelic glow over her face. A fluffy pillow is tucked under her cheek, and I smile as I watch her sleep. I smile at how messed up her room was , Her thick lashes press against her pink cheeks, and her plump lips are slightly parted as she breathes.I never had a nice little sister like this and I am glad I had Regina, I
MAFIA’s COLLATERAL’S GIRL Dealing with Sara
At first, I thought it was to make sure I hadn’t run away, but one night, he touched me. He didn’t know I was awake, and his fingers grazed my cheek, brushing my hair back. I waited for him to climb into our bed, but after a few seconds, the door clicked shut and he was gone.Tonight, everything is off. I feel it deep in my gut that something is wrong. Alfredo isn’t petty—he doesn’t have time for that passive-aggressive nonsense. He wouldn’t stay out all night to vex me.No. Something is wrong.I open the door of our suite and listen to the movement below me. It sounds as if the whole house is up and my first thought is panic, but I fight it back.I belong to the Alvrado’s brotherhood now, no matter how hard I try to fight this , I promised Alfredo I’d look after affairs at home and I have to fulfil the promises to make him know I am not a weakling. I hurry back into the bedroom and dress appropriately like most wives of the brotherhood would dress, although it’s my first time doing t
MAFIA’s COLLATERAL’S GIRL The Gregory’s attack
We’ll wait in the panic room.” Alero stands inside the suite by a door I’ve never entered, though I knew it existed. I move away from him as if he wants to lock me away.I lift my chin, but my voice shakes. “I’ll wait in the spare bedroom.”Natasha silences Alero when he tries again. She guides him out of the suite and shuts the door. I know they won’t go far. I told the guards not to move my father, not out of spite, but because he’s too frail. And Regina decides to sit with me by the window. Her body isn’t sprawled across the straight-back chair. She sits upright, leaning toward the glass until her nose almost touches it. She’s not waiting for Alfredo but watching for Atkins.I’m scared Sara wasn’t lying.“You saw me, didn’t you?” I ask her. As Sara and I left the office earlier, I saw movement from the corner of my eye on the staircase. I didn’t dare turn to look, but whoever it was, they hurried out of sight.Regina stares out the window, not daring to turn her head, not even a li
MAFIA’s COLLATERAL’S GIRL Make believe or Strategy
The monster peeks out at me from the darkness. Alfredo has been angry before, but this is an unspeakable rage. Natasha wraps her hand around my upper arm, warning me to stay back, and Alero bravely stands beside me.Fear makes us bond quickly. We find solidarity in this moment as we put a safe distance between ourselves and my husband.Alfredo staggers toward us, his eyes narrowing as I stand frozen. “What happened here tonight?”“I was worried about you, that’s all,” I reply, my voice squeaking as I lie. “I was waiting up until you came home.”Natasha and Alero stick to my lie by keeping their mouths shut. Now isn’t the time to tell Alfredo that Sara was here. Or to ask why he’s alone. Where are the others? Where are Sean and Atkins?Oh God, will we see them again?I hold my breath, hoping Alfredo won’t stay like this and turn into someone I will hate forever. He doesn’t, but I hold off asking about the others. I’m willing to ask about Atkins for Regina’s sake, but I keep my mouth sh
MAFIA’s COLLATERAL’S GIRL Initiation
I squirm out of his grip, sprint toward the house, and fling myself at the garage door before he can catch me. I yank at it and hurry inside but can’t shut it. Alfredo is standing in the way. He grabs my arm a bit too roughly. A moment of rage slips past his mask, reminding me of who he really is. And what he did to bring me here. I’m not what he wants. I’m what he had to take.“What’s wrong with you?” he growls, his gaze blazing across me as if I’m crazy.“You have nerve asking me that.” I do my best to stare him down though he towers over me. “You’re a criminal, a thief, a murderer. I’m not the one who has done anything wrong.”“I explained it to you …”“I don’t accept it; I don’t want to accept it.”His jaw tics. “What do I have to do, Charlene? I can’t do it if you don’t tell me.”My bottom lip trembles. “Since when is it my choice?”He shrugs his shoulders defensively before pulling me back into his arms. “It is now. So, what do I need to do? You know I can’t give my world up, bu
MAFIA’s COLLATERAL’S GIRL TRUSTING ROSALIA BROTHER
Make it clean,” I tell him. “No theatrics.” I hand him a stainless silver case, which he opens, revealing a new gun—a Glock similar to the one I own. It’s an obvious sign of favoritism after he saved Sean’s life.His stoic face finally shows emotion as his lips curve into a grin. “Consider it done, boss.”The shouting starts as the glasses are lifted into the air in honor of Atkins. But Sean and I head upstairs to the main floor to discuss business in the dining room. The first floor is empty except for guards and a skeleton staff. A table is set for us, but I doubt we will eat much. Well, I won’t, but Sean orders a porterhouse steak. He pulls off his sling again to eat with both hands.I raise an eyebrow at him as he swallows a mouthful of wine.“I wear the sling to gain sympathy from Natasha.” He explains.“Are you getting any?” I ask.“Not a bit.” He shrugs. “I think she wants my other arm to match this one.”“What else have you found out about Charlene mom’s murder case?”“Charlen
MAFIA’s COLLATERAL’S GIRL ROSALIA’S COUSIN
We both laugh, but the conversation lags as Regina slips deep into her thoughts and stares at the view outside the window. I stare at my menu again, not wanting to think about her heartache.My mind leads me back to Alfredo again as my gaze lands on a pair of young parents in a booth diagonal from ours. The father has dark hair like Alfredo, and the mother is a honey blonde. The father holds their adorable baby dressed in yellow as the little girl fusses and reaches for her mom.They look so happy and normal, and I don’t want to think about my decisions.There was a time I wanted a different life from the one I had. I wanted money so I wouldn’t have to grind away just to keep my family barely getting by.And now that I have money, all my heart wants is to return to my normal life and all its burdens.The bell on the door rings, and my stepmom cousin steps into the diner. He stands motionless for a moment. I’m uncertain if he’s checking the place out or letting the diners check him out
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MAFIA’s COLLATERAL’S GIRL Walk away
Despite my fear, I can’t bring myself to go too far. Tears are streaming down my face as I scream uncontrollably. But no one can hear me with the hallway door shut.I keep crawling, and in the dark, my hand touches something in Alfredo's jacket … his gun.And it’s enough for me to make a split-second decision. One that I hope will ultimately save our lives. I grab the gun and pull the trigger. An ear-splitting bang alerts the whole household. Suddenly, all the lights come on in every room of the house, and I hear footsteps running up the stairs. I scream again, and Vanya appears at the door, fully dressed though his brown hair is slightly ruffled.“Charlene, where is Alfredo?” he asks, wide-eyed.But before I can respond, another gunshot resounds through the bedroom, making me shriek in terror. Maya hurries toward the bedroom door and yanks his gun from his belt. His face contorts in fury as he disappears into the room. I turn back to follow him, but I’m swept up from behind by strong
MAFIA’s COLLATERAL’S GIRL Take my wife name out of it
“I prefer it,” I reply curtly. “Who shot the cop,Sara? Was it you or Lance?”“How do you know it wasn’t your sister?” A smirk tugs at her lips.I shake my head. “Sonya wouldn’t.” But as soon as the words leave my lips, I realize just how little I truly know my own sister.“An eye for an eye.” The sly smile widens across Sara’s lips. “One family for another. You know as well as I do that Sonya was never raised in the rules of the Bratva like you and I.”The private room is filled with an uncomfortable silence, and the waiter’s footsteps echo as he enters. He looks nervously at us and realizes no one has even picked up a menu. He hesitantly asks if we’re ready to place our orders. No one wants to eat, so I order a bottle of vodka.“No one will want to associate with someone wanted by the law,” I break the silence. “Not for this. And if you goaded Sonya into doing this—”“I didn’t.” She stops me before I can finish my accusation. “That’s why I want to talk about a truce.”The waiter ente
MAFIA’s COLLATERAL’S GIRL MEETING SARA
Charlene smiles shyly and then focuses on her salad, spearing a piece of avocado with her fork. Her gaze falls on the lone brass key in the box, and I know she’s dying to ask questions.“Technically, we don’t own it yet,” I reply. “We’re negotiating the price, and then there’s closing. The couple that owns it are excited to retire early. None of their children are interested in running the place. It’s a good location.”“What about security?” she asks, eyeing the few diners seated at random tables.“The river protects one side, and security can stay in the inn. You don’t have to open it to the public. You’ll be safe here as long as you don’t forget who you are.”Charlene puts down her fork and looks around the charming antique interior with exposed beams and wood plank floors. A large stone fireplace crackles and fills the room with warmth. The walls are a mix of wood paneling and stone accents. In the corner is a bar stocked with local craft beers. Old, framed prints and maps of the a
MAFIA’s COLLATERAL’S GIRL I AM SORRY, Regina
Just like Alfredo, these people will praise me for my brutality toward my family.Could Alfredo ever escape what was fated to happen?Could I?I don’t wait for the morning or for Regina to say come in.I unlock the door and enter her room. The couture dress is balled up and thrown on the floor while Regina lies on her bed in her old clothes that she took from Dad’s house. Her earbuds are in, and she ignores me as I pace alongside her bed. Her eyes stay trained on the laptop screen as if there’s actually something absorbing on streaming. I sit down on the bed near her and close the screen.“What do you want?” she asks crossly.I sit up straight. “I want to tell you that I’m sorry for slapping you.”“Is that it?” Regina asks, sitting up and crossing her legs.I watch my tone. “Yes, I’m sorry I slapped you, but we couldn’t risk it last night.”She rolls her eyes and replies, “Of course,My dear sister Charlene couldn’t risk something .”I look away and can’t think of what to say.“They do
MAFIA’s COLLATERAL’S GIRL THE NEW CHARLENE
Stefan frowns, and a nagging feeling descends like a chill down my ribs, letting me know that something might be wrong.“Excuse me.” I leave them and search for Alfredo.I don’t like the look on Stefan’s face, and if he’s up to something, I want it stopped now. All I want is a joyful night without drama and violence, and I’m not about to see it ruined by teenage hormones.“Charlene, good to see you.” A large hand grips my upper arm, and Ivo greets me with a hearty hug. “May we speak?”Distracted by his greeting, I nod as he leads me into the ballroom and almost outside through the French doors. “This is an impressive showing. You’ve done well for your first full event as Andrei’s wife. Any news?”My lips form a thin line. “I don’t know anything about Sonya Gregory. As far as I know, she’s gone underground.”“Of course.” He strokes his bushy beard with his overgrown fingernails. “But there was something else. An unfortunate shooting?”“I believe my husband. I wouldn’t be here talking t
MAFIA’s COLLATERAL’S GIRL THE PARTY
“Maybe this friendship with Zara is not a bad thing,” Sean replies. “There is an advantage to your wife learning how to be a prop wife. Which means you can start treating her like one. You’ve allowed her too much freedom.”I chuckle as I pour another. “I kept her locked in a bedroom.”“A bedroom for a queen with endless luxuries and wealth,” replies Sean . “You’ve spoiled her. And she knows she can use sex to manipulate you. There’s a part of you that is holding onto her too tight. If you hold onto a butterfly’s wing, it will tear when it tries to fly away. Only when you let go will it want to return.” Sean continues with a smirk on his lips. “Make Charlene think she’s crazy for wanting to leave you. You must be like mu father”“Never.”“You have little choice,Alfredo.” Sean looks at his glass before taking a sip. “You need to turn Charlene into a Brotherhood wife. Your mom hated your father, but she wanted for nothing.”“Except love,” I reply flatly.“You loved your mother, Alfredo.
MAFIA’s COLLATERAL’S GIRL NATHAN DEATH
I remember what he said when Regina was first brought here.“A brotherhood wife sleeps with him unless he decides otherwise.”“I didn’t plan to … I fell asleep.” I stand and navigate my body carefully around his. “I’m going upstairs to pack.”I don’t dare look at him as I hurry out the door, past the guard.My foot lands on the step, and I immediately run the rest of the way to our bedroom. I know he won’t let me leave, and I must be crazy to think otherwise, but I’ll try anyway. I don’t have my own luggage, so I search in his closet. That’s not all I find. Behind a heavy wool dress coat, there’s a gun cabinet. I stare at them in rows shiny black and terrifyingly cold.I cover them up with the coat again.I drag the first empty suitcase out and toss it onto the bed when Alfredo enters the room. He walks slowly to the bed and watches me as I throw an armful of dresses into the case.Where am I going to wear these things?Evening gowns made of silk and satin are too fancy for me to hide i
MAFIA’s COLLATERAL’S GIRL ZARA'S ADVICE
“I don’t know much about being a wife to a husband in the brotherhood,” I blurt out clumsily.Her gaze rests on the small diamond pendant around my neck, and she frowns ever so slightly. “Is that a gift from your husband?”My hand rests on it, and I nod.“Is it real?” she asks.I nod again. “I’m pretty sure all the jewelry he has given me is real.”“Foolish girl.” She smiles thinly. “All your jewelry should be appraised and then duplicated. Youneverwear the originals. I will give you the name of a shop. Very discreet. They will pay for them, and your husband will never know. Never let your husband pick your jewelry.”My eyes widen as if she’s talking crazy. “Then how do I ask for it?”She tsks like I’m a child. “You admire a piece or find a picture of something you like in an auction catalog. Place the page on his desk. He will buy it for you. Don’t let him give you anything you can’t sell.”A chill descends my spine at her words. She’s not telling me how to be a wife.She’s telling m
MAFIA’s COLLATERAL’S GIRL MEETING ZARA
Charlene shifts in her seat, sitting at the end of the couch away from Sean.“What do we need to do to get better families on this list?” I ask.Sean stares at the screen. “We can offer a gift?”Charlene stares daggers at me. “Are you talking about auctioning off my sister?”Sean glances at Charlene and then focuses on me. “Perhaps there are better ways than using marriage? You’ve had mixed luck with matrimony so far.”I scowl at Sean. “Names? What about Sammie or Taras?”“He’s married to Eva, and the Taras were no fans of Algredo’s father. A rushed marriage isn’t going to mend a blood feud. Especially a marriage to a sister-in-law,” he replies quickly.I have to restrain myself from shouting at him. “I need a better name, Sean”He looks at me coldly. “Perhaps the girl has plans for her own life.”Instantly, I remember the day when Alfredo mom said something similar about Charlene.What if that woman you brought here also made promises that you are making her break?My voice lowers. “I
