The phone went dead, and Valentine sat there, heart so full of both love and fear: the battle would be coming their way, but at present, she had to believe him—and that they'd survive together. Victoria Giupere paced her sumptuous bedroom, the clicking of her stiletto heels echoing off the marble floors. Her anger was a palpable mixture of jealousy and wounded pride. She could not think of how Arnulfo could betray her-not for some ordinary woman like Valentine. Her fists clenched at her sides as thoughts of Valentine consumed her.That girl," Victoria hissed under her breath, her reflection in the ornate mirror betraying the unhinged rage in her eyes. "She thinks she can take what's mine?"She turned sharply and grabbed her phone from the nightstand, dialing a number she knew by heart. When the call connected, the gruff voice of her right-hand man, Marco, answered."Boss?"Greg," she spat, her voice venomous. "I want you to find her. I don't care how long it takes or how much it costs
It was a cool evening, moonlit, with the lights of Los Angeles just seen in the distance. Bullets filled the air. The dusty streets of this abandoned industrial park became the battleground. Two notorious gangs had risen to engage in the fight and battle for control: namely, the Giupere gang against the Vito gang.The clash was about power, pride, and untold wealth. Booms and booms of gunfire erupted and ricocheted from rusty cars and crumbling walls as men scrambled behind cover. The air was thick with smoke, a stench hanging heavy that melded together the metallic tang of blood and gunpowder. In this melee, it was easy to see that the Giuperes were no match for the might of the Vito gang. Calculated precision marked their ambush, forcing the Giuperes to become disorganized and desperate. Behind a crumbling wall, Money struggled to reload his weapon, blood seeping from a wound on his leg. He gritted his teeth, his vision blurring as pain threatened to overwhelm him. “We’re sitting d
Chaos and bloodbaths, and screams of pain and command merged with the deafening roar of automatic weapons, moonlight cast an eerie glow on the battlefield where glints of broken glass and pools of blood illuminated the face of senior member of the Giupere Greg gang, Giupere Greg, who yelled out orders to his men. His voice was barely able to cut through the cacophony as he shouted out, "Hold the line! Don't let them push us back any further!"His face was grim, streaked with dirt and sweat, as he fired off a burst from his rifle.But his words were in vain. The Vito gang, known for their brutality and precision, had come prepared. Their men moved like a well-oiled machine, cutting through the Giupere forces with brutal efficiency.".With every such notion she had of Vito's face, smug to declare victory, she fancied his downfall, her making him pay for whatever he had done. But then, there was Arnulfo. His act and defiance only fueled the flame burning within her. The man thought he co
She stepped back from the window, the long, black coat spreading behind her like a cloud of storm. The room seemed to be silent, as if waiting for some ghostly apparition, while the distant hum of the city was audible. On the desk was spread out the map of the city marked with red circles and veins-like sharp lines which looked more like her veins, carrying lifeblood into her empire.Picking up a marker, she drew another line, this time slashing it straight through Vito’s claimed territory. Her hand trembled, not with fear but with anticipation.“I built this city,” she said to the empty room. “I bled for it. And now, I’ll make them bleed for trying to take it from me.”The door creaked open, and Greg stepped in, cautious but resolute."Boss, we've located Valentine. She's at one of Arnulfo's estates, heavily guarded. If we move in now, we can—"Victoria raised a hand, silencing him. Her eyes narrowed as she processed the information. "No. Not yet."Greg frowned. "But—""She's bait," Vi
The night was lovely as Arnulfo and Valentine cooked dinner together. They shared a soft, lingering kiss, feeling warm and intimate. As they drew nearer, my long pearls rubbed against him, and I leaned against a big bag of quinoa, which crackled and added to the warm ambiance. Cooking with a loved one can produce those special moments filled with love and intimacy.Eventually, he had asked her to come into the kitchen, and she had followed, hoping for steamy antics. She was glad when they finally got some private time in there. She had been beckoned into the small space by his elegant chef's fingers, and she was not going to let an opportunity like that pass her by. Arnulfo knew how to cook like a chef, especially after the escalating build-up of touches that evening. They shared a slow, sensuous kiss, her long pearls squashed between them and her backside pushed up against a king-size bag of quinoa, crackling like a soundtrack to her pleasure. Arnulfo swirled his fingers down her déco
She had to go slowly, or risk tearing them, and she would punish Arnulfo if he did.She giggled at the thought; being bossy and playing the domme made her feel heady. Usually his punishments for these kinds of infractions involved lengthy bouts of him eating out, to help out, if you catch her drift. Arnulfo stroked her legs up and down, gently with just his fingertips, holding eye contact with her as he did so. He was kneeling on the floor as she relaxed like royalty on the pink fabric of the sofa."You can give me a foot massage, if you like," Valentine said lightly. He grinned and eased off the patent leather of her high heels, one at a time. Arnulfo slowly kneaded the pads of her feet with his strong chef hands and her eyelids sank closed with delight. Her ears began to vibrate lightly, as if purring with sensation; all of her erogenous zones connected and cascaded the sparks of sensation through her body. It felt good when he was so focused on me;She wriggled with ecstasy and gave
The following day, Arnulfo walked through his property, feeling elated over the new power dynamic. The storm seemed to start clearing when Vito took over Victoria's territory, and he let himself get a little carried away by the thought that the storm was clearing. He spent time with his men, ensuring loyalty and inspecting estate defenses so everything was in order.Valentine watched him from the balcony, her heart heavy with unease. She wanted to believe in the peace he spoke of, but a part of her couldn’t shake the feeling that something was brewing just beyond their sight.Downstairs, Arnulfo met with Matteo, his right-hand man, in the study. “The shipments are secure, and we’ve doubled the patrols on the perimeter,” Matteo reported."Good," Arnulfo replied, his voice steady. "Victoria may be licking her wounds now, but we can't let our guard down. She's not one to give up easily."Matteo nodded, but before he could respond, a knock at the door interrupted them. One of the guards e
"Clear," Greg said.She ended the call, her fingers tightening into a fist. The excitement of premonition coursed in her veins. Tonight everything would change. Tonight, she would remind Arnulfo—and Valentine—that nobody crossed Victoria Giupere without paying the price for it.Inside the estate, Arnulfo sat in his study, his instincts on high alert. Matteo had just returned with an update, his expression grim."All patrols doubled, and we've got the main gates reinforced," Matteo reported. "But something doesn't feel right. It's too quiet out there."Arnulfo nodded, his mind racing. "It's the calm before the storm. Keep your men sharp. We can't afford to slip up.""Understood," Matteo said, turning to leave.Just as he could raise himself to step out, the faint rustling noise outside the window reached Arnulfo's ears. He sprang up and went to the glass to peer out into the dark. The gardens were quiet under the soft glow of the lights from the estate's exteriors, but something in the
Arnulfo pulled at his collar. "Remind me again why I'm marrying your daughter?" Valentine raised an eyebrow. "Because you love me?"Arnulfo groaned and threw up his hands dramatically. "Damn. You got me there." Don Victor chuckled. "You'll live, Vegas." Valentine stood in front of the mirror staring at the wedding gown. It was breathtaking-ivory lace, delicate beadwork, a flowing skirt that made her feel like she was floating. But what caught her breath was how Don Victor sat behind her as a reflection. His eyes were misty, his face unreadable. " Papa?" she whispered He clears his throat: "You just look like your mother." A boulder formed in the throat of Valentine. "She'd be proud," he managed to breathe the words out so that his emotions were trembling about. Watering eyes with Valentine, "Really think so?" He bent down and cradled her face. "I know so." And in the blink of an eye, she dissolved in his arms. "I love you, Papa," she whispered. Don Victor's eyes closed, and he tighten
The morning sun trickled through the grand estate's windows, dimming to a golden view of the room in which Valentine sat, carrying her newborn baby, Victoria Elise. She sighed, taking a sip from her tea when suddenly, the doors burst open. Don Victor strode into the room, full of confidence as if he had just decided to move mountains. His voice boomed across the room."Well, Valentine, mi hija, it's off again. This time, we're getting married."Valentine nearly gagged on her tea. "What?" she blinked at him, wondering if her father had finally lost it.Don Victor gave her a look of annoyance, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. "You and Arnulfo. Another wedding. A proper one. A wedding that will be remembered for generations!"Valentine opened her mouth, then closed it. “But we’re already married!”Her father waved a dismissive hand. "That wasn't a wedding. That was a disaster! Do you call being shot at, running for your life, and your sister trying to kill you a wedding
Arnulfo looked at the scene. His heart was heavy but not hollow. This was the man he had been fighting for—the man who once tried to kill him. Yet today, Don Victor was merely a father holding onto his final opportunity for redemption. Arnulfo stretched out, his gaze unyielding. To this, Don Victor displayed an expression that was unreadable. Neither spoke for some time. Then, among all the men standing there, the motion of Arnulfo's hands reached out towards him. It was a challenge, a gesture of peace offering, a guarantee. Don Victor held Valentine next to him, frozen. Then, in his slow drag, he took an indrawn breath and clasped Arnulfo's hand in return. Their grips were tight—not against foes—but two men who had seen each other enough to know for far too long. Two men whose pasts would contradict themselves yet could feel the same love, a love more ample for Valentine. “Take care of her,” muttered Don Victor so low that only a few words' meanings might be gathered. The smooth si
Then Don Victor wanted to patch things up with Valentine, so he approached her again. "Valentine, you are my only living daughter. I hope you can forgive your father for not knowing you. I tried to search for your mom, and lately, I found the truth. Please, Valentine, my dear, forgive your dad." Tears filled Valentine's eyes. "But how can you forgive me? For killing Victoria, my only sister?Don Victor shivered. "Because I failed you first."Her breath hitched."You grew up alone," he went on, his voice thick with remorse. "You suffered alone. If I'd been there-if I'd known-you would never have had to fight for your life in the first place."He touched her hands, his fingers digging into hers. "So if you can do in your heart forgive me then I—" His voice broke. "Then I'll spend the rest of my days proving to you that I'm worthy to be your father."Valentine watched him as if studying every feature on his face for one sign of lies. Every mark of the brutal Don Victor that she knew seem
A very trusted man of Don Victor arrived at the hospital when the sun was barely rising. His face was serious, though his body was stiff with unspoken words. Valentine sat on a chair by the window; Arnulfo rested beside her. His wounds healed considerably, though he still needed to recover more time.She heard the footsteps turn. She saw the man. Her heart fell. There was something about him, and she felt her chest constrict."Señora Vegas," he said, respectful but low. "I come on behalf of Don Victor."Valentine stiffened, her fingers going instinctively to grab at the material of her dress. "What is it?" she asked sharply.The man took a deep breath before his eyes met hers. "It's about Victoria."Her heart stopped."Today is her final interment," he said. "Don Victor wanted you to know. He hopes you will come… to send your sister off."A lance shot through Valentine's chest. She gasped and felt her fingers begin to quiver.Her sister.Victoria was her sister.And she had murdered h
There on the veranda of his estate, Arnulfo sat sipping the sweet scent of a breeze carrying wet earth. He had healed the wound, and though the marks both on body and heart remain, he blew out slowly as he rested one hand over where the bullet tried to take him from this life. Nearly from Valentine and the child she had inside her womb.His tranquility was only temporary.The stillness shattered with the heavy sound of his steps. He need not turn around to know who he was but the heavy-laden air that felt fraught with tension and something else, deep within—it was something left unsaid.Don Victor.The older man stood behind him, a storm rolling in behind him. Whatever words were being said, his silence was saying louder than they ever could.Arnulfo straightened himself but did not turn. "I was expecting you.“Is that so?” Don Victor’s voice was gravelly, lined with years of authority. Years of power. But beneath it was something else—grief, perhaps. Or anger. “Then you know why I’m
Dark eyes met his; something she had never seen in him before; regret, pain, a sadness so deep that there weren't enough words to account for it. They were both silent for what felt like an eternity. And then, after the great long silence,he spoke."Valentina," he said, his voice rough, unsteady.She flinched. She hated it when he said that. That wasn't his name for her. Not today. Not ever before.Her fists were curled tight at her sides. "Don't say that."He exhaled, nodding slightly. "I… I understand." His voice cracked, but he went on speaking. "I don't expect forgiveness. I don't even expect you to look at me without hatred. But I need you to know—I never knew. If I had—She laughed, the laugh sharp, bitter. "If you'd known? What, Don Victor? Would it have been any different? Would you have come to find me? Raised me?" Her voice cracked as she took a step closer, the burning eyes intense. "Or just another soldier in your empire?His face contorted into a grimace as if she slap
The door shut with a soft click behind Don Victor, and silence swallowed the hospital room. The revelation was like a boulder, suffocating Valentine's chest.She could hardly believe it.Victoria. her sister.Don Victor. her father.It felt like a bad joke on truth.Arnulfo grasped her hands in a tight grip but a gentle one as he said worriedly, "Valentine, speak to me.".She shuddered, drawing an involuntary breath into her lungs. Her fingers were clutching him hard. "I don't know what to say my love," she whispered. "I don't know how to feel,Arnulfo."Arnulfo touched her cheek and raised her chin. "Then don't make yourself understand everything right now," he said, soft. "Just breathe."Breathe.How was she supposed to breathe when her entire world had just been turned inside out?She forced her hands free from his hold, wrapped them around her body to hug herself, and started pacing the room. "All this time," she said shaking her head in disbelief. "I thought I was alone. I thought
Valentine sat up on the bed in the hospital, her head in her hands. Arnulfo sat besides her, had his arm thrown over her shoulder, said not a word while holding her back.Valentine sat up when she heard a knock on the door.Arnulfo's muscles tensed. The door opened slowly, and Don Victor entered.Valentine's head snapped up. Her eyes were red and puffy. "What do you want?" she croaked.Don Victor's eyes softened, but his face remained unreadable. "To talk.""There is nothing to talk about."Don Victor took another step inside. "There's everything to talk about."Valentine shook her head, turning away. "You can't come out of the woodwork now and pretend you care about me."Don Victor took a breath. "I always cared."She laughed, and the sound was bitter. "Liar.""I didn't know about you," Don Victor said. "If I had—""If you had known," Valentine cut him off, her voice shaking with anger, "what? You would have raised me in your world? In a world full of blood and power and control?"Do