The guards at the entrance bowed the moment they saw him walk towards the huge double doors.
With a stoic expression, he marched forward into the room once they pushed the door open. The hall where the meeting was to be held was buzzing with noises of his angry relatives who saw his lateness as an offense to their personality. But the moment the doors were pushed open and he strutted in, the noises seized at once. There was no way around it, they all feared him. He might have that pretty face and that annoying smile all the time, but they knew the person behind that facade would even kill a person while smiling. "You're late, Marco!" His uncle finally mustered up the courage to let his frustration out. Marco glanced in his direction and raised a brow, "Am I?" The man suddenly felt his throat run dry as he couldn't find the right words to reply to that question. Marco ignored the curious glances being thrown at him and finally found his seat at the head of the table. His father, Matteo, had his gaze solely on his son as he nonchalantly sat down without acknowledging him. "Let's start the meeting." Marco declared lazily as he relaxed in his seat. The same uncle who scolded him stood up again to begin his nagging once the meeting was declared open. "Uncle Franc, before you begin your never-ending nagging, let's spare a moment to say a prayer." Dante, Marco's favorite cousin, and his consigliere, said to him with a small smile. Francesco glared at him and averted his gaze, bringing his attention back to Marco. "Marco, what is your position again in this family and organization?" He asked as if to remind him. Marco yawned and eyed his uncle. He immediately regretted why he didn't have breakfast before arriving at this God-forsaken meeting. "The leader." He managed to reply. Francesco nodded and continued, "You're the leader, yes. But you aren't a responsible one." Silence followed after he said those words. Marco raised a questioning brow at him for his statement. He waited patiently for an explanation from Francesco. Not everyone could openly insult him and get away with it, but Francesco was biting more than he could chew. "Have you heard the recent news? I promised myself that I would never keep my mouth shut in this very meeting this year. We all are here, those of us coming from other continents as well. Look over there..." He pointed at his sons, the famous snake-eyed Twins who were rarely seen in any family gathering. "My sons even came specifically for this reason today, this is to show how important this matter is." Marco frowned, "What exactly are you unto?" He asked. Francesco who had succeeded in drawing his full attention, raised his chin in pride and finally voiced the issue. "A few days ago, we informed you that the cargo containing our incoming products would be arriving yesterday night, yes or no?" "Yes." Francesco nodded in satisfaction. "And we asked you as the leader to keep watch over it and receive it when it arrives, yes or no?" Marco rubbed his forehead, already guessing where the discussion was heading. "Yes." "Then what happened last night? You weren't seen at the seaport yesterday." Francesco asked finally, knowing this was his chance to deal with Marco and Matteo. Marco sighed. "A few things came up and I.." "A few things like taking a random bitch to bed?!" He cut him short with a yell. Marco's gaze darkened on hearing that. "France_" "Let me finish." Francesco used a hand to silence him again. "Because of your sluggishness and carelessness, we officially lost the products," Francesco announced. "What?!" Marco asked in surprise. "Yes, a masked mercenary called Double S, stole those items yesterday. I'm sure you know who Double S is." Hearing that dreaded name again, Marco's blood ran cold at once. Of course, he knew the Double S, a masked mercenary who really was rarely seen. Each time he comes out of his spot, things get stolen and things get destroyed. If Double S really stole the products, then they were in big trouble. Knowing Double S, he would give the items to the police and it would attract unnecessary questioning of him. "Shit." He cursed in a low tone, but enough for them to hear. "It's not about cursing! It's about admitting your mistake. I keep saying it and will always say that Matteo didn't raise you well!" "Watch it, Francesco!" Ezekiel, who had been quiet finally yelled back at him. "I won't watch a thing! You're an irresponsible father!" He refused to keep shut. The next minute, Ezekiel’s anger intensified as he sprang up from his seat and pulled out his gun. Francesco seemed to have expected it because he also pulled out his gun and they pointed at each other with it. Marco face palmed himself, seeing where the conversation had brought them. Noise filled the hall again as the others tried to make them bring their guns down. Never in the history of their ancestors has anyone pulled out a gun during the annual family meeting. The noises increased with no sign of stopping soon and after Marco took in a deep breath, he turned to Dante and gave a nod. Dante understood the gesture and pulled out a gun from his band. Before anyone could realize it, he pointed the gun upwards and fired two shots in the air. This worked like magic because the next moment, everyone ducked under the desk, thinking an attack had been launched against them. Only Marco, Erika, and a female who happened to be working in their organization sat still. The female was named Erika and she was Marco's cousin as well. When everyone finally realized themselves, they all sat up straight and glared at Dante who shrugged in return. "The name of Jesus wouldn't calm y'all down, but this one did." He said with a small laugh. "Everyone sit back down and keep shut!" Marco finally got serious as he used his authoritative voice on them. Everyone obeyed and sat back down instantly. He turned to Francesco who seemed to have the biggest problem with him. "So what was your suggestion on this matter?" Francesco immediately gave an answer. "It's simple, we want you replaced as the leader of this Clan. You are no more qualified to rule." "And why? Just because I was careless enough to lose our cargo?" Marco asked in amusement. His uncle was something else. "Do you know what that means? Double S would spread it out in the black market and if everyone begins to purchase it, there is a high chance of it getting into the hands of the police. Then the police would come for De Luca Clan!" Indeed, he was right. It was a dangerous thing to lose a cargo filled with cocaine. Marco had messed it up and the only solution was to find that mercenary, Double S. "You want me to step down so badly, and I'll grant you that wish." He said and stood to his feet. "Listen up, everyone. one month is all I need to find Double S. If I can't retrieve those items from him in one month, I will gladly step down from being the leader of this Clan and let whoever Francesco chooses to be the leader, ascend. Meeting closed." He announced and without waiting for a response, he walked towards the door and out of the room.Dante hurriedly followed Marco as he walked out of the main mansion.Just then, Francesco called out to him. Marco wanted to ignore him, but Dante gestured for him to behave."What is it?" He asked Francesco the moment their eyes met.Francesco with a stoic expression stood before Marco with no space in between them.The De Luca Family were all known for their height and eye color.Everyone had the gray eye color, aside from the snake-eyed Twins of course.Also, they were known to be extremely tall, including the women."In a month's time, when you fail to prove yourself to everyone, I will personally take you down." He threatened without fear.The worst thing Marco hated was threatening and that was the line Francesco crossed.Just when Francesco turned to leave, Marco called out to him this time."The next time you threaten me this way, I won't regard your status in this family and I'll make your son pay with his life." The threat didn't sound like a threat, but it was enough to sen
Alessia was unable to find Grace when she arrived at the club after escaping from Marco's suite. Knowing that Simone might be out there searching for her, she opted to head to the only place where the less privileged would always be accepted; Santa Maria Cattolica. The lord was always said to never forsake anyone, so she hoped he would never forsake her in this time of trouble. When she arrived at the entrance of the huge building, she breathed in and out before stepping in.There were workers already cleaning the sanctuary. A sister was standing not so far from the main gates as she spoke to someone. She knew the workers were giving her the side-eye as she passed. She could totally tell what they were thinking. In her black top and red shorts, Even the Lord wouldn't crack a smile at the outfit.Thankfully, the sister didn't ask her to leave when their eyes met. She just dismissed the man she was talking to, then turned to Alessia with a small smile."Hello, ma'am." Alessia hurr
"Boss, we've got her." Selena said in her usual robotic tone. She stood before Marco, while Ezekiel casually made himself comfortable beside the man. Marco gave him a warning look and said, "Whatever you do, keep a good distance away from me. If I get even a whiff of your over the top perfume again, I'll throw you out and blacklist you." Hearing his ice cold tone of voice, Ezekiel respected himself and shifted away from him. He might as well die if he was blacklisted.Now at a safe distance, he repeated Selena's words. "We've got your angel." Marco sighed, trying to control the sudden thrill that rushed through him. The red hair from earlier was finally in his house. "Good." Was all he said and waved a hand, dismissing Selena. Selena gave a slight bow and walked out of the living room, leaving Marco and Ezekiel alone."Can I ask you something?" Ezekiel began, trying to come close to Marco, but remembering the warning and keeping his distance immediately. "No." Marco replied b
Alessia's breath hitched the moment the man's intoxicating scent wafted into her nostrils. Her head also found it hard to understand his words. His closeness to her wasn't letting her think through the words he said to her, but luckily for her, she was able to think it through. "I want you.." Those words rang in her head again when she replayed them. Her blue eyes immediately flew towards him as she frowned. "Excuse me?" She blurted out before she could hold herself back. This stranger had to get something straight, Whatever happened between them was all a mistake between them. God forbids her from ever having anything to do with a wealthy man in Reggio Calabria. They were all into shady businesses.She had always made a promise to herself that she would never be indulged in fraud, stealing, or any criminal act. This man standing before her had danger written all over him, but his looks were worth dying for. He looked nothing like a criminal, but one can't deny the aura surro
That night, Alessia cried bitterly as she sat on the cold floor in the bedroom. Never in a million years did she ever envision such an ending. It was all thanks to Simone that she unfortunately found herself in such a condition. If he hadn't tried to touch her, she would never have run away. She would never have optioned to drink at the club. She would never have slept with the stranger who ended up imprisoning her against her will.She sat on the cold floor, thunder and lightning painting the sky in shades of fear and uncertainty. Her tears streamed down her face endlessly as the memories of everything came replaying in her head. She wailed even more the moment the thunder blasted into the sky. One thing about her; she was scared of thunderstorms. Now left alone in the cold dark room, 'ok, the room wasn't dark', she felt her breath clogging up as she felt as if the wall was closing around her. She didn't know how long she sat on the floor crying, but sooner than expected, sh
An ear-piercing scream tore through the dark room as the man tied to the chair sitting in the center of the room cried bitterly from all the torture being thrown at him. His bloodied face and body were the evidence of the brutality he was facing from Marco. While he looked a total mess, Marco looked calm and collected, nothing like a person who was busily inflicting pain on the other party.Dante stood behind him, watching with a stoic expression as Marco gave the man the beating of his life. Marco's movements remained elegant and effortless as he inflicted pain on the man who had refused to accept his offer. The man was unable to bear the pain anymore, so he immediately pleaded in agony. "Wait up you mother fucker!" He yelled as he spat out a mouth full of blood, a few teeth following the blood out. “Figlio di puttana!” He muttered a curse in Italian as he spat out more blood onto the ground.Marco watched with a smirk as if enjoying the view before him.“So, what now?” He aske
Once the car pulled into the driveway, Marco hurriedly climbed out of the car and rushed into the mansion, not even bothered about his wet body.Dante climbed out of the car as well and sighed.Thankfully, the rain had subsided and it wasn’t as heavy as before.He watched with a look of disdain as Marco ran straight into the house and straight to his new toy’s room.Honestly, he couldn’t decipher the new behavior from Marco anymore.A woman he barely knew and just had a one-night thing with, he felt she was his entire world, ‘ok maybe he didn’t feel that way’, but his reactions towards her were so alarming.“He possibly can’t be in love, right?” He muttered and went up to his bedroom to change up.“That’s insane! Falling for someone who you merely knew for three days?” He scoffed and closed the door behind him.He would rather eat glass than believe that Marco was in love.It definitely had to be just an attraction.Marco pushed open the door to Alessia’s room with a bang. Seeing her
The next morning, the sunlight streamed through the curtains, landing directly on Alessia's face. She blinked her eyes open, greeted by the beauty of the room again.Her senses were jumbled and she found it difficult to take in her environment. Once the fog covering her vision had cleared, the sight of the room finally became clearer and she saw it wasn't the same room she grew up in.Alessia instantly jerked up as her heart dropped at once. But when she tried to sit upright, she realized something was wrong.She couldn't move.A hand restricted her movement and she panicked at once.Who the hell was holding her?!Her brain didn't process that it was Marco, instead it processed that Simone might be the one holding her in bed. This thought disgusted her as she slowly turned to see if it truly was Simone.God forbid she ever had anything to do with her uncle!It was like all those books she collected from Grace.The ones where love with one's family or relative was considered a forbidde
“What?!” Marco roared, voice echoing through the hallway. He felt like the ground beneath his feet had disappeared with the wind. The only ringing sound in his head was that of Alessia escaping from the base in the same car Double S had returned.The car was loaded with a bomb!“Boss,” Selena’s voice came through from the other end of the phone, strained but unwavering. She was trying so hard to keep her composure, but Marco was too busy to notice the tension in her voice.“We’re doing everything we can to track them.” “You let them escape?!” Marco bellowed, his hand tightening around the phone. Dante who was about to ask what the commotion was all about, kept quiet the moment he heard the word, ‘escaping’. Alessia had gone and done it now.The beautiful woman who served as their guide, also turned toward them, her expression the one of confusion and surprise. Marco abruptly ended the call and turned to meet Dante’s gaze. “I have to get back to Sicily.” He said with urgency in his
The airplane’s slope was smooth, The wheels touching down with a gentle thud. The airport intercom announced, “Flight 347 from Reggio has arrived, passengers please proceed to the baggage claim.” Marco and Dante who were sitting in the business class, glanced out the window, watching the bustling crowd of passengers of Scilla airport. The plane taxied to the gate and they both came down when it reached their turn.As they stepped out of the airport, a convoy of SUVs came into view as it awaited them a few meters away.The appearance of the cars stirred up a little commotion at the airport, everyone thinking the president of Italy just flew in or something.The chauffeurs stood by each door with guards in tow. Their expressions remained stoic and professional.Marco strolled directly to the lead vehicle, while Dante trailed behind him with his usual casual swagger. Once inside the car, Dante began his teasing. “You know, Marco. I’ve heard Scilla has one of the most beautiful women in
Alessia’s eyes widened in disbelief as she stared at the car keys in Grace’s hand. “How did you…..” she paused, her mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water. “How the hell did you steal this?” She asked.Grace chuckled and rolled her eyes, “I didn’t fucking steal, woman! A guard gave it to me.”“Yeah, like I’ll believe that.” Alessia rolled her eyes. “It’s the truth,” Grace said, her eyes shining with sincerity.Seeing the look in her friend’s eyes, Alessia squinted. “You’re saying the truth?”“Of course, bitch. I’m not lying.” She said and made herself comfortable on the bed.“But how and why did he give it to you?”“It’s simple, he thought I worked here. So he handed the keys over to me.” She narrated, a victorious smile on her face. “Huh? Are you sure he is a guard?”Grace nodded, “He had the uniform on.” Alessia frowned.“Then how did he think you worked here? He surely has been around for a while and should know you’re just a guest.” “Now that I think about it, you’
“Make sure she stays safe, I don’t want to hear any complaints when I’m gone,” Marco instructed for the umpteenth time as he gathered his papers, packing them into a briefcase. This was supposed to be a trip for inspection, but to avoid arousing suspicion, he had to dress corporate and carry a briefcase. “I’ll repeat, She is pregnant and vulnerable. Ensure she’s safe, but also make sure she doesn’t get any ideas of escaping.” He recited again, wanting to make sure Selena got the message loud and clear. He would kill her if anything were to happen to Alessia and his child.“Understood.” She nodded.“Also, Grace, her friend, needs the same level of scrutiny.” He added and turned around to face them; Dante and Selena.“Sure, boss.” Once he had finished his packing, he grabbed his case and headed out with Dante following behind. The convoy was ready outside, black SUVs lined up with their engines running. Clear definition of opulence and power. Marco entered into the lead vehicle, his
The door opened, revealing a maid who came over to deliver Alessia’s dinner.Grace walked forward to receive the meal from her and dismissed her afterward.She made her way back to the bed, placing the meal down on the table in the room.Alessia soon walked out of the closet and seeing the meal on the table, she raised a brow in confusion.“A maid?” she asked and Grace nodded.Just then, Grace finally noticed how much weight Alessia had lost. Alessia looked emaciated, her face and body, pale and thin.Grace shook her head pitifully and said, “Ali, you look so thin.”Alessia smiled weakly and nodded, “Yeah, I've spent all the time crying lately. I couldn't eat even, I lost my appetite each time I saw food.”“Woah, for a foodie like yourself, that's too much to bear.” Grace poked with a snort. “And on a serious note, now that you are expecting a child, you need to take care of yourself more,” she added with a serious look on her face.“I don't want this child.” Alessia’s face hardened a
“Yes, she is pregnant. And she has grown distant_”“Stop!” Grace let out a short scream and she stood up at once. She glared at Marco as tears gathered in her eyes.“You’re responsible for the pregnancy?” She asked, her eyes flashing with uncertainty.Marco knew she would react this way, so he tried again to run a hand through his hair but ended up pushing at his bandages.“Look, it wasn’t intentional.” “Then what was it?!” She yelled, disregarding the fact she was still standing in his property and he could have her punished for yelling. But Marco pushed his ego aside this time, he had messed up and had to fix the mess. “I was drugged that night and I couldn’t control myself.”“Why didn’t you go to the harem? Why did you go to her instead? And I’m sure as hell she put up a good fight. God why?” Grace broke down as she fell back on her chair, her hand going to tug at her hair.Dante felt a tug at his heart seeing her whimpering in her seat. Her shoulders wouldn’t stop shaking as she
Grace glanced at Dante who sat in the driver’s seat, driving towards the base. Earlier, he said there was a problem. But of course, he wouldn’t spill the details of the problem. Also, what has it got to do with her?“I thought you hated me?” She suddenly asked out loud, turning her head to face his that was focused on the road.Dante wasn’t focused on driving, his mind was all over the place as the image of a certain girl on stage kept coming up in his mind.He jerked slightly when he heard her voice beside him and turned to glance at her.“Would you quit that?” He asked with a frown. “Quit what?”“Don’t fucking startle me like that!” He fired and looked away from her.Seriously, why did she have to wear that top?!“Oh, did I startle you?” She feigned ignorance and batted her lashes when their eyes met again.Dante shook his head in disbelief. Which planet did she come from?“So tell me, what’s the problem at the base and what does it have to do with me?” Dante growled at her, his h
Dante dragged in deep refreshing breaths, trying his best to hold his anxiety together.When Alessia had found out about her pregnancy, she had cried herself to sleep, after throwing tantrums to kill Marco with her bare hands. Marco had felt so pained and bittered when she said a lot of hurtful words to him. She had cursed him even, said so many words, and ended up locking herself in the room. Alessia had refused to eat or drink, shutting everyone out completely.The only person who could get to her was a close friend and that close friend was Grace Franco.Marco had even collapsed after the struggles with her. The moment he arrived in his study room, his body gave up on him and sent him tumbling to the floor in pain.Before he closed his eyes completely, he begged Dante to go over to Devil’s Den to fetch Gracino, only she could get through to Alessia.The last thing Marco wanted was to harm Alessia or let her get harmed. He would do everything to keep her and their child safe. Dan
“The wedding preparations are fortunately in full swing.” The voice of Ignacio Gonzalo boomed over the phone as he spoke to Ezekiel De Luca.Ezekiel sat in his study room, a glass of liquor in hand as he drummed his index finger on the arm of his resting chair.“That’s great, Ignacio. I can’t wait to have Miracle in my house.” He said in return, a smile spreading across his face.“We should meet up at the Country Club for a few games,” Ignacio suggested, but Ezekiel was quick to turn him down.“Oh no, I have a few issues to deal with for a while and won’t be available for a game now,” Ezekiel said in return.Ignacio at the other end, frowned, but he still didn’t push it and just hummed in response. He knew of the issues ongoing in the De Luca clan, and he didn’t want to get involved in it for now. Maybe after his daughter gets married into their family, he will find a way to help them sort things out.Once Ezekiel ended the call, a knock came at the door and a guard walked in to info