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
“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
Marco paced back and forth in the hospital hallway, his usually steely composure shattered. He just couldn’t shake off the image of Alessia lying on the ground, blood seeping from her head and leg. It felt like his entire world went crumbling down. He had rushed her to the hospital, her lifeless form in his arms, praying to every God he knew to keep her and the baby safe.Dante also stood nearby, his gaze fixed on the door to the room where Grace had been taken. His concern was also palpable, though he couldn’t quite understand it himself. He couldn’t grasp why he cared so much for her. He wasn’t supposed to be this scared, or even care. They barely knew each other and, she was not someone he wanted to be friends with. But, the thought of her facing death, had shaken him deeply. Was he developing feelings for her or something? He doubted it, but the unease gnawing at his heart suggested otherwise.The door to Alessia’s room opened, and Marco snapped out of his anxious state. A doctor
Alessia stared at Dante, shocked. Marco was letting her go? Just like that? After everything that has happened, he was giving her freedom?She should feel relieved, but all she felt was confusion and a strange, aching sadness.“Why?” she whispered. “Why is he letting me go now?”For a strange reason, When she had been blown away by the blast earlier, the pain shot through her, she realized the reason Marco had always wanted to keep her by his side.Even if she hadn’t met Marco, The world was still a cut truth world. One way or the other, she would be encountering a lot of danger.But Marco wanted her safe, and away from all this.Though his ways seemed a bit extreme.Dante shook his head, “I don’t know, maybe losing the baby changed something in him.”He could see the sadness in her eyes, but he was confused about why she felt sad. Wasn't she the one who wanted to escape? Didn't she hate Marco so much?So why was she acting this way now?Or was she trying to put on an act?Alessia’s h
Marco stepped out of the sleek, black car, his driver holding the door for him. He adjusted his suit jacket, feeling the cool evening air of Reggio Calabria. Remembering his dinner date with Mimi made him feel stressed out. He just needed all the distractions he could get, to get away from the tedious situations he was facing.He strode to Ristorante Bella Vista, the finest restaurant in the city, known for its exquisite cuisine and stunning view of the Mediterranean.The restaurant’s facade was elegant, with ivy trailing up the stone walls and soft, golden lights casting warm glows on them. The aroma of Italian spices filled the air, mingling with the soft murmur of conversations and clinking of glasses from guests. Marco strolled in, his presence commanding attention despite his cold, distant demeanor.He spotted Mimi sitting in a corner near the back. She was fiddling with her phone, her red hair styled neatly as it also cascaded down her small back.Seeing the red hair again brou
Grace paced the small room, her gaze sharp with concern. “Ali, I would never accept the fact that you want to go and see your uncle, Simone.”Alessia shook her head, frustration evident on her face. “I can’t keep staying here with you, Grace.”“Do not worry,” Grace said, shaking her head. “I’ll get enough money to help you go to Scilla.”Alessia sighed, “But it’s not going to be enough. I can’t keep waiting here. I can always go back to my uncle’s place, you know?” “The same uncle who tried to take advantage of you? Come on girl, think with your head. He might try to kill you since you hit him on the head.” Grace reasoned, folding her both hands against her chest.Just then, a knock came at the door, breaking the tension. Grace’s mother entered with a tray of food, smiling warmly at them. “Here, I brought you both something to eat.”The aroma of freshly cooked gnocchi Alla Sorrentino filled the room, easing some of the tension. Grace and Alessia sat down to eat, the simple act of sha
Dante leaned against a car, his piercing gaze locked onto her. “What are you doing here?” he asked, his tone laced with curiosity and a hint of suspicion. Grace’s heart raced, and she stuttered, “Uh, I…. I came to get something.”Dante raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. “Get what? Because I don’t see why you would come to the parking lot to get something. It’s not like you own a car. I have never seen you ride anything. So why are you here?” Grace glared at him, trying to maintain her composure. “What if I came here to check it for someone?”Dante’s expression suddenly changed, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips. “Did you enjoy the view earlier?” he asked mischievously. “What?” Grace blinked, taken aback. “Excuse me?”“I asked, did you enjoy the view earlier?” he repeated, the smirk now fully visible.Grace narrowed her eyes, seeing through his attempt to tease and taunt her. She decided to play along then. “Of course, you looked so good performing.” She replied, her v
“Grace," Alessia called out, her voice breaking the silence that had enveloped the entire place. "Was that Dante?”Grace froze in place, her eyes widening in shock. "What are you doing outside by this time, Ali?” She stuttered, her lips trembling. Alessia’s gaze never wavered. “I couldn't sleep, so I came out for some fresh air," she said, her tone calm yet firm. "Was that Dante?” Grace hesitated, finding it difficult to affirm. But she eventually gave a reluctant nod."Yes, it was Dante." “Why? You're hanging out with Dante now?” Alessia’s voice rose, her frustration getting the best of her. "You know he is related to Marco, what are you thinking, Grace?" “Forgive me," Grace said, lowering her gaze. “We just became friends, but just a casual one, I promise. I never meant to get too close to him,” “Grace," Alessia called out and held her hand, “I'm trying to keep you safe, I'm just looking out for you." Alessia continued, her voice low. “We all know that Marco isn't a good guy.”
"And what do you mean by that?" Victor asked in confusion. He didn't understand what Dante meant by taking it to the next level. " You want to marry her? " He added. "What? No! She would never accept me." Dante's lips twitched. "Then what are you talking about, you punk?" "It simply means that I want to ask her to become my girlfriend." Dante rolled his eyes and said. Victor was a doctor, but a dumb one. " So you two aren't a couple yet? Got it. You're just friends? " " With benefits." Dante finished, giving him a firm nod. Victor shook his head at the absurdity of his words. Dante was definitely sick in the head. "I can't stay here anymore. I can't believe you all still indulge in this silly friends with benefits shit! I better leave!" He yelled and turned to walk away. Dante chuckled and followed after him. Victor was such a character, that was exactly why they needed him around. After Victor left, Dante went in search of Grace. He found her in her bedroom and on phone wit
“You did what?!" Salvatore’s voice thundered as he yelled at his right-hand man, Kade, an American. Kade had narrated the entire operation to him. Today had been a total mess. The initial plan was to grab Alessia and return to Salvatore, but thanks to Marco, they had to waste some bullets. They didn't even go with enough. “Sorry, Tore. We tried not to attack, but that Marco man had to open fire, and we lost Lorenzo." Kade explained again, he knew how dangerous Salvatore could be when he was angered. Salvatore glared at the good-for-nothing men he had deployed to get Alessia for him.Salvatore’s dark eyes narrowed as he slowly turned to the rest of his men, his jaw clenched. "You lost Lorenzo… but what about Alessia? Where is she? Why didn’t you bring her?"Kade swallowed, glancing nervously at the others as if searching for backup. "We planned to take her. Just grab her quietly and bring her back, like you ordered, boss. But Marco didn’t give us a chance. He opened fire, and we ha
Alessia was dumbfounded when she heard Marco's words. The house was hers? He bought a house for her?! It was hard to believe that Marco went out of his way to buy a mansion by the seaside for her.Kendrick bowed with a smile when Alessia pulled Marco in for a hug. She owned a house? Like her own house now? She kept asking herself multiple questions, unable to come up with a solid answer.Kendrick then excused himself, wanting to set up lunch for the both of them.The moment he left, Alessia turned to Marco. “Seriously? A house for me?" She asked him, her eyes shining with unshed tears.Marco grinned and nodded. “It's what I have to do for my woman. My girlfriend." He added the last part with a gentle kiss on her shoulders.Alessia's heart fluttered; he hadn't asked her out yet, but he called her his girlfriend. Should she be happy or sad?“Your girlfriend? Since when?" She asked purposely, cocking her head to the side.Marco looked away, flustered. He realized he hadn't even asked her
Dante’s words continuously rang in Marco's head as he walked out of his office. He had acted tough and nonchalant just now, but deep down, he was bittered. This position as Clan head was acquired from his sweat and blood, his sleepless nights, and brutal training, but he was about to give it all up.He knew he would officially draw the battleline between him and his father, but he didn't care one bit. He was already tired of fighting a losing battle. As much as he hated to admit it, Double S was much more powerful than he could ever be. He was tactical and wise in this game of theirs.Marco walked into the living room to see Alessia and Grace seated and covering.At this moment, all Marco wanted was to be in her arms and never move away, but she needed to have an alone time with her friend after all. Alessia turned to see him, she saw the look in his eyes and frowned. She could already sense that he was in a sore mood.“I'll be back." She said to Grace and stood up to approach Marco.
"We have to get Alessia out of Marco’s house," Salvatore said firmly as he sat back down. He stood up earlier to pace the room after the realization that Alessia was his sister. His twin sister.Marcel barely lifted his head. "I know. And you’ll do whatever it takes to make sure that happens."Salvatore nodded. "I’ll get her out. No matter what."Marcel gave a small nod, his eyes cold and calculating. "Good. Then go."Salvatore turned to leave, his steps steady as he walked out of the room, leaving his father alone. Marcel sat quietly for a moment, his fingers tapping the armrest of his chair. His heart trembled slightly, a rare sign of emotion for him. He couldn’t stop thinking about Alessia. She was his daughter, after all. Though he hadn't seen her in person, that photo was enough.How could Celine have kept this from him? How could she have hidden their child before dying? Marcel clenched his fist, his face tightening with anger and regret. He wasn’t sure how, but he would get Ale
The double doors of the Marino base mansion swung open, and Salvatore stepped inside. His usual calmness was gone, replaced with excitement as he walked briskly through the grand hallway. Today, he had news—important news. He stopped the first servant he saw. "Where's my father?"The servant, a bit startled, nodded toward the garden. "The boss is in the garden, sir."Salvatore nodded curtly, barely acknowledging the response before heading straight to the garden. He passed through a maze of corridors, finally bursting through the doors that led outside. As he approached the entrance to the garden, the guard stationed there stepped forward."The boss is in a conversation, sir," the guard said, his voice low and respectful.Salvatore narrowed his eyes. "With who?"The guard glanced toward the garden and hesitated before responding. "A woman, sir."Not bothering to wait for more details, Salvatore pushed past the guard and strode into the garden. His eyes immediately fell on Marcel, sit
"Let's watch a movie instead," Alessia suggested as she stepped out of the bathroom, holding her hair up with the hairpin she had fortunately brought along with her from the base. Marco sprawled on the couch in the living room, turned to look at her. "I don't watch movies, Mia Cara. I'll rather hold you throughout the night." He grumbled. Alessia snorted, taking a seat beside him on the couch. "I've always known you to be a boring man, but not watching a movie? That's extreme, Marco." She stated, reaching for the remote control on the table before them. Marco opened his mouth, ready to protest and maybe, snatch the remote from her, but Alessia added before he could do so, "Don't even think of anything funny, Marco De Luca. You won't like the outcome." Marco sighed dejectedly and instead, snaked his hand around her neck to hold her close. "At least let me hold you while we watch the movie." Alessia didn't protest, letting him hold her close. Honestly, she needed the warmth radia
Marco lifted her off the ground, not breaking the kiss as he carried her bridal style into the house.Alessia's dainty hands were wrapped around his neck, her face heating up at the sweetness of his lips on hers.She could never get enough of kissing this man.He walked into the massive bedroom, shutting the door with his right leg and hurriedly setting her down there.Alessia was confused as to why he placed her down by the door. Her chest heaved up and down from the intense kiss they just shared.Her blue eyes sparkled when it met his.Alessia didn't even get the chance to admire the room before Marco spoke.“I want to take you here." He muttered, closing the distance between them as his hand snaked around her waist again.Take her here? Which meant that he wanted to have sex with her by the bedroom door.For some reason, the idea made Alessia's core throb in excitement. She had always wanted to try out new things, and it was time to do so.“Take me…. Wherever and however you want m
"Oh my goodness!" Alessia gasped in shock, staring at the place. Before she was a calm lake, looking ever so peaceful and wonderful as the birds chirped in the background. She had never seen anything so peaceful in her entire life. This made her wonder just how long she had been living a life of stress. If she wasn't being a nanny, then she was on the run from a Mafia boss, she never had the luxury to go for a vacation or maybe visit the beach. Alessia loved water a lot. She would do anything to be closer to one. "You like it?" Marco asked from behind her. " I love it! " She yelled out with a huge smile, turning to look at him. "There's more," "There's more?" Alessia asked him, her eyes shining brightly. Marco nodded, confirming her words."Oh my goodness, show me!" She yelled and rushed towards him." Calm down, Mia Cara. I'll show you if you're calm. " Marco teased, snaking a hand around her waist to pull her closer to him. Alessia blushed and nodded, making a sign of zippin