“Let's stop here, bestie," Dante said huskily as he caught her hand which kept tracing his chest.“Why?" She asked, confusion flashing in her eyes. “You don't want me?" “No, not that. I want you, trust me. 0! But if we continue like this, I might not be able to hold back.” "Then don't,” she said seriously.Dante raised a questioning brow, his lips curving up. "What?”"Don’t hold back, I want this.” She admitted, looking him dead in the eye. She wasn't the shy type he usually liked, but with this side of her, he was more than contended."Are you sure about this?” He asked to confirm, he wouldn't want to be blamed for anything after this was over."Yes, I'm sure." She said again, confidently. Grace couldn't tell what was going through her mind, but she had always been one to follow her heart and think of consequences later. She knew this was not a good idea, but the urge to taste the forbidden fruit was stronger this time.She just wanted to stay in the moment and forget about the fut
Marco walked into the room, his footsteps barely making a sound on the marble floor. The morning sun streamed in through the opened curtains, shining on Alessia’s sleeping form.Marco made his way to the window area to close the curtains.The maids were incompetent to let the sunshine on a sick patient.Afterward, he turned to look at her peaceful face. Her eyes were closed as she was completely unaware of his presence.He sighed deeply, a mix of emotions swirling in him. He stayed put for a while, just watching her face, and finally, he moved to leave the room.The moment he left the room and closed the door behind him, Alessia stirred. Her eyes fluttered open. Her gaze swept around the unfamiliar ceiling above. This was not the ceiling at Grace’s house nor the one at the hospital.So, it could only mean that she was currently in someone else’s house.For a moment, she was disoriented as she sat up with so much difficulty, wincing in pain.Just then, the memories of the wedding came
“Ignacio, she hasn’t recovered yet!” Mimi’s mother yelled at her husband as he charged towards the girl’s room.He had been holding himself back ever since she was hospitalized.Initially, he had been so mad that his daughter almost lost her life on her wedding day, but now he didn’t care anymore about it. All that mattered was the union of their clan.He barged into Mimi’s room, finding her lying on the bed and typing away on her phone with a frown.“Miracle!” He yelled, startling her and making her sit up at once.“Papa, what’s wrong?” “Don’t ‘papa’ me, young lady!” He cut her short with a glare. “I decided to stay silent and wait till you recover before we talk about the stunt you pulled out there that day! You rejected Marco, bringing disgrace to this family.” Mimi’s gaze darkened at her father’s words. It was clear that day that her father didn’t care about her and her happiness.“Father, can you hear yourself? You don’t even care about my health or happiness!” She yelled back,
Marco got into the car, directing the driver to Salvador's home. If he has to set everything on track, then he needs to get Gaia to reject the proposal.Just then, Marco got a call from Ezekiel, his father. He wanted to reject the phone call, but he ended up accepting the call.“This better be important_”“Return to the mansion at once.” Ezekiel cut him short in a stern voice.“And what gave you the impression that I’ll obey you?” Marco asked with an amused expression.“That’s because I just found out about something remarkable. If I were you, I’d return at once.”Ezekiel’s words made Marco’s face contort into one of confusion.“What are you planning, father?” He asked calmly, waiting for the impending response.“It’s simple, who is Alessia Simone?”Ezekiel asked, his question accompanied by an evil chuckle.Marco’s hand which was holding the phone froze mid-motion. His eyes widened, shock crossing his features before he quickly masked it. He gripped the phone tighter, trying hard to
“So what exactly do you plan to do now,” Dante’s voice cut through the silence, his tone calm but probing.Marco turned to look at Dante, a brow coming up. “What do you mean?” he asked.“I mean,” Dante paused, then continued. “I know you aren't going to marry Gaia.”Marco’s gaze darkened as he glared at his cousin. A scowl formed on his face as he said in return.“I never had any intention of marrying Gaia. I made it clear from the start.”Dante nodded in understanding, “Of course, I knew that, But after the conversation with your father today, you'll have to get married to her.” Marco’s gaze shifted as the words Ezekiel had said to him earlier clicked in his head.“I found out something suspicious today, something my father said to me while on call.”“What's it about and who?” “Alessia. He said something about her father’s identity. I feel there’s something we don't know.” Marco explained seriously. Dante frowned. “What exactly did he say?” “It doesn’t matter, I need you to help
When Grace and Alessia arrived at Devil's Den, Grace brought her directly to the counter where she served the customers. Alessia felt out of place standing there, but she watched patiently as Grace went about her job. The men at the club couldn't keep their eyes off Alessia whose red hair was tantalizing and beautiful. Alessia felt very uncomfortable having so many people watching her as she tried to fit in. "Hey, do something. Don't just stand there." Grace said and nudged Alessia slightly, aiming to earn a reaction from her. "And what exactly am I supposed to do?" Alessia asked as she glared at Grace. She flipped her hair to the back, turning back to the counter as a man in a luxurious-looking outfit walked over to her instead of Grace.Alessia knew without a doubt that this man wasn't here for anything good. "Hey, beautiful." He called out with a smile, licking his lower lip as his eyes went directly to her cleavage which was a bit exposed.Alessia noticed his gaze on her, so
A day after Dante had exposed his relationship with Grace, he drove directly to Devil's Den to find her. On his way to the place, he suddenly caught sight of a chocolate store by the roadside. An idea struck him, why not buy her a box of chocolate?With a small smirk on his face, he parked the car right beside the store and stepped down, ready to buy a box of chocolate for his bestie. But the moment he stepped before the store, ready to enter, he suddenly thought about something. What if Gracino didn't like chocolates? Yes, he knew girls liked it, but Grace was a hooligan. She wasn't like other girls. She and Alessia were crazy girls who didn't mind ripping a pack of chocolate apart in the twinkle of an eye. "Fuck, I don't think she likes chocolates." He said to himself, rubbing the back of his neck and standing there awkwardly. He groaned, throwing his head back as he turned to leave. He'd better not do something that would end up having Grace mock him at the end. He got back int
The next day crept in faster than usual, Grace stirred and to her surprise, she was wrapped in someone's embrace. Her first thought was if she unknowingly went with one of those men at the table. Her heartbeat accelerated in fear as she actually thought maybe she had done it. She hurriedly pulled away from the figure but also realized it wasn't one of those men as she had thought. It was actually Dante. Dante's eyes fluttered open, as he jerked up from his sleep, reaching under his pillow as fast as lightning as he pulled out a gun. "Who's the fool?!" He yelled, aiming aimlessly. Grace, who hadn't expected that, froze at the sight of the gun he pulled out. Did... Did he just pull out a gun? The grogginess he felt slowly wore off and he could finally see it was Grace in the room with him and not someone else. He released a sigh of relief and put the gun aside. "Fuck, you scared me." He muttered and fell back on the bed. Grace then glared at him before yelling. "Was that a gun
"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