Dear readers, I've been dealing with severe anxiety lately, and it has affected my well-being. I apologize if this chapter isn't as thrilling. Your understanding means a lot. Take care. 💖 XOXO! 💕
Vincenzo⋅•⋅⊰∙∘∘∙⊱⋅•⋅"Open it," I ordered. One of my soldiers knelt down and quickly fiddled with the lock. With a click, it opened, and three others hurried over to help lift the heavy metal lid off the pit. Antonio looked up, his hands reaching out for something, anything to help him climb out of the pit. But there was nothing, just emptiness, leaving him confused after spending two nights trapped below in complete darkness. A few years back, I had the pit constructed. I had intended to use it on Nikolai Costello. It stretched ten feet deep, devoid of any natural light or fresh air. To make sure the captive's survival, a pipe was installed to supply fresh oxygen. Every five hours, a soldier would open a small window above the cover to drop in food and a water bottle to keep him alive. "Boss, I didn't do anything. If anyone said anything to you, they lied, they lied, Boss. I have always been loyal to you," his panicked and desperate voice reverberated off the pit walls.I remaine
Claire⋅•⋅⊰∙∘∘∙⊱⋅•⋅"Are you sure you can pull that off?" I asked, my voice tinged with uncertainty."Of course, I'll make sure he notices me. It's not that difficult. Capo is here every single night," she replied confidently."The mansion, Gigi, you have to make sure he brings you here, nowhere else. If he suggests a hotel or an apartment, you have to convince him to bring you to the mansion," I whispered urgently, crouched behind the racks in our closet."I understand, Claire. I'll make sure he takes me to the mansion," she whispered back, her voice resolute.I chewed my nails nervously, unable to shake the feeling of apprehension that coiled in the pit of my stomach. "How long will it take before he decides to..." I trailed off, my voice barely above a whisper."We're the only women in his life," Gigi reassured me, her tone calm and steady. "He always comes here when he wants to relieve some of the stress of the job."I nodded, though she couldn't see me. "Okay, yeah, right..." my w
Claire⋅•⋅⊰∙∘∘∙⊱⋅•⋅Everyone had retired to their rooms, and Vincenzo typically returned home around two in the morning. This afforded me ample opportunity to slip back to my own room unnoticed, pretending as though I had never left.Believe it or not, at that moment, I was hiding under Salvatore's bed, waiting for him to return. Gigi was on her way with him, and surprisingly, she didn't even have to convince him to take her home; this was where he brought all his nightstands.I lay in wait, the minutes stretched into eternity, each one punctuated by the erratic beat of my heart. There were numerous potential outcomes, and many of them had the potential to do more harm than good. However, if I played my cards wisely, there was a chance, I might just succeed.All I can do is hope and pray that everything falls into place—that Vincenzo doesn't arrive home sooner than expected and discover my absence from our room. Let's also hope none of his brothers decide to venture into his wing in s
Claire⋅•⋅⊰∙∘∘∙⊱⋅•⋅With my cell phone in hand—the one Alessandro had given to me—I dialed Alessandro's number, all the while keeping a watchful eye on Salvatore, the blade of my knife still pressed against his throat. "But before I finish you off," I said with a cold smile, "let's have a few parting words with your most formidable adversary."I wasn't entirely sure about the extent of the technology used by the Chicago Outfit, but I had every confidence that Alessandro's expertise surpassed anything they could muster. After all, he had proven himself time and again to be one step ahead, his mastery of technology unmatched in our world. With Alessandro's skills at my disposal, there was little doubt in my mind that Salvatore's downfall was all but assured.He had developed a deep fake technology that could imitate a person's voice and face flawlessly. With just a handful of images of Salvatore, Alessandro could concoct a video of him engaging in... let's say, some rather compromising a
Vincenzo⋅•⋅⊰∙∘∘∙⊱⋅•⋅Greg had been disturbingly silent ever since he stormed out of my office. Not a word, not even a message. It was as if he had vanished into thin air. His sudden disappearance grated on my nerves, leaving a sour taste in my mouth. Outside of my inner circle, trust was a rare commodity, but Greg had always been one of the few I could rely on. I hesitated to involve my men in the search for Greg. His murky dealings with the CIA posed a significant risk—if they caught wind that I was on his trail, they'd exploit it to bring me down. The last thing I needed was to draw unwanted attention to myself and my operations.Today had already been a rough day, and to top it off, my wife decided to start some kind of strip-teasing exercise right there on our bed, just to push my buttons even further.Every provocative sway of her hips, and every teasing glance she threw my way only served to fuel my irritation. My cock stirred in my pants as I drowned myself in whiskey. Was s
Claire⋅•⋅⊰∙∘∘∙⊱⋅•⋅Blood... Blood stained my hands...Vincenzo's blood...I stared at the crimson stains, a sickening reminder of the violence I had unleashed. The weight of guilt pressed down on me, suffocating and relentless.I never intended for things to escalate like this. My plan had spiraled out of control, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.His brothers ripped him away from me as they took him to a hospital in a car while I remained alone, crumpled on the floor of his father's bedroom, the metallic scent of blood heavy in the air, clinging to my skin.I did this. It's my doing. I pulled the strings. I may not have pulled the trigger, but all this blood is on my hands.I never thought this plan could have such circumstances. How could I have been so blind, so foolish? The guilt gnawed at me, consuming me from the inside out.I had been so consumed by my desire to take down his father from his throne, so focused on tearing him down, that I had failed to consider the co
Claire⋅•⋅⊰∙∘∘∙⊱⋅•⋅I spent the night in the hospital with Vincenzo although his brother tried to force me to go home I couldn't bring myself to leave him alone like this.This morning, he regained consciousness briefly. The doctor examined him and reported that his recovery was progressing exceptionally well. He was responsive, all his senses were intact, and his vital signs were stable. However, to make sure he gets adequate rest, they administered medication to help him sleep.I sat by his bedside, watching over him as he slept, a sense of relief washing over me at the news of his improving condition. Gazing at his peaceful expression, a flood of emotions washed over me. I reached out and gently brushed a strand of hair from his forehead, a silent prayer on my lips for his swift recovery. I watched for any sign of movement. And then, ever so slowly, his eyelids fluttered open, revealing the faintest hint of awareness beneath.A flicker of relief washed over me as I leaned closer,
Vincenzo⋅•⋅⊰∙∘∘∙⊱⋅•⋅The office was bustling with activity as men from around the world gathered, each one personally selected by Adriano for the meeting. They came without hesitation, showing their loyalty to our cause. Amidst the crowd, the heads of each family stood out, their presence a reminder of the power they held. Whispers of Dad losing his mind had spread like wildfire, evident in the worried and skeptical glances exchanged. The proof of it was etched on my chest and Dante's shoulder. I don't understand what the fuck was I still doing here.Lying in Claire's arms, I had thought it was all over for me, but evidently not. Someone had to be there for her, to take care of her.As I stood before the assembled crowd, a heavy silence hung in the air, broken only by the sound of my own steady breaths. Addressing the gathered faces, I knew I had to speak the truth, no matter how difficult it was."It's time we faced the reality," I began, my voice cutting through the tension. "For
Hey there,Thanks a ton for sticking around till the end of this wild and long ride! It's been a blast crafting this romance and I hope you've had as much fun reading it as I did writing it.I've loved weaving together all the juicy bits of love, drama, and danger. It's been like piecing together a puzzle but with way more heart-pounding moments.I hope you've been rooting for our main couple through all the twists and turns. They've been through the wringer, but love always finds a way, right?As you close this book, just remember, their story doesn't end here. They'll keep living on in your imagination, popping up when you least expect it.And if this story had you on the edge of your seat, I'm begging you, please, take a quick sec to give it a solid FIVE-STAR RATING. It's not just for me, it's for all those readers out there who haven't stumbled upon this story yet.Seriously, your rating could make all the difference in getting this book noticed. Think of it as your way of spreadin
Claire⋅•⋅⊰∙∘∘∙⊱⋅•⋅•The First Steps! ❤️"Oh my god, do you have the camera ready?!" I asked, excitement bubbling up inside me as we watched Aurelia tentatively attempt to take her first steps.She was already pulling herself up on the furniture, her chubby little hands gripping tightly as she teetered on unsteady legs. Her blue eyes sparkled with determination, her tiny mouth set in a determined line as she focused on the task at hand. She had gotten her blue eyes from my mama. Vincenzo and I had been eagerly awaiting this moment, always keeping our cameras close at hand in anticipation. Not just us, but the whole house. Salvatore, Alessia, and his brothers, they all celebrated everything she did. With bated breath, we watched as Aurelia took a wobbly step forward, her face lighting up with a mixture of surprise and delight. She stumbled slightly, her arms windmilling for balance before she regained her footing and took another hesitant step."Look at her go," Vincenzo murmured, hi
Note: This chapter takes place after Vincenzo has sent Claire back to New York once he learns the entire truth.Vincenzo⋅•⋅⊰∙∘∘∙⊱⋅•⋅She was safe—safer than she had ever been in Chicago before.I had rented out the house across the street and stationed my men there to keep a watchful eye on her. They would keep their distance, she wouldn't even realize that they were there. I was furious with her, consumed by an intense anger that threatened to engulf me. But despite my rage, I couldn't bring myself to abandon her. She was too self-destructive, too chaotic to be left to her own devices.Part of me wanted to confront her, to unleash my fury and make her understand the gravity of her actions. But another part of me, a side that only belonged to her, couldn't bear to see her suffer alone.In the end, my love for her won out. No matter how angry I was, no matter how much she lied to me, I couldn't abandon her. She was a part of me, and I would do whatever it took to keep her safe, even i
Vincenzo⋅•⋅⊰∙∘∘∙⊱⋅•⋅I held Claire close, her body tense against mine, her face buried against my chest as I observed Tony's pitiful state. His once tough presence was reduced to nothingness, stripped of his limbs, his sight, and his dignity. He lay there like a discarded husk, a mere shell of his former self, awaiting the inevitable embrace of death. Claire refused to spare him even a glance, she had stopped coming here all altogether after she had ordered their eyes to be taken out, it was just too much for her. Tony's existence was a grotesque mockery of humanity, stripped of its most fundamental faculties. Devoid of limbs, senses, and any semblance of autonomy, he lay there, a pitiful shell of his former self. The ordeal of surviving without the ability to walk or see had surely taken its toll on his mind, leaving him trapped in a nightmarish existence."Please, Vincenzo, I can't stand to be here any longer," Claire pleaded, her voice quivering with a mix of desperation and di
Claire⋅•⋅⊰∙∘∘∙⊱⋅•⋅I stirred awake, feeling Vincenzo's solid frame enveloping me from behind. The unmistakable presence of his sizable cock pressed against me sent a jolt of excitement coursing through my body. I couldn't resist teasing him, rolling my hips ever so slightly against his length.A low, guttural groan escaped his lips, sending a delicious shiver down my spine. His response was so quintessentially Vincenzo that I couldn't help but smile, relishing in the sensation of his desire coursing through me even before I opened my eyes to greet the day.Last night fulfilled every dream I've ever had about becoming a mother and sharing intimate moments with the man I love. "Are you awake, Mia Cara?"I reached up, my fingers delicately tracing the contours of his forearm where it lay against my ribs, just below my breasts. "Mhmm," I murmured softly. He pulled me closer, his embrace tightening as he buried his face in the nape of my neck. I could sense the gentle caress of his lips
Claire⋅•⋅⊰∙∘∘∙⊱⋅•⋅"Who's been managing things while you've been away?" I inquired, pulling my hair up into a ponytail."I was," he replied, his gaze fixed on me through the mirror. "I know how to run my organization even when I'm not physically there."We stood side by side, him adjusting his tie while I styled my hair. I had been discreet about our baby, wanting the right moment to reveal the news, I wanted it to be special. I wasn't sure if he had noticed my subtle changes, but he hadn't said a word about it.His phone rang, and he quickly grabbed it, a smirk playing on his lips as he glanced at the screen. Without answering, he slid it back into his pocket."Who was it?" I asked, curious.His smirk widened. "Scott Mancini." My eyes widened in disbelief. "Oh my god, he must be so worried about me. You have to talk to him," I urged. Vincenzo's expression remained smug as ever, and he nonchalantly shrugged. "No," he replied, his tone dismissive."What do you mean, no?" I exclaimed,
Claire⋅•⋅⊰∙∘∘∙⊱⋅•⋅Perched on the edge of the bed, I curled into myself, knees drawn up to my chest, and my chin resting on top of my knees. His presence across from me was palpable, his hand possessively wrapped around my ankle, anchoring me to him. Slowly, deliberately, his touch traced a path along my leg, each caress sending shivers of conflicting emotions coursing through me. Despite the state of mind, I knew he was in, his touch was a paradox of gentleness, a stark contrast to the brutality I knew he was capable of. Yet, at this moment, his tenderness felt like a lifeline, a fragile thread connecting us. With each stroke, I could feel the electricity coursing through my body, pulling me closer to him. It was like we were speaking our own language, one filled with longing and love. "You were the anonymous buyer..." I stated. His intense gaze locked onto mine, momentarily stealing my breath. "It was your debut exhibition. I had to support my girl," he replied, his voice dark a
Claire⋅•⋅⊰∙∘∘∙⊱⋅•⋅My eyelids felt heavy as if they were weighed down by tons of bricks, and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't force them open. With a groan, I summoned all my strength and pushed my eyes open, only to be met with the blurry sight of an unfamiliar ceiling.As I blinked away the haze of unconsciousness, the events of the previous night flooded back to me in a rush. Panic surged through me as I struggled to make sense of my surroundings.The room was dimly lit, with heavy curtains drawn tightly shut, casting a shadowy gloom over everything. I tried to sit up, but a wave of dizziness washed over me, forcing me back down onto the soft surface beneath me.Where was I? And more importantly, who brought me here, and why? Dread pooled in the pit of my stomach. As my eyes adjusted to the dim light, I took in the opulent surroundings of the bedroom. Rich fabrics adorned the furnishings, and ornate decorations adorned the walls. It was a stark contrast to the cold fear grip
Claire⋅•⋅⊰∙∘∘∙⊱⋅•⋅I was four months pregnant, and while the first trimester had been relatively easy, now I was starting to show a bit, and the nausea was hitting me hard, making each day a struggle to get through. I gently caressed my slightly swollen belly, finding comfort in the subtle changes my body was undergoing. Although it wasn't yet noticeable to others, I cherished this intimate connection with my growing baby, a bond that only I could feel.For the exhibition tonight, I opted for a dress that would discreetly conceal my growing bump. I slipped into a black burnout maxi dress with delicate spaghetti straps, its modest neckline offering just the right amount of coverage. As I admired my reflection in the mirror, I couldn't help but feel a surge of confidence. No one on this earth can tear you down, Claire Parker, not even the man you love with all your heart. The sleek silhouette of the dress hugged my curves in all the right places, disguising my pregnancy with effortle