Hello, people! I hope you guys enjoy today's update. Do comment to let me know what you think, I'd love to read your feedback. ❤️ XOXO
Claire⋅•⋅⊰∙∘∘∙⊱⋅•⋅"My parents died in a car accident, there had been a storm and they had left me behind with grandma. I was six, so I remember some of the stuff. It stayed with me," I explained to Ethan, feeling his comforting touch as he ran his fingers through my hair. The memories from that time were still etched in my mind, haunting me.We were again in my studio. He had a fondness for this space. He loved my art, the way my face glowed whenever I painted—his words not mine. He often described my connection with colors as something truly special. "The storm that night was relentless, I mean, the rain was just...pouring down, no end in sight. My parents had headed out, leaving me with my grandma. I was just a kid, about six years old at the time, so I remember bits and pieces." I looked up at him, he had placed my head on his lap, and his fingers in my hair. "But then came that call, you know? It was my uncle on the line, and I could tell from his voice that something was ter
Vincenzo⋅•⋅⊰∙∘∘∙⊱⋅•⋅Vincenzo Capone - Thirteen Year Old.I was just thirteen years old, but I had already learned that in the world of the Chicago Outfit, innocence was a luxury few could afford. My father, Salvatore Capone, was a powerful man, a figure to be reckoned with in the criminal underworld. A man whose name sent shivers down the spines of his rivals. As his firstborn son, I was destined to inherit not just his name but also the responsibilities and rules that came with it.Within the complex web of our criminal empire, there was no room for errors. I was being groomed to become the future face of the Capone dynasty, a role that demanded a firm commitment to ruthless efficiency, cunning strategy, raw power, and surgical precision. The path I was on was of darkness, where sentimentality had no place, and emotions were discarded like expendable assets.My daily routine was far from typical for a thirteen-year-old. While other kids my age worried about school, friends, and ga
Claire⋅•⋅⊰∙∘∘∙⊱⋅•⋅Ethan and I strolled across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, the city lights reflected off the East River, creating a magical atmosphere. It was one of those nights that felt like a scene from a rom-com that Allegra and I watched together. I took a deep breath of the cool night air and couldn't help but smile. "You know, Ethan, I've always loved this view of the city. It's like a different world up here."He nodded in agreement, "It's like a piece of art, ever-changing yet timeless."We continued our walk, the bridge's cables stretching overhead like giant harp strings. I gazed at the river below and sighed contentedly, "You know, I've always wondered about the people who designed these bridges, the ones who built them.""Yeah? What have you wondered?"I glanced at him, "I mean, they dedicated their lives to creating something that would outlive them, something that connects people and places. It's like leaving a piece of your soul behind for the world to see."He smile
Claire⋅•⋅⊰∙∘∘∙⊱⋅•⋅We were given a list of activities... couple's activities that Marco's fiancée had planned. She wasn't from our world, she didn't care what anyone said. She was hardwired to get everyone involved in the couple's activities and Marco supported her in everything even Evangeline and Delilah convinced their husbands to join and they both were the most difficult ones. Although, Marco and Amy met under a very awkward arranged marriage kind of situation but they both had the best out of it and anyone could truly see that Marco adored her. Amy Sterling was probably the kindest It girl I had ever had the pleasure of meeting in my life. She was like a shining star in her family and appeared to be the favorite child of her parents. Her warmth and grace left an indelible impression on everyone she encountered.We all sat in a circle around the bonfire. Evangeline was sitting between Capo's legs as he whispered something in her ears making her smile. Delilah sat in Lorenzo's
Vincenzo⋅•⋅⊰∙∘∘∙⊱⋅•⋅I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the knot of my silk tie with meticulous care. The charcoal-gray suit clung perfectly to my frame, accentuating the sharp lines of my body. Every detail mattered to me. The clean lines of the suit, the glint of my cufflinks, and the shine of my dress shoes. I was never one to enjoy these social events, but it was crucial to maintain appearances in our world. Tonight was no different. My presence had to be felt, a reminder of the influence and strength of the Capone name.With a final adjustment of my tie, I turned and walked out of the room. I knocked on Sarah's door, and she emerged in a blue dress. The moment her eyes fell on my suit, her smile waned."You didn't inform me of the color of your suit. I could have coordinated my dress with your tie," she remarked."We're not children heading to the prom, Sarah," I retorted. Her disappointment was evident as she sighed and adjusted her dress. "I just thought it would be ni
Claire⋅•⋅⊰∙∘∘∙⊱⋅•⋅"Well then, I have a proposition for you," the devilish hint in his voice was not lost on me. He had pinned me against the wall just beside the racks and now he was standing just a step away from me, even if I wanted to get out, I couldn't move this brick wall of a man at all. I squinted my eyes at him, "What?" He gave me a sinister smile, "There are still five nights left here on this island, right?" I simply stared at him, waiting for him to continue. "You spend the next five nights with me..." My senses were thrown into disarray, and I blinked, unsure if he had just uttered what I thought I heard.A sardonic chuckle escaped my lips, my grip on the towel tightening over my chest as if it could shield me from him. "And why on earth would I do that?" I questioned, though there was an underlying uncertainty in my voice, a hint that his words had struck a chord within me.With a casual, self-assured demeanor, he ran his fingers through his hair, pushing it back,
Claire⋅•⋅⊰∙∘∘∙⊱⋅•⋅The moonlight made the beach look so beautiful, all silver and shiny. It was warm outside, and I was standing at the edge of the water with waves touching my toes. I wiggled my toes, looking at the vast water before me, listening to the sound of the waves. Taking off my coverall, I dropped it to the floor. I was wearing a red bikini. With each step, the water grew deeper, and the distant rumble of the waves filled my ears. It felt amazing like the ocean was hugging me. I walked further into the sea, and the water felt so good against my skin. It was a bit chilly, which was pretty cool when mixed with the warm night. When the water was up to my waist, I took a big breath and dived under. It was all cool and weightless down there. It felt like I was floating around in the big, dark sea, with just the night sky above. Everything underwater was lit up with this soft, dreamy glow. I kept on swimming. It was like being in a serene, otherworldly place. As I got farther
Vincenzo⋅•⋅⊰∙∘∘∙⊱⋅•⋅Vincenzo Capone - Thirteen Year Old. In the basement of one of the Outfit's hideouts, Dad presented me with a polished silver Colt .45. The gun felt heavy, its metal surface cold in my hands. It was both terrifying and exhilarating because this was the first time he had handed me a real gun, I have always practiced with the fake one but there was no turning back from this moment.Dad watched my every move with a piercing gaze. He showed no signs of tenderness; this was not a father-son bonding moment. It was a lesson, a crucial part of my grooming to become the future Capo of our family.He gestured for me to step closer to the target he had set up at the far end of the basement. A beaten-up, terribly injured man was propped up on a wooden stand. His mouth was clamped shut, tears stained his bloodied cheeks and his eyes pleaded with me to put him out of his misery. I could feel the weight of the gun in my hand as I brought it to eye level, my fingers trembling
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