Hey! I hope you enjoy today's update! 💕 Now get ready for tomorrow, what secrets do you think they might be spilling? Comment and let me know your thoughts! XOXO! 💕
Claire⋅•⋅⊰∙∘∘∙⊱⋅•⋅The room was hushed, with only the soft shuffling of cards breaking the silence. We sat opposite each other, our eyes meeting in a playful challenge. The table between us held an assortment of chips and a deck of cards. The initial cards were dealt, and I glimpsed at my hand—two eights, a decent beginning. Vincenzo, his eyes a mix of confidence and darkness, kept his cards close to his chest.The first community card unveiled itself, adding a nine to the mix. Vincenzo's nonchalant demeanor didn't give away much, but I sensed a subtle tension.The second community card, a seven, appeared, and his expression remained unreadable. I weighed the odds and decided to raise the stakes. As the final card, a six, completed the tableau, his eyes flickered with something akin to satisfaction. We revealed our hands—my pair of eights versus Vincenzo's straight. I looked at him and he stared back at me with an annoying, smug smile and darkness-riddled eyes, "Strip," he ordered.
Claire⋅•⋅⊰∙∘∘∙⊱⋅•⋅His smoldering eyes looked into mine, as he gripped the back of my hair and forced my face closer to his, "The truce with the Cosa Nostra... it wasn't for Scott and Allegra, I did it for you," he revealed, making me stunned. At that heated moment, his confession lingered in the atmosphere, breaking down any assumptions I held. My eyes widened in disbelief, torn between the touch of his rough hands and the gravity of his words. The revelation that our truce wasn't just business but driven by his desire for me left me stunned. I shook my head gently, his fingers still entangled in my hair, "No, you didn't. We didn't even know each other back then. We met, like, once when you tried to shoot me."A wry smile played on his lips. "Well, not the most conventional start, I admit," he said, as he loosened his grip on my hair, allowing me to lean back slightly. His gaze lingered on my lips before meeting my eyes again. "But that moment... it sparked something, didn't it?" h
Vincenzo⋅•⋅⊰∙∘∘∙⊱⋅•⋅Vincenzo Capone - Fifteen Years Old. "Come here," Mom said, pulling me in and showering my face with sweet kisses.I laughed, "Mom, stop it! You can't do that anymore. I'm fifteen, not your little boy. And with my initiation just around the corner, I'll officially be a man!" I told her, attempting to loosen her hold on me, but my effort wasn't too convincing.In response to my feeble attempt, she playfully ignored my resistance and continued to shower me with affectionate kisses, peppering them all over my face as if each one carried all of her love. "I don't care how old you get; you will always be my little boy. My baby Vincenzo, my first love... I will shower you with love like this every single day of the year, even when you're thirty or maybe fifty. You'll always be my baby boy, and I'll continue to pepper kisses all over this handsome face as much as I want! No one can stop me, not even you. I brought you into this world, and I get to love you forever."I
Claire⋅•⋅⊰∙∘∘∙⊱⋅•⋅"Vincenzo!" I snapped, doing my best to wriggle out of his grasp.I didn't even get a chance to look around the unfamiliar space – I was too busy trying to squirm my way out. But, lo and behold, it felt like we walked through the frickin' Grand Canyon or something. We finally made it to his bed and he dropped me on it like he was tossing a bag of chips onto the couch.His footsteps faded away, and I tensed when the door clicked shut. I swung around to find him leaning against it, arms crossed. The white dress shirt clung to his biceps, soaked in blood and he looked like the damn prince of darkness.And then I realized that it's exactly what he was. A prince of darkness... Darkness was like his second nature... His eyes traced down, starting from my face, pulled down by some invisible force. They glided over every curve, from my lips to my neck, down to my chest where the thin fabric hinted at what lay beneath. My shirt had hitched up by his manhandling, revealin
Claire⋅•⋅⊰∙∘∘∙⊱⋅•⋅His BMW S 1000 RR was a beast, zooming through traffic like it owned the road. It was like one of the fastest bikes in the world. The way he handled it made me wonder just how many times he'd pulled these maneuvers before.I couldn't resist the urge any longer. I threw my arms in the air, the wind weaving through my fingers like a playful dance partner. Laughter spilled out of me, carried away by the rushing air. "Easy there," he said, "Wouldn't want you slipping away now, would we?" he momentarily released one hand from the bike's handlebar, reaching around to secure me and prevent any chance of me falling off.The city lights blurred into a kaleidoscope of colors, and in that suspended moment, I felt a sense of freedom that whispered... This is what living is all about. Suddenly, my laugh was interrupted by the unwelcome sound of sirens. Glancing over my shoulder, I caught sight of flashing red and blue lights approaching us."Shit..." I whispered, wrapping my a
Claire⋅•⋅⊰∙∘∘∙⊱⋅•⋅Straddling him on a bench in a secluded garden, things took a turn I hadn't quite expected. Instead of the simple night out I had in mind, there we were, kissing like it was the most natural thing in the world. It wasn't part of the plan, but somehow, it felt right – it just came effortlessly like the air I breathe and the beat of my heart.I lied, you know... This was the best kiss of my whole life, no one had kissed me. This kiss, it wasn't like the usual build-up, not just part of some foreplay, he was kissing for the sake of kissing me. I relished every moment – his lips, his scent, the taste of him, and the way his touch lingered on my body. It felt like the first time I truly experienced a kiss, something beyond merely setting a mood. It was perfect, genuine, and more than I ever expected, it wasn't about leading to something else; it was the main event. He pulled me in closer with his big hand on my back, the light stubble on his face brushing against my sk
Vincenzo⋅•⋅⊰∙∘∘∙⊱⋅•⋅I waited in the car, my impatience simmering as she took an eternity. Whatever she was up to, I couldn't imagine, but when she finally emerged, a scowl etched across her face, it was clear she had a knack for testing my patience.She swung open the car door and gracefully slipped into the passenger seat, her familiar scent enveloping the confined space.I maintained a stoic expression as I maneuvered the car out of our heavily secured residence. The security team efficiently unlocked each gate, and once we smoothly passed through the third one, hidden from the watchful eyes of my men, I seized her chin. In an instant, I leaned in for a kiss, craving her from the moment I had seen her in this dress but she blocked it with a hand firmly placed between our lips. What the fuck? I abruptly pulled back, my focus divided between the road and her. She swiped my hand away from her chin, crossing her arms defensively over her chest and shifting towards the car door, creat
Claire⋅•⋅⊰∙∘∘∙⊱⋅•⋅"When I'm pissed off, I fuck hard," his voice came out deep, husky, and almost as if it took everything in him to utter these words. I felt his fingers digging into my hipbone as he held me closer. I blinked up at him, wondering, what did Vincenzo Capone even see in me when he was surrounded by all these women? When he had an ex like Sarah Cromwell. Why me? His secretary Georgina was a beautiful, smart, and probably an upstanding woman—why did he never get attracted to her? Why me? I quivered as he squeezed me forcefully, his grip leaving searing imprints on my skin. My fingers desperately clung to his flexed forearms, as he tried to shove his hands under my dress. I wasn't afraid of his bruteness, I have had enough bruteness in my life that I had grown a very hard skin. It takes a lot to simply unnerve me but somehow he manages to do that simply just by being around me. "I'm fine with that..." I nodded slightly and managed to whisper. He made a deep sound tha
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