Hello, everyone! 💕 I hope you guys enjoy today's update. It might be easier to say that she needs to tell him but as she is a victim, she doesn't have the same courage. It takes years for victims to finally speak out. Also, if anyone thinks that Vincenzo deserves better only because of what happened to Claire, then I'm kind of disappointed. 😢 But I love you all and respect your opinions. XOXO! 💕
Claire⋅•⋅⊰∙∘∘∙⊱⋅•⋅Pinned against the door, my back arched, my hands sought him out and he grabbed them and intertwined our fingers. He firmly pressed them against the door on either side of me, creating a hard cage that I couldn't escape from. I could feel him getting hard against my stomach, like, seriously stretching the front of his pants. It sent burning heat through me. Knowing I'm doing this to him—it's like this wild, unbridled feeling to have a man this powerful lose control only because of you. My fingers were practically itching to touch, but he wasn't giving my hands any freedom.I moaned into his kiss when he bit on my lip, the sensation, and taste of him hitting me so intensely that my clit throbbed down there.My eyelids flutter shut, the warmth and rush of adrenaline plunging from my chest straight down to my groin in a split second. He pulled away briefly, muttering a "Fuck" under his breath. Before I could respond, he dove back in, his mouth taking control, cravi
Claire⋅•⋅⊰∙∘∘∙⊱⋅•⋅"This isn't fair, Mr. Capone, I feel like I have been taken advantage of," I whined while he remained entirely focused on his laptop.He sat beside me, leaning against the headboard. Black silky sheets covered only half of his body, his hair wild, tousled in a very sexy way. I had never seen his hair this disheveled in my life before, it's always so sleek and perfect. As the soft morning light gently caressed the room, he radiated an undeniable sexiness, embodying a Greek god in the flesh. It was six in the morning, we hadn't slept the whole night. He had some stamina, working out regularly paid off the both of us tonight. An hour after our last round, his brother called from Italy and he dropped everything to check whatever he asked him to. I lay on my stomach beside him, the sheets covering my ass. My arms were crisscrossed under my face as I looked up at him.He cast me a sideways glance, flashing the sweetest smile I had ever seen, and then snapped his attent
Claire⋅•⋅⊰∙∘∘∙⊱⋅•⋅"Absolutely no knives," Alessia declared the moment I stepped into the kitchen. Without glancing my way, she seemed to sense my presence. Sitting on the counter, Allie took a crisp bite of an apple, a wide grin stretching across her face. Her eyes traced my movements, and the growing swell of her baby bump now made it unmistakably evident that she was expecting."So, Cindy, how was your night? Find a comfortable spot to rest because when I came by your room to make sure you took your pills, it seemed you'd pulled a disappearing act," she teased, a touch of mischief lacing her words.She knew all about it, Alessia must have told her. Of course, she would, these two tell each other everything. "I was at the library, buried in a book...""Are you sure the book was the only thing being buried inside of you?" Allie asked, catching me off-guard, she had never made such a risqué comment in her life before. "I can tell your husband's influence is starting to leave its ma
Claire⋅•⋅⊰∙∘∘∙⊱⋅•⋅"Ever tried stargazing?" he asked, as he led me further into the beautiful Planetarium. I've never been to a planetarium or tried stargazing. The closest I got was lying in bed after my uncle was done with me, just staring at the stars and feeling betrayed by them for not rescuing me.I shook my head, he led me to the telescope at the Adler Planetarium, the air buzzed with a different kind of electricity. Vincenzo's fingers, rugged and experienced, skillfully adjusted the telescope, sending a subtle shiver through me. His touch lingered as he passed the eyepiece to me. I don't know why his touch never gets old...Excitement mingled with a hint of nervousness as I peered through the lens, the vastness of the cosmos unfolded before my eyes, each star telling a story written in the language of the universe. The city lights transformed into a celestial masterpiece, and he stepped behind me, his presence was an unexpected heat to the chilly night.His hand found my w
Vincenzo⋅•⋅⊰∙∘∘∙⊱⋅•⋅Vincenzo Capone - Fifteen years old. The Capo, my father, a figure of authority, Salvatore Capone stood before me. "You stand on the precipice, Vincenzo, on the edge of loyalty and consequence. This family is your blood, your sanctuary. Once you step in, there's no turning back. Family comes first, above all else – your wife, children, mother, father, your brothers. It's a bond unbroken."A ceremonial knife glinted in the subdued light as it passed to me. "In the crucible of loyalty, a cut to mark your pact. Blood binds, and with this, you embrace the vows of kinship."I ran the knife over my palm, allowing the blood to drip onto Saint Peter's card.Dad with a stern gaze, intoned, "At the sanctum of Saint Peter, this family swears. May your soul burn in hell if you betray your family." My dad seized the Saint Peter card, placing it cautiously above the candle's flame until it ignited. With deliberate movements, he then positioned the burning card onto my bloodi
Vincenzo⋅•⋅⊰∙∘∘∙⊱⋅•⋅Vincenzo Capone - Fifteen years old. She entered the room clad in the most provocative attire she could scrounge up, yet it did little to mask the inherent lack of grace. She had taken off my mother's jewels, and it was for her own good, or else I don't know what I would have done. What truly revolted me, however, wasn't the revealing outfit but the audacity she displayed. A smile was etched on her face, and there was not a symbol of respect for the man she purportedly shared a relationship with—my father. The disregard for herself and the blatant disrespect for him festered a disgust within me that words could hardly capture. It was a grotesque display, and her grin only deepened my contempt. She smirked, hands resting on her hips. "If you wanted me, Vincenzo, you could've just said it. Now I see why you were all worked up about me and your dad. You wished you were in his spot instead," she spat out, her words oozing with a shameless audacity that left a dist
Vincenzo⋅•⋅⊰∙∘∘∙⊱⋅•⋅"What is it?" I asked, my eyes darting between the door and Adriano. Adriano sighed, "So, they raided Il Silenzio Oscuro, the stuff they found there was way more than what we found on that hard drive we retrieved from Santino's safe." As I was listening to him, Claire's door slowly opened and she stepped out, dragging a suitcase behind her. Fuck!Claire froze by the door, her eyes silently seeking answers. Adriano, catching sight of her, shot her an almost apologetic look, promptly sealing his lips shut."Can this discussion wait?" I interjected, aware that while intel wasn't going anywhere, Claire seemed on the verge of doing just that.Adriano, with visible reluctance, nodded. "Yeah." Circling around Adriano, I made my way to Claire. Without a word, I gently nudged her back into the room, leaving her suitcase stranded in the hallway. As the door clicked shut, she caught me off guard, making the first move. She flung herself into my arms, burying her face in
Claire⋅•⋅⊰∙∘∘∙⊱⋅•⋅"He refuses to talk to me. Scott cut off all contact after I told him. He wants me to choose between—" I sniffled, lying in bed and staring at the ceiling."Fuck him, who even asked for his fucking blessing? He can shove that shit up his ass," he sneered. I don't know how but that's exactly the reaction I expected from him. Ugh, God, for once couldn't you just give me a normal man with normal thoughts, who does normal things, and who is not a whole-ass mobster? "I asked for his blessing, I did. It means something to me," I stated. "You know I'm really tempted to just kidnap you." Yup! A man who thinks kidnapping is a piece of cake is completely normal. "Vince..." "Why is he so important to you, Claire?" he asked, his voice suddenly turning really low. I frowned, "What do you mean? I told you he's all I have—" "Yes, but why? You have this odd connection with him like you can't make any major decision in your life without his permission or approval." I blinke
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