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Claire⋅•⋅⊰∙∘∘∙⊱⋅•⋅Eleven Years Ago...Stars and dark blue sheets... I've spent countless nights counting every single one of these stars. One hundred and twenty-three tiny luminous dots scattered across the expanse of these dark blue sheets.At this moment, I'm not here. I'm far away, lost among the stars. I close my eyes, imagining myself twirling among them, each twinkling a distant universe, each gleaming a moment of serenity far removed from this reality.His hand, rough and oppressive, forces my face into the bed. I squeeze my eyes shut, trying to shut out the world. I'm with the stars. They are my escape, my sanctuary.His heavy breaths echo loudly in the confined space, like a relentless drumbeat reverberating in my ears. I can feel the warmth of his breath on my neck, a stark contrast to the chilling touch of fear creeping through me.His voice, deep and raspy, is an unsettling presence, its timbre sending shivers down my spine. His coarse stubble grazes my sensitive skin, l
Vincenzo⋅•⋅⊰∙∘∘∙⊱⋅•⋅I sat across from Sarah, the daughter of a prominent politician whom I had been seeing for the past three months even before the peace contract with the Cosa Nostra. The candlelight flickered softly, casting a warm glow on the elegant surroundings. Sarah was dressed impeccably in a designer gown, and she had that air of entitlement about her. "Sarah, you always look stunning. That dress complements your beauty," I said, At least she wasn't one of those who'd choose booty shorts as the outfit of the day. She blushed, I rarely compliment her so this must have come off as a surprise. I just had an urge to compliment her decent style. "Thank you, Vincenzo," she threw her hair behind her shoulder in an exaggerated way, "I do believe in making a statement." The more I got to know her the more I felt like I was stuck in a room with an overconfident feline, one that had all the attention but lacked the depth I sought."Making a statement is important in your world," I
Vincenzo⋅•⋅⊰∙∘∘∙⊱⋅•⋅"Nikolai had scheduled a meeting with the bastard," Dad announced, his voice carrying the weight of authority as he sat at the head of the table. "Whoever this is, we must proceed with caution. We need to find what he has on us and to what extent." I turned to Dad, inquiring, "You're going?"Dad clenched his jaw, his expression tense. "I'd rather cut off my own cock than negotiate with a lowlife gambler. Fortunately, he insisted on your presence."Aunt Alessia intervened with a resounding thump of her hand on the table, her tone commanding, "Language, everyone. Not at the dinner table."Dad grumbled under his breath, casting a disapproving glance at his sister. He had always been the one unable to say no to her, no matter the circumstances.Silvio chimed in, a glimmer of excitement in his eyes. "Can I come to New York with you guys? I haven't seen Allegra since the peace agreement."Aunt Alessia's face lit up instantly, a cheerful smile forming at the mention of
Claire⋅•⋅⊰∙∘∘∙⊱⋅•⋅Get ready, world, because Cindy is about to light up the night like never before!This year, I've outdone myself with the party theme—Neon Rave Extravaganza. It's a stroke of brilliance if I do say so myself. The excitement that bubbled inside me was practically electric. I've meticulously planned every neon detail, from the dazzling decorations to the pulsating music. It's going to be a night of neon chaos and absolute euphoria. This party is bound to be the talk of the town, and I'm the maestro orchestrating every vibrant note of it. Dressed up in a skin-tight, off-the-shoulder neon dress that left little to the imagination, I stared at my reflection in the bathroom mirror. Neon glitter adorned my skin, like stars in a restless night sky. My trembling hands betrayed the internal struggle. I had promised Bianca that I wouldn't, that I'd fight the urge. My sponsor had been my lifeline, but lately, it felt like I was losing that battle, and the glitter couldn't hid
Vincenzo⋅•⋅⊰∙∘∘∙⊱⋅•⋅Cocaine... My fingers tingled with a mixture of rage and disgust as I stared down at the packet of cocaine in my hand. The goddamn white powder, the fucking angel dust, the shit that ruined lives. She was in that room to snort this crap. I'd known she was trouble, but I hadn't expected this.Her pupils were dilated, like portals to a dark abyss. She was already high, wasted on this poison. As if being a whore wasn't enough, she had to be a fucking junkie too.I couldn't let this slide. I couldn't let her drag herself down this destructive path, not while she was still, in some twisted way, mine... until I got over her.I felt a sickening mix of anger, disgust, and pity. How had she ended up like this? How had she allowed herself to be consumed by this poison?My cell phone slid out of my pocket with a deadly grace. I'd kept her number, from the days I used to send her messages to do my bidding. I aimed my phone at the damning plastic baggie, snapped a photo, and
Claire⋅•⋅⊰∙∘∘∙⊱⋅•⋅The cake was brought out by two men on a cake table. It was a beautiful chocolate neon-themed three-tier cake. Allegra placed a hand on my shoulder and squeezed, smiling at me, "Scott had it specially made for you." My heart skipped a beat, my smile got wider. It's not that I wanted him for myself, No, I gave up on that dream even before he realized that he didn't want to leave Allegra. I want him and Allegra to stay happy together, always. It's just that this one-sided love can be brutal, you can't control the flutter of your heart whenever you hear their name. It's the bittersweet pang of unrequited love. On one hand, I find genuine joy in Scott and Allegra's happiness, even when it's not linked to me. Although every smile they exchange may feel like a sharp pang in my chest, yet I can't help but wish for more of those moments, even if they're not meant for me. It's a constant battle between selflessness and longing. "Thank you..." I whispered, I swear she co
Claire⋅•⋅⊰∙∘∘∙⊱⋅•⋅A heavy sigh escaped his lips, his voice a low, mocking rumble in my ear. "Afraid of the little storm now, are we?"If I hadn't been so shaken up, I would have kneed him in the balls for the second time today. The sound of the clouds rumbling slowly settled down. I slowly tried to pull myself out of his arms but the next thing I knew, his arm snaked around my waist, holding me against him firmly. "Let go..." I whispered. I don't know if I wanted to let go either but I pulled my arms back from around his neck and slid them down his shoulder before settling them on his chest. His lips were dangerously close to my forehead as he stared down at me. He clicked his tongue, mockingly, "You don't get to take advantage of me, sweetheart. You can't just dive into my arms when it suits you and then pull away when you've had your fill. Every step you take with me comes at a cost, and you've already crossed that line," His voice carried a darker, more ominous tone. In a hear
Vincenzo⋅•⋅⊰∙∘∘∙⊱⋅•⋅"We have no other options," Nikolai said as he slammed his hand on the table, "Goddamn it, do you realize what he has on us?" "I'm sure there are other ways," Adriano said, agreeing with me. It was clear that this plan had my father's strategic fingerprints all over it. I couldn't even disagree with it because, he was still the Capo of the Outfit, and his influence reverberated through every corner of our operations. His orders were sacred for me and our men. I had kept him updated with every twist and turn of this unfolding situation. In fact, he had recently engaged in a conference with Nikolai to devise a meticulous plan to take down Santino, to trap him into his own game. But the plan was something I vehemently opposed, both from a professional standpoint and on a personal level. I lightly pressed two fingers against my lips, a thin veil hiding the disapproval etched on my face. My eyes narrowed with annoyance as I turned my attention towards Nikolai, "Wh
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