I hope you guys enjoy today's chapter! 💕 Don't forget to comment and vote! 💕 Also, I just came back after a 36-hour shift at the hospital so ignore any mistakes! 💕
Vincenzo⋅•⋅⊰∙∘∘∙⊱⋅•⋅We hadn't had the time to talk about anything since he had returned. Last night he was resting and today he threw a feast for the whole Capone family to celebrate his win against the Bruno family. The grand hall was loud with laughter. Men in suits and women in their best dresses swirled around, chatting and dancing to the music. Glasses clinked when we raised them. Briana Smith, an underboss's daughter, strolled over with a wide grin. I couldn't understand what she was aiming for, given my lack of interest in her. For more than a decade, she'd harbored a crush on me, and it seemed like today wouldn't be an exception."Care to join me for a dance?" she purred, her fingertip tracing the daring plunge of her dress.Raising an eyebrow, I responded with a polite smile, "I appreciate the offer, but I prefer observing the festivities.""Oh, come on, Vincenzo! We haven't seen each other in so long," she cooed, leaning in, "and a handsome man like you shouldn't be stand
Claire⋅•⋅⊰∙∘∘∙⊱⋅•⋅Gazing out the window, my eyes locked onto the thick clouds, my heart raced in my chest. Swallowing hard, I clutched my phone, fear causing my hand to tremble with each distant rumble of thunder.Vincenzo's cell phone had been off all day, not a single morning text from him. Combined with my fear of thunderstorms, it felt like the perfect storm for a full-blown panic attack.The distant rumble of thunder made me wince, and I pressed myself against the nearby wall, gripping onto it."Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!" I muttered, the anxiety fueled by the storm surging through me.The doorbell chimed, snapping me out of fear and I strode to the front door. I flung it open, only to be met with Vincenzo standing there, disheveled, handsome, and perfect. I gasped, my mouth hanging open, "What? What are you doing here?"He looked dreamy in a black turtleneck, clinging to his muscles and chiseled body, paired with black pants, tousled hair, and a charming smile with slightly overgrown s
Vincenzo⋅•⋅⊰∙∘∘∙⊱⋅•⋅Everyone was present in the room, sitting around the table. Dad sat at the head of the table and I settled onto the other end. Aunt Alessia, Adriano, Raphael, Luca, Dante, and Silvio were all looking at me with questions swirling in their eyes, they had no idea why I had called this family meeting. I don't know if Dad knows. He thinks I've changed my mind after our last conversation. "Ten days ago, I discussed my decision to get married with Dad," I said and almost everyone's eyes widened as they didn't expect me to get married ever, "And he refused." Dad straightened up, "Of course, I did. You have lost your goddamn mind, Vincenzo." "He gave me a choice," I continued, "Either I choose this family or I choose the girl." "Why?" Luca asked. Aunt Alessia interjected, "Because the girl is connected to the Famiglia of New York..." "Are you serious, Vincenzo?" Luca's disbelief echoed through the room.I gave him a faint smile, "When have I been the one to joke ar
Claire⋅•⋅⊰∙∘∘∙⊱⋅•⋅I felt something hot sliding between my legs, and I shifted. I was in deep sleep and even opening one eyelid felt like a whole workout. And then fingers slid between my folds and I gasped, snapping my eyes open to see Vincenzo's face hovering just above mine. That gasp turned into a smile. A hint of a mischievous and sexy lop-sided smile appeared on his face. His fingers moved up and down my slit, and I could already feel myself getting wetter by the second. I reached for him, but he pushed my hands away and pressed his thumb harder against my clit making me moan. "Stay right where you are... I want to see you when I pleasure you, all of you," he growled, his words dripping with intensity, like a coach berating a player for a crucial mistake. My only response was a fervent bite to my lip, hands gripping the sheets in anticipation.His finger played this wicked game, teasing like it was all a joke, but damn, it set everything on fire inside me. The room felt smal
Adriano⋅•⋅⊰∙∘∘∙⊱⋅•⋅I stared at my brother's ring, the ring that had been his since the day he was born. It had almost been a day since he left but I held onto his ring for him. I had no intention to wear it, not when Vincenzo is living and breathing, or if he is left without an heir. These are the only circumstances I'd accept this ring. The sound of Aunt Alessia's voice echoed through the room, a fervent protest against what had happened. Her argument with Dad reverberated, a clash of emotions and perspectives that showed no signs of simmering down."I don't care, Salvatore! I want him back! I will not have him leave just like that!" Her words, sharp and resolute, sliced through the tense air as she paced back and forth before Dad. "I'm trying!" "Well, then do better!" she yelled, her frustration pouring out. "I want Vincenzo and his happiness, Salvatore. I want him here, and I want him to be happy. If you do anything to hurt Claire, I won't forgive you. I've made my peace with
Claire⋅•⋅⊰∙∘∘∙⊱⋅•⋅Seated on the couch, I watched Vincenzo pace back and forth, his voice escalating as he argued with his brother over the phone. This had been going on after the shooting – constant calls urging him to come back home and take his position back. It had almost been almost two hours and by now everyone in the Cosa Nostra knew about the shooting. Anxiety coursed through me as I considered the possibilities. If it were Scott on his way, there might be a chance to reason with him, to prevent further escalation. However, the mere thought of Lorenzo or Alessandro coming overfilled me with a deeper, primal fear. The delicate truce that held our world together seemed poised to shatter, and the consequences could be catastrophic."This conversation ends right here if you can't accept the woman I've chosen to spend my life with!" Vincenzo spat into the phone, his voice laced with frustration and defiance.My heart sank deep within my chest, the weight of guilt tightening its gr
Vincenzo⋅•⋅⊰∙∘∘∙⊱⋅•⋅My fingers traced through her hair at the back of her head. She always slept on her stomach, her arm snugly wrapped around the pillow, her bare shoulders gleaming, and her blond locks sprawled enticingly across the sheets. The morning light gently kissed her skin, casting a subtle glow on her form. I marveled at the delicate curve of her spine and the graceful lines of her limbs.Lowering my head, I pressed a gentle kiss onto her bare shoulder. She stirred, emitting a soft sound. Every aspect of her exuded softness – from the curves of her body to the strands of her hair beneath my touch, the mellowness of her voice, and the tenderness of her caress. I buried my face in her hair and lost myself in her. Drowning in her softness. "Stop being so obsessed with me, I might get creeped out," she murmured into the pillow. I chuckled, my breath mingling with the soft strands of her hair, "Can't help it. Your softness had become my favorite escape." She turned to face m
Claire⋅•⋅⊰∙∘∘∙⊱⋅•⋅His lips, oh, they were not just a favorite; they've become an obsession. Every inch of him ignited a blaze within me, but those lips, dangerously perfect and irresistibly soft, set my world ablaze. In the heat of the moment, they become the focal point of desire.I delicately trailed the edge of his lips with my tongue, his hands exploring my every curve. Sensing his cock growing beneath me, I subtly pressed my hips against his hardening desire, evoking a throaty groan that mingled into our kiss. We briefly parted, gasping for air, yet his lips swiftly found solace on my neck, leaving behind a scorching trail of fervent kisses.Lost in the moment, I felt a shiver run down my spine as his warm kisses on my neck intensified. The simple act of his lips against my skin spoke volumes, igniting a fire that seemed to erase everything else around us.My hands casually roamed over his crisp white shirt, taking my time to unbutton each one. There's something about the way h
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