Hey everyone, While I value constructive criticism, it can be discouraging and frustrating to receive nitpicks right at the beginning of the story. Your feedback is important to me, but let's focus on the broader strokes first and save the details for later. Enjoy reading. xoxo
Marco»»»◈«««I dragged my hand down my face, a week since Amy's death had left me hollow. My beard was overgrown, hair disheveled, but I couldn't summon the energy to care about anything.Each day blurred into the next, a relentless cycle of grief and numbness. It was as if a switch had been flipped in my mind, transforming me into someone unrecognizable, consumed by the singular purpose of avenging Amy. Nothing else mattered. Not until I had my revenge would I find any semblance of myself again.But would it really fix anything? Would avenging her death erase the bitter truth that I betrayed her throughout our entire relationship? That she died believing in a love that was never truly reciprocated?I looked around the table and found no one but the men who had one single vendetta, to obliterate the Bruno Family from existence. Each of them had lost someone or something because of the Bruno Family.Santino Bruno, the scum of the earth, was still rotting away in one of our cells. But
Marco»»»◈«««From the rooftop, I observed as the soldiers patrolled the entrances. With steady aim, I leveled my gun at the head of one of the guards.I tightened my grip on the cold metal of the gun. The world around me seemed to slow as I steadied my aim, focusing solely on my target.With a steady hand, I squeezed the trigger. The gunshot echoed through the night, shattering the silence as the guard collapsed to the ground, a crimson stain spreading across his uniform.Instantly, chaos erupted. Soldiers scrambled for cover, shouting and yelling as they searched for the source of the gunfire. But I remained calm, as I swiftly moved to eliminate the next target.I aimed once more, my breath steady and controlled as I lined up my shot. With a sharp crack, another guard fell, his body crumpling to the ground.The night air was dark as I continued to pick off the soldiers one by one, each shot precise and calculated. And within two minutes, we took out everyone that was outside the gat
Marco»»»◈«««"Gabriele Bruno, per favore, si presenti nell'ufficio del preside." (Gabriele Bruno, please report to the principal's office.)I pressed the gun against the secretary's temple, watching her eyes widen in terror as she spoke on the PA system. Scott swiftly tied the principal to his chair, and then he silenced any protest with a strip of tape over the principal's mouth. "Please, don't kill me..." she whimpered, tears streaming down her face.I turned towards the door, which creaked open slowly. Two small shoes stepped tentatively into the room, followed by the rest of the child. He stood before us, no taller than the damn doorknob.Scott and I immediately concealed our guns, exchanging a silent glance. A soldier stationed outside closed the door, leaving the little boy alone in the room with us.The boy's eyes widened in shock as he took in the sight before him: the principal gagged with tape, his hands bound behind the desk, and tears streaming down the secretary's face.
Marco»»»◈«««Niko had an online meeting call with Vincenzo Capone, he had apparently found the exact location of their weaponry and their safe house. "It's situated in a narrow alleyway in the Spaccanapoli district, a spot known as 'Il Silenzio Oscuro'. I'm confident it's the correct address," he said, running a hand through his hair.Niko raised an eyebrow. "All this time, it was in fucking plain sight. Should have fucking known." I looked down at my hands, still stained with Amy's blood. If Vincenzo was correct, there was nothing to hold us back anymore. We could march right into their home and eliminate them one by one. I could finally kill Emilio Bruno and everyone he loved and cared for.This was the moment I had been waiting for..."There's a basement in that establishment, hidden behind a bookshelf on the east wall. Look for a false panel around there somewhere. Slide it open, and you'll find his arsenal," Vincenzo elaborated."And are you certain it's the last copy of the di
Lilianna»»»◈«««Uncle Emilio grabbed my arm, pulling me forcefully down the stairs. Panic surged through me as I struggled to keep up, my mind racing with fear and uncertainty. "But why?" I asked once more, desperation tainting my tone."Lilianna, I don't have time for your questions right now!" he snapped at me, his words sharp with frustration.I yanked my arm out of his grip, frustration boiling over. "What is it that you're not telling me?! Who took Gabriele?! Is it the same person you are hiding me from?!"He stared at me for a few moments before heaving a sigh, his expression softening slightly. "Everything I do is to protect you all. You, Samuele, and Gabriele—"I cut him off, tears burning at the back of my eyes, frustration, and anguish bubbling up inside me, I hadn't seen my little brother in two weeks, "YET YOU FAILED! Gabriele isn't here, he is just a child, Uncle, and he isn't here," I choked out, "Your enemies took him!" He jabbed a finger at himself, "My enemies?! I w
Lilianna»»»◈«««Marco released me with such force that I staggered, barely managing to keep my balance. For a moment, my mind struggled to comprehend the situation; the last memory I had of him was gentle, and everything unfolding before me now felt like a nightmare turned reality.This... this can't be real, can it?Did he really just accuse Uncle Emilio of killing his wife?Gabriele and Samuele's cries echoed through the room, their voices raw with fear and anguish. They pleaded for mercy, but their pleas fell on deaf ears as the men continued their assault on Uncle Emilio. With each blow, his body convulsed in pain, yet the attackers showed no sign of stopping. As I watched in horror, a sense of helplessness washed over me, paralyzing my every move.I reached up to touch my neck, feeling the lingering ache from Marco's vice-like grip. The memory of his touch sent shivers down my spine, as if his hand were still wrapped around my throat, squeezing the life out of me. "Shoot every
Lilianna»»»◈«««Rachel's gaze swept over me, her expression etched with a deep frown. Her eyes lingered on the soldier behind me before they were again drawn to me, to the slap marks on my face, the wounds on my wrists, and my disheveled appearance. The dried-up tears on my cheeks, and my swollen and puffy eyes."She appears to be in pain, she should see a doctor first," Rachel commented."She's in pain? Tough luck. No doctors. You have got a few hours to get her sorted, and I'll be waiting outside."Rachel shot him a disapproving glare but didn't argue. With a resigned sigh, she turned back to me, her expression softening slightly. "I'll take care of you," she murmured, more to herself than to me.She asked me to walk ahead of her as she took me inside her beauty salon. It was empty with no one but Marco's guards stationed outside at every entrance.The salon's atmosphere was oddly quiet, with only the faint sound of my footsteps echoing in the empty space. I was still wearing the s
Lilianna»»»◈«««I sucked in a sharp breath, my heart pounding in my chest, my eyes burned with tears as I gazed upon the scene before me.Uncle Emilio and Uncle Giorgio were bound, kneeling before us. To my shock, Uncle Giorgio was still alive, barely recognizable, his flesh slashed into so many stripes that his skin appeared grotesquely unreal.They were tied up next to Marco, kneeling before what looked less like an altar and more like a makeshift gallows, ready to hang them at any moment.There was a space reserved for me on the altar, and beside me stood Samuele and Gabriele, their faces marred by tears and etched with fear. Despite appearing physically unharmed, their eyes held a hollow, sunken gaze, betraying the torment they had endured.I glanced at the blood-soaked flowers, realizing the crimson stains must belong to my uncle, his body drenched in blood from head to toe.The sight turned my stomach. My heart pounded in my chest as I struggled to understand the depth of the vi
Marco »»»◈««« My life had taken a wild turn, and I was loving every damn second of it. Ever since Lilianna got pregnant, her sex drive went through the roof. I was on-call two times a day, making sure my dick was ready whenever she needed it. Despite her long hours on set, she always had time for me, and I wasn’t complaining. She had this thing for spicy food now. She’d eat it, then cry because it burned, and I'd laugh my ass off while comforting her. Nights were the best. Sliding under the covers, I’d press my hand against her swollen belly, feeling our daughter move. Elena Rose Costello. I chose the name and had the nursery decked out with everything she’d need. I knew it was a girl; I could feel it in my bones. Lilianna would tease, “What if it’s a boy? Are you going to dress him up in all that pink?” I didn’t care. I knew it was my little girl. I was damn certain. Just like I was damn certain I was blessed. Just like I was damn certain I was in love. Just like I was dam
Dear Beautiful Readers, Thank you so much for coming along on this wild and emotional ride with the Costello family. Writing this book has been an incredible journey, and I'm thrilled to have shared it with you. Your support and enthusiasm mean the world to me. Knowing that you've connected with the characters and their stories keeps me going, even during the toughest writing days. I hope you've enjoyed every twist and turn, and that the story has left you eager for what's to come. Your feedback and love for the book are truly appreciated. Don't forget to leave a 5-STAR REVIEW on the book's main page. Please. Please. Please (In Sabrina Carpenter's voice) It inspires me to keep creating and bringing these complex, intense tales to life. I'm beyond excited to bring you one last wild ride with the Costello family in "Mafia Men VI: Alessandro's Games." Get ready for all the drama, excitement, angst, spice and dark twists as we dive into Alessandro's world. I can't wait to share
Lilianna »»»◈««« I stepped out of the limousine, the blinding flashes of cameras immediately assaulting my senses. The red carpet stretched out before me like a river of fire, leading to the grand entrance of the theater. My heart pounded in my chest, a mix of excitement and nerves, as I took a deep breath and squared my shoulders. This was it. My first movie premiere. I smoothed the skirt of my gown, a shimmering emerald green that Marco had picked out for me. It hugged my curves perfectly, making me feel like a Hollywood starlet from a bygone era. As I walked, the fabric flowed around my legs, giving me a sense of grace and confidence. “Lilianna! Over here!” “Lilianna, who are you wearing tonight?” “Lilianna, how does it feel to be here?” The voices of the reporters and photographers blended into a cacophony of noise, but I forced myself to smile and wave, trying to ignore the butterflies in my stomach. Marco was just a few steps behind me, his strong hand resting gently on m
Lilianna »»»◈««« I held Marcello tightly in my arms as we stepped out of the car, my heart pounding. I glanced nervously at Marco, uncertain how everyone would react to meeting Marcello. Samuele, Gabriele, Amalia, and Rio stood waiting inside our grand estate. Marcello's eyes widened in shock as he took in the sight of the massive house. "Whose home is that?" he asked in Italian. I knew it would take time for him to learn English so he could talk with the other kids here. I was determined to teach him everything myself. Marco stepped up beside me, gently brushing his hand against his cheek, "It's ours," he said. "You live here?" Marcello's eyes were filled with disbelief. I nodded, trying to infuse my voice with as much softness as I could muster, "We do, and from now on, this will be your home too." The way Marcello stared at the estate broke my heart. The images of his previous life flashed through my mind. I vowed to erase those memories, to give him a fresh st
Marco »»»◈««« The limo came to a halt outside Cala del Leone, the final surprise I had planned for her. The secluded private beach lay just outside Florence, hidden away from the world. We stepped out into the cool night air, the sound of the waves crashing softly against the shore. A table was set up near the water’s edge, decorated with flickering candles and fresh flowers. The ocean stretching out endlessly under the moonlight. Lilianna turned to me, her eyes questioning. "What’s this?" I took her hand, guiding her to the table. "Our honeymoon," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. I pulled out a chair for her, and she sat down, her gaze never leaving mine. We were greeted with a bottle of Dom Pérignon champagne, a private Michelin-starred chef preparing our dinner, and a live orchestra playing beautiful pieces just for us. As we settled in, I poured the champagne, the bubbles rising in the glass like tiny stars. The first course was served, and we began to eat.
Marco »»»◈««« I held her hand, her delicate fingers interlaced with mine, and on her face was a happiness I had never seen before. She seemed truly happy and at peace. And honestly, so was I. After such a long and excruciating time, I finally felt at peace, like I was finally back home after I had been missing for years. Even though I had just met Marcello, I felt an intense connection to that little man, a feeling stronger than anything I had ever experienced. The last time I felt this enchanted by someone was when I first met his mother. He had the same captivating charm, the kind that draws you in, just like his mother. I’m a father. Damn, I’m a father, and I have been for the past five years, almost six if you count Lilianna's pregnancy. And I never knew. All this time, even without knowing about him, it doesn't change the fact that I was a father. An adorable boy, carrying my father's legacy, my legacy... I couldn't wait to teach Marcello everything I knew, guide him, an
Lilianna »»»◈««« The sight of him hit me like a punch to the gut. His small frame, fragile and vulnerable, the wide eyes full of innocent fear that twisted my heart. Those same blue eyes, unforgettable and haunting, locked onto mine after a quick, seeking glance at Betty. Each heartbeat felt like an eternity as I watched him take tentative steps forward, clutching a stuffed giraffe as if it were his only shield against the world. His eyes, flickering between Betty, me, and Marco, scanned us up and down. Betty knelt before him, her grip firm on his small arms. "Francesco," she said gently, "this lady and her husband are our friends. They are here to take us away, to help us. Now go, greet them while I pack a bag, she told him and he nodded. As he walked closer to me, every instinct screamed at me to scoop him up, to hold him tight. Tears welled up, blurring my vision. I fought the urge and knelt down, forcing a smile. "Hello, Francesco..." For a moment, he hesitated. Then, with a
Lilianna »»»◈««« I knocked on yet another door, each impact sending sharp stings through my bruised knuckles. My fingers throbbed, raw from the relentless pounding, but I couldn't stop. Marco and I had vowed to scour every house in this neighborhood. The door creaked open, revealing a middle-aged woman with suspicious eyes. Her frown deepened as she took me in, "Cosa vuoi?" she demanded. ("What do you want?") I held up a photograph of Beatrice Berlusconi, my voice trembling with hope. "Hai visto questa donna? Sai dove abita?" I asked. ("Have you seen this woman? Do you know where she lives?") She squinted at the picture through her glasses, her gaze sharpening as she continued talking in Italian, "Oh, that's Betty..." Relief washed over me, a powerful tide that nearly knocked me off balance. Marco stepped forward, his presence grounding me as he placed a steadying hand on my back. "Can you tell us where she is?" His voice was calm, but the tension in his grip showed his impatien
Lilianna »»»◈««« "We're never going to find him, are we?" I murmured, my voice barely rising above a whisper as I leaned heavily against the crumbling wall of the grimy alley in Le Piagge. I scanned the filthy surroundings, the stench of decay and neglect assaulting my senses. Trash littered the narrow passage, and the flickering streetlights cast eerie shadows that danced on the graffiti-covered walls. A rat scurried across my path, disappearing into the darkness. My heart sank further. How could a child survive here? The thought gnawed at me. While I lived in my mansions and penthouses, my son was out there, walking these streets. Fear clutched my heart. Marco's fingers brushed my cheek, and I flinched, recoiling from his touch. Since that night with Kason and Anna, a chilling dread had settled deep within me. Any contact from Marco now made my skin crawl, dragging me back to those moments of utter helplessness. I couldn't forget how powerless I felt as Anna ruthlessly ended