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Lilianna »»»◈««« His lips hovered just above mine, a promise of what could be. Uncertainty flickered in my mind, unsure of whether to pull back and let it happen... Both of my hands were curled into fists as he held onto my wrists with his strong grip. Slowly, I straightened my middle finger on my left hand. His eyes flicked to my finger, disbelief flashing in them only then did I realize what I had done—I was flipping him the bird. Marco's surprised expression morphed into disbelief, "Seriously?" he asked, amusement lacing his voice. Immediately, I turned down my middle finger and straightened my ring finger, showing him Amy's wedding ring on it. His eyes flicked to the ring, a flicker of recognition passing through them. I held his gaze, hoping the sight of the ring would remind him of everything. "I don’t wear it anymore," I whispered, feeling my breath mingle with his. "Only occasionally, when I need to signal someone that I'm taken. But it's not truly mine, never was. Y
Marco »»»◈««« Myths held no place in my world. I dealt in facts. Sure, I had sometimes manipulated them to work in my favor or presented a biased version to get what I wanted, but I never pursued dreams or illusions. I stuck to what was real, even if I had to twist the truth to serve my purpose. It wasn't always easy, but it was necessary. Each move was calculated, each decision grounded in the hard facts that kept me alive and in control. I had learned early on that chasing dreams only led to disappointment and vulnerability, two things I couldn't afford. But with her, everything changed. Control was elusive, slipping through my fingers like smoke. My usual tactics failed, leaving me grasping at shadows. She was a puzzle I couldn’t solve, and for the first time in my life, uncertainty gnawed at the edges of my control. I tapped my Cartier pen on the table—the one she gifted me yesterday—staring out the window. The cityscape stretched before me, but my mind was elsewhere, tan
Lilianna »»»◈««« I gazed into his eyes and, just for an instant, I thought I saw a flicker of disappointment. My heart ached at the sight. I blinked and tried to step out of his embrace, but his grip tightened. He pulled me back firmly against his chest, his hold on me was strong. "That's fucking amazing," he said, a smile softening his dark features. Joy surged through me, making my heart feel like it might burst. I couldn't help but beam back at him. "Let's celebrate!" I gently pulled away from his arms, taking his hand in mine. With a playful tug, I led him back to the center of the spacious living room. "Come on, have a drink and dance with me," I urged, my whole body humming with happiness. He chuckled a low, raspy sound, "I'm not much of a freestyle dancer," he admitted, his voice a deep, gravelly drawl. "Don't worry," I teased, giving his hand a reassuring squeeze. "It's just us. No one's watching." I grabbed a bottle of champagne from the mini bar, pouring two glass
Lilianna »»»◈««« "Good morning," I said as I walked into the kitchen to find Marco drinking his coffee while using his laptop. He glanced my way, dressed smartly in his black suit. His hair, tousled yet neatly combed, framed his face, with a few strands rebelliously falling across his forehead, almost as if they were there to seduce me. I mean, who wakes up looking like they stepped out of a magazine cover? And I'm the one who does modeling for a living. "Good morning," he greeted, a gentle curve forming at the corners of his lips. "Good morning," another voice chimed in, catching me off guard. For a moment, I couldn't believe she was here, but there she stood—Anna Sterling, a spatula in her hand, clearly in the middle of cooking breakfast for my husband. My heart clenched as I took in the scene. Anna's blonde hair was pulled back into a neat ponytail, and she wore an apron over her casual clothes, looking far too comfortable in our kitchen. "Mrs. Moore was sick, so I gave he
Lilianna »»»◈««« Armando's stare felt like it was drilling through the room, locking onto me with an intensity that seemed to cut through the space, even as my husband remained unaware. And Marco? His glare could've set the place on fire, fueled by a quiet fury that hinted at something darker, as if he wanted to hurt me though I knew he wouldn't. "I know what I fucking said," Marco said with a sneer, pulling me closer until my chest was pressed against his solid body. "But you and I both know now it's different," he added, his voice tinged with frustration. "What did Santino do?" His question hung in the air, waiting for an answer. I felt a lump form in my throat as I swallowed hard, unable to tear my eyes away from his neck, the warmth of his body enveloping mine. "I'm not sure if I'm ready to talk about it," I admitted softly, my voice barely above a whisper. He exhaled sharply, a mocking edge to his breath. "No, you don't get to just walk away from this conversation," he s
Lilianna »»»◈««« He pulled back slowly, just enough for our lips to part, leaving only an inch between us. Our noses still touched, gently grazing against each other, while our foreheads remained pressed together. I inhaled deeply, taking in his scent. My eyes stayed closed, but I could feel his gaze fixed on me. One hand rested on the nape of his neck, fingers gently playing with the short hairs there, while the other clenched the fabric of his shirt tightly, grounding me in the moment. While his hand remained firm against my jaw, his thumb brushing softly against my cheek. The other hand gripped my hip possessively, drawing me closer. Every touch, every grip, felt charged with an intensity that made my heart race and my breath hitch. The warmth of his skin seeped through the thin layers of clothing. "This..." he whispered, and my eyes slowly fluttered open. We were out here in the middle of nowhere, with him pressing me against the side of his car. "This is why I left..." he co
Marco »»»◈««« I've never been a player, nor have I ever been in a serious relationship. Sure, I've enjoyed occasional sex with women I found appealing, but they were few and far between—maybe once every couple of months, sometimes even less frequent. The night I met Lilianna, it had been a while since I'd been with anyone. She was stunningly beautiful, and I couldn't help but be drawn to her. She simply smiled at me and I knew I wanted her. I usually preferred women my own age; I never had any interest in older or younger women. I was drawn to those who matched my mental maturity. But despite her being young, she captivated me, held my attention, and made me smile. She was sweet—almost too sweet—and before I knew it, I was hooked. Even after years, I couldn't forget that one month I spent in Italy with that pretty girl with even prettier eyes... I glanced back at the table, taking in my handiwork. I had cleared out the furniture, and bought all those candles and roses—though I
Marco »»»◈««« "You can't change the facts," I stated firmly as we sat around the table—Niko, Armando, and I. "She's legally married to me. And if you want the boys, you'll have to ask them yourself. But I doubt they'll want to leave with you after your betrayal of their family for your personal gain. As their older sister, Lilianna has their custody." He glared at me. "This isn't what I wanted, you both know that!" Niko dismissed him with a wave. "We were in the middle of a war. Do you really think I cared about what you wanted? I handed you half their territory on a silver platter. Lilianna belongs to the Costellos now. Any claim you had over her ended the night we took her." Armando's eyes flashed with anger. "I restrained my men. Without that, winning this war would have been a far greater challenge for you." I offered him a smug grin. "Perhaps it would have taken longer, but victory was inevitable, Armando." "She wants to leave with me," he declared confidently, but I coul
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