Natalia's POV: “Hey, Nat.”I shot to my feet in an instance, eyes wide, jaw hanging loose. “Tanya?!” I gasped taking in my best friend.No. Freaking. Way.Oh my God!I darted across the room, running into her outstretched arms as the shock finally wore off. She caught me, hugging me back tightly, like her life depended on me, burying her nose in my neck.And as if on cue, we both started sobbing, it was tears of joy. Letting it all out.He'll, I'd missed her so much. She was the only family I had beside Ava, when she noticed my dad was an asshole, she forced her way into my life.Back in middle school, I didnt keep friends—hard to do so when you were bullied for being dirt poor and wearing worn out clothes all the time. But Tanya didn't give up on me, not when I'd been rude to her because I wanted to protect myself. More tears streamed down my cheeks when the memory of the first day she'd started bringing extra lunch to school just for me flashed in my mind.From then on, she'd shar
Natalia's POV:Later at night, after we got Tanya settled in, I headed back to his bedroom. Truth is… I stopped staying there two days ago when I'd finally been able to get out of bed and the pain meds didn't weigh me down anymore.But he'd missed dinner and I needed to talk to him about what happened today….. In fact, so many things.What was happening between us? Why did it constantly feel like there'd been a shift? I pushed his door open with my good arm and slipped in. The place was dark, quiet, so I just flicked on the beside lamp and I dropped down of his soft, enormous bed.I think I waited quiet a bit, already drifting into sleep when he arrived. “It's almost midnight,” he said, startled as he closed the door behind him. “Why are you here? In my room?” I shrugged. “You let me stay here most of the time anyway, so, no biggie. However, I need to speak to you about something?” “And it couldn't wait until tomorrow?” His brows knitted together as he started to unbutton the cuff
Carlo's POV: Walking away from her, when her desire was so obvious and raw, was a test of will.My cock throbbed in my pants, straining painfully against the zipper it made breathing almost impossible. Almost.The bathroom door clicked shut behind me and I quickly shed off my shirt and pants. My cock sprang free, slapping against my abdomen as I tugged off my boxer briefs. Cazzo! She got me so damn hard for her. Tonight, something about her had been different. She had seemed bolder, more daring and definitely wanted me as badly as I did want her.Was it because of the surprise? Had her behavior been a way to show her gratitude? Well, I couldn't tell…I knew it was reckless bringing her best friend over and Enzo had tried and failed to talk me out of it, but I needed her to know that I meant every word I'd said when we made that deal.I needed her to trust me because… because I didn't want her to keep trying to run away… I… I wanted her to stay…Madre! I was acting weird again.Enoug
Natalia's POV: Two days later. I hadn't seen much of Carlo since the night I had acted desperate and he asked me to not touch myself until he was ready to fuck me. The memory had me tugging on my lips as a warm feeling settled in my stomach. And honestly, I was missing his touches, his kisses…Great, now I sound like a freaking sap. Shaking the thoughts of Carlo out of my head, I was back to reality… The ‘here’ and ‘now.’Sure, it was a lazy day, but at least, I had my favorite people in the living room with me.Although, while tiktok videos had me glued to my screen, Ava, Tanya and Angela had their own task at hand.Tanya was painting both Angela and Ava's nails so she had them glued to her side while they chatted.I had just swiped through another trending video when a text popped up on my phone.My brows dipped as I read it.+39 XXX: Hello.Hmmm…An unknown number… only Tanya and Angela had my number.Me: who is this? I waited on bated breath as the text bubble showed up… it se
Natalia's POV: Three seconds… Twenty seconds… Two minutes. Three— “Didn’t he like it?” I muttered to myself, chewing my bottom lip as I grew nervous with each second that slipped by. He had seen it. It showed ‘read’ I saw him typing… so why hasn't he sent any text? Maybe I should ask him if he liked it or not, because this suspense was killing me! My thumb moved rapidly over my keyboard as I typed out the message. But just as I was about to hit ‘send,’ his text popped up and a breath I didn't realize I was holding escaped me. Grumpy asshole: So beautiful, dolcezza. Grumpy asshole: The most beautiful thing I've ever laid eyes on. I caught my self smiling stupidly as I preened at his praise. My body felt warmer as a fluttering feeling settled in my core but I could still feel anger brewing just below the surface… Me: it took you years to reply. Me: why?! Grumpy asshole: Did that upset you? Can't he simply answer the question? Me: why did it take yo
Natalia's POV: THREE DAYS LATER…Sexting with Carlo had become a habit. An addictive one and for some reason, he was barely at home these days. Giving us an opportunity to chat more and I was beginning to think it wasn't coincidental that he was rarely around.And when he'd said I couldn't touch myself until he did, I didn't know it would be so hard not to, eventually. Now, I was constantly horny and always thinking about what it would feel like to be so close to him again. To have him kiss me, caress my body, to have him stuff me full with his cock and fucked me senseless—“You've got that weird smile on your face again,” Tanya's voice startled me and it was only then that I realized the muscles on my cheeks weren't relaxed and the corners of my mouth had curled up. My smile dropped and I cleared my throat. “Nothing, just remembered something.” Her suspicious gaze bore into me and I didn't blink, staring back at her. “So…” she continued and I already knew where this was headed. “
Natalia's POV: Good question. What exactly did I want to know about Carlo? Well, I was mostly curious about the jagged scars on his right arm. They might have faded a bit… others were already covered with tattoos but they were still obvious and no matter what Carlo or the others say… I do know what I saw that night.I still shudder at the memory. The way he let the ade cut deep into his flesh, letting the blood drip down from his arm onto the floor.Oh lord.I knew I couldn't ask Angela about those. Not with the way she and Caterina reacted weirdly whenever I asked. “Let’s start with the basics,” I said instead. She spread out her fingers, ticking each of them as she spoke. “You already know his name, his family, his job, his house….. What else are the ‘basics?’”‘Yeah, what else, Natalia?’ Nothing came to my head as I searched deeper. I already knew about his late wife… Luca told me all about that. So what else could I ask Angela that could give me anything on him.“Nothing else?
CHAPTER NINETY-ONE: Natalia's POV: Fine.I wouldn't ask Carlo.The whole evening I spent with the others after Caterina called us down, it has been the only thing on my mind.Because while Angela may have been edgy about it, I still needed to know the kind of man Carlo was, who his parents were and why they are a sore topic for him.After pondering on it for almost half an hour, I finally came to one conclusion; my curiosity wasn't that important, well, it was, actually. But it seemed like a sensitive topic and I wasn't one to be insensitive.Maybe I could find a way to ease him into it? Man, I dunno…Moments later, after all snacks had been exhausted and they were all deep in a conversation, Tanya tapped me. “Can you lend me that headband”I frowned, suddenly feeling disoriented as I was so lost in thought that I'd zoomed out of reality. “Headband? Which one?” “The green one, obviously,” She said it like I was supposed to know without her saying it. “Since Angela said she'd take m
Carlo's POV: ALMOST SEVEN HOURS LATER… I was wrong. So fucking wrong. Seated at the backseat of my car while we drive back home, I couldn't help the way nerves thrummed in my body, panic skittering across my chest… This was bad. This was trouble. I couldn't sit still, couldn't breathe. What do I do now?! We'd searched everywhere and everyone we'd suspected and came up with nothing. I'd been too fucking sure that'd we'd find them in no time. But we'd failed woefully. The police couldn't find a trace, even Miguel who was being treated at the hospital said he couldn't identify any of their attackers since they'd all been on masks. The other heads were innocent, hell, Gianpaolo had no idea about anything that had happened and it had been a goddamn war getting the fucker to cooperate with us even after being threatened. Stronzo. Laughed in my face and called me, ‘weak and pathetic.’ That'd earned him a black eye and a broken nose, would have loved to send a bullet through h
Carlo's POV:With a shaky hand, I grabbed the phone from Enzo, placing on my ear. “Miguel! How did this happen?” I barked out, my breath shaky, sweat breaking out on my skin. “Where the fuck are you?!” “Th‐the nngh! M-mall,” He grunted in pain. He'd been injured. Shit.My wide eyes met Enzo's, my heart was in my mouth but I pretened to be calm. “What mall?” I asked impatiently, pacing, unable to keep still. “Where are they?! Angela and Ava?!” This news was going to hurt Natalia badly, the little girl was her only family, I've seen how much she loves her and Angela… My heart ached at the thought of my sister going through another pain….“Miguel, speak up,” It was supposed to come out as a command, but it sounded more like a plea. My was heart racing wildly, chest tight with a mix of emotions. “Are the girls with you?” Please tell me they are unhurt. “Ah… nngh!... Th-the atta…ckers, too-took—” His words ended on a cough, almost like he was coughing off blood from the spluttering sou
CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED FIFTY-SIX: Carlo's POV:MEANWHILE… BACK AT THE MANSION…It might seem creepy that I watch Natalia more than a normal human should, right? But I couldn't help it, especially now…I'd obsessively called Camilla more times in a single day than necessary and I'm sure she was tired of my calls and too many questions already. Few minutes earlier, I'd just got off the phone with her and her parting remark was, “I know I said to be more careful and treat her well because it's her first time and all of that but I didn't ask you to overdo it! You're being excessive and it's barely a week!” Overdo it? Was she kidding? And how is it that she tells me what to do and then turns around to switch up? Also, what's considered as excessive? How do I not be ‘excessive?’ Fuck that, I was paying her handsomely for this and if I wanted her attention on Natalia all the time, then so be it…Also, there was one more thing I needed to get done in order to ensure Natalia's safety and com
Angela’ s POV:He thinks I'm perfect?Me? I..I wasn't perfect.My eyes darted around and I realized we had people watching and that made my face flamed hard. “Rueben,” I whispered . Can you set me down already? Everyone's looking.” He glanced around briefly, then flashed me a smile. “I don't care about them, but if you do…” he leaned in, planting a chaste kiss on my lips, shocking me. “I'll do as you say.” I was still dumbfounded, heart thumping erratically from the soft kiss when he set me onto the large picnic blanket and settled down beside me. I watched quietly as he began arranging the stuff he'd probably set down before I realized he was behind me. The more I watched him, the more my chest swelled with so much emotion. I didn't just ‘like’ this man… I think… I think I'm in love with him.I could barely contain these feelings anymore. The pressing urge to kiss him, spend hours talking to him, hugging him tightly, just wanting to be around him. Love. That was what I was feel
Angela’s POV: PRESENT…That kiss wasn't my first, but it was the first time a kiss as simple as just brushing lips had me melting on the inside, my brain short-circuiting. If only that damn nurse hadn't so rudely interrupted, I would have kept kissing him for hours!Well, enough of the daydreaming, I was seeing him today for our picnic date like he'd promised. The plan was to let Ava mingle with the other kids while we have at least twenty minutes to ourselves.Annoying right? I know, but it was all we could have for now, that is until I found the courage to tell my family I was interested in someone again after the last disaster…. Now my biggest issue was, how long was Rueben willing to endure these hide and seek and stolen moments for me? How long until he was tired of hearing my excuses?The thought of it made my heart clench and made me crazy with anger so I decided not to dwell on it.After breakfast, I waited patiently for Natalia and zia to prepare a very excited Ava for our
CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED & FIFTY-THREE: Angela's POV: FLASH BACK…FIRST KISS MOMENT…I think he knows… That I like him, I mean.We've been texting back and forth since Alessandro saw my chat with him. It went from formal greetings to cute gifs and stickers. Sometimes, we'd send each other reels and I decided to be sneaky, I always sent ones relating to my feelings for him but I was being subtle about it.I still worry he might reject me if I take Natalia's advice and you know, ask him out. But with each day that passes, the urge to just do it grew stronger. And maybe I was being delusional when I told myself he liked me too but who stays up texting someone they didn't like until three in the morning? The other day, he called me at midnight and we stayed up talking for hours.Can you see what I'm talking about? I've gotten to know a few things about him. I also found out he likes to read romantic novels too, how cool is that? You could call us soulmates at this point. Oh and he always
Angela's POV: I waited patiently for the doctor to be done examining Natalia, given her instructions on what to do and whatever it was that a pregnant mother should know.I smiled at her expression as she was listening attentively to Doctor Fabbri. She looked cute jotting down the information on her phone. She will be a good mom irrespective of her age, I could just tell… I did kind of feel jealous though. I mean, I wanted a husband and a baby of my own and I thought one day, that wish would come to pass until I was forced to be bound to a wheelchair for life.But I was happy for her though, truly. More importantly, I was happy for my brother. He might be too stubborn to see what's in front of him or to admit it, but it wouldn't be long now until he realizes…That aside, there was a reason why I was here today. It's a secret and no one else had to know. At least, not yet. I just needed Natalia's permission to grant me the best cover I could think of…“And that's all for today,” Doc
Natalia's POV: After Carlo fed me and exited my room, I realized there was something I hadn't done…Telling Tanya about my pregnancy. I was nervous as fuck and I didn't know why. Tanya was basically my sister, I knew she'd be happy for me. Deciding to ignore my nervousness, I called her. It rang on and on but no response. I tried three times more and still came up with nothing, so I decided to send a text and get it over with. It wasn't ideal, I know. But… you know, whatever.I pulled up my message thread with her and quickly typed out the message in the best way I could.Me: So uhm, hey T.Me: We haven't talked much in the last few days and uhm… something came up.Me: I don't want you to freak out okay? What the hell am I saying? I was the one freaking out.Me: I am pregnant. Me: Crazy, right? Oh and of course, it's Carlo's. I was completely shocked about it (which was stupid, cause you know, I never used condoms with the man) But on the bright side, I don't have to marry Luca
Natalia's POV: My face was burning…‘She knows. She definitely knows.’ I thought to myself as the maid carefully set the tray down on my dressing, clearly avoiding my eyes and Carlo's.“I'm leaving now, miss,” she said, hurrying out before I could even reply and I turned to Carlo with a glare.“Great, now I'll never not be awkward around that maid,” I huffed and he pulled me in for a side hug.“I could let her off, if you want,” he suggested, placing a kiss on my cheek and I tried to wriggle out of his hold. “I didn't say that,” I sighed deeply. “You can't fire someone because you refused to wait until we were alone to do…”“To do what?” He teased. “Go on, say it.”“Whatever,” I rolled my eyes. “I'm just saying it was crazy letting her stand by the door while we did what we did.” He pretended to brush something off my tee shirt. “But you liked it, didn't you?” “Liked what?” I feigned ignorance.But he wasn't buying it, if the way he was biting back his smile was any indication. “