Carlo's POV: 4:21 AMI glanced down at her sleeping form, my eyes roamed over her features. She was beautiful. And before I could stop myself, I let my index finger trail her soft, pale cheeks and her brows dipped, nose scrunched adorably but she didn't wake up. Must be nice to be able to sleep through the night. A luxury I couldn't afford. I hardly ever slept, the voices in my head wouldn't allow that and when I did fall asleep, it never lasted long. She squirmed in her sleep and the comforter dipped low, exposing the side of her breast, it had marks from the way I had grabbed them earlier. Memories from hours ago came flooding in. She had been bold, daring, asking me to fuck her. I had wanted to. Madre Dio, I would have taken her there and then at the doorstep but I restrained myself.Something was off about her behavior recently but I couldn't place my hand on it, couldn't tell what it was. At least not yet. Or maybe I was just seeing things…My spine stiffened at that though
Natalia’s POV:11:41 PMI slept in late which was no surprise since I’d passed out from exhaustion the previous night. My body still remembered every single touch, and every pleasure Carlo had drawn out of me.I was still reminiscing when another memory slammed into me like a freight train and I sprang up from the bed. I rounded and went to the part where I hid the phone. Digging my hand underneath the bed, I felt around for it and when my fingers grazed it, I sagged back in relief.I couldn’t wait for this to be over. I can’t keep living like this!Sighing, I got off the floor and headed to the bathroom. Minutes later, I was freshly showered and dressed. Since it was a new environment, I decided to stay back in the bedroom. Besides, sleeping all day didn’t sound so bad. I had just gotten settled underneath the covers when I heard a soft knock on the door. Groaning, I sat up. “Come in.”The door opened and Sophia walked in. “Hey, love,” she greeted, smiling brightly as she shut th
Natalia's POV: After a while, Sophia suggested we get some rest. I trudged slowly out if the water with my swimsuit clinging to my body, wet. I glanced around looking for Carlo and wondering where he was until my eyes found his and settled on him. Bluish-grey eyes locked on my clear blue ones. And then they moved, raking over my body from head to toe over and over. I knew how revealing my bikini set was and I could clearly read the hunger on his eyes. My body grew hot with his gaze and I felt my pussy get wet. The look in his eyes was so intense that I had to look away. I hurried towards the cabin, Sophia had put our bags in earlier. Needing to take a quick shower since I felt a bit uncomfortable after playing in the water. I felt his gaze on me as I walked up the pathway to the cabin, ignoring him. The moment I got to the cabin, I opened the door and went straight to the bathroom where I took off the skimpy red bikini. I went into the shower stall and put on the shower. Cold wa
Carlo's POV: Today wasn’t just about inspecting a shipment. It was about Benjamin, a new supplier Ivan had brought into the fold. I needed to see him in action, to assess if he was as capable and reliable as Ivan claimed. Trust was earned, not given, and I wasn’t one to take unnecessary risks. Ivan stood beside me, his tall frame leaning casually against another crate. He was dressed impeccably, as always, his thick coat trimmed with fur and his hands clasped loosely in front of him. Beside him was Benjamin. Benjamin was younger than I’d expected, mid-thirties, with a sharp, calculating gaze. He had the kind of calm confidence that could be a strength or a warning sign. “Shall we begin?” Ivan asked, his deep voice breaking the silence. Benjamin stepped forward, holding a crowbar. With practiced ease, he pried open the nearest crate, revealing its contents: stacks of neatly sealed bricks, their white powder visible through the translucent plastic. “Cocaine,” Benjamin said, his
Natalia's POV: I had gone and done it now. I felt like I was about to shit my pants. My heart began beating faster than ever without running a race. “Fuck, fuck fuck fuck” i muttered, my heart slamming against my ribcage repeatedly. “I... I'm sorry,” I blurted, my voice trembling as I looked up. And froze. Sophia. Of all the people in this godforsaken mansion, it had to be Ivan Kozlov’s wife. Had she seen me recording them? Oh, God. Her dark eyes narrowed as she steadied herself, looking more curious than angry. Sophia was elegant and intimidating in equal measure, her silk robe flowing around her like some kind of regal cloak. “What are you doing out here, Natalia?” she asked, her voice laced with suspicion. Oh, shit. Oh, shit. Think, Natalia. Think. “I—I was looking for Carlo,” I stammered, clutching the phone to my chest like it was a sacred artifact. My face heated under her scrutinizing gaze, and I forced a nervous laugh. “I woke up, and he wasn’t in bed. I
Natalia's POV: If I had thought that by morning, I'd be less paranoid after sleeping… I was in for a rude awakening. When I first woke up, I realized I was no longer on my side of the bed and I jerked to my feet, feeling my heart leap to my throat as I did. It jumped so hard it caused a physical pain in my chest. Why did I sleep like a fool? I was always cautious! I rounded the bed back to the side I usually sleep on and raised the mattress up. A slow breath of relief escaped me when I saw the phone still firmly placed where I had left it. I let the bed fall back to its frame with a soft thud as I sank onto the floor, relief washing over me. At this point, I think I just might die from a panic attack before I get the chance to die at Carlo's hands. For how long do I have to go through this? Seriously, I couldn't wait to get this over with. I was still seated on the floor when the door creaked open and Carlo walked in. Shit. There was no time to get to my feet, so I ju
Natalia's POV Very early the next day, Carlo had made sure we were ready to leave. Why he was in such a hurry, I didn't know. We had said goodbyes to Ivan and Sophia with a promise to keep in touch and then we headed back for Italy. And there was only one thought nagging at the back of my mind as i looked out of the private jet's window. The evidence. My hand moved slightly over my belly where I hid the phone securely at the waist of my jeans. Each time it came to my mind a mix of emotions washed over me. I was sometimes elated that I'd gotten prove somehow, something that would set me free from Carlo but at the same time, I was conflicted. "What's on your mind?" Carlo's voice pulled me out of my thoughts. "Why are you frowning?" He asked gently. "Nothing." He frowned, eyes regarding me slowly. It was like ever since we finally had sex and I lost my virginity to him, he was a lot... nicer? He was still rude and mean sometimes but… nice too. Naaaa, that wasn't Carlo. Maybe
Natalia's POV: Days passed after my argument with Vittoria and I still felt on the edge even though I no longer had the phone and she no longer approached me, demanding I snitch on Carlo. I must seem like a fool for turning down such a big offer. But I didn't trust Vittoria anymore. Not with the stunt she pulled. Sure, her excuse was good. She was being careful. I know. But she should have at least let me in on her plans. Because for some weird reasons, my mind kept telling me that she was going to ditch me after getting the evidence. And I couldn't afford that. Yes, I know that even if she ditched me, Carlo would be taken in and I might be free to walk. But without the protection she had offered, I wasn't going to walk out of here alive. Imagine this scenario, their capo gets taken in by the FBI and suddenly, I decide to run away? Of course I would be a suspect—even if I was innocent and I wasn't At least here, we didn't have to live on the street or go hungry. And I could
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. “