Natalia’s POV:
I shouldn’t have opened the envelope…
My knees buckled, and I collapsed onto the floor, the envelope crinkled under my grip as my hands trembled. Suddenly, the room felt too little and it felt like my lungs could no longer function as I struggled to breathe. This can’t be true—
A rattling sound behind the door had me scrambling to my feet as I wiped my eyes. Quickly, I hid the envelope and its contents in my duffel bag, stuffing the rest of my things back inside my bag. I couldn't let anyone find me in this state.
The door swung open, and I expected it to be Carlo. But at the door stood an elderly lady and a young woman who held a tray of food and juice.
I frowned. “Who are you?”
“Ciao, bella. How are you?” The older lady asked, ignoring my question. “Let’s get you freshened up and changed into something—”
“Who are you?” I asked again.
The older lady’s eyes softened as she sighed. She gestured to the younger lady. “This is Vittoria, she will serve you. She’s your maid—”
“Don’t need a maid, my hands, legs, and eyes work just fine.”
The older lady chuckled. “You are fierce, good. I am Caterina, Carlo’s aunt.”
I eyed her warily as my shoulders stiffened.
“…I know you're scared but—”
“No shit, Sherlock. Your nephew is a monster,” I spat.
Caterina shot me a sympathetic look but said nothing as she turned to Vittoria. “Set the tray down, so she could eat.”
“Take it back, I'm not hungry,” I insisted, even though my mouth watered and my tummy rumbled from not having eaten for hours.
Caterina frowned. “Take the food away.” Vittoria bowed and turned away with the tray of food while I cursed myself for being stubborn, but I wouldn't back down.
Caterina took a step toward me, her face held concern and worry. “I just want you to know that I'm on your side and I'm not here to hurt you.”
I scoffed loudly. “You barely know me, and we both know you'd pick your nephew over me at the drop of a hat.”
She moved to my bed and lowered herself slowly, wincing a little probably from back pain that comes with old age. She wasn't very old though, she seemed to be in her mid-fifties. “Please sit,” she tapped the spot on the bed beside her.
I wanted to fight her on it and say no, but I was exhausted, my mind was still reeling over everything that had happened in the past few hours. And I couldn't even speak to anyone about it.
Eventually, I dropped on the bed beside her.
Caterina placed a hand over mine. “I don't expect you to trust me blindly, but you have to know that I can help you out around here. I don't have the power to go against Carlo despite being his aunt but I have my way around most things.”
“I want to see my baby sister, Ava. Carlo didn't let me see her and she must be scared.”
Caterina’s face fell as she took her hand off mine.
Panic enveloped me at her reaction. “Ava is okay, right?”
Caterina's expression remained gloomy; she couldn't look me in the eyes and had suddenly become a stutterer.
“Right?! Caterina, where is my sister? For God's sake, answer me!” I bellowed; I was boiling already, and if I found out that anyone had hurt her if I found out that Carlo, that filth, had put his hands on her…
“The girl,” Caterina started softly, “Has been sick.. Her body is rejecting all the food and water she's taken in, and she's currently unable to leave her bed.”
“Ava… is that sick?” Rage flared up inside me… Ava was dying, and whether or not it was due to a sudden change in environment or the trauma, it was all tied to Carlo. This was on him, directly or indirectly. My chest heaved up and down, frantically, and I subconsciously clenched my fists as I felt beads of sweat pouring down my face.
“Where is he?” I gritted through clenched teeth. “Carlo.. Where is he?”
She sighed. “He's in the outer courtyard, Natalia…”
She kept speaking, but I was no longer listening. It was a good thing Caterina had come here today, it meant that my door was now opened.
Without warning, I darted out of the room.
“No, Natalia, wait..!” Caterina said, alarmed at what I was doing, but my mind was made up. I looked to my left to see the guard. Seeing me loose, he started to charge towards me, panic in his eyes. To my right, I saw a passage that, surely, would lead to the outer courtyard.
I ran, without looking back, pursued by Caterina and the guard, through the passage and then through another door which finally led me to the outer courtyard. As Caterina had said, Carlo was there, taking in the view of his garage. He was sitting at a table, in a white shirt - with its sleeves rolled up - a pair of corporate pants and brogues, and before him was a large chunk of steak, some salad on a plate as well as some pudding. There were also two bottles of wine, and a glass filled from one of the bottles. Carlo looked lost in thought and was startled by my hasty approach towards him.
Carlo’s eyes widened slightly when he saw his aunt and a guard chasing after me.
“What is this madness?” He growled, clearly stunned, “This girl should be in her room, why is she out here?”
“My sister is ill and I want to see her,” I demanded, once I stopped in front of him.
The guard, at this point, grabbed hold of me and tried to muscle me back to my room, but Carlo waved a hand, signaling him to let me go.
“It's alright… let her be...” As the guard released his hold on me, I snatched my arm away still breathing heavily from the impromptu 50-meter dash, Carlo leaned back in his chair and folded his arms, looking annoyingly handsome and amused, as though I was putting on some sort of show for him. God, I hated his guts!
“I have my best physicians running tests and administering treatments to her. You have nothing to worry about..”
“Nothing to worry about? Says the man who kills people at will, holding me against my will, and yet you say there's nothing to worry about?” I snarled.
“You’re putting up quite a show, so let’s cut to the chase… What do you want, child?” Carlo said. His voice, though thick with anger, remained controlled.
“I demand that you let me and my sister go!” I yelled, slightly disbelieving myself. Where did this courage come from?
His face hardened as he rose to his feet. “And why would I do anything remotely close to that?”
Carlo pinned me with a death stare. “Know your place, or I will forcefully fit you into it. You’re nothing but my property and that includes your sister—”
All I saw was red.
“Stupid jerk!” I grabbed one of Carlo's wine bottles before anyone could stop me and swung it, smashing it across his head.
CHAPTER SIXCarlo’s POVStunned. That was my first reaction.A throbbing pain shot through my skull, and I could feel the warm trickle of blood mixing with wine, running down my face.For a moment, everything froze. I took in the woman in front of me, the one who'd dared to hit me, her face had gone pale and her eyes wide with horror. I blinked as my vision swam.My men—brutal, ruthless men—stood like statues. Equally stunned speechless. Eyes wide, jaws slacked. In seconds, shock morphed into blinding fury, it boiled inside me, I could suffocate from it. She had just disrespected me , in front of my men.Drew blood from my head and made me look weak.Almost in the same breath, Enzo—my right hand man—moved first. His face twisted with rage as he lunged for her, grabbing her arms as he pressed the barrel of his hand gun against her temple. Natalia let out a sharp gasp. “Enzo, don't!” Caterina yelled. I wiped the blood from my face. “Easy, Enzo,” I said calmly despite the rage brewi
Natalia's POV: His face was awfully familiar—sharp jawline, strong cheekbones, that same dark, silky hair. So similar, yet, different. He was much younger—around my age. There was concern in his golden green eyes, not cruelty like a certain someone’s bluish-grey ones. He began walking with me in his arms, my own arms wrapped securely around his neck. “I’m Luca,” He said. “I’m sorry about my father, he can be an asshole sometimes.”Father…? Then it clicked, the resemblance… “You’re Carlo’s son!” My throat felt tight.His eyes widened slightly, a soft chuckle escaping his lips. “Okay, no one calls father, ‘Carlo’ well, except great-aunt. Yes, I’m his son.”I shoved against his chest. “Put me down!” “Hey, hey, it’s okay,” his voice was a gentle whisper. “I’m not going to hurt you.”I doubt that. “Let me go!” I said through my clattering teeth. “I can walk.”Instead, his arms tightened around me. “I can’t, you were literally catatonic when I found you. I don’t think you’re okay.”I
Natalia's POV: Ugh. I think I'm lost. No, I must have taken a wrong turn. My footsteps echoed, the sound bouncing off the walls, way too loudly in the silence as I moved through the dimly lit hallway. I stopped, staring down the long empty corridor. Dead end. My heart sped up. Any moment now and I could get caught, yet, I couldn't figure my way out. I retraced my steps, feeling my pulse hammering in my throat. I had to find Ava, I won’t give up. ~ ~ ~EARLIER: ‘Take me to my sister, please.’Luca’s face fell. “I… I already went against papà’s order by releasing you, I don't think I can break any more rules tonight.”My heart sank. Was this it? My new reality? How long was Carlo going to keep me away from Ava? For fuck’s sake, how could anyone be so cruel? I opened my mouth to plead again, but Luca spoke first. “But I could talk to him, get his permission for you to go see her.” I perked up at the little ray of hope, my pulse quickening. “And you're one hundred percent sure
Natalia's POV: ‘You do have a death wish, don’t you? Fine, I will grant it.” I glared at him. “Let go of me!” I snapped, my breathing uneven as I tried to snatch my hand away from his iron grip. Carlo infuriated and scared me, and I hated him. Carlo’s eyes darkened, his grip tightening painfully around my arm and I fought the urge to squirm. “Seems like you enjoyed your stay in the cell, didn't you, monella? Because I would be more than happy to take you down there again. Do you think you're untouchable because I've shown some restraint?” My heart skipped, but I masked it, lifting my chin in defiance. “I’m not scared of you, you disgusting monster!” I shot back. The second the words left my lips, I knew I’d pushed too far. His expression shifted—darker, crueler—and I saw a flicker of something dangerous in his eyes. “I think I've been too lenient with you, too soft…” His voice was low and steady. And without taking his eyes off me. “Prepare a buyer for the younger one.”I gasped
TW: VIOLENCE!! Natalia's POV: My entire body tensed, panic crashing over me like a tidal wave. I could feel the sharp edge of the gun digging into my flesh, the harsh breath of the man behind me fanning across my neck as the hairs on it stood. Who was this man? Why would he attack me? Was it for money? “I…I don't have… have any money on me if that's what you're after,” I managed, fighting for air with his arm around my neck. “Shut your mouth,” he hissed in my ear, and my body trembled with fear. Oh God, how do I alert the bodyguard or Luca? My eyes darted frantically toward the entrance of the changing room, its blush-pink curtains were slightly opened offering a view of Luca. His back turned to me. I could see him talking on the phone, oblivious to what was happening… ‘Luca! Luca, turn around, please!’ My pulse raced so fast I thought my heart might burst. “I’ll take the gun away, and you will follow me quietly. Any funny movements and I pull the trigger. Understood?” The
Natalia's POV: ‘They found us’“Cazzo!” Luca hissed, his breath ragged as he yanked the gun from his back pocket, aiming it at the door. The sounds of footsteps grew closer, bouncing off the cold, concrete walls of the storage room. “What are you doing?” I whispered harshly, my heart hammering in my chest. “You can’t take all of them!”“I don't have any other plans, Nat,” Luca muttered through gritted teeth. “I have to fight even though this is a losing battle. In our world, it’s better to die with honor than die like a coward.”My stomach twisted at his words.Bullshit.“I’m not letting you sacrifice yourself! Benito already died. There’s gotta be another out of this storage room.”Before Luca could respond, the door handle rattled. My breath hitched as I heard muffled voices from the other side. “Bring down the door.” A man barked from behind the door. I broke out in cold sweat as fear spiked through me. The sound of a body slamming repeatedly against the door made my pulse ra
Natalia's POV: Pain…The hot throbbing pain was the first thing I felt.My body ached all over… I peeled my eyes open with great difficulty, my vision swam, and I could hear the faint sound of muffled voices in the background. My head felt heavy, and it took a moment for my brain to catch up, registering my surroundings. “Oh, good. You’re awake.” I blinked as a female doctor leaned over me. What happened? I blinked again, trying to understand what was going on. And then it all came crashing in… Flashes of the attack at the boutique flooded my mind, the chaos, tension, and fear... ‘I made it out alive!’ A breath of relief escaped me—Wait… Luca… did he? “How are you?” The doctor asked gently, interrupting my thoughts. “I’m Doctor Camilla.”I shook my head. “Luca, he…”“I’m here.” Luca stepped out from behind the doctor and my racing heart slowed. Relief washed over me. At least he was alive. As much as I’d hate to admit it, he'd really become a friend and he was really nice
Natalia's POV: I couldn't sleep. My body still ached all over, coupled with a headache. I tossed and turned.It was like the pain meds weren't working anymore. I glanced at the bedside digital clock.2:41 am. My throat felt parched, and deciding to go get a glass of water, I rolled out of bed, wincing a little from the effort.Slipping into the corridor, I noticed the house was quiet. Luca’s door was closed, but I remembered the way to the kitchen so I started downstairs.The kitchen was dark once I reached it, but the patio lights that shone through the sliding glass door leading outside cast enough of a glow that I was able to navigate my way to the fridge. There wasn't any sign of anyone awake and I was mostly grateful for that. Pulling the fridge door open, I found it stocked with an assortment of veggies and fruit. I forgot the idea of water when my eyes landed on the different flavors of ice cream, and while I'd rather have a glass of chilled water for my slight headache an
CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED & TWENTY-NINE:Natalia's POV: My stomach was in painful knots as the doctor led us to his room. My hands felt clammy, and my legs felt weak but I kept moving. According to the doctor, we weren't allowed to see him yet but we could just take a glance through the windows and that was okay for me for now, I guess.I don't know if Carlo noticed my uneasiness; his hand squeezed mine a bit tighter, as if grounding me and I was grateful for it.We got to the window and I couldn't hold back the single tear that rolled down my cheek as a small gasp pushed past my lips. I was vaguely aware of Carlo's arm coming around my shoulders as I stared at Gianpaolo— my father.The number tube, IVs, had my heart sinking and I stifled a sob, a big bandage went around his head and machines I've never seen before— “Oh God,” I let out a sob, my chest heaved as I tried to swallow my cries. I promised to be strong. I will be strong.My eyes burned with hot tears as I stared at his motionle
CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED & TWENTY-EIGHT:Carlo's POV: The doctor had said the exact thing Enzo had said. He'd asked that we hoped and prayed. ‘Prayed.’I haven't done that in fucking ages. Where do I start from? And in my experience, it usually goes unanswered. But the way things were going, I didn't mind going down on my knees and trying again. Praying in hope that Gianpaolo makes it out alive.He has to. Not quite long after, Natalia had regained consciousness. Camilla assured me that it was nothing serious, apart from the detected low sugar level which made me frown. Haven't they been watching her diet? Giving her the best meds? And then I thought back to the incident in the last few days. No one around here has had it easy so I brushed it aside and asked that they recommended the right food and all and got my own copy of the list the doctors had made so I could also monitor her feeding and the rest.Soon after Camilla had cleared her, she was up on her feet and asking to be tak
CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED & TWENTY-SEVEN: Natalia's POV: ‘...He's fighting for his life.’I swayed on my feet, suddenly lightheaded as my chest wound up so tight no air escaped or came in. My vision blurred but I could feel hands trying to steady me.I… I only just got him back.Why?Why?!!!!Why me all the time!?!?What if he dies? WHAT IF HE DIES?!Oh God. Oh God. Which superior being's meal had I pissed in before I was born? Why was I allowed happiness for a fleeting second only to watch it being snatched away?! And… and… Gianpaolo? My heart ached. He's only just met me too! I heard muffled voices around me but I couldn't seem to concentrate. I knew I was panicking but I couldn't do anything about it.Fuck. Fuck.I can't have a panic attack now. My… my baby. It will upset them….I tried to claw my way back to sanity but my throat ached, my chest felt like it trapped air in it and I couldn't fucking breathe.Now, I was panicking because I thought I was killing my baby.I was desper
CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED & TWENTY-SIX: Carlo’s POV: Something about the urgency of Enzo’s voice made my stomach tighten and beside me, I could feel Natalia go stiff. What could be the problem now? “…Look, if he's upset again, I can go speak with him, there’s no need for trouble,” Natalia said from beside me, already making a move to slip out of bed when I shook my head. “Don’t worry, there will be no trouble,” I assured her. I had no intention of fighting with the man. Still, I wasn't going to hug and kiss his cheeks and make up but for her, I’m willing to act civil. She eyed me with uncertainty and concern. “Are you sure? You heard Enzo, he says there's a problem.”“Doesn’t mean I’ll let it escalate,” I replied calmly. “Come on now, let’s freshen up and we can deal with whatever afterward—”“But, Carlo—”“We reek of sweat and sex, we should clean up before solving whatever the problem is,” I urged and then turned to the door with a louder voice. “Enzo, we’ll be down in ten min—”“Fi
CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED & TWENTY-FIVE: Carlo's POV: Hot, wet, tight heat enveloped my cock like a fist, massaging the throbbing length as I kept my eyes locked on hers…Beautiful.More than beautiful. Is what I think to myself as I felt my chest expand with emotions.It feels so good. All of it. Loving someone and having them love you back. Sex too. It felt heavenly.I leaned closer until our lips were almost touching and I pulled my cock out, smoothly gliding it against the slickness of her warm, slippery walls—fuck, she felt good. Beyond good. I could come like this.I pulled out all the way until I was only the head buried in her and then, I slammed back in causing her lips to fall open in a silent gasp. I did it, again, again, again, again, and again until her moans grew louder and my balls started to tingle with fullness. From somewhere in the corner of the room, I could hear my phone ringing or was it… hers? I tuned out the incessant ringing, focusing on the woman who stared up
CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED & TWENTY-FOUR:Natalia’s POV: As soon as the words left my lips, I was lifted off the floor, again, effortlessly and his lips claimed mine.Hot, demanding, possessing. The kiss wasn't slow or tender like it had been earlier, no, he was practically devouring my lips, eating me alive. I loved it.My skirt rode up to my waist, leaving me in only panties, bare to the feel of his palms and I squirmed against them—anything to feel him against my bare skin.I was still reeling from the very fact that he'd confessed his love for me and I can bet it was the reason why everything felt overly sensitive, sensual.I felt him move as he deepened the kiss, hot tongues tangling, teeth biting into soft, warm flesh, and moans and groans echoing in the room. Perfection.I broke the kiss, opening my eyes just in time to see him lower onto the edge of the bed, and bringing me with him so I was still straddling him.Our eyes locked, his curled into a sexy smile. “You're breathtaking
CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED & TWENTY-THREE:Natalia's POV:I did it!I did it.I did it….I actually did it…That was all I could think about.It was freeing to have finally confessed. Sure, I'd been scared shirtless, unsure, and maybe a little insecure but I'd said, ‘fuck it’ and just lay it out there.I'd meant every word I had said to him. It had taken me hours to think about my life, my past, and what the future holds for me. I'd asked myself if I could live with the fact that Carlo wasn't just some man I met months ago but a man who had separated me from my parents, driven by hurt, anger, and revenge. Of course, I know I might have died that day if Antonio's brother hadn't saved me, I know that… But I was willing to let it go for my own happiness even though that meant people might think I was stupid. I already loved Carlo, there was no turning back now, plus he was different now. I know he is. He and Gianpaolo might hate each other now, but I know in my soul that they would forgive eac
CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED & TWO: Carlo's POV: HOURS LATER… It was just eight in the morning and I was still thinking of how to approach Natalia and apologize for my outburst yesterday. My pride wouldn't let me though. It was wounded, bruised and battered. Of course, I knew I had way too much pride for one person and my ego was three sizes bigger than a football stadium. Still, I needed to shove them aside and talk to the woman who meant a lot to me… Haven't even told her that already. Thanks to my pride. ‘You're not fit to be in a relationship, Carlo.’ A voice mocked. It wasn't wrong. It's a wonder how she puts up with me. ‘Just go to her, how hard is that?’ True, it shouldn't be hard. To be honest, I wasn't the only person who had been affected by yesterday's event. She was too. But in a moment of selfishness, I made it all about me. Neither I nor Gianpaolo were completely innocent but she was. She was the one caught in a century-long war and yet, she'd handle it with gr
CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED & TWENTY-ONE: Angela's POV: Why did I change my mind? Because I knew he'd always fuck up, just like he had done in the past and I was done putting my hopes on a nineteen year old who acts like a lost puppy! Luca was like that stuck gum underneath your shoe that you couldn't quite get rid of. Why did I think it was a good idea to seduce and manipulate my nephew? The thing is, I wasn't thinking and about two years ago, I thought it was the most brilliant idea, that was before Natalia was brought here. I'd thought if I'd made him fall in love with me, I could control him. Well, I can in fact, control him. The fucker does whatever I want, would put his life in danger without hesitation if I asked, even the planned attack on he and Natalia, he'd agreed to that without hesitation but Luca had one big flaw; he'd always protect his father… He was okay with my plan to take over and rule—he thinks he'd be by my side for that, pathetic—but he keeps insisting that I do