Angela’s POV:As soon as Carlo left the dining room, my gaze darted back to Natalia, sat stiffly in her chair, trying to mask her fear and unease. But she wasn't fooling anyone—well, not me.She was scared, confused, and I couldn't blame her.I get it. I really do.I couldn’t relate to being taken away by some strange man to a strange country with no familiar face. I would lose my shit, which was why I admired Natalia. Sometimes. She might be a few years younger than me but she was fierce and relentless even in the face of danger… Something I didn't quite possess. I was a wimp. Everyone agreed to that anyway. “Hey,” I started, reaching across the table to touch Natalia’s hand, hoping to cheer her up. “It's going to be fun, I promise.”I knew what my brother did was wrong. Immoral. But I knew he had his reasons, plus, he was my brother and it was my duty to take his side, wasn't it? Besides, he was really not that bad. I swear it.Her nose scrunched up in an adorable frown. “Fun? I
Angela’s POV: “You go ahead, I’ll wait outside,” Natalia said, holding the door open for me. But I barely registered her words or presence. Not while I was fighting hard to hide my reaction. It would be embarrassing to have my jaw hanging loose. Yeah, the sight before me was magnificent. Behind the desk sat the most gorgeous man I have ever laid eyes on. He looked like he was straight out of a romance book. He had soft, curly, golden-blonde hair. His brown-hazel were so beautiful and they seemed kind. He was dressed in an impeccable white coat and a blue shirt underneath it. My heart rate picked up as he got up from his seat and approached me. “Hello, I’m Doctor Rueben. Your new therapist.” He held out his hand to me. His lips curling into a wide, polite smile on his face. For a moment, I forgot to respond. All I could see was his gorgeous face—I was captivated by it. I had seen so many good-looking men, no doubt. But something about him pulled me in, had me transfixed like a h
Natalia’s POV:I whirled around to see Gianpaolo standing a few feet away. His presence set me on the edge and annoyed me at the same time. The way his dark gaze lingered was unsettling, and my body tense with apprehension. As if summoned, the guards who'd been keeping a discreet distance stepped closer, positioning themselves protectively at our sides.Gianpaolo raised his hands in mock surrender, a sly smile stretching across his face. His guards at his side had gone tense and alert as ours approached. “Relax, boys. I’m not here for trouble today,” he said smoothly, his tone making my skin crawl. Seriously, what was his deal? I understood he had beef with Carlo, but like leave me out of it. “Then leave,” Angela snapped, her voice sharp. “Go on your own way and let us shop in peace.”His icy eyes flicked to her, his smile widening. “The mall is public, isn't it? Or is your brother claiming this space as Moretti territory now?”“Yeah, and it’s not weird at all that we ran into you
Natalia’s POV: Turned out Carlo just wanted me to sit with him, just for the sake of it. For hours, he'd ignored me, eyes glued to his MacBook as he worked. Enzo wasn't any better, he kept reviewing emails and documents on his phone too. All I could do was look out of the window and enjoy the view—more like an endless vast of clouds. About five hours later, I had grown sleepy and Carlo finally allowed me to leave his side. I was directed to the room and immediately my head hit the soft, plush pillows, I was out cold. Probably not a wise move to make as someone who had something to hide.But I was fucking tired. I had slept for over two hours and when I woke up, there on the bedside table was a meal prepared for me.For a minuteor two, I stared at the tray of food, a mix feeling of confusion and dread washing over me. I couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off. Or was I so used to Carlo being an asshole that I couldn't acknowledge basic act of kindness without feeli
Natalia’s POV: His eyes widened slightly at my bold request. My racing heart slowed. That was a good sign, right? It meant I had distracted him from the fact that I had locked the door For a moment, silence stretched between us, the tension between us was so thick, that I could almost choke on it. “Is that so?” His voice was low, gravelly, and dangerously calm. I nodded, forcing myself to hold his gaze despite the way my knees threatened to buckle. He stepped inside, shutting the door behind him with deliberate slowness. The sound of the lock clicking into place sent a shiver down my spine as his gaze roamed my body. At least he hadn't asked about the door incident. I pray it stayed that way. If begging him to take my virginity meant saving my ass, I didn't care. It wasn't like I saved it for any special reason. “You can do whatever it is you want with me,” I urged. He crossed his arm over his chest, eyes fixed on mine. “And why is that? Why are you offering yourself
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
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
CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED & TWENTY:Angela's POV:Acting cool and calm when I wanted to scream my head off was exhausting. God!!!!!!I fucking, fucking knew it!!!! I knew the moment he found out Natalia was his fucking daughter, he'd grow weak! And that stupid bitch! I didn't know she'd carry the ring with her, it had always been in her bag! And even when she kept pestering Alessandro to find her parents, I kept leading him to the wrong ends… It didn't take too much since it was really hard to find some random girl's parents but I'd done research on Gianpaolo long before I'd told Alessandro to join forces with him—long before Natalia came into the picture. So as soon as I saw the ring, I knew. Sofia had it on in one of her pictures and that was all I needed to piece two and two together.This was my fault. I left a loose end. I never do those! Now, my brother had gone fucking missing and this pathetic old prick was backing out of our revenge plot! No!I'd given way too much into this. Th