Natalia's POV:“You want me to bend over your knees?” I asked incredulously.No way he'd asked me that, not right now when I was fuming with anger—not like my body got the memo though. The way he'd commanded me had my body humming with need already. “I will not repeat myself,” Carlo said in a clipped tone.And I took a few small steps toward him, my heart pounding as I approached the desk.Why was I agreeing to this again? I didn't refuse, didn't put up a fight.Embarrassing.My pace was slow, probably too slow for him, judging by the way the muscle on his jaw twitched. I felt like a prey approaching a predator, but I couldn't stop myself.The moment I was within his reach, his arm shot out, wrapping firmly around my waist. In one swift motion, he pulled me forward. And a startled gasp escaped me as he bent me over his knee. What was he doing? Heat coursed through my body, pooling between my legs, and I couldn't comprehend how just being near him could make me feel this way.I go t
Natalia's POV:And like the sadistic fuck I knew he was, he denied me orgasm.I whined at the loss of his fingers in me and that earned me another sharp slap on my ass. One isolated from the previous and continuous onslaught, so this one stung. Hard.“You don't get to come, not without my permission,” His order was sharp and clear. “And don't whine.”Oh God, I was sure I was going to die from denied orgasm. “Carlo… please, let me come,” I pleaded as sweetly as possible. “I promise, I will be a good girl.” I felt his cock twitch against my mid-section and a smile tugged on my lips. He liked that.Good.Because I needed him to make me come.But my heart sank as Carlo pulled my dress down, my sensitive skin burning against the smooth fabric.“Carlo—”He pulled me upright, letting me fall to my knees next to his chair. My hair cascaded down my back, some of it sticking to the back of my neck which was drenched with sweat despite the air con in the room.Carlo pushed a few strands away f
Carlo's POV: I had left her room feeling satisfied. I didn't understand what it was but after hearing Gianpaolo talk about her in the manner in which he had, a possessiveness I didn't know I had in me awakened. She was mine. Mine to use as I pleased. And it felt like the more I touched her, the more I found out how sensitive. dark, and twisted she was, the more my cock got hard for her. She was walking sex, with full tits, curvy prominent hips and round bubbly butt. I cursed under my breath, recalling how she had swirled her tongue over my cock. She clearly had no experience and that most probably was her first time sucking a cock but her mouth on me felt so fucking good. I could not deny that was the best mouth I've ever had my cock into, in my thirty-four years of living. Would her pussy be equally as tight? Would it squeeze tight around my cock if I pushed it in? “Fuck,” I groaned, scrubbing a hand down my face. Was this what she had reduced me to? A man who fantasized a
Natalia's POV: “Jesus! You fucking idiot,” I whispered harshly as my poor heart slammed repeatedly against my ribcage. My eyes narrowed at Alessandro as I snatched my hand away. “Why would you scare me like that?” “Sorry,” he said, still grinning. Like any of this was funny. “I just didn't want to call your name and alert anyone.” “Okay…” I trailed off when a thought struck me. “You've been here?” My eyes grew wide. Chuckling, he scratched his head. “Yeah.” My heart stuttered. “Like… like the whole time?” “Yes.” My hands flew to my face, groaning as I felt a wave of embarrassment washed over me. “This is embarrassing.” My words were muffled by hands but he heard me anyway. “Not at all,” he snorted. “It was hot as fuck.” “Hot as fuck?” My nose scrunched up. “You sick perv. Why were you snooping around?” I hissed as my embarrassment morphed into irritation. “I wasn't snooping,” he protested, frowning. “I asked the maid to tell you to meet me here as soon as the lunc
Carlo's POV: I was reviewing some documents and business deals when I felt eyes burning into the side of my head. Without turning my head. “What?” I sighed exasperatedly A low chuckle escaped him. “I'm just curious,” Enzo replied. My brows lifted as I finally turned to face him. “Curious about what?” Clasping his palms together, he leaned forward against my desk. “So you've been fucking Antonio's daughter. That was fast.” “I haven't fucked her. Not yet,” I replied in a dismissive tone, hoping he'd drop the conversation. But of course, he doesn't. If there was anything being friends with him for over fifteen years had taught me is that Enzo didn’t let things go until he was satisfied. “Well, from what I've heard,” he began. “You've been fucking her. You honestly don't have to penetrate her with your cock—” “Cristo santo,” I cut him off sharply. “Is this the work we ought to be doing now? Discussing my bedroom activities?” Enzo ignored my warning glare, resuming
Carlo's POV: My brows dipped as a frown clouded my features. “Are you suggesting that I remarry, Alfredo?” The old bastard stared up at me, lips pursed into a thin line, he nodded. “Cazzata!” I growled. {Nonsense} He held his hand up. “Listen, that is a good suggestion and as much as you may not agree with it, what Nicolò said was true. Your son ran away and that doesn't look good for your character, it portrays you as ‘weak’ soon our rivals would think we are disorganized and weak. You know a presiding leader should always have an heir.” I thrust my hands into the pockets of my slacks, my eyes darting from one man to the next. I had fought to be Capo at age nineteen, I had killed and lost a lot to get here, to earn my spot. At twenty-four I became the youngest leader of the family against all odds. I'd be damned if I let these bastards question my credibility, my strength, my authority. Left to me I'd have wiped them off a long time ago, I had no problem doing that.
Natalia's POV:“How do you know he's going on a business trip,” I hissed, pacing the dark hallway.Vittoria crossed her arms over her chest, leaning casually against the wall as if we weren't seconds away from getting caught. “I’m a maid, remember? I hear things. Carlo was speaking to Enzo about it last night. Something about going to Russia to sign a deal with Ivan Kozlov.”I stopped pacing, narrowing my eyes at the way she'd said that name. “What is it? Is there something wrong with this Kozlov guy?”She let out a slow, deliberate sigh, gaze darting around. “Yes and no,” she murmured.My brows dipped further. “What does that even mean?”“Ivan Kozolov is also one of the richest men in Europe, and most definitely the most powerful and richest in Russia. The media portrays him as this business tycoon who has flourishing businesses including oil companies but that's not all…” She trailed off. “What is with the suspense? Just say it, we are on borrowed time here,” I whispered harshly.
Natalia's POV: How does one successfully hide a possession you're not supposed to have access to? More like a contraband. Whatever. But how? It had just been a day since Vittoria handed me a freaking phone knowing fully well that I had been forbidden to use one. I couldn't hide it in my room, nowhere was safe. Not underneath my bed, not my closet, bathroom or even my duffel back. All night, I had tossed and turned, worried that I might get caught even before I got the chance to use it. Fuck, the paranoia was real and it was eating me up alive. Eventually, I had decided to take it down with me for breakfast. Which was why I was fighting so hard not to squirm under Carlo’s intense gaze. Something that seemed almost impossible seeing as I seated right next to him at the dinner table. The coolness of the phone's screen against my stomach felt hot, its light weight suddenly felt as heavy as a lead. My heart slammed against my ribcage as a sense of dread filled me—which was silly bec
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