Carlo's POV:5:17 AM “This is ridiculous!” Enzo snarled as he continued to stare at the text on his phone. “The ransom is fine, I mean, money isn't our problem but asking for fifty percent of the drug and weapon business, and asking II Porto del Diavolo is too much! He's crossing a dangerous line!” He was. Not just because he was asking for a huge part of my business—he won't be getting that not while I breathe and eat. But he was also asking II Porto del Diavolo. That territory might be mine but it was just mine, I had partners—not the friendly ones. But because of a peace treaty years back, we've all learnt to share it despite not meeting eye to eye we figured it was better than shedding more blood for that land. And the fact that this man was asking for it, wants it… that could only lead to a war that'd been long buried….“We can't give in to this, boss,” Enzo said again, his voice firmer and angrier this time. “Fine, we'll give him the monet he is asking for but we have to find
Natalia's POV: I didn't know how long they'd been driving. Minutes? Hours? It felt endless in the dark, cramped trunk—for some weird reason, it had a little bit of ventilation so I wasn't exactly suffocating but wasn't entirely comfortable either. My legs and back ached from the position I'd squeezed into and I was too scared to adjust, or keep changing position lest I get caught and sent back home cause I could really picture a fuming Carlo making an order for a car to take me back and I can't let that happen. The car suddenly lurched forward, and forced me to move too, making me bump my toe and the handle on the gun dug into the skin of my stomach in the process. I had to bite my tongue to keep me from crying out. Just great. It was already a long and uncomfortable ride and I definitely didn't need anymore suffering. I was just wondering how far the location was. Then, finally, the car slowed, rolling to a stop. I was really doing this. I thought, gently brushing the
Hi loves ☺️💗I wanna say thank you so much for sticking with me this long. I'm beyond grateful. Really 💗 The story of Natalia and Carlo will be coming to an end soon🥲💗 (Will miss them so much)I’ll be completing it by March (before the month ends) And just to show how grateful I am and how much I appreciate you all, I will be uploading a short novel at the end of this book and it will be free. Yes, free ☺️💗SNEAK PEAK: Kalila's POV:~Today, you looked like a fucking wet dream covered in the bubbles from your body wash-ha! Wet dream. Ironic, seeing as I did in fact jerk off to the image of you underneath the shower spray.I couldn't resist it, especially when you cupped those heavy tips as drops of water trailed down your skin-I wanted to lick them off you but I settled for taking out my cock. It was weeping for you, you should have seen it! Don't worry, I will send a picture;) ~And as if on cue, my phone chimed, startling me as my heart skipped so hard, it hurt. My pulse roare
Carlo's POV: ‘That would have been boring.’ The asshole said casually, his lips curling into a smile. I still couldn't recognize him, so I couldn't exactly why he was doing this—not like I gave a fuck about that, I was just here for the girls. But I'm sure our host was more concerned about irrelevant things like talking and feeling good about himself for bringing me to my ‘knees.’ “Maybe telling you my name will make you remember,” he suddenly said in that weird voice—at first, on the call, I thought it was just a means to disguise himself but no, his voice was terrible. “My name is Levi.” I couldn't care less about his fucking name. Couldn't he see that? “Okay, then, Levi…” Enzo began, sounding bored. “Can you—” “Boss!” A voice called, cutting Enzo off as footsteps on gravel got closer. “I caught this one sneaking around!” Great. More drama. “Shit!” Enzo swore and I stiffened, frowning, I turned to my left and the sight before me had my stomach caving. “Natalia
Carlo's POV: I didn't move a muscle as I watched Levi pull out his phone, received the call and raised it to his ears. I knew exactly what the call was about thanks to our plans earlier. I shared a look with Enzo, hoping that for whatever reason, we share some sort of telepathy and he'd know when and how to move.We've worked together for years, it should work.Levi's wide eyes snapped to mine, his phone still glued to his ear. “I do not understand!” He barked, eyes still fixed on mine. From his expression, anyone could tell he was going through various emotions, shocked, confused, anger, fear… My lips twitched. But now was not the time to dwell on that, I still had to get to Natalia. I just needed the right moment.And that right moment came a second later. As soon as Levi turned away from me, clearly devastated from whatever was being said on the phone, it all happened so fast I barely had enough time to register it.One second, a loud, pain-filled groan ricocheted in the air and
Natalia's POV:I'd fucked up. I knew that much as I sat in the passenger seat, shaking against it like a leaf. I couldn't breathe, couldn't get my heart to stop pounding painfully. Even my hands kept trembling on there own accord so I clasped them together, hoping to keep them steady. It was useless...Everything that'd had happened, felt like a terrible nightmare, those kinds you couldn't wake up from, couldn't move or scream.Except it wasn't a nightmare, it was real. And I'd witnessed it all...Carlo had been shot. To the stomach and it looked really fucking bad and it was my fault. I was supposed to be the one with a bullet to my stomach but he'd pushed me out of the way, taking my place.What if he'd died! Why would he do that. It was my fault, I'd distracted him with my stupidity!Every loud bang that rang out sent a cold shiver down my spine. What if they didn't make it out alive? Fear had me in a chokehold, suffocating me as more gunshots rang out in the air you would th
Natalia's POV: When I got to Ava's room, I was shocked to find Angela there. Seated on the bed beside Ava who was fast asleep and had an IV drip connected to her little hand. Caterina was on the other side but on a chair. “Natalia?” Caterina rose to her feet as soon as I stepped in, locking the door behind me. I moved across the room to her.Caterina took both of my hands in hers. “You had us worried! Why did you sneak out of the house? You could have been killed!” She scolded and for the first time, I didn't have a response to fire back.Like I'd said earlier. I fucked up. Big time.“You can't do something like this,” she continued sternly, eyes hard. “What you did was wrong. Totally wrong!” “Zia,” Angela's voice dragged our attention to her. “I'm sure she knows how dangerous her actions wh where but can you blame her? Her little sister was taken.”“But still—”“She's alive and well, isn't she?” Angela asked softly, her fingers still moving in Ava's hair.“Fine,” Caterina said
Angela's POV: The shocked expression on Natalia's face would have been hilarious under a different circumstance but not now. Yes, I had been trying to play it cool, act like what those monsters did to me was nothing, like it didn't bother me. I didn't even want zia to know but since Carlo knew about it, I knew it was only a matter of time but when zia spoke to me after my return, I was relieved to find out that he didn't tell her the full truth and made it look like those men had just groped and beat me up and threatened to rape me. Even more relieved to find out that he hadn't said a word about it to Alessandro. Left to me, I'd rather none of my family found out but with Carlo, it was inevitable since that disgusting pig felt like it was a thing of honor to brag about it to Carlo… Bottom line, Aless and zia can and should never find out. So, yeah. I'd decided to act like that was all it was until Natalia had to go and put me in my feelings.. I thought I was strong enough but
CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED & THIRTY-FOUR: Luca's POV: FLASHBACK..THE PREVIOUS DAY…Taking my phone out, I typed out one last text message and I hit send.I stared at the text I'd just sent to Enzo.Me: I know who shot Gianpaolo. Call me.As I waited for a reply or his call, I had time to reflect on my decision. There was no going back now. I thought as I drove back home.I was being fooled by Angela and it had to stop. I loved her. I really did but I know better now…She didn't love me. Not one bit.I was nothing but a tool and yes, years ago, when it all started, I knew our relationship was forbidden but something about the genuine love and care she'd shown me made me say, ‘fuck it.’ There was a time where I thought only she understood me. That her love was special. Sure, papà loved me, zia too but with Angela, it had been different. I'd shared my problems with her and she'd done the same. She'd told me the story about her mother's death and I really wanted to make amends, for her s
CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED & THIRTY-THREE: Luca's POV: She barely had time to register what was going on as both men bound her arms at her back and she spat at Enzo. “You slimy bastard! You could have just killed me!” He shrugged, shoving his gun back into his pocket. “I already told you,” he smiled cruelly. “Death for you, is mercy. When Carlo hears about everything Luca and I have to say to him? It's going to be so much fun.”“Fuck you!” He jutted his chin. “Take her to the car.” “Yes, boss.”“Fucking bastards!” She yelled, kicking her feet as the men held on to her tightly. “Spineless piece of shit, Luca!” I felt my heart squeezed. But it was okay. I was okay.I did the right thing.I DID THE RIGHT THING.So why does it hurt?“...That's why I never loved you!! Never man enough!! Never ever useful!!! Too weak! Too pathetic! Too—”“You're disgusting, Angela,” Enzo cut her insults off. “You're the pathetic one, Angela. He was a fucking child!!” He barked and I flinched, clamping my l
CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED & THIRTY-TWO:Luca's POV:The look on her face was almost comical if the situation wasn't already crazy.She looked beyond shocked, disbelief written on her face and it just showed how little she rated me. Well, not anymore.It hurt, I wouldn't lie. It does but fuck it.In seconds, she schooled her features, putting on that mastery art of hers… “Sir, I think you have me mistaken, I'm not Angela,” she tried to give a sign, her eyes pleading with mine as a fake smile stretched her lips. “And if you'll excuse me, I have other patients to attend to.” She tried to move but Enzo stepped forward. “Take off that bloody wig, bitch!!” His voice was a deep, dangerous command, at this point, he didn't need to pull out a gun to inflict fear… His aura was enough.But then, Angela was no easy opponent. Of course, she didn't back down, she kept that smile still in place her eyes darting between Enzo and I like we were crazy.“I'm sorry,” she let out a small laugh. “Why am I being
CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED & THIRTY-ONE: Angela's POV: The closer I got to VIP ward 305, the more the pounding of my heart increased.It was now or never.This was dangerous. I knew that but it was worth the risk. I knew to expect at least at least a guard or three surrounding his room but I wasn't trained in martial arts for the sake of it and I could be sly as fuck. What's a bunch of guards that I couldn't take on?Hopefully, it doesn't get to that and I wouldn't be needing to fight. I was in a nurse's attire, hopefully, I'm unrecognized. Even my eyes were brown, instead of blue. It should work.Turns out, Gianpaolo's room wasn't just along the others in the hallway, you had to take a turn, just a bit by the right.Wow.They must have really wanted him safe, I scoffed to myself.Just as I turned right and noticed the room, there on the mini waiting chair was a guard who looked tired from fighting sleep but awake. To his left were three cups of coffee, leftover food—he wasn't alone.Where
CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED & THIRTY: Angela's POV: THE NEXT NIGHT…2:08 PMSurprisingly, it had taken Luca a few hours to get me the address, ward and time of the nurses and doctor's routine. Guess he was not so useless after all.Turns out the hospital was one of the most popular in the country. They were really hiding in plain sight. I took out my binoculars, getting ready to get my job done. Thankfully, it was one of those gigantic buildings with windows EVERYWHERE.I adjusted my binoculars, squinting to get a good view and make sure my plan is perfect and fool proof. I mustn't make mistakes this time.The hospital came into a clearer view right before my eyes. I noticed there were fewer nurses at the reception—about four or five, two are currently fighting and failing to keep their eyes open behind the desk and I scoffed. I raised the binoculars to the first floor—completely empty. The third—I could see a nurse and a doctor…wait… are they about to fuck? Whatever.I moved my attention
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