Natalia's POV: My eyes went round, jaw hanging loose. “You're joking?” “Nope,” he popped the ‘P.’ “I'm not.” My breath caught in my throat at his admission. What…what does this mean? That I've found a woman who could be my birth mother? What if this was all a big mistake and I should have just let the sleeping dogs lie? What if they don't want me anyone? Fuck, was I really getting a cold feet just from hearing about the possibility of find my real parents?“Hey!” Fingers snapped at my face and I blinked to focus, clearing my throat. “Where did you go?” His eyes narrowed on me but I had a lot to ask him… “Did you talk to them? What did she say? Did you talk to her—”“Calm your titties, geez.” His hand dug into the pockets of his baggy jeans, as he searched around for something while I waited patiently for whatever it was. “Gotcha.” He pulled out a small picture, flipping it between his fingers.“Is that her?” I asked softly.He didn't reply but waggled his brows in response inst
Natalia's POV:I had to hold back a moan as the rich flavour of Caterina’s special homemade baked chicken exploded on my tongue.Seriously, how does she make a banger every single time? I know Tanya's mom used to make us tasty meals but Caterina’s cooking was on a whole new level.And maybe one day I could get her to teach me some tricks. One day, hopefully.I had just stuffed my mouth full with another piece of my chicken when Angela's loud curse had my eyes snapping up to hers.“Give it back!” She yelled, her face already turning bright red with rage. “Aless!” My eyes shifted to Alessandro who had kicked back his chair, trying to get away from her reach.“Alessandro!” “Quiet sister, you've been smiling like a love sick idiot lately, need to know what's up with that,” he said not bothering to look up from her phone's screen, knowing there was no way she could get to him.Seriously, why was the fucker always so goddamn annoying? Was this how brothers behave? I shoukd probably thank
Carlo's POV: “Romeo and Francessco say they have a lead on Luca,” Enzo said, leaning back in his chair. “They said an Intel told them that he was last spotted in Andorra but they aren't sure.”I arched my brow. “Andorra?” “Yes.” Dio. This boy would be the death of me someday. Perhaps I should have just gotten my men to bundle him back home as soon as we realized he'd run to Spain. I couldn't tell what was on his mind, couldn't understand the reason why he was doing all this.But I had wanted to trust his judgement, didn't want to be the kind of father that mine was to me but this time, he was really pushing my hand. And only a matter of time will our enemies begin to go after him.Enough is enough.“If they find him, they must get him home no matter what,” I demanded. “I don't care whatever method they use, they must bring Luca home, got it?” “Sure thing, Don,” he replied with a curt nod, digging into his pockets. He produced his phone, unlocking the screen and typing rapidly on
Natalia's POV: Why did I always make bad decisions when I was upset? Because that was exactly what I did earlier. Make a bad decision.Why did I think it was okay to barge in and talk to Carlo in that manner? That in no way helped Angela's case and I think I just made it worse.From the way his jaw clenched hard at the mention of Angela texting a man, I knew I'd fucked up. Fuck. Was there a way to turn things around? And Angela… My chest tightened painfully. The poor girl must be devastated. I think I should go see her first before deciding what to do to salvage this situation.But as soon as I opened my door, I dived face-first into a hard, warm wall, stumbling back, a hand shot out and steadied me.I didn't need to look to tell who it was, I could recognize his scent in my sleep. “Carlo?” He took a few steps forward, forcing me to move backward until he was standing in my room, locking the door behind him. “You wanted to talk. So here I am” I arched my brows, eyeing him warily.
Natalia’s POV: ‘Strip.’That commanding tone of his already had my belly flipping really hard. But I decided to mess with him, I mean, is it going to be a fun punishment if i don't mess with him a bit.“I'm sorry, what?” I feigned ignorance, my eyes tracking his movements as he unlatched that black belt from the belt holes of his slacks. At my words, he arched his brow, folding the belt in two. “Are you trying to disobey me, monella?” I rolled my eyes but kept my lips shut. This was going to rile him up. Good. I wanted him that way.God, I was so fucking sick.Why did the idea of being punished by him make me ruby thighs together, relieving the growing ache between them.“Strip,” he growled, his eyes darkened w as he took several steps forward until he stood toe to toe with me and I could clearly make out the color of his eyes. “I will not repeat myself again. Do as I say or face the consequences.” Fuck.A shiver ran down my spine at his words, I should be afraid of the dangerous
Carlo's POV: “N–yes.” I chuckled under my breath. “Go on, tell me why you're being punished.” “I.. er.. because.” She paused, breathing heavily as if trying to catch her breath. “Uh.. I barged into your office and spoke rudely to you.” Close enough. “That you did, but that is not why you're in this situation right now.” I heard the moment her breath hitched. “It's… it's not?” Well, it was until I changed my mind. I don't say that out loud. Wanted to keep her guessing. I moved closer to bed, admiring my handiwork on her skin. With how reddish and tender it looked, I bet she wouldn't be able to sit for days without thinking of this moment.Good.I liked the idea of being on her mind all the time.Well, for now, let's get right back to business. “I'm still waiting for your reply, bella. It's either that or I double the punishment.” “Shit.” She cursed under her breath, and I could almost hear the gears in her head turning. “You have only sixty seconds to give me a reply,” I said,
Natalia's POV: First, the fog cleared, next, my eyes fluttered open. And then I realized; I can't feel my limbs. I couldn't move either. But I could feel hands on me. My body felt like it didn't belong to me. And maybe, it didn't. Not with the way Carlo had manhandled me. I definitely should get on his nerves more often if it was gonna end up the way it did. “Can you walk?” Carlo's deep voice penetrated my thoughts and my bleary eyes shifted to him. “We need to shower, can you walk or do I need to carry you?” I guess you'd have to carry me. I tried to speak but my tongue felt too lazy and my throat was sore from all the screaming. So all I could do was stare at him, drinking in the sight of him in a disheveled state. His thick, dark hair looked wet on some parts from sweat, some strands were flustered to his forehead. My eyes dropped to his bare chest, showing off his impressive pecs. Somewhere along the line he'd taken off his clothes, untied me and cuddled me against
Natalia's POV: Morning sun filtered into my room, forcing me awake. My eyes squeezed shut as I rolled over, away from the window.I still needed to get some more sleep in. My body felt so weak, I'll probably need two weeks’ worth of sleep ro get back to normal. Satisfied with my new position, I hugged my pillow tightly against my chest, drifting into another peaceful sleep when a knock on my door interrupted.“For fuck’s sake!” I muttered under my breath but not moving. Maybe if I didn't answer, whoever was at the door would go away—KNOCK!! KNOCK!! “What now?!” I groaned loudly, tossing the pillow I'd been cuddling across the room. I just need so few minutes to myself, why couldn't I just get that?!KNOCK! KNOCK! “Goddammit! I'm coming!” I yelled, tossing back my covers as I slid out of bed, stomping over to my door. I grabbed the doorknob, twisting it and I yanked it open. As soon as the door opened, I came face to face with a maid and my irritation grew. “Now why would you keep
Hi, y'all. Happy new month💗! I know chapter updates have been on hold for over a week now, and I sincerely apologize for that 🙏 I needed some time off for school and other stuff, but I'm back now. Updates resume any day from now, thank you so much for your patience💗And for the repeated chapters, I'm sorry and I will make it up to you. I do not take your support for granted 🥹💗 Love y'all 🫶🏻
CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED & EIGHTY-NINE: Natalia's POV: My eyes fluttered open and the first thing I noticed was the big hand resting on my waist and I stiffened.Carlo?Carefully and slowly, I turned around coming face to face with a sleeping Carlo. Like this, he looked so peaceful and even more gorgeous. So he came back to bed, cuddling with me. I thought. I could stay like this for hours—days—and not move, I love being in his arms like this, I love being this close to him. For the next ten minutes or so, I lay quietly, until his eyelashes fluttered open revealing those gorgeous eyes to me.“You're awake,” he mumbled in a deep, throaty voice and I smiled.“Yes,” I whispered. “I was watching you sleep,” I said before I could stop myself, almost like my mouth had no filter.He smiled. “You enjoy watching me sleep?” Maybe more than I'd like to admit. “I don't know,” I lied, avoiding his eyes. “I'm thirsty, could you move your arm?” “Don't stress yourself, I'll get water for you,” he i
CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED & NINETY:Angela's POV: HOURS EARLIER….Rueben was finally getting better and Camilla said his infections were gone. I couldn't stand being close to him like this out of guilt but I couldn't leave his side either. Of course, being the man he was, he didn't blame me, in fact, he was relieved I had gotten home safe. Can you believe it?I was the reason he almost died and he was worried about me?‘Tell him what happened and watch if he'd still care about you,’ A voice mocked in my head and I shut my eyes tightly to make it go away.Every day was an internal battle with my head and heart. Do I tell him or not? I know if I didn't there would be no way of him knowing since none of the people who already knew were going to spill it anyways.But it was eating me up inside. No one knew how I kept reliving that day every time I shut my eyes, no one knew how I kept looking behind me. How could they tell I could still feel those bastards moving in and out of my mouth?They
CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED & NINETY-ONE: Carlo's POV: My knees buckled. I can count on a single hand the number of times I've felt this way. Helpless, frightened, powerless.“Don't you dare lay a finger on her!” I barked, my voice trembling. “I can't promise that, Carlo,” the bastard drawled. “Your cooperation determines how this goes. If you do as I say, she gets to walk free, unharmed.” “What do you want?” I gritted, grabbing my phone so hard it was a surprise it didn't Crack. “Name your price.”“You, Carlo?” I could hear the smile in his voice. “You're the prize.” This fucking bastard. “Fine!” From the corner of my eyes, I could see Enzo shaking his head, saying no but my mind was made up. “You will come to the location I've just sent you,” he ordered. “Come alone, Carlo. I don't need any of your minions, just you. You in exchange for your whore.” I didn't wait for any more babbling from me, I hung up, checking the location he sent as Enzo walked up to me.“You can't go there alo
CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED & NINETY:Angela's POV: HOURS EARLIER….Rueben was finally getting better and Camilla said his infections were gone. I couldn't stand being close to him like this out of guilt but I couldn't leave his side either. Of course, being the man he was, he didn't blame me, in fact, he was relieved I had gotten home safe. Can you believe it?I was the reason he almost died and he was worried about me?‘Tell him what happened and watch if he'd still care about you,’ A voice mocked in my head and I shut my eyes tightly to make it go away.Every day was an internal battle with my head and heart. Do I tell him or not? I know if I didn't there would be no way of him knowing since none of the people who already knew were going to spill it anyways.But it was eating me up inside. No one knew how I kept reliving that day every time I shut my eyes, no one knew how I kept looking behind me. How could they tell I could still feel those bastards moving in and out of my mouth?They
Natalia's POV: My eyes fluttered open and the first thing I noticed was the big hand resting on my waist and I stiffened.Carlo?Carefully and slowly, I turned around coming face to face with a sleeping Carlo. Like this, he looked so peaceful and even more gorgeous. So he came back to bed, cuddling with me. I thought. I could stay like this for hours—days—and not move, I love being in his arms like this, I love being this close to him. For the next ten minutes or so, I lay quietly, until his eyelashes fluttered open revealing those gorgeous eyes to me.“You're awake,” he mumbled in a deep, throaty voice and I smiled.“Yes,” I whispered. “I was watching you sleep,” I said before I could stop myself, almost like my mouth had no filter.He smiled. “You enjoy watching me sleep?” Maybe more than I'd like to admit. “I don't know,” I lied, avoiding his eyes. “I'm thirsty, could you move your arm?” “Don't stress yourself, I'll get water for you,” he insisted, pulling away as he rose to
Carlo's POV: I don't know what I'm feeling, but I can't say I didn't understand it either. I do and that's what terrifies me. I might be overreacting, freaking out because I was slowly realizing that things have completely changed for me, that my normal was now a completely different thing. And I see it now, what Camilla had been trying to tell me, Enzo too. But how could this have happened? When did the lines get blurred? How did I get here? It's just been months, how didn't I see this coming?“Don?” My head snapped up at Enzo's voice. How hadn't I heard him come in? “Enzo,” I muttered, watching as he closed the door behind him and walked in. “You're up late.” He pulled out the chair from across me and lowered onto it. “Yes, I had to round up some things,” he laced his fingers. “I noticed you walking aimlessly in the garden before coming here. Are you okay?” I should tell him, shouldn't I?He understood me better and was my most trusted man.I heaved a sigh rubbing a finger o
Natalia's POV: “Are you asleep?” Carlo asked, his fingers toying with my hair was already taking me there…“No.” We lay together on his bed, after a good round of sex, we'd showered together and now, I had my head on his chest and his arms wrapped around me.A beat passed. “How do you feel about going to university?” Huh?!I jerked up to look at him. “I don't understand.” He smiled, and pulled me back down to his chest. “I don't know, I just thought you might want that. Maybe after you've had the baby or maybe you can start now,” he shrugged. “I heard even pregnant women attend university these days. Anyone you're comfortable with is fine.” Wait…. Am I dreaming?“You're for real?” I asked carefully.“When have I ever joked about something so serious, monella?” He planted a kiss on my hair. “I'm serious about this, you can attend university if you want. I don't know if I'm wrong, but it was your dream, yes? To go to school. I do not want to take that away from you…” he trailed off
Natalia's POV: I'm easy and cheap. I thought to myself as I melted against his bare chest. His arms came around me, holding me so close as if he was trying to merge us together and for a moment, we just stood like that. And then one hand came up to my hair, stroking it gently.“You confuse me,” he murmured. “I do not know what to do with you, how to deal with..” He trailed off and I was tempted to ask him to continue but I didn't want to ruin the moment.“I didn't mean to ignore you,” he continued. “And you're right, I should've communicated better. I guess I didn't think it was important… I …I.. I've never done this…”This? What did he mean by that? “I'll do better, monella,” He whispered softly. “I'm sorry.” He didn't have to keep saying sorry because I'd forgiven him the moment he held me back. You see? Easy and cheap. But then, he was apologizing wasn't he? Didn't that mean I was a little bit important to him?‘Because of the baby!’ A little voice in my head snapped and I