CHAPTER EIGHTY Carlo's POV: As soon as I left Natalia behind in my room, the smile on my face dropped, my mask of pretense slipping away as something dark replaced it. Sure, I had fun teasing her. I mean I was glad she was safe— I was glad? The fuck is wrong with my head? It didn't matter, not right now. What mattered was the fact that they had been ambushed. I say ‘ambushed’ because these fuckers knew my sister had an appointment at that hospital. They knew the time and date! Merda! This was driving me nuts! They had gone too far this time but who were they? I flung the door to my office open, striding in to find Enzo and the fools that had accompanied my sister and Natalia to the hospital. These good for nothings couldn't even catch at least one person who we could use as a scapegoat and trace back their leaders. “Don, they had masks on, and they shot from a distance we couldn't tell who they were or who they worked for.” One of my guards said, with his
Carlo’s POV: “What the fuck is this?” I demanded, glaring hard at my archenemy as he walked through the door like he owned the place. My blazing eyed darted back to Alfredo who seemed so very proud of himself. “Why is Gianpaolo here, Alfredo?” “Oh, sorry, don,” he said, not looking any bit sorry about this. “I forgot to inform you that we have all agreed to welcome Gianpaolo back into the inner circle.” Anger flared inside me, my body trembled with it. “Behind my back? Who is in charge here?!” “You, don, you of course. But you see, we have rules and if a leader doesn't follow them, it's our right to deal with the problems however we deem fit.” My attention drifted back to Gianpaolo who had a big grin on his face as he dropped into the seat across from me. There'd been am extra seat… how didn't I notice that earlier. These fucking bastards were really testing me. My lips curled up in a sneer as my eyes moved from one man to the next. “So bringing back the very man I banished fo
Carlo's POV: “Quick reflex,” I said to Enzo as we slipped into my car. “Good job.” He nodded, gripping the steering wheels tighter. “It was necessary.” “It sure was.” From the corner of my eyes, I could see the frustration rolling off him in waves. “Those fuckers are getting more desperate. Bringing Gianpaolo back into the circle, after what he'd done? Ridiculous.” Agreed. Gianpaolo had been sent out of the circle because he'd deceived us in the past and had made a deal with a rival because of greed so it was his punishment; to leave. And now he they were bringing him back just to rebel against me? And Gianpaolo? Thinking he could challenge me because for some unknown reason they'd all decided to take his side. Pfft. As if I gave a fuck about any of them. I wasn't scared of them, could wage a war and wipe out everyone but we all knew how that would end… A leader without people to rule over. All I needed was to put them in their place but in the meantime. “W
Natalia's POV: The past four days had been weird. The good kind, actually. Maybe.I dunno. Just, Carlo's been different, okay? Not his usual annoying self. Which was… good.These days he made it his mission to check up on me, making sure I didn't move my injured arm in the wrong way. He'd also spend time with me—though it was usually in silence… but still.And I was beginning to think I could trust him enough to let him know about my fake father, Antonio’s letter, to let Carlo know I was still looking for my real parents.No. I shook my head, kicking against the idea as Alessandro's warnings flashed in my mind. That letter had subtly warned me about telling Carlo. But what toes could Carlo possibly have about my past? It made no sense.But I really really needed to know my real parents, even though I was no longer desperate to escape this place. Maybe I had to go back crawling to Alessandro for help. Was it worth it? Maybe… maybe not. Guess I'd figure something out later but I wa
Natalia's POV: “Hey, Nat.”I shot to my feet in an instance, eyes wide, jaw hanging loose. “Tanya?!” I gasped taking in my best friend.No. Freaking. Way.Oh my God!I darted across the room, running into her outstretched arms as the shock finally wore off. She caught me, hugging me back tightly, like her life depended on me, burying her nose in my neck.And as if on cue, we both started sobbing, it was tears of joy. Letting it all out.He'll, I'd missed her so much. She was the only family I had beside Ava, when she noticed my dad was an asshole, she forced her way into my life.Back in middle school, I didnt keep friends—hard to do so when you were bullied for being dirt poor and wearing worn out clothes all the time. But Tanya didn't give up on me, not when I'd been rude to her because I wanted to protect myself. More tears streamed down my cheeks when the memory of the first day she'd started bringing extra lunch to school just for me flashed in my mind.From then on, she'd shar
Natalia's POV:Later at night, after we got Tanya settled in, I headed back to his bedroom. Truth is… I stopped staying there two days ago when I'd finally been able to get out of bed and the pain meds didn't weigh me down anymore.But he'd missed dinner and I needed to talk to him about what happened today….. In fact, so many things.What was happening between us? Why did it constantly feel like there'd been a shift? I pushed his door open with my good arm and slipped in. The place was dark, quiet, so I just flicked on the beside lamp and I dropped down of his soft, enormous bed.I think I waited quiet a bit, already drifting into sleep when he arrived. “It's almost midnight,” he said, startled as he closed the door behind him. “Why are you here? In my room?” I shrugged. “You let me stay here most of the time anyway, so, no biggie. However, I need to speak to you about something?” “And it couldn't wait until tomorrow?” His brows knitted together as he started to unbutton the cuff
Carlo's POV: Walking away from her, when her desire was so obvious and raw, was a test of will.My cock throbbed in my pants, straining painfully against the zipper it made breathing almost impossible. Almost.The bathroom door clicked shut behind me and I quickly shed off my shirt and pants. My cock sprang free, slapping against my abdomen as I tugged off my boxer briefs. Cazzo! She got me so damn hard for her. Tonight, something about her had been different. She had seemed bolder, more daring and definitely wanted me as badly as I did want her.Was it because of the surprise? Had her behavior been a way to show her gratitude? Well, I couldn't tell…I knew it was reckless bringing her best friend over and Enzo had tried and failed to talk me out of it, but I needed her to know that I meant every word I'd said when we made that deal.I needed her to trust me because… because I didn't want her to keep trying to run away… I… I wanted her to stay…Madre! I was acting weird again.Enoug
Natalia's POV: Two days later. I hadn't seen much of Carlo since the night I had acted desperate and he asked me to not touch myself until he was ready to fuck me. The memory had me tugging on my lips as a warm feeling settled in my stomach. And honestly, I was missing his touches, his kisses…Great, now I sound like a freaking sap. Shaking the thoughts of Carlo out of my head, I was back to reality… The ‘here’ and ‘now.’Sure, it was a lazy day, but at least, I had my favorite people in the living room with me.Although, while tiktok videos had me glued to my screen, Ava, Tanya and Angela had their own task at hand.Tanya was painting both Angela and Ava's nails so she had them glued to her side while they chatted.I had just swiped through another trending video when a text popped up on my phone.My brows dipped as I read it.+39 XXX: Hello.Hmmm…An unknown number… only Tanya and Angela had my number.Me: who is this? I waited on bated breath as the text bubble showed up… it se
Natalia's POV: Ding! My phone chimed with an incoming text and my heart leapt like it knew who it was. I grabbed my phone from my bedside table, glancing at its screen.Grumpy asshole: My room in five.My stomach flipped. Hard.I knew he'd give in. I might not be certain about a lot of things but this one, I was quite sure of.One thing I knew for certain is that Carlo was insanely attracted to me as I was to him even if he didn't have feelings for me—the thought of that made my chest ache but I chose to ignore it. I knew what it was from the start.Which takes me back to what I said to Angela. To Carlo, this was just sex, hot, dirty, wild sex. Nothing more. Even though I was starting to want ‘more.’Pushing away the negative thoughts, I got off my bed, and out of my room. I slipped into the hallway, heading straight for his room, my heart pumping fast with anticipation and excitement.Few rooms away from his bedroom, I caught myself grinning from ear to ear and my smile dropped ins
Carlo's POV: The soft raping had me lifting my eyes from my laptop. “Come in.” My eyes shifted back to my laptop and I continued working as the door creaked open. I heard it click shut but didn't bother looking up.“Hey.” My shoulders stiffened, hairs stood at the back of my neck as that familiar voice echoed around the four walls of my office. My gaze met dark blue ones. “Didn't think you'd be home.” She pulled out the chair across my desk and lowered herself into it. “Seriously, do you ever go to your company's office?” “I do, when necessary—” I paused abruptly. Why was I explaining myself? “What are you doing here, Natalia?” She arched her brows, a sly smirk tugging at the corners of those sensual lips. “Natalia? You rarely call me that.” I felt my stomach clenched but I maintained my cool on the outside, returning my attention back to my screen. “What do you want? I have a lot on my plate.” “You've been avoiding me, why?” My eyes met hers again as my mind darted back to t
Natalia's POV: ‘I like Carlo.’ The moment the word escaped my lips, the air around us stilled. My pulse quickened and it felt as though the heater had been turned on to its maximum temperature. Angela's fingers stilled in my hair and I pushed myself up, shifting until I was seated opposite her. She just stared at me, her expression unreadable. Embarrassment washed over me like a tidal wave, the whole situation was awkward. Why did I think it was okay to blurt it out like that? What was I thinking? This was stupid, so stupid.. “Or maybe not. I don't like Carlo. Never will. I guess I was just confused? I dunno. Just—” A loud bubble of laughter escaped her, cutting my rambling off and if I thought my cheeks felt hot earlier, it was like a burning furnace now. “Just… just forget about it.” “Forget about the fact that you admitted to liking my brother? Hell no,” she said between laughter, her shoulder trembling with it.“Did you miss the part where I said, ‘I think?’ I made a mistake
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
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
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: ‘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
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.
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