Carlo's POV: This shit was getting to my head. I thought as I walked down to the empty guestroom I use sometimes—well, whenever she was in my room. Despite taking a shower, I could still feel her on me. It didn't make any sense. Everytime we had sex, it was like I was drawing closer and closer to her. Somehow I had started acting weird. My mind darted back to the shower moment. What the hell was that? I rubbed the bridge of my nose as I pushed the door open, locking it behind me, I plopped down on the bed. I could have sworn my heart rate had increased at that moment… It felt like I wanted us to stay that way forever. ‘Forever?’ I had clearly lost my mind. Was following Alessandro's advice really a good idea? I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to drive images of her away from my mind. It was useless. I tossed and turned for hours until I finally drifted into sleep, grateful for the escape from reality and constantly thinking of her…. But she was there too, in my
Natalia's POV:10:33 AMI stretched out on the bed, feeling the muscles on my back ache as my joints made a cracking sound. My hand reached blinding for the spot beside me and I'm met with nothing but cool linen sheets.Oh shoot, he really did leave last night.My eyes fluttered open and I rose slowly into a sitting position, the little ache between my legs was a subtle reminder of what had transpired last night. From the way he'd devoured my lips to how hard he'd fucked me. It was so fucking perfect. My stomach flipped as a small smile tugged on my lips and as quickly as it came, I wiped it off my lips. Why the hell was I smiling? What for exactly?It was just sex, hot freaking good sex. Nothing more. It was more like a beneficial transaction between us. I remain his mistress and he let me live ‘freely.’ And that was it.‘Don't go falling for the man, Natalia.’ The small voice in my head warned.Fall for Carlo? Pfft. I shook my head, kicking back the covers, exposing my naked bo
Natalia's POV: BANG! Right before my eyes, one of our guards dropped to the floor, blood oozing from somewhere around his head. His eyes opened, cold and void of life. He was dead. A pit opened in my stomach. No, no, no, no. This wasn't happening. My heart was like a battering ram in my chest, threatening to break from my ribs and leap onto the floor. Everything happened so fast as one of our guards immediately pulled out his weapon while the other three formed a human shield around us with their guns out too. “Get in the van!” One of them shouted and instincts took over as my trembling hands grabbed the handles of Angela’s wheelchair. Fear flashed on her expression, her pale face mirroring mine. “Oh lord, why is this happening,” she muttered shakily under her breath as I tried my hardest to help her inside the van without trembling for one second, I'd done it successfully, moving it up the slide out ramp. And then I lost my balance, tripping backwards, my hands slipped from
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
CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED & THIRTY-SIX:Carlo: THE NEXT DAY…“You kissed her?” Enzo asked again and I threw him a glare, grounding my molars harder.Stronzo.He’d been repeating it like he didn't hear a word I said. I watched as he pulled out the chair from across my desk and lowered into it.“Why?” A heavy sigh escaped me. “I do not have an answer for that.”He leaned forward on the desk. “No, I think you do.” I clenched my jaw tightly.He was right. But I'd be damned if I told him I kissed her because I had missed it—missed being near her or missed being able to touch her…It was stupid. I have to be able to let her go, to force myself to come to terms with the fact that she was Luca's now. And it was because of me. She'd asked that I set her free but how could I explain that the thought of never seeing her again made my heart clench in a way I couldn't even begin to understand? I know I'd promised to send them away or leave once they got married but deep down, within my soul, I knew
Natalia's POV: After giving it a thought, I knew Alessandro was my best bet. Which was why I was here, knocking on his door at almost two in the morning .No answer.I lifted my hand to knock again when I heard feet thudding against the floor followed by rustling, then a loud thud and harsh whispers.He had a visitor at this late hour?Must be one of the girls he was seeing…Should I wait or come back later?I chewed on my bottom lip as I tried to weigh my options… On one hand, I wanted to respect his privacy and come back in the morning but on the other hand, I was impatient. This couldn't wait till morning.Decision made, I lifted my hand again but before if could connect with the door, it swung open and Alessandro came into view.Shirtless, shorts hanging loosely on his waist, hair tousled, lips looking a bit plumper than usual.He was making out with a girl then.An odd feeling tugged at my insides. Jealousy.Must be nice to be this free and go on living without problems. Doing w
Alessandro's POV: Going back to have a talk with Luca was a waste of my time. The little shit has his mind made up! Shit! Shit! My hands flew to my hair, tugging painfully as I paced the length of my room. This was bad. For me and my partner. We were so fucking close! What was Luca thinking, really? How could he suddenly come back home and ruin everything for me? If he marries Natalia that was bad news for me. I was already plotting on how to use their growing relationship to my advantage and now that is ruined?! Fuckingshit! But the poor girl though… I knew I didn't care much for her but… she has been through enough already. I could tell she was already in love with Carlo. How would she handle this? Was there even a way to help her out of the mess? I don't think so. Carlo was adamant and very clear about his standing on this matter. The bastard didn't even flinch or show any emotion after he'd just broken the poor girl's heart. I really wish I could help. ‘Snap o
Natalia's POV: LATER AT NIGHT…This was stupid. I thought for a billion times, yet, I found myself standing at Carlo's doorstep…Ever felt so nervous it felt like you're about to shit yourself? Yep, that was how I felt as I raised my hand to knock on his door. With each rap of my knuckles against the wooden door, the pit in my stomach deepened.I counted down to seven before I heard his heavy footsteps pad across the room and in no time, the door swung open, revealing a shirtless Carlo. Those impressive pecs on full display, rock hard abs, flexing. A trail of dark hair starting from his lower abdomen and disappearing into the waistband of that seductive grey sweatpants he had on.I gulped. Hard. ‘Get it together you fool.’My eyes lifted back to his, the surprise in those bluish gray eyes was palpable. I cleared my throat. “Uhh, hi?” ‘Really? Is that all you could say?’“I need to speak to you.” I said, a lot firmer this time and with a lot more confidence. But his expression quic
Natalia's POV: AFTER BREAKFAST …I think I slept off after crying again. Not sure how long but my eyes snapped open when I felt fingers in my hair. My eyes felt heavy and painful, my vision was a little blurry from all the crying and sleeping…I sat up slowly, forcing the fingers to leave my hair and I blinked as my eyes focused on the figure before me. “Caterina?” I moved slightly, wincing as my whole body ached from sleeping on the ground for hours. “Hey, dear.” Her hand came up to cup my face gently. “I brought you breakfast.” She motioned behind her and that was when I noticed Angela and a maid standing beside her with a tray of food.“There's a chocolate mousse cake too, I know you love those,” Angela urged with a smile.Ignoring her, I let my eyes shift from one woman to the other and I hated how vulnerable I feel. Pushing to my feet with great difficulty, feeling/hearing my bones pop and I winced. “I'm not hungry,” I said softly.“Nonsense.” Caterina's voice was soft, but f
Carlo's POV: “You did what?!” Angela screeched, breaking the uncomfortable silence in the room and Luca just seemed… unbothered Luca months back would never behave like this.Where had I gone wrong with him? Did I push him too hard unknowingly? Does he hate me?Lord knows I was out of my depth here. It felt like I was drowning… It was all so… overwhelming. Zia placed her hand softly on Angela's shoulder. “Calm down, dear. I don't think he meant what he said.” Her eyes met Luca's. “You didn't mean it, right? Tell her.” He let out a small laugh shaking his head. “Now why would I joke about something like that?” The look on zia's face at Luca's statment would be funny if this situation wasn't already too fucked up and complicated. And for the first time in years, I felt like a coward. The biggest coward to have ever graced the surface of the earth. “...She was meant to be my bride after all,” he continued casually. “All I did was ask to push through with the wedding.” “But she's y
Natalia's POV: My tongue felt heavy, the fight in me evaporating from my body as I could do nothing but watch Carlo leave my room like he didn't just shred my hearts into a thousand pieces. I couldn't tell what hurt me more. The fact that Carlo had just handed me to his son like I was nothing or the realization that my feeling was/will never be reciprocated. Hot tears hit my cheeks before I could stop them, my knees hit the floor as I clutched at my aching heart. Stupid. I was stupid to fall for the one man I couldn't have and shouldn't want… Fingers grabbed my chin painfully and my eyes snapped up to meet Luca's as he crouched down slowly. “You're crying like I asked to kill you or something.” He huffed a small laugh, smirking. “Is marrying me so bad that you have to look like this….?” His eyes roamed my face. “Like a heartbroken mess?” Yes! I wanted to scream, to yell, curse at him and maybe use my fist on him. But I couldn't. I felt drained, weak, I could only just kneel th
CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED & TWENTY-NINE: Natalia's POV: ‘Who is this person, Luca?’His hands fell from my arm like he'd been burned and he stepped back abruptly, confirming my suspicions but his face remained stoic.Someone wanted this—what was happening. But who and why?I ignored the burning sensation lingering on my arm from where his fingers were and I took a step forward. “Who are they? Cause I can tell you for a fact that they're lying and I didn't take you for someone who could be easily manipulated!” “You're delusional, no one said a thing to me. This is clearly an observation!” He shot back fiercely. “No one tells me what to do and I'm not being manipulated. This is all me!” Then why do you look so shaken? Like you're desperate to keep a secret to protect this person?! I didn't say that out loud though, he was determined to keep his mouth shut. So nothing I say or do will change a thing. “Alright, fine. I've heard you,” I said softly, hoping it would calm him down. “No one i
Natalia's POV: I stood close to the door as Luca stood in the middle of my room, his hands shoved into his pockets, eyes fixed on me. Shit. I chewed on my bottom lip nervously. What do I say? ‘Please I don't want to marry you. I already have feelings for your father’ or ‘We can't get married. You do know I have sexual relations with your father, right?’ None was convincing enough. Just plain stupid. I'd brought him up here without a goddamn plan. What on earth was I thinking? “...I don't have all day, Natalia.” His voice penetrated my thoughts and my eyes snapped back to his. I can do this. This is just Luca—even though he's changed a bit… Keeping my eyes fixed on his, I cleared my throat, wiping my sweaty palms against my leggings. “Uhh… how have you been?” Easing into a conversation was clever, right? “You just…just.. disappeared… I… I hope you were doing alright wherever you went.” And I meant that sincerely. He scoffed angrily, eyes blazing as he regarded me slowly. “