Can y’all guess who our new guy is?🙃
Natalia's POV: His face was awfully familiar—sharp jawline, strong cheekbones, that same dark, silky hair. So similar, yet, different. He was much younger—around my age. There was concern in his golden green eyes, not cruelty like a certain someone’s bluish-grey ones. He began walking with me in his arms, my own arms wrapped securely around his neck. “I’m Luca,” He said. “I’m sorry about my father, he can be an asshole sometimes.”Father…? Then it clicked, the resemblance… “You’re Carlo’s son!” My throat felt tight.His eyes widened slightly, a soft chuckle escaping his lips. “Okay, no one calls father, ‘Carlo’ well, except great-aunt. Yes, I’m his son.”I shoved against his chest. “Put me down!” “Hey, hey, it’s okay,” his voice was a gentle whisper. “I’m not going to hurt you.”I doubt that. “Let me go!” I said through my clattering teeth. “I can walk.”Instead, his arms tightened around me. “I can’t, you were literally catatonic when I found you. I don’t think you’re okay.”I
Natalia's POV: Ugh. I think I'm lost. No, I must have taken a wrong turn. My footsteps echoed, the sound bouncing off the walls, way too loudly in the silence as I moved through the dimly lit hallway. I stopped, staring down the long empty corridor. Dead end. My heart sped up. Any moment now and I could get caught, yet, I couldn't figure my way out. I retraced my steps, feeling my pulse hammering in my throat. I had to find Ava, I won’t give up. ~ ~ ~EARLIER: ‘Take me to my sister, please.’Luca’s face fell. “I… I already went against papà’s order by releasing you, I don't think I can break any more rules tonight.”My heart sank. Was this it? My new reality? How long was Carlo going to keep me away from Ava? For fuck’s sake, how could anyone be so cruel? I opened my mouth to plead again, but Luca spoke first. “But I could talk to him, get his permission for you to go see her.” I perked up at the little ray of hope, my pulse quickening. “And you're one hundred percent sure
Natalia's POV: ‘You do have a death wish, don’t you? Fine, I will grant it.” I glared at him. “Let go of me!” I snapped, my breathing uneven as I tried to snatch my hand away from his iron grip. Carlo infuriated and scared me, and I hated him. Carlo’s eyes darkened, his grip tightening painfully around my arm and I fought the urge to squirm. “Seems like you enjoyed your stay in the cell, didn't you, monella? Because I would be more than happy to take you down there again. Do you think you're untouchable because I've shown some restraint?” My heart skipped, but I masked it, lifting my chin in defiance. “I’m not scared of you, you disgusting monster!” I shot back. The second the words left my lips, I knew I’d pushed too far. His expression shifted—darker, crueler—and I saw a flicker of something dangerous in his eyes. “I think I've been too lenient with you, too soft…” His voice was low and steady. And without taking his eyes off me. “Prepare a buyer for the younger one.”I gasped
TW: VIOLENCE!! Natalia's POV: My entire body tensed, panic crashing over me like a tidal wave. I could feel the sharp edge of the gun digging into my flesh, the harsh breath of the man behind me fanning across my neck as the hairs on it stood. Who was this man? Why would he attack me? Was it for money? “I…I don't have… have any money on me if that's what you're after,” I managed, fighting for air with his arm around my neck. “Shut your mouth,” he hissed in my ear, and my body trembled with fear. Oh God, how do I alert the bodyguard or Luca? My eyes darted frantically toward the entrance of the changing room, its blush-pink curtains were slightly opened offering a view of Luca. His back turned to me. I could see him talking on the phone, oblivious to what was happening… ‘Luca! Luca, turn around, please!’ My pulse raced so fast I thought my heart might burst. “I’ll take the gun away, and you will follow me quietly. Any funny movements and I pull the trigger. Understood?” The
Natalia's POV: ‘They found us’“Cazzo!” Luca hissed, his breath ragged as he yanked the gun from his back pocket, aiming it at the door. The sounds of footsteps grew closer, bouncing off the cold, concrete walls of the storage room. “What are you doing?” I whispered harshly, my heart hammering in my chest. “You can’t take all of them!”“I don't have any other plans, Nat,” Luca muttered through gritted teeth. “I have to fight even though this is a losing battle. In our world, it’s better to die with honor than die like a coward.”My stomach twisted at his words.Bullshit.“I’m not letting you sacrifice yourself! Benito already died. There’s gotta be another out of this storage room.”Before Luca could respond, the door handle rattled. My breath hitched as I heard muffled voices from the other side. “Bring down the door.” A man barked from behind the door. I broke out in cold sweat as fear spiked through me. The sound of a body slamming repeatedly against the door made my pulse ra
Natalia's POV: Pain…The hot throbbing pain was the first thing I felt.My body ached all over… I peeled my eyes open with great difficulty, my vision swam, and I could hear the faint sound of muffled voices in the background. My head felt heavy, and it took a moment for my brain to catch up, registering my surroundings. “Oh, good. You’re awake.” I blinked as a female doctor leaned over me. What happened? I blinked again, trying to understand what was going on. And then it all came crashing in… Flashes of the attack at the boutique flooded my mind, the chaos, tension, and fear... ‘I made it out alive!’ A breath of relief escaped me—Wait… Luca… did he? “How are you?” The doctor asked gently, interrupting my thoughts. “I’m Doctor Camilla.”I shook my head. “Luca, he…”“I’m here.” Luca stepped out from behind the doctor and my racing heart slowed. Relief washed over me. At least he was alive. As much as I’d hate to admit it, he'd really become a friend and he was really nice
Natalia's POV: I couldn't sleep. My body still ached all over, coupled with a headache. I tossed and turned.It was like the pain meds weren't working anymore. I glanced at the bedside digital clock.2:41 am. My throat felt parched, and deciding to go get a glass of water, I rolled out of bed, wincing a little from the effort.Slipping into the corridor, I noticed the house was quiet. Luca’s door was closed, but I remembered the way to the kitchen so I started downstairs.The kitchen was dark once I reached it, but the patio lights that shone through the sliding glass door leading outside cast enough of a glow that I was able to navigate my way to the fridge. There wasn't any sign of anyone awake and I was mostly grateful for that. Pulling the fridge door open, I found it stocked with an assortment of veggies and fruit. I forgot the idea of water when my eyes landed on the different flavors of ice cream, and while I'd rather have a glass of chilled water for my slight headache an
Natalia’s POV:Morning light filtered into the room, sunshine hitting my eyes and waking me up.I rolled off the bed, wincing as I put pressure on my wound. Fuck, I kept forgetting I was injured whenever I woke up! My belly grumbled loudly, twisting with hunger pangs. After freshening up, I slipped into the hallway. The smell of freshly baked pastries made my mouth water. In the kitchen, I found Caterina and Angela preparing breakfast. Caterina was taking something out of the oven. “Hello,” I said as I walked in.They both turned to me, and Angela smiled at me, holding up a mug. “Hi, coffee?” I took a stool by the island. “Yes, please.” But Caterina frowned. “You shouldn't be moving too much or putting pressure on that,” she said firmly, pointing to my bandaged side. Angela chuckled softly, wheeling her chair over. “You worry too much, Zia.” She passed me a cup of coffee just as Caterina set a tray of freshly baked pastries in front of me. “You should eat more, so the pain m
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