Natalia’s POV:‘The fuck?’ The words slipped out before I could stop them, and I slapped a hand over my mouth. The figure stiffened, stopping what they were doing, which was: using a knife to carve several jagged lines into their right hand. I couldn't see clearly but I could make out the glint of silver moving slowly, but deliberately. An unmistakable metallic smell assaulted my nostrils.Blood. The figure turned, letting the knife drop to the floor with a clatter. I could feel their gaze locked on me. My first instinct was to bolt but my feet were glued to a spot even as they got up, moving toward me. “What are you doing here?” The voice was a low growl, calculated, and dangerous. Unfortunately, I’d recognize that voice anywhere, even in my sleep. Carlo. Why was Carlo sticking a knife in his skin? “What are you doing here?!” He asked again, this time, his voice was louder and more deadly.Goosebumps scattered across my skin.Shit shit shitMy heart slammed against my ribcage a
Natalia’s POV:The sound of birds chirping had my eyes fluttering open and immediately winced when the bright morning sun met my eyes. ‘I don't remember leaving my curtains open’ I sighed, sitting up in bed, Instantly regretting it when a mild pain shot between my thighs, a raw reminder of last night. It wasn't a dream. It happened.I could vividly remember how hard he'd strangled me, pressed me against the wall, and dominated me. How his rough, thick finger felt in my delicate, soft walls. The way his hot, thick length slid against my swollen wetness. My pussy throbbed, clenching around nothing and I shook my head, hoping to forget the memories that flooded back with nauseating clarity. The worst part was I didn't even hate it. Disgusted? Sure but hate? No way. How could I hate it when my body had loved every second of it and craved even more? I still felt frustrated from not getting to come but still… ‘You’re marrying his son the day after tomorrow, Natalia. You’re disgusting’T
Natalia’s POV:The look in Carlo’s eyes could kill anyone. His expression was so dark, so filled with fury, I could almost feel the burn from across the room. What had gotten him so angry? Why did he want everyone else to leave but me? “Qual è il problema, figlio?” Caterina’s concerned voice broke through the silence just as Bianca and Gabriella exited the room. “Talk to me,” She said softly, placing a hand on his arm to pacify him. But Carlo didn't even look at her, his gaze locked on me, cold and hard. {What is the problem, son?}“I just need to talk to my son’s fiancèe,” he said in a low, measured tone. “In private.” Me?! Caterina’s gaze moved from her nephew to me and back to him again. “I’m not leaving,” she said defiantly. “You keep acting like a maniac around her, you're scaring the poor girl!” Carlo let out a dark, sarcastic laugh. “You’re too naive if you think she's scared of me, zia.” His eyes darkened, and muscles on his jaw twitched in anger as his eyes met mine. “'cau
Natalia’s POV: HOURS LATER…Thanks to Caterina, I wasn't subjected to the harsh punishment Carlo had in store for me. Instead, I was locked up in my room, with no access to anyone, food, or water. But Caterina had been very disappointed in me, Luca said he'd understand and wasn't upset but I wasn’t buying into his lies. If I were in his shoes I’d be upset too, especially since Carlo had given him the lecture of the year.I felt… felt terrible. My impulsive, reckless action has done more harm than good. I was worried sick about Tanya but Caterina assured me that Carlo would let her go. I do hope so, cause the guilt was eating me up. And that heartless demon, he’d really want them to strip me naked and let three men flog me for hours? I can't believe I’d let him touch me! The way he'd acted like nothing happened between us that night, shocked and infuriated me. Not like I had anticipated all of this to happen but wasn't he supposed to take that into consideration?‘Natalia, you poss
Carlo’s POV:“What do you mean you can't find my son!” I barked at the incompetent fools who had their heads bowed. “Sorry boss,” Leonardo spoke up first. “We… we don't know how this happened.”I stormed toward him, grabbing his chin in a tight grip. “So you're telling me, only one boy snuck out of the mansion, and none of you seemed to have noticed?” “He…he tricked his driver, capo—”“Useless!” I shoved his chin away, disgusted as I paced the empty room in the cathedral back and forth, wondering why Luca had run away. Was it the wedding? Fuck, he knew he had to get married one way or another, that was the tradition of this household and probably every other household within the organization.This was bad, very bad. Once this got out—which it will eventually—the other families would start talking, questioning my abilities and position. The wedding was meant to be a symbol of control, it meant Luca would have an heir after he took over from me, and now? Now it had all come crashing d
Natalia’s POV: Carlo finally returned a week later. But for the past two days, I hadn't seen him, not once. It was like he was avoiding me and it was driving me crazy.After everything that’s happened, he's just going to ignore me? I needed answers—needed to know about Luca’s disappearance and my future.A knock on my door and one of the guards walked in. “Boss would like to speak with you, in his office.”Fucking finally!I got off the bed and followed the guard out to Carlo’s office. The guard opened the door and I walked in, finding Carlo behind his desk. The light from the opened blinds played across his cheekbones, as well as a lush mouth. He hadn’t shaved recently, and a dark scruff covered his sharp jaw. There was something about his hard grey-blue eyes that had me thinking about what he'd been up to these past few days.“Sit.” He gestured to an empty chair in front of his desk, which I took eyeing him warily. Why was he so different? “I’m not going to beat about the bush,”
Natalia’s POV: God!I was so angry my body vibrated with it. I have never been this furious in my life!I got to my room, slammed the door, and locked it shut with a chair against its knob. I paced back and forth like a wounded animal, and before I could stop myself I grabbed the curtain and tore it from its rails. Next, I picked up the bedside lamp, smashing it into the mirror with all my strength. I watched it shatter to pieces, panting from the exertion.Without thinking, I grabbed a piece, accidentally cutting myself. Hissing, I stared at the blood coating the glass and dripping to the floor. But I was way past caring. I felt like I could explode any second now. My chest felt heavy and it physically hurt. If I couldn't take my anger out on Carlo, I would do that to his properties! I walked over to the bed and started slashing. I let it all out. My fury at Carlo, my anger at Luca and my rage at my father.They were the reason I was in the mess, how dare they dictate my life! Firs
Carlo’s POV:I strode out of my room with my cock as hard as a rock after I’d restrained a very naked Natalia to my bed. There was no one who had ever pushed me to the fucking wall as much as she did, secretly, I loved it, it gave me more reasons to do as I pleased with her. And maybe I looked like a sick bastard asking her to be my mantenuta weeks after my son—her fiancè left her at the altar but why wait? I already knew what she tasted like, I knew how her body went limp when I touched her, I knew what she sounded like when aroused out of her mind and the way she grew wetter by the minute. Fucking hell. I knew I wanted her—who wouldn’t? She was like a walking sex, with full, round breasts that were more than a handful, curvy hips, and a fat ass. Who could say no to that? Well, Lucas would, and if he had decided he didn’t want the marriage, who was I to say ignore the piece of meat being dangled in front of me? She could resist me all she wanted, lie to herself, and say she didn't
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
CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED & TWENTY:Angela's POV:Acting cool and calm when I wanted to scream my head off was exhausting. God!!!!!!I fucking, fucking knew it!!!! I knew the moment he found out Natalia was his fucking daughter, he'd grow weak! And that stupid bitch! I didn't know she'd carry the ring with her, it had always been in her bag! And even when she kept pestering Alessandro to find her parents, I kept leading him to the wrong ends… It didn't take too much since it was really hard to find some random girl's parents but I'd done research on Gianpaolo long before I'd told Alessandro to join forces with him—long before Natalia came into the picture. So as soon as I saw the ring, I knew. Sofia had it on in one of her pictures and that was all I needed to piece two and two together.This was my fault. I left a loose end. I never do those! Now, my brother had gone fucking missing and this pathetic old prick was backing out of our revenge plot! No!I'd given way too much into this. Th