Natalia's POV:I was being dragged away like I was some sort of criminal while I screamed, cried, begged but it all fell on deaf ears of course.I turned my head toward him while strong hands kept pulling me. “Carlo, please,” my voice wavered as I called out to him. “Please, I'm begging you,” I sobbed harder.But his face remained stoic, shoulders squared.There was no changing his mind. The realization hit me like a freight train, knocking the wind out of me as The closer we got to that familiar, dark underground dungeon, the more my panic heightened.As the guards tossed me into a damp, smelly, dark cell. I felt the lump in my throat thicken. I gasped as I fought so hard for air, clawing at my neck like there was some kind of invisible hands that were restricting my air flow.Tears streamed down my cheeks endlessly as a cold shiver ran down my spine.‘Breathe, Natalia, breath.’ But I couldn't, I tried my usual breathing technique and it was futile. I was way to riled up for it t
Natalia's POV:Eleven years old.The whole house was dark, and very quiet… The house was dark because we didn't have electricity, we almost never had electricity. Daddy always forgets to pay our bills, well, how could he? He was always too drunk to remember and almost never at home.Like now, he was away, so late at night and I was all alone.My stomach grumbled loudly as little pangs of hunger attacked my intestines, I could feel my insides squeezing and my hand came up to rub at my tummy.I was starving and hadn't eaten since lunch school yesterday, it was Saturday today, which meant I was either going to stay hungry until school on Monday or it was one of those rare times dad brought home a meal and I wouldn't have to go hungry until Monday.Maybe if I just try to sleep, I won't feel the hunger pangs anymore…I rose from our worn out couch, slipping into the hallway to my room. I laid on the bed and counted down to ten, hoping to fall asleep. But my tummy only rumbled louder, the
Carlo's POV: FIVE MORE HOURS LATER…. DINNER TIME: The energy around the table was off, gloomy even. Everyone ate their meals in extreme quietness, as if they were secretly judging me in their minds. I wasn't bothered. I really wasn't. Well, except from the fact that my mind kept bugging me to check up on her… Sigh… Maybe I was bothered. BUT only because I knew she was claustrophobic and she might have passed out or something… But that was the point right now, there was a reason why punishments were punishments. Why did I have to care if she was scared or not. A loud clank of metallic cutlery being dropped abruptly on glass snapped me out of my thoughts, my eyes following the sound to find Angela frowning down at her plate like it'd somehow offended her. “What did you do thar for?” Her blazing blue eyes met mine, lips pursed into a thin line as she stared at me for a beat. “You.” She finally said, voice tight. “Brother, how could be so cold? Zia begged you, yet it fell
Carlo's POV: 6:58 AM I paced the length of my bedroom, watching curiously as Natalia was being attended to by Camilla. Camilla was an old school friend and a doctor who worked for me whenever one of my men or me needed a doctor's. It was one of the ways we kept our lives and work away from the scrutiny of the public. “She's stable now,” she said, packing up her bag. “But please for the love of God, don't ever do that again. That's IF you want her to live.” “Of course I want her to live,” I protested, scrubbing my hand over my face. “I never planned on killing her.” “Could have fooled me,” she scoffed, tugging on her bag zipper. “It was just punishment for her crimes,” I pointed out sternly. “If she hadn't done what she did we wouldn't be here.” “Sure, whatever.” She placed her bag strap over her shoulder. “Just let her get some rest, the poor girl is shaken up.” A pang of guilt hit me and I tried to push it away, walking Camilla to the door. Just as she was about
Natalia's POV: I sat up quickly, but he was faster. He grabbed my shoulder, pushing me back on the bed. “Relax, you need to rest.” So that had been a dream? For a second there I thought I was a kid again, going through hell with dad. Thank goodness. A breath I didn't know I was holding escaped me, only to stop short when I realized that I wasn't exactly out of danger as the memories of hours earlier came flooding in. My throat went dry, my heart beating rapidly in my ears as my wide eyes flickered back to bluish-grey one. As if he could read my mind, he laughed a little. “You don't have to be afraid. You're pardoned. For now.” “Wait… what?” My racing thoughts came to a screeching stop. “I'm being pardoned?” I couldn't believe my ears. “Yes, monella,” he said, brushing a stray strand behind my ears. “You're forgiven. What you did is usually unforgivable but I will let you go this time.” My erratic heartbeat started to slow down but somehow, it was replaced with ang
A DAY LATER…Alessandro's POV:“Explain to me in simpler terms, so I could understand the bullshit coming out of that mouth of yours!” “Go fuck yourself!” I shot back, glaring hard into my partner's eyes. “I found a solution for this mess when no one else could!” Everytime, they act like they are the boss of me, like we aren't in this as partners!“Really?” They scoffed. “The plan was to get the girl involved after she had gotten Carlo to trust her and now we can no longer get her involved with that stupid suggestion you made.”I paced the length of the abandoned building, tugging on my strands and then I came to a stop. “If you had at least let me explain things better you'd understand that my plan isn't useless. But all you do is criticize and talk shit to me.”Their lips pursed into a thin line as they regarded me slowly. “Go on then.” They took two steps forward until we were only a foot apart. “Explain this grand plan to me.”“I was hoping you'd ask,” A smug smirk tugged on my l
Natalia's POV: “You're sleeping with him?” Her nose scrunched up forcing her eyes to narrow into slits. Somewhere along the phone call, we'd switched to facetime especially since it had been so long since we last saw each other…“Kinda.” My face flamed. “I don't know how to explain it….I'm like his mistress?” Fuck, why was it so embarrassing to talk about my relationship with Carlo?“We are saying the same thing, babes,” An amused smirk tugging at the corners of her mouth. “Seriously, I don't know how to feel about this but—”“You're judging me, I get it. You have every right to…” I said in defeat, averting my gaze. “It's weird fucking a man who'd practically kidnapped you but—”“At least let me finish, Nat,” she chuckled softly, her eyes gleaming with mischief. But then her expression turned serious. “It's crazy, not gonna lie but it's what you want, right? I mean you were forced and you enjoy it?”I hesitated, unsure of how to respond. I mean, I didn't actually picture myself doin
Natalia's POV: The dining table was occupied when I got there, everyone at their usual positions which placed me right next to Carlo—who looked exceptionally handsome today in his signature black, dress shirt.Suddenly, my throat felt dry as I approached the empty seat by his side and like he could sense my presence, his eyes flicked up from his plate. They moved, roaming from my face down to my body. My body burned wherever they landed and it almost became a difficult feat to walk straight as I almost stumbled on my feet.What was wrong with me?! I'm supposed to be mad at him! Well, I was mad but horny too…. That was all it took. His eyes on my body.I could already feel my nipples growing hard, my stomach clenched around the butterflies going wild inside.How would it feel to have Carlo toss me on this large dining table and have his way with me?“Ciao, bella.” Caterina's voice interrupted my lewd thoughts and heat crept up my neck. “Glad you could join us.”I cleared my throat. “T
CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED & NINETY-FOUR: Gianpaolo’s POV: PRESENT…I had taken the next available flight back to Italy, I told myself it wasn't possible. When Rafael mentioned that it was Carlo who did it, it was harder to believe.Sure, we'd stopped talking for over two years but that didn't mean he'd betray me. That was what I thought until I was back home and I saw for myself that my father had been tortured and shot dead along with his men, our main mansion burnt and brought to the ground with workers, maids, and my Sofia and Amora…I'd been frozen to a spot, I couldn't move for hours, crying as I lay next to what looked like her remains. I was a coward.I should have moved then, found that bastard, and made him pay but Rafael said I would have only lost my life since Carlo was really powerful at that time, so powerful he'd taken his father down too… That day, I died along with Sofia and our daughter. I'd spent everyday for the past fifteen years living in pain, anger, hate….wanting
CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED & NINETY-THREE: Gianpaolo's POV: SEVENTEEN YEARS OLD….“It's been confirmed,” The doctor said with an unreadable expression on his face as he watched my new bride and childhood friend, Sofia. Her soft hand grabbed my mine tightly, nervousness clear as day as we awaited the doctor's diagnosis.She'd been feeling unwell lately and just last night, she came down with a high fever prompting my father to send for a doctor. I squeezed her hand back in a gentle reassurance while my heart thumped away behind my ribcage. “So?” I urged. “Tell us.” He broke into a blinding grin as he moved closer, holding his hand out to me which I took regardless of the confusion clouding my head. “Congratulations,” he said in a loud steady voice as he fixed his gaze back on Sofia. “You're pregnant Mrs Ravazzani.” Sofia let out a surprised gasp as I whispered, “Pregnant?” Warmth spread across my chest as I held the doctor's gaze.“Yes,” he nodded, still smiling. “She is with child.” I
CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED & NINETY-TWO: Gianpaolo's POV:I watched with great satisfaction as blood oozed from the spot where I stuck my knife into Carlo's side and I twisted the weapon once more for the fun of it. My eyes flicked up to his face just in time to see that smug looking face crumple with pain and in the same second, a loud crash bounced of the walls of the building.“What the hell do you think you're doing?!” I heard Alessandro hiss just as I turned my attention to Carlo's whore who was now on the floor, still trapped in a chair. So she wasn't just a whore but a nuisance too? Great. “Alessandro, get that bitch in order!” I ordered and he quickly moved to obey. I watched him lift her up and she snarled at him, “Traitor!” “Shut your mouth or this could end very quickly for you!” “Don't you dare lay a hand on her!” Carlo growled and I was surprised at how much strength he still had despite the fact that I stick had my knife in his guts.This motherfucker must really care for
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