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
Carlo's POV: As soon as the words left her lips, my mouth claimed hers in a bruising, demanding kiss. I shoved my tongue into her slightly parted lips and a gasp escaped her. I swallowed it up loving the way her body melted into mine as my tongue tangled with hers. Fuck, she tasted so good. Her plump, soft lips felt so good gliding against mine and I tilted my head to deepen the kiss. Until her, I've never been the one to enjoy kissing but ever since I first kissed her… It was like I just couldn't get enough, like my eyes had been opened to a whole new world. One hand cupped her plump ass, squeezing as I pulled her close against my groin. I groaned into her mouth as she writhed against me, rubbing against my already dripping, hard, throbbing length. Precum seeped from my tip into my boxer briefs as she kissed me back fiercely. My free hand combed through her dark, silky strands, grabbing a handful as the kiss turned filthy, desperate, all tongue. Her moans and my groans soon
Natalia's POV:I sincerely couldn't tell what the heck was wrong with me or where this boldness came from…. But all I knew was that I was horny out of my damn mind!I knew I was supposed to play hard to get despite our deal but that had been thrown out of the window as soon as Carlo came close to me.He makes me stupid!My body trembled with it, my clit throbbed. I took off my soaked underwear and threw my leg over his chest with my back to him.Fuck.Despite feeling so exposed and vulnerable in this position, I felt a slick, warm substance trickling out of my hole in anticipation of the pleasure that was to come. His big palms grabbed my hips, pulling me back until my pussy and asshole were staring back at him.I felt my face burn. I've never been in such a position before but my body loved it.“Fuck.” I heard him curse. Clenching when his warm breath caressed my pussy.. “So fucking pretty, I could eat you out for days.”Shit. Please do.“Fuck yourself on my tongue, monella,” he ras
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. “