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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
Natalia’s POV:It’s been four days since I received the strange note. I was anxious as hell. It seemed like an opportunity to escape this hell hole but at the same time... It felt like a trap. Okay, hear me out. First, I didn't know if Vittoria was in on it or not. I couldn't figure out if she even knew about the note, what if she didn't? I’d spent the last few days watching her every move, trying to figure out if she knew about the note, annnnd. Nothing. She was just her usual, calm, polite, and naive self. I do know looks could be deceiving but I didn't want to make any mistakes. Secondly, a part of me thought about the possibility of Carlo being behind this. I mean, his guards are always on high alert, they searched everyone, especially the maids who attended to me. So how did that note go unnoticed? What if Carlo wanted to test me? Get me into trouble? No. I’d lay low, at least until the next message. Maybe then I’d find a clue, something that would help me decide if I could
Carlo’s POV:She was spending way too much time with Luca. But that was what I wanted, right? For them to grow a bond, for her to finally accept Lucas as her husband, and produce beautiful grandchildren, so why? Why did it feel like I was jealous of my own son? Like a damn creep, I found myself watching them spend time together through the CCTV. Last night, I saw Luca enter her room. He’d remained there for like five minutes, and then he'd come out of her room, looking disheveled and flushed. Had he…?My stomach churned. Had he fucked her? I didn't think so. Unlike him, I wouldn't spend just five minutes. If she’d ended up in my bed, I’d keep her there all night, giving her more orgasms than she’d ever experienced in her life. I’d take her in every position—pushed up against the kitchen countertop, from behind, under me, against the wall, and on top of me. I wouldn’t stop doing every dirty, twisted thing my mind could come up with, until she screamed, unable to handle it anymor
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
Angela's POV: I waited patiently for the doctor to be done examining Natalia, given her instructions on what to do and whatever it was that a pregnant mother should know.I smiled at her expression as she was listening attentively to Doctor Fabbri. She looked cute jotting down the information on her phone. She will be a good mom irrespective of her age, I could just tell… I did kind of feel jealous though. I mean, I wanted a husband and a baby of my own and I thought one day, that wish would come to pass until I was forced to be bound to a wheelchair for life.But I was happy for her though, truly. More importantly, I was happy for my brother. He might be too stubborn to see what's in front of him or to admit it, but it wouldn't be long now until he realizes…That aside, there was a reason why I was here today. It's a secret and no one else had to know. At least, not yet. I just needed Natalia's permission to grant me the best cover I could think of…“And that's all for today,” Doc
Natalia's POV: After Carlo fed me and exited my room, I realized there was something I hadn't done…Telling Tanya about my pregnancy. I was nervous as fuck and I didn't know why. Tanya was basically my sister, I knew she'd be happy for me. Deciding to ignore my nervousness, I called her. It rang on and on but no response. I tried three times more and still came up with nothing, so I decided to send a text and get it over with. It wasn't ideal, I know. But… you know, whatever.I pulled up my message thread with her and quickly typed out the message in the best way I could.Me: So uhm, hey T.Me: We haven't talked much in the last few days and uhm… something came up.Me: I don't want you to freak out okay? What the hell am I saying? I was the one freaking out.Me: I am pregnant. Me: Crazy, right? Oh and of course, it's Carlo's. I was completely shocked about it (which was stupid, cause you know, I never used condoms with the man) But on the bright side, I don't have to marry Luca
Natalia's POV: My face was burning…‘She knows. She definitely knows.’ I thought to myself as the maid carefully set the tray down on my dressing, clearly avoiding my eyes and Carlo's.“I'm leaving now, miss,” she said, hurrying out before I could even reply and I turned to Carlo with a glare.“Great, now I'll never not be awkward around that maid,” I huffed and he pulled me in for a side hug.“I could let her off, if you want,” he suggested, placing a kiss on my cheek and I tried to wriggle out of his hold. “I didn't say that,” I sighed deeply. “You can't fire someone because you refused to wait until we were alone to do…”“To do what?” He teased. “Go on, say it.”“Whatever,” I rolled my eyes. “I'm just saying it was crazy letting her stand by the door while we did what we did.” He pretended to brush something off my tee shirt. “But you liked it, didn't you?” “Liked what?” I feigned ignorance.But he wasn't buying it, if the way he was biting back his smile was any indication. “
Natalia's POV: Saved by the motherfucking bell! Or so I thought.Carlo didn't move, didn't even pause for nothing. In fact, his lips were just a hair's breadth away from mine when the knock came again and I had to place a hand over my lips to stop him. Only then did he lift his head, frowning deeply.“Someone's knocking!” I whispered harshly, but it was muffled by my hand so I dropped it, repeating my words, “Someone's knocking! Get off!” I could feel him against me—his growing erection pressing hard against my stomach. ‘Do not think about sex, Natalia! Do not!’Lord, my resolve was breaking and it was breaking really fast! The soft rap of knocking came again and I tried harder this time to get him off.“Carlo! Goddammit, don't you hear the knocking?” But instead of backing away, he just shrugged. “I don't care, they can wait.” What the—No. No. No. This was a chance to hold on to whatever dignity I had left, a chance to escape his charms!I will not ruin this opportunity give
CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED & FORTY-EIGHT: Natalia's POV: I woke up with a jerk, gasping for breath as sweat dripped from my forehead. I blinked to focus, taking in my surroundings, only taking a deep calming breath when I realized I was in my room…“Thank fuck,” I muttered, my chest heaving as I facepalmed.It was ridiculous.I had just had a dream where I eventually got married to Luca. A literal nightmare. Why would I dream of such? Oh, I know.Somehow, at the back of my mind I still doubted Carlo's words to me and I'd dwelled on them especially when I was finally all by myself before going to bed last night. How the hell had he convinced Luca? I had forgotten to ask him yesterday but that was what bugged my mind now. Luca had been so persistent, what could have happened?Well, I guess it was better to let things be than to overthink, after all, my prayers had been answered. I was no longer marrying him—even though my head was messing with me with that ridiculous dream.Suddenly, I fe
Natalia's POV: I'd always known Carlo was stubborn but not THIS stubborn. Even after I'd told him off, he remained by my side. Not that he was speaking while moving, he was just ‘watching me.’ I didn't hate it though, not one bit, I reveled it but of course I had to keep a scowl on my face the whole time…I won't be going back on my word though, he'd hurt me. He can't just slip back into my life like nothing happened.At some point. I broke the silence and asked him to go away but all he said was, “Please.” And I kind of felt like shit. For a brief second actually.It had taken the arrival of Caterina, Angela and Ava to get him out of my room and even then he was hesitant.Cute. He crouched down in front of Ava and whispered something to her that made her giggle and I frowned. When did those two become friends? When she placed a kiss on his cheek my eyes grew to the size of saucers.Okay, I had lots of questions.He rose to his full height, ruffling her hair and with one last glanc
Natalia's POV:‘I want to stay here with you.’My stomach tightened.‘Do not read meaning into it, Natalia. Do not.’ “You don't have to.” I tried again, hoping he'd really go away even though it was the last thing I wanted but I didn't want to be desperate. I was still so mad at him.Thick, warm fingers brushed a stray strand away from my face and my belly flipped. No, not this!We're supposed to stay mad at him, remember?! “I want to spend some time with you,” he admitted. The sincerity in his voice was crippling, I was forced to shut my eyes and take a deep breath. “Matter of fact,” he continued. “I do not mind staying the whole day locked up in here with you.”Fuckinghell!What was he up to now? First he was more than willing to send me away and now?The baby.Of course it was the baby.It had nothing to do with me. At that moment, I felt my chest tighten with anger and I slapped his hand away from my hair.“Go away!” I meant to yell, but I only sounded like a petulant child a
Carlo's POV: I lifted my fist to knock again but just like the last four attempts, I let my hand fall to my side, while my heart thumped at an unnatural pace.“I can't believe I lived long enough to see you nervous,” Enzo mocked and I pinned him with a deathly glare. Of course, he didn't flinch. “Just knock and ask to see her, how hard could it be?” Was he fucking for real?He wasn't here when she'd been so angry, it was almost like I could see hatred in her eyes. It caused a dull ache in my chest for reasons I couldn't fully explain.“Should I do the knocking?” He teased further.“Shut up, Enzo,” I gritted. And then I turned back to the door, lifting my hand again to knock with much determination this time. But just as my knuckles were about to rap on the door, it swung open and my breath caught in my throat.“Camilla,” I muttered, stepping back.Her surprised expression morphed into an amused one as she stepped out of the room, closing the door behind her. When she opened her mou
Natalia's POV: A life was forming inside me… I still can't believe this.“You're going to make yourself sick crying like that,” Doctor Camilla said softly as she patted my back soothingly but I didn't say a word back.What was the point? She wouldn't get it. No one would. I kept my face buried in my soft, fluffy pillow, letting my tears seep into it as I struggled for air.So this was my life now? Pregnant for the father and getting married to the son? Imagine being in such a fuck up situation? Imagine being knocked up by a man who doesn't love you, a man like Carlo who's just….It was my fault. All of it. Why didn't I ever insist on condoms? Why didn't I place myself on birth control? Why? Why? WHY?!!!!! Well, it was too fucking late for questions. I thought as more hot tears flowed from my eyes and onto my pillow… I'd made my bed and I had to lie on it… I didn't want to get rid of the baby, no. Never. But what in God's name do I know about motherhood? How do I care for a