Natalia’s POV: A few minutes after Carlo fled the room like his ass was on fire, I went into the bathroom to freshen up, got a robe, and slipped back into my old room. He hadn’t bothered to chain me back to the bed and I assumed he'd finally let me go, after all he'd already claimed me as his mistress whether I liked it or not. Why had I even put up with him without a fight? I shut my eyes tightly as I felt myself cringe from the embarrassing way I had let him do what he wanted with me. I wouldn't say I hadn't enjoyed it. I did. But it didn't mean I couldn't regret it afterward. The fact that this was going to be my reality for a while until Alessandro found a way out for me and Ava was depressing to an extent…My mind flashed back to the conversation I had with Alessandro days back…~ ~ ~ My brows furrowed as suspicion grew. “Why? What is in it for you?”He smirked. “When the time comes, you will know.”Huh? “What does that even mean? That doesn't even sound convincing enough,” I
Natalia's POV:“I am just kidding, but books are fun, and if you ever get to change your mind, I have lots of recommendations.”If I wanted to be close to her, I needed to have same interest as her, right? “You know what, I might just take you up on that.”Across the room, Caterina groaned. “Mio Dio!” She cried. “Don't let her influence you, we can't have two of you with your noses buried in books all the time!”Angela gasped, crossing her arms defiantly. “I don't 'bury’ my nose in books ALL the time,” she retorted. “Then explain to me why at twenty four, you haven't found a man yet,” Caterina asked with a frown. “You’ve never even brought a boyfriend home either.”“Zia!” Angela's cheeks flamed, and I could practically see steam coming off her head. “Just stop,” she gritted. {Zia: Aunt}I shifted uncomfortably in my seat. Even I felt weird about this conversation, why was Caterina being so harsh on Angela, having a man wasn't a do or die affair. “I just worry about you, figlia,” Cat
Natalia's POV: ‘No one would have survived what brother did and remained sane, Natalia. No. One.’Her words made me pause, the way she had said it made me curious and wary. What had happened to Carlo in the past? Wait… did that have something to do with what I had seen that day? The day he'd been hurting himself. I stalked across the room over to Angela, crouching down, I took her hands in mine. “Can I ask you something?”She looked away. “Please,” I pressed. “It's been bothering me and I didn't have anyone to speak to about it.”Her eyes returned to mine as she eyed me cautiously. “What is it?”How do I say the words? How do I explain them? “Do you know why Carlo harms himself?”Angela stiffened, a subtle movement one might have missed if wasn't looking at her closely. “What do you mean?” She asked, feigning ignorance.So I pushed, saying it as bluntly as I’d seen that fateful night. “Late one night, I walked in on Carlo cutting his right hand and it wasn't a pretty sight, Angela.
Natalia’s POV:I jerked and bucked against their hold, my heart hammering against my chest but they wouldn't budge. Instinctively, I sank my teeth into the palm of their hand against my mouth.A stifled moan.“Christ!” The familiar strangled voice had me stiffening. “I’m not here to hurt you, I just need to speak with you.”The hell?“Please, promise you won't shout when I release you. Just nod, if you agree.”I stopped struggling, nodding slowly, and the hands holding me captive dropped as I turned around to face my captor. “Vittoria? “What is this madness? Do you enjoy sneaking up on people?”“I’m sorry,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “I just needed to talk to you for a bit without drawing attention to us,” she explained further, eyes searching the hallways behind me. And as if my brain finally caught up. “The secret note,” I said slowly as I remembered the bold words on the piece of paper:WE CAN HELP GET YOU AND YOUR SISTER OUT ALL WE NEED IS YOUR COOPERATION. EXPEC
Natalia’s POV: After our little awkward conversation, Angela returned back to helping out with breakfast. I offered to help—even though I knew nothing about baking or Italian cuisine—but as usual I was asked to not stress myself. So I remained in a stool while I watched them move about the kitchen as boredom messed with my mind. Boredom. Something I was beginning to get accustomed to in this place. Never knew a day would come where all I had to do was shower, eat, move about and just make small talk. A stark contrast to the life I led before now, I had school, my phone, and my part-time jobs to keep me going. I sighed deeply. I couldn't wait to leave this place. Hopefully one of the two deals I made would help get me out of here—with my head intact. By the time Angela and the maid were done with breakfast, several minutes had passed. I helped them move the dishes to the massive dinner room. I had never eaten here, not because I haven’t gotten the offer. I just didn’t want to, it
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR:Natalia’s POV:Our gaze collided, lingering for a bit. Perfectly shaped dark brows raised in a question. “Is there a problem?” My cheeks flamed. “No,” I muttered quickly, looking down at my plate, trying to will away the heat rising in my face. Why was I so affected by a simple question? Or was it his gaze? I'd seen that cold, icy, intense stare of his countless times, yet each time it still made my pulse skip. Just as I picked up my fork, Ava tugged on my forearm, eyes gleaming with excitement. “Can I have some eggs, please?”A soft smile tugged on my lips. “Sure .” I scooped a small portion of eggs, offering it to her, watching as she took a little bite from my fork. Deciding she might need more, I added some to her plate. Across the table, Angela was staring at Alessandro with a look of pure irritation. “Do you have to chew like that?” She hissed.His brows lowered. “Huh? Like what?” He asked around the piece of meat he was chewing. Angela’s face twisted wit
Natalia's POV:“What the fuck are you doing here?” I hissed, marching over to him.Carlo pushed off the wall, closing the distance between us in two long strides. The proximity had a shiver running down my spine. “What was that attitude about?”My brows furrowed at the sudden change of topic as I tried to understand his question. “What—Oh…” Realization dawned on me. “You know, it's good you brought it up. Why didn't you tell me Luca has been found or was this your plan all along? To have me in your bed?” “I don't have to play silly games to get what I want, piccolina. With or without Luca, I would have. I see how you shiver at the mere sight of me.” His hand reached out, tucking a stray strand of hair behind my ear and my stomach flipped. “I know how much you crave my touch.”“That’s… that's not true!” I stepped away from his touch as if I’d been burned. “I want nothing to do with you!”“Could have fooled me.” A grin, sinister but calm swept his cheeks. I swear he only smiled when he
Natalia’s POV: It shouldn't have, but the forceful way he'd ripped off my panties had my clit throbbing with arousal as my hole clenched around emptiness.Oh fuck, was it possible to go crazy from arousal? Because I was. My juices were already overflowing, slicking up my folds and my inner thighs. I need to relieve myself somehow. So I squeezed my thighs tighter, but as soon as I did that, his palm landed painfully on my right thigh.“Please…” I glanced up at him with teary eyes. Our gazes locked, blue on grayish blue. And I felt something pass through me, I couldn't understand it, couldn't tell what it was. “You'll only take what I give you,” he rasped, eyes still locked on mine. His breathing was heavy; an indication that he was just as affected as I was by this.God, why was this so good with him?He slapped my thighs apart, and a gasp escaped me as he struck the flesh so close to my flooded pussy. But instead of pain, my vagina twitched, begging to be filled. “Suck.” Carlo pushe
Carlo's POV: ALMOST SEVEN HOURS LATER… I was wrong. So fucking wrong. Seated at the backseat of my car while we drive back home, I couldn't help the way nerves thrummed in my body, panic skittering across my chest… This was bad. This was trouble. I couldn't sit still, couldn't breathe. What do I do now?! We'd searched everywhere and everyone we'd suspected and came up with nothing. I'd been too fucking sure that'd we'd find them in no time. But we'd failed woefully. The police couldn't find a trace, even Miguel who was being treated at the hospital said he couldn't identify any of their attackers since they'd all been on masks. The other heads were innocent, hell, Gianpaolo had no idea about anything that had happened and it had been a goddamn war getting the fucker to cooperate with us even after being threatened. Stronzo. Laughed in my face and called me, ‘weak and pathetic.’ That'd earned him a black eye and a broken nose, would have loved to send a bullet through h
Carlo's POV:With a shaky hand, I grabbed the phone from Enzo, placing on my ear. “Miguel! How did this happen?” I barked out, my breath shaky, sweat breaking out on my skin. “Where the fuck are you?!” “Th‐the nngh! M-mall,” He grunted in pain. He'd been injured. Shit.My wide eyes met Enzo's, my heart was in my mouth but I pretened to be calm. “What mall?” I asked impatiently, pacing, unable to keep still. “Where are they?! Angela and Ava?!” This news was going to hurt Natalia badly, the little girl was her only family, I've seen how much she loves her and Angela… My heart ached at the thought of my sister going through another pain….“Miguel, speak up,” It was supposed to come out as a command, but it sounded more like a plea. My was heart racing wildly, chest tight with a mix of emotions. “Are the girls with you?” Please tell me they are unhurt. “Ah… nngh!... Th-the atta…ckers, too-took—” His words ended on a cough, almost like he was coughing off blood from the spluttering sou
CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED FIFTY-SIX: Carlo's POV:MEANWHILE… BACK AT THE MANSION…It might seem creepy that I watch Natalia more than a normal human should, right? But I couldn't help it, especially now…I'd obsessively called Camilla more times in a single day than necessary and I'm sure she was tired of my calls and too many questions already. Few minutes earlier, I'd just got off the phone with her and her parting remark was, “I know I said to be more careful and treat her well because it's her first time and all of that but I didn't ask you to overdo it! You're being excessive and it's barely a week!” Overdo it? Was she kidding? And how is it that she tells me what to do and then turns around to switch up? Also, what's considered as excessive? How do I not be ‘excessive?’ Fuck that, I was paying her handsomely for this and if I wanted her attention on Natalia all the time, then so be it…Also, there was one more thing I needed to get done in order to ensure Natalia's safety and com
Angela’ s POV:He thinks I'm perfect?Me? I..I wasn't perfect.My eyes darted around and I realized we had people watching and that made my face flamed hard. “Rueben,” I whispered . Can you set me down already? Everyone's looking.” He glanced around briefly, then flashed me a smile. “I don't care about them, but if you do…” he leaned in, planting a chaste kiss on my lips, shocking me. “I'll do as you say.” I was still dumbfounded, heart thumping erratically from the soft kiss when he set me onto the large picnic blanket and settled down beside me. I watched quietly as he began arranging the stuff he'd probably set down before I realized he was behind me. The more I watched him, the more my chest swelled with so much emotion. I didn't just ‘like’ this man… I think… I think I'm in love with him.I could barely contain these feelings anymore. The pressing urge to kiss him, spend hours talking to him, hugging him tightly, just wanting to be around him. Love. That was what I was feel
Angela’s POV: PRESENT…That kiss wasn't my first, but it was the first time a kiss as simple as just brushing lips had me melting on the inside, my brain short-circuiting. If only that damn nurse hadn't so rudely interrupted, I would have kept kissing him for hours!Well, enough of the daydreaming, I was seeing him today for our picnic date like he'd promised. The plan was to let Ava mingle with the other kids while we have at least twenty minutes to ourselves.Annoying right? I know, but it was all we could have for now, that is until I found the courage to tell my family I was interested in someone again after the last disaster…. Now my biggest issue was, how long was Rueben willing to endure these hide and seek and stolen moments for me? How long until he was tired of hearing my excuses?The thought of it made my heart clench and made me crazy with anger so I decided not to dwell on it.After breakfast, I waited patiently for Natalia and zia to prepare a very excited Ava for our
CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED & FIFTY-THREE: Angela's POV: FLASH BACK…FIRST KISS MOMENT…I think he knows… That I like him, I mean.We've been texting back and forth since Alessandro saw my chat with him. It went from formal greetings to cute gifs and stickers. Sometimes, we'd send each other reels and I decided to be sneaky, I always sent ones relating to my feelings for him but I was being subtle about it.I still worry he might reject me if I take Natalia's advice and you know, ask him out. But with each day that passes, the urge to just do it grew stronger. And maybe I was being delusional when I told myself he liked me too but who stays up texting someone they didn't like until three in the morning? The other day, he called me at midnight and we stayed up talking for hours.Can you see what I'm talking about? I've gotten to know a few things about him. I also found out he likes to read romantic novels too, how cool is that? You could call us soulmates at this point. Oh and he always
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. “