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
Natalia’s POV:My thighs shook as my body still convulsed from the nerve racking pleasure that had washed over me. It felt like I wasn't in full control of my body. I might have passed out for a moment because I didn't notice when Carlo took off the belt and released me, and had somehow maneuvered me until I was curled up in his laps. The first thing I had actually noticed was the open mouthed kisses he placed on my neck and the way his thumbs kept massaging my wrists. What the hell was he doing?“Carlo?”“Shhh.” Warm lips trailed my neck. “You did so good, monella.” His thumb pressed so gently against my wrist and I almost moaned. I let out a satisfied sigh instead, relishing the way his neck kisses and gentle wrist massage made me feel good. But like lightning, a thought struck me. My spine stiffened as my mind darted back to what had happened earlier, what had happened after I felt the new strange sensation. Heat crept up my neck and cheeks and suddenly, with newly found strengt
CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED & THIRTY-ONE: Angela's POV: The closer I got to VIP ward 305, the more the pounding of my heart increased.It was now or never.This was dangerous. I knew that but it was worth the risk. I knew to expect at least at least a guard or three surrounding his room but I wasn't trained in martial arts for the sake of it and I could be sly as fuck. What's a bunch of guards that I couldn't take on?Hopefully, it doesn't get to that and I wouldn't be needing to fight. I was in a nurse's attire, hopefully, I'm unrecognized. Even my eyes were brown, instead of blue. It should work.Turns out, Gianpaolo's room wasn't just along the others in the hallway, you had to take a turn, just a bit by the right.Wow.They must have really wanted him safe, I scoffed to myself.Just as I turned right and noticed the room, there on the mini waiting chair was a guard who looked tired from fighting sleep but awake. To his left were three cups of coffee, leftover food—he wasn't alone.Where
CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED & THIRTY: Angela's POV: THE NEXT NIGHT…2:08 PMSurprisingly, it had taken Luca a few hours to get me the address, ward and time of the nurses and doctor's routine. Guess he was not so useless after all.Turns out the hospital was one of the most popular in the country. They were really hiding in plain sight. I took out my binoculars, getting ready to get my job done. Thankfully, it was one of those gigantic buildings with windows EVERYWHERE.I adjusted my binoculars, squinting to get a good view and make sure my plan is perfect and fool proof. I mustn't make mistakes this time.The hospital came into a clearer view right before my eyes. I noticed there were fewer nurses at the reception—about four or five, two are currently fighting and failing to keep their eyes open behind the desk and I scoffed. I raised the binoculars to the first floor—completely empty. The third—I could see a nurse and a doctor…wait… are they about to fuck? Whatever.I moved my attention
CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED & TWENTY-NINE:Natalia's POV: My stomach was in painful knots as the doctor led us to his room. My hands felt clammy, and my legs felt weak but I kept moving. According to the doctor, we weren't allowed to see him yet but we could just take a glance through the windows and that was okay for me for now, I guess.I don't know if Carlo noticed my uneasiness; his hand squeezed mine a bit tighter, as if grounding me and I was grateful for it.We got to the window and I couldn't hold back the single tear that rolled down my cheek as a small gasp pushed past my lips. I was vaguely aware of Carlo's arm coming around my shoulders as I stared at Gianpaolo— my father.The number tube, IVs, had my heart sinking and I stifled a sob, a big bandage went around his head and machines I've never seen before— “Oh God,” I let out a sob, my chest heaved as I tried to swallow my cries. I promised to be strong. I will be strong.My eyes burned with hot tears as I stared at his motionle
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