Natalia’s POV:
“You… you can’t do that!” I spat as my mind raced wildly.
The man’s index finger curled around the trigger. “You underestimate me, piccolina.” His deep voice was cold and void of any emotion.
My blood ran cold as I broke out in cold sweat. I was glued to a spot.
Torn between wanting to agree and disagree. Just moments ago I could almost taste my freedom and dreams. I worked my butt off for years to be awarded a fully funded scholarship. Everyone else was going off to college in a few weeks. I couldn't possibly follow a stranger across the continent to get married.
War raged inside me at his threat. I can’t let this man ruin everything for me. I won’t back down. I have to call the cops.
As if dad heard my thoughts. “Na… Natalia…” Dad breathed as tears rolled down his cheeks.“Plea… please do as he says. Don Carlo’s going to kill me if you don't.”
Don Carlo?
My heart squeezed painfully at his plea. He might have been an asshole to me all my life but he was still my father and my family.
I exhaled sharply. “Fine. I will come with you.”
Don Carlo dropped his gun at my words. “I’ve changed my mind. Go get dressed, we leave for Italy now.”
“What? No! You can’t do that. You just sprung this whole bullshit on me, at least give me time to come to terms with it!” I tried to reason with him.
He took several steps until he was standing toe to toe with me and my blood ran cold. Yes, he was handsome but one look at him and you could tell he was dangerous. “You only have an hour, piccolina.”
His tone left no room for argument as his cold eyes bored into me, daring me to try something stupid. But I won't, he was armed and I certainly didn't feel like dying today.
“Fine,” I muttered and stormed back into my room.
I almost jumped out of my skin when Ava tapped me. I'd nearly forgotten about her. “Why did you leave the closet?” I hissed.
“I got scared, Natty. Are you okay? Did dad hit you again?” She looked frightened.
My heart sank as I pulled her in for a hug. If I go with those men to Italy, what happens to Ava? Dad can't look after her, hell, he can't even look after himself, he got us into this mess in the first place.
Do I need to go with them? Isn't there a way out?
An idea lights up in my head. I will not be going with them.
I pulled away from her embrace. “Ava, do you trust me?”
She nodded.
“Good. Just stick close to me, okay?”
“Okay.”
Satisfied, I pulled out my phone and quickly dialed my best friend’s number—she was the one who had helped me secure a place in Michigan where I'd be schooling. It was her cousin’s apartment.
On the third ring…
“About damn time,” Tanya hissed as soon as the call connected. “I’ve been texting you, my cousin is here at school waiting for you.”
“I won’t make it,” I said urgently. “I don't have much time but I need you to tell your cousin that I’ll head to the bus stop from here instead of meeting her at school.”
“What?! Why—”
“There’s no time, Tanya!” I snapped. “Dad got into trouble with some really bad guys and now they are here for me. Apparently, I'm supposed to marry the man’s son.”
“Oh shit. Calm down, you're freaking out. I’ll inform her right away,” She reassured. “Please, be safe, Natalia.”
I exhaled deeply to calm my nerves but it didn't help. “I will, thank you. I’m sorry about the sudden change of plans.”
“It’s fine, you deserve so much better and this is the only way I could help. Please call me when you arrive. I love you.”
“Love you.”
She hung up. And I grabbed the bag I’d packed earlier. I listened for any movement that could be coming from the living room and when it was all clear. I picked up our bags and led Ava down to our basement.
No one knew about the hidden window in the basement because I made it. When I was younger, I had thought of running away but never really had the guts to do so.
I held Ava’s hands tightly. “You have to be quiet, okay?”
She nodded, eyes wide with fear.
Quickly, I threw our bags out of the window and I lowered Ava next. At the top, I threw my legs over and held on with both hands so I could jump the rest of the way down and join Ava.
Except fingers wrapped around my legs, startling me. They didn’t let go. My heart dropped to my stomach like a lead and it felt like I was about to shit myself from fear.
We’ve been caught!
I kicked—hard. But it did no good. The hands only tightened.
“You think you're so smart.”
No, no, no. This couldn’t be happening. How had Carlo found me here? It was impossible.
Oh no! Why can’t I hear Ava’s voice?!
I panicked and my hands slipped, forcing me to let go of the window. I fell into a hard, male chest, arms folding like steel bands around me.
“Get your hands off me!” I thrashed against his hold. “Where’s my sister!” Using all my strength, I bucked against him. “Get off!”
Suddenly, he let go and I landed hard on my knees and hands. I jumped to my feet, eyes searching for Ava.
Carlo grabbed my arm as if sensing my thoughts, “My men have the little girl.”
I gasped. “You–”
“I don’t harm little children,” he said stiffly.
I felt my body sag in relief
“… but my men have no problem doing that.”
My jaw dropped as my heart skipped a beat. “You’re an animal!”
“I’ve been called worse, bella,” he smirked as he pulled my arm, dragging me along to the front of the house.
When we got to the front, dad was already out there, two guards holding him back, roughly. His cheeks were stained with tears, his red-rimmed eyes stared ahead.
I followed his line of sight and–
No, no, no!
“Ava!”
Natalia’s POV:It’s all my fault… I caused this… Why didn’t I follow them? Instead, I thought I could outsmart them and I was wrong. So terribly wrong. Tears blurred my vision as every fight I had in me melted away. I turned to Carlo, the devil in human form. “I’ll come with you,” I said in a soft plea. “I’ll do anything! Please.”My eyes turned back to where Ava stood in front of the black van, tears streaming down her cheeks as her brown gaze locked with mine. A man stood behind her, his left hand closed her mouth, muffling her screams while his right held a dagger against her neck. How could they do that to a child?! I yanked my arm from his hold and dropped to my knees, clasping my hands in front of me. “Please, don’t do this… please!”His gray-blue eyes studied me, they were expressionless and I couldn’t tell what he was thinking. With each second that passed, my anxiety heightened. Carlo made eye contact with the man holding Ava and he let her go. Like lightning, Ava dashe
Carlo’s POV:Death had a smell.Tears, blood, sweat, and fear…I glanced back at the traitor—Marco’s limp body being chained to a chair. In my world, disloyalty and lies were deadly sins. The only way to punish traitors for such an unforgivable sin was death. “Wake the stronzo up,” I growled. “Sure thing, Capo,” Enzo, my cousin and right-hand man answered as he moved to Marco, striking him hard across the face and he jerked awake. Marco’s left eye was ballooned shut, his lip split, and his cheek already bruising. Marco had been working for me for over ten years, yet he betrayed me. The fucker knew how much I hated traitors and yet.“You know what happens to men like you, don't you?” I asked, my voice hard and cold. “Don Carlo, please…please don’t do this. I’m sorry. I was desperate, he had my family,” he cried as snot dripped down his broken nose. If he was desperate, he could have come to me for help. But no, the fucker took the easier way out. He stole from me and sold informa
Natalia’s POV:I shouldn’t have opened the envelope…My knees buckled, and I collapsed onto the floor, the envelope crinkled under my grip as my hands trembled. Suddenly, the room felt too little and it felt like my lungs could no longer function as I struggled to breathe. This can’t be true—A rattling sound behind the door had me scrambling to my feet as I wiped my eyes. Quickly, I hid the envelope and its contents in my duffel bag, stuffing the rest of my things back inside my bag. I couldn't let anyone find me in this state.The door swung open, and I expected it to be Carlo. But at the door stood an elderly lady and a young woman who held a tray of food and juice.I frowned. “Who are you?”“Ciao, bella. How are you?” The older lady asked, ignoring my question. “Let’s get you freshened up and changed into something—”“Who are you?” I asked again. The older lady’s eyes softened as she sighed. She gestured to the younger lady. “This is Vittoria, she will serve you. She’s your maid—
CHAPTER SIXCarlo’s POVStunned. That was my first reaction.A throbbing pain shot through my skull, and I could feel the warm trickle of blood mixing with wine, running down my face.For a moment, everything froze. I took in the woman in front of me, the one who'd dared to hit me, her face had gone pale and her eyes wide with horror. I blinked as my vision swam.My men—brutal, ruthless men—stood like statues. Equally stunned speechless. Eyes wide, jaws slacked. In seconds, shock morphed into blinding fury, it boiled inside me, I could suffocate from it. She had just disrespected me , in front of my men.Drew blood from my head and made me look weak.Almost in the same breath, Enzo—my right hand man—moved first. His face twisted with rage as he lunged for her, grabbing her arms as he pressed the barrel of his hand gun against her temple. Natalia let out a sharp gasp. “Enzo, don't!” Caterina yelled. I wiped the blood from my face. “Easy, Enzo,” I said calmly despite the rage brewi
Natalia's POV: His face was awfully familiar—sharp jawline, strong cheekbones, that same dark, silky hair. So similar, yet, different. He was much younger—around my age. There was concern in his golden green eyes, not cruelty like a certain someone’s bluish-grey ones. He began walking with me in his arms, my own arms wrapped securely around his neck. “I’m Luca,” He said. “I’m sorry about my father, he can be an asshole sometimes.”Father…? Then it clicked, the resemblance… “You’re Carlo’s son!” My throat felt tight.His eyes widened slightly, a soft chuckle escaping his lips. “Okay, no one calls father, ‘Carlo’ well, except great-aunt. Yes, I’m his son.”I shoved against his chest. “Put me down!” “Hey, hey, it’s okay,” his voice was a gentle whisper. “I’m not going to hurt you.”I doubt that. “Let me go!” I said through my clattering teeth. “I can walk.”Instead, his arms tightened around me. “I can’t, you were literally catatonic when I found you. I don’t think you’re okay.”I
Natalia's POV: Ugh. I think I'm lost. No, I must have taken a wrong turn. My footsteps echoed, the sound bouncing off the walls, way too loudly in the silence as I moved through the dimly lit hallway. I stopped, staring down the long empty corridor. Dead end. My heart sped up. Any moment now and I could get caught, yet, I couldn't figure my way out. I retraced my steps, feeling my pulse hammering in my throat. I had to find Ava, I won’t give up. ~ ~ ~EARLIER: ‘Take me to my sister, please.’Luca’s face fell. “I… I already went against papà’s order by releasing you, I don't think I can break any more rules tonight.”My heart sank. Was this it? My new reality? How long was Carlo going to keep me away from Ava? For fuck’s sake, how could anyone be so cruel? I opened my mouth to plead again, but Luca spoke first. “But I could talk to him, get his permission for you to go see her.” I perked up at the little ray of hope, my pulse quickening. “And you're one hundred percent sure
Natalia's POV: ‘You do have a death wish, don’t you? Fine, I will grant it.” I glared at him. “Let go of me!” I snapped, my breathing uneven as I tried to snatch my hand away from his iron grip. Carlo infuriated and scared me, and I hated him. Carlo’s eyes darkened, his grip tightening painfully around my arm and I fought the urge to squirm. “Seems like you enjoyed your stay in the cell, didn't you, monella? Because I would be more than happy to take you down there again. Do you think you're untouchable because I've shown some restraint?” My heart skipped, but I masked it, lifting my chin in defiance. “I’m not scared of you, you disgusting monster!” I shot back. The second the words left my lips, I knew I’d pushed too far. His expression shifted—darker, crueler—and I saw a flicker of something dangerous in his eyes. “I think I've been too lenient with you, too soft…” His voice was low and steady. And without taking his eyes off me. “Prepare a buyer for the younger one.”I gasped
TW: VIOLENCE!!Natalia's POV: My entire body tensed, panic crashing over me like a tidal wave. I could feel the sharp edge of the gun digging into my flesh, the harsh breath of the man behind me fanning across my neck as the hairs on it stood. Who was this man? Why would he attack me? Was it for money? “I…I don't have… have any money on me if that's what you're after,” I managed, fighting for air with his arm around my neck.“Shut your mouth,” he hissed in my ear, and my body trembled with fear.Oh God, how do I alert the bodyguard or Luca? My eyes darted frantically toward the entrance of the changing room, its blush-pink curtains were slightly opened offering a view of Luca. His back turned to me. I could see him talking on the phone, oblivious to what was happening…‘Luca! Luca, turn around, please!’ My pulse raced so fast I thought my heart might burst. “I’ll take the gun away, and you will follow me quietly. Any funny movements and I pull the trigger. Understood?” The man gr
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