ALLESANDROCesare frowns as he reads whatever message just came through on his cell.“Something wrong?” I ask him.“The guy from the other night, the one we assigned at Calvino house says something is going on in there?”“Yeah?”“that was about a half hour ago.”“Fuck,” I sigh, running a hand through my hair. I knew Calvino would try to rally other Don’s to support his claim that I kidnapped his daughter.Cesare nods.“Then it has to be a power grab. Someone must know something,and Calvino is stupid to fall for it, Cesare.”“I have turned this city upside down, Ales. I even tracked down his right hand Parisi Rizzo.”That name is a blast from the past. “Fuck, Cesare. I didn’t even know he was still breathing.”“Alive and barely kicking, but yes, he’s still around.”“And you went to see him, why?”“Leave no stone unturned, you said.”“Who knows? Calvino did wipe out his son-in-law and his grandchildren.” He laughs.“Yeah, but he hated them even more than we did.”Maximo nods his agreeme
LORENA I rifle through the cupboards of the medical room as quickly as I can before someone catches me. When I open the cupboard above my head, a roll of bandages falls out, bouncing off my head onto the floor.Dammit. I’m sure I saw some in here. I know I did because I wondered why the hell Alest even had them in his house. Chasing after the errant bandage, I wrack my brain to recall which cupboard they were in.I’ve hardly been in this room lately. I don’t know if that’s because Alessandro’s men are no longer her and the resident doctor is not around at the moment or whether it has anything to do with Gulio’s return. I spend my days reading or walking the grounds — and mostly avoiding Gulio. But I spend every night in Ales’s bed and occasional afternoons in his office where he fucks me over and over again, no longer giving me any of the warmth or affection that I was becoming used to. Currently that seems to be the only service I provide and whenever that fact starts to make me
LORENA I can’t remember a time in my life when those two words were said and the outcome was good. But that’s what Gulio asked me to do, and with limited other options, that’s exactly what I did. And that is why at almost midnight, I am following him to God knows where.I’d just dealt with a particularly nasty period of morning sickness.Although why they call it that when it lasts all goddamn freaking day, I don’t know — when he knocked on Alessandro’s bedroom door where I was staying and told me it was time.“How the hell do you expect to get us out of here without anyone noticing, Gulio?” I snap, fueled by irritation and fear as he leads me down a hallway I’ve never seen before. This house is like a goddamn maze.“My dad and Cesare are out tonight. Now is the perfect time.”“But there are guards everywhere,” I remind him.“Not down here though,” he says with a mischievous grin. “I used to sneak out this way all the time when I was younger and in highschool It’s a secret entrance.
ALESSANDRO “Go and wait in my study. I’ll deal with you later,” I snap, to Gulio never taking my eyes off her. And her stare does not waver either. So, he stands, blinking, looking angry.“And this one?” Cesare asks.“Take her to the guest room. The one in the east wing,” I say furiously through clenched teeth, my rage palpable in every single word I say.“I’m s-sorry,” she mumbles, but I don’t acknowledge her.“Follow me,” Cesare says and begins to walk down the hallway, with her dragging her feet behind him.When I found out she was not in the house through the indoor cameras, I thought she had been taken away and came back and ordered the Guards to search the compound.Calling Cesare to check perimeters of the house not finding them Calling Zia asking if she was with her Zia saying no increased my frustrations only to find out she tried to escape with Gulio. Now to deal with Gulio.The door to my study almost comes off its hinges with the force as I burst inside to confront my
LORENA As I came downstairs from the east wing of the house to get something to eat. Still not telling Alessandro that I'm pregnant, I heard him make a call.“Hello?”“Calvino.” A shiver ran down my spine as I crept closer to the threshold, trying to make sense of what this meant and the familiar voice. “I heard you're running from the Yakuza. Good luck,” Alessandro spoke. My Father on the other side of the phone call, Ales had him on speaker, because I could hear him clearly.“Somehow I have a feeling you didn’t call me to congratulate me on leaving my creditors high and dry, Moravia.”I knew it. It was dad. But how did Alessandro get his number?And I have been in the Calvino mansion not knowing if my family needed help.Glancing around, I ensured none of my Ales’s men lingered around before pressing my ear against the cool wooden door. I didn’t want to miss a single world.“You’re right,” he drawled, his deep voice cold. Indifferent. “Honestly, what do you want?I have no time for
LORENAWalking to the garage with Simona felt like I was walking on eggshells, I heard my heart beating so fast.As she walked closer to the car“ Don't worry,” she said without look back at me, “ he knows we went out together” As we left the gate of the castello, I was feeling weary about going with her.“ I'm so sorry I tried my best to leave, he just wouldn't let me” I tried to reason with her.“ It's okay she replied he would get tired of you eventually, after the stunt you pulled I'm sure he wouldn't want to be holding a woman hostage that's not who he is” she said to me sounding like a woman infatuated with the image of a man she built in her head.As we got the the coffee shop down the street called Oscar's Oscar’s is small and unassuming. Its walls are dark timber paneling with big green–glass pendant lights hanging low over oversized chocolate leather lounges that have coloured scatter cushions all over them. Big wooden coffee tables adorn the center of each setting. The c
LORENAWalking to the garage with Simona felt like I was walking on eggshells, I heard my heart beating so fast.As she walked closer to the car“ Don't worry,” she said without look back at me, “ he knows we went out together” As we left the gate of the castello, I was feeling weary about going with her.“ I'm so sorry I tried my best to leave, he just wouldn't let me” I tried to reason with her.“ It's okay she replied he would get tired of you eventually, after the stunt you pulled I'm sure he wouldn't want to be holding a woman hostage that's not who he is” she said to me sounding like a woman infatuated with the image of a man she built in her head.As we got the the coffee shop down the street called Oscar's Oscar’s is small and unassuming. Its walls are dark timber paneling with big green–glass pendant lights hanging low over oversized chocolate leather lounges that have coloured scatter cushions all over them. Big wooden coffee tables adorn the center of each setting. The c
ALESSANDRO A touch of a hand on my chest, and my eyes snap open. Lorena’s breath brushes my side as she snuggles closer, and one of her legs comes over mine.It took us forty minutes more than I had to spare to arrive at the cafe when Simona called me to let me know she fainted, and we only got here in that time because Cesare drove at supersonic speed, narrowly avoiding a few accidents.It was still not fast enough.I spent the way here calling Simona and getting her voicemail. I really should’ve inserted a fucking tracker in her flesh. I was fooled by the false sense of security of having her by my side for weeks, so I overlooked this angle.If—when— she wakes up, I’ll put that tracker in her skin. Personally, if I have to.We got there and the ambulance already took her to the hospital. I told them to move her to my room at home, I hate feeling this way it's not an emotion I was used to feeling.“Lorena?”“Yeah?” she mumbles into my chest.“You need to get back in bed, baby.”“No. G
ALESSANDRO 1 year laterOur home backyard was draped in silence, as we listened to the priest's words, blessing our baby girl. Our little Isabella Paola Moravia, named after my mother and Lorena's grandmother. Dark hair framed her little face, matching her big brother’s and mine. But it was her eyes that had everyone falling all over themselves. She had her mother’s beautiful eyes.My wife. I’d never get sick and tired of saying those two words. She cradled our daughter in her arms, her small body leaning against mine. I studied my wife’s rosy cheeks and dark hair strands flying with the light breeze.This woman was my beginning, my middle, and my end. She was my whole life. This family, blood and non-blood, was what this life was about.“You are staring at me,” she whispered under her breath, so only I could hear it.“You love when I watch you.”And her wide smile was my confirmation. I’d never tire of watching her soft smile and happiness on her beautiful face.The christening
LORENA My whole body jolted out of bed, my breathing labored. I struggled to catch my breath, my eyes darting around looking for anyone lurking in the dark.“Shhh. It’s okay; I’m here.” Alessandro’s voice penetrated through the fog and his face came into focus. “You need to rest.”He watched me with love, his hands gently wrapped around me. Am I dreaming?“Matteo?” I rasped out, my voice cracking. “Ella?”“Ella is safe; she’s with Massimo. Matteo’s safe,” he whispered. “I just checked on him. Our son is safe.”I blinked my eyes. Our son.“Roberto is dead, so are your father and mother. Matteo is safe; so are you.” He leaned forward and placed a kiss on my lips. “I love you, Lorena Moravia.” I love you too. But words refused to leave my mouth. So much has happened since we first met. So many ugly words and memories. My chest felt tight, like someone pressed on it with weights.As if he could read my thoughts, Alessandro reached out and took my hand into his.“Please, Ales ”He stop
ALESSANDRO It took us two fucking hours to get out of the damn city. I checked on my aunt and son, they were safe.“Bring her home, son.” My Zia loved Lorena as her own daughter. We have been family all along, but I was too blinded by rage to see it. Now I knew and I wanted to make it all better, enjoy the rest of my life with her. Have more babies, see Matteo grow up to be a good man. And he would, because he had his mother in him.“I’ll bring her home, Zia,” I promised. “Stay safe and inside with your grandson.” It still felt surreal. “Lorenzo will keep the compound safe. As soon as I have her, I’ll bring her home. She’ll want to see our son safe and happy.”And I’d make her happy. Like I was supposed to be making her happy from the moment we met.Once we got to the old Calvino beach house, I waited for our men to gather. It took another two hours for everything to be put in place. We surveyed the house, found the best angle for the attack and armed up to our teeth. We didn’t k
LORENA “I thought you were married already,” the words escaped me.“I have a mistress, but she won’t interfere.” He chuckled like he just said the most entertaining joke. “Your husband and son, on the other hand. We will have to take care of that.” Then he chuckled, displaying his yellow teeth. “Roberto will take care of that, won’t you?”I kept my face stoic. I couldn’t show any emotions to these people. I knew men like Santos Snr . They relished in destroying what people loved. Just like my mother. Just like my father.I have to kill Roberto. It finally made sense why I saw Roberto in my mom’s dressing room backstage alongside my father.My lips pressed tightly together, I held his gaze. He wanted to see me react. Well, he had another thing coming. I wished he’d hold his breath waiting for my reaction. My back stiff, I refused to even blink.He finally looked away, bored expression on his face as his eyes shifted to Ella.“Now what to do with your friend,” he pondered although the
LORENA My head throbbed with pain, but I ignored it. I couldn’t afford to show any weakness. These people would exploit it.Ella and I kept close to each other, her hand in mine. I refused to have us separated. No matter what. After we were adequately prepared for the auction, like we were some kind of animals, five guards surrounded us and ushered us back into the hallway. My heart thundered, recognizing every inch of it. But with five of them surrounding us, there was no room for escape. Even so, I refused to give up.The hallway here was dark. Ella’s and my heels clicked against the stone floor. My heartbeat was frantic, and I didn’t have to ask my best friend to know hers was too. I swallowed past the lump in my throat.Think about Matteo. Focus on opportunities to escape. Think about Matteo.The hallway ended and large stairs led to the floor below.“No matter what,” I uttered in a hushed voice, “don’t let go of my hand.”With a jerky nod, we slowly descended the stairs, our
ALESSANDRO I’ve watched hundreds of men die. Some I have killed, others were killed by my enemies. Some I remembered, others I didn’t. Some deserved it, others maybe not. But this one did, many times over.Calvino’s body laid at my feet, full of lead. Full of bullets. Some from my gun. Some from Massimo’s. And some from Nico’s.“You good?” Nico’s Russian accent was thick. Needless to say, this man wasn’t his favorite. He tried to get his dirty paws on another man's wife.Enzo and Luca still fought Calvino’s guards and as the shots of bullets flew through the air, the fear dug its claws into my heart. For the first time, I tasted fear of death.Fear for her.My wife.Lorena Moravia.It was an unfamiliar feeling but the pain was razor blade sharp. If Lorena died, the death would claim me too. Because she had taken a big piece of me.I raised my gaze off the dead body of the last Calvino male and watched Enzo aim a gun execution style at the last standing guard.I continued down the m
LORENA “And please don’t try anything. Otherwise, This man here,” she pointed to the guard, “will make things really uncomfortable for you. And there are three other guards outside the door.”There was no doubt that it wasn't an empty threat.“Can we keep our undergarments on while bathing?” I hated that we even had to ask, my pride rebelling at the idea of anyone having any kind of control over what I should or shouldn't do.The woman nodded but no sooner I felt the relief, the guardian interjected. “No! Boss wants them cleaned in detail, their pussy and all.”“We are not cars,” I protested angrily. What kind of bullshit was this?“Either you take it off and get in or I put you in myself,” he threatened and I was sure he meant it.“Well, can you turn around? Or get the fuck out so we can do it in the privacy!” I retorted with a false bravado. “This isn’t a strip club.”He growled and took a threatening step forward. Ella and I took one backwards.“Enough!” The older woman intervene
LORENA “And you, my little bird, have been causing some serious trouble.”“I’d say I’m sorry,” I muttered. “But my parents taught me not to lie.”He grinned with malice. “Oh yes, my son will have so much fun breaking you. There is fire in you that even makes my cock hard.”Terror shot through my veins, but I made sure it didn’t show. I wouldn’t give him the satisfaction.“I’m surprised at your age you can even get your cock hard,” I taunted. It was stupid, but it was my only weapon at this moment.His cheeks colored red in ugly blotches. Good, I pissed him off.The next instant, however, my cheek exploded in pain, as the guard’s hand struck across my face, hard. I staggered backwards, the back of my knees hitting the bed, and I fell next to Ella. She instantly jolted up and wrapped her hands around me. My cheek burned from the impact, and I felt like my entire face was in flames. My eyes stung, but I refused to let any tears fall, not for this motherfucker, not for his despicable
LORENA She laid her head onto my lap and I sat like a statue, staring out the small window, a glimpse of the freedom so close but so far away. I wasn’t beyond crawling through it and running down the street in my underwear. If I had to choose between that or being sold, I’d pick the former.Ella’s eyes shut and her breathing evened within five minutes. I waited, listening to her breathing while I stared at the dirty concrete walls, then the dirty ground. It was all dirty, like this whole transaction that my family participated in.My grandparents were dead because they tried to protect me. They refused to hand over their granddaughter as some kind of fucked up sacrifice to the mobster gods. I had never been bloodthirsty, but now, I wanted to kill them all.I killed a human being. How did someone move on from that? It stained your soul, whether you wanted it or not. It was the main reason why I only stuck to laundering money during our time in Europe. That was bad enough, but now