Share

TWO

Author: Queen Ann
last update Last Updated: 2024-12-03 08:55:18

VALENTINA'S POV

"Mr. Leonardo. I sincerely admire your paintings." Mark started shaking Mr. Leo's hand with a firm grip. "It's truly an honor to finally meet you in person."

I stood behind him, sipping my champagne, totally uninterested as I recalled Russo's words from yesterday.

'Work with me, and I'll give you everything you ask for.'

Work with him? He never mentioned what for. Now I am currently with my boyfriend.

Besides, he didn't bother introducing me. It was as though I was non-existent to him.

I rolled my eyes and looked around, sighting all the gentlemen and women laughing amongst themselves with elegance.

I mentally mocked myself. I could never be one of these high classes. I was just too unsophisticated. 

A professional stripper raised in the hoods.

"And who is this beautiful lady?" Mr. Leonardo asked, catching my attention.

"Oh, this is my fiancee." Mark finally introduced. I nearly rolled my eyes again, but instead forced a professional smile.

A smile that seemed real after so many months of practice. Being a stripper is huge work.

"Pleasure to meet you ." He complimented while I gave a warm smile.

"And you too Mr. Leo." I said before he gave Mark a knowing look.

"You really outdid yourself Mr. Valdin." Mr. Leo let out a laugh while Mark forced him just to join him.

I was sick of this place already. Can we get out of here?

I was here not because I wanted to be, but because I was invited by my boyfriend Mark.

The scent of prosecco mingled with the sharp tang of fresh paint filled my nostrils.

As an artist, he had his painting mixed with the prestigious paintings of the cavernous space of Galleria d'Oro.

Flickers of tiny fairy lights cast warm glows on the polished marble floors.

Tonight was the opening of Marco Rossi's latest exhibition, "Luce e Ombre" as I heard... meaning light, and shadow.

I had no idea that Leo was already gone till Mark gripped my hand and pulled me close.

"I saw what you fucking did there Sabrina. Flirting with a man in front of me." His grip was so painful I winced.

"But I did nothing, I didn't even speak until he spoke to me." I defended myself.

"Talking back. You're fucking starting to grow wings. " He eyes were so menacing that I couldn't even bring myself to utter another word because of the terror of what he'd do that whirled in me. "Now behave."

He really seemed to have forgotten that I got him to this level in his life. If it weren't for me, he wouldn't be here today and he remains so ungrateful.

For weeks I helped him prepare for this night. My heart swelled with so much pride for him and yet, he had never done one big thing for me. 

Not as much as buying chocolate gifts on my birthday.

I sighed before turning to walk away. He gripped my hand again.

"Where the hell are you going?" He questioned angrily.

And before I could open my mouth to say anything a commotion erupted at the entrance.

Four men in black leather jackets and menacing expressions walked in, their eyes darting around the room.

Perplexed, an unsettling chill snaked down my spine as realizations dawned on me.

Intruders.

The leader, a man with a cruel twist to his lips and a shaved head etched with a menacing scar, shoved a security guard aside with a sneer.

He reached into his pocket, and my breath hitched as the glint of a switchblade caught the light.

He wasn't here for art appreciation.

"Questa festa è finita," he growled, his voice gravelly and laced with menace. (This party is over.)

"Run." I said and Mark saved himself, leaving me to stand. Coward.

People scramble back knocking over glasses and spilling wine.

A shriek pierced the air as a crystal sculpture toppled, shattering into a million glittering pieces.

I spotted Enzo Ferrari, the owner of the rival gallery.  He stood there in shock,his eyes darting between the intruders and Marco Moretti.

"Pensavi di potermi superare, Enzo?" The leader whose name I later knew as Luca spat, his voice dripping with disdain. (Did you think you could outdo me, Enzo?)

Moretti straightened his spine, a flicker of defiance replacing his initial shock. "La galleria è mia," he retorted, his voice surprisingly firm. (The gallery is mine.)

"Non più," Luca snarled, pulling a gun from his jacket holster. (Not anymore.)

A deafening gunshot pierces through the air, splintering another one of the chandeliers. Glass rained down like a deadly hailstorm.

The floor seemed to tilt beneath my feet.

A wave of nausea washed over me. I had to do something, anything. My eyes darted around the room, desperate for a weapon. My gaze fell on a fallen wine bottle, the ruby liquid shimmering on the polished floor.

Without a second thought, I snatched it up, the cool glass biting into my palm. With a wild throw of my arm, I launched the bottle at Luca's head.  It sailed through the air with surprising accuracy, the impact connecting with a satisfying crack.

The bottle shattered against his temple, sending shards of glass flying. Luca stumbled back, momentarily stunned, the gun falling from his numb fingers. It clattered across the floor, skidding several feet away.

Enzo didn't waste the opportunity. He lunged at Luca, tackling him to the ground. They grappled like wild animals, a flurry of fists and kicks. But this time, Enzo seemed fueled by a righteous fury, raining blows down on Luca.

The silence that followed was thick and heavy. People began to stir, murmuring amongst themselves. 

But the jovial atmosphere of the evening was gone, replaced by a lingering sense of unease.

A folded piece of paper caught my eye nestled beneath a fallen easel. 

Curious, I picked it up. It was just a white card, smooth and pristine. 

"You know too much about Valentine. And I'm coming for you." 

My heart jumped to my throat as I read the content in the paper. 

I looked around trying to see any suspicious movements lurking between the crowd.

My eyes suddenly landed on a pair of cold calculating eyes.

They belonged to a man that I never thought I'd see again.

His lips were curved into a chilling smile, one that could send shivers down your spine.

His eyes pierced through my soul, and I found it difficult to look away.

A silent threat trapped in a single look.

Continue to read this book for free
Scan code to download App

Related chapters

  • Matteo’s obsession    THREE

    VALENTINA'S POVHe pushed me against the bed."Mark, do not do this." I warned while he went ahead to take off his clothes."How long am I supposed to wait?" "You know I'm not ready yet." I said while he removed his belt."Then when will you ever be?" He was frustrated. "I really wish you could be more like her.""Like who?" I questioned with furrowed brows ."Kaitlyn!" He yelled.This wasn't the first time he'd mention that to me though."If you loved her that much, you should have never left her." I said and his face twisted to something terrifying."What did you just say?" He questioned.I was sick and tired of him thinking he could boss me about."I have somewhere to be Mark. I really don't have time for this." I said, about to leave when he thrust me back onto the bed."You're going to your stripper's lodge again aren't you. To sleep with men again isn't it?""I told you I'm sleeping with nobody. It's to make money. And you know it's the money I get out of it that I use to susta

    Last Updated : 2024-12-03
  • Matteo’s obsession    FOUR

    VALENTINA'S POVThe footsteps got closer and louder, and I could see his shadow...a man holding a gun.My heart thumped with trepidation as I stumbled back, eyes traveling around the room, as I tried to find where to hide. I looked towards the corner and saw a refrigerator.I gagged, nearly spilling the content in my stomach as I opened the fridge. It was filled with so much dust and rotten foods and cobwebs. I didn't have a choice and hurried into it before closing it against myself.The footsteps finally echoed in the room."Where is she?" The growl sent shivers down my spine but why didn't it sound like him? "I...I don't know where she is." Her voice trembled.My heart jumped into my throat. They'd come for me. Seeing I wasn't at the strip club today. I was in trouble."I'll advise you to tell the truth. If not..." I heard a gasp."I...I was here the whole time, unconscious until I heard footsteps. Pl...please... spare me." She sobbed.She was really covering up for me?"Then I g

    Last Updated : 2024-12-03
  • Matteo’s obsession    FIVE

    VALENTINA'S POV"How is she?" I was hearing voices."You can rest assured. There are no severe damages. She just needs to rest and in a couple days will be up on her feet.""Matteo." I heard the authoritative tone of a man's call. "Yes, Don.""What about him?" The don, as I heard he was called, questioned."He has been locked up in the confinement room for now." Matteo said, and from the voice I could tell it was the man from before. "What about her?""She's good. Just waiting for her to wake up." The don said.I was too weak to open my eyes, even though I was fully awake."I'll leave the boy to you. Don't kill him, yet." The don stated before I heard footsteps distancing. Then a breeze of masculine cologne wafted into my nostrils, I had to hold myself from moaning. "I guess, I didn't warn you enough, if you refused to run at the first hint." He said, and his voice, like stone dipped into water. That was how low and gruff it was. It sent shivers down my spine that I nearly shivered

    Last Updated : 2024-12-03
  • Matteo’s obsession    SIX

    Valentina’s povI don't know where this confidence came from because it arrived right on time for me to do something stupid. I lifted my chin to meet his gaze, “Then tell me, Don Russo, where exactly is my place?”He smirked sinisterly. "Smart girl."I was forced to swallow hard. What the hell did he mean? “Marcus?” He called out, his eyes never leaving mine. Marcus appeared at the door holding a blank expression on his face. I could tell from the corner of my eyes. I wonder if he was used to seeing his boss like this with other women.“Have Miss Valentina escorted to her room.” Russo said, shifting his gaze to Marcus. My lips tightened and my mouth betrayed me. “You seriously don't think I'll go back to the room I escaped from, do you?”Russo turned to me with a grin playing on those sinful lips of his. “Did you think you actually escaped?”“Y -” I swallowed my words before I could blurt them out. Now was not the time to play foolish. This man could kill me any second if he want

    Last Updated : 2025-01-07
  • Matteo’s obsession    SEVEN

    Mateo's povThey all offered me appealing gazes but I knew that was a mask underneath their menacing looks. It was safe to say that no one in the mafia could trust each other but with the way things were moving, my height of paranoia would stretch to its limit and my patience was wearing thin. “Matteo has delivered the painting… but uh, is it safe here now that girl is around?” Angelou linked his fingers together. The man has more rings in his fingers and a scar on his left eye, evidence of five failed marriages. His eyes darted left and right as he spoke as though waiting for someone or backing him up.Jonathan cleared his throat before leaning in. “She won't be caught wandering around. Besides, it would look like an ordinary painting to her. She would never know what it contains, right, don?”Everyone who had their attention on Jonathan turned to me, waiting for me to speak and I gave them what they wanted to hear.“The painting is right where I want it. Who would wander right in

    Last Updated : 2025-01-09
  • Matteo’s obsession    EIGHT

    Valentina's pov The moment I bolted from Russo's mansion I didn't stop till I got to our apartment building. The elevator was occupied so I took the stairs not minding my heavy breathing. Mark. You better be alive, asshole.I punched the keycode to the door and pushed it open. I walked into the apartment not recognizing it anymore.Specks of white material and foams laid dormant on the red couch. No one needed to tell me it was sliced open. The lamp I had gotten Mark for Christmas last year stared at me, the delicate glass broken into yellow shards, pictures of us ripped and portraits in ruins. Whoever ransacked our apartment was looking for something. It could be a thief or it could be Mark. I crossed the glass heap gently and leapt to the other side of the room though the kitchen. The next place to check was our bedroom. I rushed to the room and found it in the same mess as the living room. Without thinking, I walked to the drawer and pulled out every last one. All of my jewelry

    Last Updated : 2025-01-13
  • Matteo’s obsession    NINE

    Russo's povApart from my phonk playlist, the kind of music I enjoy listening to are the sound of metal scratching against the wall, the sound of a gun when it goes off and most certainly the blood-curdling screams of my victims. I gripped his jaw one last time, staring at him squarely in the face. “The tattoo on your chest is from the Al Aziz Brotherhood. Who sent you? Ah Kash? How is your older brother?”“Fuck you!” He spat his blood on my face.“Wrong answer!” I drove my knife into the same spot I had been stabbing for a while on his lap and his screams filled my ears.“Jesus!” Mark shivered as I turned my gaze on him. “Jesus isn't here with you, dear Mark, I am.” I wiped my face with the kerchief Marcus offered me.He tried to get off the chains by binding his hands but he couldn't. They were too tight. “Did you really think you could escape?” I grabbed a chair and took a seat in front of him.“Hey, man. I don't know what you're talking about. Let me go.” Mark's eyes darted aro

    Last Updated : 2025-01-14
  • Matteo’s obsession    TEN

    Valentina's povI watched mom pass me a cup of coffee with a look of concern etched on her face. “Are you alright, baby?”I put the mug to my lips and took a sip to avoid her question. I've been avoiding this question all morning and she goes asking it again. “Val,” she reached out to touch my arm. “What's wrong?”Looking at her made me feel more guilty. For as long as I can remember, I've always brought trouble to her door step. Was it when I cussed at dad and ran away from home? Or when I got into a fight with the neighbor's kid? Or when I first stole with my first ever boyfriend. I have always been trouble to me and she'd always welcome me with open arms. Was it because she was the one that gave birth to me or was this just a side effect of divorce? “Val?” She called again and I snapped from my train of thoughts. I cradled the mug in my hand, staring at the brown ripple I made when I moved the mug. With a light exhale, I lean back in the dining chair. “Do you remember how you f

    Last Updated : 2025-01-15

Latest chapter

  • Matteo’s obsession    THIRTY

    Russo’s POVI sat in my office, staring at the cigarette burning between my fingers, watching as the smoke curled toward the ceiling. I haven't smoked in a while now, only whiskey and vodka as my companions lately.But today I just felt the urge, it's about time anyway.I hadn’t taken a single drag, but I liked its weight in my hand, something solid to focus on while my thoughts spun in a hundred directions.Rick wasn’t the mole.That was what Marcus had just told me.I know the surveillance video was a bit blurry, but the person looked like him.I leaned back in my chair, tapping my fingers against the desk.I should have been that relieved by the news, Rick is not the mole but inste

  • Matteo’s obsession    TWENTY NINE

    Valentina’s POVThe sound of the lock clicking open pulled me from my thoughts. Making me jump to an upright position.It was Marie, her quiet presence filling the room. Perfect timing I guess. She moved without haste like she always did, her eyes carefully avoiding mine as she placed the tray of food on the table near the window, just like yesterday.“Hey,” I said.Marie didn’t respond as she was busy arranging the tray. I admired her quiet, composed attitude.“Thanks for the tip yesterday, but I think I have already seen what your boss is capable of already,” I whispered.She smirked.“you think so?”“Can I ask you a question? I know you said no mor

  • Matteo’s obsession    TWENTY EIGHT

    Russo’s POVThe guards outside her door stiffened as I approached, their eyes flicking between me and the door they were guarding. I nodded once, dismissing them with a sharp gesture. They knew better than to linger when I wanted privacy.I hesitated for only a bit, my hand resting on the doorknob. I told myself I was there to ensure Valentina wasn’t causing more problems. That was the excuse I clung to. But the truth was far more complicated. She had been on my mind more than I cared to admit, her stubbornness a constant thorn in my side, and a spark I couldn’t seem to extinguish.I pushed the door open without knocking, what's the use anyway, as I stepped into her new place?Though I made the room suited to her, I doubted she would appreciate it. The wallpaper was glowing in the light, and the furniture was perfect, a mix of antique and modern, which made the room look elegant. Valentina’s presence disrupted that perfection. She was standing by the window, pressing her hands agai

  • Matteo’s obsession    TWENTY SEVEN

    Valentina’s POVThe silence here was more.I sat up in the large, plush bed Mr. Russo had relocated me to. The room was bigger than my last one, and more lavish too, but it wasn’t comfortable, at least not to me.The wallpaper, the finely carved furniture, and even the scent in the air felt different. This wasn’t a room, it was a cage also, dressed up to look like something else.I explored the room, when I moved towards the window the view outside was almost weird, there was the garden with perfectly trimmed hedges and a fountain. But the walls were high and armed guards patrolled the perimeter, which made it clear this wasn't paradise.I pulled the hook on the window, even though I already knew it was locked and would not move. I also noticed the new layer of security Russo had added since moving me here. Guards were stationed outside the door now, their shadows visible through the gap at the bottom. I could hear them murmuring faintly, no doubt about me.He wasn’t just holding me

  • Matteo’s obsession    TWENTY SIX

    Russo’s POV“We have a bigger problem than I thought,” I said to Marcus over the phone. I continued.“I think I just saw Rick with the Moretti, I want you to monitor him closely and gimme a report of his location during and after your operation.““Okay Boss" Marcus answered reassuringly.Rick was in charge of the Western territory, I took over, the same one that made the Morreti family start lurking around. Suddenly I heard faint voices and rushed footsteps from the hall which barely drew my attention at first. My focus had been locked on the blur surveillance footage from Marcus’s failed operation. But when the muffled sounds grew louder, sharp, and urgent, I became alert.The door swung open without my permission. Valentina brushed past, her face very flushed.Then a guard followed behind.“Get out,” I said, my eyes fixed on her. The guard obeyed, shutting the door behind him.Valentina was breathing hard, her fingers fidgeting at her sides. She glanced at the papers scattered acr

  • Matteo’s obsession    TWENTY FIVE

    Russo’s POV“We have a bigger problem than I thought,” I said to Marcus over the phone. I continued.“I think I just saw Rick with the Moretti, I want you to monitor him closely and gimme a report of his location during and after your operation.““Okay Boss" Marcus answered reassuringly.Rick was in charge of the Western territory, I took over, the same one that made the Morreti family start lurking around. Suddenly I heard faint voices and rushed footsteps from the hall which barely drew my attention at first. My focus had been locked on the blur surveillance footage from Marcus’s failed operation. But when the muffled sounds grew louder, sharp, and urgent, I became alert.The door swung open without my permission. Valentina brushed past, her face very flushed.Then a guard followed behind.“Get out,” I said, my eyes fixed on her. The guard obeyed, shutting the door behind him.Valentina was breathing hard, her fingers fidgeting at her sides. She glanced at the papers scattered acr

  • Matteo’s obsession    TWENTY FOUR

    Valentina’s POVThe silence of this mansion was both good and bad. Everything has its own advantages I guess.When it's quiet it represents blue, go. I can pretty much boast of mastering the art of moving in the shadows through hallways and rooms, staying out of sight. But tonight, it was a different kind of silence. One that pushed me to make a choice I’d been avoiding for far too long.It has been a long week and I could feel the impact as well. Russo’s eyes were always on me, the constant feeling of being trapped. I lied to myself and the worse I lied to my mother, the thought of this, and my stomach twisted. How much more can I endure this hell?Then when I remembered the two options he gave; Death or life in hell with me. Which I was forced to choose. I mean who would choose death anyway?But the two options sound similar and bad enough.I have to find a way out because I know I can't stay in this place any longer.I couldn’t stay here any longer.With that thought I felt my c

  • Matteo’s obsession    TWENTY THREE

    Russo’s POVThe vent cover was still slightly open. My fingers brushed over the tear on its edge, a small piece, torn from clothing.I straightened, my jaw tightening as I handed the scrap to Marie.“If it's her then she’s testing my patience,” I muttered, with a dangerous tone.Marie stood silently without flinching, crossing her hands. She was a smart woman and stayed enough to know better when to offer commentary when I was furious.“Secure the vent,” I ordered.“And triple the patrols in this part of the mansion. I don’t want her getting any ideas.”Marie nodded and left to carry out my instructions. As she walked away.She paused at the door.

  • Matteo’s obsession    TWENTY TWO

    Valentina’s POVThe knock on the door startled me as I grabbed tightly on my bed shit. I looked at the makeshift map I had drawn and shoved it under the bed. Just in time. The knock came again, sharper this time, then a familiar voice.“Valentina, it’s Marie. Open up.”I hesitated, my pulse racing. Why is she here? Did Mr. Russo send her?My hands trembled as I approached the door, forcing myself to appear calm. When I opened it, Marie stepped in, her eyes scanning the room.“How are you," she asked." What do you think?” I said, rolling my eyes She sighed. Then continued. “The boss wanted me to check on you,” I swallowed hard, stepping back to give her space. “I’m fine,” I replied quickly, perhaps too quickly.Marie’s eyes now focused on me more than ever as she crossed her arms. “The word fine doesn't look like it's on your face,” she said, tilting her head and trying to read my thoughts.I looked away. “I was just resting. This place is stifling, that’s all.”“You sure?” she a

Explore and read good novels for free
Free access to a vast number of good novels on GoodNovel app. Download the books you like and read anywhere & anytime.
Read books for free on the app
SCAN CODE TO READ ON APP
DMCA.com Protection Status