"Just hold on," he muttered, already moving swiftly down the hallway in the opposite direction Diana had gone. "And keep your head down." I had no choice but to obey, burying my face against the crisp linen of his suit. I had no choice but to obey, burying my face against the crisp linen of his suit as he cradled me securely in his arms. With each urgent stride he took, a thousand frantic thoughts whirled through my mind. "I don't want you here when things get messy," Giovanni's deep voice rumbled close to my ear, as if he could sense the questions brewing inside me. "And trust me, it's going to get really messy." I pulled back just enough to search his expression, but his ruggedly handsome features were set in a grim mask of determination. His jaw worked tensely as we hurried around a corner. "What about Diana?" I blurted out before I could reconsider. Was she able to escape? What exactly would happen to her? Surely Giovanni wasn't just going to abandon his own cousin? His haze
As the sleek black sedan glided up the winding drive, I couldn't help but think about what would change from what i just witnessed tonight. As we crossed the threshold into the marble-floored foyer, I couldn't shake the insidious feeling that something fundamental had shifted, as subtle as a whisper of wind before the coming storm. As soon as the car parked into the driveway, the driver alights from the car and opens the door, Giovanni speaks to him in low tones to which he nods as GIovanni leads me carefully to the entrance of the mansion. "Welcome back." Darva's toneless voice made me start. She emerges from a side hallway, her movements sharp and eerily precise as always. I watch her, my senses sharp. "How was your evening, mistress?" She blinked at me with those dispassionately blank eyes. I opened my mouth, but now words came out. How did one respond when their evening was ultimately ruined in that manner. "It was...fine." I lie, hoping she couldn't see how shook I
Giovanni regards me with a measured gaze. He steepled his fingers, taking a deep breath before continuing. "On the surface, we present ourselves as a successful family-owned automotive business - a legitimate front that allows us to move freely in polite society. But in truth, we are part of a much older, more complex organization with roots stretching back centuries." Giovanni's expression took on a grim cast as he spoke the next words. "We are a powerful criminal syndicate, an intricate network akin to the legendary Five Families that once dominated the American underworld." I felt the breath leave me in a sharp exhale at his baldly uttered confession. "Let me explain. In the 1920s, a man named Mattia D'errico reorganized the Italian-American gangs in New York into five distinct families - each with its own territory, hierarchy, and leadership that answered to an overarching governing body. For a time, D'errico envisioned himself as the supreme 'boss of all bosses' that would ru
I clutched the envelope tighter against my chest, crumpling the thick paper beneath the desperate constriction of my fingers. As if the delicate paper could somehow shield me from the oncoming flood of truth that threatened to sweep me under its raging currents."It's nothing," I lied, the words tasting like bitter ash on my tongue as I averted my gaze from Giovanni's piercing stare. "Nothing to worry about."A soft exhalation, edged with something between a scoff and a rueful chuckle, brushed past his full lips. "On the contrary, Tessoro. The way you're looking at me now..." He shook his head slowly, waves of ebony hair slipping over his brow. "The way you're clutching that letter as if it might dissolve you where you stand - that's precisely what has me worried."His deep timbre seemed to reverberate through me, sending an involuntary shiver rippling across my skin. I swallowed hard against the tightness encircling my throat as my treacherous heart hammered against my ribcage. Drawi
"Why do you live like this?" I asked, my voice a tremulous whisper. "Why did you deceive me?" I ask him, he wasn't looking at me this time, instead his eyes were trained downwards staring at something on the floor. ""Was Russo...was he the one sending those threats? Was he behind my mother's death?" I asked anxiously. At this moment I had thought that I was about to get the answers to all my questions but somewhere in the back of my mind, I didn't want it to be true. Please, I begged silently, let it not be true."No."A profound sense of strange relief washed over me but it was quickly replaced by a fresh wave of dread. If not Russo, then who? My mind raced with more and more questions. Giovanni's jaw tightened, his eyes haunted. His gruff tone dripped with a strange fusion of anguish and protectiveness."I...I didn't mean for you to witness something like this." He raked a hand roughly through his dark locks, every muscle in his chiseled frame taut with tension. A guttural curse tu
"Who called you just now?" I asked once Giovanni had ended the call, trying to ignore the sense of dread coiling in the pit of my stomach.He paused, that ruggedly handsome face an inscrutable mask. "Someone from work."My eyes narrowed infinitesimally. "Your...other work?" I say referring to maybe his "illegal" mafia work. I don't know, he could be cutting and boiling people's body parts for all I knew. The weighted silence that stretched between us spoke volumes. Giovanni held my gaze for a moment before giving the barest shake of his head, declining to offer any further explanation.Tendrils of unease snaked through me as I studied the harsh angles of his chiseled visage. "I want to know more about it," I pressed. "About your family." I say hoping he wouldn't brush me off. I was probably testing but at this point I just had to know. A muscle feathered along his jaw as he struggled for composure. "It's better if you stay out of it, principessa." His deep timbre caressed the endear
couldn't believe my eyes as I stared at Mia's name flashing on Giovanni's phone. My heart raced, and my mind was flooded with questions. Why was she calling him? I don't know what was wrong with me but I couldn't shake off the feeling of possessiveness that washed over me. Why was I even feeling this way? After what I found out tonight, why do I care who Giovanni is with? I bite my lips and remembered the way he begged me that night and professed his love to me. Now that I think about it, was it even real? Everything seemed like a lie now. I rub my hands on my face. No one had ever affected me the way he did - his very presence seemed to ignite a longing, a yearning for something deeper than just physical desire. As if, in his eyes, I was the only woman who could ever truly captivate him, body and soul. Yet, I couldn't stop feeling this way towards him, I wanted him, I wanted him all to myself. No one had ever made me feel the way he did like I was the only woman he would ever lov
I tilted my chin, maintaining his smoldering gaze through the haze of desire clouding my senses. "Yes?" I managed to murmur, surprising myself with the husky rasp of my own voice."W-What are you doing?" I whisper. His body was still wet and I feel the wetness as he presses his body onto me. One corner of Giovanni's sensuous mouth curved in a hint of a smile that somehow looked both wicked and profoundly masculine. "Are you sure you want to go?" His words carried the unmistakable lilt of a challenge.Summoning every ounce of willpower, I attempted to project more bravado than I actually felt. "And if I do?" Giovanni's smile deepened, a low rumble sounding deep in his throat - a distinctly predatory sound that caused a shiver of arousal to race down my spine. "Then I'll be forced to pursue more...persuasive methods of changing your mind, principessa."Emily,' he whispered, his voice low and husky. 'Why do you always stare at me like that?'I swallowed hard, my heart racing. 'I-I don
I stood in the abandoned warehouse, my heart pounding. The plan was simple: I'd act as bait to lure Primo here. Then, our team would capture him. But something felt off. "Are you ready, Emily?" Giovanni asked, squeezing my hand. I nodded, trying to look braver than I felt. "As ready as I'll ever be." As Giovanni and the others hid, I heard a car approach. This was it. Primo entered, his cold eyes scanning the room before landing on me. "Well, well," he smirked. "Little Emily, all alone." I took a deep breath. "I want to make a deal, Primo. The gem for my family's safety." He laughed, a chilling sound that made my skin crawl. "Oh, Emily. You're in no position to make deals." Suddenly, smoke filled the room. I heard shouts and gunfire. This wasn't part of the plan! Through the chaos, I felt someone grab me from behind. "Sorry, cousin," a woman's voice whispered in my ear. "But I need you more than they do." As the smoke cleared, I found myself face to face with a woman
Suddenly, a very loud explosion shook the car and it wobbled violently, tires screeching against the ground. Before I could process what was happening, the door beside me was violently opened, and a familiar face appeared."Hadid!" I gasped in disbelief."Come on, Emily! We need to move!" she shouted, grabbing my arm and pulling me from the car. This would be the second time Hadid would hijack me from a situation it seemed.Gunfire erupted around us as we ran towards a waiting motorcycle. I glanced back to see Primo and his men stumbling from the damaged vehicle, their faces contorted with rage.Hadid revved the engine as I clung to her waist. We sped off into the night, leaving the chaos behind us."Where are we going?" I yelled over the wind."Somewhere safe," Hadid replied. "Hold on tight!"We maneuvered through traffic at an alarming speed, my heart pounding in my chest. After what felt like hours, we finally slowed, pulling into a dark, quiet alleyway.Hadid killed the engine and
As the guards began to drag me away, a desperate idea struck me. "Wait!" I shouted, my voice cracking with fear. "I... I know something about the gem!"The guards paused, and I felt all eyes in the room turn to me. Primo raised an eyebrow, a flicker of interest crossing his otherwise emotionless face."Bring her back," he ordered.I was roughly shoved back into the chair, my heart pounding so hard I thought it might burst from my chest. I had no idea what I was going to say, but I knew I had to buy time."Well?" Primo leaned forward, his eyes boring into mine. "What do you know?"I took a deep breath, my mind racing. "The... the gem. Giovanni told me it was hidden in a place where the sun meets the sea."Primo's eyes narrowed. "Go on.""He said it was in a lighthouse," I continued, the lie growing as I spoke. "On the coast of Maine. A red and white striped lighthouse, with a secret compartment in the lantern room."For a moment, there was silence in the room. Then Primo turned to one
Desperation and fear clawed at my throat as I looked around the room. These men, with their cold eyes and cruel smiles, terrified me. But I had to know."Please," I begged, my voice trembling, "what do you know about my mother? Where is she?"Their laughter hit me like a physical blow. It was cruel, mocking, and devoid of any real humor.Before I could say anything else, the door burst open. A group of armed men stormed in, their weapons at the ready. Two of them grabbed me, their grip painfully tight on my arms. I struggled against them, but it was useless.The blonde man, who had been watching me with those emotionless eyes, finally spoke. His voice was calm, almost conversational, which somehow made it even more chilling."Allow me to introduce myself," he said. "I am Primo Belluci."He paused, as if expecting a reaction. But the name meant nothing to me. I just stared at him, confused and scared.Primo scoffed, shaking his head. "My, my. You really are an ignorant little thing, ar
The person stepped closer, a strange smile playing on their lips. "Hello, Emily."As my eyes adjusted to the dim light, I felt my heart drop. It was Salvatore, Giovanni's half-brother. My mind reeled, trying to make sense of his presence here."Salvatore?" I croaked, my throat dry from fear and dehydration. "What's going on? Why are you here?"His smile widened, but it didn't reach his eyes. "Oh, Emily. You played right into our trap. It was almost too easy."I shook my head, confusion mingling with terror. "Trap? What are you talking about? Where's Hadid?"Salvatore laughed, a cold, mirthless sound that sent chills down my spine. "Hadid? She was just a pawn, my dear. A means to an end. And that end was bringing you here.""What?" I gasped, struggling against my bonds. "No, that can't be true. Hadid wouldn't... Where is she? What have you done with her?"His face hardened, all traces of amusement gone. "Shut up," he snapped, "or you'll regret it."Before I could say another word, he p
I jolted awake in the middle of the night, my heart racing. I suddenly hear a sound, barely audible but out of place in the quiet safehouse. Straining my ears, I caught muffled voices from downstairs.I moved stealthily towards the door, my feet silent on the cold floor. As I reached for the handle, a thought struck me - what if it was Hadid, finally returned?But when I tried to open the door, I found it locked. Panic began to rise in my chest. Why would they lock me in?"Hello?" I called out, my voice trembling slightly. "Is anyone there? Is Hadid back?” After a moment, I heard footsteps approaching. The lock clicked, and the door swung open. But instead of the friendly faces of Sarah and Maria, I was met with the barrels of two handguns pointed directly at me.I stumbled back, my mouth dry with fear. "W-what's going on?"Sarah's usually kind face was now hard and cold. "Get back inside, Emily. Now.""But... I don't understand," I stammered. "Where's Hadid? What's happening?"Maria
"What?! Is he alright? Please tell me he's alright. Where is he now? Who shot at him?" The questions poured out in a rush."I don't know all the details," Hadid said, tiredly. "I think it happened at the Oasis. He was also there at the brothel, Marcus must have led all of them there."I threw off the covers and got down from the bed "We have to go see him. Now. Where is he?"Hadid placed a gentle hand on my arm. "Emily, I don't think that's a good idea. It's not safe out there. You should try to get some more sleep."I shook my head roughly "No, you don't understand. I can't wait. I need to see my husband.”Her eyes widened in surprise."Please," I begged, ignoring her surprise.Hadid sighed, running a hand through her hair. "Emily, I'm sorry, but I don't think he's back at the hotel. I'm not even sure where he is."My heart sank. "Then where is he? We have to do something!""I know, and we will," Hadid assured me. "But right now, the best thing we can do is wait until morning. We'll
The next morning, I woke up with a start, my heart pounding. I quickly made my way to Hadid's room. To my astonishment, Hadid was not only awake but up and about, pacing the small room with surprising energy."Hadid!" I exclaimed, relief washing over me. "How are you feeling?"She turned to face me, a wry smile playing on her lips. "I told you, I won't die easily. It takes more than that to keep me down."I marveled at her resilience. "I'm glad to see you're doing better. But you should still take it easy."Hadid shook her head, her eyes gleaming with determination. "There's no time for that. I think I know a way to find your mother."My eyebrows shot up. "Really? How?""She sent me a message last month, just before she disappeared again," Hadid explained. "Now I have no idea where she is or what's happened to her, but that message might hold a clue.""What did the message say?" I ask anxiously.Hadid's brow furrowed. "Something about 'returning to the place where it all began' and 't
Marcus would suddenly release me and I fell to the ground, I quickly scrambled out of the way and watched as Giovanni and Marcus clashed, their confrontation escalating into a full-blown fight, I watched as they shot at each other. Marcus began shooting rapidly, bullets began to fly everywhere and I went down and took cover to avoid being hit. Suddenly I felt a hand grab my arm and I shriek. It was Hadid."We need to go, now!" she hissed urgently. Without thinking, I let her pull me away from the chaos. We slipped through a side door and found ourselves in a dimly lit corridor. The sounds of the fight grew muffled as we ran, my heart pounding in my ears. We burst out of the building and into the cool night air. Hadid's car was right where we'd left it. We jumped in, and she started the car driving quickly away from place. When we were at a safe distance away from the place. I finally caught my breath enough to speak. "Hadid, what the hell just happened back there?"She kept her ey