/-Gianna-/When Max had me to dress up nicely and prepare dinner for three, I naturally assumed it was a work associate that was coming over.Nothing prepared me to face his ex-wife, Kesley. I didn't know whether to be mad or confused.To think he even went to pick her up and she looked God, like she was going on a date. Maybe she was.The moment I opened the door, Max walked to me and kissed me deeply on the lips.“You look gorgeous, baby,” he commented and despite the way I felt inside, I found myself smiling like an idiot.“You have company,” I noted,. letting my attention rest on Kesley.“Yes, she will be joining us for dinner. Kesley meet the love of my life, Gianna. Gianna, meet Kesley, my ex-wife,” Maxmillian introduced.I could have sworn I saw a glint of disappointment in her eyes when he introduced me to her. Another reason for me to believe that she had an ulterior motive.I forced a polite smile, even as my stomach twisted. “It’s nice to meet you.”Kesley’s lips curved int
Gianna-/The silence between us stretched as I watched the realization dawn on Max’s face. He knew he had messed up—badly.“Gianna, I—”I held up a hand, stopping whatever excuse he was about to make. “Save it, Max. You thought it was a good idea to bring her here, into our home, for dinner?” My voice was calm, but the fire in my chest burned hotter with every word.He sighed, dragging a hand down his face. “I didn’t think it would be a big deal.”I let out a sharp laugh. “A big deal? Oh, of course not. Having dinner with your ex-wife is completely normal, right? Maybe next time I’ll invite Dante over so we can all play happy little house together.”His jaw clenched at the mention of Dante, and I saw a flicker of jealousy in his eyes. Good. Let him feel something.“That’s not the same, and you know it,” he bit out.“Oh, really? Because from where I’m standing, it’s exactly the same.” I stepped closer, tilting my head. “Tell me, Max—what was the point of all this? What were you trying
Gianna-/I was back to the same boring routine. Meetings, seminars, break, more meetings and work.Despite all that, it was better than staying idly at home. Maxmillan was still in a meeting but he dismised me for lunch break and as much as I wanted to display professionalism, I was hungry.I headed downstairs to the company's cafeteria. As I walked to the cuisine to pick my lunch, I could feel the eyes on me, boring holes into my skin.No matter how hard I tried, I could never get used to the stares. Some were glares, others out of plain curiosity and then the judgemental ones.After picking my food, I turned, searching for an empty table with my eyes.I spotted one at the far back but even as I walked, I could feel the eyes follow me with hushed whispers. After what seemed like forever, I got to table and kept my head down.I was well aware of the rumors spreading. Everyone was worried about my closeness to Maxmillan. Some believed that I was seducing him to keep my job but Max wasn
Gianna-/“Gianna, wait!” Max hurried inside the elevator before it slammed shut.I let out a sigh.“You don't have to apologise, Max. It wasn't your fault, you had nothing to do with it,” I told him but I could see the guilt dancing in his eyes.“She had no right to lay a hand on you. Off all the employees, she knows our true relationship. She had no right to disrespect you that way,” he said.“I am just glad you were there to witness it and not get a doctored report later on, else you would have blamed it on me,” I muttered and something shifted in his gaze.“Are you still holding that against me? I thought we were past that?” He muttered.Past him believing his sister's lies over my truth, yeah. I guess I wasn't angry anymore, but for all I know, today could have been a repeat of that if he wasn't present. His sister would have just turned the story to favour her and he would believe her.“I am so sorry, baby,” he said softly. “I’ll make this right, I promise.”I found myself meltin
Maxmillian-/The drive should have been peaceful. With Gianna in my arms, all I wanted was a little peace but apparently, I wasn't going to get that.The first bullet hit the rear mirror and Gianna immediately jumped away from me.“Max…”She barely completed the sentence before the next round of bullets shattered the back windshield.“Down!” I barked, pulling her onto the floor just as the driver swerved sharply to avoid the gunfire.The SUV skidded, tires screeching against the pavement. Another shot rang out, hitting the side mirror, sending shards of glass flying.“Where the hell is it coming from?” I demanded, gripping my gun.“Three vehicles tailing us!” the guard in the passenger seat shouted. “Fully armed!”Of course, they were. This wasn’t random. It was a planned hit.Gianna was trembling beside me, her fingers clutching my arm. “Max—”“I’ve got you, baby,” I muttered, pressing a quick kiss to her temple before rising slightly to get a view.One of the black SUVs pulled up on
Gianna- /I should run.That was the reasonable thing to do but these men all had guns. Running would be suicide, especially when all they had to do was pull the trigger.My entire body froze. I wasn't afraid only of the gunmen that tried to take my life.It was the person holding me now in his hands, telling me that everything will be okay as if he didn't just kill a bunch of people before me. Who was Maxmillan North, really? Every time I think I know him, something comes up to prove me wrong.His world was dark. Ruthless.And tonight, I had seen it in its rawest, bloodiest form.I felt his heartbeat against my cheek, steady and unbothered, as if killing was second nature to him. As if the bodies littered around us were just another part of his day.I pulled back slightly, looking up at him. His sharp, unreadable eyes met mine."Max…" My voice was barely a whisper. It didn't even sound like my voice. I was shocked and beyond terrified even when the people that were trying to kill u
Gianna-/When we got home, I hurried to my room, locked the door and hurried to the bed before pulling the duvet over my head.“Gianna,” Maxmillian called from outside the room, knocking repeatedly on the door. “Baby, open the door please. I can explain.”I didn't want any explanations. I just wanted to sleep this off. It would be easier than confronting the truth.“Go away, Max. I want to be left alone,” I pleaded.Silence stretched on the other side of the door, but I knew he was still there. I could feel his presence like a shadow creeping under the crack of the door, refusing to leave me alone.“Gianna,” his voice was softer now, pleading. “Please don’t shut me out like this.”I squeezed my eyes shut, gripping the duvet tighter around me. What did he expect me to do? Pretend I didn’t just watch him kill men like it was nothing? Pretend I didn’t see how easy it was for him?I thought I knew him. But today proved otherwise. What did I even expect when I agreed to marry a man after j
Maxmillian-/I never intended for her to find out this way. She was going to be the Donna, sure, but dumping everything on her was going to make things a lot more difficult.I already had my men on the Italians. I needed an explanation on the stupid stunt they pulled. I would have gone personally to meet their boss but I needed to take care of Gianna first.I hated the way she looked at me. Like I was a danger to her. I wanted her to understand that I might kill people, but I would never hurt her. None of them were half as innocent as she was.“Gianna, please say something,” I pleaded when she remained silent for too long.“I… I am not cut out for this…” she blurted and my breath stilled. “I… the mob life… it's not for me. I can't live knowing my husband is a murderer.”“Okay, Gianna, you need to calm down. I know you need space to process everything and I am willing to give you that…”“I can't have any blood on my hands,” she interrupted. It was as though she wasn't hearing anything
/–Gianna–/Maxmillian’s arm never left my shoulders as he hurried me out of the mall. His body was tense, coiled like a spring ready to snap, and his men moved around us in tight formation.People stared. I barely noticed.All I could feel was the way Max’s grip tightened every time someone got too close, the way his whole body buzzed with rage and fear. For me. For us.When we finally reached the sleek black SUV and climbed inside, I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding.Maxmillian slammed the door shut and immediately barked orders at the driver. "Home. Now. Double the security at the estate. Triple-clearance only. No mistakes."The driver nodded sharply, and the car sped away.Only when the mall was a shrinking blur behind us did Max finally turn to me. His hand came up, gently brushing a piece of hair from my face. His touch was so careful, so tender, it made my chest ache."Are you okay?" he asked, his voice low but laced with urgency.I nodded, even though my hands w
/-Gianna-/The bodyguards were positioned outside the mall with one accompanying me.I hated the attention this drew to me but it was for my safety so I couldn't exactly complain.Maxmillian was trying his best to ensure that no harm came to us no matter what and I deeply appreciated his effort. He wasn't perfect but he was the best man I could ever ask for.I was doing a little shopping for the baby. Eyes still followed me wherever I went but after a while, they decided to mind their business and focus on what brought them to the hall.Maxmillian was going to book the entire mall for me just so I could shop comfortably but I couldn't let him. It felt like showing off to me.I picked out some napkins and was checking for some baby milk when someone appeared beside me.“You must be Gianna.”The voice was chillingly familiar but I couldn't place where I had heard it from. I glanced to my side and there was this good-looking middle-aged man there.He undoubtedly had very similar features
Maxmillian-/I called a meeting. A meeting with Piper and Dante. Both of them looked the same. Miserable. Angry. Confused.“What do you want Max? Hurry up with whatever you have to say, I have better things to do with my time,” Dante said and Piper rolled her eyes.“As if.”“What did you just say to me?” Dante growled at her.“What do you think I said? I'm very sure that you heard me,” she huffed and his fists clenched. He faced her with the hostility of one facing an enemy.“Say that again!”If they were about to get into a fight hoping that I would separate them then they were in for a very big shocker.“Do I have to? I mean look at you?” She huffed. “Your business is crumbling, you are broke, worthless with a rotten temper and can't…” she didn't get to finish that sentence when he swinged his palm across her face.She fell off chair and clutched to her cheek as she hit the ground. That was such a thunderous slap. He slapped her like he was dealing with a man.Yet I didn't exactly f
Gianna-/“What are you doing, Max?” I gasped. After my confession, he just went straight to his closet and picked out an outfit.“What do you think?” He asked. “I am going to have a chat with my nephew.”It was a sarcastic response. It was written all over his person even though he was acting all cool about it. He was probably out to destroy Dante.“You can't go to him,” I said. “He's going to know that I told you.”“So what?” He huffed. “He tried to blackmail you into killing me and you expect me to just keep shut about this? That asshole is going to pay for thinking he can even lay a finger on me!”“Please let it go, Max. He might not seem like much but Dante is a very dangerous man too,” I pleaded. I honestly didn't want him to get hurt whether he was a fucking mafia boss ir not.He was my husband. The father of my baby! I couldn't let him carelessly put himself in harm's way, for no fucking reason too.“Please calm down,” I pleaded. “You need to think about this thoroughly before
Dante-/I knew she was seeing my uncle. I wasn't stupid. I followed her myself and confirmed it. Her movements have been very suspicious for the last few days, so forgive me for stalking my own wife!The fact she could walk in here and still deny it. Pretend like there was nothing when she was nothing but a fucking slut.I thought the alcohol would calm me down but it only fueled my rage, coupled with how slow business was going for me.I was very certain I had been blacklisted for my contacts to suddenly run out of deals for me.“What do you think you're doing, Dante? Have you lost your fucking mind?” she yelled, groaning out in pain as she held her head. She checked her hands and was shocked to see blood. “You bastard, look what you've done!”“I will only ask you once,” I said coldly, smashing the bottle against the wall as I approached her with a deadly glare. “Where are you coming from?”She stumbled back, one hand pressed to the bleeding cut on her scalp, the other raised slightl
Piper-/“You taste so fucking good, sweetheart. It's been weeks and I still can't get enough of you,” Eric said, pulling me back into his arms to give me a kiss.I wouldn't even die it, the old man was a lot more exciting in bed than Dante. He fucked me like I was a whore, just the way I liked it and he was a very generous spender.“You want to go to Dubai this week, right?” He said.“Yeah,” my eyes lit up. “There are so many things I want to get for us.”“Us,” he chuckled. “You mean yourself?”“Oh come on, baby. I will definitely get something for you as well. A wristwatch, maybe,” I shrugged.“You don't need to get me anything. I'll wire a million dollars to you. I'll get my jet ready to take you so you don't have to worry about flight money,” he said and I wanted to scream.The man was so hot when he said things like that.“I also have a beach house there so you can just stay there. It's fine if you still want to lodge in a hotel though,” he said and I was just speechless.Eric Nor
/-Gianna-/We were back in Italy and Maxmillian was yet to say anything to me or even demand an explanation.Guilt ate deep into me and I didn't know what to do but it was obvious he was so mad at me.I adjusted on the bed, staring awkwardly as he walked on his laptop. It was pure torture. Being in the same room with someone and getting silent treatment.Whether it was a bad time or not, I had to talk to him.“Max…” I started out quietly. “Can we talk? Please…”He didn't answer me as expected. Since he found me in Sydney, I have been met with this torturous coldness.I should have just screamed then, that I was pregnant with his child and had to leave because I was afraid when his enemies came for us, he wouldn't be able to protect us.Maxmillian's fingers continued to fly across the keys of his laptop, completely ignoring me, as though I wasn’t even in the room. The silence was thick, suffocating, and it gnawed at my insides, making my chest tighten with every passing second.I could
Maxmillian-/So this is what we're doing now, huh? Running across countries. She was definitely how much I was willing to chase her.If she wanted us to play the hide and seek game from continent to continent then she was welcomed to be my guest.She would always be in the open to me.I stared at the map on my phone. I zoomed in the spot blinking red. Sydney, huh?I suppose I really had to thank Kesley. I'd give her more money if I could. If she hadn't placed that tracker on Gianna, I would have never found her.I couldn't even get pissed at the fact that she put a tracker on my woman. I mean whatever she planned to do didn't happen yet so I could take it.For now.We touched down on Sydney about three hours later because we had to change course midway.I landed at the airport and rented a car. She was staying in some crappy hotel away from the heart of the city. I typed in the location in the gps and began driving.It hurt my heart that she was actually putting in a lot of effort to
/-Gianna-/How the hell did he get this number? I got the phone here, got a new number! The only person who has my number is Mrs Heidi.How the hell did Maxmillian get it all the way from Italy?Or….My heart started hitting fast. It couldn't be. It just couldn't be.There is no way he could have found me. He can't possibly be in Germany. My eyes watered. It hasn't even been up to a month yet and he has already found me?“Gianna!” He called again and I blinked.“How… how did you find me?” My lips trembled as I asked the question. “How… I did…”“I am on my way to get you,” His voice was cold and devoid of all forms of emotion. “This is your chance to explain. Say whatever you have to say because when we meet, you won't have the chance to say anything.”I could feel my heart pounding in my ears. I was unconsciously stepping back as if he was right in front of me. I opened my mouth but words failed me. Nothing would come out because it was terrifying.Terrifying that all my efforts were