Eleonor is looking at herself in the mirror. Even when she was wearing Emily's clothes to attend appointments in her place, she had never looked so gorgeous. Marco delivered a box that was said to be a gift from Reviello. She was afraid to open it because the last gift was the hand of a man who touched her, but since the note said: Wear only what I've sent you, she got up and opened it. A beautiful, perfectly folded red dress and a set of gold and ruby jewelry were inside it. Another box was also delivered, this time with very tall red shoes. She doesn't understand Giovanni's obsession with the color and thinks there may be a morbid reason. He asked her to wear a red dress for their first dinner at the mansion in Florence, but she defied him and wore another color. But this time, there's no escape. The dress manages to be even more beautiful on the body. The top and waist of this dress are tight, as the skirt is loose and ends with a
Just as Eleonor predicted, her clothes match her surroundings. The 5-star restaurant is located further away from the beaches and in the center of Cancun, but it brings a cozy, tropical atmosphere. Both the tables and the padded chairs are made of light wood, and they have straw details. Each table has straw chandeliers that gives off a warm light that fills the whole room. Some palm trees are around the place, and the plants' green color goes well with the other furniture. But Eleonor's red dress stands out and draws everyone's attention. Her cheeks take on the same color as her clothes, but Giovanni's firm hand at the end of her back brings a security that’s difficult to explain. She shouldn't feel safe around a man who threatens other people's lives as if they were just pieces on a board — disposable and replaceable. His posture is impeccable as he guides her around the room. The other customers are looking at them, and Eleonor can't tell if it's because of her appearance or becau
Eleonor splashes water on her face, looking at her reflection in the mirror. Her cheeks are still flushed from the recent orgasm, and she feels ashamed of reaching it in public. She had never done anything like this before. Her sex life was very lame. Actually, sex was not a priority for her or Josh. He didn't seem to be interested in touching her more intimately. She often had to take the lead. And many times, her plans didn't work out the way she wanted them to. She closes her eyes and wonders why she compares her ex-boyfriend to her husband. And she's surprised to find out that this is the first time in months that she had thought about the man. She used to think that she loved him, but her feelings were never as strong as her feelings for Giovanni. Not even the anger she felt when she discovered she was being betrayed comes closer to the anger her husband causes her. Now she's sure that she did not love Josh at all. In fact, she didn't even know what's love. She's still not su
Eleonor is back in her room at the resort, staring at the starry sky from the balcony. People who see her room now can't imagine how messy it was once. And she seems so perfect on the outside that anyone who looks at her would never imagine the broken pieces inside her heart. She just wanted to take a relaxing bath and get rid of the feeling of being touched by that man. But Giovanni entered the bathroom first, and she wasn't in the mood to see the body that always makes her forget all her frustrations. As soon as he comes out of the shower, Eleonor is going to the bathroom. She doesn't want to look at the black robe that shows a part of his abdomen or the wet black hair that falls over his forehead. It's too dangerous. “Stop.” He says, and she stops as if on instinct. She doesn't see the victorious smile on his lips because she's on her back. “Where are you going?” “I'm going to take a shower…” “No, you're not.” He says. Eleonor turns around, ready to argue, but his voice is deep
Eleonor wasn't meaning to watch Andreas’ fight in the octagon, but the intense publicity of the event made her curious. She thought it would do her good to get away from the resort for a while and really experience the city. Cancun is a beautiful place to visit. She needed to take a break from the surrounding chaos to remember that. Lisette decided to go with her. She thinks it might be because the brunette seemed truly interested in Thomas, the guy with short hair and tattooed arms who was standing next to Andreas. She didn't ask her friend much about it because they didn't really talk after that disastrous night. Eleonor was afraid to say more than she should. And they all agree not to talk about that night, especially when Marco is around. The arena has been set up in Cancun's downtown area. It's the first time Eleonor has been into a place like this, but she has to admit that she feels a chill in her stomach when she enters the cold environment. There are many like her that want
Thomas Marchetti's fight started out intense. When the bell rang, Thomas attacked his opponent with precise punches. But despite being under pressure, Jones manages to control the situation and lands a few punches that score points for him. The two men exchange blows for the entire round. When the bell sounds again, Thomas goes to the blue corner and sits with his back to the girls who are watching nervously. Even though it's small, Thomas's eyebrow has opened into a cut that bleeds profusely. His breathing is quick and shallow. Even from that distance, Eleonor can notice how his chest rises and falls sharply. Eleonor is concerned about the outcome. There are still two rounds to go, and all fights, except for Andreas, have been decided by the judges. She doesn't want Thomas' fight to be settled by third parties because she knows well that one can't count on luck. Even if she hasn't talked to him directly, he's Andreas' friend. He can't be a bad person, right? Also, Lisette seemed int
At the bar, Marco is watching the boss, who has been silent for some time, sipping his scotch. He's not happy to hear that his wife had met the same man who made him lose control a few nights ago. He hoped to never have to deal with that again. But she went there deliberately. If making her obey his orders for an entire day aren't enough to make her forget about another man, he would have to come up with something else.Honestly, he doesn't like how he feels. He never considered himself to be a possessive person because he never found anything worth holding on to. But with her, things are different. He feels like he's walking on a tightrope under a cliff, where any mistake will lead to a fall. It's a confusing and unpleasant feeling because he cannot hold control over her. He's simply overwhelmed by her whims.This makes him unable to deal with these emotions. His goal was never to get close enough to make a bond with her. He just wanted to make her miserable. She deceived him, after
Eleonor is tense, as if there's a storm outside. But the night sky is clear and there are hardly any clouds. Still, Eleonor feels as if lightning could strike them at any moment. She tries to warm herself with the heat that the wine brings to her body, but her tension is as clear as the crystal sea.She's accompanied to dinner by Giovanni and Lisette. She has tried to refuse her husbands' presence, but he insists. So, they sat at a table next to a big window in one of the resort's restaurants. Giovanni ordered seafood, but Lisette wanted Mexican dishes. Eleonor… well, she doesn't have much of an appetite. In fact, she feels her stomach twist when she sees the sign of food.“I'm so angry. I mean…” Lisette says between bites. “Did you really have to call my Papà? I had to listen to a three-hour lecture, Giovanni… THREE HOURS! Saying that I shouldn't take advantage of our friendship and do what I want; that I shouldn't tease you because I'm too old to do it. I mean, since when do I tease
... For everyone who followed this far. Well… it's finally over. I don't really know how to feel. I'm happy and, at the same time, sad. I already miss Giovanni and Eleonor. It was my first book this big… and I really tried, I did my best to make it perfect, to make the ending satisfying. And looking back on those 240k+ words, those chapters, those four months of writing… It was all worth it, and I know I'll miss it. At least, I'm happy to have given a good ending to this couple that conquered me. And I hope they conquered you too. Giovanni and Eleonor almost created a life of their own. I left the script and let the flow go the way they would like, and I'm happy with the result. I hope that in the future, I can tell a little more about the stories of other remarkable characters. But this is about Eleonor and Giovanni, and the family they've created despite all the odds. And I like to want to thank you all very much. Each of you is precious to me, and I hope you enjoyed my book.
Giovanni is holding the handle of his weapon firmly, walking through the house with sneaky steps, looking around cautiously. Silence hangs over the room, and only the sound of his breathing can be heard. His hand is sweating, but he continues to move forward, with his eyes on the hallway ahead of him. He holds his breath and moves forward, throwing his body beyond the wall, aiming at the air — but there's no one there. However, he hears a noise behind him, and when he turns around, it's too late… He's being shot… By water. A thin giggle makes his face relax as he raises his hands in surrender, feeling a jet being shot again into his belly, “Oh, no… you hit Papà!” Giovanni lays his hand on his stomach, pretending to be hit by a delirious ache, as he sinks to his knees. The giggling increases, and the little girl throws herself into her father's arms, who catches her with extreme ease. “Are you okay, Papà?” She asks with a little smile. “Yeah! That wouldn't be enough to bring me
WARNING — ADULT CONTENT ㅤ ㅤ Eleonor stands on the balcony, looking out over the horizon, where the sky and the sea meet, making almost an infinite blue. The beauty of Cancun never fails to impress her, but right now, it seems more beautiful than ever. She feels firm arms surround her by the waist, from behind, leaning her back against a wall of muscle. The warmth of Giovanni's body spreads to her chest, so cozy that it makes her close her eyes. And the kiss he gives on the top of her blond hair makes her feel at home, even though they're geographically far from their house. Really, home is whatever Giovanni is. “What are you thinking?” He asks, murmuring between the blond strands, making her snuggle into his arms. “Just that we've been through a lot…” She says, still with her eyes closed. “Now that it's all at peace… it feels like a dream. And sometimes I'm afraid that it really is that, just a dream… and that any moment I'll wake up in a cold, lonely place, without you, without
When Eleonor saw the Cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore for the first time, she never imagined that four years later she would be getting married there.And in the bride's dressing room, she's looking in the mirror, admiring the dress that, this time, was her own choice. A gown that's tight to the body, with floral lace and delicate diamonds along the cloth, which trails along the floor in a long tail. Her hair is loose, with waves falling over her shoulders, with the sides pinned up with diamond-studded clips. The veil that comes off the back of her hair is also long and covers her bare arms and back. A comfortable dress that makes her feel like the most beautiful and beloved woman in the world.Knocks on the door catch her attention, and a painful sense of déjà vu comes over her, but then, when she sees Lisette entering with a bright smile, this feeling just disappears. The bride's eyes water, causing Lisette's beautiful brown eyes to get wet as well.“We can't cry yet… the makeup…” L
“What are you up to?” Eleonor asks with a chuckle, walking with difficulty, unsure of which direction her feet are going. This is because Giovanni has blindfolded her eyes with a black cloth, which leaves her without total vision. “I told you, it's a surprise…” Giovanni says softly, close to her ear, as he guides her along the path with his hand on her waist. This mere gesture causes a shiver to run up her spine. “Is it something naughty?” She asks with a mischievous smile, and his low laugh sends more shivers up her skin. “What do you think of me?” His hands grow firmer on her waist, and suddenly, they stop. Eleonor holds her breath because having one of her senses removed makes all the sensations even more intense. Giovanni's breathing so close to her neck makes a heat appear between her legs. Perhaps because being blindfolded also reminds her of when Giovanni came after her in America. Delicately, his hand undoes the noose and the blindfold falls to the ground. The image unfold
Eleonor is screaming at the top of her lungs, gripping the sheet tightly, throwing her head back. Sweat drips down her temples and wets her hair, which has returned to its natural color. Her golden strands are spread across the pillow, clinging to her face and body. The contractions started a few minutes ago and are getting stronger. She feels her belly twist, a pain that makes howls escape from deep in her throat, as if they were coming straight out of her soul. “That's it… keep pushing…” The nurse says, wiping Eleonor's sweaty forehead, who nods and pushes even harder. Her eyes' water… The pain is intense! She feels as if she's going to be turned inside out. But still, Eleonor keeps pushing… until she runs out of strength. Her spread legs tremble. No, her whole-body trembles. “You need to keep pushing, dear…” Eleonor cries, allowing sobs to escape through her lips. All she wants the most is to see Giovanni… She wants him there. “I can’t...” “Yes dear... You can do it; you ne
“Congratulations on the discharge, boss!” Marco says with a smile, but faced with Giovanni's serious expression, he shuts up, wilting his smile.“He's grumpy, don't mind that...” Lisette whispers to Marco, and they suppress their smile as they notice Giovanni's sharp eyes on them.“Would you two behave yourselves? We're about to start the meeting with the Marchetti.” Giovanni scolds seriously, with his arms crossed. Under his shirt, his wound is still bandaged.“Why? We're one big family now, aren't we?” Lisette gives a mischievous smile, which makes Giovanni's expression twitch in guilt.“You're going to make me miserable for the rest of my life, don't you?” Giovanni sighs remorsefully. “Honestly, I feel sorry for Thomas.... It won't be easy to share the same roof with a little devil.... Ouch!” He complains as he feels a punch from Lisette directly on his bruise, which makes him squirm. “Are you crazy? You want to open my fucking stitches?”“If you kept your mouth shut, that wouldn't
Fog.Giovanni is trapped in a dense curtain of fog, unable to see beyond his own bloodied hands…And even though his legs continue to walk through the dark vastness, the fog never seems to end. As if walking in circles, somehow, he always ends up in the same place.… Giovanni…Eleonor's sweet voice calls him, and he continues to search for her, feeling despair growing in his chest because, no matter how hard he runs, no matter how hard he tries, he's unable to reach her.(…) Where are you? Why didn't you come to me that day? You let me freeze… I almost died…Giovanni shakes his head, losing the strength in his legs, making him fall to his knees over what he notices to be a pond of blood… no, not a pond… He's sinking… his body is sinking in a red ocean. He opens his mouth and fills his lungs before his head is submerged.(…) You're killing me, Giovanni… You've killed me three times…He stretches out his hands, trying to reach the surface, but his body just sinks deeper and deeper into
Even at gunpoint, Gioacchino doesn't hesitate, as if he has nerves of steel. Maybe it's because this isn't the first time that such resentful eyes stared at him, ready to take his life. And of course, this won't be the last, either.“Let me ask you something…” Gioacchino puts a discreet smile on his lips, and his eyes twinkle fervently, “How did you manage to fool me? I, personally, chose the Wedding Celebrant…”“Three times what you offered, a new passport for his entire family and a new life on a paradisiacal island…. Who would deny it? Of course, not that he would be in a position to refuse with a gun pointed at his children.”Gioacchino laughs, suddenly proud. Indeed, he has raised Giovanni very well…“Since we're being honest… why don't you talk about how you killed my mother, Charlotte?” Giovanni asks between teeth, trying to hold the emotions that threaten to explode out of his body.“Oh, you know about that? I guess your little wife has a loose tongue.” Gioacchino shrugs. “Aft