Alice's POVAs I descended the staircase, the familiar scent of smoke reached my nose, and I quickened my pace. Liam's brother, Matt, was visiting, and I knew they often enjoyed a smoke together during their conversations. However, things had changed now that I was pregnant.As I entered the living room, I found Liam and Matt seated on the couch, engaged in deep conversation. Smoke wafted around them, creating a hazy atmosphere. My brows furrowed, and a surge of protectiveness washed over me."Hey, guys," I greeted, my voice firm yet tinged with a hint of frustration. "I thought we agreed there would be no smoking inside the house."Liam and Matt turned their heads towards me, seemingly caught off guard by my sudden appearance and stern tone. I crossed my arms over my chest, my expression conveying my determination.Liam's eyes widened momentarily, a flicker of understanding crossing his face. He glanced at Matt, and they exchanged a knowing look. It was clear that they recognized the
Alice's POVDespiteLiam's stern advice to rest, I couldn't resist the curiosity that lingered within me.The urge to see what was happening in our Mafia, to catch a glimpse of the operations and the people who were part of our intricate web, grew stronger with each passing day.So, I decided to venture out on a brief tour, assuring myself that it would be just a quick peek into our world.As I strolled through the streets, I observed the familiar sights and sounds that had become intertwined with our lives.The bustling activity, the hidden whispers, and the underlying power that flowed through every corner. It was a dangerous dance, but one that had become our reality.People passed by me, their eyes filled with a mix of fear and respect. They recognized me as the wife of their leader, and I could sense their silent acknowledgment of my presence.Yet, I couldn't help but wonder what they truly thought of me, a woman navigating this intricate world.I discreetly observed our businesse
Liam's POVMy blood burned with wrath as Alice's words rang in my memory. How could my own guys, entrusted with the well-being and safety of our mafia, perpetrate such horrific atrocities against women?I couldn't understand the boldness and contempt they demonstrated, particularly towards my wife.Leaving Alice at home, I rushed out of the house and into my car, my fists grasping the driving wheel fiercely.The trip to the warehouse was filled with a combination of wrath and resolve. I had to address those responsible, show them the repercussions of their conduct.As I drew up to the warehouse, my pulse raced with anticipation. I walked out of the car, my footsteps heavy with intent. The night air crackled with anxiety as I neared the entrance, my eyes scouring the surroundings for any indication of the criminals.There they were, a bunch of my own guys who had soiled our name, gathered together in the barely lighted area. Their features expressed a combination of astonishment and dr
Alice's POVI slipped into the warm cushions of the living room couch, feeling a combination of fatigue and eagerness.It had been weeks since Alek brought his girlfriend Emily to visit, and although I had attempted to be pleasant and inviting, there was still an underlying tension between us.Nonetheless, I made an attempt to put on a pleasant veneer, trying to make the most of the circumstance.Liam and Alek excused themselves, headed off for their business appointments, leaving Emily and me alone in the home.I eyed her from the corner of my eye as she fidgeted with her phone, clearly lost in her own world.Deciding it was the ideal chance to relax, I excused myself and made my way upstairs to the bedroom, hoping for a tranquil snooze.I relaxed into the comfort of the bed, seeking consolation in the embrace of slumber.Yet, as the darkness overtook me, my mind became a fight for memories and worries. The terrifying visions of my father's rage started to dance before my eyes.In th
Alice's POVAs we descended the stairs to the basement, my heart pounded with a mix of apprehension and determination.The gravity of the situation weighed heavily on my mind, but I knew that facing it head-on was the only way forward.As we reached the dimly lit corridor, I could sense the tension in the air. The presence of our guards, their expressions serious and vigilant, added an extra layer of security.We moved with purpose, each step bringing us closer to the truth that awaited us.When we entered the room where Emily had been confined, Alek's eyes widened in surprise as he caught sight of me. It was understandable, considering the events that had unfolded and the fact that I had been involved in a physical altercation just moments ago."Alice?" Alek's voice wavered with a mix of confusion and concern. "What happened? Are you alright?"I offered him a reassuring smile, though my eyes betrayed the seriousness of the situation. "I'm fine, Alek. It's a long story, but we'll disc
Alice's POV It had been four long days since Alek departed, and the weight of his absence had been coming down on me severely. Each passing instant without any word or hint of his location intensified my fear and concern. I realized I couldn't sit idly by any longer; I wanted to locate him and assure his safety.Silently sliding out of bed, mindful not to disturb Liam's tired sleep, I dressed swiftly and silently. The room was immersed in a profound calm, except for the faint sounds of Liam's steady breathing. I glanced at him for a time, his features serene in slumber, before steeling myself to face the unknown that awaited me outside.I tiptoed out of the bedroom, trying not to awaken any of the maid service personnel. The home itself appeared to hold its breath, as if knowing of the secret errand I was embarked upon. With each stride, my drive became stronger, propelled by a mix of dread and love for my brother.As I made my way down the silent halls, my mind swirled with question
Alice's POV I limped out of the club, my footsteps heavy and shaky. Tears ran down my cheeks, an unstoppable torrent of emotions that I battled to conceal. The weight of the previous events bore upon me, and I sought refuge in the blackness of the night.The guard, who had been accompanying me, noticed my anguish and volunteered to take the wheel. His voice was kind, filled with compassion as he said, "Miss Alice, please allow me to drive. You need some time to collect yourself."I nodded, my voice barely a whisper as I said, "Yes, please. I... I can't concentrate right now."With a sad heart, I stepped into the backseat of the vehicle, my mind buried in a maelstrom of thoughts and feelings. The world outside went by in a haze, the city lights merging together as I plunged further into the maze of my thoughts.I couldn't help but revisit the events of the night, the anguish of Alek's treachery and the sting of his slap engraved firmly into my being. The link between siblings, previou
Liam's POV Some days after in the evening, as Alice descended the stairs, my breath caught in my throat, my eyes fixated on her alluring figure.The sight of her in those leather pants ignited a fire within me, stirring a primal desire I couldn't contain. Her confident smirk only fueled my longing.I had always been weak when it came to Alice, and she knew it. She was well aware of the effect those leather pants had on me. It was as if she had purposely chosen them to drive me wild, to test my self-control.As she reached the bottom of the stairs, our eyes locked in an intense gaze. I could see the mischievous spark in her eyes, a knowing twinkle that made my heart race. Without uttering a word, the connection between us spoke volumes.I took a step closer, my hand instinctively reaching out to brush against her arm, feeling the smoothness of the leather beneath my fingertips. A shiver ran down my spine, and a surge of desire coursed through my veins.Unable to resist any longer, I
Alice's POVI sat outside on the patio, enjoying the cool breeze that rustled through the trees. The sun painted the sky in hues of orange and pink as it began its descent, casting a warm glow over our home. I sighed contentedly, cherishing this moment of tranquility amid the chaos of our Mafia life.But then, a sudden sensation washed over me, and I felt a gush of warmth. Confusion gripped me momentarily until the realization dawned upon me. My water had broken. I was going into labor."Melissa! Melissa!" I called out to one of my guards, trying to keep my voice steady despite the urgency I felt. "Please, get Liam! Tell him it's time!"Melissa, ever alert and quick to respond, dashed off to fetch my husband. Panic and excitement mingled within me as I tried to collect myself. My heart pounded in my chest, and my thoughts were a whirlwind of emotions.Within moments, I heard hurried footsteps approaching, and Liam appeared, his face etched with concern. He gathered me in his arms, his
I sat in the boardroom, my back pressed against the plush chair, as boredom settled in like an unwelcome guest. The air was heavy with formality and the monotonous drone of business jargon. How I longed for something to break the monotony, a spark of excitement to ignite the dreary atmosphere.As I observed the suited executives, their faces etched with seriousness, I couldn't help but smirk to myself. They saw me as nothing more than Liam's wife, innocent and uninterested in the matters at hand. Little did they know, I had other plans for this mundane gathering.The rumors had reached my ears, whispers of Santino's involvement in shady dealings. A man so smug and self-assured, thinking he could get away with anything. Oh, how I relished the opportunity to expose his true nature, to challenge him and watch his facade crumble.Santino, sitting across the table from me, was the epitome of arrogance. His eyes glinted with a smug confidence, unaware of the storm that was about to rain dow
Three months had passed since our eventful time in Italy, and now I found myself in America, following Liam's urging to be closer to home as I approached the final stages of my pregnancy. The idea of leaving Russia had been bittersweet, but I couldn't deny that Liam's concern for my well-being was genuine.The transition to America had been smoother than expected, and Liam made sure I was comfortable every step of the way. The luxurious mansion he had prepared for us felt like a safe haven, a sanctuary where I could relax and prepare for the arrival of our child.Liam was right; I had always been a workaholic, dedicated to the responsibilities that came with being part of the Mafia family. But now, with motherhood on the horizon, my priorities had shifted. I was eager to embrace this new chapter of my life, and Liam's presence by my side only added to my sense of security and happiness.Our days were filled with laughter, shared moments, and gentle touches. Liam seemed to have an inna
As we decided to extend our stay in Italy for a couple more days, a sense of relaxation and adventure filled the air. I called Alek, informing him of recent events and assuring him that we were safe. With that weight lifted off our shoulders, we were free to immerse ourselves in the enchanting atmosphere of Italy.One of the places we explored was the breathtaking city of Florence. The city's rich history and artistic treasures beckoned us, and we found ourselves strolling hand in hand through the narrow cobblestone streets. The iconic Duomo Cathedral rose majestically before us, its intricate details and vibrant colors leaving us in awe. We stood in line, patiently waiting to enter the Uffizi Gallery, where masterpieces by renowned artists awaited our eager gaze.As we meandered through the gallery, each room revealing new artistic wonders, Liam's deep appreciation for art was evident. He studied the brushstrokes, the play of light and shadow, with genuine fascination. We engaged in
As the Mafia committee members entered the warehouse, their presence alone commanded authority. Their expressions were stern, their eyes piercing, and their voices resonated with a mixture of intimidation and determination. The Italian Don, bound and surrounded, stood before them, his defiant demeanor faltering in the face of their collective power.I watched with a mix of anticipation and apprehension as the committee began their interrogation, their questions cutting through the air like a sharpened blade. Each inquiry was calculated, designed to dismantle the Don's defenses and extract the truth.One committee member stepped forward, his voice laced with an underlying threat. "Don, your actions have endangered the delicate balance we uphold. You will find no solace in your lies. It is in your best interest to cooperate fully."The Don, visibly shaken by the committee's presence, began to realize the dire consequences of his actions. His bravado waned, and the weight of his guilt pr
My heart dashed with a blend of expectation and worry as Liam masterfully explored the roads, directing our vehicle towards the inn. We needed to regroup and get ready for what lay ahead because the evening's events had taken an unexpected turn.The familiar surroundings provided a brief respite from the earlier chaos as we entered the hotel lobby. The hotel staff quickly attended to our needs because they were aware of the urgency of our movements, as Liam's dominant presence demanded attention.We hurried to our room, the snap of our strides reverberating through the hall. The entryway opened up, uncovering the quiet sanctuary that looked for us. I looked around the room, taking in the exquisite stylistic layout and the unpretentious traces of extravagance that enhanced each corner. In the midst of the chaos all around us, the atmosphere provided a brief respite.We quickly ditched our formal wear in favor of more practical and concealed attire out of a sense of urgency. Our transfo
Alice's POV As the function came to a nearby and the praise bit by bit died down, Liam and I rose from our seats, prepared to leave from the energetic climate of the feast. However, just as we were beginning to move toward the exit, the Italian Don suddenly appeared in front of us, his expression displaying a mix of urgency and sincerity."Please, Mr. and Mrs. Salvador ," the Wear entreated, his voice conveying a dash of earnestness. " I would be honored if you could attend a private gathering with my family and me. There are significant issues I might want to examine with both of you."I traded a confounded look with Liam, vulnerability blurring our considerations. Given the boundaries that separate our organizations, the Don's decision to extend such an invitation was unusual. In any case, interest provoked inside me, blending with a feeling of mindfulness.Liam's hold fixed on my hand, his eyes fixed on the Italian Wear. " What kind of things are you talking about? And why is this
Alice's POV As the banquet got under way, the grand hall was a sight to behold. Gem light fixtures swung from the roof, projecting a warm and charming shine across the room. The air was loaded up with the agreeable tunes of a live ensemble, their music drifting through the space, adding to the mood of the night.Visitors wearing their best clothing blended nimbly, their chuckling and chat resounding in the air. The ringing of glasses and the clacking of flatware made its very own ensemble. Everyone was eagerly awaiting the arrival of the highly regarded Mafia Dons of the American and Russian Mafias.Men from various tables began to approach us as Liam and I settled into our seats, their eyes shining with admiration. However, they had a variety of motives, ranging from genuine appreciation to unwelcome advances. It was a fragile harmony among sweet talk and inconvenience.These men, captivated by my presence, made their way to our table one by one. They couldn't avoid giving me praise
Alice's POV As Liam and I showed up at the stupendous scene of the meal, the expectation in the air was tangible. We joined the line, quietly holding up to enter. There was a lot of excitement and a little bit of mystery in the air. The exquisite design of the scene made a lofty setting, projecting a majestic air over the occasion.I couldn't help but notice the lingering gazes from nearby men and women as we stood in line. Their eyes followed over me with a combination of interest and reverence, their demeanors bound with a bit of want. It was a demonstration of the charm of the event and the striking clothing that embellished me.Feeling the heaviness of those waiting gazes, I looked for comfort in Liam's presence. I was drawn closer to him as his arm encircled me in safety. His touch filled in as a safeguard against the meddlesome eyes, giving a feeling of solace and security in the midst of the ocean of outsiders.With each step in the right direction in the line, I could feel th