Don’s POV It's been a week and a few days since Romano and Madam Desideria were admitted to the hospital. Claire had been discharged already and on the day I picked her up, I checked on both Romano and Madam Desideria and so far, both had gotten proper medical care and were recuperating. They were returning today and Cowen had gone to pick them up. Claire, Elyse, and the cooks had prepared and decorated the house in anticipation of their return. As much as all that mattered, I was the least concerned about that. My utmost priority lay in finding out how the bomb got into my safehouse and who the fuck had planted it there. Most importantly, Madam Desideria had a lot of explaining to do. I had found the remnants of the bomb at the spot where the baby carrier was and she was the one who had brought the strange baby into my home. Left to me, I wouldn't have let it stay but Claire's pleas made me. Something about her weakened my willpower, hence I couldn't resist and tell her no. See w
Claire's Pov"Salvatore?” I widened my eyes at her. From the corner of my eye, I saw Elsye raise her palm to her mouth as she gasped in shock. “Yes, Salvatore” She replied, more tears streaming down her face “He was the one behind the explosion because he gave me the baby and no, I'm not working for or with him. The baby is mine. He's my grandson” She dropped the bombshell “You have a son? You never mentioned to us that you have a family” I chipped in softly. Don's blazing eye was more than enough to cause Madam Desi to pee on herself. I knew this was a shocker but, he still needed to listen softly."I'm sorry Don, I am.""This is not about the apology!" Don growled. "You worked for Salvatore. Why the fuck did you do this?""Don…" I placed my hand on his palm but instead, he stood up refusing my comfort. "Please let her complete her explanation.""Whatever story she is about to cook up. The bottom line is, she betrayed us!" He snapped in annoyance."Please go on, Madam Desi" I urged
Don's POV It was around 9 pm and dinner was over a long time ago. Madam Desideria was not at the table. I hadn't sent her out of the house, Claire wouldn't let me. But I have not spoken to her either and she would not step out of her room. Claire and Elyse visited her often, but that was just it. I made it known to Madam Desi that I was still going to do something about this and she shouldn't think she would be forgiven that easily. She had been in her room for days since they got back from the hospital feeling sad, sorry, and lonely. Baby Nolan was also with her, he had already slept. I suggested that Claire and I watch a movie since it had been a long time we watched one as a couple and to also take our minds off the tension in the house. We sat on the couch, opposite the TV in the living room, and a movie had just begun. I had been so worn out about the recent scenarios that I hadn't had the time to spend some moments with my wife. She had specially asked for these fun moments
Don's POV I placed the card key against the large iron door in front of me and it gave way into a basement. I stepped in and closed the door behind me with a loud bang. I just hoped it didn't wake anyone. It was dark, so I groped for the switch on the wall and when I found it, I inserted the card key into it and the lights immediately came on. I squinted to get used to the sudden illumination and when I finally did, I proceeded to descend the stairs of the basement. I had a backpack on my shoulder. This was Romano's basement; an ammunition house where he stored all kinds of dangerous instruments, ranging from large firearms to smaller ones, knives, chains, clubs, explosives and whatnot. It was a kind of mini armory and he had not only granted me access, but also given me the go ahead to make use of any weapon of my choice in whatever way I deemed fit. I finally reached the end of the stairs and I moved to where the first set of arms lay. Pistols of different kinds. Glocks, shotgun
Salvatore's Pov ---I slowly opened my eyes, laziness clinging to me like a veil. But before I could shake off the remnants of sleep, a chorus of cheerful voices attacked my ears."Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Salvatore, happy birthday to you!"I sat up, rubbing my eyes in surprise. My cooks, house cleaners, and gardeners stood in my bedroom, beaming with smiles. They held a large, cake adorned with candles and colorful balloons - something very unusual or almost forbidden. All. Those colors were not necessary."And what is this about?" I frownedMaria, my head housekeeper, stepped forward. "We wanted to make your special day extra special, Mr. Salvatore. We prepared your favorite breakfast, and—""Thank you, everyone," I said, trying to sound enthusiastic, a tired smile registered on my face. "This is... quite a surprise."But I wasn't enthusiastic. Not really. This wasn't my style. I preferred low-key celebrations, not this... fanfare."Listen, e
Claire's POV I recalled that Nick had been sent home the next day by Don the previous time he was sick and Salvatore had brought him. After Don told me Luke was Salvatore, I immediately figured everything out everything that had happened.Just like with Luciano, Nick had betrayed me again. I didn't believe Nick was involved with robbers. What I believed was Salvatore had lured him to my apartment.I hadn't told Don about it, because I knew he would immediately ask me to cut all ties with Nick. However, I needed to hear from Nick himself.We had planned a little hang-out to catch up. He had also said he was feeling better now."Where are you going, all dressed up?" Don asked when I placed my bag on the shoulders."Date with Nick. He's doing better now and just wanna catch up.""Nick? When was this planned""I told you he had called two nights ago and I was on the phone for a long time. I told you our plans immediately, why did you forget?"He rolled his eyes."You've been forgetful of
Don's POV I drummed my fingers on my temple as I paced back and forth in the living room. The television is on but I don't give two shits about whatever it is that was playing. I was worried about my wife. She wasn't home yet. My eyes darted to the wall clock and it read 10:36pm. It’s late but she wasn't home yet. Where in New York’s corner was Claire? How long was her date with Nick going to take? Forever? I regretted why I had let her go on the date in the first place. Maybe I should have told her no. To make things worse, she wasn't picking up her calls. The bodyguards she had gone with weren't picking up either. For Pete's sake, there are bodyguards for a fuckin' reason!! I was paying them to ensure that my wife's security was their utmost priority. Goddamnit! I inadvertently kicked my foot against a couch. “Don, can you please calm down? Claire would call us as soon as possible” “Don't fuckin' tell me to calm down, Elyse” I said through gritted teeth, jaws clenched, as I whi
Don’s POV I stood frozen, gazing down at Nick's lifeless body on the deserted street. The only sound was the distant hum of a lonely engine, which was the car that I had parked just a few steps away. It wasn't just Nick, other men lay dead too including mine, blood spurting around in the street, I wondered why the police were not here already. Walking towards one of the men I saw the snake tattoo sign on his wrist. Salvatore had attacked in response and he was taking lives too just like I did. The clock on my phone read 12:24 AM, a haunting reminder that time was ticking. Where was Claire? What had he done to my wife?As my mind raced, I turned to Elyse, who stood beside me, her eyes wide with fear. "You need to get out of here, now," I told her firmly, my voice low and urgent. "Take a few of the bodyguards and go home. I'll take care of this."At this point, I feared that my bodyguards wouldn't be able to protect Elyse too as they did Claire. It was known that both of each of the g