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CHAPTER 8: Isabella pov
Last Updated:
2025-01-20 19:08:14
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THE CARETAKER BRIDE CHAPTER 9: Nicolas pov
All evening, I couldn’t take my eyes off her. Isabella. She looked like she wanted to be anywhere but near me. Her trembling hands during our dance had been enough of a clue. Her discomfort with my proximity was as clear as day, and it didn’t sit right with me. This night was supposed to be one of celebration, but her unease made it feel like a minefield.After she finished her dance with my father, I watched her rush out of the room, looking like she was desperate to escape. That’s when my father approached me.“Would you excuse us for a moment, Luca? I need to have a word with my son,” he said.Luca—my old friend and trusted ally—nodded curtly, his wife already pulling him into another dance.“What’s the matter?” I asked, already feeling tension rising in my chest.“Your girl is terrified. She’s trying to put up a brave front, as she’s been taught, but I can see it in her eyes,” he said, his voice low and concerned.I didn’t like hearing him talk about her that way. “Don’t call her
Last Updated : 2025-01-20THE CARETAKER BRIDE CHAPTER 10
Luca’s uncles—the very Underbosses who thrived on finding ways to irritate me—were the first to ignite the chaos.Isabella and I had been standing with my sisters and her parents, exchanging pleasantries, when the first holler split through the celebratory hum of music.It started with one, then spread like wildfire. Cheers erupted, applause followed, and soon enough, the room was filled with chants of, “Bed her! Bed her!” The words ricocheted off the walls, stirring my simmering irritation.Isabella’s father and brother, to their credit, remained quiet. Christian, however, pierced me with a glare that nearly crossed the line of insolence. At another time, I would have ensured he understood the cost of such a challenge. But not tonight. I allowed it, partly because I respected his audacity, and partly because I had bigger issues at hand.Beside me, Isabella’s knuckles whitened around her wine glass. She threw an awkward smile toward my sister Mia, whose comforting arm found its way ar
Last Updated : 2025-01-23THE CARETAKER BRIDE CHAPTER 11
“You don’t have to be afraid, Isabella. We have all night,” I said softly, the words tasting foreign in my mouth, as though reassurance wasn’t something I’d practiced much.Isabella’s gaze flitted around the room, landing on the closed door that separated us from the bedroom. “Do you think waiting will make it easier?” she asked, her voice tremulous but steady enough to hold my attention.“I don’t know,” I admitted. “But if there’s something that would help, just tell me.”She tilted her head, studying me as though weighing my sincerity. “If it felt like I had a choice,” she finally whispered.The words stung, though they shouldn’t have. I took a deliberate step closer. “You do have a choice.”Her eyes met mine, wide and full of something I couldn’t name. “Do I? Truly?” Her voice was barely audible, but the doubt in her tone was deafening. “Would you really let me decide?”I wanted to say yes. I wanted to mean it. But the truth? There were expectations, ones I couldn’t completely igno
Last Updated : 2025-01-23THE CARETAKER BRIDE CHAPTER 12
Isabella exhaled softly, a flicker of hesitation dancing in her eyes. “You seem... really strong,” she murmured, her voice unsure but curious. Her hand lifted halfway, trembling slightly as though she wanted to touch my arm but wasn’t certain she should.I caught her wrist gently, pressing her hand to my bicep. “See for yourself,” I said, flexing under her touch.A quiet laugh escaped her lips, and despite myself, the corners of my mouth tugged upward. Her gaze flicked up to mine before darting nervously behind me. Without another word, I took her hand and led her toward the bed.“Lie down,” I instructed, keeping my voice low.She obeyed, sinking into the mattress with visible unease, her body stiff as if the act of reclining had sapped her courage. I kicked off my shoes and stretched out beside her, still clothed, though the proximity was charged. My hand found her hip, and I tugged her closer, leaning over her.Her face betrayed her nerves—a fleeting shadow of doubt and fear. I chos
Last Updated : 2025-01-25THE CARETAKER BRIDE CHAPTER 13
The room was cloaked in stillness, the faint glow of moonlight filtering through the curtains and casting soft shadows across the bed. My throat was dry as I turned to her, struggling to find the right words for what needed to be said. It wasn’t exactly romantic, but it was necessary. “Do you take the pill?” I asked, my voice low and hesitant.Her eyes widened briefly, a hint of pink staining her cheeks, but she gave a quick nod. It was a small gesture, but it felt monumental. Relief coursed through me, though the awkwardness of the question lingered in the air. For a moment, I considered apologizing, but instead, I moved closer, feeling the heat radiating off her body as I positioned myself above her.Carefully, I guided myself toward her entrance, my body tense with both anticipation and restraint. As soon as I pressed forward, she flinched, shrinking back instinctively. I froze, frustration bubbling beneath the surface, but I forced it down. She wasn’t just some conquest—she was my
Last Updated : 2025-01-25THE CARETAKER BRIDE CHAPTER 14
Nicolas swung his legs off the bed, his movements calm yet purposeful. “I’m going to clean up,” he muttered, his deep voice cutting through the quiet. My gaze followed him instinctively, drawn to the broad expanse of his back and the ripple of muscles as he stood. His body was undeniably magnetic—every inch of him sculpted, powerful, commanding attention. It was a relief to feel this attraction. At least something between us felt natural. But then my eyes drifted lower, and the sight of blood smeared on him sent a flush of heat to my cheeks. Mortified, I quickly looked away, realizing I had been staring for too long. As I turned my attention to myself, my stomach twisted at the mess on my thighs—a mix of blood and him. My skin burned with embarrassment as my eyes landed on the stained sheets beneath me. A small, involuntary sound of dismay escaped my lips before I could stop it. “Isabella,” his voice rumbled softly behind me, making me jump. “Are you all right?” I turned, hugging
Last Updated : 2025-01-27THE CARETAKER BRIDE CHAPTER 15
I had never been the kind of man who craved closeness at night. Even with my late wife, Gaia, I often avoided sharing the bed altogether. Not that she would have wanted it otherwise. Her disdain for my presence had been a constant, her coldness an armor she wore even when we were in the same bed. If she ever sought me out, it was only because she wanted something in return.But Isabella was different. She had asked for closeness, something Gaia never did, and I had denied her.The early light of dawn crept into the room, softening its edges, illuminating Isabella’s face. Her cheeks were puffed, her lashes clumped together, evidence of the tears she had cried last night. Somehow, in sleep, she had drifted closer, her body just shy of mine. I resisted the ridiculous urge to brush her hair back or wipe away the dried tears from her face. It wasn’t about desire—it was something deeper, more primal, and I couldn’t name it.Propped on one elbow, I let my eyes linger on her. She looked so yo
Last Updated : 2025-01-27THE CARETAKER BRIDE CHAPTER 16
When I stepped out of the bedroom, dressed in a crisp three-piece suit, I found Isabella curled up on the living room sofa, her attention fixed on her phone. A soft smile lit her face, one that stirred an unease within me I didn’t want to examine too closely.I moved toward her, my steps deliberate, the sound of my shoes on the hardwood announcing my approach. “Who are you talking to?” My tone came out sharper than I intended, but I didn’t correct it.Isabella’s head snapped up, her brows knitting together. “Excuse me?”“You heard me,” I pressed. “Who are you texting?”Confusion flitted across her face before it shifted to something closer to worry. She straightened, as if trying to make herself smaller. “Your sister, Mia,” she said softly.I extended my hand toward her phone, and she hesitated for only a second before handing it over. I scrolled through their exchange, my eyes narrowing as I read Mia’s most recent message.I apologize for my brother’s rudeness because I know he won’t
Last Updated : 2025-01-31
Latest chapter
THE CARETAKER BRIDE CHAPTER 17
Faro shot me a wink as he bantered with a group of our Captains. I ignored it, keeping my focus on the double doors just as my mother and Isabella’s mother entered the room. Between them, they carried the sheet—a stark, unmistakable symbol of the night before. Without a word, they moved to the side of the room, draping it over two chairs like an offering to tradition.Beside me, Isabella let out a soft, choked gasp. Her cheeks flushed a deep crimson, the color creeping down her neck. She shifted uncomfortably in her seat, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of the tablecloth. “This… this is beyond humiliating,” she whispered, her voice trembling with embarrassment.I glanced at her, noting the way her gaze darted nervously around the room, desperate to avoid the knowing eyes of our audience. “It’s a symbol of your honor,” I said, my voice low and firm. “You shouldn’t feel ashamed.”Her lips pressed into a thin line, but a glint in her eyes betrayed her attempt to hide her emotions. “A
THE CARETAKER BRIDE CHAPTER 16
When I stepped out of the bedroom, dressed in a crisp three-piece suit, I found Isabella curled up on the living room sofa, her attention fixed on her phone. A soft smile lit her face, one that stirred an unease within me I didn’t want to examine too closely.I moved toward her, my steps deliberate, the sound of my shoes on the hardwood announcing my approach. “Who are you talking to?” My tone came out sharper than I intended, but I didn’t correct it.Isabella’s head snapped up, her brows knitting together. “Excuse me?”“You heard me,” I pressed. “Who are you texting?”Confusion flitted across her face before it shifted to something closer to worry. She straightened, as if trying to make herself smaller. “Your sister, Mia,” she said softly.I extended my hand toward her phone, and she hesitated for only a second before handing it over. I scrolled through their exchange, my eyes narrowing as I read Mia’s most recent message.I apologize for my brother’s rudeness because I know he won’t
THE CARETAKER BRIDE CHAPTER 15
I had never been the kind of man who craved closeness at night. Even with my late wife, Gaia, I often avoided sharing the bed altogether. Not that she would have wanted it otherwise. Her disdain for my presence had been a constant, her coldness an armor she wore even when we were in the same bed. If she ever sought me out, it was only because she wanted something in return.But Isabella was different. She had asked for closeness, something Gaia never did, and I had denied her.The early light of dawn crept into the room, softening its edges, illuminating Isabella’s face. Her cheeks were puffed, her lashes clumped together, evidence of the tears she had cried last night. Somehow, in sleep, she had drifted closer, her body just shy of mine. I resisted the ridiculous urge to brush her hair back or wipe away the dried tears from her face. It wasn’t about desire—it was something deeper, more primal, and I couldn’t name it.Propped on one elbow, I let my eyes linger on her. She looked so yo
THE CARETAKER BRIDE CHAPTER 14
Nicolas swung his legs off the bed, his movements calm yet purposeful. “I’m going to clean up,” he muttered, his deep voice cutting through the quiet. My gaze followed him instinctively, drawn to the broad expanse of his back and the ripple of muscles as he stood. His body was undeniably magnetic—every inch of him sculpted, powerful, commanding attention. It was a relief to feel this attraction. At least something between us felt natural. But then my eyes drifted lower, and the sight of blood smeared on him sent a flush of heat to my cheeks. Mortified, I quickly looked away, realizing I had been staring for too long. As I turned my attention to myself, my stomach twisted at the mess on my thighs—a mix of blood and him. My skin burned with embarrassment as my eyes landed on the stained sheets beneath me. A small, involuntary sound of dismay escaped my lips before I could stop it. “Isabella,” his voice rumbled softly behind me, making me jump. “Are you all right?” I turned, hugging
THE CARETAKER BRIDE CHAPTER 13
The room was cloaked in stillness, the faint glow of moonlight filtering through the curtains and casting soft shadows across the bed. My throat was dry as I turned to her, struggling to find the right words for what needed to be said. It wasn’t exactly romantic, but it was necessary. “Do you take the pill?” I asked, my voice low and hesitant.Her eyes widened briefly, a hint of pink staining her cheeks, but she gave a quick nod. It was a small gesture, but it felt monumental. Relief coursed through me, though the awkwardness of the question lingered in the air. For a moment, I considered apologizing, but instead, I moved closer, feeling the heat radiating off her body as I positioned myself above her.Carefully, I guided myself toward her entrance, my body tense with both anticipation and restraint. As soon as I pressed forward, she flinched, shrinking back instinctively. I froze, frustration bubbling beneath the surface, but I forced it down. She wasn’t just some conquest—she was my
THE CARETAKER BRIDE CHAPTER 12
Isabella exhaled softly, a flicker of hesitation dancing in her eyes. “You seem... really strong,” she murmured, her voice unsure but curious. Her hand lifted halfway, trembling slightly as though she wanted to touch my arm but wasn’t certain she should.I caught her wrist gently, pressing her hand to my bicep. “See for yourself,” I said, flexing under her touch.A quiet laugh escaped her lips, and despite myself, the corners of my mouth tugged upward. Her gaze flicked up to mine before darting nervously behind me. Without another word, I took her hand and led her toward the bed.“Lie down,” I instructed, keeping my voice low.She obeyed, sinking into the mattress with visible unease, her body stiff as if the act of reclining had sapped her courage. I kicked off my shoes and stretched out beside her, still clothed, though the proximity was charged. My hand found her hip, and I tugged her closer, leaning over her.Her face betrayed her nerves—a fleeting shadow of doubt and fear. I chos
THE CARETAKER BRIDE CHAPTER 11
“You don’t have to be afraid, Isabella. We have all night,” I said softly, the words tasting foreign in my mouth, as though reassurance wasn’t something I’d practiced much.Isabella’s gaze flitted around the room, landing on the closed door that separated us from the bedroom. “Do you think waiting will make it easier?” she asked, her voice tremulous but steady enough to hold my attention.“I don’t know,” I admitted. “But if there’s something that would help, just tell me.”She tilted her head, studying me as though weighing my sincerity. “If it felt like I had a choice,” she finally whispered.The words stung, though they shouldn’t have. I took a deliberate step closer. “You do have a choice.”Her eyes met mine, wide and full of something I couldn’t name. “Do I? Truly?” Her voice was barely audible, but the doubt in her tone was deafening. “Would you really let me decide?”I wanted to say yes. I wanted to mean it. But the truth? There were expectations, ones I couldn’t completely igno
THE CARETAKER BRIDE CHAPTER 10
Luca’s uncles—the very Underbosses who thrived on finding ways to irritate me—were the first to ignite the chaos.Isabella and I had been standing with my sisters and her parents, exchanging pleasantries, when the first holler split through the celebratory hum of music.It started with one, then spread like wildfire. Cheers erupted, applause followed, and soon enough, the room was filled with chants of, “Bed her! Bed her!” The words ricocheted off the walls, stirring my simmering irritation.Isabella’s father and brother, to their credit, remained quiet. Christian, however, pierced me with a glare that nearly crossed the line of insolence. At another time, I would have ensured he understood the cost of such a challenge. But not tonight. I allowed it, partly because I respected his audacity, and partly because I had bigger issues at hand.Beside me, Isabella’s knuckles whitened around her wine glass. She threw an awkward smile toward my sister Mia, whose comforting arm found its way ar
THE CARETAKER BRIDE CHAPTER 9: Nicolas pov
All evening, I couldn’t take my eyes off her. Isabella. She looked like she wanted to be anywhere but near me. Her trembling hands during our dance had been enough of a clue. Her discomfort with my proximity was as clear as day, and it didn’t sit right with me. This night was supposed to be one of celebration, but her unease made it feel like a minefield.After she finished her dance with my father, I watched her rush out of the room, looking like she was desperate to escape. That’s when my father approached me.“Would you excuse us for a moment, Luca? I need to have a word with my son,” he said.Luca—my old friend and trusted ally—nodded curtly, his wife already pulling him into another dance.“What’s the matter?” I asked, already feeling tension rising in my chest.“Your girl is terrified. She’s trying to put up a brave front, as she’s been taught, but I can see it in her eyes,” he said, his voice low and concerned.I didn’t like hearing him talk about her that way. “Don’t call her
