Giulia's POVI walked to Antonio's study with the files he asked me to keep earlier lost in thought.The current situation of the empire was just so unexpected and unpleasant. Who'd think that this would ever happen?What also bothered me was how Don Antonio allowed Sophia to go after all she did.Maybe he had something special in mind for her, who knows?That dude is dangerous!Suddenly, Lorenzo appeared beside me."Giulia, can I have a word?" he asked, his tone low.“Okay,” I answered a bit surprised.Lorenzo wasn't the one to talk to me. The only time he spoke to me was when Don Antonio asked him to assign me to a task.We stepped into an empty hallway."I'm listening, Lorenzo," I said."You've been noticing things, haven't you?" His eyes locked onto mine.I hesitated. "What do you mean?""Antonio trusts you, but be careful. Not everyone shares his faith." His words sent a shiver down my spine."I still don't understand what you mean by this statement.”Lorenzo's gaze drifted aro
Giulia's POV“You are quite brave to confront me, Giulia Mancini.” His deep voice echoed in the room, commanding attention.I had walked into this office with all the boldness I could muster to demand for my father's release but this didn't seem to go as planned.The opulent decor seemed to intensify my anxiety, and my legs were trembling, but I managed not to show it.I took a deep breath and decided to say something, “You are holding my father hostage and I want him released.” A playful smile that disappeared almost immediately curled his lips.“Oh, yes… Your father owes me a substantial debt.”My eyes welled with tears as my sweaty palms clutched my small purse containing my last savings. “I'll pay it, whatever it takes.”“Lorenzo.” He called out.A man in his late thirties who stood behind his table the whole time watching in silence walked towards him and dropped a file on the table after which he went back to his initial position. He went through the file for a split second a
Giulia's POV“Where are we going?” I asked as Lorenzo led me down a dimly lit alley.“My boss has got a special job for you.” For the first time, I saw Lorenzo smile, and it sent shivers down my spine.The alley led us to a nondescript door. Lorenzo brought out a keycard and swung open exposing us to a stairway.As we descended the stairs I adjusted the annoying short black dress I was forced to wear.We climbed until we reached a door. The bouncers outside gave a slight bow to Lorenzo and pushed the door open.The door revealed a smoke-filled room, and my stomach churned. I had never seen a place like this.“Welcome to Black Heaven,” Lorenzo said as he gestured for me to go in. I was hesitant and my legs felt too numb to take a step.Before I realized what was happening, Lorenzo grabbed my arm and pulled me inside.The clamor of clinking glasses, unpleasant laughter, and shuffling cards overwhelmed me. The air reeked of smoke and desperation.“Follow me,” Lorenzo muttered to my hear
Giulia's POVI didn't turn to look at the door. I was so scared. The aura he exuded was menacing.The maid bowed and rushed out. He must have signaled her to leave.I heard his footsteps as he walked towards me. Soon, he stopped. I could feel him behind me as his warm breath rested on my neck.“Giulia.” He called, his voice deep and fierce.“Yes, master,” I answered, my voice barely audible. I stood still and didn't look back.He walked slowly from behind and stood in front of me. I could see the rage in his eyes.“How dare you disobey my orders?”“I'm sor…” he didn't let me finish. He put his index finger on my lips. He looked at me for a split second and turned his back on me.“I own you now, young woman.” He let out a dry laugh. “ You have no choice but to do as I say.”He turned back to face me. He took a step forward and I took a step backwards. This continued until I got to the wall and he was two steps away.“I asked you to wear a dress Giulia, and you declined.” He paused to l
Antonio's POVI had walked to my room with Giulia trailing behind as I thought of the unbearable things I could do to her just to find Sophia sprawled naked on my bed.“What are you doing in my room, Sophia?” I asked in an angry tone.“I came to see the man of my dreams,” she answered in a seductive tone as she eyed Giulia.“And who is he?” I was running out of patience already.“It's you, my dear Antonio.” she smiled sheepishly.“Get out of my room Sophia!” I roared in anger. Sophia got up from the bed immediately and scrambled around for her clothes.I noticed the cold glare she gave Giulia before leaving but I didn't care. My eyes roamed all over her body. She looked beautiful, but I dared not admit it.“Sit!” I ordered Giulia and she sat on the bed. The innocent and fragile-looking woman sat quietly as she watched me undress.I unbuttoned my dress halfway and stopped.“Why don't you help me undress?” I asked and her eyes widened. She got up and walked to where I stood.Her hands
Antonio's POV_Flash back_“Please let me go.” The lady cried out as she tried to free herself of her husband's grip. Her husband held her tight not wanting to let her go. She looked tired and helpless.My father stood on a spot with a gun in his right hand pointed at the couple. He turned to look at me. I searched his eyes for answers, but his look was cold as ice.I desperately wanted to help the lady. She was in so much pain and anguish. I took a step further, and my father held my shoulders with a forceful grip. “Stay back, son, this is not your fight.”“Let go of the woman, Ricardo,” My father said in a forceful tone. He was angry but was never the type to shout.“Never!” The man yelled as he pulled the struggling woman forcefully to remain in front of him. “ If you pull that trigger, then you are going to kill her first, and you don't want to,” he concluded with a disgusting laugh.“This woman doesn't deserve to be treated this way,” My father said again, with the gun still poin
Giulia's POV “Oh no!” I exclaimed as the raindrops began to touch my skin. The rain seemed to get heavier and I scrambled for shade. I hadn't gotten to the shade when I heard my name.“Giulia.” The voice called in a very harsh matter. I looked around but I didn't see anyone.He called again, and this time, a heavy outpour followed.Jesus Christ! Where am I?That was when I opened my eyes to see that I had been dreaming. The sun rays from the window hit my eyes, and they fluttered helplessly.I managed to open my eyes finally and saw Don Antonio looking down at me with narrowed eyes. He held a huge jug which he passed on to Leonardo the moment he saw that I opened my eyes.I soon realized how drenched I was. The heavy outpour of rain in my dream was Don Antonio emptying a jug of water on me. I stood immediately with water dripping from my body to the ground, I was so drenched.“You sleep a lot.” Don Antonio muttered with a blank expression.“I'm so sorry,” I answered with a bow.He t
Antonio's POV“Baby!!!” Sophia screamed as she threw herself on me. She pressed a disgusting kiss on my lips.“I was looking all over for you until I was told you were in here with her.” she said eyeing Giulia, “ I had to rush over before she kills you.”I didn't say a word. I watched Giulia, who ate quietly; she seemed not to care about what Sophia was saying.“Why is she even eating here with you? She looks very wretched.”“She's eating here because I want her to,” I answered dryly.Giulia raised her head to look at me. Our eyes met and she looked away.Well, Sophia didn't back down, “why then is she dressed like this? It's disgusting.”“I know.”I was honestly tired of Sophia's drama. I told her many times that I was tired of the relationship but she kept coming back.“I want her to leave this place.” Sophia pouted.“I want her to stay, Sophia.” I looked at Giulia who struggled to keep her head at her plate. She wanted to look up at me so bad but she continued to act like she didn'
Giulia's POVI walked to Antonio's study with the files he asked me to keep earlier lost in thought.The current situation of the empire was just so unexpected and unpleasant. Who'd think that this would ever happen?What also bothered me was how Don Antonio allowed Sophia to go after all she did.Maybe he had something special in mind for her, who knows?That dude is dangerous!Suddenly, Lorenzo appeared beside me."Giulia, can I have a word?" he asked, his tone low.“Okay,” I answered a bit surprised.Lorenzo wasn't the one to talk to me. The only time he spoke to me was when Don Antonio asked him to assign me to a task.We stepped into an empty hallway."I'm listening, Lorenzo," I said."You've been noticing things, haven't you?" His eyes locked onto mine.I hesitated. "What do you mean?""Antonio trusts you, but be careful. Not everyone shares his faith." His words sent a shiver down my spine."I still don't understand what you mean by this statement.”Lorenzo's gaze drifted aro
Antonio's POVI paced my study, my mind racing. Sophia's betrayal was all I could think of. How could she? How did she even think of it?"Lorenzo, get in here," I called out, my voice echoing off the walls.Lorenzo entered, his expression cautious. "Sir?""I need you to find out who's feeding Sophia information," I growled. "I want names as soon as possible."Lorenzo nodded, his eyes darting toward Giulia, who stood by the window. "Yes, sir."Lorenzo walked out and Vincenzo came in almost immediately."Giulia, what do you know?" I demanded, my gaze locking onto hers.Her eyes widened. "Nothing, Antonio. I swear."I studied her, searching for deception but her expression seemed genuine.Suddenly, a wave of fatigue washed over me and my legs trembled.No, not now.I clenched my jaw, fighting the familiar symptoms. Fibromyalgia which had given me a chance to live a normal life for some time now was lurking back in."Antonio, are you okay?" Giulia and my brother asked in unison, concern
Giulia's POVAs I walked to Antonio's study, I couldn't help but ponder why he called me.I hadn't been in his study for a very long time. He neither allowed me to go to the casino nor did he ask me to go with him to the warehouse since the last time.As I entered the room, my heart began to race; the space was filled with tension.Lorenzo, Vincenzo, and several other familiar faces who sat around the huge table in the center of the room turned to me.I drew out a chair at the far end of the table and sat down.Lorenzo's eyes darted toward me, his expression guarded. I could sense unease beneath his composure."So, everyone's here now.” Antonio, who sat at the head seat with his elbow resting on the table, said. His gaze commanded attention.Was everyone here? I had looked around for Sophia but I couldn't find her; maybe she was yet to arrive.Antonio began, his voice low and menacing. "My empire is being dismantled, piece by piece. Someone is leaking information to my rivals."The m
Antonio's POVI watched how Giulia looked at the far end of the warehouse continuously, she seemed uncomfortable and scared.“Let's go,” I said as I stood up and she sighed in relief.She stood up after me and walked towards the exit hurriedly. Lorenzo and I followed from behind.“She looks like she's running away from something, or should I say someone,” Lorenzo said just exactly what I had in mind.“I can see that,” I said. “I wonder who it is that she's running from.”“She put up the same act at one of the casinos the last time we went there,” Lorenzo had his usual blank expression.“She'd better not be doing anything dangerous behind my back,” I muttered angrily.“I'll be on the lookout,” Lorenzo said as we got to the car.“Good.”Giulia was already in the car waiting. “You left me behind,” I said as I joined her in the car and then signaled the driver to start the car. “I'm sorry; I just wanted to get here as quickly as possible,” she said while avoiding my eyes.“Why is that?”
Vincenzo's POV“Good morning,” Giulia said as I sat opposite her and I answered.I had walked into the dining room to find Giulia and Antonio already seated for breakfast.They weren't chatting but she seemed relaxed around him, unlike when I first arrived in Italy, and it pained me to see that it was so.I drew a seat and sat opposite Giulia.“Good morning,” Antonio said with a warm and not-too-pleasant smile that signified a hidden victory.I knew exactly what that smile signified; it meant that he had gotten Giulia before me.It was now I understood why he didn't say a word to me when he saw me with Giulia earlier today; he felt that he had won her and nothing could be done about it.He'd normally almost kill me after he found me talking to her, but he just walked away after she left, and we still haven't had the little chat.We were having breakfast peacefully when Sophia walked in and I frowned.What in the world was she doing here? I thought my brother was done with her.“So thi
Antonio's POVAs Giulia wrapped her arms around my neck I shuddered. I drew her closer and let our lips dance in harmony.We kissed for a while, and I went ahead to bite her lower lip and she moaned.The reason for all this was to prove to Vincenzo that I could treat my companion right, and nothing more but a strange feeling was creeping in.It was just a day of being nice, and I was already feeling attached.‘It has always been there, you just decided to hide it.’ My mind suggested and I shoved it away.I led her gently to my bed and made her lay on it then I placed both hands on the bed so she was in-between.While we kissed, I gently undressed her and let my hands move freely all over her body, and she let out stifled moans.I disengaged from the kiss and began to trail kisses from her neck down to her chest while I made delicate moves with my hands.I soon got to her breasts and I fondled them. I could feel her heart beating fast and she struggled to suppress the moans.I finally
Giulia's POV“Follow me,” Antonio said and I stood up.Just a few minutes into when Don Antonio and I were supposed to have dinner, Lorenzo walked in and whispered something into his ears and Don Antonio's jaw tightened.He stood up and changed in a casual outfit and when he got to the door, he stopped like he had forgotten something; that was when he turned to me and asked me to follow him.We walked outside the mansion and a car was already waiting outside.The driver opened the door and Don Antonio let me go in first while he followed after. Lorenzo was at the passengers seat.We soon got to a warehouse in a somewhat creepy environment and the car stopped.Don Antonio, Lorenzo and I came down while the driver stayed behind.It was so creepy and cold that I fought the urge to not shiver as we walked towards the warehouse which was just some steps away.“You are cold.” He said as he took off the jacket he wore and handed it to me. He still looked very angry.I quickly put the jacket o
Giulia's POV“Can I please have a book to read or something; I'm bored,” I said when I couldn't hold it any longer.I sat faced Don Antonio who scrolled through his cell phone for close to an hour and hadn't said anything to me. I was so bored that I just wanted to take a nap.I had yawned countless times, hoping that he'd say something, but whenever I yawned, he just looked at me for a split second and looked away.My head had replayed the hug scenario countless times and I had gotten bored. The hug was sure refreshing and I never believed that moment would ever occur.The fact that he refused to let me go even when Sophia entered was so demure, and I thought he was beginning to like me, but my current situation assured me that the hug was just a coincidence.It was just so surprising that he hugged me after I yelled at him, I thought I had met my end. He looked at me for a while and smiled.“You are a smart young lady; you know that, right?” He asked.What have I done again? He o
Giulia's POV“From now on, you'll address me as Antonio and not master.” Don Antonio said and I choked.Was this a joke? Was he trying to set me up?“I…I don't think I can do that.” I answered before I could stop myself.“It's an order that you dare not disobey.” His voice was fierce; he was angry.If making that decision made him so angry when then was he making it? Maybe it had something to do with Vincenzo.“Yes, mas…” I paused when he narrowed his eyes at the sound of ‘master’.How in the world did he expect me to start calling him by his name all of a sudden?I have called him ‘master' all the time I lived here; this was just another way to frustrate me.“Eat.” He said as he picked up his cutleries and began to munch on the meal. I picked up mine and began to eat too.A knock was soon heard at the door. I stood up to go check, but he gestured that I sat down, and I did.“Come in.” His deep voice echoed.Lorenzo walked in, and with the expression on his face, I could tell that he