I knew I looked beautiful; I could feel the heavy make up on my face as I struggled to hold back the drop of tear that had been meaning to fall. As I stood in-front of Michael and the priest, I eagerly scanned the nearly empty room, my heart pounding loudly in my chest, hoping secretly that my parents or at least my brother would be present on my wedding day. I could feel Michael’s heavy gaze on me as my feet grew colder.I tried to clear my throat to get rid of the huge lump I could feel forming from disappointment and then opened my mouth to answer the priest’s question, but before I could form any words, the huge gates of the church flung open and about seven heavily armed men barged into the room.“Everybody down” One of them ordered.I went down immediately with Michael hovering over me to form a protective shield. The priest hid behind the pulpit and the few people in the auditorium mostly from Michael’s family and friends group quickly hid under their chairs. I could hear silen
The rest of the week went by quickly. My dad did everything to avoid seeing me since I kept trying to convince him to change his mind about my marriage to Salvador.My mother on the other hand seemed rather excited as she spent the whole week planning for the wedding, setting up our large living room as the venue and even ordering a wedding cake.The presence of heavily armed men from my father’s mafia guarded my door, ensuring I didn’t attempt another escape. I only caught a glimpse of what was going on outside my room under strict supervision as ordered by dad.The hairstylist shook me into reality “you’re all set to go ma’am” she informed me. I looked into the mirror and gave my reflection a weak smile then nodded at the stylist.I sluggishly got off the chair and walked out of my room, the train of my wedding gown following loosely. At the top of the stairs, I made a stop and looked around the room, all eyes were up and watching me, I didn’t expect this much people, most of whom I
The sun scorched so hard against my skin; my throat was dry from thirst. I wanted to stop for a brief moment as my legs could no longer keep moving, but a few meters behind me was Salvador’s men. I leaned against a huge tree for a few seconds trying to catch my breath then I heard one of them order from afar, “Search over there”I had to keep going, but immediately I moved, I felt the sharp end of a broken tree branch slice through my flesh. I covered my mouth with both hands to hold back the scream of pain. I looked down at the fresh red meat exposed on my thighs bleeding profusely. I couldn’t stop, I kept running through the bush, tree branches and leaves slapping my face as I maneuvered my way up the hill. I heard the search party drawing nearer, they seemed to be following the trail of blood from my wound that had stained the leaves behind me.I tore off a loose end of my already torn dress and tied the wound as hard as I could and when I raised my head, I could see a road in vie
It had been a week since I fled from Salvador’s men. Antonio and his men have been nothing but good to me. Alberta took care of my wound and it healed neatly, she however tried to avoid me most of the time. Whenever Antonio went out and I was alone with her, I tried to engage her in conversations to find out more about Antonio but she simply says “I’m not allowed to talk about this”I took a stroll down the river bank out of boredom. The sun reflecting sharply on the river surface, inviting me for a swim. I fetched a handful of the water and washed my face, it was warm so I decided to swim. I took off my blouse and pulled down my pants, then did some form of stretches to straighten my bones before I dived into the water. My parents had ensured I took swimming lessons since I was a baby making me love the feel of water on my skin always. Talking of parents, I wondered how they were doing, if they noticed I was gone, if they missed me or if my dad was looking for me, were his men looki
ANTONIO’S POVI don’t know how long it had been, a couple of minutes maybe, but I knew she was anxiously waiting. I looked at Alvarez wondering what news he had that couldn’t wait.I had asked Marcella to lay in bed, but just when I was about to go to her, my emergency phone vibrated in my pocket. After I had jumped into the river earlier to save her with the phone in my pocket, I was too upset and forgot to check on the phone, I didn’t expect it to still function. But when the device vibrated I knew I had to rush out.“Bravta, take a look at this” Alvarez finally spoke showing me his phone screen. “What is this” I asked snapping the phone from him. A picture of Marcella sat on the screen and under it the words Marked for $ninety million -Dead or Alive was boldly inscribed. My heart begun to race. I got up with a start, my fingers coiled tightly around the mobile device channeling all my anger to it. “Fuck” I exclaimed throwing the phone at the wall.To be marked in the mafia dark w
MARCELLAS POV“Hello? Mom?” I called through the phone, I could hear the relief and joy in her voice as she responded.“Baby, where are you my love”“I can’t tell you mom, but I’m safe and…” “Are you out of your mind?” Antonio yelled yanking the phone from my hands.“What the hell!” I yelled back“I told you no fucking phone calls without my knowledge. Why the hell will you do that?”“I needed to call my mom, its being weeks and she’s probably crying herself to death”“I don’t give a fuck about that Marcella. Do you realize what you have just done?” He questioned, slamming the phone on the table just as Alberta walked in.“Forgive me sir I must have left the phone unattended.” Alberta apologized.“This not your fault Alberta, just stay out of it.” he assured her“…and it’s my fault?” I questioned “It’s my fault I can’t choose whom to marry? It’s my fault I have to hide even from my own parents? It’s my fucking fault my life is miserable now?” “Don’t be pathetic, you agreed to the t
ANTONIOS POVI squeezed Marcella’s cold hands tightly with my left hand while my right-hand kept pressure on her wound. The fast-oozingblood from the hollow space left by the bullet on her abdomen had already soaked two shirts. As she lay on the table in my dining area, I anxiously awaited the arrival of Doctor Firestone,a trusted underground medical practitioner Alvarez had secured for situations like this when we first arrived here in Italy.I felt useless as all I could do was say silent prayers hoping she pulls through this. Alvarez, Alejandro and some of my men had gone out to trace the shooter. I had promised to keep Marcellasafe but right here in my home I put her in harms way.Firestone arrived shortly after and went straight to assess the wound on Marcella. He looked more worried than I had expected. I refused to let go of her hands as the little threadypulse I felt was my only assurance she was still alive and she could make it. After the doctor stabilized her and treated t
MARCELLAS POVIt was a little pass midday when I arrived at the Russo Manor,my mother rushed down the stairs to hug me immediately she saw me, I simply waved a hand to dismiss her ensuring my other hand supported my wound. Its been just two days after the shooting and I had decided to pay my father a visit despite Antonio’s fruitless efforts to convince me otherwise.“You betrayed me” I said to my mother, “my abdomen feels like it had just been vacuumed you know why?”“Its not what you think baby” she sobbed“ Because you chose to betray me and put my life in danger.” She made another attempt to advance towards me and stretchedher hand to touch me.“Don’t you dare touch me” I said with a frown."I called you and you told dad my whereabouts, you were supposed to protect me!“ I added."Don’t be too hard on her” Alejandro said patting my shoulder as he joined us in the room. Uncle Tee followed closely behind wheeling dad into the space beside mom. I turned to walk away ignoring his pres
ANTONIO’S POV Its been a few days and Alejandros wound had healed well, but for a little limp in his gait, one couldn’t tell he was just shot in the thigh a few days back. Gabriella had been very helpful, taking care of Alvarez’s wound. She and mother had built a strong bond these last few days and they chatted easily like long time friends. I was slightly grateful for that as it helped mother go quickly through the grieving process. Abuela’s body was at the morgue and we had started preparations towards the funeral tomorrow. Mother had great help from Gabriella with preparations and arrangements. I had sent out invitations to a few family and friends and we expected a huge turn out. Grandmother was loving and welcoming, everybody loved her. It was sad to watch her go, but deep down, I was glad she could finally get some rest. “Glad to see you back on your feet man” I said to Alvarez as he approached me at the living room. “All thanks to you and Gabriella” he said flinching
MARCELLA’S POV My voice echoed across the room as I kept screaming for mercy. The silence was deafening and the sound of my own voice bouncing off the walls scared me, I decided it was better I remained quiet. The dark room sent chills down my spine, there was a single window high up in the wall through which I could see the moon. It wasn’t bright, a half moon almost completely covered by dark clouds as it threatened to rain. I knew there was surely light in the room, I just didn’t know where the switch was. I shut my eyes tightly , inviting more darkness as I tried to focus on the space I now find my self. That didn’t help so I opened them almost immediately. My plan was to keep to the walls and do a complete circle all the way back to the door. I kept my palm pressed against the wall as I took one gentle step after the other, sobbing quietly as I went round , trying hard to avoid looking towards the center of the room. By the time I got back to the door, I was desperate, ru
MARCELLA’S POVI left the club angry and sad , a mixture of emotions I had experienced too many times in my short life on earth.My brother could deny it all he wants, but I was sure of what I heard. He sold me out!. Knowing this truth and keeping mute all this while had been very tiring and now that I had finally burst out, I realized there was one thing I could actually do about it. My family hated me and it was time to get out of their skin. I stood in front of my bathroom mirror, my hands aggressively detangling the mess Lola had created on my head. A gentle knock echoed through the room.“Come in” I responded. My mothers worried face poked through the door as I stepped out of the bathroom.“How are you honey?” She asked looking genuinely concerned.“I’m okay” I said and kept untangling my hair.“I heard what happened at the club” she added in a precise tone. She looked like she had rehearsed her meeting with me.“Which part?” I asked rubbing some hair oil into my hair.“Huh?”
MARCELLA’S POV I threw myself off the bed annoyingly, my phone screen came into my peripheral vision. I quickly grabbed it to check if I had missed any calls while I slept. There was none, no call, no message nothing. Antonio had been gone for four days now and I Hadn’t heard a single word from him. My mind couldn’t rest as endless questions run through my head. Was he Safe? Was he thinking about me? What if he found someone else. ‘I really should have told him how I feel about him before he left’ I thought. What if he never comes back?. These past few days had been very stressful and painfully slow as I eagerly awaited Antonios return. He had said we would make our relationship official when he returned, and I anxiously looked forward to it. I dragged myself lazily to the bathroom, did my business and dressed up in a simple biker shorts and oversized T shirt. I planned on changing into something hotter later in the evening. I gave my father a quick nod and rushed outside, Nic
ANTONIO’S POV Gabriellas breathing became even and slow and I assumed she had fallen asleep. I stylishly lifted her head so I could shift from beneath her. “Cant wait to get rid of me hugh?” She asked sleepily. “I wouldn’t dare” I said and we both burst out laughing. “Thanks for today” I added after the laughter had died down. She got up adjusting her dress. “You could say thank you in a different way” she said and bit her lower lip seductively. “Tell me how?” I asked and before I could blink, she slammed her lips onto mine, her persistent attempt to slip her tongue into my mouth left me no option. I returned the kiss with matching energy, my hand found its way to her breast that stood firmly on her chest, I collected them in my cupped hands. She gave me a glaring look breaking the kiss, a confused expression plastered my face. She giggled then slapped my hands off her breast. “I’m in control here” she said pushing me back into the couch. My eyes wide in shock and ant
ANTONIOS POV “I am sorry for your loss” Gabriella said to me when we sat at the table. It was already way past midnight, my mother had finally retired to bed after insisting Gabriella tucked her in. “Thank you” I replied. “I am sorry about my mothers clinginess, I feel embarrassed” I apologized. “Thats fine, I know how mothers can be sometimes” I nodded slowly. “So, would you explain what that was about?” She asked shifting in her seat so she was facing me directly now. “What do you mean?” I asked acting oblivious of her enquiry. “I mean back at the hotel, the shooting and all.” she clarified. “Oh that.” I replied slapping my forehead. “It’s nothing to worry your pretty head over.” I said and she frowned a little. “ I’m not as weak as I look you know?” her eyes piercing through mine. “I know but trust me, this isn’t something you need to worry about” “But I was there, I heard the gunshots, and I grew worried when you dashed off” “I know…” “But you still feel I do
ANTONIO’S. POV Gabriella and I sat at the bar chatting heartily like two old friends. She was easily captivating and receptive making me loose track of time. Her laughter was like a toddlers soothing giggle drawing me in gradually and easily.. The silence of the night was suddenly disturbed by a loud bang of a gun, then another , I sprung to my feet, my heart racing heavily. “Stay here” I instructed Gabriella as I bolted towards my hotel room. My steps quickened as I approached the reception, the few people there running around in search of safety. I threw the slippers off my feet as it was slowing my pace. My feet came to a halt in front of my hotel room, It was slightly ajar and I feared the worst. I had no gun, no weapon and I needed to thread cautiously, using my shoulder to shift the door open a little further, I slid into the room easily . Alvarez was not on the bed where I had left him. I tiptoed to the side of the room where I left my gun, but the weapon was not there
ANTONIO’S POV A few heads turned in our direction when Alvarez and I stumbled into the hotel reception. My arm interlocked his as he leaned dearly on me for support. He had lost a lot of blood and was already drifting in and out of consciousness. The receptionist gave us a disapproving look. “Don’t worry he is just drunk” I said with a weird smirk as we made our way upstairs to our room. I lay Alvarez in the bed, its white linen quickly getting soaked with blood. I rushed to the bathroom and grabbed a few towels, I padded the wound. My hands trembled as I brought out my phone to call Dr Miguel, he was our underground doctor in Spain. “I’m out if town currently, I will be there in about three hours” he said over the phone. The man that lay before me didn’t have three hours, he didn’t even have Ten minutes. My brain gave me the wildest idea, and I begun scanning the room and our briefcases for anything I could use to extract the bullet. I had seen Dr Miguel do it a few times an
ANTONIOS POV We descended the last flight of stairs and took the alley back to the main Street. More onlookers had gathered along the street, their eyes fixed on us as we walked by. A sudden loud whistle echoed through the area. I stopped abruptly, my senses coming to life as I stayed alert for any sudden movement, there was none. Aside the heavy gazes on us, everyone seem to be standing still with no exaggerated body movement. “Something is off here” I said to Alvarez who placed a gentle hand on the side of his pocket that contained his gun. After a few seconds of stopping, we continued walking with slow steady steps, stealing occasional glances at the crowd along the street. We took a turn through a smaller and darker alley, it smelt of cigarette and urine, I wiggled my nose unconsciously. The path ahead seemed to get darker and narrower the further we went and suddenly, an army of men appeared before us, blocking the way ahead. My hand stayed tightly on my pocket, I excha