Matteo's Pov“You’re sorry?” I stumble and every emotion there is and even the non existent ones flood me. “What does that mean?”“Let me speak to you privately. In my office.” I don’t even wait for him to finish before lunging for him with my fist ramming into his face over and over again.“Where the fuck is my wife!” I roar as my body vigorously tremble in rage.“My office now! Alone!” The doctor retorts as he storms away, leaving me with my raging emotions. Of course he can speak to me as he pleases because he has a good relationship with my family and he knows I wouldn’t do anything to jeopardize that.I walk into the doctor’s office sheepishly with my eyes boring into his as I slump down on the seat he pointed out for me. “This is going to be a lot for you to take in but I want you to know that I am here for and with you if you need anything.” He mutters each word carefully.I offer him a tight nod as I wait for the worst. “Your wife,” he clears his throat. Eyes moving around rap
Matteo's PovMy eyes are sunken into my skull, my lips parched, my skin and body malnourished, and my hair a mess.Sweat trickles down my forehead and I swallow my spit in an attempt to wet my uncomfortably dried throat. My eyes dart around and every sound coming from anyone is filtered out as I lose myself while solely focusing on my father's coffin as it lowers into the ground.My mother is an obvious mess but she's holding her head high as expected of her but mostly for Julia. If she breaks, what would my sweet little sister do?I gasp as I'm being forced to return back to reality when a firm arm grips my shoulder. "Did you hear me?" Augusto asks with his brows creased together."Hardly," I straighten my back as I run my fingers through my disheveled hair."The nurse taking care of Mirabella called to inform that her fingers twitched and the electrocardiograph machine was picking up on a stronger and a more stable heartbeat. So, I'm hurrying off to the hospital. Would you like to c
Mirabella's Pov"Is Matteo coming?""No. I don't think he is.""Why do I smell him then?"Pablo crouches down, carefully picking me up, placing me in the wheelchair. "Don't worry about Matteo, hmm? He's not here."One month. It has been one month since I was brought into this hospital. I was in a coma for the first two weeks and after another two weeks of being poked with needles non stop, I'm finally allowed to go home.Finally!My world came crumbling around me after the doctor had informed me that I lost my baby. It was even more unbearable after the memories of that night came crashing down on me.Although I'm unable to remember the events of that night in detail, the pain is still there. The scars on my skin, the loss of my baby, everything I've been through is all the proof I need that indeed, that night happened.The doctor confirmed that it's okay that I don't remember everything in detail as it is a trauma response but I still dream about it. The punches, the slaps, my scream
Mirabella's PovI exhale a breath through my mouth as I come awake from an exhausting slumber. My eyes part open but remain in a narrowed slit as I gulp down my saliva to wet my throat.My head is engulfed in a pang of pain as I attempt recalling the events of last night. "Matteo?" A whooshed whisper escapes my pained throat and I wince."Mrs. Denaro? I'm Beth, your nurse." She quickly checks my pulse and with a sigh of relief, she asks, "How do you feel?""Where's Matteo?" I throw a question right back at her, stammering and wincing through each word."Mr. Denaro is not here at the moment ma'am." She answers politely."Please call me Mirabella." The nurse—Beth—offers me a tight nod in agreement. "Did he come to see me? My husband I mean."Her eyes light, her lips stretching into an ear to ear grin, "of course!" She excitedly squeal with a tiny jump.Oh.This one's a sucker for romance."He didn't leave your side even for a second." I look at her with narrowed eyes, confused as to why
Mirabella's PovI lie on my back unmoving as tears blur my vision. I sniffle, gulping down the loud sob threatening to break out of me because I'm tired of crying. I'm so tired of being pitied.I'm tired of everything in general.It has been a month, a month since I returned from the hospital, a month since I last heard from Ares and the worry I feel is killing me.I'm torn between two worlds. A world where I'm giving my best to come out of the dark place I was pushed into; I want to forget. This past month has been me trying to forget what happened to me, but with each passing minute of everyday, a small part of my memory of the event of that night is unlocked and it kills me each time.It's driving me insane.And then there's a part of me which strongly believes that Ares has been caught up in a dreadful situation.I'll never forgive myself if anything happens to him because of me.The list of my troubles never ends.One more thing on that list would be Matteo. God, that man drives
Mirabella's PovI am beautiful.I am powerful.I am extraordinary.I was created for great things.I wasn't put on earth to wallow in misery. . .Two months.It has been two months since I first used my legs after the incident.The moment I got up on my feet, I decided there and then to put myself first. To talk about myself correctly, to stand strong, to take care of myself without relenting.And I've done just that.Swallowed my pills religiously, started intense psycho and physiotherapy and the way I feel right now is enough proof that my hard work is paying off.Recovering hasn't been the easiest, considering that the memories of that night still exist; the nightmares and panic attacks, but I find myself becoming stronger and more resilient after each dreadful episode of panic attack. That's the most important part of it all.Today, I'm sitting in my father's office after he had invited me over to talk about very important matters—his words not mine—except, I've been seated here l
Matteo's PovWhat did I do?What have I done?What the fuck have I done?!I thought I was doing the right thing by staying away from her. I thought I was protecting her, I thought. . .God! I thought a lot of things.But her reaction goes to show that I fucked up in more ways than one.Her pained voice still ricochets in my ears."I'm your wife! You don't like me? You can't stand me? I get that but I'm still your wife and it was your child that was taken away in that inhumane manner! It was your wife's body and soul that was broken and ripped apart! It was I, your wife who needed her husband in her moments of weakness and vulnerability but you weren't there Matteo.""I hate you so much, Matteo Denaro and I regret everything we've done together. I regret letting you touch me with your filthy hands. I hate every breath you take and I hope you die a painful death for everything you've put me through."My chest constricts."Look at me, Matteo! God, Matteo! Why? Why are you doing this? Why
Mirabella's PovIt has been over an hour since Matteo walked out my door, I cried about it but not for long, because I’ve gotten so used to him being so cold and distant.I understand his struggles but I’m no longer willing to put up with it, which is why after having a bath, I’m now seated and fully relaxed on the cushion, reading through the annulment papers with great focus.If he is willing to walk away from me, then I should be willing to do the same. I can no longer hold him against his will.Continuous loud bangs resound against my door and after a while of ignoring it, I walk over to the door full of rage as I swing it open only to be met by Matteo’s shirtless torso, hooded eyes and messy hair.Shit.I squeeze my thighs together.It’s been too fucking long!He tries walking into the room but I shove him back with my palm on his chest while my eyes narrow to slits, my glare venomous and molars grinding. “Yes?”Silently, he stares at me for long minutes, his features expressing c
Mariana’s Pov“Why did you bring me here?”My voice is accusing as I ask the question, my eyes tight, void of emotions. Alejandro’s Adam's apple bobs, an indication that a thick lump just slid down his throat.Then he smiles. He doesn’t know it, but the smile seems forced. “I’ve told you a million times, Mariana,” he says, his tone firm, robotic, “I want us to live freely for at least one week.”And that’s how I know he’s lying.Alejandro might be dangerous, but he has a casual persona. The type of man to wear a matching set of sweat shirt and pants in a room full of formally dressed men. The type of man to pull a trigger with a smile on his face. But his sudden seriousness when I ask my question is enough to sell him out. He’s suddenly defensive, and when one becomes defensive, something is amiss.“Cut the crap,” I murmur, my voice inaudible.“What was that?” Alejandro’s voice is low, sharp. It cuts through the air like a blade. His eyes are on mine, waiting, daring me to answer.I
Alejandro’s PovEating is done, and the basket is discarded to the side, leaving enough space for Mariana and I to share in each other’s warmth.We’re lying beside each other, finger interlocked, our gazes faced towards the sky. We revel in the silence, feel the depth of our connection without actually speaking.And it surprises me how Mariana is so receptive to this newness, to this softness.The intensity of her beauty, the authority in her words, and even her gracefulness will have anyone who doesn’t truly know her believing that she’s such a tough woman who has no emotions.Lies.She’s just as soft hearted, and she craves gentility.The night is still, the sound of the waves the only thing breaking the quiet. I’m staring up at the sky again, but I can’t help it—my mind keeps drifting back to her.What does she feel about me? What does she feel now that we have our finger locked, and our eyes faced towards the same direction?I roll onto my side, propping myself up on my elbow so I
Alejandro’s PovDay one on the Island.I jerk awake to heat, my muscles straining. Mariana’s body is perfectly molded into mine, her mass of dark, silky hair falling over my chest.A feeling of satisfaction fills my heart and I kiss the back of her head.She groans, and shifts back, wanting to disappear into me. But she wakes something else. Her ass locks around my growing bulge and a strained grunt escapes in my throat.“Shit, baby,” my voice comes out gruff, “you need to move a little.”I go to gently push her legs when she suddenly arches her back into me, causing my hand to land between her thighs. She moans.Fuck me.I move my hand, my fingertips grazing the skin of her inner thigh. She stirs, a small cry eliciting in her throat. I can’t tell if she’s fully awake, but her breathing is too uneven for someone who is still asleep. My hand squeezes her thigh, waiting for her to stop me. She doesn’t. I take that as a sign to continue. The hand buried between her thighs travels furth
Mariana’s PovWe’ve had quite the journey, moving from flying, to riding in the back of a truck, and now, we’re boarding a boat.I have no complaints.This somewhat reminds me of my days of active duty, the days when I was going on dangerous missions. The feeling is exhilarating.“You can’t keep ignoring me, my lady,” Alejandro’s whiny voice resounds beside me. And it warms my heart. Still, I sidestep him and make my way into the boat.I sit in the plush leather seat, feeling the warmth of the sun-kissed leather envelop me. The boat's engines roar to life, and we set out, gliding across the turquoise waters, leaving the world behind.I inhale and exhale a breath, calming my heart.My hair whips back, the strands dancing in the ocean breeze. I laugh, feeling carefree, alive. The wind carries the sweet scent of saltwater and the faint hint of Alejandro's cologne. I throw my head back and breathe a relieved sigh. The blue of the ocean catches my eyes. The shininess of it, the glow cast
Alejandro’s PovResistance. That’s all I see in her eyes. She’s fighting her pleasure—a war between her flesh and her mind. And I’ll tell you for sure that the flesh will always win.My face buries deeper, my tongue swirling around her bud. Her skin tightens, but she holds back her voice.“Let go, baby. . .Let go. . .” I urge, my tongue pushing into her entrance, curling. She doesn’t budge. I push a finger into her, and another, and another, and another. I curl all three fingers and she lets out a cry.“There you go,” I praise, “there you fucking go. . .”And then I’m fucking her recklessly with my fingers and my tongue. She cries harder, her body jerking. Her sweet, melodious voice draws a moan out of me. And suddenly, it’s no longer a fight of pleasure.She’s full on fighting me.I see how much my words affect her, but I know it’s not just about the words. It’s the confirmation. She always has been curious to know if I hold a grudge against her over what transpired between our pare
Mariana's Pov“It was you?” I ask, unsure, “the soldier who stole from the family?”“Bingo,” he smiles broadly, “we’re going to have a blast, baby.”I lean back into my seat and allow my brain fall into silence and calmness for a moment. Just a few minutes. And then laughter erupts in my throat.My chest quakes with the frequency of my laugh, tears gathering at the corners of my eyes.“You’re a fucking genius aren’t you?” I ask, cackling, “all that calmness you exude, all that patience and endurance. . .you had it all figured out.”Alejandro’s eyes are on me, observing, careful. The movement of his arm is slow, deliberate as he puts his gun down.“You’re not mad at me?” He asks.I tip my head to the side, my teeth diving my bottom lip, nibbling sensually. Alejandro throws his hips in the air, a small grunt resounding low in his throat.“Is there a reason to be angry?” I ask and wait.He hesitates for a moment before tucking his gun away. And that’s when I strike. He doesn’t see me com
Mariana's Pov“It was you who put him in that state after all. How did you do it, Maria, huh? Was it the cookies you couldn't stop serving him? Or your special teas? How the fuck did you, right under our noses, succeed in reducing Don Vladimr Zakone Vaslav to a vegetable?”My brows twitch and a muscle feathers in my jaw. I throw my back against the backrest and heave out a sigh, my eyes locking with his.“I’m still waiting, Mariana,” Alejandro presses. He tries to sound serious, but I notice the slight upturn of the corner of his mouth and the look of awe in his eyes.He’s not angry.Good.Perhaps he is but is exceptionally good at concealing it: the logical part of my mind warns.My brows twitch. “Mind your business, Alejandro,” I mutter, my tone bored.His chuckle rumbles. “Your business is my business, amore mio,” he replies, “especially when my name was mentioned. “And that mad son of yours, his punishment will be doubled for ever putting hands on Alejandro. . .” I didn’t think a
Mariana's Pov“My love should be enough for the both of us, Mariana.”His words shake me to the core. And what shakes me more is the emotion swirling in those orbs of his. Why won’t he get angry at me?Why won’t he scream at me? Do something that shows me how much I drive him to the point of anger?“You’re a fool,” I mutter, a hand raking through my hair. “Come get my bags, soldier!” I command. A smile coats his lips as he approaches. He picks up my bags as though they weigh nothing and then he turns around, intending to exit the room.The door creaks open and Radimr walks in, his eyes on me, tender. He flashes me a smile and I mirror his smile.Huffing out an angry breath, Alejandro storms out of the room. But he doesn’t leave—he stands by the door, his eyes peeking through the small space.He watches as his brother’s arms envelope me in a hug, he watches how I reciprocate that hug with so much enthusiasm. His eyes cloud over with rage. And then Radimr’s mouth crashes on mine, rava
Mariana's PovI puff out a breath and squeeze the last of my clothes into the small travel bag I intend to go on my travels with.A little backtracking here: earlier today while Alejandro, my husband, and myself sat in my office deciding how to track down the soldier who dared to steal from the family and run off, Alejandro had volunteered to track him through the countries the fucker has been in and out of in the last few days.And at that moment, my stupid little heart thought it was an opportunity. An opportunity to experience those seven days Alejandro promised me without dealing with my husband’s suspecting eyes.What did I do? I made a declaration that I regretted right when the words left my mouth.“I’ll go with you,” I blurted, surprising both brothers.“What?” My husband had asked, eyes wide.“You know how good I am with words, baby,” I responded as I slid my hand into his. “Sending Alejandro alone for something like this might turn out to be a mistake. He lacks in communicat