Matteo's PovI have come to a conclusion that spending months away from doing the job I was trained to do has somehow contributed to the drift of my mind.I was born with a purpose. To head my family, to be a dangerous man, to keep feelings aside and deal without mercy. All through the course of my life, I have tried to stay focused on my duty and follow the path which was curated for me by the people who were before me.It was easy to spill blood and ruin people until Mirabella, my wife came along. From the moment she warmed her way into my heart, It has become as though this world of blood and chaos holds no water in my life anymore. As though I continuously seek out the peace and quiet.And ever since discovering about my kids and surviving multiple gunshot wounds, I have become more desperate for that peace and quiet.Which is why now, twenty four hours after leaving Italy for Mexico in search of another blood to spill, my mind has gone far far away from here. Instead of preparing
Mirabella’s PovMIRABELLAIt’s been over one hundred and forty eight hours since my husband left for Mexico in search of my father, and it’s been forty eight hours since he arrived at the Denaro estate but has refused to come and see me—his family.He’s stalling.Something must be keeping him away.Perhaps he discovered Helen’s visit and the reason behind it. Maybe he’s stalling in order to get his act right, tighten loose ends, and manufacture more ways to manipulate the situation. To manipulate me.As heartbreaking as it is, I guess it’s time I embraced the true nature of the man I married.It is true that he might love me, but his affection for me doesn’t change the fact that he is a monster through and through.It’s another day, and I’m once again setting up the table for lunch. It was his request; that I make him a nice meal and wait for his return.I have made nice meals two days in a row, and he’s yet to come to me.Today will be the last.If he doesn’t come home today, I’ll kn
Mirabella’s PovMy bones wobble, my footsteps unstable, staggering as they lead me back into the main house.In my mind are thoughts of my father’s words, as well as thoughts of my husband’s ex-mistress.Will Matteo truly do the unthinkable to keep this union standing?Would he hurt the people he loves if it means keeping this relationship intact?If so, then this is not love. This is a sickly obsession. And I do not want such for myself.A stray tear sort to make its way down my cheek. I gently wipe it away as I expel shallow exhales before pushing open the door and walking into the manor.Plates still clink, echoes of laughter filling the space. They’re still eating. It’s good thing that he’s occupied for I do not want his attention at this moment. I just need some time to myself.But he somehow feels my presence while I try to tiptoe through the space and up the stairs.“Mirabella,” excited voice calls for me and I freeze, my breathing catching in my throat.I don’t answer his call
Matteo's PovThere’s a rage that sizzles through my bones. The same rage that weakens my bones, yet, they’re as strong. The same rage which weakens my heart, yet, makes it so fierce. The same rage which has sent my mind into an overwhelming sense of disbelief and despair and loathe.All of those despicable feelings are directed towards one person.The man whom I’m storming through the compound into the holding cell to have a chat with.As my footsteps echo across the long hallway, my wife’s father’s laughter begins to echo. He knows I am coming, and he knows why I am coming.And the sick man somehow finds pleasure in it; in the fact that he’s close to completely ruining my family.It aggravates me.I should have just severed his tongue when we caught him. Bloody disgusting man.When I enter into his cell and find his teeth on display as he grins widely at me, I charge at him with a growl.My fist plummets his face, unending cuss words spilling from my mouth.“Idiota,” slam.“Sciocco,”
Mirabella's PovSpoons and plates clink, my children’s little voices pass through my ears like soft whispers as they throw their tantrums, my husband chews his food loudly—an effort to infuriate me.Even with the unspoken words and unexpressed anger looming over my husband and I, we find ourselves sitting at the dinner table, trying to force smiles on our faces for the sake of our children.Not like they care, considering that they’re munching on their dinner and chattering away as though we do not exist. Still, we hope to create a good example for them.As the meal goes on, the silence between my husband and I becomes more and more uncomfortable. It’s my daughter, Mariana who looks up from her plate first, her eyes meeting mine. Furrowing her brows, she looks between her father and I before refocusing on her food.For a moment, she leans into her brother, whispering something into his ear. Mariano snickers, his eyes stealing a quick glance at his father.I shift uncomfortably in my se
Matteo's PovIt’s been two days since we last had a conversation; my wife and I.Two days of awarding each other some space. Two days of silence, of intense thoughts.I love her—there’s no doubt about what I feel for her and what lengths I am willing to go for her happiness. And yet, I find myself wallowing in the trenches of guilt and regret.In the moments when she allowed her vulnerability to surface, confessing her fear of carrying another child, my only thought was that video I had seen months ago.The one which serves as proof of the pain she had to endure to bring forth those beautiful kids.She fears that she’ll have to undergo the same pain if she tried bringing forth another child. But there I was, judging her moral standing the moment her father whispered those words to me.I called her gullible, yet, I have proven to be the gullible one.I am on the phone with one of my major distributors when my office door creaks open. My wife peeks her head through and flashes me a beau
Mirabella's PovIt’s been two weeks since I returned from the hospital. Two weeks since I almost lost my child.Of course I decided to keep the baby. I am afraid, I constantly live in fear of what this pregnancy might do to me, and after that near miscarriage, my fear has toppled, yet, I find myself wanting to do this. To have this child with the love of my life.It’s a sacrifice I’m willing to make, not just for myself, but for this family. For my husband.Matteo deserves a chance to experience this journey with me.As I lie on the couch, enveloped in a soft blanket of warmth and comfort, I feel the fragile threads of my being slowly weaving back together after days of constantly being in pain.My husband, Matteo, has put in the work to make me feel better. He is just like a gentle breeze, soothing my soul, the calming melody that quiets the fears I have regarding this pregnancy.He is my safe haven—a place where I can be myself and express my joy, sorrow, and fear without feeling ju
Mirabella's PovDarkness is still paramount, and yet, I am awake—wide eyed awake.The calendar says Wednesday, the time reads 5am, the birds sing a beautiful morning song, and my heart sings a bloody song.Torture is my forte.I say I have no heart, and yet, when I’m tasked with the duty to torture offenders, I feel that dead organ of mine palpitating ridiculously.I love the thrill, and the mess.It’s a convoluted joke, comical to think that I was not even born this way, hell I was not brought up to find thrill whenever I watch life completely disappear from someone’s eyes.The world made me into this. My marriage to the Denaro name made me into a monster. And I appreciate it, I find it so very satisfying.“Boss, we’ve arrived.”My thoughts are roused from their fog by the harsh voice telling me that we have arrived in Milan. With a groan of exhaustion, I fasten my seatbelt and wait for the aircraft to descend.Minutes pass. My men and I make our way out of the airplane, getting into
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