Alejandro's PovI’m in Italy.I’m in fucking Italy.It all happened within unsuspecting hours. I was in my bed, lost in thoughts about the woman I can’t seem to keep away from my mind when suddenly, my brother barged in and announced that we were to leave for Italy.That was hours ago. Now, I’m walking into Don Matteo Messina Denaro’s manor, about to meet one of the most powerful men in the underworld. But my anticipation doesn't burn mostly for him, but for his daughter whom I am losing my mind over.Mariana.And there she stands, beside her twin brother, her mismatched orbs dancing with mine for a brief moment, telling me all I need to know before she shifts her gaze to her husband.“Hey, baby,” Radimr coos as he leans down, intending to greet his wife with a kiss. Mariana flinches away from him, but quickly slips her mask back on.And in that brief moment when she and her husband exchanges that kiss, I feel my heart constrict with rage.Why can’t she speak freely to me? I at least
Alejandro's PovTwenty four hours.Forty eight hours.Seventy two hours.I mean nothing.‘He means nothing.’ That was the last thing she said three days ago before disappearing.She comes to me, makes my heart flutter, and then tells her brother that I mean nothing.I’m a fool, always have been. So big of a fool that I forgot what my aims were with her. I just wanted to fuck her, to have a taste of what my brother has, to take her away from that brother of mine and watch him lose his mind.I lost my way.But in all this confusion, perhaps heartbreak, I’ve come to realize that my visit to Italy has nothing to do with work, with my position as head of security for my family’s crime organization.It’s something more.I’ve been brought here for a reason much deeper than just work, and I know this because of the way I’ve been treated since stepping foot into this house.Mirabella Denaro, Don Matteo’s wife, she’s always checking in on me, always ensuring that I am comfortable. And she does
Mariana's PovIt’s silent, too silent. And it’s been like this for days. Two, perhaps three days.Alejandro has refused to look in my direction, and when he does look, I no longer see that burning desire there once held.He hates me now. I know he does. And I don’t blame him. My father is after all responsible for the death of his—there’s no coming back from that heartache.We’re seated in uncomfortable silence in the private jet; my husband, myself, my brother-in-law, and some of their soldiers.The air is thick with tension, Alejandro and I exchanging quick glances, my heart raging in my throat, making me dizzy.Why does Radimr have to be here?Why do I feel this way for my brother-in-law?Why are the forbidden things the most tempting?My mind is reeling with questions and thoughts as I sit through the torture of this flight, counting down the remaining hours until touchdown, wondering what my life would become with someone like my crazy husband and now a spiteful brother-in-law.M
Alejandro's PovSomething squeezes at my chest as I watch the chaos I orchestrated unfold before my eyes.Mariana is being tossed around the ground, her hair pulled, her face bruised, my brother hauling insults at her.Whore, desperate, stupid—that’s all I’ve heard him yell in her face over and over and over again.“E. . .Enough,” I say, my voice barely audible.I’m hesitant, perhaps afraid to interfere, fearful that my interference might ruin everything, make things worse for Mariana.My brother doesn’t hear me. He’s too focused on hurting his wife that he’s blocked out external sounds. “That’s enough, Radimr. . .she’s had enough. . .” I repeat, this time with a higher tone.He shoots me a glare, and yet, proceeds with his torture. It’s when he raises his hand again, intending to smack her face that I find myself jumping between them.Radimr’s palm collides with my face and my head veers to the side, blood pooling out of my mouth.Slowly, I bring my head up and hold his intense glare
Alejandro's PovIt’s been days, series of stupid days. She doesn’t speak to me, she doesn’t look at me, she barely breathes when I’m near her.Another day passes and it’s still the same.She makes breakfast for her father-in-law, my father, takes it up to him, chats with the old man for a while, comes down, walks past me and into my car. And then I drive her to the golf club where she runs a few errands for the growth of the family.Then she sits back into my car, and I drive her home.The cycle repeats. It’s been days, more than a few days, yet there’s been no change.Today is another day.I pace across my room, frustration simmering beneath my skin. Mariana's silence is suffocating me. It’s the seventh day, and just like before, we’ve just returned from the gold club, yet she's barely spoken a word.Seven days without speaking to me, without allowing me the opportunity to at least speak to her.Why won't she talk to me? What did I do wrong?I stop in front of the window, staring o
Mariana's PovI’m not as good, angelic, naive as I make myself out to be.For whatever I do, there’s always a hidden goal behind it all. To kill, to observe, to know, to win—Whatever facade I put on, whenever I wear a different mask, there’s always a reason.Why am I saying this?It goes to say that I am not a weak girl, or a girl who falls in love with a man simply because he has pretty eyes, a dark aura, and can bring her to a climax. I am not that type of woman. I do not love Alejandro Raes Vastlav.Yes, my pussy pounds erratically whenever he’s near, but that’s all there is to this. Physical.Perhaps the case is different for him. I don’t care.He’s my key, the light at the end of the tunnel, the one who I plan to use as my human shield when things eventually blow out of proportion. Therefore, no woman is allowed to sway his mind.I need him to focus on me, only me. He’ll look only at me, breathe for me, think of me. And to achieve that, I need to make sure no woman gets too close
Mariana's PovI slide a spoonful of greek yogurt into my mouth, a smile etched at the corners of my lips as I watch my husband yap away about his stressful day.It’s another morning, a new day, and the rendezvous of the previous night is still fresh in my memory.“You’re smiling a lot this morning, Maria, did something happen last night while I was away?” My husband asks, his tone suspicious.Of course, dearest husband, a lot happened and you’ll be exceedingly thrilled when you discover the dirty things your brother did to your wife.“Why?” I ask, biting my bottom lip, “does it pain you to see me happy, Alex?”“Don’t get mouthy with me, Mariana.”Just as he seethes the words, the sound of the underside of boots knocking against the floor gains our attention. And we all know there’s only one man in this entire estate who prefers to
Mariana's PovA gulp forces down my throat, my eyes closing and opening with rapid movements.I'm entranced by the symmetry of his features, the harmony of his face. He's a sunrise breaking through darkness.I'm lost in the contours of his face, tracing the map of his soul. Every line, every curve whispers stories of strength and vulnerability.His features are like a masterpiece unveiled. His skin is porcelain-smooth, illuminated by the soft light.I see how his eyes compliments that beautiful face. How the darkness of those orbs compliments the softness of his features.And then his nose, a gentle slope. My eyes slowly lead me to his lips. They’re plush, curved into the perfect shape of heart, inviting. I gulp again and lead my gaze to his jawline. Sharp and chiseled, perfectly sculpted. Alejandro’s face is a face that defies mortality. Peculiar. My breath catches. I've never seen anyone like him.He's a work of art.A masterpiece.A revelation.My heart beats anew, pounding out a
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