Mariana's PovFather smiles as though accepting the challenge. “What the fuck did you just say to me, young lady?”Leah side steps Mariano, exposing herself to the danger coming after her. This girl—her oblivion will be the death of her. “I said,” she gulps, “with all due respect, sir, I’d like to point out that you’re the most uncultured human being I’ve ever come across.”It’s silent for a second, filled with heavy, angry, and fearful breaths. But the look in my father’s eyes is familiar. I know him well enough to know that instead of being angry, he’s impressed by her boldness.But she doesn’t need to know this, so that it doesn’t become a constant habit of hers to talk back to the Godfather of Italy, especially with his subjects around.Father chuckles.That stupid man scoffs, excitement dancing in his eyes.Mariano swallows hard, desperation filling his orbs as he whispers a few things into Leah’s ear but she’s not having it.And my mother’s lips are turned up the slightest bit.
Mariana's Pov“Alexandr Radimr Vastlav. Thirty five years old. The newly named Pakhan of the Orekhovskaya OPG. In simple terms, the Crime boss of Bratva. First son of Vladimr Zakone Vastlav.”My slides pad against the floor as I make my way down the stairs, dreading the conversation that I’m about to have with mio padre.“His family and our family haven’t been great friends for years and it unnerves me how a son of Zakone would want to be in business with our family.”I stop midway, placing my palm flat on the wall, releasing a shuddered breath.“Something happened to me years ago, way before you and your brother were even conceived and the Russians were involved. Your uncle Ares gave them hell while I was stuck on a wheelchair.”I contemplate turning back around and heading back into my room but I don’t go with either option. I’m a loyal soldier and I’ll do what I have to do.“Years later, after I’ve had you and your brother, they connived with Marcelo and tried taking you both from
Mariana's Pov“Give me a fucking name goddamnit!” He yells and I wrap my arms around him, holding him in a tight hug.“Just let it go, Dad. But for what it’s worth, his name is Caleb.”I make a mental note to remind my mother to provide a Caleb for my father because I sure as hell know that this man will not let this fly without getting rid of the made up sex offender.My father—the great Matteo Messina Denaro—tightens his grip on me, mumbling words into my ear like a mantra. “I’m so sorry, princess, I’ll make him pay. I promise to make him pay for hurting my little girl.”I nod against his chest, a string of pain and guilt tugging at my heart but I quickly push it to the back of my mind, reminding myself that this lie is a necessary procedure for the mission ahead.“I want to ask a favor, papá.”“Whatever you need, firecracker.”I swallow on nothing, loathing the words that are about to leave my mouth. “I’ve decided to get married to Mr. Vastlav.”Father freezes, gently pushing me aw
Mariana's Pov“Fuck this.”I’m pulled atop Alexandr’s laps, a gasp escaping my lips as I get comfortable on him, wrapping and interlocking my fingers around the back of his neck. His darkened silver eyes stare deeply into soul, leaving me completely bare and vulnerable before him.His bulge pushes into me from beneath and I gasp, taking the opportunity to grind on him as ragged breaths escape both our parted lips simultaneously. “You don’t know what you’re signing up for, Mariana.” He growls, his fingers digging into my waist, his shoulders tensing as his dick pulsates.I chuckle. “Like I said, I’d love to chance my luck.”And like a starved man, Alexandr’s lips land on mine. He kisses me with so much desperation, his teeth biting down on my bottom lip, his tongue competing with mine in a dance battle.I match his pace, not allowing myself to surrender completely to him.“Fuck.” I breathe, steadying my hands on his shoulders.He chuckles, heaving out a shuddered breath in an attempt a
Mariana's PovTwo months later.“I Mariana Denaro take you Alexandr Radimr Vastlav to be my lawful wedded husband.”My back is slammed against the wall with a great force and I groan through my chuckle, immediately moaning at the feel of my husband’s tongue exploring my neck.“To have and to hold.”With a grunt, my husband rips my dress off by the hem, his large palm kneading my breast whilst the other free hand works fast at ripping off my white lacy bra and thong.Throwing my head back, an ecstatic moan slips my lips as I inhale and exhale ragged breaths through my mouth, my heart beating uncontrollably fast and hard against my ribcage.“For better or for worse.”Alex grunts against me as his lips enclose around my nipple, a pained cry immediately escaping the back of my throat when his teeth sinks into my sensitive nipple.“In sickness and in health.”He flips me around, pressing my front against the cold wall as his wet lips begin trailing kisses across my back, his teeth very oft
Mariana's PovThree months later.Psychology.The biological science which studies the phenomena of conscious life, behavior, origin, developments and manifestations of human behavior.I’ve had three months to study and observe my husband’s random changes in behavior and I’ve come to a conclusion that Alexandr Radimr Vastlav suffers from dissociative personality disorder.In simple terms, my husband suffers from multiple personality disorder. Many of which I know and have come face to face with and many of which I have no idea of.At first, I couldn’t believe it. I couldn’t come to terms with the fact that my husband is a man with many different personalities. But after a series of observations and series of events that has occurred since my marriage to Alexandr, I can no longer live in denial.It is important to embrace the problem before seeking out the solution.Slipping out of my robe, my fingers lazily trail across my skin, across every mark and every dent, across every bite mark
Alejandro's PovHuman want.The strong desire to own or possess something or someone that is either unavailable, absent or inaccessible. The most interesting thing about selfish desires is the vicious manner at which it digs its claws beneath your skin, leaving you in complete pain and agony until you’re fully surrendered to the carelessness and recklessness of those desires.Growing up in a family like mine, I’ve never truly wanted anything. Not freedom, not happiness, and definitely not a sense of belonging. I lived the way I was conditioned to. But today, for the first time in my life, I want something and I’ll not rest until I have it.Funny.It really is laughable how for the first time in my life, I’m fighting an inner battle with my selfish desires all because I set my eyes upon a certain beautiful woman who happens to be my brother’s wife.I’ve never had the opportunity to be in the presence of a woman who’s as elegant and exquisite as my brother’s wife. Her soft vanilla fragr
Mariana's PovIt’s dinner time and Radimr is back. We’re seated silently at the table, waiting for the chef to bring out our dinner. And as we wait, my body tightens with nervousness by the second.The tension radiating in the room is palpable, unnerving. Radimr’s eyes are lingering on me longer than I’d like them to, as though he searches for something, an answer, a truth.Did Alejandro tell him yet?Why’s he so silent?Why’s he staring at me like this?It’s bad enough that I had to deal with one crazy man. Now, I have two of them on my tail. Worst of all, they’re brothers.How do I get out of this mess?How in the hell did Alejandro discover so much about me under a few hours?Who’s he?What power does he hold?When he said he hates his brother, why did he mean?Is he someone I can trust to help me accomplish my goals in this house?My mind reels with questions, questions that demand immediate answers.“You’re sweating,” I hear a thick and heavily accented voice. It’s my husband. I
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