Cassandria POV.Entering the bedroom that was once my madre’s, but when we stayed here during vacations, it became mine. I smile up at the posters on the walls, the familiar pictures on the dresser. The chest at the foot of the kingsized bed. The white voiles around the posts of the bed and hanging from the canopy.A proper bed fit for a principessa, she would say. I can see her as I would sit at the vanity dresser with her behind me as she would comb my hair and braid it, speaking to me in her native tongue. I walk closer and pick up the comb and clutch it to my chest. Looking at the wallet sized pictures of us all around the mirror. Happier memories of when Andros and I were children.I allow myself to break down in the privacy of the room. I walk to the chest and move to my knees, and open the lid. The old wooden style chest. I lift the heavy metal catch and lift the lid, allowing it to open completely.I can smell the perfume she used to wear. Chanel Coco Mademoiselle. It wafts ge
Cassandria POV.FOUR MONTHS LATER!I used to love doing this as a child. Laying in the dewy grass looking up at the sky, especially if there were clouds, so I could let my imagination run wild. But without the taste of blood in my mouth and the winded feeling in my gut.“Ohh, look at you. On your back panting for breath. Tap out, little one, you are not ready.” The mocking, arrogant asshole that is Ivan is blocking my sun with his taunts as he leans down, trying to make me feel inferior. But fuck him.He stands and holds his bear paw of a hand out for me to take. I slap it away and roll onto my knees with a groan, and spit the blood into the grass. I stand up, catching my breath.“That’s it, little one, run along. You don’t have what it takes to beat me.” I look at him over my shoulder and smile at him, my eyes watching him. A glint in them, a promise of both pain and humiliation that I, a little five foot eight girl, will take down the Russian mountain.“Keep telling yourself that, p
Cassandria POV.“Cass, earth to Cass, snap out of it!” fingers click in my face and I blink to come out the momentary stun.“I’m fine.” I say as I walk towards the bar. I grab a bottle of vodka and open the lid and drink it down. Allowing the burn to remind me I’m here, I’m alive and he can’t hurt me anymore.“Did any of you know about this?” I ask as I look at the wall. This is a new betrayal. After I shared my pain of everything that bastard did to me and many other women, why is he with Matteo? Was this planned all along? Is it because I left?“No, we didn’t know, but you need to listen before you go all stabby stabby.” Dimitri says and I take a breath to calm my racing and anxious heart.“I’m listening.” I say as I lean against the wall, looking at him and not the news interview.“Valentina has connections with Cur …” I hold my hand up and I shake my head.“With that man, Matteo thinks she is connected somehow with the trafficking. Do you know why Matteo is so against it?” he asks
Cassandria POV.I’m woken by the sound of an alarm blurring in the villa. I sit up and climb out of bed as the bedroom door opens and Ivan comes into view. His finger to his mouth. Tati comes in behind him holding a vest and gun. She hands them to me.I take them with shaking hands and put the vest on and grab the gun.“There is a breach. We need to move. Stay down, stay calm and don’t fucking hesitate.” He says and I gulp, nodding my head as I hear the first shot fired. I jump and yelp as I duck down. Ivan grabs me and shoves me behind him. I’m shaking as I hear screams, then multiple bursts.I grab the back of his vest, and Tati has me.“We move as one. Remember your training, Cass. This is real, not a drill.” Tati says and all I can hear is the blood pumping in my ears. We inch closer to the stairs, hearing more screams and shouts coming from outside and inside.“DOWN!” Ivan shouts, and I hit the floor as he fires his gun. I lay there in shock. I’m grabbed up and dragged around. It
Matteo POV.No sooner had Alina and Dimitri arrived than we received the news that Francesco and Sophie were killed in the compound in Sicily. The only word we have is that the staff and the occupants were slaughtered, but Cass and her team are still alive. We have all tried to call them, but no answer. But we have kept trying. I have a feeling in my gut that something bad has happened to her. To my Regina, tesoro mio.One of the local police officers reached out to me and so here we are, in Sicily. We are speeding towards the compound. Andros is beside himself. We don’t know who it was who attacked the compound, but I have an idea. My only thoughts are getting to Cass, and fast.We drive through the gates of the compound and park up. No sooner has the cars stopped Andros is out and running to find his sister.“Where is she?” he shouts as he runs through the villa, shouting her name. I look around and see the grass littered with blood and shell casings. This was organised. They came h
Cassandria POV.I don’t remember leaving hell. I don’t remember coming into the villa or making my way upstairs to my room. I don’t remember peeling the blood-soaked clothes from my body or stepping into the shower.All I can see is my zio and zia. Seeing their lifeless eyes, the terror on their faces. Hearing the gunfire and smelling the gunpowder in the air. Then hearing a roar coming from inside of me. Maybe it was me screaming? I am a monster, a demon. I watch the blood swirl down the drain and wait until the water runs clear.I don’t even notice the temperature of the water as it scolds my skin. I wash and shampoo my hair. I leave the shower, not bothering with a towel. I wipe the mirror and stare at myself. The first tear falls. A silent sob when I buckle and crash to the floor.I sob for the deaths of my family; they died because of me. They died so I could live, but I don’t want to live anymore. My life is just as fucked up as I am.The little girl who looked at everything in
Cassandria POV.It has been a few days since the compound was attacked and my zio and zia where killed. I have avoided everyone. I have been doing my own digging into what happened that night. Not that I have found anything that I didn’t already know. Even so, I am building a plan in my head. But I can’t do anything until I’m stateside.I twirl and thrust the bokken out in front of me. I keep slashing and moving like it is the real Katana. A bokken is a wooden training sword. It is the same length and width as the Katana. Can’t use a naked blade just in case someone approaches me.During my weapons training with Alina, I found I liked using the guns, but my favourite was the Katana. She told me it was her favourite too, and she also told me about her reasons for it. She was trained by master Tadashi in Tokyo when she was a girl. His son Hamada is now the boss of the Yazuka.She explained that the blade is an extension of your body; it moves fluid like water. It can cut through anythin
Cassandria POV.We have been standing outside the gates of the compound since before dawn. Receiving condolences from the community and other Dons that have come to show their respect for zio and zia.They were both well loved and respected in Sicily and it shows with the amount of people who have come. The funeral will be held tomorrow and I’m not ready to say goodbye. I’m starting to think that the Romano family is cursed.There have been whispers and speculations about who will be the next Don and everyone other than those in the inner circle think it will be Andros. It should upset me but it doesn’t. There has never been a Donna before, especially when there is a living and capable male heir.Flowers arrived yesterday from the Irish Kings, and separate flowers arrived from our aunt Erika and uncle Fionn. Andros wasn’t too happy about that, but I told him they have every right as they are family, whether he likes it or not.My feet are killing me, and it’s hot as hell out here. We
Cassandria POV.It has been a year since I killed Claudia and sent the message to every trafficker out there. Tati and Anya found everything from within the mansion before we destroyed it.We are working to bring every trafficking ring down. So far, it is working. All the Don’s of each family are helping with this effort. I couldn’t be prouder.I have opened sanctuaries for the victims and their families. So they all get the help they need, whether it be financially, emotionally or just to help those that walk through the doors.Pheonix Couture is doing great as well. With the help of not only Bristol-Romano International but DeAngelis International, all our businesses are thriving. We joined our companies. Some of the victims also work with in our business.Gabriella and Alexandra are growing beautifully. I spent the first few months not leaving their side. Matteo has done a wonderful job in raising our girls. They continue to make me laugh every day. They are truly our little miracl
Cassandria POV.I drive the SUV at speed the closer I get to the gates.“Tesoro, slow down,” Matteo says as he braces, but I ignore him as I collide with the gate. The gate opens. I sneer as I drive to the front door and screech to a halt. I rip the door open and step out. I look around. Yeah, if this doesn’t scream ambush, I don’t know what does.“CLAUDIA, HERE I AM! COME OUT AND FACE ME LIKE THE COWARD YOU ARE!” I shout as I look at the camera. I point my finger at it, knowing she is watching me.The rest of the convoy arrives, and each person steps out and walks closer to me. Just as the front door opens and I stand firm as men all pour out surrounding us. Some tucking their dicks back inside their pants. Vile bastards.I waste no time in attacking, and everyone does as well. I’m cutting men down left and right. Not giving one shit. I see my opening and I take it. I run into the mansion.Matteo screaming after me. I run with my Katana slashing and stabbing as I go to anyone who tri
Cassandria POV.I told Andros and Matteo to pack some clothes for him and the girls. I can’t have them staying here, not after what went down. So I am taking them to my mansion. They will be safe there. I called Zana and Heather and asked them to head over and set up some rooms for everyone.The girls have not left my side and I smile, not wanting them to. I will protect them with my life.“Momma, what about Brutus?” Gabriella asks and I look at her and smile.“Brutus? My beautiful boy, he will be ok. He is very strong and stubborn. Does he behave?” I ask her and she nods her head and I smile. I have missed him and I will see him again.“Yes, he lets us ride him. He is very gentle.” Huh. Is she talking about the same horse? Brutus is stubborn as hell.“I’m glad he is piccolo tesoro. He was my baby before you both came along.” I say to her as I stroke her black hair. She leans against one of my shoulders and Alexandra is leaning against the other one.“Momma, how are you here? Papa sai
Matteo POV.I’m laying in bed going over the events of recent days. We had not long returned from Sicily with Andros. The girls went with Lola and Cassian back to my compound and I headed with Andros to Bristol-Romano International HQ.That was when it happened. The moment tesoro mio remembered her brother. Then she collapsed and had a seizure. Not long after that, her assistants arrived to find her and Andros was instructed to let Cass or Anastasia or whatever you want to call her rest.The doctor was called, and my heart was in my mouth the entire time. Hearing her screams, seeing her foam at the mouth, her eyes rolling into the back of her head. Then it just stopped. Her chest heaving and her eyes flickering.The doctor came and wanted her to be placed in the hospital, but we all agreed that she should rest at home. We did take her to the hospital, and she was still unconscious. She underwent MRI scans, X-rays, blood work. Everything came back within normal ranges. But she was stil
Anastasia POV.After we met with Tiny at the store, I gave him carte blanche. So he knows what I want and need and his team has already started. All the materials needed will arrive tomorrow. So today they are ripping out everything. Tiny has a team of thirty under him. From plasters, decorators, electricians, plumbers, tilers. You name it; he has it.I have used Tiny and his team from when I opened my first store in Milan. They go where I go and do what is needed. I laughed when he told me his name was Tiny. Because the man is anything but tiny. He is huge. His team or crew are ex-military and are really handy men to know.In their spare time, they are part of an MC. The MC is called The Princes Of Darkness. Tiny has a wife called Tanya and a son that has just taken over as president. His name is Harry Hatchet Jackson. Who has a child on the way with his wife Deanna.All the money they make from making my dreams reality goes towards what the club and the local town need. So I see it
Anastasia POV.I slept like shit last night, plagued with dreams. Matteo DeAngelis was the dominant feature in them. I was happy then they took a dark turn. A maniacal laugh of a woman sounded around me. Then a sting. Me screaming, but it wasn’t me; it was someone who looked like me.“All Hail the Queen.” She said, but I can’t see her face. My body jolts with each hit, each brutal, disgusting thing that happened. I screamed and begged it to stop.I was woken by a wet nose and tongue against my cheek. I never went back to sleep after that. So I did what I do best. Work.The front door opens and I don’t stop finalising designs for the store opening. I already have some of the completed pieces here to go into display cases for general sale. I will also be showcasing some of the custom designs. But those will only be for VIP customers.My jewellery is designed to suit every budget. Not just the super rich. The opening night will be an invitation only event to all the high rollers in this
Matteo POV.When we arrived in Sicily. My little miracles were so excited as soon as the SUVs rolled to a stop at the compound, they were off and running towards Alina and Dimitri. Everyone loves Gabriella and Alexandra.Dimitri walks to me and hugs me and I hug him back just as Andros and Lola walk out of the house. Lola has hold of little Cassian on her hip and he too has the Romano traits. The icy blue eyes and black hair.“Matteo, you don’t look so good.” Dimitri says to me and I look at him and then at Alina, who is talking animatedly to the girls and, of course, little Natalya.“We need to have a meeting ASAP.” I tell him and he looks at Alina and she looks up and the smile vanishes from her face as she stands up and nods her head once before the girls run over to Andros and Lola.Andros and Lola love the girls. Andros scoops both of them up and hugs them tight.“Our little ones, I swear you are both going to be taller than me if you both keep growing like this. How was your fli
Anastasia POV.The dull throbbing in my head wakes me. God, what did I drink last night? Oh, that’s right, everything. God, I drank like a fish and I don’t know why.I’m currently face down with the hoodie over my head face planting the pillow. The sun is beaming through the room, warming my ass, and I really need the bathroom.I roll out of bed, and land on the floor, wrapped in the quilt. God damnit, one Anastasia burrito coming right up with a side of the mother of all hangovers. I fight to get out of this quilt and succeed. Walking to the bathroom, I make quick work of making myself feel and look more human.After a long scolding hot shower, I’m now wide awake and feeling slightly better. Grabbing a towel, I walk into the bedroom and head to my closet and grab shorts and a sports bra. I pull them on and start doing my stretches as I jog down the stairs and into the kitchen.Making a juice before heading to the gym. I turn the music on and up and grab my hand wraps and start wrappi
Matteo POV.I’m lost in thought as I sit in the jet heading toward Sicily. The girls are all sleeping in the bedroom. All I can think about is Anastasia. She does have a striking resemblance to Cass. But nothing is making sense.The flight has been silent, each of us in a state of shock at seeing her and her not remembering anyone. So that just tells me she isn’t Cass. But my gut is telling me she is and I will get to the bottom of it.“Matteo, I have what you requested.” Tati says breaking me out of my thoughts. I look at her as she stands and hands me the iPad.“What did you find?” I ask her and she sighs.“I can’t explain it. You need to read it, Matteo, but I warn you it is bad.” She says and I look from her to the information. I nod my head and call Colin to me. He is my air steward. I only have men working on my jet as the female staff would try to get me into bed. I’m completely celibate. I will remain that way too, especially after what happened.“Yes, sir, what can I get for