ROSALINA'S POVI knew it was supposed to hurt the first time, but I didn't think it would hurt THIS MUCH. Tears prickled my eyes, the pain making me freeze from head to toe. It was as though my body was being torn apart, and I clung to Leo desperately, my nails digging into his back, seeking some anchor from the discomfort.I tried to focus on his words as I took shaky, deep breaths. "That's it," he whispered against my mouth, his breath warm and calming. "Relax, baby." His words were like a soothing balm, and I held onto them like they were my life support. I bit his shoulder, seeking something tangible to hold onto, and Leo didn't flinch. Instead, he held me tighter, whispering reassurances and words of encouragement."You're my good girl," he murmured, his voice filled with an affection that warmed my spirit. "So tight around me. I'm going to make it better, baby. You're going to feel so good, I promise."My cries of pain gradually turned into gasps of pleasure. He continued to
LEONARDO'S POVI was a fucking idiot. I thought maybe, just maybe once I had her, I would finally pull myself out of this addiction. I was so fucking wrong. Instead, it felt like giving an addict the biggest hit of his life to cure his addiction, a temporary relief followed by an even stronger craving.The virgin blood tainted my conscience and cock alike. I don't think could ever wash it away. I was her first, and I would be her last. The cool, air-conditioned interior welcomed me as I entered the drugstore. The scent of antiseptic and pharmaceuticals shrouded the space, a sterile yet strangely comforting aroma. Shelves upon shelves of colorful boxes and bottles surrounded me, each promising a different remedy or relief but not the one I needed at the moment. I ran a shaky hand over my mouth. Hell, I looked like I was the one who just lost his virginity. Her soft hazel eyes, her parted plump lips, the sway of her wide hips, and her moans played the back of my head like a lethal di
ROSALINA'S POVI closed the lid of the salve. It was the one I used to treat my cuts and bruises after the intense dance practice. I glanced at the mark, guilt nagging me. I wanted to show the decency to say sorry, but I couldn't. Pride held me back. "You should get going." Leo looked up at me, "Why?" "I just need some space, that's all." His face contorted. "We both wanted this, Rosalina. Stop acting like I forced you into it."I took a step back to steady my nerves. "Leo, just leave."I didn't want this to repeat again. It was too reckless, too risky. I was going to be a dancer, and getting pregnant was the last thing I wanted. He clenched his fists, frustration evident in his tightened jaw. "You can't just push me away whenever you feel like it. I'm done playing games with you." I turned away from him, unable to meet his eyes. "It's not that simple. Ballet is my dream, and I can't let anything jeopardize it.""You think I would do that to you?""I don't know," I muttered, even
LEONARDO'S POV"Did you fuck Wolverine or somethin'?" Lucio's question caused me to pause while I was putting on my shirt. I let him see the fine art my girl had made on my back. Red nail marks tracing down my back. I wore them like battle scars, a reminder of how I made her come on my cock. Hell, I had fallen too hard to get back on my feet. I wanted to kiss the ground she walked on. I knew I was being a simp. But fuck it, I will just roll with it. "More like a feisty cat," I grinned to myself as I buttoned up my shirt. Stefano stifled a laugh. "A cat named Rosalina Russo?"I shot him a warning glance. "That's your future sister-in-law, show some fucking respect."He shot his hands in the air. "Alright, Leo, we're just messing around.""Never thought I'd see the day where you'd be monogamous and shit." Lucio rubbed his nose. "Isn't that boring as fuck?" "Nah, she keeps me well-entertained," I replied. Rosalina took up so much of my thoughts and my heart that there simply wasn't a
ROSALINA'S POVMy reflection in the ballet studio's mirror seemed like a fractured image of my own uncertainty. The scent of sweat and effort lingered in the air, a testament to the dancers who had already left. But not me. I couldn't leave, not until I perfected the white swan. The clock's gentle ticking echoed around the room, each second a reminder of the weight on my shoulders.Then, the door clicked open, and Liora entered. I turned to her, my question slipping out almost instinctively. "Why are you here?" She greeted me with a frigid expression. "The same reason you're here." She studied me, her eyes critical as she delivered her verdict. "You are trying too hard." Her words struck me like a slap, and I released a harsh breath, frustration bubbling inside me. "At least I'm trying and not sleeping my way to get a role."Liora's eyes narrowed sharply, "Are you calling me a slut?""Isn't that true?" I taunted. "You two seem pretty close enough to see each other most nights." Lio
ROSALINA'S POV10,000$I stared blankly at my bank balance and blinked back in disbelief. This couldn't be real. The last time I checked it was forty thousand. How the hell did I manage to spend so much money in such a short time?Great, what other options did I have left to earn money? I was sure as hell Nonno wouldn't be giving me any allowance this month so I had to find SOME WAY. Option A: Get a job at a fast-food restaurant constantly dealing with the unending stream of drive-thru orders that seem to multiply faster than rabbits.Option B: Be a babysitter and deal with toddlers from hell. Option C: Sell feet pics on Onlyf*ns. I stood there, contemplating my options. Option A seemed like a grueling, grease-filled nightmare. Option B, dealing with unruly toddlers, didn't sound much better. Then, there was Option C – selling feet pictures. It was an unusual idea, but desperate times called for desperate measures. I mean, I did have nice feet, right?I was now officially poor. Non
LEONARDO'S POVGod knows how long I kept watching her as she prepared tonight's dinner for us. It almost felt like we were a married couple, and she was my wife cooking me dinner after a long day of work. It was strangely... wholesome. The soft glow of the pendant lights above cast a warm ambiance over the room, highlighting the subtle play of emotions on her face as she focused on her task– a creamy mushroom risotto. The aroma of sautéed onions and garlic filled the air, blending with the earthy scent of the Arborio rice.Rosalina's hands moved with practiced precision, her fingers deftly stirring the rice in a pan, a wooden spoon clutched in her hand. Her dark, wavy hair was held up by a hair claw, a few messy strands occasionally falling forward as she leaned over the stove, but she didn't mind it. Her eyes sparkled with the flickering flame beneath the pot.She glanced over her shoulder to look at me, who stared at her from the kitchen island. "You could go watch some TV, instea
ROSALINA'S POVA smile crept up my lips as my phone tinged with a message. I didn't need to read the ID to see who it was. [Leonardo: I'm taking you out for dinner][Me: Are you sure? The debt isn't settled yet.][Leonardo: And I don't want it to either.]Cunning bastard.[Me: You want to keep me owing you?][Leonardo: If that gets you closer to me then yeah.][Leonardo: I'll pick you up after practice.]After our dinner and a session of hot sex in my bed last night, our relationship was more easygoing than before. Of course, I had my occasional outburst whenever he tried to be a tease, but besides that, we enjoyed each other's company more than anything else. "Boyfriend?" My head shot up to look at Liora who leaned against the locker with a knowing expression on her placid face. Was he my boyfriend? I mean, we were in a relationship... sort of..."Kinda," I answered. "Complicated?" "Sort of.""Can I have some water?" Liora asked as she approached me.I passed my water bottle to
5 YEARS LATER... LEONARDO'S POV I reclined in one of Enzo's plush office chairs, half listening to my cousins drone on about business. My gaze landed on Enzo's hands as he gesticulated, and I had to bite my cheek to keep from laughing. His nails were painted a glittery pink and decorated with Hello Kitty stickers. When he caught me staring, Enzo shrugged. "Gigi ambushed me this morning." "Daddy-daughter time looks good on you, brother," I teased. Enzo shot me a wry look. "We'll see how you handle it when your little hellion grows up." I chuckled thinking about my spirited son. "Adriano keeps things exciting, for sure. Just yesterday he finger-painted a mural on his bedroom wall using Rosalina's lipstick." My cousins howled. "Takes after his old man," Luca said. "In all the best and worst ways," I agreed. Right on cue, my cell phone rang. I didn't have to check the caller ID to know it was Adriano's teacher. "That'll be Mrs. Dawson now. Let me guess - he set off stink bombs in
LEONARDO'S POV(A few months later...)A piercing cry split the night air. I groaned, clinging to the last remnants of a pleasant dream as little Adriano's wails persisted."Your son is awake," I mumbled, still half asleep.Rosalina stirred slightly. "Before sunrise, he's your son," she quipped drowsily.I chuckled at the familiar Lion King quote, then dragged myself reluctantly from the warm bed. I shuffled over to the crib and gently lifted my bawling son into my arms. We had named him Adriano, after Rosalina's father."Shhh Adriano, go back to sleep," I soothed, rocking him gently. His tiny mouth rooted hungrily at my chest, latching onto my nipple. I winced. "Wrong nipple, buddy."I retrieved one of the bottles of breast milk Rosa had pumped earlier and offered it to Adriano. He sucked greedily, his cries subsiding as I held him close. I smiled down at my son, my heart swelling with love and pride. He had his mother's beautiful hazel eyes and my strong Salvadori nose and chin.I
ROSALINA'S POV I stared at my reflection, scarcely recognizing the radiant bride smiling back. The strapless gown hugged my body perfectly, the pink floral accents on the skirt matching my rose tiara."Oh, you look absolutely beautiful!" Lily dabbed at her eyes as she helped me smooth the skirt.I couldn't stop smiling, joy bubbling inside me. After everything, this day had finally come - my wedding day! My Nonna stepped forward, clasping my hands warmly. "Stellina, I'm so happy for you. You chose well, my dear. That boy loves you with his whole heart."I embraced Nonna tightly. "Thank you. For understanding, and supporting us." She stroked my hair lovingly. "Always, il mio tesoro."A loud commotion outside made us glance at the door. I heard Leo's voice rising insistently."Let me see my wife, damn it!"Isabella shot me a bemused look. "Somebody's impatient to get this show on the road."I laughed softly. Trust Leo to toss tradition aside. My heart swelled with love for my soon-to
ROSALINA'S POVI clutched the address in my hand, the edges creased and worn from the countless times I'd unfolded it. Antonella DiMarco - the stranger who used to be my mother. "You sure about this, babe? No one would blame you if-""I'm sure," I cut him off, my voice tight. "I gotta do this, Leo. I can't..." My throat closed up for a moment. "I can't move on until I look her in the eye and get some damn answers."He nodded slowly, jaw tight. I could practically hear the argument raging in his head about why this was a bad idea. But one glance at my expression and he just sighed, holding out his hand.I shifted in my seat, trying to ignore the growing pressure in my bladder. The sun was starting to set, casting an orange glow across the desert landscape blurring past. Leo kept his eyes fixed on the road, one hand resting gently on my knee in silent support.I knew I should've gone to the bathroom again before we left the last rest stop an hour ago. But nerves had killed my appetit
LEONARDO'S POVThe dank basement reeked of blood and fear. My uncle Giovanni was tied to a chair, swollen and battered from the beating he had gotten. But I felt no pity for the traitor.My cousin Luca's eyes were wild with grief. Losing his twin Lucio had destroyed him. Now seeing his father Giovanni revealed as a turncoat was the last straw."Alright, talk," I said coldly to Giovanni. "Spill why you teamed up with Andrae against your own family."When Giovanni stayed silent, Alessio slammed a fist into his gut. Giovanni wheezed in pain as Luca flinched, choking back a sob."Last chance," I said casually as Giovanni fought for breath. "Give me the details, then you get a quick death for ratting out the family."Fear flashed in Giovanni's eyes. He started rambling about how Andrae had approached him and offered control of the family if Giovanni helped kill my brother."Lies!" Giovanni cried desperately. "He used me! I never wanted Vincenzo dead, you gotta believe me!"Disgust roiled t
LILLINA'S POVI cradled Enzo's limp hand in both of mine, pressing fervent kisses to his chilled fingers. The steady beep of the heart monitor was my lone comfort as I maintained my bedside watch. His chest rose and fell rhythmically, but he remained locked away in unconsciousness. "You have to come back to me, Enzo" I whispered, my vision blurring. "Our daughter needs her father." I swiped angrily at the tears streaking my face. I had to be strong for our child, though the effort threatened to shatter my fragile composure.A knock interrupted my swirling thoughts. Carlo entered, his expression carefully neutral. "Any change?" I shook my head mutely, a fresh wave of tears spilling over. Suddenly, Vincenzo's hand twitched feebly in mine. I gasped, leaning forward intently as his brow furrowed. "Enzo?" I choked out. "C-can you hear me?"With agonizing slowness, his eyelids fluttered open halfway, still clouded by anesthesia. But they locked onto mine with recognition that flooded my
ROSALINA'S POVThe courthouse appeared all too soon, a hulking stone edifice that filled me with dread. Andrae dragged me forcibly up the steps, his grip leaving blossoming bruises on my arm. I scanned the empty foyer frantically, praying for some means of escape. At the far end, an elderly clerk sat stamping documents behind a high desk.Andrae strode toward him purposefully, shoving me ahead of him. "We need to be married immediately," he barked.The clerk's eyes widened at Andrae's imperious demand, flickering uncertainly to my tear-stained face. "I'm sorry, sir, but there are certain requirements..." he began weakly.In a flash, Andrae had a pistol aimed at the man's forehead. "The only requirement is that you do as I say," he growled. "Now."The clerk paled, raising his trembling hands in acquiescence. "Y-yes sir, right away." He fumbled with shaking hands to ready the license and certificate, the gun still leveled at his head.Once the documents were prepared, Andrae scrawled hi
VINCENZO'S POVChaos erupted as bullets flew in all directions. Years of simmering hatred between the Salvatores and Armandos had finally boiled over, transforming my brother's wedding into a bloodbath."Get the women and children to safety!" I bellowed. My men rushed to usher the terrified guests away from the hailstorm of lead.I scanned the pandemonium desperately for my pregnant wife. "Lily!" Where was she? There - a flash of her yellow dress across the courtyard. I sprinted towards her, bullets kicking up shards of brick at my heels.She stood paralyzed behind an overturned table, one hand instinctively cradling her belly. I shielded her body with mine and urged her towards the exit. "We need to move, now!"We scrambled into a sheltered alcove. Her eyes were wild, face streaked with tears. "Oh God, the baby-""You'll both be alright," I soothed. I peeked out - we weren't far from an escape route. I steeled myself. "On three, we run."I took her hand in mine. "One, two, thre-"The
ROSALINA'S POVI slipped into the marble restroom, the swell of violins and chatter fading behind the heavy door. Gripping the gold-flecked countertop, I steadied my breathing, willing my roiling nerves to quiet. Today Leonardo pledged himself to another while our unborn child grew in secret within me.The door creaked open and my reflection paled. Mia. An awkward tension thickened the air as we hovered, over the betrayed bride-to-be and the 'other woman'. To my surprise, her dark brown eyes held no malice. Only sympathy. "Hey, Rosalina," she said gently. "Are you okay?"I attempted a weak smile, my hands trembling. "A bit unwell, thanks." A massive understatement. I smoothed my dress self-consciously, the pink chiffon Leonardo adored. Mia's gaze flickered over it. "That color suits you Wanna rest a while in my suite?"Giving a weak smile, I nodded. I followed mutely, sinking into an ornate chaise lounge as attendants fluttered around Mia. The opulent chamber with its marble friezes