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The Alliance Insult
[TRIGGER WARNING: The following chapter contains gore, explicit language, and violence.] *** "A hundred thousand dollars?! That's so generous of you, Lily." Claire, her friend, said on the phone. Claire worked as a nurse at an NGO that provided for disabled children. Lily smiled. "You told me you were running out of donations, so I had to help." Lily pressed her back against the chair while staring at the spreadsheet on the screen of her MacBook. She spent nearly an hour calculating all the money they received at the wedding and her neck hurt from craning over to the screen so much. Meanwhile, Sasha was in the living room watching the rerun of an Italian dubbed soap opera. Angry Italian dialogues of a crying woman drifted by as she talked on the phone. "But you got that money for your wedding. Is your husband okay with it?" Claire asked tentatively. "He is fine with it," Lily confirmed and sensed Claire calm down on the other side of the phone. "Again, you've been a great help
The Alliance Glass wall
"I feel a burden lift off from my chest," Matteo sucked in a sharp drag of smoke from his pipe.Enzo tilted his head down to look at the old man standing beside him with a noticeable smile. It was raining outside, and the cars were lined up waiting for them."You could have made millions off of those drugs," Enzo said, holding a black umbrella over their heads as he escorted Matteo towards the parked Bently."Drugs never gave me any peace. I lost three of my siblings because of it," Matteo said, his husky voice tipping down somberly."Overdose?" Enzo asked.Matteo shook his head, tightening his chin. His fading gray eyes were vulnerable. "My father killed them before they could become informants and put our whole family in danger." Enzo opened the car's passenger seat for Matteo to climb in.Matteo poked his head out of the window, not giving a damn about the rainwater splattering on his face. "You're nothing like your father, Enzo."Enzo gave an amused smile. "I will take that as a c
The Alliance Unavoidable
The lights in the living room were still on and so were the sounds from the TV. Sasha must be watching those ridiculous Italian-dubbed daily soaps again. He had told her to have dinner prepared by eight. Now it was eight-fifteen. He stepped into the living room and to his surprise, it wasn't Sasha sitting on the couch watching TV, it was Lily. Her big brown eyes were glued to the 4k TV, crouching forward with her chin in her palm. The dialogues spoken by the actors floated through the room. The TV screen unfolded the scene where a man and a woman embraced each other in the rain with some extra dramatic background music. Actress: Oh Emilio, I've always loved you! I lied about having a baby with your father.Ridiculous. Actor: Why would you lie to me, Carla?Actress: My mother-in-law threatened to kill me if I didn't leave this family. I know you would never let me go! So I lied...Actor(Hugging the actress tightly): I'm so sorry, darling. I should have protected you from that horri
The Alliance Guilty
Heavy rain streaked the high french windows, blurring the outside view. The cold wind breezed through the gap and swept against the room. Lily flinched when a rumble of thunder struck so abruptly without a warning and lighting flashed, briefly lighting up their dim bedroom. Even with the duvets, the cold was still obvious against her sensitive skin. Another lightning struck from the sky and she shivered as if she had gotten frostbite. Slowly, Enzo inched closer to her, his heat instantly melting off the cold on her back. His large hand made its way to her belly, pressing her against the expanse of his broad chest. She didn't move away, instead, she relaxed in his embrace, and a small sigh left her lips. She felt protected. "Scared?" He whispered, his hot breath fanning against her ear. "I'm scared of thunder and lightning." She whispered back. "It's... too loud." "It's like a barking dog that doesn't bite, Lily. You have nothing to be afraid of." He reassured. "Mm." She nuzzl
The Alliance Sacrifice
[TRIGGER WARNING: The following chapter contains violence against women, murder, and mention of self-harm.] Heavy, drunk, and menacing footsteps closed inside the dimly lit bedroom. Mia Armando's head whipped to the door, where her brother stood at a distance. A bottle of half-full vodka in his hand, the rim of his dark eyes were red, and white powder peppered around his slightly hooked nose. "Antonio? Why are you here?" Mia's voice was meek, like a scared mouse stuck in a den of vipers.She was sitting beside their paralyzed father, holding him protectively. She was the one who took care of their father after he was shot. Little bitch. The doctor had informed him that there was a chance that their father might fully recover again. Antonio couldn't afford that to happen. If he did, then his father will surely hand over his birthright to his stupid brother Andrae. Andrae was a soft-hearted idiot, he would ruin this empire with his gullibility. He approached the bed taking slow and
The Alliance Well wishes
Enzo hadn't tried to get intimate with her after the incident that morning. Of course, he would always hold her close when they slept. He would spoon her, let her lay her head on his chest, and let her get used to their closeness. And he never complained about their sexless marriage so far. Enzo never complained about anything. He was so disciplined and so proper. She couldn't pinpoint any imperfection in that man. Lily began to feel bad for rejecting him because her body had started to crave him. Demand for him. It must be hormones, it was her ovulation period. That was why she was avoiding sex. She didn't want to fall pregnant so soon. Once this was over, she could get on the pill.Lily picked out her lab coat from the closet after she had gotten ready for the day. Enzo was already waiting for her at the table, reading The New York Times with serious scrutiny. "Good morning." She gave him a quick kiss on his stubbled jaw. He folded the newspaper and placed it on the table. "Morn
The Alliance Grudge
"My father was a good man, he was honorable and charitable even to the ones who never deserved any of it. I'm thankful to everyone who is here to mourn and pay respect to my dearest Papa. May he rest in peace." Antonio's dark, somber-looking eyes dampened as he looked down at his father's black casket. He ended the speech in tears and thanked everyone who attended the funeral. Matteo Russo and a few other male members of the Russo family including his grandson Saint also attended the funeral to pay respect to Guieseppe. Antonio had invited them over for a very important discussion for both of their families. They all gathered inside Antonio's office and got seated on the black leather seats. Matteo was obviously not comfortable coming here after the short dispute they had at the nightclub. "I cannot thank you enough for attending. I thought you would hold a grudge and not come." The corner of Antonio's eyes crinkled as he smiled. "Giuessppe was a good friend of mine. I could ne
The Alliance Forgive
Thick blue veins popped up on uncle Giovanni's forehead. He rubbed the corner of his eye and clicked his tongue in disapproval. "Why do you want Fredo out of prison? He's a fucking murderer." Enzo twisted the wedding band on his finger, a habit he picked up recently. "I forgive him.""Forgive him? Cazzo!" Uncle Giovanni stared at Enzo from the passenger seat as if he had just lost his reasoning. "He murdered your parents, raped your wife's mother, and you forgive him?" His expression contorted with contempt. "If I were you, I would only get that bastard out of prison to kill him myself!" uncle Giovanni snapped, poking his finger at his ribs. "I've made my decision," Enzo said with the rightful authority of a Don. Once Enzo's decision is made, then moving mountains would seem easier rather than changing his decision. Uncle Giovanni knew that more than anyone else, so he lifted his hands in surrender, but he was still riled up. "Your nonna made a big mistake by choosing you as her su
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The Alliance Epilogue 2
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
The Alliance Epilogue one
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
The Alliance Just married!
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
The Alliance Mother
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
The Alliance Revelations
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
The Alliance Ares and Aphrodite
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
The Alliance Written in blood
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
The Alliance Brick by brick
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
The Alliance Bloody red wedding
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
