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Don't ever lie
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The Alliance Please let it spark
ROSALINA'S POVThe lobby, usually buzzing with the hum of gossip and lively chatter of old ladies, felt like a tomb tonight. Pushing open the heavy oak door, I inhaled the stale air, the scent of dust and disinfectant a familiar comfort.Frankie, perched on his stool by the elevator, looked up. His weathered face, usually etched with a lively grin, was creased with concern. "Hey, Frankie, how have you been?" I forced a smile, the words hollow in my throat.He sighed. "Oh, I've been fine and dandy, young lady. Same as always, watching the world go round from my little corner."My smile faltered. "I bought you some food," I mumbled, the paper bag heavy in my hand. "Italian, of course.""Always," he rumbled, his voice a low tremor. His calloused fingers brushed mine as he took the bag, sending a jolt through me that had nothing to do with the touch. It was the unspoken question hanging in the air, thicker than the aroma of simmering marinara."I forgot to mention," he said, his voice ba
The Alliance Dance of love and betrayal
ROSALINA'S POVMy fingers trembled as I hit the call button. Even in the mirrored dressing room, I felt the heat blooming on my cheeks. This was madness, calling Alessio again, but the uncertainty gnawed at me like a starving beast."Hey, Rose," He said, with a hint of hesitation. "Alessio," I swallowed. "Is Leo…" I couldn't bring myself to finish the question. The possibility of him not being there, in the audience tonight, was unthinkable. Leo was mad, I knew that, but this conflict was fixable. We just needed to talk it out.A sigh, heavy and final, hung heavy on the line. "Yeah, about that…""Just tell me!""Look," Alessio's voice tinged with a sympathy I wasn't sure I deserved. "Move on. Leo… he's not coming. He's moved on."Moved on? How could he? After everything we had? "No," I choked, a strangled sob escaping my lips. "Please, Alessio. Just make him come, talk to him. After the performance, just five minutes, that's all I ask."Silence stretched on the line. Then, hesitantl
The Alliance First Act
LEONARDO'S POVThe stage lights, harsh and unforgiving, sliced through the gloom of the opera house in the heart of Manhattan, casting long shadows on the velvet seats where I sat. Two of Rosalina's female cousins squealed when the curtains lifted, but all I saw was her. Dressed in a white feather costume, gliding across the polished wood like a graceful swan.But it wasn't just her that held me captive. It was the unnamed dancer whose hand brushed hers with an intimacy that sent a viper of jealousy slithering through my veins. Their steps, synchronized yet separate, spoke a language I could barely decode. My gaze narrowed on his hand on the curve of her waist, the way the back of his hand grazed her cheek. Was it the choreography or the intimacy they shared off-stage? The thought of another man's hands over her body, that I had claimed for myself triggered the green-eyed monster gnawing at my soul. With each spin, her tutu became a blur, a white cloud swirling around her. But then,
The Alliance Dance of the black swan
ROSALINA'S POV Kohl-black eyeliner went on thick, contrasting against my pale skin, matching the obsidian feathers now adorning my costume. The red contacts stung a little, but they were worth it. No more watery hazel, these eyes gleamed like embers.My heart hammered in my chest, not the timid flutter of the innocent swan, but the fierce thump of a predator. This was me, Rosalina, unleashed. The white swan might have fooled them, made them see me as the fragile victim. But the black swan? She was vengeance in feathers.Archer stood in the doorway, his jaw clenched tighter than usual. Ever since Liora ended up with a fracture, Archer had been in a grim mood.He reached for my hand. "Don't mess this up," he warned, his voice rough."Don't worry," I smiled, my voice wrapped with a newfound confidence. "I'm gonna make them tremble."***ROSALINA'S POV(18 years old) (Flashback)In Dr. Emily's office.Tick.Tick.Tick.Pale blue walls, the scent of lavender oil barely masking the steril
The Alliance Taken away
ROSALINA'S POV"Remember what the doctor said? Your leg needs time to heal, and any extra strain from dancing could slow down the process or even make it worse. We want you back on your feet soon, so let's focus on following the recovery plan and hold off on the dancing for a bit." My eyes turned deaf to any sort of consolation from Mr. Bennett.This injury feels like a cruel joke. Everything I've ever pushed myself for, every sacrifice, every aching muscle... for this? To miss the chance that defined my entire career path? Valentina's curse replayed in the back of my hazed mind, clear as a lucid nightmare. "I hope you never dance again." She said. And that was what had happened. I missed the biggest opportunity of my life."What about the show?" I asked.Mr. Bennett's eyes turned to Sophia standing at the corner. "Sophia will play the final, Odette. Since she looks like you a little and with the makeup, the audience will barely notice a thing." "I'm so sorry, Ro," Sophia said, her
The Alliance The basement
LEONARDO'S POV"I'm gonna cut you a deal, one that could bring the ballerina back, but only if you play it smart.""And here I thought you played on the wrong side of the field, officer," My fingers clenched around the phone, knuckles white with a fury that pulsed through my veins like molten lava. "Do you know where she is?"Matthews sighed a deep rumble. "Three possibilities, Salvadori. Their warehouse basement is a concrete hellhole, they keep their trafficked victims there before they get shipped off. Their private penthouse. Or the Armando mansion."My mind raced, fueled by a desperate need to choose, to act, to do anything that brought me closer to her. But I couldn't do this alone. "The warehouse," I finally growled, the word tasting sour on my tongue. "We start there, tear it apart if we have to, but we don't stop until we find her.""Alright, Salvadori," he rumbled, his voice gaining an edge of steel. "We hit the concrete hellhole first."I knew this game, knew the dance of
The Alliance Gun war
LEONARDO'S POVI checked the magazine of my precious Kalashnikov, feeling the weight of the bullets in my hand. My cousins were doing the same with their weapons. Luca and Lucio had their Desert Eagle gun, Alessio, and Stefano Colt-Ar 15 rifle. We won't stop until each one of Antonios' men ends up rotting under the stone. We had been planning this for months, ever since we learned that Antonio Armando was behind the kidnapping and trafficking of innocent women and children He had a network of warehouses across the city, where he kept his victims in cages, tortured them, and sold them to the highest bidder. He was a monster, and we were going to end him.Acting on a tip from Agent Matthews, the rogue FBI agent who had to infiltrate the Armando clan, swiftly moved to Antonio's main warehouse—the one with the basement—where he safeguarded his most valuable merchandise for his personal pleasure. We needed to act fast before he relocated them to another location.We parked our van a few
The Alliance Not without a fight
ROSALINA'S POVThe acrid smell of smoke hung in the air, blending with the bloody odor that marked the scene. The air solidified in my throat, a cold weight pinning me in place when I glanced at the gaping hole leaking red onto the harsh gray floor. I backed away until I hit the chilly, moist wall, unable to look away from Nina’s dead eyes staring back at me.I stumbled backward, desperately trying to distance myself from the macabre scene. The taste of bile clawed at the back of my throat, and before I could comprehend what was happening, my body betrayed me. I doubled over, retching violently as the contents of my stomach splattered onto the floor beside Nina's lifeless form. I wiped my mouth with the back of my trembling hand, tears streaming down my face.A mixture of grief and guilt washed over me, leaving me paralyzed in the dimly lit room. I clutched at my chest, my heart pounding in sync with the horrific images burned into my mind.Antonio snickered, "Aww, little ballerina go
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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
