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The Alliance On good terms
BANG! The gun went off with a blaze, pushing her lithe body with brute force and her butt collided against the hard floor. "Ow!" Lily hissed, crimps of pain appearing under her eyes. Enzo pulled her up by the armpits to help her stand on her feet. "Your hands are shaking, relax first." He placed the handgun back in Lily's hand. Lily held the gun in place, aiming at the target, but her hands were clammy and unstable against the cool metal weapon. She sucked in a deep breath, to bring her jittery nerves to calm. "Now concentrate on the target." He said against her ear as he lifted her armed hands, like balancing a house of cards. Careful and so incredibly patient. BANG!The bullet barely touched the target. "Don't give up, try again." He kept encouraging her. They were inside the indoor shooting range since this morning and she was already worn out after an hour of practice. He wanted her to get rid of her phobia of guns and gunshots and she had pretty much gotten over that fear
The Alliance Allies
"These pastries have peanuts in them." The server nodded at the neatly arranged desserts. Lily had peanut allergies so she wanted to stay far, far away from them. So she looked for something else to satiate her appetite. Chocolate brownies caught her attention. "How about these?""They are safe." The server offered a plate of brownies for her. She thanked him and made herself comfortable at a nearby table. The brownies melted on her taste buds like smooth butter. It was so good. Her hunger made it taste even better. "Hey! You!" A child's voice called from behind. Her head turned over her shoulder and saw a boy no more than six or seven snapping at the servers. "Get me my pastries, stupid." The child shouted. Lily's eyes widened with shock at the child's audacity. "Hey, you can't talk to people this way." Lily scolded from her table, a piece of brownie still hanging from her fork. The boy flipped his strawberry blonde hair which was cut into a sleek fade. He glared at her, milk tee
The Alliance Fool
The curtains felt like a blessing. Now they didn't have to wake up every morning with the sun blinding them. Last night went by in a blur. Fabiano was okay and that was a relief. They had come home near midnight and she was bone-tired, so she fell asleep on Enzo's chest after changing clothes. Lily woke up feeling someone rubbing her bare back inside her shirt and to the rapid tempo of heartbeats in her right ear. She slowly blinked her eyes open, frowning. "What time is it?" She groaned."Seven." Enzo had already woken up before she did. He woke up at 4 in the morning and watched her sleep. At first, she was a bit mortified but got a hang of it eventually. He liked watching her sleep. She buried her face into his neck and felt his muscles flex. Her fingertips circled around the tattoo on his chest. An intricate picture of a skull laying on a full-bloomed lily. "What does this tattoo mean?" "Life and Death." He said as he resumed stroking her. A shiver ran up her spine when he trac
The Alliance Fate
"After he died, I saw you at church. On your knees, crying, heartbroken." He said, running his fingers through her hair. "That's when I knew I needed to wait.""You... why?" Her chin wobbled. "Why would you wait for me?"Deep, fervent purpose sparkled in his eyes like burning coals. "Because I've inked you in my mind far deeper than any tattoo on my body. I'd have to rip my soul out if I wanted to get you out of my head." His words stirred her heart. It was far, far too intense than any proclamation of love. It was a proclamation of obsession. "Was I worth the wait?" "You are." He rested her forehead against hers, breathing her air. "Nothing gives me more peace than knowing that you're mine. In my bed, in my arms as my wife." He kissed her deep and slow, all the way down to her neck. His hand slid under the shirt to cup her breast. She moaned, throwing her head back. A layer of shivers coasted her entire body as he took off her shirt, exposing her.Gently, he pushed her back on the
The Alliance Little snitch
Enzo finished getting attired in his immaculate gray suit. Today, he had a meeting with the CEO of Salvadori Constructions. He had cleared all of his schedules for the past few days since he wanted to spare time for his wife. He loved every second he spent with her and wanted to bottle each and every memory and take it with him. He opened the drawer to get his silver Rolex when he spotted a small box of pills inside. He picked it up to read what it was and his blood stilled. The scent of vanilla and roses infiltrated his nose as Lily stepped out of the shower, wringing her wet hair with a towel. "Care to tell me what this is?" His voice had dropped to an uncanny calm. Lily winced, her gaze dropping to the pills in his hand. "Pills." "Pills for what, Lily?" He clipped, teeth clenched. She licked her lips, getting nervous. She stood still, fidgeting with her dripping hair. "C-contraceptive..." Frigid anger spread across his veins like frostbite. The thought of Lily not wanting to
The Alliance Till death do us apart
It was already close to midnight and Enzo hadn't arrived yet. Though he had told her he would be late, she couldn't help but worry and she couldn't bring herself to sleep either. Elena's garden looked a lot more tranquil in the nighttime. Fireflies floated by in the darkness. She lit the pale yellow tiki torches and decided to take a stroll while she was in there. Chirping noises coming from the lovebird's cage drew Lily's attention. The poor bird fluttered its wings, chirping aloud. Its mate had died recently maybe that's why it was so restless. Lily opened the cage and it fluttered away. A few seconds later, it came back to its cage on its own. "It knows that a cage is a safe place and that you care for it. So it will always come back even if you free it." Enzo's deep voice slit the night's silence. "I had told you to sleep early." He said from the doorway that led to the back garden. She sighed. "Couldn't sleep without you." An unsaid emotion passed his face in the dark. He
The Alliance Grim truth
The smell of cheese filled the kitchen. The female voice of a CNN news reporter came from the living room as Lily stirred the sauce for carbonara. Lily enjoyed cooking for Enzo. It was also one of her favorite hobbies besides gardening. Nonna taught every girl in the family how to cook and do basic house chores so they didn't have to hire servants because 'It saved money'. Nonna was a bit stingy because she had come from a humble background. Nonna had called a few times to check up on her. To see if she was okay. Lily couldn't be more okay. She was practically bubbling with happiness whenever she was with Enzo. Two months had flown by so quickly. She couldn't believe how close they had gotten. Yet, there were still some things Lily hadn't known about him. About his parents. About their family's past. Enzo was evasive whenever she touched on that topic. So Lily thought it was best if she tried to find the answers from someone else in this house. "What was Enzo's mother like?"
The Alliance Run.
[TRIGGER WARNING: The following chapter contains drug abuse, explicit language, violence, and trauma.] "I killed her." His gritted out, tension in his voice. "Hope you're satisfied with this naked truth of mine." "I-I don't understand..." Dread surfaced on her beautiful face. "You loved your mamma, Enzo." She whispered. "Why?" She wanted the truth? Fine. "My father was an abusive bastard. He beat up my mother every fucking day. I used to take the abuse for her, but he still hurt her, if not with fists then with words." His jaw clenched and unclenched. Tension turned palpable in the air like dreary dark storm clouds. "Leo was sent to nonna's so he wouldn't have to see the shit my father was doing to our Mamma. She wanted to protect Leo, but I stayed because I wanted to protect her." His lungs weighed a ton in his ribcage. Veins popped against the thick skin of his clenched fists. "Then one day when I came home from school, I saw my father on top of her on the kitchen floor. He
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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
