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I have my ways
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The Alliance Proposal
Lily finished dabbing the foundation on her cheek to hide the bruise on her pale white skin. Her eyes were red and puffy after crying herself to sleep. Lily wasn't the type to overdo her makeup, she preferred being barefaced most times. "Does it look weird?" Lily asked her cousin Rose who was beside her with her arms crossed, staring at her. "Nope. The bruise is barely visible. I don't think anyone will notice." Rosalina grabbed a pink lipstick from her purse and applied the tint on Lily's lips. "A little more makeup won't hurt." Rose rubbed her lips together and Lily imitated her, spreading the strawberry-flavored pink on her lips. "All good now?" Lily asked for confirmation. "All good." Lily got up and picked up her handbag. "I'll head out now." And kissed her cheek. "Thanks for the makeup." Lily rushed downstairs to the kitchen to grab the homecooked lunch nonna had packed for her. She was already getting late for work. The moment she entered the kitchen the smell of somet
The Alliance Bound by duty
No, no, this can't be happening. This shouldn't be happening. Why is Nonno telling her to marry this man? What is going on? Several questions stormed inside Lily's head, and she couldn't come up with an answer to any of them. Her eyes darted between Enzo and Nonno, both of them glaring at her. "Sit," Nonno instructed, pointing at the nearest chair. His gray, flintstone-like eyes were so sharp they could draw blood. She did as he told, without uttering a sound. Now she sat in the middle of the two men, feeling like a deer trapped between two lions. She stared down at her lap and hoped a black hole would emerge beneath her feet and swallow her. Enzo got up, approached her, and reached his hand out to her face. As a response, she flinched away from a slap that never came. The pad of this rough thumb caressed her bruised cheek and surprisingly, it felt warm against her skin, contradicting his cold disposition. Enzo's eyes narrowed, oozing bloodlust. For a second she thought it was di
The Alliance Dinner Date
"Why did you agree to marry him, Lily?"Lily stopped brushing her silky brunette hair and glanced at Rose's reflection in the vanity mirror. Rose crossed her arms, a scowl marring her lovely face."This is the only way I can stop nonno from marrying me off some old man," Lily answered glumly and continued untangling her hair."He's not gonna marry you to some old geezer. He was gonna marry you off to the Armandos, and I heard Antonio Armando isn't an old geezer." Rose rebutted.Lily heaved a sigh. Antonio would be worse than an old geezer. "I had my own reasons to choose Enzo." She said. "I... trust him..."Rosalina glared at her. "You WHAT?""He's been honest with me the whole time even though he was insensitive about it..." Lily turned around to face Rose's hazel eyes, the golden specks glowering with anger."That won't change the fact that his family had my Papa killed!" Rose spat acid that corroded Lily's heart.Shakily, Lily held Rose's hands in hers. "I want to end this feud onc
The Alliance Stupid brother
"Why are we meeting the Russos again?" Leo's stomach growled like a starved wolf, restless for a hunt and craving to devour anything that it can sink its fangs in."They called us over for brunch." Enzo turned up the AC. The car got stuffier under the afternoon sun. Leo played Doja cat, then skipped to Drake. He sang along, bobbing his head in a rhythm with the tunes and screwing up the lyrics.He glanced at the rearview mirror. A black Bently and a Porche followed behind. "And why are we bringing our crackhead cousins along?" Leo raised an annoyed brow."Because they are our family." Enzo's eyes were glued to the road the whole time, his face rigid with authority. "And YOU, Leonardo, will make sure they behave. Is that clear?""Those clowns can babysit themselves." Leo drawled, yawning like a lazy tomcat.Enzo shot a deathly glare at his stupid brother. "If you screw up, Leo. I'll have your head impaled on a spike."Leo released a nervous chuckle. "Roger that." He scoffed."How is ev
The Alliance Crazy cousins
"What are you doing here, dipshit?" Rosalina's high-pitched voice shot up and so did her perfect brows. "Just came by to check up on your sassy ass, little monster," Leo purred, his voice down in a seductive ripple. Lily laughed awkwardly. Standing in between their scorching glares made her release cold sweats. "Since when did you two get along? You even have cute nicknames for each other." She swore to god she didn't mean to sound so sarcastic. Lily did a poor job trying to lighten up the mood. Rosalina hurled a contentious look at her. "I wasn't talking to you, Lily." She barked. Ouch, that burned. Leo let out a mean chuckle, craning his neck forward to meet Rosalina's eye level. Well, you're being a bitch today. What got your panties twisted, hm?" Leo questioned. "Don't act like you don't know what you did," Rosalina growled at him. Leo laughed it off like he heard a damn funny joke. "We should stop hating each other so much. We're gonna be FAMILY after all." Rosalina stuc
The Alliance Entertainment
Nonno ended the meeting in thirty minutes and the two Mafia heads arrived at the table, not to keep others waiting for too long.Lily's breath hitched when she spotted her devilishly handsome fiance. He wore white this time. A white shirt, black pants, and leather loafers, to be specific.The fabric clung to his chiseled body like a second skin and traces of black swirls of tattoos were vague through the thin material. She wanted to decode every bit of ink drawn on his tan skin that traveled all over his arms until it reached his wrists.Very much to her disappointment, he sat on her opposite instead of sitting beside her at the table, but he still held a soft gaze on her. Successfully making her heart flutter and blush crimson.The Salvadoris took over one side of the table and the Russos seized the other side. They were in the open surrounded by plantations and lush a garden bearing all kinds of sweet-smelling flowers. Yet she could barely breathe with so much animosity hanging in t
The Alliance His woman
Lily couldn't stop throwing up.Breakfast and lunch lurched out of her mouth in a violent mix and she held onto the toilet seat for support. Sirens blared in her head, her hands and feet numb and cold as the dead body of Marco Salvatore."Jesus Christ! Lily!" Rosalina rushed to her aid, rubbing her hand across Lily's back and gathering the waves of brunette hair up in a ponytail. Nonna came in, and her face paled."Are you okay now?" Nonna asked, caressing Lily's head.Lily faintly nodded. She staggered when she got back to her feet, but Rosalina's firm grip stopped her from cracking her head against the sink.Horrified, Lily stared at her blood-stained face and cried. Opening the faucet and taking handfuls of water, she slapped her face, rinsing off the blood with soap like she wanted to scrub her face off."I-I'm okay." Lily slurred, holding her throbbing head. "I-I n-need, w-water."Rosalina helped her get seated at the kitchen counter and got her a glass of water to drink. Lily gu
The Alliance Party over a funeral
"Do you regret killing Marco? Even a little bit?""Not even a little." Enzo inhaled a long drag of smoke as he watched Marco's coffin being brought down to a pit.Leo heaved out a beaten sigh. "You gave Lily the scare of a lifetime."Never once in his life did he regret his decisions. Once they are made and executed, there is no going back. Killing Marco was a choice. Anyone who touches a Made Man's woman deserved death.That's the rule of the Cosa Nostra. That's the rule he implemented in his kingdom, and whoever breaks it is never excused.But when things came to Lily, his chest tightened. Her doe eyes widened in mortal horror as she looked at him, tears streaming down her red-rimmed eyes as if she'd cried blood. That image had latched into his heart and mind and sucked his lifeblood like a leech.Lily was everything he wasn't. Kind, agreeable, docile, and everything that is pure and untainted.Everyone loved her. Everyone adored her.She wished the two families to get along, to for
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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
