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No pain, no gain
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The Alliance Birthday Girl
ROSALINA'S POV"Happy birthday, Rose!"Grinning, I walked towards Selena at the bar of the boisterous nightclub and gave her a big hug. It was April 5th. My birthday and I couldn't believe how fast time had flown by. I blew the candle on top of a small chocolate cupcake with pink frosting and colorful sprinkles on top. I turned twenty-three this day, but I didn't feel any different. I was still the same old me. The loud, outspoken, and opinionated girl. I was a living example that maturity didn't always come with age."I have a gift for you!"Excitement bubbled inside me as Selena pulled out a gift-wrapped box from her bag."Thank you so much, Selena!" I said, eagerly taking the box from her. With shaky hands, I carefully unwrapped the box, revealing a pair of beautiful golden earrings. They were small and delicate with a shimmer to them that made them glint in the dim lighting of the club."These earrings are absolutely stunning!" I exclaimed, holding one up to my ear. My fondness fo
The Alliance Barbie girl
ROSALINA'S POVSebas's car was a silent torture chamber, and I felt like I was serving a life sentence with no possibility of parole for my musical crimes. "Can I play some music? I'll pay extra if you want since it's my birthday.""Your Nonno pays me enough," He said, unamused. "But go ahead and play it if you want."Filled with anticipation, I retrieved my phone and linked it to the car's audio setup. I quickly selected my favorite playlist and hit the play button.I played Barbie Girl by Aqua. My forever favorite. The upbeat pop song filled the car, and I couldn't help but bop my head to the rhythm."I'm a Barbie girl in a Barbie world...""Imagination, that is your creation..."I sang, grooving with the music like no one was watching.However, after just a few seconds, Sebas's hand shot out and turned off the music. "Are you trying to kill me?" Sebas exclaimed, his eyes glued to the road ahead."What? It's just music," I protested."That's not music, that's demonic," he countered.
The Alliance Want
LEONARDO'S POVI squinted as the bright lights of the stadium flooded my vision. The roaring crowd was deafening as I stood there, helmet in hand. I glanced over at Tristan, who had his arm around my shoulder."Man, I can't believe you talked me into this," I muttered to him, shaking my head. "You damn well know that I'm a fighter, not a football player, Tris."Tristan laughed, clapping me on the back. "Relax, Leo. You've got this. Just think of it like a fight. Tear them down as you do in the cage."Oh, all I wanted was to win to prove my place. That was what I thrived for in life. To win. To conquer. I worried for them more than I worried for myself. They might break a bone or two because of me. I was used to fighting one-on-one, not in a group of eleven. The gazes of the opposite team were on me alone, fear lingering behind their eyes. I wasn't surprised – I towered over most of them, my muscular build and scars a testament to my years spent in the cage. Additionally, the gossip t
The Alliance Heir
LEONARDO'S POV "So what's the matter?" inquired my cousin Stefano, who was of the same age as me. He was sprawled on the poolside lounge chair, basking in the cool night as we all did. Stefano and his younger brother Alessio dropped out a long time to take part in the family business, I was the only one in the group who was attending college and I might as well drop out if not for... her. "Woman," I muttered, sipping my iced Coke. "What woman?" Stefano asked, sitting up now, intrigued. "A woman with a dangerous last name." Lucio, who was lounging on a nearby chair, perked up at the mention of a dangerous surname. "What, like 'Smith'?" he joked, earning a chuckle from Stefano. "Worse, she's Russo." As I mentioned the name Russo, a sudden silence fell upon the group. Alessio, who had been engrossed in a Playboy magazine, looked up with a furrowed brow. Stefano's smile vanished, and Luca, who had been sipping on a can of soda spat it out and coughed. "You're joking, right?" Alessi
The Alliance Backfired
LEONARDO'S POVLucio used his credit card to arrange a straight line of white cocaine powder before snorting it deep into his nose. As the Coke hit his system, Lucio's eyes widened. He tilted his head back and let out a long, satisfied sigh. He legit looked like he had just came inside his pants. He was just 18 years old, and his addiction only seemed to be getting worse. "Your Papa seriously approves of you taking drugs?" I asked him as I took a seat next to the table."Trust me. He doesn't give a fuck." Lucio snorted. "All he cares about is himself.""He is meeting up with some chick in Chicago," Luca said, rubbing his powdered nose. "Mamma is heartbroken about it."Cheating husbands were not a new phenomenon in the Cosa Nostra. It wasn't even a deal breaker for most wives. But that didn't mean they were alright with it, unless the husband was providing for the family in a sufficient way. The possibility of never being content with just one woman was a factor in my decision to avoi
The Alliance Grow up
LEONARDO'S POV "So, what did you find out?" I asked Enzo as I poured him and myself a glass of whiskey from the bar inside our family mansion. "The man's name is Alessandro. He was the one who supplied the guns. He must have thought we'd suspect Max for tampering with the guns." My brother took a sip of his whiskey and leaned against the bar with his elbow propped up to the wooden counter. "But why would he do that?" I asked, puzzled. "He's a competitor. He runs his own gun smuggling operation, and he saw an opportunity to eliminate some competition," Enzo explained. "He is also secretly commissioned by the Armando family." The Armando family was one of the most powerful and influential crime families in the city. They controlled most of the illegal activities, from drug trafficking to prostitution, and were constantly expanding their empire. For years, they had been our rivals and tensions between our families were always on the edge. I nodded my head, letting the information si
The Alliance A night in Miami
LEONARDO'S POVWhen I stepped out of the balcony of the luxurious resort, Miami spread before me in all it's purplish, vibrant glory. The city sung with life, the sounds of celebration and merrymaking reverberated through its streets. The sparkling mix of yellow, red and pink neon lights twinkled like stars, illuminating the cityscape with a dazzling glow. Inside, the festivity raged on, the thumping music emanating from the walls a testament to our victorious college football game. The liveliness of the night coursed through my veins, my heart racing with the electric fervor that permeated this enchanting city.Taking one from the pack, I carefully held the cigarette between my fingers and positioned it between my lips. As I sparked my trusty lighter, a brilliant blaze of orange and yellow sparked to life before me. The flame danced a tantalizing tango as I brought it to the tip of my cigarette, igniting the rich tobacco within. The smoke curled and swirled, forming a wisp of hazy bl
The Alliance A-hole brother
LEONARDO'S POVIt took me a few seconds to realize I wasn't in my own bed. Instead, I was in the hotel room, butt naked. As the sleep-induced fog cleared my mind, the memories of last night came crashing down on me like a load of bricks. I groaned inwardly. Fucking orgies.Two of the team's cheerleaders were sleeping soundly beside me, their naked bodies tangled together and barely covered by the sheets. I guess there were more, but they left after the orgy ended and I was dragged inside this room by these two demanding more sex. My head was pounding like someone had knocked me out with a hammer. I swam in a lake of vodka last night. One thing that I fucking hated about myself was that I think too little of the consequences. Enzo was right, my promiscuity was getting out of hand.I picked up my phone from my pant pocket that was discarded on the floor and saw several missed calls from Nonna. A sharp sense of guilt shot through me. I walked put my boxers back on and walked towards the
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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
