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The Alliance I give you my word
BANG!Saint tore out a shout of raw pain when a bullet ripped a hole through his shoulder. The metal blade swept against the tarred road. A metallic corrode of blood reeked the air, drooling towards the ground.Carlo was quick to shoot. This won't kill Saint. Couldn't risk finishing the bastard and holding up the wedding for his funeral.The brief yet cutthroat interaction with the bear had given him the obvious notion that Saint Russo was an impulsive prick who will act on screwing up before thinking things over first."This alliance is important for both families. Matteo and I made an agreement. I'm helping you settle the debts with the Colombians." Enzo reasoned. Hoping he stuffed some sense into the burley bastard."Save it." Saint raised his left hand, gesturing Enzo to shut up, his face like a white sheet of scrunched-up paper. "Nonno told me everything." He bit out, bearing teeth."Russo will go extinct if you don't seek my help, and I know you all are too prideful to do that."
The Alliance The red wedding
Rosalina and the rest of Lily's female cousins had gotten ready in their off-shoulder pink bridesmaid dresses with their hair and makeup done. All of them looked like an army of pink. It was Rosalina's favorite color, and she was stubborn enough to make PINK and white the theme for the venue."All good?" Lily asked, checking herself in the mirror.Gosh, it was hot in here. The dress barely let her breathe as it is and the hot weather made her sweat like a pig.Rosalina dabbed a bead of sweat off of Lily's face with a tissue. "Yes, except you.""I need to go outside and some fresh air. I need to breathe." Lilliana snatched the glass of cold lemon juice from Isabella's hand and chucked it down into her mouth. A heave of ease left her glossy lips as soon as the coolness settled in her throat."No!" Nonna scolded. "You can't let your groom see you before the wedding. It's bad luck.""FYI. Her husband hasn't arrived yet." Rosalina informed, pouring herself a glass of lemon juice.Lily furr
The Alliance Mend your wounds
"Did Saint do this to you?" Lily opened the medical kit and looked for the supplies to suture the wound. Good thing they keep these in handy. "Yes," Enzo answered as he sat back on the chair and waited for her. Her eyes trailed on the shadows etched over his taut and tanned body. So well-defined. Like the man was carved out of granite. She cleared her throat and examined the wound. "Sweet Jesus..." The gash on his shoulder was pretty deep, and it was awkwardly plastered with gauze earlier before she removed it and disinfected it. God knows if Saint ever cleans his machete after butchering people like they were pigs. Enzo could have at least gone to a hospital before it got infected, but no, he was stubborn to show up at the wedding in time. Vincenzo Salvadori, her husband, is the most iron-willed man she'd ever met. "Why didn't you tell me before..." she asked softly, placing the supplies on the chair next to him. "I didn't want to." "Why?" "I already told you why." He countere
The Alliance Wolf in a sheep's clothing
After finishing the tiresome photoshoot, each of Enzo's relatives introduced themselves as they placed money in the satin bag Lily was holding.It was Italian tradition for the guests to give money to the bride and groom, and Lily felt the weight of blood money from both families piling up in her hands."What should we do with all this money?" Lily whispered to her husband."It's yours. Use it however you want." Enzo answered impassively. He doesn't care. Why would he when he makes millions in a week? The money in the bag wouldn't even sum up the tiniest fraction of what he earns.Lily decided it would be best if she donated it to an NGO one of her friends worked in as a nurse. Thinking it will go for a good cause.All of Enzo's aunts (The wives of his uncles) were pleasant people. All chatty and lively, just like the women on Lily's side of the family. They exchanged cheek kisses and pleasantries with Lily, which made Lily feel a lot more safe entering the Salvadori territory. Their
The Alliance The Dance
"What are you thinking?" Lily's attention shifted from the mingling guests and met Enzo's stare. He had been watching her for a while. Enzo clasped their hands together, drawing lazy circles on her knuckles.Sizzles of electricity danced in that place. His touch seized to awaken her body with an electrocuting awareness.Does Enzo feel the same too?She couldn't help but wonder."I've been thinking...""About?""My mama and papa," Lily answered softly. "It's hard not having them here.""I see." His long-held stare shrunk the world around her until it was only him and her. The chatting guests, symphonic piano, and guitar played by the band all fade into a distance like a mist.His lids drooped down, holding emotions. Emotions that mirrored hers. As if he dearly missed someone, too. "My mama would have loved you." He said, the rough edges of his voice smoothening down."Why do you say that?" She asked, her hand going up to hold his hand tight. She wanted to comfort him out of whatever gr
The Alliance Wedding night
Once the reception was over, they headed straight to the register's office to get their marriage certificates. Lily had also insisted on getting his blood tested at the nearby hospital to look out for any infections. Later, he got injected to kill any pathogens left in his body.After a grueling day and night, they finally retired to the Salvadori mansion.Both of them had decided they won't be having a honeymoon because this was merely a marriage of convenience.This was her decision, and Enzo respected it. She didn't want to get physically involved with him until she was emotionally and mentally prepared.She wondered how people could separate sex from love. Fortunately or unfortunately, this wasn't the case for her. If she had sex with no sort of emotional attachment with Enzo, she might feel used by him.She would end up resenting Enzo for that reason.Having a physical relationship with Enzo didn't appall her. It was the exact opposite. She wanted his touch against her skin. The
The Alliance Family is everything
Enzo stirred as he woke up from his six-hour slumber with a boner hard enough to pound a nail, after feeling Lily's soft body pressed to his chest. Lily's delicious scent of vanilla and roses greeted him first thing in the morning. He hadn't realized when she had rolled over to his side or whether it was a conscious move. When she was close enough, he pulled her to his side, and she nuzzled into him, seeking comfort. He couldn't tell what Lily really felt about him. She liked him enough to let him kiss her but didn't trust him enough to entrust her body to him. Her mind wanders whenever she looked at him. As if she was making a comparison of him with someone else. Lily didn't love him. She loved Ethan Vitiello. Her good-as-dead lover. The thought of Lily loving some other man left a trail of bitter aftertaste inside him. He had never loved a woman before. Apart from his Mama and Nonna. They were family, and he was bound to love them. But getting romantically involved with someone w
The Alliance Make love
Lily got up from the bed and looked around the artless room. She hadn't gotten the chance to explore the mansion last night since she was too exhausted and all she wanted was to get some sleep.She went to the bathroom to wash off the grogginess from her face and brushed her teeth. After she was done freshening, she went downstairs to look for her husband.The mansion was what she would describe as picturesque. Those curious brown doe-eyes of hers explored the place like she was looking around an art museum.She took cautious steps down the black-and-white checkered floor, tracing her fingers against the smooth, pale blue walls that had intricate golden designs on them while peering up at the wide-arched white ceiling. The Salvadori mansion was enormous, and she felt like a Lilliputian in this vast palace-like structure.It felt strange to be here. In a stranger's house. She would not be treated like a stranger in this place, but deep down Lily began feeling homesick.As she strolled
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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
