*capiche--- Do you understand?
"I know that look," Sarah said with a sly look on her face. "Someone's having a good time with her husband." She teased.Lily immediately went red and hid her face behind the file she was studying, trying not to squeal. Sarah had been a tease ever since she went out on that date with Enzo. Things had been wonderful for them, and it would be more blissful if they welcomed a baby very soon. Although it's not confirmed yet, Lily could tell by the sex marathon they were having that it was very much possible. "Oh by the way," Sarah whispered. "I'm dating Dr. Richard." Lily's jaw dropped. "For real?!"Sarah gave a sheepish grin. "Tell me about it!" Lily persisted.Sarah playfully rolled her eyes and leaned close. "It's a long story, but I'll keep it short. Well, his date broke things off with him and he was planning to go to the movies with her, but since they broke up, he asked me if I wanted to go with him and I was like, why not? Then things escalated after that...""Wow..." Lily exha
The car drove further and further away from the city. Lily hugged herself tight, sitting in the middle of two men made her want to squeeze into a ball. They were silent the whole time and didn't dare to touch her inappropriately. If they did then Antonio would have given them a worse faith than death. Lily tried to peek out of the window to see where they were heading when Scarface gave her a glare that could kill. She gulped a dry saliva and stared straight ahead. The car pulled over outside the gates of an enormous penthouse. The lights were still on inside the building. Which meant it was occupied. To her worst luck, there weren't any people nearby for her to scream for help. "Get out." Scarface ordered after he got out first. Lily jumped out of the SUV and followed the two men inside the gates. Hot and cold sweats dribbled down her back realizing why Antonio had chosen this place. He wanted to violate her. A shudder crept up her spine and she prayed to the heavens for Enzo to
[TRIGGER WARNING: Contains violence.] Hell broke loose, bringing all of Enzo's demons into the warzone. Blood red obscured Enzo's vision and he was no less than a raging bull. Ready to trample anything that got in his way. A sea of dead men lay before him, but his bloodlust wasn't quenched yet. Not until he ripped out Antonio's soul to shreds. Saint Russo must be wreaking havoc inside Antonio's mansion right now and Leo returned from the hunt for Rosalina at the abandoned factory where Antonio and his men trafficked women and children. Lily wasn't found in either of those locations so he guessed they must have dragged her here in this penthouse. That's when he took notice of the pistol he had given Lily for protection laying under the sofa. She was here. His grip on the blood-dripping knife tightened as he stormed towards one of the closed rooms. The door was locked from the inside. Fucking hell. With a brutal swing of his muscular leg, Enzo kicked open the door. The wooden slab b
"They broke her legs, but don't worry. The doctors said she'll recover." Leo said on the phone. "Was she... did they..." Did they rape her? Lily couldn't bring herself to say the word. "No, no they didn't. I shot them down before they could get her." Fury and vengeance seeped out of Leo's timbre. Leo sounded like he was the one who was hurt more by this incident. When did they get so close? Didn't they hate each other? "Thank you, Leo. For saving her." Lily said softly. "Nothing to thank me for, Lily. I did this for myself." He gave a breathy chuckle with no humor in it. "And also, tell your family to get over here so they can take care of her." "Saint already informed them. They'll be there soon." "Okay, catch you up later." "Okay. Bye." Lily cut the call and shifted to Enzo who sat on the armchair with his elbows on his knees. His head hung low and pensive as a mixture of blood and sweat trickled down from his forehead. As if he was contemplating the ordeal that had occu
A cold shiver woke Lily up from her deep slumber. She blinked her hazy eyes open to see Enzo dressed in a white dress shirt and black pants talking to someone on the phone. When he noticed she was awake, he cut the call and redirected his attention to her. "Who was that on the phone?" She asked, voice husky from sleep."Your nonno. He wants you back home." He said.She yawned and stretched her arms. "Why? Is everything okay?"Enzo gave her a blank look. "I've already packed your stuff. You'll stay there from now on." He said callously. Lily frowned at his sudden coldness. "What do you mean I'll stay there from now on? This is my home now. I'll come back.""No, you won't." He said sharply. "We are getting divorced."It took a while for her to digest what he had just told her. She blinked with absolute confusion on her face. "Divorce?" Did she hear it right? Enzo's jaw clenched together in anger. "I'm divorcing you, Lilliana." Anxiety rose from the depths like a tsunami, and she str
They ate breakfast in silence which felt like a thick blanket of fog, muffling all sounds except for the scraping of silverware against porcelain plates. Leo watched them with an awkward expression as he poked holes in his pancakes with a fork out of insufferable boredom. "I'm full. Thanks for the food, Sasha." Leo pushed his plate away like a picky child and got up from the table, leaving behind a half-eaten pancake. "Finish your food, Leonardo." Sasha chided him. Wasting food was her biggest peeve. "Nah, I'd rather eat at a funeral than with these two dummies." Leo scoffed, wagging his finger at them. "If you're finished then get out," Enzo said in a steely tone. "With pleasure." Leo snorted and walked away coolly, twirling his car key around his finger. "Why aren't you dropping me off?" Lily asked Enzo who was wiping his mouth with a clean napkin after finishing his meal. "I have to leave for an important meeting." He said nonchalantly as if he hadn't broken her heart
"You look like shit." Leo tsked, shaking his head. "Ever heard of skincare, bro?"Enzo pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration. He felt like banging Leo's head with a metal pole right now. The little prick was annoying the hell out of him these days, taunting him for leaving Lily."To be honest, Enzo. If I were your wife, I would have dumped your ass a lot sooner." Leo grinned. "Cause you're boring as fuck.""Are you done?" Enzo asked menacingly. His patience was at the edge of a cliff now. One more insult and Leo was losing a goddamn tooth."Nope, not until you take Lily back," Leo crossed his arms to his tattooed chest."I've made my decision. It's better if she stayed with the Russos." Enzo went back to reviewing the documents that needed his signature."Take her back, you bastard!"Pak!Enzo's face stood firm even after Leo's slap came out of nowhere. That's it. He has had enough of this brat's tantrums.Leo made an I'm-so-fucked expression and stepped back with his arms up
"What's wrong, Lily?" Rosalina rose a doubtful brow, sitting in a wheelchair with thick layers of plaster covering her legs. Lily got up from the bed and hugged Rose tight. "I love you.""You're being weird," Rose murmured.Lily chuckled, but the weight of the heavy, unbearable reality weighed her frail shoulders. She kissed Rose's cheek and let out a weary sigh. "Don't tell me you have a brain tumor you've been hiding for years and you're about to die soon." Rose gasped, her hands flying to her cheek. "Is that why you're being so extra clingy?"Lily could help but laugh. She smudged the tears from the corner of her eyes. "No! It's just that... I missed you.""Aww, missed you too, Lily." Rose fluttered her long lashes, giving a sarcastic smile. "But seriously, what's wrong?" Lily's shoulders slouched. There was no point in hiding it. "Enzo left me." Rose's mouth dropped to her lap. "Okay?" She frowned. "But why?" "Nonno told him to divorce me..." "That testa di cazzo!" Rose mutt
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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