LEONARDO'S POV"You messed with the wrong girl, Armando," I growled, my voice deepening with anger and a promise of impending violence. My muscles tensed as I cracked my neck and knuckles, taking a step forward."This is our turf, Salvadori. Leave while you still can," Andrae's threat fell weak as he stepped back out of fear. Such a little bitch."Your turf huh?" I tilted my neck, "Funny how you think you can send your rats to MY turf and think you can get away with it." Honestly, I hadn't come here tonight to start a brawl. My sole purpose was to find Rosalina and get the hell out of this place without any trouble. But when I saw Andrae preying on her, all reason went out the window. I really did not like it when someone messed with what was mine. "Leo, let's just go," Rosalina's voice trembled as she clung to my arm, her eyes pleading with me to defuse the situation. But the damage had been done, and I couldn't let this slide.Plus, it's been a while since I used my fists to good
ROSALINA'S POV"Did you kiss him?" His voice was so cold, so devoid of the Leo I knew, that I wondered if this was really coming from him. "Did you let him touch you?""Maybe I did. I don't even know anymore," I replied, as tears welled up in my eyes. I was still in shock from what had happened, and his harsh tone only made everything more surreal.Leo scoffed at my response. "Why? Were you drunk?"I shook my head, feeling a lump forming in my throat. "Drugged."Surprise flickered across Leo's face, replacing some of the anger. "What drug?""It's called the pink unicorn," I said, panic taking hold of me as I remembered the events of the night. "I don't even know anymore. Everything felt like a dream."Leo's grip on the steering wheel tightened, and he glanced at me with a mix of concern and anger. "The pink unicorn is a rape drug, Rosalina. It's what they use to traffic women."My heart sank, and I felt a wave of nausea wash over me. The reality of what had happened in that club was h
LEONARDO'S POVI couldn't believe how quickly she fell asleep just after coming on my fingers.The car's interior was filled with a peaceful silence, broken only by the soft hum of the engine and the occasional sound of Rosalina's breathing. I glanced at her sleeping form, her features relaxed in slumber, and a swell of tenderness took hold of me.I couldn't deny that I cared for this girl. More than I ever did for any woman. She had become someone I wanted to protect, to keep safe from harm. No matter how hard I thought about it, I couldn't figure out why I was obsessed with her, she didn't even like me...As I continued to drive towards the hospital, my eyes occasionally darted to the rearview mirror to steal glances at Rosalina's sleeping form.It was rare to see her like this, to witness a side of her that wasn't guarded or brimming with fiery independence. In this moment, she seemed like a different person, one who trusted me enough to let her guard down.Our relationship had alw
ROSALINA'S POVAn overbearing ache pressed onto my whole body as I tried to get up from the bed, making me feel like I had just run a marathon in my sleep. I fell back, blinking my eyes open against the harsh sunlight streaming through the windows. Why did I forget to close the curtains last night?Rising from the bed, I pushed myself up slowly, deliberately, my muscles protesting with every move. The sunlight, unforgiving in its brightness, washed over me, and I squinted, questioning my nocturnal curtain negligence.As I swayed slightly on my feet, a sudden surge of discomfort drowned me, more forceful than the earlier ache. It felt like a relentless grip tightening around my stomach. Panic prickled at the edges of my mind as I stumbled toward the bathroom door, desperately seeking relief.Without warning, my stomach rebelled, expelling its contents into the toilet in a violent, uncontrollable discharge. I groaned and clutched my stomach, a sharp pain pinning me like cold needles. I
ROSALINA'S POVAfter what felt like an eternity, Leo finally ended the call. "What did she say to you?" I asked Leo, hoping for some insight into their conversation.Leo grinned. "She said that time is running out for her, and I should marry you and give her some great-grandchildren soon."I blinked in disbelief, unsure if I had heard him correctly. "She DID NOT say that."He was obviously pulling my leg. "It's what she said," Leo said with a shrug. "I'm not marrying you!" I exclaimed, incredulous at the idea."Why not?" I stared at him, dumbfounded. "Why not? Are you serious? We don't even like each other."Then, without warning, he closed the gap between us, his strong arms encircling my waist, pulling me close. "I like you just fine," he murmured, his lips now tracing a path down my neck. "You're the one who always runs away from me." I forgot how to breathe. "That's not true, I... I..." I stammered, my voice faltering as his lips brushed against the sensitive skin of my nec
ROSALINA'S POVAs we sat down to eat, he gently grabbed my arm to stop me from taking a seat on the chair next to him. "You know, bella, this sandwich tastes even better when you're sitting on my lap."I arched an eyebrow, feigning surprise. "Oh, is that so?"Without waiting for a response, he patted his thigh. "Come on, then. Let's make this breakfast a bit more interesting."My throat went dry. Of course, I couldn't say no. I moved to straddle his lap, careful not to disturb our plates. Leo's strong arms wrapped around my waist, pulling me in close as he continued to eat his sandwich.As we ate, his fingers began to trace lazy circles on my lower back, slowly making their way down to my smooth, toned legs, and I couldn't help but let out a contented sigh. I was wearing nothing but a baggy Star Wars shirt and a thong so it practically felt close to skin-to-skin. "You know," I said, "I've never really cooked for a man apart from my Nonno before."Leo raised a curious brow."I guess
ROSALINA'S POVI knew it was supposed to hurt the first time, but I didn't think it would hurt THIS MUCH. Tears prickled my eyes, the pain making me freeze from head to toe. It was as though my body was being torn apart, and I clung to Leo desperately, my nails digging into his back, seeking some anchor from the discomfort.I tried to focus on his words as I took shaky, deep breaths. "That's it," he whispered against my mouth, his breath warm and calming. "Relax, baby." His words were like a soothing balm, and I held onto them like they were my life support. I bit his shoulder, seeking something tangible to hold onto, and Leo didn't flinch. Instead, he held me tighter, whispering reassurances and words of encouragement."You're my good girl," he murmured, his voice filled with an affection that warmed my spirit. "So tight around me. I'm going to make it better, baby. You're going to feel so good, I promise."My cries of pain gradually turned into gasps of pleasure. He continued to
LEONARDO'S POVI was a fucking idiot. I thought maybe, just maybe once I had her, I would finally pull myself out of this addiction. I was so fucking wrong. Instead, it felt like giving an addict the biggest hit of his life to cure his addiction, a temporary relief followed by an even stronger craving.The virgin blood tainted my conscience and cock alike. I don't think could ever wash it away. I was her first, and I would be her last. The cool, air-conditioned interior welcomed me as I entered the drugstore. The scent of antiseptic and pharmaceuticals shrouded the space, a sterile yet strangely comforting aroma. Shelves upon shelves of colorful boxes and bottles surrounded me, each promising a different remedy or relief but not the one I needed at the moment. I ran a shaky hand over my mouth. Hell, I looked like I was the one who just lost his virginity. Her soft hazel eyes, her parted plump lips, the sway of her wide hips, and her moans played the back of my head like a lethal di
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