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The Alliance Newfound Alliance
ROSALINA'S POVMy reflection in the ballet studio's mirror seemed like a fractured image of my own uncertainty. The scent of sweat and effort lingered in the air, a testament to the dancers who had already left. But not me. I couldn't leave, not until I perfected the white swan. The clock's gentle ticking echoed around the room, each second a reminder of the weight on my shoulders.Then, the door clicked open, and Liora entered. I turned to her, my question slipping out almost instinctively. "Why are you here?" She greeted me with a frigid expression. "The same reason you're here." She studied me, her eyes critical as she delivered her verdict. "You are trying too hard." Her words struck me like a slap, and I released a harsh breath, frustration bubbling inside me. "At least I'm trying and not sleeping my way to get a role."Liora's eyes narrowed sharply, "Are you calling me a slut?""Isn't that true?" I taunted. "You two seem pretty close enough to see each other most nights." Lio
The Alliance Debt
ROSALINA'S POV10,000$I stared blankly at my bank balance and blinked back in disbelief. This couldn't be real. The last time I checked it was forty thousand. How the hell did I manage to spend so much money in such a short time?Great, what other options did I have left to earn money? I was sure as hell Nonno wouldn't be giving me any allowance this month so I had to find SOME WAY. Option A: Get a job at a fast-food restaurant constantly dealing with the unending stream of drive-thru orders that seem to multiply faster than rabbits.Option B: Be a babysitter and deal with toddlers from hell. Option C: Sell feet pics on Onlyf*ns. I stood there, contemplating my options. Option A seemed like a grueling, grease-filled nightmare. Option B, dealing with unruly toddlers, didn't sound much better. Then, there was Option C – selling feet pictures. It was an unusual idea, but desperate times called for desperate measures. I mean, I did have nice feet, right?I was now officially poor. Non
The Alliance Dance with me, baby
LEONARDO'S POVGod knows how long I kept watching her as she prepared tonight's dinner for us. It almost felt like we were a married couple, and she was my wife cooking me dinner after a long day of work. It was strangely... wholesome. The soft glow of the pendant lights above cast a warm ambiance over the room, highlighting the subtle play of emotions on her face as she focused on her task– a creamy mushroom risotto. The aroma of sautéed onions and garlic filled the air, blending with the earthy scent of the Arborio rice.Rosalina's hands moved with practiced precision, her fingers deftly stirring the rice in a pan, a wooden spoon clutched in her hand. Her dark, wavy hair was held up by a hair claw, a few messy strands occasionally falling forward as she leaned over the stove, but she didn't mind it. Her eyes sparkled with the flickering flame beneath the pot.She glanced over her shoulder to look at me, who stared at her from the kitchen island. "You could go watch some TV, instea
The Alliance Missing you
ROSALINA'S POVA smile crept up my lips as my phone tinged with a message. I didn't need to read the ID to see who it was. [Leonardo: I'm taking you out for dinner][Me: Are you sure? The debt isn't settled yet.][Leonardo: And I don't want it to either.]Cunning bastard.[Me: You want to keep me owing you?][Leonardo: If that gets you closer to me then yeah.][Leonardo: I'll pick you up after practice.]After our dinner and a session of hot sex in my bed last night, our relationship was more easygoing than before. Of course, I had my occasional outburst whenever he tried to be a tease, but besides that, we enjoyed each other's company more than anything else. "Boyfriend?" My head shot up to look at Liora who leaned against the locker with a knowing expression on her placid face. Was he my boyfriend? I mean, we were in a relationship... sort of..."Kinda," I answered. "Complicated?" "Sort of.""Can I have some water?" Liora asked as she approached me.I passed my water bottle to
The Alliance Admirer
LEONARDO'S POVI leaned against the bedroom doorframe, my eyes feasting on the spectacle before me. There she was, a tornado of excitement, pink and glitter, twirling in front of the mirror. She had transformed her bedroom into a war zone of clothes, shoes, and makeup—her once tidy sanctuary had become a glamorous battlefield."Leo, do you think the black stilettos or the white ones?" she asked, her eyes darting between the two pairs of shoes, both with heels that could probably double as medieval torture devices.I scratched my chin thoughtfully, pretending to weigh the options with utmost seriousness. "Well, the black ones say 'I'm here to party,' but the white ones? They scream 'I'm pure as the driven snow but ready to get a little dirty.'"Rosalina burst into laughter, a sound that made my heart do a little happy dance. She held the white stilettos high above her head "I guess the white ones will do."I admired her dedication to creating the perfect look for our dinner date while
The Alliance A different kind of music
ROSALINA'S POVLeo's hand possessively held my waist as he led us to the crowded bar. My last experience with this club had been traumatizing, but I felt a hundred times safer with Leo by my side. I mean, what could go wrong with a man who looked like he could bench-press the DJ booth? As we waded through the ocean of partygoers, a wide variety of dance moves were on display. It was like watching a nature documentary about mating rituals, except with more neon lights and less David Attenborough commentary. Then there was the girl whose twerking skills could probably power a small generator. It was a dance floor zoo, and I was a curious observer.We finally reached the bar, and Leo, the gentleman that he was, leaned in close to ask, "What can I get you to drink, babe?"I glanced at the bartender, who furiously shook a cocktail shaker like it owed him money. The options seemed endless. "Martini," I shouted over the blaring music. He ordered our drinks, and it wasn't long before the ba
The Alliance Blockbuster Romance
LEONARDO'S POVFuck.Our date night was officially ruined because of my recklessness. I cast a glance at Rosalina, and she sported the most fearsome resting bitch face that could make even a grizzly bear reconsider its life choices. My coat was draped around her figure, hiding that perfect body of hers from the beaten-up motherfuckers sitting across me inside the police van. I had knocked out their teeth and bruised them black and blue, but I wanted to do more than just beat them up, I wanted to plummet them to their deaths for shit-talking about my girl. "I swear to God, Leo, if my family finds out about this, I'm so fucking screwed," Rosalina muttered under her breath, her face pale with fear. Sliding my arm around her shoulder, I tugged her towards me until she rested her head on my chest. "They won't find out, I promise," I assured her.Anger flared in her eyes as she shot a look at me. "I did not spend two hours getting ready to end up in jail!" I smirked, despite the circumst
The Alliance Cuddles
ROSALINA'S POVThe night had been a wild ride, and my legs were feeling like jelly after all the running and drama. I swayed slightly, blaming both the exhaustion and the alcohol for my unsteady gait. Leo had his arm around me, keeping me upright as we made our way to the apartment complex. I was tipsy, maybe a tad more than tipsy, but the weight of Leo's arm made me feel invincible.As we stumbled our way toward the apartment complex, I couldn't help but giggle. Maybe it was the alcohol-induced mirth or the sheer absurdity of the situation, but I felt unstoppable like we were the stars of our very own action movie.I leaned into Leo's side, my cheek resting against his chest, and let out a contented sigh. His familiar scent, a mix of his cologne and the city's hustle and bustle, was like a comforting lullaby. I felt like I was floating on a cloud of drunken bliss.Frankie's announcement was the equivalent of a plot twist in our tipsy action movie. "The elevator's under maintenance,
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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
