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The Alliance Brushed off
ROSALINA'S POVI sat there on the wooden bench, nursing my throbbing legs, the burning sensation pulsating through my muscles. As I stared into the mirrored walls, my mind wandered aimlessly, consumed by the exhaustion of the grueling ballet practice. Beads of sweat trickled down my forehead, leaving a trail of moisture in their wake, as I exhaled a soft, wearied sigh. Just then, a gentle tap grazed my shoulder, jolting me out of my reverie. I turned to find a pair of fellow dancers standing before me, clad in their practice outfits, their faces adorned with radiant smiles."Hey there," the one with blonde hair said, a big, genial grin playing on her lips. "I'm Stacy, and this here's Nina." She motioned to her companion, whose dark hair framed a friendly face.I managed a small smile, my voice a bit hoarse from the practice. "Hey, I'm Rosalina."Stacy leaned casually against the bench. "You were really killing it out there. New to the group?"I nodded, appreciating the warm welcome. "
The Alliance Friendly invite
ROSALINA'S POVMy shopping cart squeaked as I made my way down the frozen food section of the aisle to toss some frozen vegetables in the cart. I decided It would be better not to order takeout all the time and stick to something homemade.Just then, my phone buzzed and I picked it up while I reached for a bag of frozen broccoli. It was a message from Stacy, asking if I was still planning on going to the nightclub with them later that week. I paused for a moment, contemplating my decision."Mommy, I want gummies, please, please, please!""Shh!""I WANT GUMMIES!"As I read Stacy's message, my attention was diverted to a nearby commotion. I turned my head to see a little girl throwing a tantrum in the middle of the aisle, tears streaming down her face as they loudly demanded gummies from their flustered mother.The child's wails echoed through the aisle, attracting the attention of other shoppers who glanced over. Some of them showed annoyance while some showed some sympathy on their fa
The Alliance Neighbor
ROSALINA'S POVThe sun had dipped below the horizon, casting a warm orange glow over the city skyline. I stood in front of the Stellar Heights Apartments, the exterior adorned with a modern aesthetic that exuded a sense of comfort and elegance. A chill danced through the air, hinting at the impending arrival of autumn. According to Chloe's description, the community lounge was on the top floor, just across from the gym. As I entered the building, I pressed the button for the elevator, hoping it would be quicker than my previous encounter.As the elevator doors slid open, I was greeted by none other than Frankie, the friendly liftman who had helped me get to my ballet practice. "Hey there, missy! Good to see ya again!" he greeted with a warm smile and a tip of his cap."Hi, Frankie!" I replied, reciprocating his smile. "Nice to see you too."As the elevator ascended, Frankie leaned in with a conspiratorial wink. "Word on the street is there's a new neighbor moved in right next to ya. Y
The Alliance Falmboyant
ROSALINA'S POVToday, I woke up at 5 in the morning to get ready for ballet practice. I had finally awakened my inner productivity beast and bid farewell to my slacking ways from the first day.Time to finally be a responsible adult, Rosalina. I said to myself, feeling optimistic about myself about starting the day. I even pasted some motivational quotes on my cream-colored walls to keep me inspired and going.'Because no one can motivate you better than yourself.'Ballet practice awaited, and today, it would meet its match. Gone were the days of surrendering to the temptations of the snooze button; I was ready to face pirouettes and pliés head-on.I stood before my cream-colored wall, adorned with a collage of motivational quotes that had become my morning companions. Their words stared back at me, like cheerleaders urging me to conquer the day.I took a deep breath, inhaling the sweet scent of rose-scented sunscreen as I sprayed it onto my face. The fragrance brought a sense of calm
The Alliance Black Swan, White Swan
ROSALINA'S POVI stepped through the double doors of the ballet studio, the familiar scent of wood polish and rosin filling my senses. The spacious room was bathed in soft morning light, casting a serene atmosphere that never ceased to calm my racing thoughts. As I made my way to the center of the room, the worn wooden floor creaked beneath my ballet slippers."Rosalina!" Stacy's vibrant voice called out, puncturing the tranquility of the studio. I turned around to find her, dressed in her neon pink leotard and matching leg warmers, bouncing towards with the same friendly smile plastered across her face."Why didn't you reply, girl?" Stacy questioned, and I could trace the annoyance in that question."Well, I was busy so it just went over my head," I told her, my smile turning fake."So you're coming this Friday night, right?" Her voice pitched loud, garnering attention from the other dancers who looked at me expectantly. Nina stood in a corner with her arms crossed over her chest, wa
The Alliance Proximity
ROSALINA'S POV"Figlia mia, I'm afraid you will starve yourself without my cooking." Nonna's concerned voice echoed through the phone's speaker as I stood by the stove, a wooden spoon in my hand, gently stirring the rich tomato sauce for the pasta. The aroma filled the kitchen, a fragrant dance of garlic, basil, and home."You have nothing to worry about, Nonna. Of course I'll cook something for myself otherwise, I'll just order takeouts," I continued to stir the sauce, my brow furrowing slightly as I listened to Nonna's concern through the phone. The familiar, comforting scent of simmering tomatoes filled the air, reminding me of Nonna's kitchen. Nonna always had a way of making me feel loved, even from miles away."It's not just about eating to fill your stomach. Take care of yourself, cara. Takeouts and quick fixes can never replace the taste of my cooking." I could almost envision her shaking her head on the other end of the line."And how is your new apartment? Have you adjusted
The Alliance Knight in a shining armor
I walked through the front door, my ballet slippers making a soft shuffling sound on the polished marbled floor. The dimming sunlight streamed in through the window, enveloping the room in a comforting, golden warmth. With a sigh, I let my shoulders relax as I took off my sweat-drenched leotard. Hours of practice at the studio had left marks and bruises on my skin.My body moved on autopilot, the actions of hanging my leotard, carefully folding my tights, and placing my pointe shoes on the shelf, were all familiar and oddly comforting in their routine. My eyes swept through the apartment, a growing ache in my chest echoing the emptiness that surrounded me. It was as if the walls themselves whispered the absence of company, and the silence settled like a heavy fog, wrapping me in a shroud of solitude.I shook my head firmly. I was just alone, not lonely. I should learn to enjoy my own company more than anything. Alright, Rosalina, let's turn that frown upside down and focus on all
The Alliance Seduced
ROSALINA'S POVMy heart executed a pirouette inside the confines of my chest. His demand tugged at my senses, causing my eyes to widen involuntarily, much like a startled arabesque frozen in time. I found myself trapped by the fiery intensity that blazed within his eyes – a hue reminiscent of aged whiskey. His fingers, firm yet gentle, held my chin, anchoring my gaze to his as if I were a marionette under his masterful control. I bit my lower lip, and his heated gaze slid down my lips. "Alright," I said, my voice turned into a breathy whisper. "Kiss me." A slow smile stretched his lips, those devilish dimples making an appearance. Something seriously mischievous glinted behind that smile, setting my nerves ablaze.He moved in, slow and deliberate, and my eyelids lowered like theater curtains, waiting for his lips to meet mine. But a second ticked by, two seconds, three seconds. Confusion creased my forehead, and I opened my eyes to find him looking down at me with a smirk like he h
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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
