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Chapter 55 Alexander's Friend - Ashton
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The Billionaire's Love Game Chapter 56 Meeting With Alexander Valderrama
Zandro Bernardino POV As much as Alessandra tried to sell to me that having to travel so far just to have a date where we wouldn’t be seen as adding suspense to our relationship, I wasn’t buying it and I knew for a fact she wasn’t buying it either. It was just tiring. I’d be happy and relieved when the semester was over. But it was a necessary evil to spend time with her and be able to fall asleep with her soft, warm body cuddled tightly to me. So, I’d continue to pay the price until we were able to finally date publicly. The feelings I was developing for her were becoming too deep to jump ship now. In fact, if things went well tonight it might just be the night I professed how I felt for her. My eyes glanced from my watch and to the front door. Alessandra was never late, but for whatever reason she was today. I was in the process of pulling my phone from my pocket to shoot her a message when someone sat down across from me at the small two-person table I’d secured in a dimly lit s
The Billionaire's Love Game Chapter 57 The Secrets Unfold
Alessandra Valderrama PO “I’m sorry for… that,” I said as we closed the door of the suite that Alexander Valderrama had booked for us. Turning to face him, I looked up into his eyes praying he’d be open-minded about this. Alexander Oliver and Ashton both had rooms down the hallway, but as promised they’d booked us into the honeymoon suite. I was so damned upset over the whole invasion of our date that I could care less about the room. All I cared about were the thoughts that must be going through Zandro’s mind right now. “Alessandra, I don’t even know what that was!” There was anger in his tone as he glared down at me. “This makes no sense.” “I guess we should talk about it. And it will make sense then.” It was the last thing I wanted to do, but it was something that I needed to discuss with him that was way past due. Kicking off my shoes, I let my bare toes sink into the soft grey carpet. I’d almost forgotten what luxury living felt like after spending the past couple of months o
The Billionaire's Love Game Chapter 58 Surprise Meeting with Alexander
Zandro POV I needed room to breathe and time to clear my head. I felt like I’d been pulled into a true crime movie. The whole thing was so surreal. As it was, I’d been struggling with the fact she was so much younger and a student, but now we were adding onto it with the fact her family had ties to organized crime. Hell, they were organized crime – not just ties. I’d always tried to live my life with as much integrity as possible, but this… Just knowing she had these ties nagged at me. But at the same time would faulting her for her family be any different than faulting someone whose family had someone incarcerated or someone who made a mistake, learned, and moved on from it? Humans by nature weren’t perfect. She had good reason to keep this information from me and I believed her when she said she was trying to protect me. But it just left me in a strange position and feeling at odds with myself. By being with her I’d also have to turn a blind eye to what would be in front of me ev
The Billionaire's Love Game Chapter 59 I Love You Professor Alessandro!
Alessandra Valderrama POVKnocking on the hotel room door of Ashton Rossini felt like I was knocking on the door of the devil himself. And in a lot of ways, it was, but I needed to protect Zandro and the career he cherished. Ashton was the only one I could think of who could ensure just that. The door swung open to reveal Ashton wearing only a pair of boxer briefs. “Well, little sister, isn’t this a pleasant surprise.” Keeping my gaze focused on his chest upwards, I pushed past him into the room. Taking a seat at the small two-person table next to the window I waited for him to close the door and join me. “I need your help.” “What can I do to help you? Need someone killed?” He chuckled as he closed the door and made his way across the room to join me. “No, I don’t need someone killed. I appreciate the offer though.” He grinned. Sitting down across from me he, clucked his tongue off the roof of his mouth as he stared at me. “So, what’s the big problem?” “I feel like an idiot even
The Billionaire's Love Game Chapter 60 I Was Kidnapped
Cassandra Valderrama POV Of all the things on my to-do list today, getting myself kidnapped was definitely not one of them. Even in my dreams, I totally disagree with my horoscope. Ever. How unfortunate I am tied to this bloody place. I count five of them. Maybe six, but I can’t be sure. Three guards watch over me today because this was supposed to be a routine cash pickup. My men are quickly incapacitated. Before I even have the chance to blink or draw the gun hidden in my jacket’s inner pocket, someone throws a bag of thickly woven black cloth over my head and disarms me. I can’t see a thing. The bag smells sour with sweat. My hands are forcefully bound behind me with what I can only assume are thick zip ties. I scream bloody murder, kicking and thrashing with all my might as someone grabs me by the arms, lifts me off the pavement, and promptly throws me into the back of a—car. They slam the door and the noises of the city become muffled, barely audible over my frantic breathing.
The Billionaire's Love Game Chapter 61 The Fire Of Killing Thorton Gallardo
Thorton Gallardo POVThe moment I get the words out, Zandra immediately uncrosses her legs and tries to kick me in the groin. I’m prepared for it, could see the thought boiling behind those pretty blue eyes of hers. With one hand, I’m able to grab her by the knee and force her down. “Easy, princess,” I say lightly. “This doesn’t have to be hard. All you have to do is be a good little girl and—” She slams her head forward, nailing me with a perfectly placed head butt. Thankfully, the difference between our angles means she can’t put all her strength behind the move. Still, I’m forced to take a step back, growling as I check my nose. Thankfully, I’m not bleeding. A good thing, too, because I’d hate to ruin my favorite suit. “Touch me again and I’ll bite your fucking hands off!” she hisses, her plump upper lip curling into a sneer. I guess it’s true what they say—redheads really are fiery.Over the past few months, I’ve had my brothers watch her from afar. I’ve only seen her through vid
The Billionaire's Love Game Chapter 62 The Gallardo's Mafia
Zandra Valderrama POV “So,” I say, smacking my lips. “How’d it happen?” “How’d what happen?” One-Eye grumbles. “Your scar.” “None of your business.” I huff, exasperated. “You’re no fun. What about you, big guy? You much of a conversationalist, or do I have to entertain myself?” “Shut up,” the brute snaps. I groan, shifting in my seat. It’s starting to get uncomfortable. How many hours has it been? Regardless, my left foot has fallen asleep and the incessant tingling is borderline painful. “Can you at least send the other guy back in? What did you call him—the Closer? He seems like fun. Why do you call him the Closer, anyway?” “He negotiates our contracts,” the bigger man says. “Contracts? What kinds of contracts?” One-Eye shoots him a warning glare. “Don’t tell her anything.” But it’s too late. All I need is a bit of information to get the ball rolling, and now that he’s given me what I want, there’s no stopping me. “Oh, so he’s like your front man. I understand. My Uncle
The Billionaire's Love Game Chapter 63 Detective Gregor Rossi
Thorton Gallardo POV “We move in tonight,” I inform my younger brothers. I drag the tip of my finger over the map splayed out over my desk, drawing everyone’s attention to one area in particular. “Take our men and start here in Milan up to Naples.” “We’re not starting in the Financial District?” Damien asks. He sits just off to the side in one of my office’s guest chairs. My brothers have gathered around my desk, so there isn’t enough room for him to squeeze in. “According to Roman’s intel, the Valderrama have a heavier presence there,” I explain. “It would be a mistake to face them head-on where their numbers are far greater than ours. Right now, we need to focus on getting a foothold—that’s all. We can work our way up from there.” “And what about—” Three sharp knocks at my door alert us of an unexpected visitor. In walks none other than Detective Gregor Rossi, a senior officer with the Italian Police Department and a massive thorn in my side. He smiles good-naturedly, the cor
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The Billionaire's Love Game Chapter 101 The Fire Of Loving You Forever
Cassandra Valderrama Gallardo POVI never wanted a big wedding. Growing up, I wasn’t the type of girl who dreamed about flowing white dresses, enough flowers to open a florist shop, or exorbitantly expensive multi-tier cakes. I’m perfectly content with what I have—my family in attendance and my man standing proudly at the altar.We’re in a small chapel, tucked away in one of the quieter, more peaceful corners of the city. I’m dressed in the same wedding dress Mom wore when she married Dad, the very same veil on my head. There are no words to describe how honored I am to wear it. I hope one day, I get to pass it on to my own daughter to wear at her wedding, and perhaps even my granddaughter after her. Little things like these, full of sentiment and love, are how traditions are born.Dad and I stand just in front of the main entrance to the chapel. Everyone’s taken their seats, and the music is beginning to swell. I know he had his reservations when I first agreed to marry Thorton, but
The Billionaire's Love Game Chapter 100 Triplets Pregnancy
Thorton Gallardo POVOne Month LaterSeparately, the Valderrama and Gallardo Mafias are capable of incredible things. They both rule with iron fists and awe-inspiring efficiency. Where the Valderrama commands the respect of their peers, my brothers and I are tenaciously ambitious. Combined—we’re a force to be reckoned with.We’re only a month into our merger, but all of Italy works like a well-oiled machine. With the Valderramas’ connections and my transportation network, we’re virtually unstoppable. I don’t think the criminal underworld has ever seen a more impressive organization. With Leo running the numbers, Samuel enforcing our laws, Roman negotiating our deals, and Damien keeping his ear to the ground for any whispers of dissent, we have the entire city under our thumbs. But right now, the last thing I want to think about is work. Zandra, unfortunately, has other plans.“Remind me to ask Samuel to pay the Southern Administrative District a visit. A couple of businesses haven’t
The Billionaire's Love Game Chapter 99 I Can't Believe You're Alive!
Zandra Valderrama POVI only have so much time. Before long, my baby bump will begin to show, and then the jig is up. I need to figure out how to break the news to Dad without sending him into full-on cardiac arrest. My decision is final, though, no matter what he or the rest of my family has to say. I’m keeping this baby, and I’m going to protect him or her with every fiber of my being.Do I think Dad might disown me when he learns the truth? Probably not. He’s always been a level-headed guy. I doubt he’d do anything so drastic… But that doesn’t stop me from coming up with a Plan B, C, and D—just in case.I’m just about to pull out my phone to look up some rudimentary information on what mothers should expect when I hear a strange sound coming from outside. The screech of car tires, angry shouting. My heart automatically leaps into my throat and lodges there. Oh, God. Are we under attack? All this excitement and paranoia can’t possibly be good for the baby.My little brother comes ho
The Billionaire's Love Game Chapter 98 Take Me To Zandra Valderrama
Thorton Gallardo POVHalf of Italy belongs to the Gallardo Mafia.I should be over the moon.I’m anything but.“We’re seeing staggering profits,” Leo tells me from the other side of my desk. One of his detailed spreadsheets is pulled up on his tablet. “We’ve had next to no resistance from the remaining Valderrama in the area. They’ve all but fled to the north of the city. The raid left them scrambled, but I don’t think now is the time to keep pushing. There’s still a heavy police presence in the area.”“Sure,” I mumble. I’m only half listening, partially because I know Leo’s got everything under control, and partially because I can’t bring myself to care. It’s almost cruel how we have everything we want, yet I have nothing I need.“The taxi business practically runs itself at this point,” Leo goes on. “Since Detective Rossi, uh, passed, there’s been no reason for the police to keep sniffing around. He was the only one who could link us to our criminal interests, and it doesn’t look l
The Billionaire's Love Game Chapter 97 I'm Pregnant
Zandra Valderrama POVI’m bedridden for what feels like an eternity.Aunt Natalya keeps telling me it’s frankly a miracle I survived. Very few can take a bullet through the chest and live to tell the tale. It’s nothing short of divine intervention. But even if I did have the energy to get out of bed, I wouldn’t. A heavy fog clouds my mind, and it has nothing to do with the pain meds I’m on.I can’t stop thinking about Thorton. I can barely even think of his name without pins and needles stinging my eyes. No matter what I do, no matter how much time has passed, I can’t bring myself to accept he’s dead. The lives we lead are dangerous ones. Death and injury is an accepted workplace hazard. I just didn’t think it would actually happen.“Come on, Zandy,” Alessandra whispers at my bedside. There’s a bowl of chicken noodle soup on her lap. It’s all I’ve been able to stomach lately. Everything else makes me feel barfy.“You should eat something,” Mom adds softly. She’s seated on the other si
The Billionaire's Love Game Chapter 96 Now I Have Nothing
Thorton Gallardo POVIf obsession is a disease, then I’m sick and suffering.My waking thoughts bounce back and forth between Zandra and Rossi, trapping me in a never-ending cycle of cause and effect. I can’t stop thinking about her, about how cold and small she was in my arms as the lights faded from her eyes. My chest tightens at the realization that I’ll never get to kiss her again or speak to her again. Rossi has to pay—he has to.Tracking the man down this time is a whole lot easier. He’s paraded around like a damn war hero, showing up for interviews and public award ceremonies. I lie in wait, watching from the back of the crowd, dressed in an unassuming pair of jeans, a black sweatshirt, and a baseball cap. The hood’s drawn over to obscure my face. A whole line of TV cameras is here, along with nosy reporters and a handful of uniformed cops. I can’t just approach him. I may want vengeance, but I’m not suicidal. This place is too public, too many witnesses. I need to bide my time
The Billionaire's Love Game Chapter 95 Face-to-Face With Manfred Valderrama
Thorton Gallardo POVPulling up to the Valderrama’s private residence is practically begging for immediate execution, but I have no other options. I need to see Zandra, need to know she’s okay—even if it kills me.The place is swarming with armed guards, all of them training their weapons on us as the car screeches to a halt in front of the house. The moment I jump out, at least four of them barrel toward me. I came fully prepared for the beating of my life, but what happens next is so much worse.“Stand down!” Manfred Valderrama shouts at his men. They do so, snapping to attention as he trudges down the front path, his fists clenched so hard his knuckles are white. I see so much of Zandra in him.And that’s why I don’t react when he winds back and punches me in the jaw. I stumble to the ground, my ear ringing and my face throbbing. I deserved it. I deserve all of it. I will accept it.I see no point in fighting back. Even if I wanted to, Manfred Valderrama is almost three times my ag
The Billionaire's Love Game Chapter 94 The Man I Loved Is Dead?
Zandra Valderrama POVI awake with a start.There’s a blinding, throbbing pain in my chest, just below my left shoulder. I can’t make sense of my surroundings. Everything’s too loud, too bright. Confusion makes the room spin and fear makes my blood run cold. What just happened? How did I get here?“Easy, Zandy,” Aunt Natalya says as she hooks me up to a blood bag. O-positive, according to the sticker slapped on the front. “It was a high caliber round, so the bullet went right through you. You lost a lot of blood, but you’re lucky it missed all your important organs. Four inches lower and it would have pierced your heart.”Aunt Natalya is speaking perfectly clearly, but I don’t understand a word coming out of her mouth. Is it because of the shock? The pain? Probably both.I groan. “What happened?”“Relax, sweetheart,” Dad says. He’s at my bedside, his brows steepled together in grave concern.My uncles are here. So are Mom Amara, Alessandra, and Jovito. It’s a miracle my room is big en
The Billionaire's Love Game Chapter 93 My Heart In Pain For Zandra
Thorton Gallardo POVI don’t need to be an expert in reading body language to know tensions are running high. This is a public meeting—as is the tradition—hosted in a restaurant that’s been completely booked out.The lighting is dim. Armed men are everywhere. They don’t just belong to the Valderrama, but to the other families I’ve managed to piss off, as well. Why couldn’t we have done this in the back of some dingy room? Because this is a show of good faith, of honor, an unspoken code of conduct. There is nowhere to hide here, no secrets to be kept…which is exactly how I know everyone in this room hates my guts and they’re itching to reach for their guns and show it.Zandra—gorgeous, beautiful, fierce Zandra—sits at the head of the table. Her father and her uncles stand behind her like silent stone sentries. Around the table, the other Mafia heads sit. Some faces are familiar. Others are not. They all have one thing in common, though, and it’s the way they all stare daggers at me and
