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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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