"We have never had sex. He has never touched me. I have never felt his warmth in that way," I confessed, my hands gripping the duvet tightly, seeking strength. Uncertain of how she would react, I felt a wave of relief after dropping the bomb."Wait, what?" Guilas exclaimed, her eyes widening in shock. Her mouth stretched to the extreme, and her eyes bulged out of their sockets. Tears welled up in my eyes."Are you saying Antonio is impotent?" she questioned, and I gently tapped her to lower her overly loud voice. She nodded and brought her right hand close to her mouth."Yes," I confirmed with a nod. I wasn't certain if telling her was the right decision, but regardless, I felt relieved after sharing."Oh goodness, I can't believe the almighty Antonio Luca, Capo dei Capi of the Cosa Nostra, isn't even a complete man. Gosh!" she exclaimed, shaking her head in clear disgust and disappointment."Please don't say that," I cautioned her, tilting my head."And why shouldn't I? He always goe
"Emilia?" Guila's surprise was evident, her face contorting with confusion, and her eyebrows furrowing."Yes," I nodded eagerly, hoping she would acknowledge knowing the name or the person. After a brief moment of rolling her eyes, she finally spoke."Yes, I know that name.""Oh, you do?" I questioned, my eyes widening with anticipation. I was completely dumbfounded when she confirmed it. I anxiously awaited her response, desperately hoping for some insight."Yes, I do. There are actually two people I know with that name. One was my classmate back in high school, and the other is also a classmate. Unfortunately, one has passed away, while the other is currently in Spain," she explained. It didn't quite make sense to me."Did Antonio have any connection to either of them?" I pressed, narrowing my eyes. I needed to uncover the truth, as my heart couldn't bear the weight of overthinking the potential links between Emilia and Antonio."No, there's no way Antonio knows either of them," Gui
"I apologize," I murmured, my gaze locked onto Kira's face. Her cheeks flushed crimson, resembling the fiery hues of the Red Sea.Emerging from Guila's room, I accidentally collided with Kira. I had managed to slip out of Ahi Oaks' rooms, providing her with the fabricated response she desired. Yet, as Kira stared at me in silence, she abruptly turned and walked away. I was taken aback, for the Kira I knew would never depart without unleashing a barrage of curses.I watched her until she disappeared completely, seeking solace in her own room. Bafflement clouded my narrowed eyes. Shrugging, I made my way to my own quarters, my mind still preoccupied with Guila's revelations. The more I contemplated them, the more a sense of discomfort engulfed me. It was unfathomable to believe that Antonio could inflict such cruelty upon another person simply because their eyes had grazed the threshold of a room. My curiosity was now fully aroused, and I yearned to uncover the contents within that nece
I felt a firm grip on my wrist, causing my entire body to freeze instantaneously. I couldn't even sense my own breath anymore. To make matters worse, I was unable to turn around, trapped in this pitch-black darkness. My nerves ceased to function, and the courage that had fueled me on this mission evaporated in an instant.With trepidation, I slowly turned backward, only to be confronted by the menacing gaze of Antonio himself. He stood tall, his usual frown etched upon his face, radiating intense anger and hatred. It was as if he had transformed into a shadow of his former self, the Antonio I had known during these past few weeks after the bomb incident.My lips twitched, but I struggled to find the right words to utter. My throat felt dry, and my lips stuck together. My heart pounded heavily within my chest as I trembled inwardly, my hands shaking uncontrollably. Even without a single word from Antonio, my legs quivered with fear. His silence alone spoke volumes, chastising me with a
"What are you talking about?" Antonio gawked at me in utter surprise. His eyes widened, seemingly bulging out of their sockets. It was as though my words had shaken the very foundations of his world. His face froze, and I could sense the tension building within him. Deep down, I was grateful that I had mustered the courage to finally unleash the questions that had been gnawing at me slowly."Are you impotent, and who is Emilia?" I asked again, tears now streaming down the sides of my eyes. His countenance remained inscrutable as always, but there was something different in the way he held me. It was a slightly looser grip, yet still firm, as if my words had caused him to die and be reborn."Why do you think I am impotent?" He responded calmly, his initial anger quickly solidifying into a hardened mask.My breathing became ragged as his question demanded that I divulge more than I had intended. I didn't want him to discover the existence of the mysterious texter, fearing that it might
"Is this how you treat Emilia too, or is it just me?" I confronted Antonio, my voice trembling with tears. In an instant, he ceased his actions, his gaze fixed on me with an intensity that betrayed something other than anger."Keep her name out of your mouth," he growled softly, his eyes narrowing like those of a predator observing its prey before striking."Why should I? Shouldn't I mention your other companion?" I challenged, hoping that by invoking her name, I could avoid his forceful advances. There was something about that name that always seemed to halt him in his tracks."Olga!" he thundered, his eyes narrowing further as he locked them onto me. Despite my tear-streaked face, I summoned the courage to confront Antonio with such words."No! Just answer me honestly. Do you treat Emilia the same way, or is it solely directed at me to prove my worthlessness to you? I'm well aware of my insignificance in your eyes, so go ahead and use me as you please. Indulge your beastly desires,"
I settled into the plush chair, the weight of a book firmly grasped in my hand. The surface of my palms felt slightly damp, a testament to the nerves that tingled within me. As I focused my gaze on the book before me, my eyes appeared weary, their usual vibrancy diminished. It was an Italian language guide, an essential companion during my stay in this captivating country. I had chosen to delve into its pages, secretly preparing to surprise Guila with my newfound linguistic abilities.With my legs crossed in the study room, I delved deep into the captivating content of the chapter. Italian, a language so sweet and melodious, presented its own set of challenges on my learning journey. One hurdle that often tested my perseverance was mastering the intricate verb conjugations. The myriad patterns of Italian verbs, dictated by tense, mood, and subject pronouns, demanded thorough understanding and diligent memorization. Even for a seasoned language learner like myself, this aspect proved d
I was rendered mute, my mouth agape, seething with an overwhelming mixture of anger and rage. Despite my intense emotions, a flicker of curiosity lingered within me, yearning to decipher his purpose for being there. His demeanor remained steadfastly serious, as was customary for him.In the most polite manner I could muster, I inquired, "What is it that you wish to discuss?" He stood aloof, his gaze penetrating deeper into mine with each step he took forward. Meanwhile, my heart pounded frantically, my mind racing to conjure various explanations for his sudden desire to engage in conversation. We hadn't exchanged a word for over a month, as he had been diligently avoiding me due to the Emilia saga."We are obliged to attend a function together," he spat out abruptly, his tone devoid of any warmth. "Ottaviano, my trusted advisor, is getting married in three days' time, and it is imperative that we present ourselves as a couple. We shall procure your dress tomorrow," he declared, showin
A mere seven days had passed since the tumultuous saga that had left our lives in disarray. Amidst the chaos, Antonio, always the thoughtful one, proposed a change of scenery. He suggested a brief respite in the picturesque paradise of Fiji, a mere three-day escape from our troubled world. As I reclined on a comfortable chaise lounge, the ethereal spectacle of the sun setting over the horizon unfolded before me. Its golden hues cast dancing reflections upon the tranquil waters, offering a soothing balm to my troubled soul. After the storm, a modicum of serenity was what we all craved, and Antonio, in his infinite wisdom, provided just that.In the quietude of that moment, my mind wandered to Guila. How had she managed to orchestrate her enigmatic partnership with the enigmatic Triad at such a tender age? It was a riddle that confounded not only me but also Dima. The intricacies of her dealings with Dima, a man shrouded in mystery himself, left me in a perpetual state of bewilderment. C
“Guila!” I called out, my voice trembling with disbelief and shock, as I found myself utterly stunned by the sight before me. It was undeniably Guila standing there, right in front of my eyes, and my heart seemed to skip countless beats in response.The deafening symphony of gunfire came to an abrupt halt as Antonio, equally dumbfounded and bewildered as I, urgently signaled his men to cease fire. Even the formidable Triad members, their weapons still raised, appeared momentarily paralyzed by the unexpected turn of events.“Guila,” Antonio’s voice quivered with a mixture of astonishment and confusion as he spoke her name. He took a tentative step forward, his eyes never leaving his long-lost sister, as though drawn by an invisible force compelling him to confront this surreal moment. “How on earth is this possible? What in the name of all that’s holy is happening here?” His voice carried a perplexed urgency, echoing the sentiment shared by everyone present.“Brother,” Guila responded,
Antonio and I embarked on a journey in the car, a journey filled with uncertainty and foreboding, as we headed toward the precise location where Marino had cryptically hinted that Dima could be found. It was a venture that had begun with resistance; Antonio, initially reluctant to have me accompany him, had attempted to disinvest me from joining this perilous pursuit. My determination, however, proved unyielding, and through persuasive persistence, I managed to sway his opinion, compelling him to change his mind.As we settled into the car’s cozy interior and initiated our drive, I couldn’t help but be swept away by the world outside. The night sky was a canvas adorned with countless stars, each one a brilliant beacon in the vast cosmic tapestry. Their collective radiance illuminated the heavens, casting a mesmerizing glow that both captivated and comforted me. The soft, soothing breeze that gently caressed my face seemed to be a harbinger of the journey’s challenges, promising both s
“Why, Dima? Why did you have to do this?” My voice wavered as I found myself sitting amidst the luxurious grandeur of the room’s intricate decor. It was the same night, and I perched beside the bed, my legs drawn up and my arms wrapped around them, seeking solace in their embrace.The world had lost its coherence, leaving me awash in a sea of bewildering emotions. Tears flowed freely, mingling with my thoughts as I tried to decipher the enigma that was Dima’s inexplicable actions. I reached for my phone, an electronic lifeline that, to my dismay, remained stubbornly out of touch with his. How could someone I had known intimately for so long suddenly transform into a perplexing enigma? It was as though our shared history had been a mere illusion, evaporating into the ether.With each drawn breath came heavy sighs, laden with the weight of unanswered questions. “I need answers, Dima!” I declared, springing abruptly from my position on the floor. The stark contrast between my emotional t
“No, this simply cannot be true,” I whispered, my mind struggling to reconcile the impossible scene unfolding before my very eyes. It felt as though I had been thrust into a nightmarish tableau, and my eyes brimmed with disbelief. My hand shook uncontrollably, desperately clutching onto something solid for support, as if the ground itself threatened to give way beneath me.The word “No” escaped my quivering lips like a mantra, an involuntary chant in the face of this heart-wrenching revelation. I shook my head repeatedly, as though by sheer force of will, I could erase the undeniable truth that lay before me. But it was futile; there was no escaping it—it was Dima, unmistakably and undeniably Dima, and no one else.Antonio’s voice, surprisingly gentle in the midst of the emotional tempest, cut through the deafening silence. “I hope you believe me now,” he said, his eyes holding steady on mine. Slowly, I turned to him, my fingers gently releasing their grip on the phone that had brought
“I’ve got a lot swirling around in my head right now, and I’m not really sure where to start,” Jane confessed, her voice quivering slightly. Her visible unease hinted at the weight she’d been carrying in her heart. Tyler’s focus was increasingly drawn in by the intensity of the situation. His gaze grew more resolute as he studied her, his eyes fixed intently upon her.“I’m here to lend an ear,” Tyler offered sincerely, his eagerness to hear Jane’s thoughts palpable. “By the way, it’s quite noisy here. If you’d prefer, we could continue this conversation in my car,” he suggested, providing an alternative option for a quieter and more private setting.Amidst the cacophony of the surroundings, Jane’s apprehension seemed to blend with the ambient noise, making it even more essential for them to find a more serene environment to discuss matters. Tyler’s compassionate offer held a touch of understanding, recognizing the need for a space where Jane could freely share her thoughts without the
Gazing at Antonio, I found myself lost in a sea of contemplation, grappling with the complexity of his words. A jittery feeling coursed through me, like the flutter of a thousand butterflies taking flight within my chest. My lips quivered as if they held unspoken truths, but the words remained elusive, dancing just beyond my reach. I was enveloped in a peculiar silence, a silence that spoke volumes of the emotions that churned within me.In that suspended moment, I was confronted with the realization that my response held the power to shape the delicate equilibrium of our connection. My thoughts raced like wild stallions, each one vying for attention, each emotion vying for expression. It was as if the crossroads Tyler had led me to was a convergence of paths, a convergence of emotions, leaving me standing at the intersection of introspection and vulnerability.And so, as I looked into his eyes, my gaze a mirror reflecting the depth of my emotions, I understood that this question wasn
The words hung in the air like an impenetrable fog, each syllable carrying a weight that seemed to press down on my chest. "No way," I repeated, my voice a shaky whisper that struggled to find footing amidst the tumultuous emotions that surged within me. The revelation felt like a seismic shift, an earthquake that shattered the reality I had known.My eyes remained wide, as if by sheer force of will I could unmask the truth behind this perplexing revelation. The disbelief was etched across my features, my brow furrowed as my mind grappled with the incongruity of it all. "Dima? Killed Guila?" I muttered, as if saying the words aloud would somehow bring clarity to the chaos in my thoughts.Antonio's calm demeanor juxtaposed starkly with my inner turmoil. His gaze held mine with unwavering serenity, as though he had anticipated my shock and turmoil all along. There was a depth to his eyes, a well of understanding that transcended the words he was about to say. My own emotions were a mael
The sensation of his lips against mine was electric, a powerful current that surged through my veins. It felt as though he had dismantled all the barriers that had previously stood between us during moments of intimacy. This kiss was a revelation, a testament to the transformation that had taken hold of him. As our lips melded, it was like I was kissing an entirely different person—a person who had shed his armor to expose his true self.His hand found its way to the nape of my neck, pulling me in deeper as the kiss intensified. Our lips moved with a fervor that echoed the depth of our emotions, and our tongues danced in a tantalizing exchange. Soft moans and whispered grunts escaped from us, lost in the rhythm of our passionate embrace. With every brush of our lips, every mingling of our breaths, I felt a tantalizing sensation that was entirely new. It was as though I was kissing him for the first time, a revelation that defied our history and redefined the boundaries of our connecti