Blood In The Boardroom Dominic's POV Rome: Italy I walked into the room filled with the sharp scent of cigars and whiskey. My bodyguards followed behind me. The door opened, leading me into the boardroom, and I walked to the large mahogany table, sitting at the head chair. My gray eyes scanned the faces staring back at me. This was supposed to be a routine meeting to finalize a deal with Carlos Marchetti and the other Mafia bosses. “Welcome, Dominic,” Carlos said, puffing his cigar. “Took you long enough.” “Tell me Carlos,” I answered. “Everyone signed the papers except you. Why?” “I figured there was no need if you weren't present,” Carlos replied. “I am here now. Sign the papers or walk out of here empty-handed,” I replied coldly. Carlos sneered and reached for a pen one of his men handed to him. “You drive a hard bargain, Rossi.” My smile grew darker, not reaching my eyes as my gaze lingered. “That's why I'm still alive.” I watched Carlos scrawl his signature on the pape
The Night That Shattered EverythingAlessia's POVI danced happily to the bear of the loud music in the club. It felt so good not to be stuck behind the iron gates of my father's estate. I had snuck out the chance I got and ran to meet Ella. I had no responsibilities or at least, I could pretend not to have.Ella took my hand and twirled me around. “See? I told you this would be fun!”I laughed, my long dark hair whipping around me. “My father would kill me if he ever found out I came here.”Ella waved me off, a mischievous grin on her face. “Relax. It’s not like he’ll find out. You deserve this, Alessia. You’ve been cooped up for too long.”Nodding, I allowed myself to get lost in the moment. The lights and the crowd and the freedom, it was intoxicating. But I was still plagued by the feeling that someone was monitoring me.Then I saw him. The tall handsome man at the bar looked right at me with piercing gray eyes. He had a sharp jawline, and a tailored suit that made him stand out i
Ghosts of the PastDominic POVI had never expected to feel attached to any woman before, especially after a night, but Alessia was different. She was just some woman and yet I couldn't get her out of my mind.I left her a note. She was bold following a stranger to his home.When I returned to the room, Alessia was gone. Madame Calista gave me the side eye when she came to change the sheet.I retreated to my private office room and Madame Calista returned to me a few minutes ago later, staring at me until I felt uncomfortable.She was the only one that could ever do that to me. She was like a mother figure in my life.“Is it not time you settle down, Dominic?” She asked.I looked up from my laptop and stopped typing. “Not yet,” I answered.“Hmm, how long are you going to keep playing? You're closer to the grave everyday especially with your line of work,” she continued.I sighed and took off my glasses. “Why are you so interested in me settling down?” I asked. She always had something
A New LifeAlessia's POVI packed the little I could, dragging my luggage behind me. I was leaving everything behind. I booked a flight to the United States, far away from the chaos in my life.In the U.S., I built a new life. During my first month serving as a waitress to raise some extra cash and keep a low profile.I fainted while delivering a cup of coffee to a customer. Nothing could have prepared me, when the nurse told me I was pregnant.Seven months after arriving, I have both my twins, a boy and a girl, Lorenzo and Elena.They were my light in the dark, the reason I kept going when it seemed impossible. I worked hard to provide for them, juggling my studies and motherhood as best I could.After a year, I graduated first in my class, and my cybersecurity skills were soon recognized, making me one of the most sought-after analysts in the field.Companies vied for my services, and I felt like I finally had a handle on life. Lorenzo and Elena grew up to be intelligent, inquisitiv
Collision CourseDominic’s POVI was reviewing the quarterly reports in my office when Matteo knocked and walked in, holding a stack of files. “Boss, the new head of security is here.”I nodded absentmindedly. It was just another meeting, another name to add to the roster of professionals we’d brought in to tighten our operations. But when I entered the conference room, my heart raced as my eyes caught her bright green eyes.Alessia.She sat still, gripping the folder tightly. Her body stifled as if she was preparing for war.The past came rushing back like a tidal wave. That night. Her lips moaning my name as we moved together on the sheets. I tried to school my expression, but I couldn’t stop staring. She was different now. She looked more mature and curvier.Her lips parted slightly, and she whispered my name revealing her shock. “Dominic.”“Hello, Alessia,” I answered coldly.I kept looking into her eyes until Matteo's voice broke through the tension, reminding me we weren't alo
Alessia’s POVI woke up to the sound of the alarm. “Ugh,” I groaned. “So much for getting paid.”If I was in the Olympics, I would be the fastest person to ever get ready.When I got to the dining room, the twins already had breakfast. Ella was a sweetheart and dished my plate. I sat down, eating my plate of waffles.I was almost done with my food when I glanced at my watch. “Oh lord,” I muttered and ate the last waffle.Kissing the kids goodbye, I ran out of the house and made a mental note to register them in a new school before next week.The moment I arrived at the company, I felt instant regret. I hated that the universe was so unkind to send Dominic back to me and, worse, as my boss. Why in God's name did he have to be that?I walked to my office, happy I didn't meet him, and my jaw nearly dropped when I looked at the transparent door, and there he was, sitting in his office reading a script.Whose bright idea was it to make the doors transparent?My throat itched as I stared at
Alessia’s POV“Alessia, you're trembling,” he said, reaching for me.I slapped his hand away, panting with anger.“Alessia,” he called, but I was super angry.He came closer, his hand reaching for my forehead and I slapped it with my bag.“Don't touch me! I hate you!” I spat. He didn't seem angry and came closer.I fought, hitting him but he pinned me easily on the elevator’s wall. “Hate me? Why don't I feel it?”I glared at him, but my eyes softened. He was awfully close, his face barely an inch apart from mine.His thumb brushed over my lower lip, and I sucked in a sharp breath. My anger crumbled like it hadn't been there.He leaned in, his eyes darting from my eyes to my lips. I shouldn't want this, but I did. My lips parted slightly welcoming him.His lips slightly brushed mine, and my body shivered. How did I let him have this effect on me?I closed my eyes waiting, but nothing came. His hands dropped from my waist and I opened my eyes.He smirked and looked away facing the eleva
Dominic’s POVI couldn't stop thinking about Alessia. She was like a drug. Every time I saw her at the office, I had to fight harder to focus on my work. I knew she was my enemy's daughter, but she didn't know that.I should have hated her, but I didn't. I got out of the conference room, having not paid attention to a single word.The ideas were boring and I gave the coordinators a warning.“I want something better by next Monday or you're all fired. You're dismissed.”Everyone scrambled away, and I walked back to my office. I noticed Alessia walk into her office. She looked daring today. Her long legs in those tiny high heels were captivating.She didn't notice me, and I opened my office door. I walked in, noticing a faint smell which was different from mine.I logged into my computer, and it loaded quicker than usual. Something was wrong. My hand brushed the desktop. It was warm. It shouldn't be. I looked around and my gaze rested on Alessia. She looked up and I smiled, forgetting w
Lorenzo’s POVThe whole backseat shook as the car door slammed. I was scared, but had to act strong for Elena. Dad wouldn't be proud if he knew I acted more scared.He always said I was the man and I was going to act it. Elena whimpered beside me, her fingers tightened around the neck of her stuffed bunny on the end of her bag’s zip.I didn't cry and reached for her. She hugged me and sobbed. My fear was soon replaced with anger and I glared at the driver driving us into the thick trees. I hadn't seen a single person in sight from the back and I was waiting to scream if I saw one.I tried my best to memorize every twist and counted them like Dad had taught me some days ago after playing hide and seek.“Where are you taking us?” I asked, while I continued glaring at him.“Be quiet,” Flynn answered.“I said be quiet,” he said again, in a harsh voice.“You don't scare me Flynn,” I said.He stepped on the brakes and slowly turned to face me. Elena held me tightly.“How do you know my name
Matteo's POVDiego was as annoying as ever. I had to wait an awful ten minutes for him to change into new clothes in his room.“Could you hurry the hell up? I'm sick of standing on my legs,” I lashed out.He turned to look at me, and wore his floral blue shirt. “Sit your ass down or get a wheelchair. You look like you need it,” he responded.“That's it,” I said and walked thunderously to him. He backed up and raised his hand in surrender.“Yo, dude. Chill out. I'm done,” he said.I grabbed his collar and raised my fist. “Piss me off again and I'll knock your teeth out.”Diego looked scared but still adjusted his shirt. He walked to the door and glanced at me. “Aren't you coming?”I followed behind him, hating every moment he greeted everyone around the pub. We continued until we got to the restricted part of the pub.Two bodyguards stood at the entrance. Immediately, they saw Diego, and they let us pass. I heard Diego sigh. I wasn't interested in his father-son problems.Diego stopped
Matteo’s POVNothing felt worse at the moment than the piercing ache in my rib. It grew as I regained consciousness.“Ugh,” the words escaped my lips as I turned to face the sky. My eyes darted around the environment. I was in the woods. I looked down at my body and saw blood stains on my suit.My hands began to unbutton my suit jacket, and I felt like I had been stabbed a couple of times.“Shit,” I groaned as I looked down at the blood on my side.My memory rolled back to the past hours when I had been driving. I had crawled out of the car after the accident and ended up here.I bit my lower lip as I rolled to my other side and almost screamed. I let out small preparation breaths as I pulled out the piece of glass on my right rib side.I coughed after getting it out and started to move my legs.They were weak but not broken. I looked around again and finally noticed the old, wooden cottage ahead.Maybe, someone could help me if I got to them. I slowly forced myself, grunting as my fe
Alessia's POVThe sun had already sunk behind the hills, leaving the sky a strange mix of gray and violet. The house was too quiet. Not just the peaceful kind of quiet but the heavy kind that sits in your chest like a warning.I checked the clock again. It was 6:47 PM.The twins were supposed to be back by 2:30. Flynn had taken them to school. This was new. Flynn should have called or texted if they were going to be late.The maid appeared and I ran to her. “Is Flynn back?” I asked.“No, Ma’am,” she answered.“Do you have his number? He's with my babies and I'm worried,” I complained.“Uhm, the house phone line has all the guards' numbers on it,” she replied.I didn't hesitate and ran to get the house phone. I called Flynn for the third time and it went straight to voicemail.“Come on, Flynn,” I muttered, pacing near the grand staircase. “Don’t do this to me.”I called again, but still got nothing.I called the school with my phone, and when I was told My kids hadn't made it to school
Flynn's POVI was with Dominic a few minutes ago when he disappeared in a hurry.I glanced at my wrist watch, and I let out a sigh. On any other regular day, it would be time for the children to head off to school, but their family was not regular.I stayed in the car, waiting but then gave up because I realized that I had to do the move on my own.The cold morning smacked me in the face as I stepped out of the car, my fingers involuntarily fluttering on the steering wheel before I slammed the door shut with a jerk.I looked up at the sky. It was lovely and it annoyed me in some way.I looked into the rearview mirror. The seats were empty for now, but within ten minutes, they would not be.My phone buzzed. I picked it up and wished I hadn't. Sophia had sent a message."Don't be a fool. Or by God, I will destroy everything you have ever laid your hands on."I realized that she was manipulating me. "Narcissistic bitch," I cursed.I clenched my teeth, stuffed the phone into the lining of
Dominic's POVCarlos stepped into the light smiling. “Hello, bastard.”“Who told you?” I asked, standing from my hiding spot.“Bold of you to come out like that. What makes you think I won't shoot you?” Carlos asked.He was always too dramatic for me.“If you wanted to, you would have shot the second I raised my head. Now, answer. Who sent you?” I asked.“Who else? You really had to push that one person, didn't you? Well, if it makes you feel better. I rejected her offer. I like to work alone. It gives me the thrills,” Carlos replied and took out his gun.I didn't flinch and waited as he pointed the gun to my head. My men aimed at him, and I signaled for them not to risk it.I was out of ammo and my men have less chances of survival.“What do you want?” I asked.“To kill you, what else?” Carlos asked and laughed. His face immediately returned to being angry. “You have been pissing me off for a long time, and I have had enough of your shit!”“You mean you got too tired of being a loser
Dominic's POVThe flames roared loudly, and I slowly dropped my hands from my face.I started to breathe again and looked around angrily. Someone wanted me dead, and they wanted me scared.My phone vibrated in my pocket.I pulled it out and checked the Caller ID. It was the warehouse's second line. They never used that except for emergencies.That wasn’t good.I answered. “Yeah?”“Boss. It’s Yuri,” came the heavy Russian accent. “You need to come. Now.”I blinked hard. “Why?”There was silence for a while, and then he spoke again. “Someone sent a virus to our system, and we kind of have an issue.”“Spit it out, already,” I groaned.“The men we left behind are dead. Someone got in, and we can't find them,” Yuri said.My hand clenched the phone so tight I heard it creak. “How long ago?”Yuri answered. “Half an hour. We just found out.”Only members of my Mafia group who were also made bodyguards knew all the warehouse locations and extra shipment houses in case of emergency. Since Matte
Dominic's POVI had never known such fragile peace. From where I sat, I watched Alessia and the kids play on the terrace.Their laughter warmed my heart, and I felt myself wanting to join them.I clutched the bottled water and opened the cork. The water and calmness was blissful.Alessia turned and caught my eye. With a gentle smile, she said, “I thought you were working.”I replied evenly, “I was, until now.”She cocked her head and teased, “Trying to sweet talk your way out of your paperwork again?”I rose and crossed the patio slowly. “Maybe. Or perhaps I wanted to give you something.”She didn't understand and raised her eyebrow to show it.I smiled and got closer to her. “It's my treat for beating Sophia up,” I joked. She laughed and I reached into my back pocket and produced her old phone.“Is that my phone?” She asked, inspecting it, and I nodded.“I figured it was foolish of me not to trust you after everything,” I said.She chuckled and held the phone. “Are you sure? I could
Sophia's POVThe reflection in the mirror wasn’t just mine anymore. I looked like hell. I was tired, with dark circles under my eyes. I hated that I lost to Alessia.Even my own father called me useless. I wished I could rip her throat out.I screamed, letting the anger out. “Bitch!!!”“I hate you. I fucking hate you!” I yelled again.“He's mine, you hear me! Mine!” I shouted. “You will not be able to have him if I cannot.”I was huffing like a savage animal and panting. “You maggot, let’s see how far you can go.”I wanted her to die so badly with her little demons.I picked up my phone, dialed the number in my head and tapped my legs impatiently as it rang.The man answered on the fourth ring.“Flynn,” I said, voice low, sultry. “Still guarding Dominic’s precious empire like a good little dog?”He was silent for a second. Then, “What do you want, Sophia?”“Is that how to talk to your girlfriend?”He scoffed. “Girlfriend? Seriously? You have been using me like a slave and sleeping wi