Alessia’s POV
I 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 him. His side frame was a perfect art. As he loosened his tie, I gulped and then he turned, catching my gaze. His strong piercing gray eyes pulled my soul. I almost died of embarrassment when he smirked, and I looked away. He definitely knew which buttons to push. Idiot! I tried to concentrate at work, secretly stealing glances to see if he was still watching me as my cheek turned bright red. He smiled when I met his eyes and I wished there was some way I could make the door less transparent. I gave up, sighing and pretended to work on my computer. He must have given up, because when I looked up again, he was working on some papers. Then came the mails, I smiled finally had some work to do. They were easy at first and all I had to do was routine checks. For the rest of my work time, I made a list of items the twin would need for school and did some research, picking only the ten best schools close within the area. By the time I was done, it was past 6pm and I had to go home. I logged out of my computer, grabbed my purse and left the office. Dominic was still working on his computer. Perfect I took a deep breath, took out a candy from my purse and chewed before stepping into the elevator. The doors closed shut and surprisingly opened again. “What the...” I muttered and kept quiet when I noticed Dominic. Ugh, Lord give me strength. Why did he have to use this elevator? I gave my best fake smile and pretended he didn't exist. His cologne drifted towards me. I took a peek at his face once more. The elevator's door closed and I felt the air start to suffocate me. Alessia, what the hell are you doing? You're supposed to hate him. Look away. Now! “Are you done staring?” Dominic asked. Oh, crap! He caught me. He turned his gaze to me. “This is much better.” “I wasn't looking,” I defended. “Hmm, doesn't seem like it,” he answered. I looked away and began counting the numbers on the elevator top. “You're awfully quiet, today,” he said, turning to me. I looked at him confused wondering what he was thinking. “Huh?” The words escaped my mouth. “Oh, I am in a rush to go home, plus I have some work I have to finish when I get home.” “Do you always avoid confrontation, or is it just around me?” He asked. What the hell was he talking about about now? Has he gone mad? I turned to glare at him, and the elevator jolted, making me lose my balance. He caught me in time before I fell, holding my waist. I blinked, finding it hard to stop looking into his eyes. They were so bold. My heartbeat rose and I tried to catch my breath. “Uhh,” I muttered and gently got out of his grip. The elevator shook again and this time, I crashed into his chest. He held me tight, and I tried to wriggle free. “Um, thanks. You can let go now.” I moved, but he didn't budge. What was he doing? “Dominic,” I called softly. His hand lingered, holding my waist so I couldn't move. His fingers brushed against my hip as he leaned closer. His warm breath touched my face. I tried to move away, but it only brought me closer. “Let me go, Dominic. It's not funny,” I said, my voice trembling. “What are you scared of, Alessia?” He asked. “I'm not scared of anything. Now, take your stupid hands off me before I break them!” I shot back. “Oh, really. I'll like to see you try,” he replied calmly. I swallowed, looking away as I tried to free myself. How strong was he? I should have picked another elevator. Damn this man! Damn his stupid elevator! Damn his touch! Damn his...oh no. What's he doing? I felt his hand move downward, touching the side of my lap. His fingers traced my upper thighs and I quivered. This can't be happening! Scream, do something, goddamn it! Alessia, move your body now! “Dom...Dominic,” I stuttered, speechless. The elevator rumbled again, and I screamed. It shook violently and the lights began to flicker. He held me tight, keeping me still even when the lights went off. I started to panic, my breathing harsh. I hated being locked in tight spaces. He noticed and calmly moved his hand on my hair. “It's okay,” he said calmly. “I've got you.” I clutched my hands at his chest, trying to steady my breathing. His warm body soothed me. The elevator finally stopped shaking, and the light came on. None of us moved. I had gotten control of my breathing. I wouldn't want someone to see us like this. “You can let go now,” I said. He looked down at me, his lips curling into a smirk. His eyes dropped to my lips. “Can I? He asked, his deep voice making my legs wobble. “You're impossible,” I murmured, shoving him away. I stepped back, reaching the wall of the elevator, but he followed by caging me in his arms. “Impossible?” He repeated, sounding amused. “I think you mean irresistible.” I rolled my eyes, scoffing at his stupidity. “You're not only a jerk, but a chronic harasser. Get the hell away from me!” He smiled, and moved away. One of the buttons on the elevator shone and the elevator opened. Before I could reach for it, Dominic pressed another button closing the door. “Are you insane?” I asked. “We're going down, not midway,” he answered. “I don't care. I want to get out of this damn elevator!” I yelled.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
Alessia’s POV“Let me out!” I screamed, banging my cuffed hands on the wall.“You psycho, let me out!” I yelled.I fell to the floor, tried and panting. How could I be so stupid? I had forgotten about the CCTV.My kids, they would be missing me. How could I mess up in just a week of work?My throat felt dry from all the shouting and I coughed.The door started to slided open and I crawled up, struggling to my feet. I would make a run for it the chance I got.Once the door opened, I ran but he caught me, carrying me on his shoulder and throwing me back to the bed.“Get off me!” I screamed. “You sick twisted psycho!”“I doubt that,” he said, holding me in place. “Turns out you're not only keeping one secret from me.”I looked at him surprised. Had he gone mad?“What do you...” I started, but he cut me off.“Who is the twins' father?” He asked, sending shivers down my spine.How did he know? I hid it perfectly. I never kept it in my resume. Oh shit! He's got access.“Twins? What twins?”
Dominic’s POVI walked out of the office. It was late and past ten.Matteo walked behind me to the car. “Have someone make sure she doesn't escape,” I instructed.“Yes, boss,” Matteo answered.Ella took the kids to school. I watched her leave after kissing the twins.I was patient watching them from a distance.Lorenzo chased the ball, his dark hair flying around while Elena twirled with the other girls in her pink dress.I got out of the car, thinking of the best way to approach them. I didn't want to scare them. I removed my suit jacket, straightened my hair with my hand and crossed the street.Elena was the first to notice me. She stopped spinning, and crouched to her level.Elena stopped smiling and I smiled. “Hello there.”“Who are you?” She asked, looking at her brother. “I'm Dominic. I work with your mom,"I answered.“You're Mommy's boss?” Lorenzo asked, running over. He looked me up and down, not accepting me.“Yes, that's right. You must be Lorenzo,” I said. “Your mom talks a
Alessia’s POVI woke up in the same annoying bedroom I had been trapped in for days. I slowly rose from the bed, groaning from the exhaustion.My body was tired and I wanted to leave. I missed my babies. Ella must be worried by now and Lorenzo wouldn't be able to concentrate. He was always following me around.“Ugh, damn you, Dominic!” I yelled, taking off the left pair of my shoes and throwing it at the door.I crouched to the floor about to cry. I never believed I could be away from them for so long. Then I remembered something. Mg phone. They should have called by now.Slowly, I stood up, checking my body for my phone but it wasn't there. I remembered my purse which was outside the room, probably locked in Dominic's office.“Damn it!” I grunted and slapped my forehead.How could I leave something behind? I panicked knowing they would have called.I paced back and forth, thinking of a way to get out. Dominic already knew about the twins and I was scared he would take them from me.D
Dominic’s POVI stood in my private study, the DNA test results in my hands. The paper felt cold, distant, as though it wasn’t mine. But it was. The twins were mine. My blood. My flesh.And yet, as I stared at the document, all I felt was possessiveness. It wasn’t the anger I expected. It wasn’t fury or betrayal.I should be angry, but here I was thinking of a chance with her and the kids. Yet, I still felt guilt. I had been responsible for her family's loss and I was still greedy to want more from her.What is wrong with me?"Argh," I yelled, slamming the paper on the table."I should hate you Alessia. Your family, for everything they did to me. Why can't I hate you?" I murmured.My frustration rising with my pants and my fingers resting on my forehead.The sound of the door moving caught my ears. My fingers dropped to my side and I opened my eyes to see Matteo walk in."What is it?" I asked, with a frustrated tone."You look awful," Matteo replied, in a casual tone."Thanks," I answ
Sophia’s POVThe night wind stroked my skin as I stepped out of the gleaming black vehicle, its bright lights playing on pebbles of the driveway. The towering walls of Dominic’s house towered above like a fortress. No reassuring welcome from him. No soothing solace of words. No anything but cold deafening silence.I slammed my door shut behind me and strode up to the entrance, my heels clicking on marble steps. The employees, formed up to welcome me. Their rehearsed greetings were of no use to me."Welcome back, ma'am," they whispered together.I didn’t grant them that recognition and walked in.The bodyguards followed closely behind as I walked in.The moment that I stepped through the doors, cold cameras' eyes followed my every movement.I hated the silence. A new boundary that had never been there before. Dominic had never physically held himself off, but now it wasn't distance that he was maintaining. It was emotional distance that had grown up around him.How could he leave me ha
Alessia's POVSomething didn't feel right. I knew it. It was the queasy, peculiar feeling at the bottom of my stomach.Dominic had moved me to a remote house in the middle of nowhere.He had promised to bring the twins to see me and I waited eagerly.The big house was isolating and boring. I missed work, I missed hanging out with my darlings. I missed Ella.Dominic had double-checked the security with bodyguards on all four corners of the house. He didn't think I wouldn't run away. But how could I run when I was waiting to see my babies. I was no fool not to realize he could find me.I paced around the room, a new habit that I had formed recently. I stopped staring at the large glass, watching the moon. It looked so peaceful.Then that feeling returned again, it felt like someone was looking at me. My entire body begged me to get up and I did so. At this time the firing of a bullet shattering the glass and piercing the wall.I fell down almost immediately and crouched behind the bed.
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