Althaia
As we got closer to the group of men, I tried not to stare at anyone longer than a second in case they would take it the wrong way. They were huge and intimidating, and kept watching us as we walked up to them, but Cara was unfazed.
She led me over to the two men at the center of the group; the two most terrifying-looking men. And one of them was the man Michael told me not to stare at, but holy shit, that man was even finer up close, and I couldn't take my eyes off him.
I was nervous to approach him as his eyes followed me, and his stare made my heart race. He didn’t even try to hide it as he shamelessly checked me out, which gave me mixed feelings. I was not sure I was supposed to like his attention on me.
“Althaia, meet my fiancé, Lorenzo.” Cara introduced. I looked at the man next to him and wanted to drop my jaw. He was about the size of a tank! He was so tall that I even had to slightly tilt my head up, and so muscular he could literally be related to The Rock. I wouldn’t be surprised if he was.
Her vagina is going to be so tired.
I shared a quick look with Cara, a smug grin on her lips saying ‘I know’ like she read my thoughts, which made me crack a smile.
Tank Man was quite handsome with his closely shaved head, dark brown eyes, and a strong jawline with light stubble.
“It’s nice to meet you.” I smiled and stuck my hand out for a handshake. He looked down at my hand with a bored expression, letting it hang there before shaking it.
Well, that was lovely.
“And this is his older brother, Damiano.” She gestured to the one I had looked at for too long. They were about the same height, though Tank Man was more broad-shouldered than Damiano. Tank Man was, well, like a tank, but Damiano was way more intimidating, his golden-brown eyes so cold and deadly when he stared at me.
I almost wanted to gulp.
“Pleasure to meet you.” I smiled nervously at him and went for a handshake. He didn't just stare at my hand like Lorenzo did, he shook it immediately.
“Althaia.” Damiano said my name, as if he was seeing how it sounded on his tongue. “Pleasure’s all mine.” A shiver ran through me at how deep his voice was, and it elicited an inappropriate response in my body.
I felt my face flush.
This man was seriously otherworldly.
Damiano glanced at Tank Man, also known as Lorenzo, and it was almost like they were having a silent conversation. Whatever it was, it had Lorenzo grab Cara around the waist and they walked off. Cara looked over her shoulder and gave me a confused expression. I looked around and realized that the rest of the group had disappeared too.
“Uh...” I trailed in confusion.
“Althaia.” I shivered again as I turned back around to face Damiano, who already had his eyes set on me. He reached into his pocket and took out a pack of cigarettes, offering me one.
“Oh, no, thank you.”
“Good choice.” He gave me a small smirk and held the packet up to his mouth, took a cigarette between his lips, all while looking into my eyes. There was something about the way he did it that was incredibly hot.
“So, Althaia.” Damiano spoke while he lit up his cigarette and took a long drag from it. “You look awfully well for a dead person.” He spoke, blowing out smoke. I looked at him in shock. Was Michael right? Was Damiano threatening my life right now?
“I’m sorry, what?” I shook my head like I didn't hear him right.
“Your file says you’re dead.” He continued as if it was the most normal thing to say and blew the smoke right into my face. I waved the smoke away and frowned at him.
“What are you talking about? I think you have me confused with someone else.” I chuckled awkwardly.
“Althaia Volante, twenty-four years old, born on November seventh because her parents fucked on Valentine’s Day. You died instantly in a car accident on New Year’s Eve three years ago.” He said, inhaling from his cigarette as my expression fell.
“Usually, dead people don’t look this good.” Damiano gave me another look-over.
“I don’t know what you are talking about. Besides, my name is not Volante. It’s Celano. Big difference. You must have me confused with someone else because I’m pretty sure I’m not dead. Obviously.” I gestured to myself as I was literally standing in front of him in the flesh.
“Obviously.” He finished his cigarette, and my eyes followed the bud as he flicked it away. I glanced back at him, seeing his eyes lingering on my necklace between my breasts.
Damiano reached out to touch my necklace, and I reflexively stepped back. His eyes locked onto mine, giving me a warning look, like he was telling me to stay still.
“However, you are wearing the Volante heirloom around your neck.” He stepped closer to me and my heart beat faster when his hand trailed up and held my chin. I swallowed hard as he tilted my chin slightly upward so I could meet his eyes.
His face was getting closer to me, like he was going to kiss me, and my eyes went wide. But Damiano moved his head at the last second, his bearded cheek brushed against mine as he stopped by my ear.
“Makes me wonder why your father is hiding you from me.” He whispered, and it sent a chill down my spine.
Damiano slightly stepped back and dropped his hand to his side. He shot a look over my shoulder and my stomach dropped in fear when I saw his expression.
So deadly and fucking feral.
I had to get away from him.
I spun around to leave, but halted in my steps as I came face-to-face with my father, who looked at me furiously.
“Papá.” I breathed out. It was weird seeing him in front of me when we hadn’t seen each other since, well, my mother took me and left. Even though he didn’t keep in touch with me, I still missed him. He was my father, after all.
“What are you doing here?” My father snapped at me. He was livid.
My heart dropped. I guess the feelings were not mutual.
“What, you don’t want to see your daughter? Don’t worry, I’m not here for you.” I frowned back. Everybody stopped and stared at us. Wasn’t that just fucking lovely? They were all witnessing a shitty father and daughter reunion. He clearly didn’t want me here, and it made me feel like shit.
Great, so the worst that could happen, happened.
I crossed my arms, shoving my feelings away as I was about to leave, but stopped when Michael’s tense form moved forward to stand behind my father, posing as a bodyguard.
Someone grabbed me around the waist and pushed me into their side. I let out a noise of surprise at the sudden action and saw it was Damiano who held me firmly.
“Gaetano, such a beautiful gem you’ve been hiding.” He taunted in Italian. My father clenched his fists as he looked at Damiano, but Damiano just cocked his head to the side with a devilish smirk.
“Michael, take Althaia away from here.” My father ordered firmly.
“Holy shit!” I shouted when Damiano whipped out a gun and pointed it at Michael. My heart was racing, making me breathe out heavily. I tried to break free, but he held me tight.
“Don’t even think about it.” He snarled at Michael while he crushed me to his side to prevent me from leaving. My legs would've given out in fear if he hadn't had such a strong grip on me.
Michael tried to grab me again, but before he could even take a step, the sound of a gunshot rang out in the air, making me cover my ears as a shriek escaped me.
“I won’t fucking miss your head if you move one more time.” Damiano stated in a deadly low tone.
I could feel my knees weakening with each passing second. I looked at Michael, and my fear made his jaw clench. I stared at my father, and it looked like he was having an inner battle as he assessed the situation.
And now I knew why the fuck it felt dangerous to approach Damiano. He was batshit crazy!
The story is slowly undergoing edits.
Althaia “Keep her out of this.” My father hissed. “And why should I when you’re the one hiding her, Gaetano?” Damiano bared his teeth in a sinister smile. “She has nothing to do with anything!” My father yelled at him. “Now, now.” Damiano chuckled, not fazed at all. “I’ll be the judge of that.” He pulled me in front of him and it felt like I was facing the Devil himself. Damiano leaned in so close to me, his golden-brown eyes looking so deadly. I swallowed hard, scared of what he would do to me. “We’ll have a little chat together soon.” He said with a wicked smirk as he ran a thumb along my jaw. I couldn’t talk. I couldn’t even breathe. I just stared at him, my eyes wide, while my heart felt like it was about to jump out of my chest. What was I supposed to say, anyway? Tea or coffee? I was pretty sure he preferred blood. And I could only hope it was not mine he was after. He leaned back, gave me a wink, and walked off. I exhaled and my legs buckled, making me stumble. But a
Althaia “What the actual fuck?” I shrieked, and my father shot me a look. I was supposed to be dead? “But he said Althaia Volante, I’m a Celano.” I said to get an explanation for that. “Celano is a name your mother and I both decided for you to have so people wouldn’t be able to track you down easily.” He explained, “I never gave you my family name because I want to protect the only daughter I have.” So, that was what he meant when he said I was causing trouble. Made sense now. But in all fairness, how was I supposed to know that? No one told me I was supposed to play fucking dead. “I couldn't take the chance of you going around and introducing yourself as Volante. Word would get out, and he would track you down fast to get what he wants.” He sighed, and it left me stunned once again. “So…” I trailed off. “Does that mean I’m in any kind of danger now? Should I be worried?” I asked, probably looking like a lost child. If my father had faked my death, then that meant Damiano was m
Althaia “What a grand entrance you made tonight.” Michael playfully bumped his shoulder into mine. “Tell me about it.” I chuckled. Michael walked me all the way to my hotel room to make sure I got back completely safe. I was really grateful, and I almost snuggled up to him for protection. I swiped my keycard and held the door for Michael to enter as well. “Not bad, Thaia. You got yourself a luxury suite.” He whistled in awe as he looked around. “Well, I thought I would take advantage of this opportunity and treat myself a bit.” I grinned. I had asked for the biggest suite in the hotel because I wanted it to feel like a real vacation. The suite was split into two large rooms; a lounge area with soft couches that would swallow you and a huge flat-screen TV, and the other with a king-sized bed. It had to be a king-sized bed because I had this annoying fear that if my arm or leg hung off the bed, some kind of nasty creature would definitely grab me and drag me across the room. I slu
Damiano I entered the lobby of one of the fancier hotels in Los Angeles and went straight to the reception desk. “Mr. Bellavia, so great to see you again! Are you here for a meeting?” The receptionist greeted me with a wide smile and quickly checked her computer. “No, I’m here for pleasure.” I told her. “Oh, excellent! But I’m afraid all our master suites have been booked. If you would give me a minute, I will have something figured out for you right away.” “No need to.” I stopped her before she could make any calls. “I already have a room. It should be under the name of Althaia Celano.” “Just a second and I will find it for you.” Her red nails tapped on the keyboard as she searched the database. “Bill her stay on my card. I will only be here for a few hours. Order everything you have on the menu, plus a bottle of your best champagne, and send it up.” I slid my card towards her and checked my watch to show her I was getting impatient so she would hurry. “Certainly, sir! I can s
Althaia “Thaia, get your ass up!” Cara shouted while constantly banging on the door. I let out an annoyed groan. I couldn't sleep all night, tossing and turning with my mind racing about all that had happened. And that Devil named Damiano did nothing to ease my mind. I knew he was too beautiful to be a sane person. When he said we would have a chat soon, I thought it was just to scare the shit out of me. Which worked. And then he freaking showed up out of the blue like the Devil he was. I know I have complained about how my life was getting a little too boring, and said I desperately needed some excitement in my life. Don’t get me wrong, I was grateful for everything in my life and what my mother has provided for me. Because of her, I was living a comfortable life. But my life was getting too repetitive. I never dreamt that I would land directly into the arms of a Mafia Boss! I should pack my bags, run and never look back. I really should. But I hate running. Oh, and that wink he
Althaia Mother wasn’t happy. In fact, my mother was mad. She became so enraged that she stumbled over the English words and had to switch to Greek. And that was how you knew she was mad when she had to switch languages. She wasn’t that angry about me not coming back; she was furious that Cara had ‘forgotten’ to mention that she was marrying into the Famiglia di Bellavia. It was apparently a big deal because she started yelling and cursing Cara’s father, then she cursed my father for allowing this to happen. I, on the other hand, knew nothing about Famiglia di Bellavia. So, I did some digging with a G****e search. And it turned out they were rich and powerful as fuck. Like next level shit. They owned all sorts of businesses, including hotels, nightclubs, and casinos. Mind you, that was the legal part of their businesses. The other part? Well, they controlled everything from the street-corner drug trade to the highest levels of government. Obviously, there was no concrete evidence t
Althaia “Michael, relax. You’re hurting me.” I winced when his fingers dug into my side. He finally snapped out of it and immediately let me go. I started massaging my side gently to ease the pain. This was definitely going to bruise. His eyes followed my actions, and instant regret showed on his face. “Shit, Thaia, I’m so sorry.” He ran a hand through his hair. “Are you okay?” I asked. Michael usually kept his cool, but this time I feared he would do something stupid and get hurt. It wouldn’t take a genius to figure out who would win the fight. “I’m the one who should ask if you’re okay.” He sighed and gave a small smile. “Don’t worry about me… he just pisses me off every time I see his stupid face.” He scowled. “Or is it because he drives a sexier car than you?” I teased and bumped my shoulder into his. “You’re such a gold-digger, Thaia! One minute you’re begging me to let you drive my car, and then you see his stupid car and forget all about mine.” I burst out laughing. He loo
Damiano Fucking hell. I pushed my chair back, keeping my face blank as I stalked off in the direction she went, not caring how the chatter paused. I stopped right in front of the bathroom door, when it opened a small gasp escaped her plump lips. I gritted my teeth at the sound, as my dick pressed painfully against my slacks. I walked towards her. One slow agonizing step at a time, until her ass hit the sink behind her. I let out a satisfied grunt as my eyes trailed down her curves. I rested my hands on the sink, caging her between my arms as I leaned in closer to her, hearing her breath hitch. “Do you have any idea what you have done?” I asked, my voice low and gruff. I watched her nervously gulp as she stared at me with those bright green eyes of hers. “No.” She whispered. My hands tightened around the sink. “You have no business showing up in your little, tight, dress.” When my fingers brushed against her bare pussy, I almost fucking lost it. I cocked my head to the side. “Tel
Althaia“Maybe we should have gotten me a change of clothes before coming here.” I said as I walked out to them while looking down at the tank top I had taken from Damiano, pretending to be fixing it. I was actually fixing it because my nipples were almost showing.Damiano looked up from his phone. His eyes slowly trailed down my body and his gaze stopped at my barely covered breasts. Whatever he was doing on his phone could wait as he carelessly tossed it on the couch.He gave me a lazy smirk and motioned for me to come closer to him. With a gentle yet firm grip, Damiano wrapped his arms around my waist, pulling me flush against his body.“What’s the need for clothes when I plan to have you naked the entire time?” He said with a mischievous grin on his lips. I blushed, not expecting him to say something like this in front of them.As if remembering there were other people in our room, he looked at them with a blank look.“What are you still doing here? Get out.” He told them sharply.
Althaia I huffed and looked at the time. It was a quarter to four in the morning, and I was wide awake. Feeling horny. I turned to look at Damiano, who was sleeping peacefully next to me. I wanted him, but I didn't want to wake him up just to take care of my needs. He had a long day ahead of him, flying out to a meeting with Mr. Roberts, and other high-end restaurant owners. They saw the custom-designed wine bottles for Mr. Robert's restaurants, and how they attracted more customers. Customers loved the whole idea of taking a unique wine bottle home with them as a souvenir. Some even started to collect them. The sales went crazy and landed us a few more deals. I suggested that each restaurant have its distinct design as a trademark, but with Damiano's wine business name engraved. And he was going to meet them all and show them my sketch ideas. I would have gone with him, but since I was heavily pregnant, I couldn’t fly. Maybe it was because I knew he would be gone, and wouldn’t b
Five months later The sun was high up in the clear sky, shining over the crystal blue water in the most enchanting way. Calilo was always a beautiful island, but today, it was even more breathtaking. The beach was elegantly decorated and rows of chairs lined up endlessly on the bright green grass. A mirrored aisle had been set up in the middle with either side decorated so stunningly with Angel’s and Devil’s trumpet flowers. At the end of the aisle was a grand gazebo with pillars decorated with colorful flowers. A crowd of people was present, chatting and finding their seats. By the gazebo stood Damiano, overlooking the crowd of their friends and families. Everyone had flown out to make sure to witness this special day. Damiano had a small crease between his brows, shuffling around on his feet for the first time in his life as he kept fixing his tie, double-checking to make sure he at least looked decent enough on such a meaningful day. “Nervous, brother?” Lorenzo walked up to him
Althaia Ellie was already at the clinic, waiting for us when we arrived. The closer we got to the examination room, the more anxious I got. I was dreading it more than ever. To get that confirmation that it was another miscarriage. That another life was lost in me. I felt suffocated. Damiano, Antonio, and Giovanni were just as worried. No one bothered to mask their emotions as they were concerned for my well-being and what was going to happen. “So, what are we dealing with?” Ellie asked once she closed the door to give us some privacy while Antonio and Giovanni waited outside. “I took a pregnancy test, it was positive but… I’m bleeding and cramping.” I swallowed hard as Ellie listened carefully to me. Damiano stayed close to me, holding me as if I would collapse at any moment. What I loved about Ellie was that even though she knew us, she was still being professional and not letting us see if she was concerned as she listened to me. “Okay, we will do a blood test and do a transv
Althaia My eyes welled as I could feel the pain, and my heart ached for them both. The fact that my mother was going to tell them, maybe even holding onto the hope that they could finally be together. But no. For her own protection, mine even, she had to accept that was how her life was going to be. And I couldn’t even imagine what Alexei must be feeling now. To know he was close to being told he was going to have a child with the woman he loved. But his own mother stood in his way and took the truth with her to the grave. Nestor looked completely taken aback as he looked at my mother and followed Alexei once he came to his senses. I was sure Alexei needed some time to think it all through. I didn’t say anything, giving my mother some time to gather herself. I looked at Damiano, he was leaning against the wall with his arms crossed, already looking at me. I couldn’t tell if he was truly interested in the story or not as he wore a straight face. Then I knew he wasn’t interested wh
Althaia As soon as Alexei drew out his gun, Damiano pulled me behind him and he and his men pulled out their guns as well, finger on the trigger and ready to fire. But then Nestor quickly pushed Alexei away when a knife flew right in between them, missing Alexei’s head by a hair. Surprised and confused, everyone turned to look in the direction where the knife came from. My mother had her brows pinched with her gaze locked on Alexei, ready with another knife in her hand. “Did you forget how she loved to do that to you?” Nestor sighed at Alexei. But he was too focused on my mother with a furious gaze. “Seems like her aim is off.” He sneered. “It’s not off, it was simply a warning. I got you once, and I can do it again.” My mother spoke calmly but had a whole different demeanor to her. My jaw was on the floor as I looked at them back and forth in pure shock. This whole damn thing had me completely dumbfounded. Wasn’t Alexei the one who had demanded to see her, and almost started a
AlthaiaI didn’t think it was possible to feel more miserable than this. But I kept being dragged down into an endless, dark hole while drowning in fear and pure devastation.I was exhausted.Exhausted from everything that happened and exhausted from every single piece of information thrown at me. I still haven’t even processed the fact that Gaetano wasn’t my father. And then everything else followed as if trying to give me a heart attack by exposing the brutal truth to me.That my entire life has been a fucking lie.Twenty-five years old and I was suddenly having an identity crisis that appeared out of the blue. For so many years where it has just been me and my mother, living life together. But it turned out I didn’t even know who she truly was.My mother, who I thought I witnessed die, was somewhere in this safe-house.Well, and alive.I thought I was hallucinating when I saw her. Or maybe I was seeing a ghost. Or maybe I ended up in hell and this was my punishment. To be tormented
Damiano“No. Stay here.” I stopped Jacinta when she tried to go after Althaia. I knew she would be shocked and in denial but I wasn’t prepared for this kind of reaction and run away.I gritted my teeth, walking as fast as I could in the direction she ran off. This fucking gunshot wound was limiting me too much.I stepped outside to the garden, watching her leaning against a tree to catch her breath.“Althaia.” I frowned, looking at the state she was in.“Stop! Just.. please stop. Don’t come any closer.” She closed her eyes, trying her best to control her breathing. I clenched my fists in frustration. Frustrated with me that I was the cause of this. I stood still, watching her cry and gasp for air. And I would rather get shot a hundred times more than see her like this.“How… How could you do this to me?!” Althaia shouted at me with so much anger than I had ever seen from her. Her innocent, green eyes turned into ones with a rage-filled storm.And betrayal.“I did what I believed was t
DamianoAlthaia was shocked.Shocked to the point her body gave up under her and collapsed to the ground. I grabbed her and pulled her into me, gritting my teeth as I ignored my own pain when I saw the state she was in. I didn’t give two shits about Alexei at this moment, only worrying about her. She looked numb, lost, as she tried to comprehend what I just said. For once, Alexei kept quiet and had his men stand by as he looked at Althaia.His daughter.He hadn’t expressed what he thought of the situation. About him having a daughter. But he was pissed at her mother for keeping away and not telling him. Twenty-five years had he lived on with his life without knowing he had a child out in the world. And to make it worse for him, his daughter thought Gaetano was her father.An Italian man who married his woman“Come on, breathe, Althaia… There you go… Breathe.” She gasped for air and I felt how her entire body was shaking against mine. I held her tightly, even though I was struggling to