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Forty

Author: Khandasi
last update Last Updated: 2025-01-30 17:39:03

I walk to the restaurant entrance, and I have to admit, it is fancy, alright. The moment an attendant at the door offers to take my coat and gives me a ticket for it, I know without a doubt that this place is upscale. Definitely a good sign that I might not hate this date. When I asked Michael for an idea of what kind of date it would be so I would know what to wear, he said I should dress fancy, and honestly, it feels good to dress up every once in a while for something like this. I’m dressed in a black bandage dress that accentuates my curves perfectly, paired with golden strappy heels that match my purse and jewelry. Bella helped with my makeup because she’s pretty good at it. I didn’t want to go all out and give an impression I don’t intend to give.

“I’m here for a reservation made by Mr. Cisse,” I tell the attendant, who nods and gestures for me to follow a woman dressed in a black skirt suit. The inside of the restaurant is even more impressive than it looked from the outside. W
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  • The Don's Forbidden Muse   Forty One

    "Renee!” Michael’s voice booms through the kitchen, snapping me back to reality. I jump and start taking slow, steady steps backward.I look at him, trying to hide the shock on my face. He lets out a humorless chuckle, shaking his head.“What did you do?” I ask, my throat dry and my voice barely above a whisper.“Can you believe these racist assholes?”“What?” I ask, confused by his words.“They intentionally delayed your meal because—get this—you’re a different shade from them, and they don’t serve people who look like you. Racist bastards.”The words hang in the air, and a chill runs down my spine. For a moment, I can’t even process how I feel. Racist? I hadn’t even considered that, but now the tension in the kitchen feels even more suffocating.Being treated differently because of the color of my skin wasn’t something I experienced much growing up. In fact, people often thought I was prettier or placed me on a pedestal because of it. When I moved here, the experience was different,

    Last Updated : 2025-02-01
  • The Don's Forbidden Muse   Forty Two

    He has his trademark toothpick perched between his lips, and for the life of me, I don’t know why anyone would think walking around with a toothpick in their mouth is cool or even gangster. It’s just weird. His demeanor is calm, but the slight crease on his forehead is a clear indication of how dangerous he can be. I hate to admit it, but the sight of Mateo being here brings a wave of relief. As much as I despise the situation, I’d choose someone like Mateo over a stranger who pretended to be a good guy by taking me on a date. I don’t know Mateo well, but the fact that he works for Alessandro makes him the closest thing I have to protection right now.Michael’s grip on my wrist loosens as he turns, his eyes narrowing at Mateo.“Mind your own business,” he snaps, trying to sound confident, but the slight waver in his voice betrays his unease.Mateo smirks, casually flipping the toothpick between his fingers.&ldquo

    Last Updated : 2025-02-01
  • The Don's Forbidden Muse   Forty Three

    I’m sitting on the floor of our new apartment, sorting through clothes and sipping wine. Bella is sprawled out on the bed, her legs hanging off the side as she types furiously on her phone. The apartment is mostly bare, apart from two beds in each of our rooms and a few things Bella brought from home. We moved in a couple of days ago, and even though the movers did most of the heavy lifting, I hated how they arranged my clothes. So here I am, trying to fix it while Bella keeps me company. We decided to move into the apartment despite Dell's role in helping us get it. We love it and didn’t want to start searching for a new one.“Okay, I know the restaurant staff being racist was a bit of a stretch,” I start, folding another shirt, “but Michael’s reaction was completely uncalled for. And now that I know he knew my father? I just don’t get it. Is that why he approached me in the first place? Because he knew who I was?” The events o

    Last Updated : 2025-02-01
  • The Don's Forbidden Muse   Forty Four

    I take a deep breath and step out of the car, my heart hammering in my chest. Mateo is waiting on the pavement, and he walks me to the building. When I sent that text earlier, first, I had drunk a little more wine than I normally do, and second, Bella was breathing down my neck, urging me to do it. I thought it was a good idea at first—get some answers, find out what Michael knows about my father—but now, standing in front of this apartment, I’m not so sure.It’s not some dark, abandoned building like I imagined. It’s an apartment, probably another one of Alessandro’s. At this point, I wouldn’t be surprised by how many places he owns. Even though the place looks like a normal apartment, it doesn’t feel right. The air is thick with tension, every nerve in my body screaming at me to turn around and leave. My hands are cold, despite the warm evening air, and I can feel the weight of my decision pressing down on me.Mateo nod

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  • The Don's Forbidden Muse   Forty Five

    I stop just outside, panting, trying to calm down, but the nausea from what I just witnessed is overwhelming. My stomach churns violently, and before I can stop it, I double over, vomiting onto the grass. My body convulses as the bile rises, the acidic taste burning my throat, and tears sting my eyes as I wipe my mouth with a trembling hand.I hear footsteps approaching and sniff, glancing up to see Alessandro. His expression is unreadable. He doesn’t say anything at first, just watches me with those cold, calculating eyes. The blood on his hands catches my attention, and another wave of sickness crashes over me.“Renee,” he says firmly, though not unkindly. His voice startles me all the same. I jump, taking a step back, fighting to control the tears welling in my eyes.He doesn’t comment on my reaction. Instead, he gestures to an outdoor sink nearby and walks over, turning on the tap. The sound of running water fills the silence as he be

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  • The Don's Forbidden Muse   Forty Six

    The kiss is just a soft brush of the lips, and for a moment, nothing happens. He doesn’t move, doesn’t even breathe. He’s just standing there, his eyes fixed on me, wide and dark. I think I’ve made a mistake—that any second now, he’ll pull away and leave me humiliated. So I decide to step back, but then I gasp as his hand moves to my waist, his fingers pressing into my skin, pulling me closer.His lips meet mine—slow at first, almost testing—but soon the restraint gives way. He deepens the kiss, and I feel myself being swept up in it, drowning in the heat of the moment. He pins me against the wall as his grip tightens, his other hand tangling in my hair as his mouth claims mine with an urgency I didn’t expect. A soft moan escapes me as his tongue brushes against mine, my fingers curling into his shirt, pulling him closer.For a brief moment, I feel alive. Every nerve in my body is alight with his touch, his lips on

    Last Updated : 2025-02-02
  • The Don's Forbidden Muse   Forty Seven

    I take a deep breath and quietly turn the lock on the door, bracing myself for whatever state Michael is in after Alessandro’s "interrogation." I know this is a stupid idea, but I can’t afford to back down now. I don’t have that luxury.When I finally turn around, I see him still tied to the chair, his head slumped. He looks battered and bruised, his face swollen. Even so, there’s still defiance in his eyes. There’s definitely some fight left in him, and when he looks up and sees me, a smirk curls on his cracked lips.“You…” he says, surprised. “Don’t you think it’s a bad idea for you to come in here alone?” His voice is rough but laced with sarcasm.I scoff, trying to mask my disgust at the sight of his injuries and the anxiety gnawing at me.“You’re tied up. You can’t do anything,” I say, trying to hide the fact that him being tied up doesn’t feel as s

    Last Updated : 2025-02-03
  • The Don's Forbidden Muse   Forty Eight

    As I unlock the door, the banging stops abruptly. Alessandro’s eyes immediately narrow.“What the hell was that? What were you doing in there with him?” he asks, his voice low and menacing. I would say I was scared, but right now, I’m just over him. Luca is standing behind him, looking more focused than angry. His eyes move between me and Michael, who’s still tied up, a smirk on his lips.“Renée!” Alessandro blurts out, and I scoff, brushing past him as if his question barely registers.“I needed to talk to him,” I reply, keeping my tone calm but firm. “And you’re not going to kill him… not until I say so.” He creases his brow in confusion as his expression darkens. He steps closer, towering over me.Luca walks over to where Michael is, still bound to the chair, seemingly unfazed.“What the hell did you tell her?” Luca asks Michael, who only shrugs, th

    Last Updated : 2025-02-03

Latest chapter

  • The Don's Forbidden Muse   Epilogue

    One year laterThe soft click of the camera is the only sound in the room as I lean in closer, adjusting the angle to capture the perfect shot. My client is seated on the velvet chaise, draped in delicate lace. Her confidence radiates through the lens, and she is beautiful. The natural light streaming through the tall windows bathes her in a warm glow, highlighting every curve and detail.“Beautiful,” I murmur in a steady voice as I guide her. “Tilt your chin slightly… yes, just like that. Perfect.”This is my world now. My studio, my work, my passion. It’s been over a year and a half since I found my footing in this country, and my boudoir photography has taken off in ways I never imagined. Had someone told me I would stay here and make it my home after all the tragedies that happened, I would have laughed in their face. But here I am. High-end clients, features in glossy magazines—it’s everything I dreamed of an

  • The Don's Forbidden Muse   Ninety Five

    I open my eyes, and the splitting headache is a clear reminder of the hangover from last night. I think I might have had a little too much to drink. My body is tangled in soft linen sheets that aren’t mine. I quickly sit up, blinking against the brightness streaming through the curtains. For a moment, everything is hazy—the room, the night, and the nagging sense of regret clawing at the edges of my mind.I push myself up slowly, the cozy carpet beneath my feet unfamiliar. Panic starts to creep in as I take in the space. A strange home. My mind is slowly piecing everything together, and then it hits me—Luca. The bar. The bathroom. His bed.“Oh my god,” I whisper, my hands flying to my face.What the hell have I done?The events of last night quickly come crashing in. What we did didn’t just stop in that bar bathroom. Somehow, we ended up here, and we didn’t stop until... I shake my head, trying to will the memories

  • The Don's Forbidden Muse   Ninety Four

    The restaurant is quiet. Too quiet. I’m seated at the center of it, watching the soft shadows cast across the empty tables around me by the flickering candlelight. The dress delivered earlier fits like a glove, hugging my curves and making me feel beautiful, but I’m slowly starting to feel less and less beautiful as time keeps passing by. Sitting here alone in this massive restaurant feels uncomfortable.I swirl the wine in my glass, the rich red liquid catching the light. I sigh and take a sip. It’s my third—or is it my fourth? I’ve lost count. I don’t normally get drunk on wine, but if I keep taking one glass after another, I’ll be tipsy by the time this date even starts. I glance at my phone for the umpteenth time, the screen lighting up with the same message he sent over forty-five minutes ago:I’ll be late, but I’m on my way. Order something, love.That word love feels hollow now. I check the time again,

  • The Don's Forbidden Muse   Ninety Three

    Several months laterThis always feels like the first time. I’m straddling Alessandro in the warm, scented water of our bathtub, riding out the pleasure as water laps against my skin. His hands grip my waist tightly, and his head tips back as he groans my name. It’s moments like this when I forget the chaos around us. Here, it’s just him and me—no one else.I let out a soft moan as I finish, my body trembling as I collapse against him. He catches me, cradling me like I’m the most precious thing in the world, before pressing a kiss to my forehead, then to my lips, his breath warm and tender.“I love you,” he whispers softly, tucking my hair behind my ear.Those three words hit me like a wave every time he says them. I smile, kissing him back gently before leaning against his chest, slowly listening to the rhythm of our breathing. His hand brushes through my hair, untangling it with care.“What are you

  • The Don's Forbidden Muse   Ninety Two

    I am shaking as I stare at the pool of blood on the floor next to my father’s leg, which keeps growing larger with every passing second. His face is pale, and he is starting to get weaker. I’m trying to hold back my tears, wishing I could help him, but I can’t move. My body feels like it’s chained to this seat, my fists trembling in place on my lap.“Okay, I’ll ask again,” Emilia’s sharp voice cuts through the air, making my heart race even faster. “Who do you have resentment for in this room, Principessa?” she asks in a mocking voice.My throat is dry, my voice barely above a whisper as I stammer. “Maria.”I hear Maria scoff at the other end of the room. “Bitch,” she mutters under her breath, but it’s loud enough for everyone to hear.I swallow hard, trying not to look in her direction. Emilia leans forward, clearly intrigued. “Oh, now this is getting interest

  • The Don's Forbidden Muse   Ninety One

    I open my eyes, and my head is killing me. The first thing I feel is the cold, hard surface beneath me. I try to piece together where I am. Someone is calling my name, the voice faint but familiar, slicing through the fog clouding my mind.“Renée…”I force my eyes open, blinking against the light filtering into the massive room. It takes me a moment to figure out my surroundings, and then I see him—Alessandro. He’s seated on a chair a few feet away, his hands bound, his eyes filled with anger and despair.My heart jumps. He came for me.I try to sit up, and my body aches with every move, but I still manage to sit.“Alessandro,” I whisper, my voice cracking as I struggle to stand.He shakes his head, a silent warning, and that’s when I see it—a gun pressed against his temple. My breath catches in my throat as my heart starts to race.“Hey… hey… are you ok

  • The Don's Forbidden Muse   Ninety

    AlessandroAfter that phone call with Emilia, I’ve felt stuck ever since. I don’t know what to do. Before I took over the reign of the East mafiadome—just before I married Emilia—the queen was already on top of the food chain. There were rumors about how ruthless she was, how evil she was. The things she used to do. She was the lowest of the barrel when it came to cruelty. I didn’t think there was anything beyond her in terms of the evil she was capable of. She would kill without mercy, deal the worst drugs, and human and sex trafficking were part of her trade.So when I married Maria, I swore to change all that. I vowed to be ruthless, but not ruthless like her. I wanted to make things right—and I did.By doing so, I threatened her, and she fought back. There is nothing worse than fighting someone you don’t truly know.The thing is, before her, her father ruled. He supposedly only had sons—or so we thought.

  • The Don's Forbidden Muse   Eighty Nine

    “Hey! Hey! Let us out of here, you sons of bitches!” Mateo’s scream tears through the heavy silence in the room. He thrashes against the ropes binding him to the chair, his voice hoarse as he shouts.“Let us out of here! Do you hear me? You bastards! You’re going to pay for letting Marco die. I swear to God!” he screams again, his voice bouncing off the walls, but no one comes. The night is quiet except for the sounds of the crickets and my sobbing. I turn to look at my father and brother, and they have that same sad look on their faces.Mateo keeps screaming in rage at no one, yet still, no one seems to hear his cries.I remain seated on the floor, my hands still stained with the now-dried blood that belonged to Marco. Tears stream down my face, and my whole body shakes. He was alive not long ago. But now he is gone. He’s really gone. My chest feels tight, and I can barely breathe. If only Emilia had let me help him&hel

  • The Don's Forbidden Muse   Eighty Eight

    The two women exchange a knowing glance, a silent communication passing between them, before one of them stands up. She is slightly taller and more petite than me, though I suspect that’s due to the harsh conditions here. She deliberately walks toward me, the fear she initially displayed now replaced by feigned confidence. The second woman, much shorter with cropped hair, follows close behind, and my heart races with every step they take closer.“So, you’re the new one,” the first woman says, her voice sharp and biting. Even with the coldness in her tone, there’s a hint of curiosity in her eyes, as though she’s heard of me and wants to know more.I blink, confused by her words. “What do you mean?” I ask, though deep down, a part of me already knows.There can only be one reason we look so similar, and I desperately hope it isn’t true—because if it is, I’ll lose my mind.She tilts her head,

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