I was going to do it! I was going to show my art to others! I made my way downstairs, drawn by the promise of coffee and breakfast. But if I was being honest with myself, there was another reason I was eager to get to the kitchen. The thought of seeing Roman sent a little thrill through me, and
"Good morning, Amelia," Roman said softly, his voice a low rumble that seemed to resonate in my very bones. He took the seat next to me, close enough that I could catch a whiff of his cologne, something woodsy and masculine that made my head spin a little. "Did you sleep well?" he asked, his eyes
As I sat there, sipping my water and trying to calm my racing heart, I couldn't help but marvel at the unexpected turn our conversation had taken. Roman and I were... flirting? The realization hit me like a sudden gust of wind, both exhilarating and slightly terrifying. And maybe not so bad the more
I didn't need any more explanation. “Oh,” I voiced, “Is it a large party?” “Unfortunately, they're obsessed with Disney; they want something Disney-themed, and holy fuck, it–” He stopped abruptly and coughed, “Sorry…” He chuckled, “I'm blabbing,” I shook my head with an amused grin stretching
AMELIA As Roman and I stood in the foyer, I couldn't help but feel excitement inside me. The matching outfits, which had seemed like such a playful idea earlier, now felt like a statement - one I wasn't entirely sure I was ready to make. But looking at Roman, tall and handsome in his perfectly tail
Roman who finally broke the silence, his voice soft but clear in the quiet car. "You know, I never knew you painted until our meeting with the Kevins," he said, his tone thoughtful. I turned to look at him, surprised by the sudden topic. "Oh?" I replied, unsure of what else to say. He had admitted
AMELIA As Roman and I approached the gallery entrance, my heart was pounding so loudly I was sure everyone around us could hear it. The nerves I'd been trying to keep at bay all evening came rushing back in full force. But before I could spiral too far into my anxiety, a familiar voice cut through
Vincent's face lit up again, all traces of teasing vanishing as he nodded enthusiastically. "Of course! You're going to love it, Amelia. We've given it pride of place – it truly deserves to be the centerpiece of the exhibition," He gestured forward with a grin. As Vincent turned to lead the way in
"I swear," she laughed, her voice filling the car with warmth, "if he could bubble-wrap me and the baby, he would." I couldn't help but smile, watching her face light up as she talked about her husband. "He's just nervous. First-time dad and all that." "Oh, speaking of nervous," she grinned, tur
AMELIA Morning sunlight filtered through the thin curtains of my bedroom, casting warm patches across my chilly sheets. I should have felt lighter, triumphant even. The family was finally under control, the threats neutralized, and the Guerrero name secure. Yet as I lay there, staring up at the ce
The color drained from their faces so quickly it was almost comical. Uncle Stefano actually tugged at his collar, while Uncle Paolo seemed to sink further into his chair. "Ricardo made his choice," Uncle Marco said, trying to maintain some semblance of dignity despite his obvious fear. "We are mere
AMELIA The meeting wasn't one I was looking forward to but it was something I had to get done. Something that I hoped would remind me of all the reasons why I was in Italy. All the reasons why I became a completely different person. I stared at my reflection in the bathroom mirror, taking in ho
AMELIA TWO YEARS LATER… I was twenty-seven years old, younger than my mother was when she had me, and five years older than she was when my grandfather entrusted the Guerrero family's responsibility to her. Despite trying my best not to think about her, everything I did, everywhere I walked in It
"And sitting back and doing nothing is better?" My voice rose, a mixture of frustration and desperation. "I'm tired of being the victim. Tired of being passed around like a piece of property, like something to be traded and bartered." His blue eyes flashed. "I would never let that happen to you aga
AMELIA Why was I so hesitant? I had been sure of my choices, I had accepted that it was what I really wanted and what I needed. But sitting here, with his head on my shoulder and his eyes looking so distant, I couldn't bring myself to say a word. Nothing. “Amy?” “Hm?” Roman raised his hea
Hi! Its me Dchenemi but you already know that lol. I want to thank you for sticking with this book this far and answer a few questions. Firstly O would like to apologize for the lack of updates, I have ongoing exams and I'm unable to focus on writing while the pressure of getting good grades are
AMELIA My mother had always told me I was destined for great things, and at some point in my life, I thought it was being a well-established painter or perhaps a tycoon like she wished to be. But now I realized what she truly meant. No matter how much she had tried to escape it, her past still cau