He wore dark jeans that hugged long legs, paired with a crisp white t-shirt that did nothing to hide his muscular build. A well-worn leather jacket completed the look. It should have been a simple outfit, but on him, it was devastatingly attractive. We reached the airport exit, and I knew our brie
AMELIA“Is that really all you're carrying?” I looked down at the simple backpack Roman had packed for a two week stay, it was barely enough to contain anything. He nodded, zipping it close, his arm's muscles flexing from the small action. He wore a T-shirt that hugged his chest and his abs like
As we stepped into the hotel lobby, the cool air-conditioning was a welcome respite from the California heat. I couldn't help but feel a thrill of excitement. This was my first time out of the country, and I was determined to make the most of it. Most importantly, it was a break from everything, i
“Is that really all there is to it?” “Yes,” Jessica nodded, though I could tell she wasn't entirely convinced. "Well, let's focus on us for now. We've got a whole vacation to enjoy!" As Jessica launched into her plans for our trip, I tried to push thoughts of Roman out of my mind. But part of
Just as we were about to place our order, a deep familiar voice spoke from behind me. "I’m sorry I’m late," I turned to see Roman standing there, looking somewhat uncomfortable in a casual button-down shirt and slacks. It was probably the most dressed-down I'd seen him in a while, and yet he still
Shopping for beachwear was hectic, Jessica didn't let me choose a one piece…contrary to what she picked for herself. She claimed this was my chance to get a new husband since I'd be on the market soon. Which I found utterly ridiculous, I don't want to be with any man…I never did. I'm not even
“What's wrong? You're sweating…” Jessica pointed out, worry in her voice. I shook my head and forced a smile. “It's nothing, just feeling a bit hot,” I lied. I was sweating though, but only because I had this increasing feeling of nervousness that wouldn't go away. “Don't worry,” Jessica
How many hours had gone by? I couldn't tell, all I knew was that I was awake but I couldn't move an inch. Breathing was almost a chore, my lungs seemed to have been paralyzed, along with the rest of me. My eyes were opened, at least it felt like they were. Golden, glowing orbs danced around
"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