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CHAPTER FORTY-EIGHT
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2021-11-18 20:37:43Related chapters
The Games of the Heart CHAPTER FORTY-NINE
STEFANOI adjust in my seat, securing my seatbelt as the plane prepares for takeoff. My heart flutters with anticipation at the thought of soon being reunited with Andrea. I was on my way to surprise her. I had missed her so deeply these past weeks, and I couldn’t bear to spend another minute apart from her warm embrace.The ache of missing her, of needing her, has become a physical thing - a hollow in my chest that only her presence can fill. I drum my fingers impatiently on the armrest, watching the flight attendant make her final rounds before takeoff.But something's wrong. The plane isn't moving, the minutes stretching on without the telltale lurch of acceleration. My brow furrows as the attendant hurries toward me, her face pinched with concern."What's the problem?" I ask, irritation clear in my tone. Every delay is a minute longer until I can hold Andrea in my arms again.The attendant's throat bobs as she swallows nervously. "Um, sir...your brother is blocking the terminal."I
Last Updated : 2021-11-18The Games of the Heart CHAPTER FIFTY
ANDREA Once we arrive at the club, Emily and I make a beeline for the bar, eager to kick off our night with a few shots. The alcohol burns pleasantly as it goes down, and I can already feel the welcome warmth spreading through my veins, loosening my limbs and quieting the ache in my chest. My mind flashes briefly to the devastating actions of my father earlier, his lack of remorse in his eyes as he crushed my feelings. But I forcefully push those thoughts aside, determined to lose myself in the pulsing beat of the music and the buzz of the liquor. Right now is about forgetting, about drowning my sorrows until the sharp edges of my heartbreak are blurred and numbed. “Do you want to dance?” Emily shouts, her voice barely carrying over the pulsing beat and raucous chatter of the packed club. Her eyes, though glassy from the tequila, still hold shadows of pain from her earlier conversation with Santiago.“Yes,” I yell back, tossing back one last shot for liquid courage before allowing h
Last Updated : 2021-11-18The Games of the Heart CHAPTER FIFTY-ONE
STEFANOI watch Andrea as she trembles like a leaf in an autumn breeze, her body curled in on itself at the edge of the bed. She hasn’t spoken a word since we left the club, the silence heavy with unspoken pain. I know pushing her now would only make her retreat further, but I can’t just stand here and watch her suffer.Slowly, carefully, I move to crouch between her legs, my hands resting gently on her knees. “Luce del sole,” I murmur, the endearment falling from my lips like a prayer. “Talk to me. What happened?”For a long moment, there’s only the sound of her shaky breaths. Then, finally, a single word escapes her lips. “Him.”My brow furrows. “Him?”She nods, her gaze distant, haunted. “I saw him after all this time. It felt like...like he was forcing himself on me all over again.”Ice floods my veins as understanding dawns. I know the story, the horror she endured five years ago at the hands of that monster in Rome. The very thought of it makes my blood boil, and my heart ache i
Last Updated : 2024-11-04The Games of the Heart CHAPTER FIFTY-TWO
I wake slowly, my body deliciously sore in all the right places. As consciousness seeps in, I become aware of the strong, muscular arms wrapped around my waist, holding me close. A smile tugs at my lips as memories of last night flood my mind - Stefano’s touch, his kisses, the way he worshipped my body with a reverence that left me breathless and aching for more.He introduced me to pleasures I never knew existed, stoking the flames of my desire until I was burning, consumed by a need only he could satisfy. Even now, just the thought of it sends a shiver down my spine, my skin tingling with remembered bliss.I turn carefully in his embrace, not wanting to wake him. In sleep, his handsome face is relaxed, the lines of tension smoothed away. He looks peaceful, younger, his dark lashes fanning against his cheeks. My fingers itch to trace the strong lines of his jaw, to brush the stray curl from his forehead, but I resist the urge, content to simply drink in the sight of him.It still fee
Last Updated : 2024-11-04The Games of the Heart CHAPTER FIFTY-THREE
I close the door behind Emily, her words echoing in my mind. My head is spinning with the conversation we just had as I trudge up the stairs to my room. As I enter my bedroom, I can't shake the uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. Emily's plan for revenge against my brother seems misguided and potentially dangerous. I know Santiago can be intense, but the idea of him using money as leverage over Emily doesn't sit right with me. There has to be more to this story.I collapse onto my bed, my body still pleasantly sore from my night with Stefano, but my mind racing with worry for both Emily and Santiago. Should I warn my brother about Emily's intentions? Or would that be betraying my friend's trust? I'm still angry with him about the reason he got with her. The complexity of the situation overwhelms me, and I close my eyes, hoping for a moment of peace.Just as I'm about to drift off, a soft knock on my door jolts me back to alertness. "Andrea, sweetheart, is that you?" My mother's
Last Updated : 2024-11-04The Games of the Heart CHAPTER FIFTY-FOUR
We arrive at Stefano's hotel suite, and he leads me straight to the bedroom. When he opens the door, I gasp softly. The room is bathed in warm, flickering candlelight, and the air is heavy with the scent of roses. Rose petals are scattered across the crisp white bedsheets, creating a scene straight out of a romantic fantasy."Stefano, what is all this?" I ask, my voice filled with wonder as I take in the romantic tableau before me.He comes up behind me, wrapping his strong arms around my waist. His breath is warm against my ear as he murmurs, "I wanted to do something special for you."I turn in his embrace, my heart swelling with emotion. "You didn't have to do that," I whisper, overwhelmed by his thoughtfulness."I wanted to," he replies, his eyes dark with desire as they meet mine. Before I can respond, his lips capture mine in a searing kiss. This kiss is different; it's hungry, urgent, and filled with barely restrained passion. His hands slide down to cup my rear, lifting me ef
Last Updated : 2024-11-04The Games of the Heart CHAPTER FIFTY-FIVE
The following morning, I wake up with a big smile on my face. Gently, I slip out from under Stefano’s arm and get up. I pick up his shirt, inhaling his delicious scent before putting it on and padding to the small kitchenette in his hotel suite. The view of the ocean from the window is breathtaking in the morning light, the sun casting a golden glow across the waves.I check the fridge and cupboards, finding ingredients for pancakes based on the recipe I found online. As I mix the batter, adding a touch of vanilla and cinnamon for extra flavor, I hum softly to myself. I really hope it comes out well because I’ve always been a horrible cook.Just as I’m pouring the batter into the pan, strong arms wrap around my waist.“Buongiorno, Luce del Sole,” Stefano murmurs, his lips brushing my cheek.“Good morning,” I reply, smiling as I lean back into his embrace.“Why aren’t you in bed?” he asks, his voice still husky with sleep.“I wanted to surprise you with breakfast,” I explain, gesturing
Last Updated : 2024-11-04The Games of the Heart CHAPTER FIFTY-SIX
I’m so exhausted from work that I can’t wait to collapse into bed in Stefano’s hotel room. After a quick shower to wash away the day’s stress, I slip into one of his shirts and burrow under the covers. Stefano’s out handling business but should be back soon.Just as I’m drifting off, I feel gentle fingers stroking my hair. I groan softly, blinking my eyes open to see Stefano sitting beside me. A sleepy smile tugs at my lips as he leans down to press a soft kiss there.“Hey,” I murmur, stretching languidly.“Hello, amore,” he says, his voice warm. “I didn’t mean to wake you.”“You didn’t. I just got into bed.” I sit up, the covers pooling around my waist. “How was your day?”“Good. I had lunch with your brother,” Stefano replies, and I feel my eyes narrow instinctively.“And what did you talk about?” I ask, already anticipating where this conversation might go.Stefano takes a breath, his expression turning serious. “I know it’s not my business, but have you considered that Santiago mi
Last Updated : 2024-11-04
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The Games of the Heart EPILOGUE-TWO
I wake up with a contented smile on my face, basking in the afterglow of a restful night's sleep. At nines months pregnant, with my due date rapidly approaching, it's become increasingly difficult to find a comfortable position that allows for uninterrupted slumber. But last night, the stars aligned, and I was blessed with the gift of deep, rejuvenating sleep.As I stretch languidly, I feel Stefano's strong arms snake around my rounded waist, pulling me closer to his sleep-warm body. He nuzzles his face into the crook of my neck, his stubble deliciously rough against my sensitive skin, and inhales deeply as if trying to absorb my very essence."Morning," I murmur, my voice still husky with sleep."Good morning, luce del Sol," Stefano replies, his lips brushing the shell of my ear and sending delightful shivers down my spine. "How was your night?""Not bad," I say, relishing the feeling of his large hand splayed protectively over the swell of my belly, his wedding band glinting in the
The Games of the Heart EPILOGUE-ONE
The warm sun caresses my skin as I step out of the car, breathing in the salty sea air. Stefano's strong hand grasps mine gently, guiding me toward the stunning villa that will be our home for the next few days. After all the stress and drama we endured with Ivan, this babymoon getaway to the Costanzo family's private island is exactly what we need.At 20 weeks pregnant, my belly is really starting to show. I rub it affectionately, feeling our little one kick inside me. Stefano smiles, placing his hand over mine. "We're here, amore mio," he whispers, his eyes shining with love and excitement.As we tour the magnificent villa, I can't help but be in awe of its beauty. The living room opens up to a glistening pool, the water sparkling invitingly under the sun. After a refreshing shower, we settle into the plush bed, the sound of waves lulling us to sleep.The following day, I awake to the tantalizing aroma of breakfast and Stefano's warm smile as he carries in a tray laden with my favor
The Games of the Heart CHAPTER SEVENTY-FOUR
We arrive back at the office after a few minutes of driving, the hum of the city a distant noise through the car windows. The sun is setting, casting a golden hue over the glass buildings and turning the streets into a labyrinth of shadows. I walk into my office, the familiar scent of polished wood and the faint aroma of coffee lingering in the air. I take my seat behind my mahogany desk, the weight of the day settling on my shoulders.I’m about to open a document and start reading when I feel the cold press of metal against my neck, the sudden chill sending a shiver down my spine.“Hello, krasivy,” Ivan’s voice rasps, his foul breath fanning across my skin, making my stomach churn.“Hello, Ivan,” I reply, my voice steady despite the fear knotting in my chest. I reach for my gun in the drawer but stop as he speaks again.“Do not even think about it,” he warns, taking my gun with a casual ease. “I have missed you like crazy these past few weeks. Did you miss me?”I turn to look at him,
The Games of the Heart CHAPTER SEVENTY-THREE
I settle into the chair in the warehouse meeting room, my hand unconsciously resting on my slightly swollen belly. At fifteen weeks pregnant, the changes in my body are subtle - noticeable to me but not yet obvious to others. I push thoughts of the baby aside, focusing on the task at hand.“Tell me, Fred, how are we doing?” I ask the man Santiago hired to help me ruin Ivan.“We have destroyed a good number of his restaurants here in the US. The Costanzo family is also doing an excellent job with his businesses in Europe. Good is what I would say, Ma’am.”“That’s good to hear. Has he visited any of the places we’ve destroyed?”“No, he hasn’t.”“None?” I ask, a little shocked.“Yes, none.”“That is odd. I’m sure it’s only a matter of time before he comes out of his hiding place.”“I believe so, too.”“Hopefully soon. We can end here for today. Thank you.”“You are welcome, Ma’am,” he says, leaving the meeting room.I follow him once I gather my things, my mind racing with the implicatio
The Games of the Heart CHAPTER SEVENTY-TWO
A week or two has passed since I returned to Miami, the familiarity of home providing a small measure of comfort amidst the grief that still clings to me like a second skin. Work has been a welcome distraction, the routine of the office offering a semblance of normalcy in a world that feels irrevocably changed. And through it all, the tiny life growing inside me has been my anchor, a constant reminder of the love Stefano and I shared.Today, I find myself at our gang's headquarters, a place I rarely frequent due to Dad's desire to keep me out of our mafia business. I am on my way to Santiago's office."How are you doing, Sis?" Santiago greets me as I enter, his eyes searching my face for signs of the pain I've become so adept at hiding."I'm doing well," I reply, sinking into the chair across from him. "And you?"He nods, a flicker of understanding passing between us. "I'm good. I have what you asked for." He slides a file across the desk, the innocuous manila belying the significance
The Games of the Heart CHAPTER SEVENTY-ONE
Three weeks have passed since Stefano's death, and the pain still feels as raw as the day I learned of his fate. Sometimes, I catch myself pretending he's just away on a long trip, that he'll walk through the door any moment with that crooked smile I loved so much. But reality always crashes back, leaving me breathless with grief.Today, I'm heading to the airport to fly back to Miami. Stefano's funeral was a week ago, a blur of black clothes and tear-stained faces. I cried so much that day I feared for our baby's well-being. But our little one is strong, just like their father. I'm determined to take care of myself and this precious life growing inside me. It's what Stefano would have wanted.As I descend the stairs, my hand trailing along the smooth banister, Aurora's voice breaks through my reverie. "Are you ready to go?""Yes, I am," I reply, reaching the last step. The maid follows behind with my final bag, a bittersweet reminder that I'm leaving this place that holds so many mem
The Games of the Heart CHAPTER SEVENTY
Later that night, Thomas arrives at my room with a bulletproof vest in hand. My heart races as I realize what this means—I'm going with them. Aurora joins us, her presence a comforting reassurance that she'll be by my side, keeping me safe in the car.As we arrive at the location where we suspect Stefano might be held, an eerie silence hangs in the air. Aurora and I wait in the car, our hands clasped together, as Thomas leads a group of men into the abandoned building. The minutes drag on, each second an eternity of uncertainty.Suddenly, Thomas emerges from the building, his face contorted with rage. He kicks the car tires, a guttural scream of agony tearing from his throat."What's wrong?" I ask, my voice trembling as I step out of the car."Nothing," he replies, his eyes avoiding mine.Aurora comes to stand beside me, her presence a steadying force. "Did you find Stefano?""No, we didn't," Thomas admits, anger seething beneath his words."What did you find inside that has you so wo
The Games of the Heart CHAPTER SIXTY-NINE
It's been a few days since I witnessed that horrifying video of Ivan torturing the love of my life. The images haunt me, seared into my mind like a cruel brand. I try to stay strong for the tiny life growing inside me, but it's a constant battle. Every time the memories resurface, tears flow unbidden, and my thoughts spiral into the dark abyss of what horrors Stefano might be enduring at Ivan's merciless hands.In a desperate attempt to find him, I tried calling the number Ivan used to contact me that fateful day. But it was a futile effort - the calls never connected. He must have used a burner phone, discarding it the moment our conversation ended. The video itself arrived on a phone Ivan mailed to me, a calculated move to avoid leaving a digital trail. As much as I loathe him, I can't deny his cunning. Had he sent it via email or social media, tracing the device back to him would have been far easier.The Costanzo family has been relentless in their search for Stefano, mobilizing e
The Games of the Heart CHAPTER SIXTY-EIGHT
The sun hangs high in the Sicilian sky as I sit in the Costanzo estate's opulent living room, my packed bags waiting for Stefano. The baby and I are doing fine, but today, I'm leaving Sicily. Stefano plans to send me to Singapore until it's safe for the baby and me to return to Sicily or Miami. Nobody knows where I am going except Stefano and me. We all felt it would be safer that way; even my mom doesn't know.Aurora's entrance breaks my reverie. "I'm going to miss you," she says, her voice thick with emotion."Me too," I reply, fighting back the lump in my throat."Hopefully, Stefano will deal with Vladimir soon, so it will be safe for you to be around us again," Aurora adds, her eyes reflecting a mix of hope and worry.I nod, glancing at my wristwatch for the second time in twenty minutes. Anxiety gnaws at my insides. "Did Stefano tell you anything to pass on to me?" I ask, trying to keep the desperation out of my voice.Aurora's brow furrows. "No, was he supposed to?""Not really,
