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CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE
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2021-11-18 14:55:37Related chapters
The Games of the Heart CHAPTER FORTY
ANDREAI stare at my reflection in the mirror, putting the finishing touches on my look for Aurora’s birthday party. I’m wearing this dazzling gold mesh dress that screams, “Look at me.” It clings to my every curve like a second skin, the open back and delicate straps showing off just the right amount of skin. The fringe along the hem catches the light with my slightest movement - I can already picture myself on the dance floor, shimmering like a goddess as I shake off all the bullshit from the past week.I slip on my heels and head downstairs to meet Aurora, determined to have a good time tonight no matter what - or who - tries to drag me down. We do a couple of shots right when we get to the venue, the alcohol hitting my bloodstream with a pleasant buzz. I’m already starting to get tipsy but fuck it. I just want to let loose and forget about a certain green-eyed devil, at least for a little while.Of course, speak of the devil, and he shall appear. I nearly choke on my cocktail as I
Last Updated : 2021-11-18The Games of the Heart CHAPTER FORTY-ONE
When the car finally comes to a stop, I blink, realizing we're not at the Costanzo estate but at Stefano's apartment. "What are we doing here?" I ask, my voice hoarse from crying.Stefano doesn't answer as he comes around to my side of the car. He reaches for my hand, but I jerk away, wrapping my arms around myself like a shield. The last thing I want right now is his touch, no matter how much my traitorous body craves it."Why am I here?" I demand, anger rising in my throat. I can't believe I thought this night was over. With Stefano, it seems the drama never ends.He sighs deeply dropping his face to meet mine. At first, his expression is one of pure exhaustion, but as his eyes rove over my tear-stained face, I see a furrow appear between his brows. Shit. He knows I've been crying. I quickly swipe at my cheeks, but it's too late."Have you been crying?" Stefano asks, his hand coming up to cup my chin. I twist away, my skin burning from his touch. "I asked you a question," I snap, gl
Last Updated : 2021-11-18The Games of the Heart CHAPTER FORTY-TWO
It’s been a few days since Aurora’s birthday. I haven’t left Sicily, lost in thought, my heart torn about whether I should forgive Stefano. Getting that heartfelt apology and tender kiss from him was everything I had dreamt of for so long. But now, faced with the reality of it, I find myself utterly confused about how to respond. Is his gesture, his words, enough for me to finally forgive him and take a chance on building something real together? Honestly, I don’t have a clue.As I lie in bed, my mind swirling with conflicting emotions, a sudden knock at the door jolts me from my reverie. Climbing out of bed, I pad over and open it, my eyes widening in surprise to see Stefano standing there. I thought he had said he would give me time and space to process everything, so why is he here now? And is that... fur on his shoulder?“Can I...” he begins, but his words are abruptly cut off by a loud, explosive sneeze that makes me jump. That’s when my gaze falls to the pet carrier at his feet.
Last Updated : 2021-11-18The Games of the Heart CHAPTER FORTY-THREE
An hour later, Aurora and I make our way to the club, the pulsing bass of the music growing louder as we approach. Once inside, we weave through the crowded dance floor, finally finding a secluded table in a dimly lit corner. As we settle into our seats, I can’t help but notice the tension in Aurora’s shoulders, the way her eyes dart nervously around the room.A waitress approaches, and Aurora quickly orders our usual drinks - a vodka cranberry for her and a whiskey sour for me. Then, with a forced smile that doesn’t quite reach her eyes, she adds, “And can we also get a round of tequila shots, please? Two each.”The waitress nods and heads off to fetch our order. I decide not to press Aurora just yet, allowing her the space to open up on her own terms.When the waitress returns with our drinks and the shots, Aurora takes a long sip of her vodka cranberry before breaking the silence. “What was Stefano doing in your room earlier?” she asks, her voice barely audible over the thumping mus
Last Updated : 2021-11-18The Games of the Heart CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR
It’s been an hour or two since we arrived at the club, and Aurora is now completely drunk, barely able to stand on her own two feet. We’re waiting outside for Stefano to pick us up, the cool night air a welcome respite from the stuffy, smoke-filled interior of the club. I had called him earlier, knowing that neither of us was in any condition to drive.Throughout the night, Aurora didn’t bring up the forced marriage again, and I found myself wondering if I should tell Stefano about it. I know he would try to handle it in his own way, but I couldn’t see the situation ending well, no matter what he did. At the same time, the thought of Aurora being forced to marry someone against her will made my stomach churn with unease.I’m snapped out of my thoughts by the sound of a car pulling up in front of us. Stefano steps out, his brow furrowed with concern as he takes in Aurora’s drunken state. “How much did she drink?” he asks, rushing over to her and wrapping an arm around her waist to keep
Last Updated : 2021-11-18The Games of the Heart CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE
His gentle encouragement breaks down my last defenses. Taking a deep breath, I tell him everything – about my father’s impossible expectations, his constant criticism, and my desperate need to prove myself worthy of his company, of his approval.As I speak, I watch a furrow deepen between Stefano’s brows, his jaw clenching with barely contained anger. When I finish, he’s silent for a moment, his eyes blazing with a protective fury that takes my breath away.“Your father’s lucky I can’t touch him,” Stefano growls, his voice low and dangerous. “If not, I would fucking blown his brains out for thinking you’re anything less than perfect and worth so much more than working in his damn company.”My eyes widen in surprise, my heart swelling with a mixture of gratitude and affection. In that moment, I realize just how deeply Stefano cares for me, and how fiercely he’s willing to defend me – even against my own family.I close the gap between us, placing a soft, tentative kiss on Stefano’s lips
Last Updated : 2021-11-18The Games of the Heart CHAPTER FORTY-SIX
My eyes flutter open, squinting against the bright sunlight slipping into my room through the open curtains I forgot to close last night. I stretch languidly, my body deliciously sore in all the right places. Rolling over, I reach for him, but my hand meets only empty sheets, the space beside me cold. A pang of disappointment tightens my chest as I realize he’s not here. I wonder where he is, but I push the thought aside for now. With a sigh, I climb out of bed, wincing slightly at the soreness between my thighs. Memories of last night flood my mind, bringing a blush to my cheeks as I make my way to the bathroom.The hot shower soothes my aching muscles but does little to ease the ache in my heart. After dressing, I head downstairs, my stomach grumbling. I’d missed breakfast, so I decide to make myself some grilled cheese - the only thing I know how to cook without burning the house down.Before starting, I stop by Aurora’s room to check on her, but she’s not there. I send her a quick
Last Updated : 2021-11-18The Games of the Heart CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN
Days have gone by, and I’m almost done with the Hamilton project. The zoning permits that initially caused complications are finally falling into place, and I feel a sense of pride in how I’ve managed to navigate this complex deal. I’m in my office, wrapping up some final details before heading out to lunch with Ivan. He’s in town, and I’m surprised he still wants to see me after the way things went last time. Our relationship has been strained since I started dating Stefano, but I’m hoping we can salvage our friendship.As I’m about to log off my computer, I hear Santiago’s voice from the hallway, sounding shocked and confused. His tone immediately puts me on alert - Santiago rarely sounds this taken aback.My heart races. I hadn’t told Santiago about hiring Emily. I meant to, but something always came up. Since she started, by some stroke of luck, Santiago hasn’t run into her until now. I quickly make my way to the door, stepping into the hallway. The tension in the air is palpable a
Last Updated : 2021-11-18
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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,
