The Mafia Debt

The Mafia Debt

last updateLast Updated : 2025-04-26
By:  Fallenwild Updated just now
Language: English
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"She never knew her father's secrets would cost her freedom. Aria's life changes forever when Cassian Romano storms into her world, demanding payment for a debt she never knew existed. Cold, ruthless, and devastatingly handsome, Chicago's most feared mafia boss takes what her father can't repay—her. But captivity isn't what terrifies Aria most. It's how her body betrays her every time Cassian's dark eyes linger on her. How her pulse races when his fingers graze her skin. She should hate him, fight him, yet she finds herself drowning in the dangerous waters of their forbidden attraction. Some debts can be paid in cash. Others demand your soul."

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Chapter 1

Chapter One: Marked

CASSIAN

The whiskey burns my throat, but it's not enough to dull the rage. Three million. The number flashes through my mind like a neon sign as I stare out at Chicago's skyline from my office.

Lucas clears his throat behind me. "I’ve found who has been stealing from you. You're not going to like this, boss."

"When do I ever?" The ice clinks against my glass. "Just tell me who's been bleeding my accounts dry."

"Silas Herrera

The glass freezes halfway to my mouth. "What did you just say?"

"Your accountant. The one you trusted the most with everything." Lucas drops a folder on my desk. "He's been siphoning money for months. Three mill, at least."

The whiskey glass shatters against the wall.

"How long have you known?" My voice comes out eerily calm, even as my pulse pounds in my ears.

"Got confirmation today. But here's where it gets interesting." Lucas slides a photograph across my desk, licking his lips in a suggestive manner. "He's got a daughter. Nineteen. Very pretty. Pre-med student at Northwestern."

I pick up the photo. Blonde hair. Bright blue eyes. The girl had her father's eyes—the same eyes that had looked him in the face while stealing millions from my organization.

"Tell me about her." The words came out rougher than intended.

"Straight-A student. No boyfriend. Lives alone in a shoebox apartment near campus. Popular with her classmates, but keeps to herself mostly.”

"Been watching her for a week," Lucas continues, something predatory creeping into his voice. "Daddy's little princess. She could be our leverage boss. She means the world to Silas. Works at some restaurant downtown. Beautiful piece of—"

"Enough."

Lucas shuts up. Smart man.

I study the photo again. Aria Herrera. An innocent caught in her father's web of lies. But in my world, debts must be paid. One way or another.

"Bring her in. You have two days." The words taste like ash in my mouth. "I want it quiet and clean. No witnesses. Got it?"

"What about Silas?"

"Let him sweat." I turn back to the window, "He'll come crawling back to me when he realizes what he's lost."

Lucas's footsteps fade. The door clicks shut.

Alone, I pull out my phone and dial a number I haven't called in months.

"Brother." Viktor's voice is rough with sleep. "It's three in the morning."

"I need everything you can find on Silas Herrera's daughter. School records, medical history, social media—everything."

A pause. "You sure about this, Cassian? Using an innocent girl as leverage..."

"When has innocence ever mattered in our world?"

I hang up before he can answer, my eyes drawn back to the photo. To those bright, unknowing eyes.

"I'm sorry," I whisper to the empty room. But in the end, her father made this choice for her. And now she'll pay the price.

ARIA

My phone buzzes for the hundredth time today. Dad's name flashes across the screen again, and I slide it back into my bag, trying to focus on Professor Walker's lecture about cellular biology.

"Someone's popular today. A new admirer?" Mark whispers from beside me, nudging my arm with his elbow.

"Just my dad being... well, my dad." I tap my pen against my notebook. "He's been calling non-stop since morning."

"Maybe he finally found out about that tattoo you got last month?"

"God, I hope not." I touch the small star behind my ear—my only one act of rebellion in my nineteen years of age. "He'd probably show up at my apartment with a laser removal machine."

"Speaking of showing up, you're still coming to Jamie's party tonight, right?"

Before I can answer, my phone vibrates again. This time, it's a text: Aria, pick up your damn phone. It's important.

I switch it off completely. Whatever drama Dad's cooking up can wait until after my shift at Bella's.

The rest of the lecture passes in a blur of diagrams and chemical equations. As we pack up, Mark catches my arm. "Hey, you okay? You seem... off today."

"Just tired. Between classes, work, and Dad's helicopter parenting, I barely have time to breathe."

"At least let me walk you to work? It's getting dark early these days."

"Can't. I need to stop by the library first. Rain check?"

He hesitates, then nods. "Text me when you get home?"

"Yes, Mom," I tease, but his concern warms something in my chest. It's nice having someone watch out for me, even if I'd never admit it.

The library stop is a lie—I just need some time alone. I know Mark likes him. But I really don’t feel the same way so I try as much as I can to subtly avoid being alone with him. The autumn air hits my face as I cross the campus, leaves crunching under my boots. The weird feeling that's been following me all day intensifies. Like someone's watching.

I glance behind me. Nothing but students hurrying to their evening classes.

You're being paranoid, Aria.

My shift at Bella's is the usual chaos of orders and demanding customers. By closing time, my feet ache and my uniform smells like garlic bread. But the envelope of tips in my pocket makes it worth it—one step closer to my own restaurant someday. It’s my dream ever since I was a kid even though I am a pre-med student. That is my dad’s doing, I either abide or he withdraws support. When the time comes I’m going to rebel and fight my way.

"Need a ride, honey?" Bertha, our sixty-year-old hostess, asks as I clock out.

"Bus stop's right there. I'm good."

"Be careful. There was something on the news about—"

"I will!" I call back, already pushing through the door. The night air feels good after hours in the hot kitchen.

My pace quickens, the bus arrives in two minutes. The bus stop is only two blocks away.

One block.

Half a block.

Something cold presses against my back. I glance back to glimpse at the masked man with hands concealed beneath his jacket, holding what I assume to be a gun.

"Don't make a sound."

Survival instincts kick in and adrenaline surges through my veins. Dad's voice echoes in my head: If someone ever grabs you, fight dirty.

I slam my elbow back, feeling it connect with his groin. The man grunts and his grip loosens.

I run.

My boots pound against the pavement. Wind whips through my hair. Almost to the—

Pain explodes in my skull. The world tilts.

The last thing I see is a black mask hovering over me, and then nothing.

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Comments

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Irene FB
I love the way the story is written. Full of suspense and excitement. Congratulations on your new book.
2025-03-23 07:42:43
3
user avatar
Irene
Another masterpiece from a great author. Well done
2025-03-07 12:09:09
3
90 Chapters
Chapter One: Marked
CASSIAN The whiskey burns my throat, but it's not enough to dull the rage. Three million. The number flashes through my mind like a neon sign as I stare out at Chicago's skyline from my office. Lucas clears his throat behind me. "I’ve found who has been stealing from you. You're not going to like this, boss." "When do I ever?" The ice clinks against my glass. "Just tell me who's been bleeding my accounts dry." "Silas Herrera The glass freezes halfway to my mouth. "What did you just say?" "Your accountant. The one you trusted the most with everything." Lucas drops a folder on my desk. "He's been siphoning money for months. Three mill, at least." The whiskey glass shatters against the wall. "How long have you known?" My voice comes out eerily calm, even as my pulse pounds in my ears. "Got confirmation today. But here's where it gets interesting." Lucas slides a photograph across my desk, licking his lips in a suggestive manner. "He's got a daughter. Nineteen. Very pret
last updateLast Updated : 2025-02-17
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Chapter Two: Awakened
ARIAPain and cold. That's the first thing I register. My head throbs like someone's taking a jackhammer to my skull. When I try to move my hands to check for damage, they don't budge.My hands are tied behind my back, the rope digging into my skin. I test the bindings. They are too tight. Each movement sends fire through my shoulders.Don't panic. Think.I force my eyes open. The room swims into focus—concrete walls, no windows, a single bulb hanging overhead. Is this a house? Maybe a warehouse? My mouth feels so dry, and there's a metallic taste that makes me want to gag.A door creaks open somewhere behind me. Footsteps echo—the sound of heavy boots on concrete. I keep my eyes closed, pretending unconsciousness while my heart hammers against my ribs.The footsteps stop right in front of me . A boot nudges my side."I know you're awake." Male voice.I open my eyes. The man looming over me wears a black mask, but I recognize his build. The one who grabbed me outside Bella's."Water,"
last updateLast Updated : 2025-02-24
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Chapter Three: Defiance
ARIA"Move." The man who'd just knocked out my kidnapper grabs my elbow, steering me through dark corridors. My head still throbs, but I can feel my rising anger burning brighter than the pain.I dig in my heels. "I can walk by myself.""Clearly." His grip doesn't loosen. "But this way's faster.""In here." He pushes open a heavy metal door. The room is small, bare except for a cot and what looks like a makeshift bathroom behind a partition. My stomach churns at the sight. He tosses some clothes at me. "Change."I clutch the bundle, fighting back tears. "Turn around.""You've got two minutes." When he doesn't move, I swallow my pride and begged. "Please."He turns his back, but stays by the door. No escape route for me.My hands shake as I peel off my bloodied work uniform. The clothes he's given me are plain sweats, worn but clean. They smell like laundry detergent, so jarringly normal it makes my head spin."Time's up."I've barely finished pulling on the shirt. It's huge on me, m
last updateLast Updated : 2025-02-25
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Chapter Four: Betrayed
ARIATwo days LaterA few days have passed since my abduction but sleep doesn't come easily when you’re in a cell. The cot makes creaking sound with every movement. I feel like I’ve been trapped in this place for a what feels like an eternity. I've counted every crack in the ceiling, memorized every water stain. Anything to keep my mind off what might happen to me nextDad, what did you do?The question haunts me. Three million dollars. It seems impossible. My father, who clips coupons and drives a ten-year-old Camry. Who worked a lot to put me through college. Who taught me that honesty matters more than money.Was it all a lie?The door slammed open, jerking me awake. Light flooded the room, burning my eyes."Get up."I blinked against the harsh fluorescents. Cassian the boss as I learned yesterday stood in the doorway, blocking any chance of escape. Not that I hadn't tried. The bruises on my knees from yesterday's attempt were proof enough."I said get up."I pushed myself off the
last updateLast Updated : 2025-02-25
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Chapter Five: Trapped
ARIAHe took me back to the cell where I spent two more days staring at the ceiling thinking about my predicament. A voice jolted me out of my thoughts. No Cassian today."Rise and shine, princess." Lucas broke the silence in the room. "Time to have fun."I pulled the thin blanket tighter feeling a shiver run down my spine, an instinctive warning that this encounter will not be pleasant. "Where's Cassian?""Boss gave me instructions to deal with your ass." He checked his phone. "Got ten minutes to get ready. I will be waiting outside hurry up"My skin crawled at the way he watched me. This wasn't the usual routine. Something had changed. Cassian didn’t come for me this morning. Instead, he sent his sidekick. I took a deep breath, preparing myself for whatever awaited me, and reluctantly got out of the bed."Bathroom now." He pointed with his chin. "Don't try anything stupid."I grabbed fresh clothes from the pile they'd left. The bathroom mirror showed dark circles under my eyes, hair
last updateLast Updated : 2025-02-25
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Chapter Six: Sold
Within the building, a middle-aged man walked in. The dim lights caught the silver streaks in his dark hair, his tailored suit marking him as someone who didn't belong in this part of town."Nice of you to swing by, Ace," Chloe remarked casually, legs crossed at the ankle as she lounged behind the desk that wasn't hers.Ace's eyes swept the office, taking in the luxurious furnishings that screamed Cassian's taste, not the woman before him. His expression hardened as he stepped further into the room."Let's skip the small talk and get down to business.""Do you have the money?" Chloe tapped red nails against the mahogany desk, the sound like a countdown."Do you have my merchandise?" Ace replied, returning her wink with a smirk of his own. He remained standing, refusing to take the seat she gestured to.Chloe's grin widened. "You bet I do," she said as she flipped open a folder. Inside were photos of Aria – candid shots taken without her knowledge. Sleeping. Eating. Pacing her cell.Ac
last updateLast Updated : 2025-03-02
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Chapter Seven: Escaped
Aria "Wake up, you have a visitor," Lucas's voice jolted me awake. "Hurry, I don't have the whole day," he added impatiently.I sat up slowly, my eyes adjusting to the sudden light flooding the room. My prison for the past—how long had it been? Days blurred together in this windowless hell.Standing before me was a tall man with dark hair tied back in a ponytail, silver streaks catching the harsh overhead light. His tailored suit was out of place in this dump, but the cold calculation in his eyes belonged perfectly.I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves as Lucas made his half-assed introduction."Alright, this is Aria, and I will leave you to it," Lucas stated abruptly, turning to me with a stern look. "Get your shit together and start moving."My heart hammered against my ribs. This was it—whatever "it" was, it couldn't be good."Where am I going? Who is this man? Can I speak with your boss?" The questions tumbled out of me while my brain frantically searched for any esca
last updateLast Updated : 2025-03-05
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Chapter Eight: Into the Night I
AriaI ran until my lungs burned and my legs threatened to give out. The gun felt heavy in my hand, a constant reminder of what I'd done. I couldn't shake the image of blood seeping through the man's fingers as he clutched his shoulder, his scream echoing in my ears.The initial surge of adrenaline had carried me through the first several blocks, darting through alleys and side streets, putting as much distance as possible between me and that basement. But now, as the sun began to set, reality crashed down on me.I had no money. No phone. No ID. Nothing but the clothes on my back and a stolen gun.And I had shot someone.My stomach turned at the thought. I wasn't a violent person. Before all this, I'd never even been in a fistfight. But something had shifted in me during those days of captivity—a hardness forming where there had once been softness.I ducked behind a dumpster as a police car cruised by, its lights cutting through the growing darkness. My heart hammered against my ribs.
last updateLast Updated : 2025-03-07
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Chapter Nine: Into the Night II
My hand moved instantly to the gun at my back. I rose to my feet, drawing it out and pointing it at him with far more confidence than I felt."Stay back," I warned. "Who are you? Don't move, or I will shoot."He raised his hands slowly, his expression more surprised than frightened. "Whoa, calm down. I'm not going to hurt you.""What are you doing here?" I demanded, adjusting my grip on the gun."I'm just taking a shortcut on my way home," he replied, keeping his voice level. Despite the gun pointed at his chest, he seemed remarkably composed. "The real question is what are ‘you’ doing here, soaking wet and armed.""How do I know you're not working for him?" I asked, eyes darting past him to check if anyone else was approaching. The rain continued to fall, plastering my hair to my face. I wiped it away with my free hand, never taking my eyes off him.His brow furrowed in confusion. "Working? For who?" He studied my face more carefully. "Miss, what are you talking about?"I didn't answ
last updateLast Updated : 2025-03-07
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Chapter Ten: Revelations
Shadow emerged from the kitchen, a tight smile on his face. Dom lingered in the doorway behind him, arms crossed, studying me with undisguised suspicion."Sorry about that," Shadow said. "I see you've met Jinx."I nodded, absently stroking the cat's glossy fur. It purred loudly, leaning into my touch. "Yeah, she found me.""He," Shadow corrected with a small smile. "And he doesn't usually take to strangers. You must be special."Dom made a noise that sounded like a stifled snort, then disappeared back into his room without another word."Don't mind him," Shadow said, moving to sit in an armchair across from me. "He's always grumpy when his sleep gets interrupted."I nodded, not entirely convinced that was the only reason for Dom's attitude. "Is this going to be a problem? Me being here?""No," Shadow replied, perhaps a bit too quickly. "Like I said, you can stay the night, get some rest. You look like you need it."His kindness made me uneasy. No one did something for nothing, especia
last updateLast Updated : 2025-03-07
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