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Chapter 25: Aftermath
Last Updated:
2025-03-15 05:50:36
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The Mafia Debt Chapter 26: Collateral Damage
Cassian's POVI sat at the bar, letting the amber liquid swirl in my glass. The whiskey burned as it went down, but it wasn't enough to dull the rage that consumed me.My phone vibrated against the polished wood of the bar. Viktor's name flashed on the screen."What is it?" I snapped, my patience hanging by a thread. "It better be worth my time, or I'll have your head.""I have something for you in the lockup room," Viktor said.I downed the rest of my whiskey in one gulp, welcoming the burning sensation as it hit the back of my throat. "Fine, I'm on my way."I slammed the glass down and threw a hundred-dollar bill on the counter. The bartender wisely kept his distance as I stormed out.The warehouse was a hive of activity when I arrived. I pushed open the door to the lockup room, and there he was. Silas. The pathetic excuse for a man who had sold his own daughter. Twice.I forced my lips into a smile that felt more like a snarl. "Ah Silas, just who I want to see. Are you here to clea
Last Updated : 2025-03-16The Mafia Debt Chapter 27: Broken Pieces
Aria's POVI spent the night drifting in and out of consciousness, the uncomfortable position and constant fear making real sleep impossible. The dripping water somewhere in the distance had become a torturous sound, marking the endless seconds of my captivity. My limbs ached from being bound to the chair, my wrists raw and burning from where the ropes cut into my skin.Morning arrived with no natural light to mark its passage—just the harsh bulb that never turned off. I had no way to track time, but my parched throat and growling stomach told me many hours had passed since I'd last been given water.The metal door swung open, and Riccardo Lion strode in with casual confidence, as if he were entering a boardroom rather than a makeshift prison. He carried a bottle of water and what looked like a protein bar."Good morning, sunshine," he said, his voice dripping with false cheer. "Did you sleep well in your five-star accommodations?"I refused to look at him, keeping my eyes fixed on a
Last Updated : 2025-03-16The Mafia Debt Chapter 28: The Devil’s Bargain
Cassian's POVMy men had been searching the city for nearly twenty-four hours with no results. It was as if she had vanished into thin air. Silas is still not talking. The door to my office opened, and Viktor entered without knocking—a breach of protocol that told me he had news."Boss," he said, his expression grim. "Silas is asking to speak with you. I think he is ready to cooperate. "I was on my feet before he finished speaking. "What are you waiting for then lead the way"" But boss—" Viktor hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "He seems... different. Almost amused by the situation."A dark anger surged through me. If Silas knew where Aria was and had been withholding that information..."Keep searching," I instructed Viktor. "Follow every lead, call in every favor. I want her found."Viktor nodded and left, closing the door behind him. I downed the rest of my whiskey in one swallow, welcoming the burn as a counterpoint to the cold rage that had settled in my chest.The lock
Last Updated : 2025-03-16The Mafia Debt Chapter 29: No Mercy
Cassian's POVI checked my watch for the third time in five minutes. Lion's text had come through with coordinates to an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of the city. Typical. These fuckers always picked the most cliché locations for their dramatics."Boss," Viktor's voice came through my earpiece. "We've got eyes on all exits. No sign of her yet, but we've identified at least seven of Lion's men positioned around the perimeter.""Keep them in your sights," I ordered. "No one moves until I give the signal."I adjusted the bulletproof vest under my jacket. The black duffel bag in my hand is filled with just enough cash."Remember," I added, "Aria's safety is the priority. If things go south, get her out first. We can deal with Lion and his men after.""Understood," Viktor confirmed.I ended the call and stepped out of the car, scanning the area.The main entrance was left ajar, just as Lion's text had indicated. I pushed it open with my foot, the metal door creaking."Come in, Roma
Last Updated : 2025-03-16The Mafia Debt Chapter 30: A Vow to Protect
CassianThe drive to the safe house felt like an eternity. When we finally arrived, I carried Aria inside, refusing to let anyone else touch her. The doctor was waiting for us, an older woman with calm and experienced eyes."Put her on the bed," she instructed me, already opening her medical bag. "And then I need you to step out while I examine her."I hesitated, reluctant to leave Aria's side."She's safe now," the doctor said gently. "Let me help her."Reluctantly, I laid Aria on the bed and stepped back. "I'll be right outside," I told the doctor.I paced the hallway like a caged animal while the doctor worked, my mind racing with dark thoughts. How many times had she called for help? How many times had she wondered if anyone was coming for her? The door opened after what felt like hours, and the doctor emerged, the expression on her face grave."How is she?" I demanded."She is dehydrated, malnourished, and exhausted," the doctor replied. "Multiple contusions, a sprained wrist, a
Last Updated : 2025-03-16The Mafia Debt Chapter 31: Broken all Over
Aria's POV I sensed him before I opened my eyes. Despite wanting to keep pretending I was asleep, curiosity won out. I cracked my eyes open just enough to see him standing there, staring at me without blinking.The bruises on my body throbbed with each heartbeat. It’s been hours since he'd rescued me from Lion, and everything still hurt.Will I ever be free? The thought hit me like a punch to the gut. Would there always be another ordeal waiting for me? Another psycho ready to use me as leverage against Cassian or my father?Why did he save me anyway? Was I just property he needed to recover? Or did he actually care? God, I was so tired of not knowing where I stood.Before I could stop them, tears spilled down my cheeks. I heard his footsteps coming closer, but I couldn't hold back the sobs anymore. Everything hurt—my body, my heart, my trust.The bed dipped as he sat beside me. His voice, usually so commanding, went soft in a way I'd never heard before."Please don't cry." He reache
Last Updated : 2025-03-17The Mafia Debt Chapter 32: Stay or Go
AriaCassian drove in silence as I stared out the window. The coastal road curved upward, climbing a steep cliff that overlooked the ocean. Eventually, he pulled over at a lookout point where the entire coastline stretched out below us."Come on," he said, getting out of the car.The wind whipped my hair around my face as I followed him to the guardrail. The view was breathtaking—endless blue water meeting the horizon, city lights looking just like stars.We stood there, not speaking. The crash of waves against rocks hundreds of feet below was all I could hear."If you could go anywhere in this world, where would you go?" Cassian asked suddenly.I glanced at him, caught off guard. "Why are you asking?""I want to know." His eyes stayed on the ocean.I turned back to the view, thinking. "I’ve always been drawn to the ocean," I finally said. "A bit quieter than this. A little house where I could wake up and see the water every morning."He nodded. "Sounds like a place of peace.""Yeah."
Last Updated : 2025-03-17The Mafia Debt Chapter 33: Just for Tonight
AriaThe safe house was surprisingly homey for a place owned by someone like Cassian. Overstuffed furniture, wooden beams across the ceiling, large windows overlooking the ocean. If circumstances were different, it might have been romantic.Minutes later, he returned with a plate of sandwiches and a glass of orange juice. "Here you go. This should tide you over."I took the plate, our fingers brushing. We both pretended not to notice. "Thank you," I said softly. I meant it for more than just the food.He nodded, taking a seat across from me instead of beside me. "I ordered Chinese takeout. It should be here soon.""That sounds great." I took a bite of the sandwich, suddenly ravenous. It was simple—turkey, cheese, lettuce—but right then, it tasted better than any five-star meal. "I'll get dressed before it arrives."In the bedroom. I changed into sweats and a t-shirt, both too big for me. Cassian's clothes. I'd grown accustomed to wearing them, to being surrounded by his scent.Freedom
Last Updated : 2025-03-17
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The Mafia Debt Chapter 46: Every Penny She Owns
AriaThe water from the shower cascaded down my body, each drop a small comfort against my skin. I tilted my head back, letting the warm stream wash over my face, hoping it would clear my mind. Max was making dinner tonight—his famous pasta with the sauce his grandmother taught him to make. I should have been excited. Any other day, I would've been.But these last few days, something felt off.It wasn't just paranoia. Every time Max went out of town, that creeping sensation returned—the feeling of being watched, followed.I shut off the water and wrapped a towel around myself, my skin prickling with goosebumps despite the steam filling the bathroom. As I padded across our bedroom, I glanced at the framed sketch Max had done of me sleeping. He'd caught me in a rare peaceful moment, free from the nightmares that still occasionally haunted me.The sound of the front door opening pulled me from my thoughts."Aria?" Max's voice called out. "You home?""In the bedroom," I called back, quick
The Mafia Debt Chapter 45: The Cost of Regret
CassianAria left, and I stopped calling too. The last time I reached out to her was four months ago. I hope she is happy now. I regret pushing her away every day.That was the truth of it. What else could I hold onto after pushing away the one person who saw beyond the monster everyone else feared? The reports from my men confirmed she was safe—that was all I needed to know. I'd given strict instructions: I don’t want anything personal. Just her location, her security status. I didn't need to know if she'd moved on, found someone else to share her warmth with. I wasn't a masochist.But fuck, I was a liar.I leaned back in my chair, running a hand down my face. Aria had been a temporary person in my life, yet her absence felt permanent.Sometimes her face appeared so vividly in my mind. The defiance in her eyes when she challenged me. The softness in her touch when she surrendered. The way her lips parted when I moved inside her.I never imagined missing someone's presence would feel
The Mafia Debt Chapter 44: New Beginnings
Six months later"Earth to Aria! Your coffee's getting cold."I blinked, dragging my attention back to the small café table where Max sat across from me, an amused expression on his face."Sorry," I murmured, wrapping my hands around the lukewarm mug. "Got lost in thought.""Must've been some pretty deep thoughts," he teased. "You were miles away."I forced a smile, taking a sip of my coffee. Six months had passed since I'd left America, and I was still adjusting to this new life.Max reached across the table, his fingers gently brushing mine. "Hey, you okay?"I nodded, genuinely touched by his concern. "Just tired.""Ah. Want to skip the movie and just go home? We could order in, watch something on Netflix instead."Home. The word still felt strange, but in a good way. Our apartment in Florence—yes, our apartment now—had become more than just a hiding place. It had become filled with small touches that made it ours. Max's books stacked neatly on the coffee table. The mismatched mugs
The Mafia Debt Chapter 43: Nowhere but Forward
AriaThe wind whipped my hair as I stepped out of the terminal, clutching my backpack like a shield. Boston's late afternoon air hit my face with a chill I wasn't prepared for. I'd escaped—actually escaped—but the relief I'd expected to feel was nowhere to be found.His voice still echoed in my ears. "Aria!" The desperation in Cassian's tone had stopped me in my tracks. For a split second, I'd almost thought of going back.But I couldn't. Not after everything.I flagged down a taxi, sliding into the backseat with shaky hands. "South Station, please," I told the driver."You got it," he replied, pulling away from the curb.As the airport disappeared behind us, I leaned my head against the window, watching the unfamiliar city. I wasn't staying in Boston—it was just another stop on my escape route. I couldn't risk Cassian tracking me here.My phone was still in my pocket, still powered off. I knew the second I turned it on, they'd find me. Part of me wanted to throw it out the window, wa
The Mafia Debt Chapter 42: Gone
CassianParking the car in a rush, I bolted out, my steps quick and purposeful. The crowds at the airport were a blur as I scanned for any sign of Aria. The thought of her slipping away sent a jolt of panic through me that I wasn't used to feeling.I spotted Viktor waiting at a spot near the entrance and hurried over. "Any updates?" I asked, my voice urgent.Viktor nodded, his expression grim. "We've tracked her movements to Terminal C. She's bought a one-way ticket, but we don't know where to yet.""Fuck," I muttered, running a hand through my hair. "How long ago?""About twenty minutes."My jaw clenched, frustration boiling inside. "Find out where she's headed. I don't care what you have to do."Viktor nodded again, already reaching for his phone to relay the instructions. I scanned the terminal directory overhead, my heart pounding with a strange mix of worry and determination."Call airport security," I ordered. "Tell them—""Already tried, boss," Viktor interrupted. "They won't h
The Mafia Debt Chapter 41: Running Out of Time
AriaThe house I'd grown up in looked like a crime scene. Furniture tipped over, drawers yanked out and emptied onto the floor, picture frames smashed against the walls. I stepped carefully around a broken lamp, my heart pounding against my ribs."Jesus," I muttered, taking in the destruction. Was this Cassian's doing? Or Riccardo's men? Did it even matter anymore?I picked my way through the chaos of the living room toward my bedroom, stepping over scattered books and clothes. My fingers trembled as I pushed open my bedroom door, dreading what I might find inside.It wasn't much better. My mattress had been slashed open, stuffing spilling out like guts. My closet door hung off its hinges, and someone had dumped all my clothes in a heap on the floor.But I wasn't here to cry over my destroyed possessions. I was here for one thing.I dropped to my knees beside my bed and felt along the floorboards until I found the loose one. Prying it up with my fingernails, I reached into the small
The Mafia Debt Chapter 40: The Great Escape
Dante lit a cigarette, his eyes trained on the massive estate as he paced the perimeter. The night air was cool against his skin, a welcome relief after the stuffy interior of the mansion. He'd been on guard duty for sixteen hours straight, watching over Aria as Cassian had ordered.Just a few more hours, he thought, checking his watch. The boss had been acting strange lately, more volatile than usual. And it all seemed to center around the girl.Movement caught his eye—asomething white swings from the second floor. Dante squinted, moving closer to get a better look. His heart stopped."Fuck," he muttered, dropping his cigarette and sprinting toward the house.A makeshift rope of bedsheets and clothing dangled from Aria's window, swaying gently in the breeze. He scanned the grounds frantically, but there was no sign of her.Inside, he took the stairs two at a time, bursting into Aria's room. The place was a disaster—drawers pulled open, clothes scattered, the window wide open with cur
The Mafia Debt Chapter 39: Walls Between Us
CassianI watched her walk away, each step she took twisting the knife deeper into my chest. The hurt in her eyes—that flash of betrayal—was like a physical blow. But I had to do it. I had to push her away."What are you doing to me, Aria?" I muttered, running a hand through my hair.I pulled out my phone and dialed Lucas. "Come around with the car. I'm leaving.""Boss, what about—""Just do it," I snapped, ending the call.I glanced back at the VIP section. Chloe was watching me, her perfectly painted lips curved in a possessive smile. She'd been in my bed more times than I could count, called herself my girlfriend to anyone who would listen. Right now, I couldn't stand the sight of her—or any of them. The way she had draped herself over me earlier, her hands roaming places they shouldn't in public, her lips pressing against my neck while the other girls giggled and touched my arms, my chest... It all felt empty. Meaningless. And then I'd looked up and seen Aria standing there—her ey
The Mafia Debt Chapter 38: Crossing Lines
AriaMy cheeks burned with humiliation. What had I expected? That he'd be pining away for me? That last night had meant to him what it had meant to me?Only after what felt like an eternity did he mutter something that made Chloe pout, and he shoved her off his lap with casual indifference.I turned on my heels, nearly tripping in my haste to escape. I pushed through the crowd, ignoring the protests of people I shoved past. I just needed to get out, to get away from the sight of him with those women, to forget how stupid I'd been to come here."Aria!" His voice cut through the noise of the club. "Aria, wait!"I didn't stop, didn't look back. I was almost at the exit when a hand wrapped around my wrist, pulling me to a stop."What the hell are you doing here?" Cassian demanded, spinning me around to face him.Up close, I could see the flush on his face, lipstick marks on his neck, the slight glaze in his eyes that told me he'd had more than a few drinks. His hair was disheveled, like s
