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Chapter 47: Lover, Liar, Stranger
Last Updated:
2025-04-06 04:23:45
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The Mafia Debt Chapter 48: The Devil Goes to War
CassianMy mind wasn't on the job; I was distracted. I let my feelings cloud my judgment, and now Lucas is dead. All because I took my eyes off the ball. Everyone is out there looking for Silas, but the fucker has gone into hiding. He's probably burrowed himself underground. But he won't stay underground for long. The first place he would head to would be Italy. To her. To Aria.If he wants a war, he will get a war.I slammed my fist against the mahogany desk, the pain shooting up my arm a welcome distraction from the guilt threatening to consume me. The crystal tumbler of whiskey toppled over, amber liquid seeping into the stack of reports I hadn't bothered to read."Fuck!" I growled, snatching up the papers. Lucas's face stared back at me from the crime scene photos—eyes vacant, blood pooled beneath him like a dark halo. I tossed them aside, unable to look any longer.I buzzed for my security team, and within seconds, my office filled with men awaiting orders."I want every safe hou
Last Updated : 2025-04-07The Mafia Debt Chapter 49: The Stranger I Loved
AriaI woke up in a state of panic, my heart racing as if I'd run a marathon. The room spun as I tried to sit up, my throat burning with every breath. Memories crashed over me—Max's hands around my neck, squeezing tighter and tighter until darkness claimed me.Where was I? The room was unfamiliar—stone walls, a small window with iron bars, and a single bare bulb hanging from the ceiling. It looked like something out of a medieval dungeon, not the charming Tuscan apartment I'd shared with Max.Max. The thought of him sent a fresh wave of fear through me. The man I'd trusted, the man I'd let into my bed, into my heart—he'd been playing me all along.As if summoned by my thoughts, the door creaked open, and Max stepped in. His face was impassive, all traces of the warm, artistic soul I thought I knew completely erased."Ah, I can see you're awake," he remarked, his tone as cold and impersonal as if he was commenting on the weather.I couldn't help but roll my eyes, anger momentarily over
Last Updated : 2025-04-07The Mafia Debt 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 Updated : 2025-02-17The Mafia Debt 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 Updated : 2025-02-24The Mafia Debt 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 Updated : 2025-02-25The Mafia Debt 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 Updated : 2025-02-25The Mafia Debt 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
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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 Updated : 2025-03-02
Latest chapter
The Mafia Debt Chapter 49: The Stranger I Loved
AriaI woke up in a state of panic, my heart racing as if I'd run a marathon. The room spun as I tried to sit up, my throat burning with every breath. Memories crashed over me—Max's hands around my neck, squeezing tighter and tighter until darkness claimed me.Where was I? The room was unfamiliar—stone walls, a small window with iron bars, and a single bare bulb hanging from the ceiling. It looked like something out of a medieval dungeon, not the charming Tuscan apartment I'd shared with Max.Max. The thought of him sent a fresh wave of fear through me. The man I'd trusted, the man I'd let into my bed, into my heart—he'd been playing me all along.As if summoned by my thoughts, the door creaked open, and Max stepped in. His face was impassive, all traces of the warm, artistic soul I thought I knew completely erased."Ah, I can see you're awake," he remarked, his tone as cold and impersonal as if he was commenting on the weather.I couldn't help but roll my eyes, anger momentarily over
The Mafia Debt Chapter 48: The Devil Goes to War
CassianMy mind wasn't on the job; I was distracted. I let my feelings cloud my judgment, and now Lucas is dead. All because I took my eyes off the ball. Everyone is out there looking for Silas, but the fucker has gone into hiding. He's probably burrowed himself underground. But he won't stay underground for long. The first place he would head to would be Italy. To her. To Aria.If he wants a war, he will get a war.I slammed my fist against the mahogany desk, the pain shooting up my arm a welcome distraction from the guilt threatening to consume me. The crystal tumbler of whiskey toppled over, amber liquid seeping into the stack of reports I hadn't bothered to read."Fuck!" I growled, snatching up the papers. Lucas's face stared back at me from the crime scene photos—eyes vacant, blood pooled beneath him like a dark halo. I tossed them aside, unable to look any longer.I buzzed for my security team, and within seconds, my office filled with men awaiting orders."I want every safe hou
The Mafia Debt Chapter 47: Lover, Liar, Stranger
AriaThere was a moment of stunned silence, then a chuckle that haunted my nightmares."Well, well. If it isn't my darling daughter."My father. Silas.My knees nearly buckled. "How—" I swallowed hard. "You're supposed to be—""Dead? Locked up?" His laugh was dry, humorless. "Sorry to disappoint you, sweetheart.""What are you doing?" I demanded. "What is Max to you?""Ah, Maxwell," my father said, his tone disturbingly pleased. "Such a useful young man. So eager to help when I told him about a certain mob boss who needed to be taught a lesson. And about his lovely little captive who needed rescuing.""You sent him? To—to what? Spy on me?""Among other things," my father replied. "The money from Cassian is quite substantial. Did you know that? Of course not. Cassian wouldn't have told you. He wanted to keep you dependent on him."My head spun. "That's not true.""Isn't it? Why do you think he kept you around? Out of the goodness of his heart?" My father's laugh was cruel. "Men like Ca
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
