LOGINShare
Chapter 69: The Fallout of Wanting You
Last Updated:
2025-04-16 22:52:50
Related chapters
The Mafia Debt Chapter 70: Fever Dreams and Stubborn Hearts
I'd never been good at rock bottom. You'd think I'd have developed a talent for it by now.Three days after the Elysium disaster, I sat cross-legged on my apartment floor surrounded by a sea of ads, red circles marking potential jobs. The list was depressingly short.My phone buzzed for the twentieth time that day. Cassian. Again.I ignored it. Again."Bartender," I muttered, circling another ad with a red pen that was running out of ink. "I can do that. Pour drinks, smile pretty, tell drunk guys to go to hell when they get handsy."Actually, my experience at Elysium might work in my favor there.My phone lit up again. This time with a text:We need to talk."We need for you to lose my number," I told my silent apartment. My voice sounded rough, scratchy. I'd been feeling like garbage since yesterday—probably from stress, lack of sleep, and the diet of ramen and spite I'd been living on.The phone buzzed again.I scrolled through the latest batch of messages, my thumb hovering over th
Last Updated : 2025-04-16The Mafia Debt Chapter 71: Too Sick to Hate You
I woke to the sound of Cassian swearing.Cracking one eye open, I found him standing in the doorway of my bedroom, looking at his phone with a thunderous expression."Problem?" His head snapped up. "How are you feeling?"I took a moment to assess. My head still ached, but the room wasn't spinning anymore. My body felt heavy, but not like it was being crushed under a ton of bricks. Progress."Less like I'm dying, more like I was hit by a small car instead of a truck," I reported. "What's wrong? Did someone steal your favorite yacht?"He ignored my attempt at sarcasm. "I need to go."Of course. Now that I wasn't at death's door, he was ready to bail again. Classic Cassian—coming to the rescue and then disappearing when the real work of relationships began."Don't let me keep you," I said, turning my face away.The bed dipped as he sat beside me. "It's not what you think.""You don't know what I think.""I can see it on your face." His fingers caught my chin, gently turning me back to f
Last Updated : 2025-04-16The Mafia Debt Chapter 72: Terms and Conditions
Seven in the morning and sunlight was already slicing through my cheap blinds, turning my eyelids red. I groaned, trying to roll away from the light—only to hit a solid wall of muscle.My eyes flew open. Cassian lay beside me, still fully clothed on top of my covers, one arm draped across my waist. His face in sleep was different, the hard lines of tension erased, making him look younger. Almost innocent.Which was a joke. Cassian Romano and innocent had never existed in the same universe.I studied him, taking advantage of this rare unguarded moment. The dark sweep of his lashes against his cheeks. The shadow of stubble that had appeared overnight. The slight part of his lips as he breathed deeply.For weeks I'd dreamed about him, waking up aching and angry. And now here he was, in my bed, nursed me through a fever, and bought a damn strip club just to get to me.It was insane. He was insane.And I was even more insane for considering letting him back into my life.Moving carefully,
Last Updated : 2025-04-19The Mafia Debt Chapter 73: All In, For Us
It’s funny how you can go from hate to love in a short period of time. My life has been upside down. Meeting Cassian has been a difficult journey. Being taken and my father trying to sell me to pay off his debts—it was all too much. If it were not for Cassian, I’m sure my father would have killed me or traded my life. I would most likely have ended up six feet below the ground.Three days later, a package arrived at my door with a note: Wear this tonight. Car arrives at 7. Trust me.Inside was a dress that probably cost more than my rent and a delicate blindfold made of silk.I stared at the package for a few moments, my heart pounding. We had been making slow progress, but this felt like a significant step. Dinner with him felt intimate and potentially risky. But something in me wanted to go. I spent the rest of the day trying to calm my nerves. It felt like a first date all over again. As the clock inched closer to seven, I found myself second-guessing everything. Was this the righ
Last Updated : 2025-04-19The Mafia Debt Chapter 74: The Night He Asked, and I Said Yes
Cassian led me back toward the canopy bed. The promise ring caught the flickering flames, sending prisms of light across my skin."I've never seen anything so beautiful," I whispered, looking out at the beach, the infinite stars above us mirrored in the dark water below."I have," Cassian replied, his gaze never leaving my face.My heart stuttered as his fingertips traced the curve of my cheek. This moment felt suspended, dreamlike—the gentle crash of waves against the shore, the sweet scent of jasmine, and Cassian's eyes holding mine with such intensity I could barely breathe.When his lips finally met mine, it wasn't the desperate, hungry kiss I expected."You don't have to be so careful with me," I murmured against his mouth. "I'm not going to break.""I know," he said, his voice rough. "But I want to remember every second of this."His hands moved to my shoulders, sliding the delicate straps of my dress down my arms."You're trembling," he observed."Because this feels different,"
Last Updated : 2025-04-19The Mafia Debt Chapter 75: The Calm Before…
Emma, Beth, and I were lounging on plush chairs in a rooftop bar. After everything that had happened between Cassian and me, making an effort to build a normal social life felt strange but necessary.Emma and I reconnected a month ago—and Emma had insisted we stay friends."Hold up, Aria," Beth exclaimed, suddenly grabbing my hand with enough force to make me jolt. Beth was Emma's roommate, a pediatric nurse who'd instantly clicked with me when Emma introduced us last week. Her eyes widened as she stared at my finger. "Is that what I think it is?"Emma leaned in so fast she nearly toppled her cosmopolitan. "Holy shit, that's not just any ring! Did Cassian propose?"I couldn't suppress the smile that spread across my face, my cheeks warming not just from the alcohol. "He did, two weeks ago.""Details!" Emma demanded, setting her drink down. "I want every single moment. Don't leave anything out."I twisted the diamond on my finger, still not quite believing it was there. "It wasn't plan
Last Updated : 2025-04-19The Mafia Debt Chapter 76: Dressed Up for Disappointment
I'd been seated at the secluded corner table for almost an hour now. The maître d' had given me sympathetic glances the first three times he refilled my water glass. By the fourth time, he couldn't quite meet my eyes.The gown I'd chosen—one Cassian had bought for me last week but I hadn't worn yet—felt ridiculous now. What was the point when there was no one to appreciate it? I should have worn something warmer, I thought bitterly as another blast of air conditioning hit my exposed shoulders and legs.I checked my phone for what must have been the hundredth time. No missed calls. No texts. Nothing.With trembling fingers, I dialed his number again."The person you are calling is on another call," the automated voice informed me, as it had the last six times."Bullshit," I muttered, drawing a startled look from a passing server. I forced a smile and set my phone down with exaggerated care, resisting the urge to fling it across the restaurant.An untouched glass of champagne sparkled u
Last Updated : 2025-04-20The Mafia Debt Chapter 77: Kingdom or Queen
CassianI tried to stifle a yawn as I glanced at my watch for the fifth time in an hour. The exhaustion was bone-deep, settling into my muscles like cement. I'd been planning this date night with Aria for the past week—dinner at her favorite restaurant, followed by a surprise I knew would make her eyes light up in that way that still knocked the breath from my lungs.I knew I'd been neglecting her lately. Hell, I'd been neglecting myself, and my need was her. She understood the demands of my position—at least, she tried to—but understanding didn't erase the hurt I saw in her eyes each time I canceled plans or came home long after she'd fallen asleep."Viktor," I called out."Yeah?" His face remained impassive, though I knew he was cataloging my disheveled appearance—the loosened tie, the shadows under my eyes."I'll be leaving in thirty minutes. Nothing short of a declaration of war should interrupt me tonight. Understood?"Viktor nodded once. "Of course." He hesitated, which was unli
Last Updated : 2025-04-20
Latest chapter
The Mafia Debt Chapter 88: The Beginning of Retribution
Cassian's POVI stood in the armor room, strapping on my holster and checking my weapons. The weight of my Glock felt reassuring against my ribs.Viktor entered, his face grim. Blood still caked his fingernails from the last interrogation. "Everyone's ready," he said. "The meeting room is set up."I nodded, adjusting my jacket. "Good. Let's get this done.""How's Aria?" he asked, following me into the hallway."Sleeping. Shadow's watching her." I paused, running a hand through my hair. "She doesn't know what I'm planning. Better that way."Viktor shot me a skeptical look. "You sure about that? Last time you kept her in the dark—""Don't." I cut him off. "Just... don't."As we walked through the mansion's corridors, my thoughts turned to the men I was about to meet. Each of them carried a beast inside, a dormant force that could be unleashed if provoked. It was a dangerous game, but one we were all willing to play.We entered the meeting room where Shadow, Dom, and the others were alre
The Mafia Debt Chapter 87: In the Arms of a Killer
Aria's POVCassian’s arm was draped over me protectively, but his body was rigid, muscles coiled tight like he was ready to spring into action at any moment.I turned to face him, placing a gentle hand on his chest. "Cassian, what happened tonight wasn't your fault," I whispered.He didn't respond, just stared at the ceiling with a haunted look in his eyes."Hey," I said, tapping his chest lightly. "Don't go all silent brooding on me now."That got a tiny reaction—the corner of his mouth twitched."Cassian, look at me," I urged, my hand moving to cup his cheek.Slowly, his gaze shifted to meet mine."I should've been there sooner," he said, voice gravelly. "I heard you scream and it was like... fuck, Aria, it was like someone ripped my heart out."I shook my head, my fingers tracing the stubble on his jaw. "But you came. That's what matters.""When I saw his hands on you..." His voice cracked. "I've killed men for less than breathing in your direction, and this piece of shit had his h
The Mafia Debt Chapter 86: Blood and Vows
CassianAria was still struggling in Ronald's grip when something inside me shattered.I'd been in dangerous situations before. I'd faced death more times than I cared to count. But nothing—nothing—had ever filled me with the raw, primal terror that seized me as I watched Ronald violate the woman I loved.His hands were on her throat, on her body. Her nightgown all torn up, exposing her trembling flesh to his greedy eyes. And I was fucking handcuffed, watching it happen."Look at your man now," Ronald taunted her, forcing her face toward me. "Not so powerful anymore, is he?"The metal cuffs bit into my wrists as I strained against them, blood trickling down my hands. But I didn't feel the pain. All I felt was rage—white-hot and all-consuming."I want him to see everything I'm going to do to you before I put a bullet between his eyes," he growled, his breath hot against her neck.Aria's eyes met mine—wide with terror but somehow still trusting. Still believing I would save her, even as
The Mafia Debt Chapter 85: Terror at Midnight
A shadow moved between security lights , avoiding the pools of illumination.The guards never stood a chance.The first one died without a sound—a soft pfft from a silenced pistol, and he crumpled against the wall. The second had just enough time to reach for his weapon before a bullet tore through his throat.The intruder neutralized each security point. One by one, Cassian's men fell, their bodies carefully dragged into shadows to avoid immediate detection. The masked figure checked his watch—twelve minutes since he'd scaled the eastern wall. Right on schedule.Inside the mansion, Aria slept fitfully in the guest bedroom. The sedative Dr. Martinez had given her kept her under, but her dreams were filled with slithering shapes and dark snakes. Across the hall, Cassian sat at his desk, surrounded by papers and maps, plotting his revenge against Kaiser. The snakes had been just the beginning—he knew that. Kaiser wasn't the type to strike once and retreat.The intruder moved through the
The Mafia Debt Chapter 84: Snake in the Closet
"ARIA!" I shouted, breaking into a sprint.The front door was unlocked—a bad sign already. I drew my gun before entering."Aria!" I called again, taking the stairs two at a time.The bedroom door was open, but the room was empty. My heart slammed against my ribs as I swept the room, checking every corner.Then I saw it—movement from the walk-in closet.I approached cautiously, gun raised, and what I saw sent ice through my veins. Aria lay motionless on the floor, and surrounding her body were at least a dozen snakes—copperheads, from the look of them—slithering across the carpet around her still form.Without hesitation, I fired three precise shots, taking out the snakes closest to her body. I rushed forward, kicking the remaining reptiles away from her."Aria," I breathed, kneeling beside her, frantically searching her exposed skin for bite marks. "Baby, can you hear me?"There were no visible bites—thank god—but she was unconscious, her face pale and clammy. I scooped her up in my a
The Mafia Debt Chapter 83: Devil Strikes Home
CassianMaybe it was the whiskey clouding my judgment, or maybe it was Viktor's insistence that we needed a "guys' night" to clear my head. Either way, there I was, slouched at the bar, staring into my fourth glass like it might somehow contain answers."She'll come around," Viktor said, clapping me on the shoulder. "Women always do."I shot him a look that could've curdled milk. "This isn't just some argument.""All I'm saying," Viktor continued, flagging down the bartender for another round, "is that she's probably just PMSing or something. You know how women get.""Don't," I warned, my voice dropping an octave. "Don't talk about her like that."Viktor raised his hands in surrender. "Fine, fine. But seriously, brother, you need to relax. One night away won't kill either of you. She’ll be alright."I muttered, “I very much doubt that.”“Let’s have more shots,” he offered, trying to lighten the mood.I shook my head. “I’m going home soon.”“Come on, just a couple more,” he urged. “It’
The Mafia Debt Chapter 82: Snakes in the Grass
CassianI slammed the car door shut, rage boiling in my veins. What the hell did Aria mean by "I hope she's worth it"? Who did she think I was meeting?"I take it by the look on your face, Aria's pissed at you," Viktor chirped from the driver's seat, his voice laced with amusement."Shut the fuck up," I snapped, my teeth grinding together in frustration. Just minutes ago, I'd been in bed with her, telling her I loved her. Now she was accusing me of—what? Cheating? After everything we'd been through?Viktor wisely switched topics. "So, what do you think we're walking into?""I don't know, but it better be worth my time, or I will shoot the fucker."Viktor chuckled, a dark sound in the enclosed car. "Shoot him anyway. The guy's a snake."I checked my watch. We'd been driving for twenty minutes, heading deeper into the industrial district. Kaiser's choice of meeting location didn't inspire confidence."Remind me again why we're trusting this asshole?" I muttered, staring out at the passi
The Mafia Debt Chapter 81: She Must Be Worth It
AriaThe afterglow still tingled across my skin as Cassian broke off our kiss, his breath warm against my lips. "Let me take a shower," he murmured, a mischievous glint in his eyes that made my heart flutter. I watched him disappear into the bathroom, the door clicking shut behind him.I stretched languidly across the rumpled sheets, feeling pleasantly sore in all the right places. He drives me crazy was my only thought.The incessant vibration of his phone pulled me from my thoughts. My eyes drifted to the nightstand where it buzzed against the wood. I shouldn't look. It wasn't my business.But after everything we'd been through, after him abandoning me at the restaurant and our fight this morning, something made me reach for it.A text message glared back at me from the screen.Hi Cassian, the table for two is booked for tonight. It's at Delluna. Don't be late haha.xMy stomach dropped. I could clearly see the picture of a woman on the profile—striking ginger hair, pale skin, prett
The Mafia Debt Chapter 80: Night for Forgiveness
CassianI pulled into the parking garage beneath our building. The bouquet of blood-red roses lay on the passenger seat—a peace offering that seemed pathetically inadequate after everything that had happened. But it was a start.The elevator ride up to the penthouse felt endless. I'd fucked up—again—and I wasn't sure if she would even want to see me now.When the elevator doors finally opened, I stepped into the quiet apartment. No lights in the living room, no TV noise. For a moment, I worried she might have left, but then I noticed a soft glow coming from the bedroom.I set my keys down silently and made my way toward the light. When I reached the doorway, I froze.Aria stood with her back to me, completely unaware of my presence. She was folding clothes on the bed. But it wasn't what she was doing that stopped me dead in my tracks—it was what she was wearing.An oxblood red lingerie set clung to her curves like a second skin. The lace bra pushed her breasts up enticingly, while mat
