LOGINShare
Chapter Nine: Into the Night II
Last Updated:
2025-03-07 01:38:00
Related chapters
The Mafia Debt 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 Updated : 2025-03-07The Mafia Debt Chapter Eleven: Shocked
The words hit me like a physical blow. I scrambled away from him, my back hitting the headboard as my hand shot under the pillow, grasping the gun."You work for him? Was this a setup?" My voice shook with fury and fear as I pointed the weapon at his chest. "Did you know who I was when you found me in that alley?"Shadow raised his hands, eyes fixed on the gun. "Aria, listen to me. I had no idea who you were until just now. I swear.""Bullshit!" I spat, tightening my grip on the gun, finger hovering near the trigger. "What do you do for him? Are you one of his thugs? His enforcers?""No, nothing like that," he said quickly. "Dom and I do odd jobs. Deliveries mostly.""Drugs?" I demanded, trying to keep my hand from shaking."Sometimes," he admitted. "But also money, messages. We're just couriers, Aria. Low-level. We don't hurt people."I laughed bitterly. "Right. And I'm supposed to believe that?"The bedroom door burst open, and Dom stood in the doorway, his own gun drawn and pointed
Last Updated : 2025-03-07The Mafia Debt Chapter Twelve: The Plan
As we moved to the kitchen, I kept the gun with me, unwilling to relinquish my only leverage. The black cat followed, weaving between our legs as if completely oblivious to the tension in the air.Dom set about making coffee while Shadow pulled out three mugs from a cabinet."So, what exactly are you proposing?" I asked, settling into a chair at the small kitchen table, positioning myself with a clear view of both exits.Dom slid a mug of steaming coffee in front of me before taking his own seat. "First things first—Cassian will be looking for you. His men are probably already combing the streets."The thought sent a chill down my spine. "How long do we have before they find me?""Not long," Shadow admitted grimly. "Cassian has eyes everywhere, and your description has probably been circulated to all his people by now.""Great," I muttered, wrapping my hands around the warm mug. "So I'm a walking target.""For now," Dom agreed. "But we might be able to get you out of the city if we mo
Last Updated : 2025-03-07The Mafia Debt Chapter 13: Price of Failure
I wasn't supposed to be back at the safe house until tomorrow, but plans changed.Walking through the door, I scanned the communal area where my men had gathered. I caught Lucas's eyes immediately—the fear that flashed across his face told me everything I needed to know before he even opened his mouth."What the fuck is with that face?" I kept my voice even. The sign of true power isn't in shouting; it's in the quiet that makes others hold their breath.Lucas shifted his weight, unable to meet my gaze. "We weren't expecting you until tomorrow, boss."I moved toward him slowly. The room fell silent except for the sound of my Italian leather shoes against the hardwood floor."What is going on?" I asked, my voice dropping an octave. I could practically smell the anxiety rolling off him in waves."Th-there is nothing, boss," Lucas stammered, the words coming out in a pathetic stutter that set my teeth on edge.I stopped directly in front of him, close enough to see the sweat beading at hi
Last Updated : 2025-03-08The Mafia Debt Chapter 14: Change of Plans
I stood under the hot spray, letting it pummel my skin as I tried to make sense of everything.Shadow and Dom worked for Cassian. The man who'd kidnapped me, tortured me, and threatened my father—they were on his payroll. And now I was trusting them with my life.Was I insane? Desperate? Both?I shut off the water and wrapped myself in a towel, wiping condensation from the small bathroom mirror. The face that looked back at me was barely recognizable—dark circles under haunted eyes, a split lip still healing, and a deep bruise yellowing along my jawline. Battle scars from my escape.I dressed in borrowed clothes.When I opened the door, Shadow was leaning against the wall opposite, arms crossed over his chest. His eyes held mine for a long moment, searching. Something in his expression made my stomach tighten."We need to talk," he said, glancing down the hallway. "Not here."I followed him to the small bedroom where I'd been staying. He closed the door behind us and turned the lock w
Last Updated : 2025-03-08The Mafia Debt Chapter 15: Change of Plans
I had just finished gathering my things when I heard low voices coming from the living room. Shadow and Dom. I couldn't make out the words, but the tone was tense. Moving silently to the door, I pressed my ear against it."—can't just change the plan now," Dom was saying, his voice tight with anger."It's too risky," Shadow responded. "Aria's a liability we can't afford."My heart sank. Was this all an act? Had Shadow been playing me this whole time?"So what's your brilliant solution?" Dom demanded."She leaves tonight," Shadow said. "We do the job tomorrow as planned. Nothing changes for us."There was a long pause before Dom spoke again. "And you trust her not to bring this all down on our heads?""She has no reason to," Shadow replied. "Her interest is in getting as far away from here as possible."Another pause. "Fine. But if this goes sideways—""It won't," Shadow cut him off.Footsteps approached, and I backed away from the door quickly, my mind racing. Shadow had told Dom abou
Last Updated : 2025-03-08The Mafia Debt Chapter 16: Betrayed and Back
AriaI stood frozen, the duffel bag suddenly heavy on my shoulder, as Cassian stepped through the wreckage of the doorway, flanked by his men.His eyes found mine immediately. The slight upturn of his lips wasn't a smile—it was the satisfied look of a predator who'd cornered its prey."Well," he said, his cultured voice at odds with the violence of their entry, "isn't this cozy?"Nobody moved. The team had their weapons trained on all of us. I gripped my gun tighter, though I knew it was useless against so many."Aria," Cassian said, his gaze never leaving mine. "Put the gun down before someone gets hurt."My hand trembled, but I kept the weapon pointed at him. "Stay back."His expression didn't change, but something dangerous flickered in his eyes. "I won't ask again."I glanced quickly at Shadow and Dom. Shadow looked tense and confused, his eyes darting between Cassian and Dom. Dom's face was carefully blank, giving nothing away, but something about his posture seemed almost... rel
Last Updated : 2025-03-09The Mafia Debt Chapter 17: Midnight Confessions
AriaI couldn't sleep. Thirst gripped me, leaving my mouth dry and longing for water. The digital clock on the nightstand glowed 2:17 AM in harsh red numbers that seemed to make fun of my restlessness. I tossed the sheets aside and swung my legs over the edge of the bed, my bare feet meeting the cool hardwood floor.I ventured out of my room then paused at the top of the grand staircase, listening for any signs of movement. Nothing. Just the distant ticking of an antique clock."Kitchen," I murmured to myself. "Downstairs and... left? Right?"Quietly, I descended the stairs, wincing each time a step creaked. The last thing I wanted was to alert anyone to my midnight wandering. As I reached the bottom, I hesitated, trying to orient myself in the floor plan.A faint gleam of stainless steel caught my eye from a doorway to the left. I headed toward it.The kitchen was massive—all gleaming countertops and professional-grade appliances. It looked barely used, like a showroom rather than a
Last Updated : 2025-03-11
Latest chapter
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
The Mafia Debt Chapter 37: A Lesson in Indifference
CassianWhiskey burned down my throat, matching the fire burning in my veins. The club pulsed with activities around me—music vibrating through the floor, lights flashing, bodies moving in rhythm. I observed it feeling disconnected from it all.My mind was elsewhere. It was still in that bedroom with her.I'd fucked up big time. Last night never should have happened. I should have had more control over myself. Not because I didn't want it—Christ, I'd wanted it more than my next breath—but because Aria deserved better than what I could offer her. Besides she is still young. She'd already been caught in the crossfire once because of who I was and the world I lived in. I couldn't let that happen again. It would be selfish and unfair. "You look like shit boss," Lucas commented, dropping into the chair across from my desk. "Rough night?"If he only knew. Images of Aria beneath me, her nails digging into my shoulders, her breathless voice calling my name—I pushed them away in a corner of
The Mafia Debt Chapter 36: Cold Light of Day
AriaI woke up the next morning reaching for Cassian who wasn't there. My hand stretched across cool sheets, finding nothing but emptiness where Cassian's body should have been. For a moment, I wondered if last night had been a dream—the way his hands had moved over my skin, how he'd whispered my name against my neck, the feeling of completeness when our bodies joined.But the pleasant ache between my thighs confirmed it had been very real.The bedroom was silent except for the distant sound of waves crashing outside. I slipped out of bed, wrapping one of the sheets around my naked body. The hardwood floor was cold against my bare feet as I padded toward the bathroom.In the mirror, I barely recognized myself. My hair was a wild mess, lips slightly swollen and red from Cassian's kisses. Fading bruises from Lion's attack contrasted with fresh love marks Cassian had left. The sight made heat rise to my cheeks.After a quick shower, I borrowed one of Cassian's t-shirts again. I inhaled d
