Dante's POV“Vittoria, do you and Marco have a death wish?” I snapped. They shook their heads, eyes wide.“No? Good. Then shut the hell up and let me think.”I was pacing, frustration boiling over. Everything seemed to be going wrong. I’d just gotten a call that one of my warehouse shipments had been tampered with, only to get there and find nothing wrong.It was most likely a setup—a ploy to lure me out, to either attack me or distract me for something else to go down. My men were clearing the way for us to head back, while I was thinking of what could possibly have gone wrong. But these two idiots were making it difficult with all their mindless bickering.And, of course, they were talking about the one person I hated right now. Alora Marino. I couldn’t believe I’d even considered giving her a chance. And yet, after everything, she turned out to be the worst woman I’d ever met.“Don, I understand your frustration, but don’t you think all of this seems... weird?” Vittoria’s voice cut
Dante's POVThe tension hung in the air as I stood up, my gaze fixed on Alora—her shaking form standing just a few feet away from my desk. Alora’s pretend act wasn’t going to save her this time. She had barged in, hoping she could trick her way out of this situation, but her plans were incomplete—too bad for her. I was already way ahead of her.Unfortunately, I hadn’t foreseen Gianni’s kidnapping, but having her here as my hostage would send a clear message to whoever had sent her: mess with Gianni, and she’s gone. If she was even important to them anyway."Dante, I’m talking to you. Gianni has been kidnapped," she blurted out, her voice trembling."Shut the fuck up!" I shouted, slamming my hand on the desk.She flinched, jumping back as if the force of my words had physically hit her. I almost laughed at the sight, but the anger boiling in me wouldn’t let me. Her wide, startled eyes locked onto mine.I stood and glided across the desk, closing the distance between us in seconds. "So,
Alora's POVDante’s carefree attitude about Gianni’s kidnapping didn’t sit well with me. Could it be a prank? Was it possible he had done it just to trap me? I shook my head. No, it looked real. Nobody would hurt a little kid—their own brother—in that manner for a prank.I paced back and forth in my room, my head spinning with confusion and worry. My mind was a mess, but no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t sit down. My eyes kept darting back to my phone. Could Dante have put some kind of chip on it to monitor my movements? Why would he just return it out of the blue?What was going on? Gianni had been kidnapped, and yet Dante seemed to be acting like it was a normal occurrence. Maybe it was just routine in the mafia world for someone to be taken. After all, I was the only one here who wasn’t used to this lifestyle. To me, it seemed strange and unreal, but maybe that was just how things went in their world.A deep sigh escaped my lips. I just hoped to God that I was wrong—that Giann
Dante's POV I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, glancing briefly at Marco, who was seated across from me. There was something off about all that had been happening these days, something I couldn’t put my finger on. I felt restless and uneasy, especially as I couldn't figure out anything. What was wrong with Alora? I couldn’t shake the feeling that something terrible had happened. "Luca, what happened to Alora?" I asked, trying to keep my voice calm, although my heart was thumping wildly in my chest. He sighed heavily, as though he could sense my impatience. "Listen, I know what you're thinking. But you’ve got to understand me. I was only going to see how she was doing." A frown crept its way to my face. "Luca, didn’t I say you shouldn't go to Alora's room? Why don't you ever listen?" "I know you said to stay away from her, but you can’t blame me for wanting to check on her. She’s my friend, Dante," he emphasized. I sighed, pinching the tip of my nose. "Just get to the poi
Alora's POVThe ease with which I had left Dante's mansion surprised me. But that is what happens when the person who is basically about to kidnap you gives you all the directions to follow. I had taken turn after turn, as he had directed me, telling me where to avoid going and which paths to take.He must have planted cameras everywhere, enough to tell me how to escape. I had copied all his instructions on a piece of paper, including what I was to do if someone started following me.When I got out, there was a black car waiting. A big, burly man stepped out and gestured for me to get inside.I climbed into the car, trying to ask questions, but the man didn’t answer any of them. He just drove, ignoring me entirely.We finally arrived at what looked like an abandoned warehouse. The place was eerie, and I almost thought of running away, but I reminded myself that I was doing this for Gianni's sake.Now, here I was, tied to a chair. They had thrown me in and tied me up without a word. Th
Alora's POVMy mind was racing with questions—questions I didn’t know if I was ready to get the answers for.“Gianni?” I asked finally, after a long ten seconds of silence. “I don’t understand.”He turned to stare at me, a small smile appearing on his face. “What don’t you understand, Alora?”“Gianni, I don’t understand how you have proof against Bianca. Isn’t that... like, what proof do you have?” I asked, my confusion evident.“Well, it’s a long story,” he replied. “But I have proof, okay? And I think if Uncle Luca is as wise as he claims, he should have noticed it somewhere in the house by now. I kept it in his room so it would be safer there. Since he and Bianca hate each other’s guts, there’s no way she can get into his room.”My eyes widened. “Wait, you mean you really do have proof?”“Yes, I do have proof, Alora. Trust me, in less than no time, Bianca will be out of Dante’s—and our—lives for good. Then you and Dante can start your lovey-dovey acts.”“Gianni!” I shouted, making
Dante's POV"And are you sure they’ll be in this building?""Yes, this is the one," Marco replied, his tone firm. "If the picture sent to Alora was real, then we know who has her. And we know what they’re capable of. Fortunately, we’ve destroyed most of their hideouts, leaving only a few behind. They probably don’t even realize we know about this one, which makes it their most secure location for now.""Perfect," I muttered, studying the map in front of us. "We’ll attack from here, push through to this side, and surround these areas. Once we do, we’ll find them, explode the area, and get out. Let’s move!"As Marco, Vittoria, and I prepared for the mission, the door suddenly burst open, slamming hard against the wall. Luca’s panicked face appeared in the doorway."Dante, you have to see this.""What now, Luca?" I barked. "We’re about to move out and get Alora and Gianni back. I don’t have time for any of your nonsense.""Please, Dante," he insisted, stepping closer. "You really need to
Alora's POVThe sun's rays streamed through the kitchen window, casting a bright glow around the room.I lived on the outskirts of the city. Although quite lonely sometimes, I had grown accustomed to it since I was raised here. And the loneliness always seemed to fade when I immersed myself in my numerous books.However, the fates seemed to have a vendetta against me today as the sharp and unmistakable sounds of gunshots pierced through the silent atmosphere.Instinctively, my legs dropped to the floor, as I sought refuge underneath the table. My heart raced, the banging heartbeat hitting my ears with each shot.Realizing that the sound was coming from a little distance, I stood up and moved to the window, peering out towards the direction.Even from afar, the sight caused a shiver to course through me. Smoke curled in the distance, creating a dark plume against the bright blue sky. A moment of indecision gripped me. As a nurse, my instinct was to help—treat the wounded, save lives.
Dante's POV"And are you sure they’ll be in this building?""Yes, this is the one," Marco replied, his tone firm. "If the picture sent to Alora was real, then we know who has her. And we know what they’re capable of. Fortunately, we’ve destroyed most of their hideouts, leaving only a few behind. They probably don’t even realize we know about this one, which makes it their most secure location for now.""Perfect," I muttered, studying the map in front of us. "We’ll attack from here, push through to this side, and surround these areas. Once we do, we’ll find them, explode the area, and get out. Let’s move!"As Marco, Vittoria, and I prepared for the mission, the door suddenly burst open, slamming hard against the wall. Luca’s panicked face appeared in the doorway."Dante, you have to see this.""What now, Luca?" I barked. "We’re about to move out and get Alora and Gianni back. I don’t have time for any of your nonsense.""Please, Dante," he insisted, stepping closer. "You really need to
Alora's POVMy mind was racing with questions—questions I didn’t know if I was ready to get the answers for.“Gianni?” I asked finally, after a long ten seconds of silence. “I don’t understand.”He turned to stare at me, a small smile appearing on his face. “What don’t you understand, Alora?”“Gianni, I don’t understand how you have proof against Bianca. Isn’t that... like, what proof do you have?” I asked, my confusion evident.“Well, it’s a long story,” he replied. “But I have proof, okay? And I think if Uncle Luca is as wise as he claims, he should have noticed it somewhere in the house by now. I kept it in his room so it would be safer there. Since he and Bianca hate each other’s guts, there’s no way she can get into his room.”My eyes widened. “Wait, you mean you really do have proof?”“Yes, I do have proof, Alora. Trust me, in less than no time, Bianca will be out of Dante’s—and our—lives for good. Then you and Dante can start your lovey-dovey acts.”“Gianni!” I shouted, making
Alora's POVThe ease with which I had left Dante's mansion surprised me. But that is what happens when the person who is basically about to kidnap you gives you all the directions to follow. I had taken turn after turn, as he had directed me, telling me where to avoid going and which paths to take.He must have planted cameras everywhere, enough to tell me how to escape. I had copied all his instructions on a piece of paper, including what I was to do if someone started following me.When I got out, there was a black car waiting. A big, burly man stepped out and gestured for me to get inside.I climbed into the car, trying to ask questions, but the man didn’t answer any of them. He just drove, ignoring me entirely.We finally arrived at what looked like an abandoned warehouse. The place was eerie, and I almost thought of running away, but I reminded myself that I was doing this for Gianni's sake.Now, here I was, tied to a chair. They had thrown me in and tied me up without a word. Th
Dante's POV I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, glancing briefly at Marco, who was seated across from me. There was something off about all that had been happening these days, something I couldn’t put my finger on. I felt restless and uneasy, especially as I couldn't figure out anything. What was wrong with Alora? I couldn’t shake the feeling that something terrible had happened. "Luca, what happened to Alora?" I asked, trying to keep my voice calm, although my heart was thumping wildly in my chest. He sighed heavily, as though he could sense my impatience. "Listen, I know what you're thinking. But you’ve got to understand me. I was only going to see how she was doing." A frown crept its way to my face. "Luca, didn’t I say you shouldn't go to Alora's room? Why don't you ever listen?" "I know you said to stay away from her, but you can’t blame me for wanting to check on her. She’s my friend, Dante," he emphasized. I sighed, pinching the tip of my nose. "Just get to the poi
Alora's POVDante’s carefree attitude about Gianni’s kidnapping didn’t sit well with me. Could it be a prank? Was it possible he had done it just to trap me? I shook my head. No, it looked real. Nobody would hurt a little kid—their own brother—in that manner for a prank.I paced back and forth in my room, my head spinning with confusion and worry. My mind was a mess, but no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t sit down. My eyes kept darting back to my phone. Could Dante have put some kind of chip on it to monitor my movements? Why would he just return it out of the blue?What was going on? Gianni had been kidnapped, and yet Dante seemed to be acting like it was a normal occurrence. Maybe it was just routine in the mafia world for someone to be taken. After all, I was the only one here who wasn’t used to this lifestyle. To me, it seemed strange and unreal, but maybe that was just how things went in their world.A deep sigh escaped my lips. I just hoped to God that I was wrong—that Giann
Dante's POVThe tension hung in the air as I stood up, my gaze fixed on Alora—her shaking form standing just a few feet away from my desk. Alora’s pretend act wasn’t going to save her this time. She had barged in, hoping she could trick her way out of this situation, but her plans were incomplete—too bad for her. I was already way ahead of her.Unfortunately, I hadn’t foreseen Gianni’s kidnapping, but having her here as my hostage would send a clear message to whoever had sent her: mess with Gianni, and she’s gone. If she was even important to them anyway."Dante, I’m talking to you. Gianni has been kidnapped," she blurted out, her voice trembling."Shut the fuck up!" I shouted, slamming my hand on the desk.She flinched, jumping back as if the force of my words had physically hit her. I almost laughed at the sight, but the anger boiling in me wouldn’t let me. Her wide, startled eyes locked onto mine.I stood and glided across the desk, closing the distance between us in seconds. "So,
Dante's POV“Vittoria, do you and Marco have a death wish?” I snapped. They shook their heads, eyes wide.“No? Good. Then shut the hell up and let me think.”I was pacing, frustration boiling over. Everything seemed to be going wrong. I’d just gotten a call that one of my warehouse shipments had been tampered with, only to get there and find nothing wrong.It was most likely a setup—a ploy to lure me out, to either attack me or distract me for something else to go down. My men were clearing the way for us to head back, while I was thinking of what could possibly have gone wrong. But these two idiots were making it difficult with all their mindless bickering.And, of course, they were talking about the one person I hated right now. Alora Marino. I couldn’t believe I’d even considered giving her a chance. And yet, after everything, she turned out to be the worst woman I’d ever met.“Don, I understand your frustration, but don’t you think all of this seems... weird?” Vittoria’s voice cut
Alora's POV"Uh, sir? I'll stop here," I told the cab driver, who had carried me a few meters from Dante's mansion. I was tailing Gianni. The little boy had boarded an SUV that seemed to have been waiting for him, and I had followed, tossing all rationality out the window.This could very well be a trap set up by Bianca, but I was beyond caring. After days of being cooped up in Dante's property, I was finally able to visit the outside world.A strange urge filled me—the urge to run, to start a new life somewhere else.As the cold breeze hit my skin when I stepped out of the taxi, I paused, considering—maybe I should just escape. This was my opportunity, right? Gianni had unknowingly helped me, and I could leave. If it were a trap, by the time they came for me, I’d be long gone.But I couldn't abandon Gianni. Not after all that happened today. Bianca might hurt him, or worse. No, I couldn't just leave him. I'd stay and—"Hey, lady, are you gonna pay me or what? I gotta go to work," a v
Alora's POVWhen Gianni stepped into the room, I kept my eyes locked on the door in anticipation of the person Bianca said was her supporter against me. But when nobody came in after almost 10 seconds, my heart dropped. It was Gianni? God no!As if confirming my thoughts, Bianca smirked."Gianni, go ahead and tell them everything."My eyes widened, and the question spilled out before I could control myself. "What is she talking about?"Without even glancing at me, Gianni turned to Dante. "I'm sorry, brother. I'm really sorry. But, Alora, indeed, did everything.""No! Gianni, what are you talking about? Just shut up. You don't even know what you're saying," I shouted, but he didn't look at me."Do not tell my brother to shut up, you stupid girl," Dante snapped, making me clamp my mouth shut. My heart was beating wildly in my chest.Bianca chuckled, crossing her arms over her chest. "Oh, Alora, the evidence is right here, and you’re going to deny it? If it was on camera or something, it