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
Dante's POVI rushed towards Marco. "Give her to me.""No, Don. I think you should go in there. I've knocked some guys unconscious, but you should go get them."My eyes darkened, and I gave him my most blood-chilling glare. How dare he tell me what to do?"I want Alora, not those men. Give Alora to me, and you'll be in charge of them. Bring them to the dungeon at home, and then, Vittoria? Handle cleanup."They both glanced at each other. Vittoria shrugged, while Marco kept looking at her."Will you just fucking hand her to me right now so that I can be on my way?" I roared, my patience running thin.He quickly did, but the moment my hands touched her, she let out a blood-curdling scream and tried to drift away."What the?" I thought she was unconscious just now. Why did…Marco immediately took her back, and she stayed silent, resting her head further against his chest."What the hell? Did I have nails on my hands that pierced her?""Umm, Don. I think Marco should just take her home. I
Dante’s POVAfter dropping Gianni off in his room with a very reluctant Vittoria to care for him, Marco and I headed down to Bianca's room. Alexei and Luca met us on the stairs, and Luca looked the most excited. I couldn’t stop him, knowing how much he would love what was about to happen. Unfortunately for him, it wouldn’t end the way he hoped.I didn’t allow Vittoria to come because I knew her. She hates Bianca so much that she would have gone on a killing spree, and that’s the last thing I need—more problems with Bianca’s father.When we reached her room, I motioned to one of my guards, who knocked loudly on the door.Bianca’s shrill voice rang out from inside.“What the hell is wrong with you? Why are you knocking on my door like that? Are you crazy?”Her voice grew closer as she pulled open the door. When she saw us all standing there, her irritation melted into a wide smile. She jumped onto me, wrapping her legs around my waist and placing her head on my chest.“Baby, I’ve missed
Alora's POV I was crying again while Marco and Luciano looked at me, both panicked, a tinge of concern all over their faces. Vittoria was laughing her ass off on the couch, and Gianni still seemed unbothered, typing away on his phone while his AirPods filled his ears. Dante marched in, his face already twisted with concern and anger because he suspected what was going on. "What is it, baby?" I jumped into his arms, letting my tears soak his crisp white shirt. I felt sorry for him. He was just about to go to a gala, but at this point, I doubted he was going to go anyway. "What is it, Alora? Who? Just tell me the name." I lifted a shaky finger and pointed at both Marco and Luciano, who were shaking their heads. Once Dante’s eyes fell on them, they both pointed at each other. "It was him, not me!" "I have told you guys to stop. You're grown men, for shit's sake. You know what? You are going to get punished for this." "Wait, what? Come on, Dante, it wasn’t even that serious!" Luci
Alora's POVI still couldn't believe I had two brothers. And that Bianca was my sister. We looked nothing alike.I was chubby; she was slim. I had black hair; she had blonde. I was good. She was evil.See? Nothing alike.Marco and Luciano, too, took it upon themselves to make me miss growing up with siblings. Yep, you guessed that right—annoying me."Marco, Luciano, if you don't get out of this room, so help me God, I am going to castrate you and feed your balls to my alligator! Get out now!"Vittoria screamed, making them stop snickering and start walking toward the door with their heads bowed.Both of them had something for her—I could feel it. But she hated Luciano and tolerated Marco, according to what she had told me."Luciano, give me the brush before you leave."Marco laughed at Luciano, who pouted and brought out the comb he was hiding in his pocket. They both walked out, and I turned to Vittoria, who huffed.“These men act like children. Tell me, how are they even in the Mafi
Alora's POV"Wait, what?"The men holding Dante back stepped aside, moving backward with their heads bowed. All the men who had entered with Dad did the same, placing their guns at their sides, leaving the guests to stand up—except for a few, who I now knew were working with Dad.The elders. Not surprising."What the hell is going on? You're supposed to have them at gunpoint until I say we leave. What is happening?""What is happening is that you, Giovanni, have just been outsmarted. You thought you were the most intelligent, you thought you were the wisest, and now what? You have been reduced to nothing. Boys, you can come out now."Marco and Luciano emerged from the corner, Marco giving me a small wink and a nudge on my shoulder."I never wanted to betray you. It was all part of the plan—infiltrate him, get his men on our side, and win," he whispered to me, making me nod, though I was still dazed."Yes, sister, it was tough, but with your help, we managed to do everything as we shou
Alora's POVNo.It couldn't be.Bianca froze, same as me, and everyone else, as we watched the man I thought was my father—and whom she thought was hers—walk up to us. He had glasses on, but I knew my dad, even if I hadn't seen him for some years, thinking he was dead.His words were still ringing in my mind."One of my children."Daughters? We were his daughters? Bianca was my sister? No. I shook my head. No, it couldn't be."What the hell do you mean, Dad? What do you mean by children? Do you mean...?" Bianca trailed off, disbelief etched on her face."Of course, Bianca. You are a very intelligent girl—catch up quickly. I am your father, and I am Alora's father. Just a few years apart and two different women, and I got both of you." He explained calmly, as if discussing the weather."Wait... so, all my life, when you left saying you were going on business trips, you were with her?" Bianca cried, tears slipping from her eyes.For me, shock was all I could feel—no other emotion. He ha
Alora's POVI ran my hands over the delicate ends of the mask I was wearing. Black. Paired with a black dress, black shoes. Everything on me was black. The dress was floor-length and hugged my curves.This was never me. I don't think I had ever dressed like this before. But Vittoria said, "The sexier, the wiser." Whatever that meant.I was coming in with Luciano as his date so that no one would suspect who I really was.My black hair was covered up by a blonde wig. Everything about me had changed, and only someone who knew me extremely well would even suspect I was still the same person.Black lip gloss as well. I didn't know if I was going for a Halloween party or a masked party.This ball was by Bianca's father, Giovanni—to celebrate his daughter's engagement to the Italian mafia don. How he thought that was going to happen baffled me.Grand. Elegant. Those were the words to describe the hall. The crowds were gathered, showing off their finest. And thankfully, Vittoria's choice of m
Alora's POV"Hey, little man, don't scare us like that again," I told Gianni as soon as I sat down by his hospital bed, where he was receiving his last infusion before being discharged.All in the same house."I didn't scare you, but that scary aunt—gosh, I hate her now. She just told me she wanted to show me something, and I followed, a-and—"My heart broke alongside his voice."It's okay, it's okay, don't say any more," I whispered, trying to stop him from talking. That kind of memory should be left behind. How was it that she had planned to kill a kid? It baffled me."Are you feeling any pain? Are you strong? Do you want something? I can get anything for you."Gianni rolled his eyes. Yes, he rolled his eyes at me. Again."Come on, Alora, I'm not dying. I'm just a bit weak, but I'll sleep, and I'll get stronger when I wake up.""If you're weak again, you should eat something. Let me go get something for you, alright?""No, I won't eat now. I'll eat later. Let's just—"A knock on the
Dante's POVI strolled into the dungeon, a small smile on my face.They thought they had won. They thought we would never know. Unfortunately for them, it was too late.Luca, upon seeing me, smirked, making Carlos turn to me with a smug smile. They had been chatting as if they were in seventh heaven, not knowing what fate awaited them. Or maybe they knew, but they thought they would take my happiness away with it.Hell no."Nice to meet you again, guys. How are you coping in this beautiful place?" I asked as they dangled from the chains in the ceiling."We are enjoying it just fine, aren't we?" Carlos sneered. "Making funeral arrangements already?"They had no idea that we had caught Rosa yet, and it was going to be painfully exciting to watch them see her drown in the same way she had planned to drown Gianni. Fortunately, something had distracted her, and she left the bathroom. That was how—why—we met him still fine."Oh, no, no, no. Don't worry. There's no need for a funeral. Why sh
Alora's POVThe world was falling apart, and it was all my fault. I shouldn't have kept quiet. I should have said something. All of this would have been avoided if I hadn't been such a scaredy cat. Now lives were endangered, including Gianni's. The one person I swore to take care of.As we ran down towards Vittoria's room, as the cameras had shown us, my heart was almost beating louder than the numerous footsteps hitting hard on the floor.Since the kid hadn't placed cameras in people's rooms, well, private areas, none of us knew what we'd find there.It could be an unconscious boy. A badly beaten one or, worst-case scenario—a corpse.I would never forgive myself if he was killed because of my stupidity.My nerves spiked as we ran in. Dante kicked down the locked bathroom door and went inside. Marco held me back from following them.I was the nurse. I was the one who was supposed to go in first. I glared at him. He probably thought he was safe. Ha! There was no way I was going to keep
Dante's POVEver felt like your heart was going to be ripped out of your chest? Or that it was beating at 250 beats per minute? That was exactly how I felt as we ran down towards Gianni's room. I had been a fool.The signs were there, but I chose not to believe them. I should have been wiser. I am the Don, for goodness' sake. If anything happens to Gianni, I don't think I'll ever be able to forgive myself.The moment we barged into the room, it was all chaos, making my mind buzz even more. Clothes were scattered around, his gaming instruments lay on the floor, and blood—so much blood that I couldn't comprehend what my eyes were seeing.Worst of all, there was no Gianni in sight."Gianni? Gianni?"Silence.Utter silence. Except for the noise from the corridor as everyone ran around, trying to spot him or the shooters, if they were still around."Gianni!"Alora's voice was shaky. When I looked at her, my heart clenched even more at the sight of her red-rimmed eyes. Marco stood beside he