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.
Alora's POV"Open the door!”The sharpness of the voice rang out through the living room. Sprinting hurriedly towards the living room, I picked up a blanket and laid it carefully over the boy. A useless attempt at shielding him.My breath caught in my throat as I stared at the door, my heart racing. I instinctively clutched Gianni’s hand. Who was outside? What did they want? And how did they find us so fast?I didn’t move. Instead, my eyes darted across the room, seeking a safe place.A louder knock followed. “Open the door now, or we’ll break it down.”We? There were many people outside? Oh shit.I stayed seated, trembling in my spot. Whoever was out there didn’t really think I'd open up, right? I wasn't a fool.I glanced toward the small closet across the room, then back at Gianni. It seemed like a perfect hiding spot for a small person like him.So, adrenaline pushing me forward, I grabbed Gianni’s arm and dragged him off the couch as gently as I could. His body was limp, heavy, b
Alora's POV“Get down,” Dante hissed, his voice jolting me from my frozen state. My heart pounded, palms slick with sweat. As a nurse, I helped people, I didn’t get caught in shootouts.I dropped to the floor, crawling toward Gianni and laying my body over his, trying to shield him. “They found us,” Dante said, his tone hushed.“Who?” I whispered frantically, but he didn’t answer. His focus was entirely on the threat outside.Dante moved toward the door, glancing over his shoulder. “Stay with him, I’ll be right back.”I wasn’t planning on going anywhere.A few seconds later, Dante rushed in, picking Gianni up and running toward the door. Without waiting for an invite, I followed him.Once he opened the door, my eyes found another horrifying sight in less than three hours. Countless men, in similar black attire, stood around five black vehicles, shooting toward the other side, where other cars were approaching.“We need to move,” Dante growled, his eyes flicking toward one of the men,
Alora's POVLuciano—my big brother—always told me to stay out of trouble. My whole life, I had been shielded from dangerous situations. And now, I just managed to drive myself into the most dangerous one of all."You’re in the Mafia now, Alora."My breath caught in my throat. "Mafia?" I blinked, struggling to process his words. "You’re telling me that Gianni… you’re all… in the Mafia?"Dante sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Yes.I am Dante Bellini, Don of the Italian Mafia."My eyes were at wide as saucers. Why am I always getting into trouble? I should have stayed indoors and minded my business, but no. I had to be the heroine. But still, if I hadn't gone, Gianni would have died. So I guess God called me there."Gianni is my younger brother, and our family is deeply involved in the Italian Mafia. Gianni, being too inquisitive, stumbled across something he shouldn’t have—a secret that made him a target. They wanted him dead for it."His eyes darkened. "Unfortunately for them,
Alora's POVBianca hurried toward Gianni with an earnest look on her face, not hiding her excitement.“Gianni, how are you doing?” she asked, her voice overly sweet.“What brings you here, Bianca?” Gianni looked tired and unimpressed. Oh, he doesn't like her. Good boy. The girl seems rude and bitchy.I felt a slight pang of pity for her as she tried to win his attention.“Oh, I heard what happened! I came here as fast as I could. Let me assure you, I'll be by your side to nurse you back to health.”Gianni gave her a horrified look, raising his brows. “Nurse me back to health? You? That’s funny.”Ouch!Bianca held her head high, indifferent to the subtle insult she just received.“Yes! I mean, I attended medical school. I wouldn’t mind living here to take care of you and all the other injured bosses within the Mafia family.”Both Gianni and I exchanged incredulous looks. “You have got to be kidding me,” he said, laughter bubbling in his throat.“Why not? I can help,” Bianca challenged,
Alora's POV The tension in the air was thick as everyone awaited Dante's response to Bianca's request. Hell no, this girl gave me bad vibes, and I definitely would not like to live with her in the same house. Just looking at her gave me a bad feeling that things would not be easy. As I glanced at Dante, I prayed in my heart for him to say no. Please, Dante, say no. Don't say yes. Dante sighed, running a hand through his thick locks of hair, making some strands fall on his face. I almost wanted to help him push them back into place. "Bianca, baby, I don't think it's a good idea for you to stay here, okay? You know your dad and how protective he is. He isn't going to be happy about this," he said, his tone calm. Bianca crossed her arms defiantly. "I am my own woman, Dante. I can take care of myself. Forget about my father—I’ll explain to him, and he will understand." Dante seemed lost in thought, the silence stretching on for a few excruciating seconds. Then he finally spoke.
Alora's POVFor a moment, everything froze around me as I watched Dante's bloody body being carried in, looking nearly lifeless. His skin was pale, and the sight of him in such a state sent a chill through me. I almost thought he was gone, but then I noticed the rapid rise and fall of his chest—a faint sign of life.Suddenly, Bianca's voice pierced the atmosphere. "Oh my God, baby!" she screamed, rushing forward, her shoulder almost knocking me off balance as she shoved past. "Alora, what are you doing? Move!" Her urgency snapped me out of my daze.We scrambled into the medical bay where we had treated Gianni earlier. The room filled with the scent of antiseptic, and the metallic clatter of instruments being set up echoed around us. Bianca surprised me with her speed and precision. She was clearly skilled, though it was easy to forget that when I was used to her prickly attitude. If she wasn't so annoying, I might have even respected how quickly and smoothly she moved.When Dante was
Alora's POVI had had enough of Bianca threatening me like she was some queen. I was my own person, and she had no right to talk to me like I stole her treasure. I walked into my room and slammed the door hard behind me.Just as I headed to the bed to rest and think about what Dante had said during breakfast, a knock sounded on the door. I groaned, covering my ears with the pillow, but the knock didn't stop. I sluggishly walked to the door. “Gianni, I swear if you don't–”Luca's smiling face greeted me from outside. Oh, it's not Gianni, then. “Hello, Alora. Can I ask you something?”“Uhh, sure,” I replied, staring at him skeptically. What exactly does he want to ask me? My heart thudded with anxiety.“Would you like to go out with me this afternoon? Just for a stroll in the garden. I want us to be friends, if you wish.”I furrowed my brows. Friends? Okay then. “Okay… but let me get a scarf. It's really cold outside.”“Sure, go right ahead. I'll be waiting for you in the living room,”
Alora's POVIf someone had told me that on the day I discovered some of my family's deepest secrets, I'd also lose my life, I’d never have accepted it. I’d have laughed in their faces and told them to get a life.But here it was happening right in front of me. I couldn’t save myself. I couldn’t even scream because Alfonso’s large hand was placed firmly over my mouth, muffling my cries. I tried to bite, but his grip was so tight I could barely feel my teeth.“Shhh, don’t scream. I like my girls screaming only when I’m buried deep inside them, my darling Vittoria. So be quiet, honey.”I froze, my eyes filled with unshed tears, bulging wide open. Vittoria? He just called me Vittoria. I couldn’t have made a mistake. What in the world is going on?“Oh darling, I love how you’re quiet now. Very obedient. Very nice. I’m going to take my hand off your mouth, okay? Promise not to scream?”I didn’t respond, still in too much shock to grasp what was going on. Alfonso didn’t like my silence becau
Dante's POVAs the cars disappeared in the distance, I turned to Marco, whose eyes I had noticed on me the whole time. Vittoria was standing by him too, both staring at me with twisted faces."What?" I asked in an annoyed tone, feeling frustration biting at my chest.They both exchanged a glance before turning to me. Marco cleared his throat. "Don, I don't know what to say, but I don't feel too okay about this."I quirked a brow, nodding for him to explain himself."What Marco is trying to say is that, um... well, do you think Alora is lying? What if she isn't?"My gaze drifted to Alfonso, who was standing and talking with some of the men in a corner. I observed him for quite a while, as if I could decipher if he was guilty from just looking at him.As if noticing my gaze, he turned towards us, and his usual stoic expression transformed into a smile—a rare sight he only showed to his close friends."Hello, everyone. What's going on?" he asked, moving to place a hand over Vittoria's sh
Alora's POV"You were looking for me, Don?" Alfonso muttered, strolling towards where I stood with Dante, an aura of authority radiating from him. I think the only people who weren't fazed were Dante, Vittoria, Marco, and me.The rest of the men bowed their heads and stepped backward to make way for him to pass through. Uh-oh. This means he's a highly respected mafia man. Will they believe me if I tell them the truth?"Where were you, Alfonso? I sent you to be with Alora for her protection, and yet you left her alone? How could you be so reckless?"Alfonso glared at me before bowing his head. "I'm sorry, Don. I had an emergency and needed to use the restroom. I pleaded for her to wait for me, but she ran off by the time I came outside."What the hell? He's lying so confidently. Such a stupid lie, I know nobody's gonna believe him.Or maybe I was wrong. Because Dante's head snapped to my face, his eyes growing darker. "Alora, why would you do that? Your brother is missing, and you go a
Alora's POVMy heart was pounding, my palms getting sweaty. I tried to scream but was stopped by the man's hand landing on my mouth."Shhh. You don't want to attract the wrong attention now, do you?"My eyes, which were closed due to fear, snapped open, and a smile broke out on my face as I looked into the eyes of my brother."Luciano, what the hell? We've been looking everywhere for you. Are you crazy? Disappearing out of the blue. Come on, let's go. The others have been worried sick for no good reason. Don't try this again, brother. It's hella annoying."The words spilled out of my mouth faster than I could control. I was relieved, knowing that my brother wasn't kidnapped and probably being tortured somewhere."Alora, listen. I have a lot to tell you."Luciano whispered, cutting off my words. He sounded worried, and my doubts were confirmed when he moved towards the open window and pulled the curtains together, causing the room to descend into pitch darkness."Luciano, what's going
Alora's POVDante didn't look okay. Whatever had been said to him on the phone had made him pale before letting out a string of curse words while tugging at his hair. When he and Luca exchanged glances and then stared at me, my heart lurched.Whatever had happened, it involved me. Cautiously, I asked, "What's going on, Dante? You don't look okay."He didn't immediately respond but held me by the waist and pulled me towards him. Once I was wrapped in his warmth, he uttered the words that had goosebumps erupting along my skin as a shiver crept down my spine."Alora. I want you to be calm, okay? We are going to handle everything, and all will be well.""What do you mean by that? Why should I be calm? I'm already very calm. Is there a reason for me not to be?" The questions tumbled out of my lips as I detached myself from his arms and gazed at him with curiosity etched on my face."Just know that all will be well, okay?"I hated this, going around in circles instead of just saying what wa
Dante's POVIs it possible for a man to feel butterflies in his stomach? Because if not, then I need to see a doctor as soon as possible. The minute our lips touched, I felt a warm simmer in my veins, taking my breath away.Even though I was the one who initiated the kiss, I froze for a few seconds before moving against her lips. All her struggles ceased as she lost herself in the moment—a moment I didn’t want to end.I bit her bottom lip, trying to assert dominance, and Alora let out a moan that sent a rush of heat to my groin. Fucking hell. Even Bianca could never bring out a response from me like this. What is this little nurse doing to me?After a minute, I reluctantly pulled away from her but leaned my forehead against hers, her warm breath hitting my face.I used my finger to pull away some strands of her hair from her face, then in a swift movement, lifted her to sit with her legs on both sides of me. She gasped, her legs hitting m
Alora's POVOkay, something terrible had happened. I mean, I was just with Luciano about an hour ago, and he wasn't like this.A black eye, bruised cheek, and a limp as he walked. Since when did head injuries cause this?"Luciano. Oh my goodness, are you okay?" I asked in panic and almost hit myself for being so stupid. He smiled softly but winced as he dragged his feet into the room.I jumped into action, peeling the covers off the bed and tapping on the empty space for him to sit, my eyes wide with worry."Hi," his gruff voice greeted.I blinked twice, my lips pulling into a frown. "Are you kidding me? Hi? Luciano, what the hell happened to you? You look like you just escaped death.""Alora. You always worry too much. I've told you to stop stressing at this age because—""Oh, spare me that crap, Luciano. What the hell is going on?"Luciano went silent, his eyes watching me keenly for a few seconds. "I'm sorry, baby. I've been a jerk."Luciano must be high on something. "Just tell me
Alora's POVRestlessness had hugged me like a glove ever since I ran into my room. I tried sleeping, but my thoughts were all over the place, and I kept feeling my stomach churn. So now, here I was, pacing back and forth in my room while humming a soft tune.It was doing nothing to calm me down. My pacing ceased when I heard a knock at my door. I trudged towards it and pulled it open. Luca stood outside, leaning against the wall with his hands resting in his pockets."Hey, Alora. Miss me?" He raised a brow and pouted, but I just rolled my eyes and walked back into my room."What do you want, Luca?" I asked in a bored tone, flopping down on my bed and lying facing the ceiling."Ouch, girl, you can hurt a man so bad, you know. Would it hurt to say, 'Yes, I missed you, Luca'?"I chuckled, sitting up to face him. "Why should I lie? You're the last face I wanna see right now.""OMG," he gasped, clutching his chest in a dramatic display of being hurt. "Well, I came to tell you that Dante is
Dante's POVAlora stiffened in my arms, but that was the least of my concerns. I narrowed my eyes toward the direction she had just come from. Her brother? What could he have done or said?“Alora, is everything okay?” Dang it. I almost kicked myself when the words I just spoke registered in my brain. Why would I ask that when she's clearly not okay?But my girl seemed to be in the mood to rile me up. She pulled away from me and stood at arm’s length, then nodded. “Yeah. Sure, everything’s good. I just remembered something from a movie that made me cry.”Bullshit. I knew Luciano must have said something to her, and I was going to find out. “I know you're lying, Alora. Just go to your room. I'll come, and we’ll talk soon.”“Talk about what? There's nothing to talk about now, excuse me.” Before I could say or do anything, she whizzed past me and ran to her room. The door slamming shut behind her. Well, if she wasn't going to tell me what was wrong, then I’d find out myself.I stormed int