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 POVAll the time I was hiding, I hadn't thought of how I would come out of my spot and go back out into Dante's room. By now, Dante would be scouring the entire place, searching for me.I massaged my forehead, feeling another headache forming. After fainting and being pumped with a large dosage of sedatives, I had gone through so much stress, which wasn't advisable.Gianni looked at me and rolled his eyes. "Are you dying?"Idiot."No. But I might as well die instead of being here, having to figure out how to go back out there."What was I thinking? And I had knocked both the doctor and nurse unconscious. I'm pretty sure he had seen them, and he would know something was up. So I couldn't even give an excuse. Ah, why did I have to be so dumb?"Gianni, don't just stand there. We have to think of something.""Uh. No. You have to think of something. You are the adult. Leave me alone."The sassy kid spat out, keeping a straight face.Adult, my foot."Maybe I could tell him, uh... I,
Alora's POVI was already anticipating them storming into my hiding place and tying me up, but when I heard Carlos asking Gianni if he had seen me, I knew there was still hope.However, Carlos being in Gianni's room made my stomach churn. He was going to terrorize the poor kid. Or maybe I was wrong because each time he asked a question, Gianni would just give a sassy answer in return.That's my boy.Finally, Carlos had his men search a little and leave Gianni's room.I almost banged on the wall for him to open up so I could check if he was okay when I heard Carlos, now whispering..."Little demon, you are going to fix all this. Or maybe leave it. And if your brother asks you what happened in here, you are going to tell him you were just throwing a tantrum because nobody paid you any attention."Despite the fear bubbling in my stomach, I rolled my eyes. What stupid plan was that? Gianni was no kid who threw tantrums. Dante won't believe that shit."You don’t tell him we came in here, o
Chapter 96Alora's POVI held the weapon in my trembling hand, my heart racing. It wasn't like they were going to die with what I would do, but maybe they would sleep a little bit.The nurse was supposed to walk into my room any time now to administer my medication. I heard the doctor telling her he would take something from the medical bay. Everything was working in my favor.As she got closer to the bed with the sedative, I brought mine up faster, stabbing it straight into her arm and pressing the plunger. She screamed—all useless, though.Carlos had lured out Dante and the others, perfect timing for me. He didn't know he had done me a huge favor. Hopefully, no guards were in the corridor, or else I'd be a goner.The drug didn't take long to work, which meant they were probably using a very good one. This is the mafia, after all. I hid behind the door, waiting patiently for my next target.He walked in, whistling a tune. To think I admired this doctor—one of the best in the field. W
Alora's POV“Doctor, what do you mean?“ I heard Dante's growl as soon as my eyelids fluttered open.“She just isn't feeling well. It happens to people all the time. You know, we can't know what's wrong with her until we get test results. It could be malaria or something.“What...? I exhibited no symptoms of malaria... Do we even have malaria here?Dante seemed to share my thoughts because he asked, "Malaria? Like, hell, does this look like the tropics, stupido?""Don, everything is possible. Let's just wait to get the results.""Calm down, Dante. Just chill.""What the hell do you mean by chill, Luca?"My eyes flew open at the mention of the name.“Alora came ramping in here looking like she had just escaped from a ghost’s grip. You needed to see her, man. Marco, tell him. I thought you were her friend. You should be concerned.""Of course, I'm concerned," Luca responded. "I'm concerned, okay? But worrying like this is not going to make her any better. Let's just calm down and wait fo
Chapter 94Alora's POV“What?" I asked Carlos again, hoping I'd heard him wrong. "What did you say?""I said... Um... I want you to forgive Rosa, okay? For saying things about you. She's probably just tired... That's how she's always been. When she doesn't know someone, she... she tends to be rude.“He was lying. I'd heard him well the first time. But I couldn't be stupid. It was time to leave."Okay, thank you. I'll be going now," I said, already turning to continue my trip to Dante's room."Wait, I have a question to ask you."For shit’s sake, couldn't he let me be?"What is it?""Did you, by any chance... you know... overhear... a conversation you shouldn't have?"I froze, my face paling. Dang it. He was onto me. I fisted my palms so tight I almost drew blood."W-what?" I let out, thankful that my stutter was almost inaudible."I asked if, uh... you overheard a conversation you shouldn't have. Maybe you were passing by... and you heard voices and decided to check on whether Luca wa
Alora's POVNo time to spend thinking of where to go. I dashed down the vacant hallway. Just as I rounded the corner, I heard the creak of a door as it opened. I didn't continue running because I knew the pounding of my feet on the floor would alert them that I really was there."Come on, man. I'm not sure there's anybody there.""Are you sure you heard someone?" Rosa asked Carlos."I didn't hear, but I saw something that looked like a shadow, and it's no longer there. There was someone."My breathing came out harsh in gasps, and I knew I had to make a getaway before one of them screwed me over."I really doubt there's anybody here. Alora is sleeping with Dante, and these other rooms are all vacant for now since the men are cleaning up. Let's just forget this, Mom and Carlos.""Well, I do hope you're right, and nobody heard what we were saying. Now, remember to do your work well this time. Come on, darling. Let's go."My eyes bulged. Shit, they're coming this way.No, no, no, no, no.
Alora's POV"I love this position, babygirl. Maybe we can make it our favorite?" Dante whispered only for me to hear, letting out a wink.Realizing just how close we were in front of others—who would never stop teasing me—I jumped down from his arms, almost injuring my knee in the process."Did you get it? Tell me you got it," I heard Vittoria exclaim.When I turned to face her, I noticed her and Marco chuckling among themselves while he held out his phone.Get what... Could it be a picture? Oh, hell no!"Give me that!" I jumped, trying to seize the phone, but Marco just held it higher, tossing it toward Luca, who caught it. By the time I could get to him, Vittoria had it in her hands, waving it."Don't worry, Alora, we won't do much with it. We'll just use it on your wedding day to embarrass both of you. Calm down."My frustration grew even more, and I tried harder to get on my tiptoes to grab the picture. Damn, why is she so tall? Plus, the boots she was wearing weren’t making it an
Chapter 91Alora's POVLife in the mafia was as unpredictable as could get. One would be sleeping peacefully, dreaming of how she was cuddling with the mafia don while he planted kisses on her cheeks as he watched her sleep. And the next minute, she is being whisked away to a safehouse because there’s been an attack on the main mansion.The first gunshot sounded like it was in my dream. The second set a tremor to my chest and the third had me awake and panting like I’d run five miles.Dante wasted no time in pulling me up from the bed and out of the room, down to his office.By the time we got there, Gianni was already there with Luca and a group of dangerous men, eyes blazing hot and ready for battle. How fast did they move from the other hallway to here? Were they anticipating this?"Keep them safe, Luca, and come right out," Dante ordered.Luca nodded and motioned for us to follow him. I cast one glance at Dante, seeing him filling his gun with bullets. His eyes rose to meet mine,
Dante's POV"Damn, Dante, you failed, man. You failed big time. In this one, you were a big-ass failure."Marco repeated for the fifteenth time on the other side of the table. Luca smirked, and Vittoria snickered."I won't fail at shooting right through your eyes. Wanna test how good I am at that?"Marco raised his hands in mock surrender, stifling a laugh. "Chill, man. It just—""What the hell is wrong with you guys? I didn't fail. I did exactly what you asked me to do, which is rare because I don't take orders for no shit.""You don't take orders, Dante. We know that. I didn't order you. All I said was, act like Alora doesn't matter much to you. How hard could that be? If I was told to act like Marco didn't matter to me, hell, I would do that and score 100%. Not that he even matters to me," Vittoria said.Marco picked up a magazine and chucked it at her head. She caught it and shot back, leading him to do the same and almost starting a fight if I hadn’t caught the thing mid-air."Yo