REBECCA The warm morning sun gently illuminated my face, prompting me to squint and shield my eyes from its glaring rays. As I turned around, an uncomfortable ache spread across my back, causing my forehead to crease in confusion. Why did my once soft and cozy bed feel so unbearably hard? Slowly regaining consciousness, I blinked my eyes open and found myself face to face with the underside of the couch in my bedroom. I rubbed my eyes, attempting to shake off the remnants of sleepiness. A lazy yawn escaped my mouth, followed by a groan as I let my arms cross over my chest, resigning myself to the floor again. Turning my head to the side, I noticed Artemy's jacket lying beside me. A frown of bewilderment formed on my face as I cautiously reached out, running my fingers gently over the fabric. "Hmm," I mumbled, struggling to recollect the events of the previous night, a disorienting haze clouding my mind. Why am I clutching his suit jacket? As soon as the thought crossed my mind,
REBECCA Entering the kitchen, I spotted Lynda clutching a tray. As her eyes met mine, her face brightened, and she greeted me with an exuberant smile. "Oh my goodness, you're an absolute lifesaver!" Confused, I loosened my apron from around my waist and inquired, "What do you mean?" Instead of answering, she pressed the tray into my hands, placing a glass filled with a white substance on top. "This is protein for Artemy. I need you to give it to him," she explained. "What?" I hesitated. I didn't want to encounter him, let alone be in the same room. His presence was overwhelming, and I preferred to keep my distance. "Please, do this for me," Lynda pleaded, her voice tinged with desperation. Shaking my head, I questioned, "Lynda, why can't you do it yourself?" "Because..." She nervously bit her lip, searching for the right words. "You know..." "Lynda?" I raised an eyebrow, prompting her to elaborate. Just as she was about to speak, her attention shifted towards Milandro passing
REBECCA I shouldn't have set my expectations high. Artemy was no ordinary man; he was a mob boss, a ruler in his own right. Ruthlessness, coldness, and a complete lack of empathy defined him. He couldn't care less about others' opinions of him. Men like him behaved exactly as one would expect. I had witnessed it firsthand, and deep down, I should have known better. But for some foolish reasons, I allowed myself to entertain the idea that he might be different. Clearly, I was mistaken. As I descended the stairs, Lynda unexpectedly emerged from a closet near the kitchen. Her hair was tousled, her dress askew, and a satisfied grin adorned her face. Spotting me, she winked mischievously before making her way into the kitchen. Milandro followed her out, his eyes locked on her departing figure, clearly consumed by desire. "Men," I muttered to myself, keeping my gaze lowered to avoid encountering his lustful eyes. "Hey, Becca," he called out. I acknowledged him with a nod but refraine
REBECCA "Well, I would describe jealousy as a wave. It crashes into your heart with a mix of emotions. Anger and sadness. Most of the time, it's not a pleasant feeling, but it hurts. Right here," she said, placing her hand over her heart. "It hurts. Your chest tightens, and it feels like you can't breathe. Sometimes you might feel like crying or becoming so furious that you want to resort to violence, like punching someone in the face. I can't exactly put it into words, but it's quite overwhelming." Placing my hand over my heart, I looked down at my chest. "I don't know. I didn't feel anything like that. I was confused, shocked, and disgusted, but not jealous." "You weren't?" I detected disappointment in her voice, and I raised my gaze to meet her eyes. "I don't think so. Why would I be jealous?" "I don't know. I thought maybe you felt something for him. I mean, the tension between the two of you is practically palpable." I was numb. Emotions were off-limits, especially when it
ARTEMY (...seven years old) My mother settled comfortably into the large sofa chair, a book resting on her rounded belly. Her contented expression and gentle smile made her seem at ease. From my spot on the floor, where I diligently sorted my puzzles, I observed her hand moving in slow, circular motions over her stomach. Inside her womb, my baby sister dwelled, affectionately referred to as a princess by Papa and Mommy. I couldn't help but wonder why they didn't call me a prince. I yearned to be a prince, but being Mommy's sweet boy felt reassuring. "Mommy, can I touch the baby?" I asked in a hushed tone. Mommy raised her gaze, her eyes mirroring the same color as mine. She smiled warmly. "Of course, my love. Come here," she beckoned, placing her book on the small table beside her. Excitedly, I sprung to my feet and hurried to her side. Mommy patted her lap, and I climbed up, settling myself comfortably against her chest. She took my hand and guided it to her round belly. The mom
ARTEMY At the age of ten, I tiptoed into the chilling basement, cautiously shutting the door behind me to avoid drawing any attention. In the center of the room, a man was bound to a chair, his face and clothes stained with blood. He slumped against the restraints, emitting whimpering sounds of agony that reached my ears even from a distance. Gazing at him, an intense surge of fiery anger coursed through my veins. It was a wrath of murderous proportions. Kill him. Make him suffer. Spill his blood. These thoughts screamed in my mind as my body trembled with the intensity of my fury. He was one of them—a Cavalieri. An Italian. I could still recall his face from that dreadful night, the night when he and others tormented my mother. I could see the sick amusement in his laughter. Purposefully striding forward, I stood face-to-face with him. His gaze met mine, and if it were possible, his swollen eyes widened in fear. He attempted to utter words, but only a muffled, gurgling sound e
REBECCA I was drifting in and out of sleep when a knock jolted me awake. Startled, my heart raced as I sat up in bed, struggling to fully grasp my surroundings. "Becca?" Lynda's voice came from the other side of the door. Relief flooded over me, and I closed my eyes briefly, placing a hand over my chest in an attempt to calm my pounding heart. "Yeah, I'm coming," I replied, my voice thick with sleep. "Okay, hurry. It's almost time for lunch." With a burst of energy, I hopped out of bed and hastily tidied myself, fixing my dress and hair. Opening my bedroom door wide, I found Lynda leaning against it, her face breaking into a smile upon seeing me. "Hey there, sleepyhead," she greeted, and I returned the smile before closing the door. "Let's go. Mom is waiting for us," Lynda urged, grabbing my arm and pulling me down the hallway. As we made our way towards the stairs, I noticed that Artemy and his men were nowhere in sight. Normally, Brayden, Avim, Leon, and Milandro would acco
REBECCA Balancing the final tray in one hand, I swiftly wiped the dining table with the other. Straightening up, I walked away from the table, briefly glancing down at my dress to spot a small stain. Lost in my thoughts, I collided forcefully with what felt like a solid wall of muscle. My eyes widened as I felt myself teetering backward, desperately trying to regain my balance. But I was losing the battle. Bracing for impact, I shut my eyes tightly, preparing for the jolt of impact with the ground. However, instead of hitting the floor, an arm wrapped around my waist, holding me securely. My heart raced in my chest as I cautiously opened my eyes. It was Artemy. My body arched backward as he kept me close to his chest, his firm hold preventing my fall. "Be careful there. You should watch where you're going," he remarked, his voice laced with a hint of admonishment. My heart skipped a beat, sending a shiver down my spine as his voice resonated through the room. Anxiously biting my
REBECCAI writhed against his thighs, seeking relief, but he chuckled softly before withdrawing."Such explicit language, my kitten," he chided playfully, his gaze locked on me. "I wonder how best to tame it.""Artemy... I need you.""No, my kitten, the moment is mine now," he declared, a smug grin curving his lips as he gazed down at me.With deliberate purpose, Artemy stepped back, shedding his shirt in a haste that verged on impatience."Shed your dress," his command was clear.Obeying without
REBECCAWith a mere utterance, I tentatively slipped my hand between my thighs. Artemy's gaze flared, and I swallowed audibly. Wetting my lips, I applied a gentle pressure to my center.My back arched involuntarily, a moan escaping me as I began to stimulate my clit. Artemy adjusted his position, his gaze unwavering and intense.A surge of electric pleasure surged through me as I inserted a finger, my chest heaving with each breath as the pressure within me intensified.Thumb circling the sensitive nub, I introduced another finger, my hips responding with a forward thrust. I circled my clit with greater fervor, striving to push myself over the edge.
REBECCAMy pulse quickened as Artemy drew me onto his lap. I nibbled on my lower lip, sensing the warmth rising to my cheeks under his intense gaze. His eyes tracked my every move, their desire seemingly intensifying by the moment. He exuded an undeniable allure at that very instant.Out of my peripheral vision, I caught Lynda's beckoning gesture. "Looks like it's time for our inaugural dance," I murmured softly.Artemy cradled me against his chest, rising from his seat in one fluid motion. He carried me to the dance floor's center and gently placed me on my feet. I draped my arms around his neck, drawing myself closer to him.His hands found my hips as the music started, and we began our dance. T
REBECCARaising my eyes to meet his, my fingertips brushed over his chest, the cadence of his fervent heart beneath them. "This is my pledge to you, Artemy Loskutov. Your love is my anchor, my wellspring of strength. I promise to pour forth my affection from now until eternity's closure. I vow to nurture, to confide in your love, to be what you require, ensuring your emotions are perpetually considered. I pledge to express my love and reverence. I yearn to share my days alongside you. I, Rebecca Cavalieri, commit to embracing you as my husband, to love, honor, console, and cherish you from this day onward. We meld as one, an eternal unity."Savoring the anticipation, I formed my final words. "This vow emerges from the depths of my heart, a pledge to you.""May we
REBECCAMy heart quickened its tempo at the sight that unfolded before me. In that moment, nothing else registered; the entirety of my focus was consumed by the figure stationed at the far end of the aisle.Each step toward Artemy stole my breath away, the journey itself a blur as his gaze anchored me. His eyes, a striking bluish steel hue, bore into me with unwavering intensity, tracing my every movement, my every advance.His attire adhered to his usual black suit, save for the addition of a golden tie. His hair lay sleek against his head, a few days' worth of stubble lending him a rugged allure. I had insisted he forgo shaving, as it heightened his appeal.His eyes remained locked onto mine as
REBECCA"Alright, close your eyes, my dear," Camilla's voice was a gentle whisper, tinged with excitement. I could detect the joy in her tone, and it ignited a matching smile on my face. With a mixture of anticipation and unsteady legs, I complied, shutting my eyes."Are you all set?" Lynda's voice carried an air of eager anticipation."You guys didn't transform me into a clown, did you?" I quipped playfully.Their laughter resonated in the room, eliciting giggles from me. At last, I opened my eyes, blinking as the world before me came into focus. Then, a gasp escaped my lips, involuntary and genuine."You are an absolute vi
REBECCAThree weeks had passed since that pivotal moment. Artemy's arm drew me toward him, enveloping me until I was nestled against his warmth, almost melding into him. His strong arms encircled my waist, and I pressed myself against him, my head finding its place on his shoulder. As if seeking solace, one of my legs draped over his hips, and his grip on my thigh was both firm and possessive.In the cocoon of his embrace, I inhaled his scent, the rhythmic cadence of his heartbeat serenading me. His touch traced indistinct patterns across my back, each stroke a balm to my senses, lulling me into tranquility.Amid this intimate connection, his voice, a soft caress, brushed against my ear, breaking the spell of silence. "Where shall we journey for our honeymoon?" Hi
REBECCAI descended the stairs, greeted by the heartwarming scene of Lynda, Bernadette, and Camilla gathered in the living room. Bernadette's knees were engaged in a rhythmic bounce, Princess nestled on her lap, their interaction an attempt to amuse the small canine companion.As my gaze swept over the tableau, an involuntary smile etched its way across my face. The unexpected sight before me was a testament to the depth of these connections.Aunt Bernadette, the role seemed incongruous at first glance. The transformation was astonishing - Bernadette, once reserved and distant, had evolved into a devoted aunt. This facet of her, while not frequently displayed, radiated a clear and undeniable fondness for Cevia.
REBECCAI roused from slumber to find the expanse of the bed empty beside me, an unexpected void that jolted me into alertness. Swiftly, I elevated myself into a sitting position, my eyes grappling with the persistent morning radiance as I blinked away the remnants of sleep.Emerging from the covers, I navigated my way toward the crib stationed nearby, only to discover it vacant, devoid of the presence I anticipated. My recollection painted a picture of Artemy embarking on his early morning ritual to tend to Cevia. Had they not returned to the comfort of our shared sanctuary?While enveloping myself in a robe, I embarked on a trajectory towards the bathroom, swiftly tending to the ritual of dental hygiene and facial invigoration. With my hair haphazardly ensnared