Chapter 26RenzoFeeling a hell of a lot better since I killed Constellanos, I’m calmer when it comes to Skylar.With Dario and my men searching the globe for Servando Montes, I took some time to check on my mother before she left to visit her cousins in Sicily.Standing in the living room with a tumbler of whiskey in my hand, I stare out the floor-to-ceiling window, not actually taking in the scenery of the city skyline.I hear Skylar’s soft footsteps as she comes down the stairs, and turning around, my eyes follow her to the kitchen.I finish the last of the whiskey and set the glass down before I head to the kitchen. She’s busy taking ingredients from the fridge.I sit down on one of the chairs by the island so I can watch her cook. No amount of torture will have me admitting out loud that I like watching her prepare food for us.“What are you making for lunch?” I ask as I rest my forearms on the granite top.“Lamb rib eye with garlic and sage roasted potatoes,” she replies. She se
Chapter 27SkylarI’m still recovering from the heart attack Renzo just gave me when he suddenly darts forward again. I’m shoved back down, and before I know what’s happening, his mouth slams into mine.My mind comes to a screeching halt, and I don’t even have the capacity to gasp.I wanted to make him care about me, but I never expected my plan to work so quickly. Hell, all I did was smile at him and show a little interest.His lips move hungrily against mine, and it feels unbelievably good.Shit. No feelings, woman. This isn’t a romance. It’s your ticket out of here.It takes a hell of a lot of effort to remember my plan, and keeping with the act, I wrap my arms around his neck.Renzo tilts his head, and as his teeth tug at my bottom lip, the kiss spirals into a wild force that threatens to overwhelm me.Holy shit. Focus.His tongue sweeps through my mouth, and my abdomen clenches hard while my stomach erupts with a kaleidoscope of butterflies.Instead of having to put in effort to
Chapter 28RenzoLeaning my shoulder against the doorjamb with my arms crossed over my chest, I watch Skylar as she sleeps.The events of yesterday keep replaying in my mind.Kissing her was not planned, and it only left me wanting more.Remembering how she melted beneath me and kissed me back with a fuck ton of passion, the corner of my mouth lifts.She might not like me, but she sure as fuck is attracted to me.Talking with her until late into the night was also not planned, but I enjoyed every second of it.The act she was putting on to flirt with me fell away, and I got to see her real smile and talk about something she’s passionate about.Does it bother me that she’s trying to flirt with me in the hopes that I’ll free her?Not one bit. It’s entertaining.But this isn’t some Beauty and the Beast fairytale where she’ll get to return to her father. She belongs to me.Forever.Pushing away from the doorjamb, I walk closer to the side of the bed and stare down at the sleeping woman I
Chapter 29SkylarRenzo’s not supposed to be the one comforting me. It should be the other way around.I wrap my arms tightly around his waist, wishing I could take away his pain.His grief is something I’ve never considered, but after seeing how much losing Giulio’s hurt him, I can’t ignore it.Renzo’s human, after all. He’s capable of loving someone so much that losing them turns him into a monster.For the first time since he kidnapped me, I put myself in his shoes. If someone had killed Mom or Dad to steal one of their kidneys so a stranger could live, I’d be angry.I’d be inconsolable.Pulling my arms back, I move them up, and wrapping them around Renzo’s neck, I hold him to me as I admit, “I wish I could take away your pain.”When he turns his head, and his lips brush over my jaw, I don’t pull away. Not because I’m playing some game, but because I really want to comfort him.Right now, he’s not my kidnapper, and I’m not his captive.He pulls slightly back, and his eyes lock with
Chapter 30RenzoSince I fucked up at the restaurant two days ago, things have been strained between Skylar and me.Her walls are back up, and she only speaks when I demand a response from her.In my defense, she could’ve stopped me, but she didn’t.I’m at the warehouse because I figured Skylar could do with some alone time.Elio’s taking a nap on the couch while I check that all the shipments are on schedule.It’s been a while since I heard from Dario, and pulling my phone from my pocket, I dial his number.“Hey, brother,” he answers, “you still alive?” “Why wouldn’t I be?”“I figured you and Skylar would’ve killed each other by now,” he chuckles.“We had a close call, but we’re both still breathing,” I say, a smile curving my lips.“What’s up?” he asks.“I’m just checking in with you. You’ve been quiet.”He lets out a sigh. “I figured you didn’t need me around making things harder for you, so I’m in Spain busy tracking Montes.”“You left without telling any of us?” I ask, surprised
Chapter 31RenzoVincenzo checks with Elio to make sure it’s safe before he gives Fabrizio the go-ahead to steer the car up the driveway of the Davies mansion.“Stay in the car, Skylar,” I order.She shakes her head slowly as if she’s stuck in a trance.I know that feeling well.“I don’t want you to see the bodies. It will make it much worse,” I explain.Again, she shakes her head, then she whispers, “It’s my choice.”It is.I open the door, and keeping a tight grip on her hand, I get out of the car. Seeing Elio as he comes out of the mansion, I walk toward him.“Any sign of the fuckers?” I ask.“Two were stopped just down the street. They’ve already been taken to the warehouse.”“Good. Have the men continue searching for the other two,” I order.Elio nods as his eyes move between me and Skylar. “The bodies are still inside. We haven’t moved them.”Nodding, I say, “Keep everyone out of the house until I give the clear.”I suck in a fortifying breath as I lead Skylar up the porch steps
Chapter 32SkylarAfter Bianca gave me a complete checkup, assured Renzo I was physically okay, and reminded us of my biopsy next week, he brought us home.Somehow, I managed to take a shower and put on a clean dress before heading down to the kitchen.I remove all the vegetables from the fridge and pantry and set them down on the island. I pull all the plastic containers from the cupboard and set them down in a neat row.Grabbing a cutting board and chopping knife, I start with the spring onions, chopping them fine before placing them in a container.I pull the pack of carrots closer and get started on slicing them. The nightmarish day replays on a constant loop in my mind.I see Louisa and Dad being shot…their bodies at the mansion.Watching Renzo kill two of the men…how he disemboweled Enrique.Even though it was sickening, it also gave me some sense of relief. I should feel bad, but I don’t.I feel nothing.“What are you doing?” Renzo suddenly asks. “Prepping,” I murmur, my tone e
Chapter 33SkylarI can’t believe Dad’s gone.Sitting in the living room, I stare at the live stream of the mansion.Renzo’s men cleaned the foyer, and it’s hard to believe it’s been less than twenty-four hours since Dad and Louisa were killed.Suddenly, the TV screen goes black, and it’s only then I notice Renzo as he sets the remote down on the coffee table.Taking his phone from his pocket, he dials a number, and a moment later, he says, “Go to the mansion and remove the four cameras I planted. The one in the kitchen is by the vent. There’s another beneath the railing at the top of the stairs, one by the TV stand in the living room, and you’ll find the last one by the dressing table in the second bedroom on the left.”When he ends the call, he looks at me with worry in his eyes.Funnily enough, he doesn’t ask me how I’m holding up, but then again, it’s because he knows exactly how I feel.It was probably worse for Renzo. A child expects their parents to die first, but Giulio was on
Twenty-two years later…)EpilogueDamianoWalking out onto the veranda, I glance at the lake before my eyes drift over my guests.Everyone’s at the mansion for a cookout to celebrate Mamma’s eightieth birthday.She didn’t want anything formal, so I only invited the other heads and their families over to spend the day with us.I head toward where the men are sitting and take a seat.Dario points to where the kids are standing in groups, and he lets out a chuckle. “Rosie is following Enzo around. He can’t shake her.”I watch as Dario’s sixteen-year-old daughter sticks to my second-oldest son like glue. When Enzo stops and wraps his arm around her shoulder, the poor girl almost melts into his side.Fuck.I better have a talk with Enzo, who’s just turned twenty. I don’t want him getting any ideas until Rosie’s eighteen.Thankfully, he gives her a brotherly hug before letting go of her.My gaze follows Enzo as he walks to where his brother, Christiano, is talking to Angelo’s sons.When my
Chapter 45DamianoAmelio arranged a Mercedes van and a Porsche Cayenne for the vacation in Cape Town. As we’re driven to the hotel, my eyes are on Gabriella, who’s grinning as she stares at the landscape.“It’s so green, and the mountain is stunning,” she tells Mamma.She was surprised when I allowed us all to travel in the same vehicle, and I had to explain the risk of an attack isn’t as high on vacation as it is in New York.“The roads aren’t as busy as in Manhattan,” Gabriella mentions. “It’s nice.”I give her hand a squeeze and lean into her. “Are you happy, amore mia?”She smiles at me, excitement making the green flecks in her eyes brighter. “Yes. Thank you for arranging all of this for us.”“Emilio did all the work,” I mutter.“You’re welcome, boss,” the fucker says from the driver's seat. “Don’t make me throw you out of the car,” I grumble.When we pull up to The One & Only that’s situated near the waterfront, I slide the door open and climb out.My muscles are stiff from all
Chapter 44GabriellaEven though I didn’t have much of an appetite, I made Coda alla vaccinarafor Mamma, knowing she loves oxtail.I hope Stefano suffers a lot.It’s all I’ve been thinking about since we arrived home after attending the funeral.I can’t believe Aunt Greta’s gone.I glance at Mamma, where she’s sitting in an armchair with her eyes closed.“How are you doing, Mamma?” I murmur.Slowly, she opens her eyes and lets out a heavy sigh. “I keep listening for Greta. It’s so quiet without her.I know.“Should I switch on the TV?” I ask.She shakes her head. “I’m actually tired, cara. I think I’ll go to bed.” “Let me walk with you to your room.”I get up from the chair and help Mamma to her feet.As we walk to her bedroom, I wrap my arm around her shoulders and give her a sideways hug, then say, “Please let me know if there is anything I can do to make you feel better.”We stop near her door, and she gently pats my cheek. “You’re already helping, mia figlia.”Hearing her call me
Chapter 43DamianoArriving at the warehouse, I get out of the SUV and head to the side entrance.“Carlo, go torture Stefano,” I say. “Just don’t kill him yet.”He nods, and I stop by the room where Mrs. di Bella is being held. “Are you going in?” Emilio asks.“Yes. Go keep an eye on Carlo.”When I’m alone, I think about everything Gabriella told me.As ice flows through my veins, I open the door and step inside. I glance at Bobby, who’s been guarding her, and nod to the door.After he leaves, my gaze settles on Mrs. di Bella, who’s tied to a chair. “Comfortable?” I ask.Her breaths explode over her lips, her skin pale with sorrow. Fear darkens her eyes as she stares at me.“Gabriella told me what you did to her,” I murmur, my tone dark with anger. “What you allowed to be done to her.”“It’s all lies,” she cries.I dart forward, and grabbing hold of her neck, I force her and the chair backward until she slams into the concrete floor.I pull out my gun from behind my back and press the
Chapter 42DamianoAfter leaving Gabriella in Mamma and Vito’s care, Emilio drives Carlo and me to the warehouse.Yesterday was a quiet day for us. Once we all got some sleep, Emilio ordered food for everyone. There wasn’t much talking being done, because we were all processing the shitstorm we just went through.But as I’m on my way to the warehouse, my thoughts are focused on what lies ahead.Vengeance burns in my chest, an incessant inferno that can only be extinguished with blood.A fuck ton of blood.Today, everyone who’s hurt me and mine will die. Everyone but Stefano. He will suffer a million times more than Gabriella did before he meets his gruesome end.After the SUV pulls up to the warehouse, I shove the door open and climb out.Dressed in a suit, I adjust my jacket before I walk to the side entrance while pulling my phone out to call Tommy.“Yes, boss?” he answers on the second ring. “Bring them.”“Be there in ten minutes.”When I enter the building, I head to the room wher
Chapter 41DamianoI got little to no sleep with my cock buried deep inside Gabriella. Not fucking her is impossibly hard, but she needs the rest, so I power through.I deserve a fucking gold medal for the sweet torture I’m forced to endure.Then she fucking stirs against my chest, and her pebbled nipples brush over my skin.Christ.When her inner muscles clamp around my cock, I let out a harsh breath, sweat beading at the back of my neck.Before I can ask if she’s awake, Gabriella slowly starts to swivel her hips.I let out a groan, my fingers digging into her ass cheeks. “You’re killing me.”“Hmm…”She rubs her clit against me, the movements quickly pushing me toward an orgasm.“Amore mia,” I grunt. “You’re going to make me come.”“That’s the plan,” she moans before starting to press kisses to my pecs. “You feel so good.” Her teeth tug at my nipple. “You taste even better.”I don’t stand a chance against my wife, and I thrust up once before shooting my release into her wet warmth.M
Chapter 40GabriellaI was allowed a very quick shower before a nurse tended to my wounds.I sit on the side of the hospital bed, and clench my jaw while I watch as Damiano talks with a doctor.I just want to be alone with my husband.Somehow, I manage to keep my expression neutral as I struggle to keep all my emotions from spiraling out of control.Finally, the nurse leaves, and I slip off the bed. Even though my feet are raw and ache from running barefoot through the damn woods, I walk to the window and pull the blinds shut.“I’ll take her home first thing tomorrow morning,” I hear Damiano tell the doctor while I gingerly move back to the bed.I brace my right hand on the white sheets and suck in a desperate breath of air.I hear the door shut, and I glance at Damiano to make sure we’re alone.I suck in another breath of air, then all the trauma I’ve been forced to endure shudders through my body.Damiano moves closer to me, and when his fingers wrap around the back of my neck, I ca
Chapter 39DamianoDirt shoots into the air as we come to a screeching stop in the lot at the front of the property. The house is medium-sized and looks like it hasn’t been painted in the last decade.There are a dozen armed men scattered around the property, and they open fire on the SUVS while they try to find cover against the sides of the house.I shove the door open and order, “Launch the fucking grenades!”Tommy sends a grenade flying into the side of the house where a group of men are taking cover, and bodies fly into the air.Using the door as a shield, I open fire on the fuckers that are shooting from inside the house, and I have to reload the magazine before I’m able to move away from the SUV. With the submachine gun held in position, I run toward the house while shooting every fucking man I lay eyes on.My vision tunnels on the front door, and I riddle it with bullets before my body slams into the wood. It gives way easily, and I keep going, taking out target after target u
Chapter 38DamianoWith Mamma and the other women and children safe, we all focus on getting everything ready for the attack.Impatient as fuck, I glance at Dario, who hasn’t stopped working since I gave the order. “Do you know where Stefano is?”“His phone signal is bouncing off three towers. I have the area but not a precise location.”“Where?” I bark.“Somewhere near Manorville. Just over an hour away by car.”My phone buzzes, and I rip the device out of my pocket. Unlocking the screen there are more messages from Stefano.I haven’t tried to call him, because then I’d be playing straight into his hands.They’ve had Gabriella for twenty-four hours now, and I try to brace for the worst as I open the text.You’re quiet, cousin. I hope you don’t think you have any other option than to step down.I suck in a deep breath before pressing play on the attached video. It shows Gabriella still hanging from the ceiling by a rope.She must be in so much fucking pain.“Let’s get started,” the sa