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
Chapter 34SkylarSitting out on the balcony, I pull the blanket tighter around my shoulders as I stare at the city lights.It’s been a week since I laid Dad to rest and had my biopsy. The results came back, and somehow, despite all the shit I’ve been through, the kidney is working perfectly.When I think about everything, I can only shake my head because it sounds like something out of a movie.The wind picks up, blowing my hair all over the place.Suddenly, Renzo comes around the side of the outdoor couch and scoops me into his arms. Without a word, he carries me through the bedroom and heads downstairs, where he plants me on one of the chairs by the kitchen island.My eyes widen when I see all the food spread out over the granite top.“I didn’t know what you’d be in the mood for, so I had Viviana send over an assortment,” he says as he takes a seat next to me. “What do you want to try first?”I let go of the blanket and answer, “I’ll have the salmon, please.”Renzo dishes up for me
Chapter 35RenzoI feel the moment Skylar connects with me, and it’s only then I move down her body so I can have my way with her.It’s taking more strength than I knew I had not to throw her down and fuck her senseless.It’s been five years since she’s had sex. You can’t just fuck her.As I feast on her breasts, I move my hand down between her thighs. When I brush a finger through her slit and feel the heat from her soaked pussy, I lose the grip I have on my self-control.I move down and force her legs wider apart to accommodate my shoulders. With her pussy on full display for me, my tongue darts out to taste her, and just like at the restaurant, I lose my fucking mind.I suck and bite at her clit while pushing a finger inside her tight warmth. I devour my woman until the friction makes her pussy feel scorching hot against my tongue.“Oh God!” Skylar cries, her hips bucking from the assault. “Renzo!Shit. Renzo,” she moans as she rubs herself against my hungry mouth.I’ll never be ab
Chapter 36SkylarThe past week has been pretty uneventful. Other than going to the clinic for the implant, I haven’t left the penthouse.I’m wiping down the counters when I realize I’m not a prisoner anymore.Swinging around, I look at Renzo and say, “I can go out.”“What?” he mumbles before he lifts his head from where he was reading something on his phone.“I can leave the penthouse.”A frown forms on his forehead. “Yeah?”“I need to go to the mansion to get my wallet.” I begin to walk to the elevator, then pause to ask, “Can Vincenzo or Fabrizio give me a ride?”There’s still a frown on Renzo’s face as he asks, “You want to go out?Right now?”“Yes.” If he tells me I can’t, I’ll lose my shit. “Okay.”Excitement bursts in my chest, and when we enter the elevator, I grin up at him.The corner of his mouth lifts, and gripping hold of my jaw, he presses a hard kiss to my mouth. “Your smile will be the end of me.”“Why?”“Because you’re fucking stunning when you smile,” he mutters.The
Chapter 37RenzoAfter I finish checking a shipment of Uzis, I walk to the office and take a seat on the couch.Business is good, but I’m not making any progress with The Harvest. Servando Montes is nowhere to be found, and my patience is wearing thin.I think he got wind of Enrique being killed and went into hiding.The streets of New York are quiet, but my men are still on high alert and searching for anyone related to The Harvest.It’s frustrating. I want to put this matter to bed and get on with my life. My life which now includes Skylar.Every day, she’s doing a little better. I’ve sorted out all the paperwork concerning Harlan’s estate and her finances and made it easy for her to handle them should something happen to me.I’ve invested the bulk of her inheritance, and I’ll add the money from the sale of the mansion once it comes through.I got her a cell phone, which she hardly uses. Her routine hasn’t changed much, and she spends most of her time in the kitchen.I’ve been playi
Chapter 38SkylarSince Renzo spoke to me about opening my own restaurant, my excitement has been growing.We’ve secured a building a few miles away from La Torrisi, and Viviana has agreed to manage my restaurant as well.Every day I play around with Asian dishes, and I’m slowly putting together a menu so I’m ready for when the doors open.Today I’m choosing my signature dish, and I’m torn between two.Setting both meals down in front of Renzo, my tone is professional as I point at the plate on the left. “This is Banh xeo, a savory Vietnamese pancake filled with pork, shrimp, onions, and bean sprouts.” I gesture at the other plate. “And this is yukhaejang, a Korean spicy brisket soup.” My eyes meet Renzo’s. “Tell me which one you like most.”He nods as he turns his attention to the dishes, and taking a bite of the first one, he focuses on the taste.I push his glass of Italian Prosecco closer so he can use it as a palette cleanser.When he takes a bite of the Korean soup, my heart bea
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