Chapter 8DarioWhen I leave Starbucks, I glance up the street and see Eden walking right past the ballet company.I stare at her for a moment before a whining sound draws my attention to my right. Seeing a dog with the leash tied to a fire hydrant, I walk closer.I crouch in front of the dog and carefully pet her head. “I’m just going to assume you’re a girl,” I whisper as my palm brushes over her soft hair. “What are you doing out here in the cold?”She jumps up against me with her two front paws, drawing a chuckle from me.I glance around as I rise to my feet, but when I take a step in the direction of my car, something twists in my gut, and I look at the dog again.She’s staring at me with the biggest brown eyes I’ve ever seen, making my heart melt on the spot.“Keep looking at me like that, and I’m going to kidnap you,” I warn the dog as if she can understand me.I look into the Starbucks through the window and wonder which of the patrons the dog belongs to.Deciding to pet her u
Poverty is an understatement when it comes to describing my circumstances. My mother is a lost cause I can't get rid of, and I work my fingers to the bone just trying to keep my head above water.To ease the stress bearing down on my shoulders, I like to dance. Working as a janitor at a ballet company makes it easy for me to steal thirty minutes at night when the place is empty.Or so I thought. Just my luck that the dangerously handsome owner catches me red-handed. He thinks I'm a hardworking ballerina, and I don't bother correcting him... because, you know, I'd like to keep my job.Dario La Rosa has every girl at the company swooning, hoping she'll be the one to end his bachelor status. Me? I just want to keep my secret and try to avoid the man at all costs.But then my mother's sins burst through my dilapidated front door, and my life takes a turn for the worse.Turns out Dario isn't who I thought he was, and the man has the power to not only change my entire life, but to keep me f
Chapter 2DarioLife has been so fucking busy the past few months I’ve lost track of time.I’ve been helping Renzo with some shit and neglected my own businesses.Renzo’s one of the five heads of the Cosa Nostra, and over the past few months, we’ve grown closer. My friend kidnapped the best chef in the Northern Hemisphere, and somehow, Skylar fell in love with him.Lucky bastard.I’m not going to lie. When he first brought her to his place, I had feelings for the woman, but when I saw them fall in love, I let that shit go, and now I view her the same as the other wives.Christ. Out of the five of us, only Damiano and I haven’t bitten the bullet. Angelo and Franco are fathers and happily married, and I’ll bet every last dime to my name Renzo will have a ring on Skylar’s finger before the end of the year.Damiano will probably never marry. If he does, I pity the woman he chooses. He’s the capo dei capi – the boss of bosses, and I swear the man’s blood runs cold in his veins. I’ve tried
Chapter 3EdenI’m playing with fire, and while self-preservation screams for me to get out of the studio and back to work, I don’t stop because the way Mr. La Rosa looks at me makes me feel hot and bothered.An intense sexual tension keeps building between us until I’m contemplating throwing caution to the wind and flirting with the man.Maybe I could risk a one-night stand with him? Nope. Not risking my job.Breaking out of the trance the man has me in, I stop dancing and head to the table where my phone is. I disconnect it from the speakers, and silence falls heavily around me.I can feel Mr. La Rosa’s eyes burning into my back, and it makes the heat in my abdomen increase with intensity.I suck in a couple of deep breaths before I turn around and walk toward the doorway. He straightens up from where he’s leaning against the doorjamb, and a mischievous smile tugs at the corner of his mouth.“Are you going to tell me your name tonight?” he asks, his voice deep and rough.Having anon
Chapter 4DarioLast week, I finally found Servando Montes. I went to Mexico with Renzo, where he killed the fucker. It was a waste of my time because Renzo didn’t need me there. Since then, things have been super quiet, and I find myself spending more and more time at the ballet company.I’m hoping to see my elusive dancer, but there’s been no sign of her. I’ve checked through all the files of the ballerinas, and she’s not among them.I’m thinking she’s friends with one of the ballerinas who lets her in so she can dance without paying the fee. I’ve asked the guard at the front desk, but he has no idea who I’m talking about.It’s frustrating.Sitting in the empty auditorium, I check my emails and find two requests from clients. One is to hack into a company to steal information, and the other is to track an assassin. I accept the jobs, and hearing movement by one of the side doors, I glance in the direction and see a janitor pushing a cart into the auditorium. When a vacuum cleaner is
Chapter 5EdenDear God, what was I thinking? I wasn’t. That’s the problem.Just like the other times I’ve seen Dario, I was practically mesmerized by the man. The pull coming from him is impossible to ignore.The moment he touched me, I knew it would be hard to deny him anything, and when he kissed me, I was overcome with searing desire.Holy shit, was I overcome.If I’m not careful, I’m going to fall hard and fast for my boss, and that would be disastrous. People like him don’t mix with people like me. His kind uses my kind to climb to the top and disposes of us like trash when they’re done with us.Still.God, when he kissed me. When I felt his rock-hard cock through the luxurious fabric of his pants. The man is packing, and I know it will hurt the first time he’s inside me. When I inhaled breath after breath of his addictive scent.It was so intoxicating I didn’t know whether I was coming or going.Stop it, Eden!He almost caught you tonight. You need the money a hell of a lot mor
Chapter 6DarioWalking into the restaurant Skylar recently opened, I grin from ear to ear as I glance around the establishment. The bamboo against the walls and lanterns hanging from the ceiling give the place a peaceful atmosphere.I’m taken to an open table, and after I sit down, I dig my cell phone from my pocket and send a text message to Renzo so he’ll know I’m here.A minute later my friend comes walking toward me and joins me at the table.I take in the happiness shining from his eyes and say, “You look much better now that the shit with Montes has been dealt with.”“I feel better.”Montes’ organization was responsible for the murder of someone close to Renzo, and it unleashed the darkest parts of my friend. I’m glad to see he was able to find closure so he can move on with his life.I glance around the seating area again, then say, “The place looks good.Where’s Skylar?”He nods his head toward the back of the room. “She’s in the kitchen.”I let out a sigh, which is followed
Chapter 7EdenWalking up the street toward the ballet company, I pull my jacket tighter around me in an attempt to ward off the cold front that hit New York early this morning.It’s colder than usual for this time of year, which means we’re going to shit ice blocks this winter.Suddenly, an expensive sports car with dark-tinted windows comes to a screeching stop a couple of feet ahead of me, and when the driver’s door opens, and a man steps out, I freeze in my tracks.Shit. Dario.I spin around and walk as fast as I can away from him, but I only manage a few steps before he darts in front of me. He grips hold of my arm, his hold a little too tight for my liking.“Finally,” he breathes. “I thought I wouldn’t see you again.”Well, I did try my best to avoid you.I glance down at his fingers around my arm, then say, “Can you let go of me?”“No.”His reply shocks me and causes a frown to form on my forehead.Dario looks around us, and the next second, he drags me across the street toward
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