Chapter 37DarioI feel a stinging sensation across my side as a bullet narrowly misses me before I fall and slide straight into Renzo.“Christ,” he grunts. “You okay?”“Yeah.” I check the magazine in my gun, then I slam it back into place. “We should’ve brought machine guns,” I mutter as I move into a crouching position.“You’re bleeding,” Renzo says, pulling the fabric of my shirt away from my side.“So are you. Two grazed me. How’s your arm?” “The bullet didn’t go deep. I’ll live.”“You better.”“Where the fuck are you?” Damiano shouts over the gunfire. “DJ’s booth,” Renzo yells.The gunfire stops suddenly, and we hear our boss bark, “Get your asses out here.”We dart up, and as we leave our cover, it’s to see Damiano and Carlo moving up the stairs with Angelo and Big Ricky behind them.“You watch our backs while I keep an eye on the second floor,” I tell Renzo before we run to catch up to the others.Everything is eerily quiet as we take the stairs up, and when we reach the VIP ar
Chapter 38EdenWhen Dario walks into the bedroom looking like hell, I shoot up and rush to his side.“What the hell happened to you?” When I get a good look at him and notice blood on his shirt, I gasp, “Jesus, Dario! Did you get shot?”“No.” He grips my chin with his fingers, and I smell gunpowder. Locking eyes with me, he says, “I’m fine. Two bullets grazed me. It’s nothing serious.”“Let me look at you,” I mutter as I yank my chin free and start to unbutton his shirt.He lets me tug the fabric off, and I let out a breath of relief when I see the grazed skin on his side.“You’re so damn lucky there’s no bullet,” I snap as I shoot him a glare. “I swear to God, if you ever die on me, I’m bringing you back so I can kill you myself.”“One grazed me on my back as well,” he says as if it’s something to be proud of.“What?!” I dart behind him, and seeing the red welt across his back, I slap him against the shoulder. “Get your ass in the bathroom so I can clean the wounds.”“Scrapes,” he c
(One year later…)EpilogueEdenMy life has been a whirlwind of excitement, happiness, love, and hard work.Emphasis on the hard work.The soup kitchen has taken up so much of my time this past year, I’m surprised Dario hasn’t lost his shit yet.The man is a saint.It’s the one-year anniversary of when I first opened the soup kitchen’s doors to the community, and I now have a team of over twenty people working for me.I had to give up the assistant manager position at Skylar’s restaurant, but luckily she understood. I think it was for the best because we’ve grown closer as friends, and I would hate for work to get in the way of our friendship.“Jesus,” Sherrie gasps as she stares at all the food containers being carried in by a catering company. “It looks like we’re feeding an army.”I let out a chuckle. “We are. Back to work.”Sherrie’s been helping out whenever she can, and I always make it worth her time.We continue setting up the coffee and pie section, and when we’re done, I hea
SynopsisI was born into the Cosa Nostra, so I’ve always known an arranged marriage loomed in my future.When the Capo dei Capi of the Cosa Nostra comes to Sicily to give his approval for his cousin, Stefano, to take me as his bride, I know my fate isall but sealed. Marrying Stefano is the last thing I want, but being a woman, I don’t have a say in the matter.Damiano Falco is merciless and rules the Cosa Nostra with an iron fist.Everyone fears him and won’t dare go against him.I’m still trying to accept that I’ll have no choice but to marry Stefano when Damiano utters the last word anyone expects to hear.“No.”He doesn’t give his approval, nor does he offer any explanation.But if I think his refusal will set me free, I have another thing coming. Instead, my bags are packed, and within hours, I find myself sitting on a private jet with the head of the Costa Nostra.The ruthless man doesn’t tell me anything, and I have no idea what my future holds.To say I’m terrified is the unde
Chapter 2GabriellaWhen Stefano glances at me while he removes his jacket, a weird sensation creeps over my skin.“You embarrassed me, Gabriella,” he mutters as he drapes his jacket over the back of the chair by my dressing table.His tone brims with anger, and it has me glancing at the door.Suddenly, he lets out an incredulous-sounding chuckle. “You’re not even going to apologize?”Pride has me lifting my chin, and I force myself to lock eyes with the man I’m going to marry. If I don’t stand my ground today, he’ll make my life a living hell.“I didn’t do anything wrong,” I say, my voice sounding much stronger than I feel.When Stefano starts to undo his belt, a wave of terror-filled pins and needles coats my skin.Dio.“You can’t take my virginity until we’re married,” I say as if the words will stop him.Stefano’s mouth lifts in a smirk. “You already belong to me.”“No.” I shake my head. “Mr. Falco hasn’t given his permission.”“I don’t plan on fucking you right now. First, I’m go
Chapter 3DamianoHalfway to the airfield where the private jet is waiting, I tuck my phone back into my pocket.Stefano’s pissed off that I didn’t give my blessing and instead took the woman he wanted to marry, but he’ll just have to get over it.The di Bella household is a fucking mess, and I refused to stay there a second longer. I’m used to violence. It’s second nature to me, but having to see Gabriella degraded and mistreated tested my patience. If I’d stayed for dinner, instead of leaving, there would’ve been a blood bath.I glance at Gabriella and notice she’s changed her outfit. She looks glamorous in the pink suit, and even though I have zero interest in her, I notice her cleavage that’s on full display.She might be on the shorter side, but she has curves in all the right places. She’s beautiful, but that’s not why she’s sitting beside me.When she held eye contact with me, I was actually a little stunned. It showed she has more guts than most of the men in our world.No mat
Chapter 4GabriellaMy heart is beating wildly in my chest, dread coating my skin, and my nerves frayed from the interrogation I somehow survived.The past forty minutes of sitting next to Damiano were the most unnerving of my life.My hand still tingles from gripping his arm. I was so scared when the plane took off I didn’t realize I’d grabbed hold of him.I can be glad I’m still alive after touching him without his permission.The split second before I pulled my hand away, I felt his strength rippling beneath my fingertips.Even where I’m sitting on the other side of the cabin, I can feel the violent energy coming from Damiano.His refusal to answer my question makes me worry. It would be stupid to assume he took me for himself. He might have something worse planned for me.Dio.I suck in desperate breaths as a panic attack threatens to overwhelm me. You’d think I’d be used to nerve-wracking situations after everything I’ve endured at the hands of my family, but sitting in a private
Chapter 5GabriellaMy eyes dart from one tall building to another, and I’m struck speechless at the hustle and bustle of cars and people so late at night.After an hour's drive, the SUV enters an underground parking, and only when we climb out do I realize the other guards didn’t follow us. I have no idea what’s happened to my belongings.“Come,” Carlo mutters.I follow Damiano and his guard into an elevator, the muscles in my body wound tight as I cautiously glance from one man to the other.Being alone with them is super unnerving.Instead of the elevator opening on a residential floor, the doors open on the roof.When I see the helicopter, my stomach drops to my feet, and my mouth dries up.Oh no.This is why Damiano made the comment earlier.The wind is icy up on the roof, and I try to rub some warmth into my arms.The helicopter doesn’t look as trustworthy as the private jet, and I start to tremble as I climb into it.Damiano takes a seat beside me, sitting much closer to me bec
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
Chapter 37GabriellaWhen I startle awake, my entire body aches so badly, I let out a gasp before groaning.Dio.They left me hanging overnight, and the room is freezing. The extreme chill in my body makes the pain so much worse.There’s complete silence as I glance around the room.Yesterday, I was too shocked by the attack and torture to take in anything.I see a metal table and various tools and knives. There’s also a stick with prongs, which they used to electrocute me with. The laptop is still on the table, and the camera’s pointed at me. It looks like I’m in a basement.Knowing I’m being recorded, I lift my head and school my face into an emotionless expression.What doesn’t break you makes you stronger.With nothing to do but think, my thoughts turn to the attack.Aunt Greta. Gerardo. Martha.Sorrow pours into my chest.Please let Aunt Greta be okay. Dio. I hope they got to her in time.When a lump forms in my throat, I try to swallow it down.Before I’m able to process my sorr
Chapter 36DamianoI’m standing in the armory with Angelo, Franco, Renzo, and Dario.Dario’s set up a working station for himself by my systems where he’s searching for anything that can help us find out who’s behind the attack.My phone starts ringing, and letting out a growl, I pull the device from my pocket.“What?” I snap.“The club,” Pippa, the manager of my club, says. Panic laces the words. “There was a car bomb, Mr. Falco. It blew the side wall away. We won’t be able to open.”“Motherfucking Christ,” I shout. “Deal with the shit. I’m busy.” “Yes, sir.”I end the call, and before I can throw my phone against the wall, Carlo grabs it from me.“We need the phone,” he reminds me. “In case the fucker calls.”The fucker, being the person who’s attacking me.I let him keep the phone as I stalk a few steps away before turning to face the men.“Who is behind the attacks?” I bark.“We took out Miguel’s entire family, but maybe it’s one of his men,” Angelo says.“No. The person knew wher
Chapter 35GabriellaMy body jerks as I regain consciousness. My shoulders strain, and rope bites into my wrists as I jerk again from being hauled into the air.A headache starts to pulse behind my temple, and when I crack my eyes open, I see a concrete floor beneath me.Shit.The memories of the attack pour through my mind.I remember the mansion shuddering from loud blasts. Gerardo falling.Aunt Greta gasping for air.Aunt Greta.Dio, I hope she survives the gunshot.I lift my head, and seeing two men in a room with me, horror ripples through me.One of them secures the rope so it will keep me hanging in the air.My shoes are gone, and the pencil dress I’m wearing is pulled up high on my thighs.Shit.“She’s awake,” one of the men mutters. “Get the boss.”Boss?My mind starts racing, flashes of the attack hitting me while I worry about what’s going to happen.I hope Mamma’s okay.Maybe Damiano found out about the attack, and he got to her in time.Damiano.Suddenly, Stefano walks in
Chapter 34DamianoCarlo lands the helicopter on top of the building, and I wait for him to switch everything off.“Who would attack the warehouse?” Carlo asks as he joins me“I have no fucking idea,” I mutter while sending Emilio a text demanding an update.Anger vibrates in my chest as we walk toward the elevator. When my phone vibrates, I read the message from Emilio.Three men dead. Nothing was taken. It’s weird. I don’t feel it’s safe for you to come here. Go to the club. I’ll meet you there.Letting out a sigh, I mutter, “We’re going to the club. Emilio will meet us there.”The news of the attack was unexpected. Sure, an enemy can crawl out of a fucking hole at any time, but usually, things are quiet over the festive season.We take the elevator down to the basement and head to the SUV, and soon, Carlo steers the vehicle in the direction of the club.A couple of blocks from our destination my phone starts ringing while it buzzes with message after message.“Jesus fucking Christ,
Chapter 33GabriellaWhile Martha carries the clothes between my old suite and Damiano’s room, Aunt Greta helps me pack everything into my side of the closet.Aunt Aida’s sitting on a chair we brought into the room for her, keeping us company.“Did you enjoy the wedding before Damiano dragged you away?” Aunt Aida asks.“Yes.” I let out a chuckle. “Thank you for everything you did to make it a perfect wedding, Aunt Greta.”“You’re welcome, cara.”“Oh, I just remembered,” Aunt Aida says. “You can call me mamma or mom. Whichever you prefer.”I stop what I’m doing and drop the hanger on the floor. “Really?”When she nods, I rush to her, and leaning down, I wrap her up in a hug. “Thank you.”“No need to thank me,” she chuckles as she pats my back. “We’re family now.”Letting go of her, I get back to work.Damiano comes into the closet, then glances over the clothes. “Is it all going to fit?”“Yes.” I shoot him a smile. “I’ll make it fit.”“You can always leave your summer clothes in the ot
Chapter 32DamianoWith every passing second, where the guests are drinking champagne and enjoying the reception, I grow more and more impatient for them to leave.“Stop scowling at everyone,” Gabriella whispers, where she’s sitting beside me.“How much longer?” I mutter.“We only get one wedding,” she says, “try to enjoy it.” “I am, but I also want to be alone with you.”She pats my chest and smiles at Samantha as she walks by the table.“You look stunning, Gabriella,” Samantha says, not even daring to look in my direction.“Thank you,” my bride accepts the compliment like the queen she is.Aunt Greta rushes toward us and says, “It’s time to open the dance floor.”“Dance floor?” I mutter. “No one said anything about dancing.” “Do it for me,” Gabriella whispers before standing up.Unable to refuse her anything, I climb to my feet and follow her to the middle of the floor.A song starts to play, and as I take Gabriella into my arms, I ask, “Which song did you pick?”“Anyone by Tommee P