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
Chapter 9EdenWhile I’m walking around the diner, refilling coffee wherever I see an empty cup, I keep thinking it’s insane that I agreed to a date with Dario.Yep. Totally insane.So much could go wrong.He could find out I’m a janitor at his company and fire my ass.He could find out I’m poorer than a church mouse, and that won’t look good for his image.He could find out I have a drug addict leech for a mother. That will definitely have him dumping my ass if we ever make it past the first date.I’ve thought about canceling but can never bring myself to do it.When I place the coffee pot back on the counter, my phone begins to ring in my pocket. I dig it out, and seeing Dario’s name, surprise rushes through me.Walking to Sherrie, I say, “I’m just taking a quick break. Five minutes.” “Okay.”I accept the call as I rush through the kitchen and out the back into an alley. “Hi.”“You answered,” Dario says, sounding surprised. “Ahh…wasn’t I supposed to?”He lets out a chuckle that vibr
Chapter 10DarioWith the winter show fast approaching, things are tense at the ballet company. We already lost two ballerinas because they couldn’t handle the pressure.And Mrs. Stafford has turned into a screeching banshee. Christ, the woman should’ve become a sergeant in the army. She sure as fuck has the lungs to shout out orders the whole day.Sitting in the auditorium during a rehearsal, the usual peace I get to experience is nowhere to be found.“No! No! No!” Mrs. Stafford shouts while stomping her foot. “What have you all been learning in class? I have more grace in my pinky than you lot are displaying. Start over.”Having had enough, I stand up and walk to the front row where Mrs.Stafford is seated.When she looks up at me, I say, “I think you should take a break. Go home.”“What?” she gasps as she climbs to her feet. “The show is in three weeks!”I give her a look of warning, then murmur, “Never raise your voice at me.”She quickly collects herself and forces a quivering sm
Chapter 11EdenThe floor polisher’s handle vibrates in my grip while I stare at nothing in particular.The past twenty-four hours have left me feeling rattled. First, I lost the morning shift at the diner, then my bag was stolen. I had to clean up puke and got scolded, time and time again, by Mrs. Stafford.I agreed to dance for Dario because I needed to ease the stress bearing down on my shoulders, but I didn’t plan to have sex with him. That just kind of happened.I was so wrapped up in the moment that I didn’t stop to think about what I was doing.I wouldn’t classify it as a one-night stand, and even if it was, it wouldn’t be my first. But I was reckless. We didn’t use protection, and although I’m on birth control, I should be more careful of catching an STD.I’m sure Dario’s clean, and out of everything I have to worry about, an STD isn’t at the top of my list. To ease some of my stress, I pull my phone out and send him a message.Eden: Are you clean, or should I get checked out?
Chapter 12DarioWhen the server leaves the room again, I say, “It’s spicy Korean brisket.” There’s a relieved expression on Eden’s face that has me asking, “Were you worried it would be something else?”“Yeah, I don’t eat shellfish. They’re like the roaches of the ocean.”I’ve interacted with hundreds of women, and none of them are as straightforward as Eden. It’s like she doesn’t care about what she says or who’s there to hear it. It’s refreshing.When I pick up my chopsticks and spoon, Eden watches me take a bite before she grabs her fork and says, “I’ve never eaten with those things, and I’m not about to start.”Wanting her to feel comfortable, I swap my chopsticks for a fork, earning a smile from her.Resuming the conversation, I say, “Tell me more about Tyrone.” “Oh, I’ve known him since forever. We look out for each other.”“I’m glad you have someone who cares about you,” I mention. Wanting to know more about her, I ask, “Do you live close to the ballet company?”Her features t
Chapter 13Dario“Where’s the restroom?” I ask.Eden pulls away from me and points to a closed door. “Over there.”I get up and walk the short distance. When I open the door, I glance into a bedroom where I see a neatly made bed with pink covers and pillows.Going into the restroom, I shut the door and relieve myself. While I wash my hands, I notice a laundry hamper with the tight shorts and shirt Eden was wearing Friday night.Remembering the great sex, I start to get hard, but I adjust my cock into a more comfortable position, then ignore the thing because I don’t plan on fucking Eden tonight.Glancing around, I notice there’s only a shower, a toilet, and a small sink. The single cupboard above the sink is packed with toiletries. The toothpaste is squeezed empty. There can’t possibly be anything left in the tube.It keeps hitting me how poor Eden is, and everything in me screams to help her. However, I get the feeling if I tried to help out, she’d lose her shit, and that would be th
Chapter 14EdenWhen Dario leaves, I shut the door and lean against it.Wow.Lifting a hand to my face, I brush the tips of my fingers over my lips.I’ve never been kissed like that.Warmth spreads through my chest while there are flutters in my stomach.I think it’s safe to say I’m crushing hard on the man, and if I’m not careful, I’ll be head over heels before I know it.Closing my eyes, I get lost in the memory of having his body pinning me down on the couch while his mouth did things to mine that had me almost crying with the emotions it stirred in my heart.The man really has a way of making me feel special…as if I could be his entire world.Don’t be stupid.My eyes snap open, and shaking my head, I open the door and head to Tyrone’s place.I knock quickly, and he opens within seconds with a grin on his face. “So, you and your boss?”“I almost had a panic attack when you started asking him questions!” I go inside where it’s warmer. “Dario doesn’t know I’m a janitor at his company
Chapter 15DarioWhen I walk into Franco’s house, I hear one of the triplets crying. Following the sound, I find Franco in the living room, trying to soothe Augusto.“Hey,” I say, and smiling at the baby boy, I take him from Franco. “Aww…did you miss Uncle Dario.” I rest him against my chest and press kisses to his head.Augusto sticks his thumb into his mouth and starts to calm down.“How the fuck do you do that?” Franco asks as he slumps down on one of the couches.I take a seat, and leaning back, I press another kiss to Augusto’s soft hair.“I have the magic touch,” I chuckle.Within seconds, the little one falls asleep in my arms, earning me a thankful look from Franco.“Tell me about the woman you’re dating.” “It’s only been one date,” I say.“You took her to Skylar’s restaurant. It means you’re serious,” Franco states a fact I can’t deny.I take a minute to examine my feelings and gather my thoughts before I admit, “I like her a lot. She’s different from other women.”Franco loc
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