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
Chapter 16EdenI haven’t been able to stop thinking about Dario all day. I even agreed to meet him for a quick cup of coffee a couple of blocks away from the ballet company, which means I haven’t had time to eat dinner.I have the burger I got from the diner in the secondhand bag, which I bought at a thrift store earlier. I’ll eat it during my shift at work.I walk to Half & Half, the coffee shop where I’m meeting Dario, and as soon as I enter the establishment, I spot him sitting at a corner table with his back to the wall.He instantly notices me and stands up. When I’m close enough, he pulls me into a tight-as-hell hug, which I love.Holding each other for a moment, I soak in the warmth coming from his body and the feel of his arms around me.Yep, I’ve got it bad for this man.He pulls back and presses a kiss to my mouth before he smiles at me, his eyes roaming over my face.“I missed you.”“You saw me yesterday,” I chuckle as we let go of each other and take our seats.“Yeah, but
Chapter 17DarioEden and I have been dating for two weeks, and I’m starting to lose my patience because I don’t get to see her as often as I’d like.I’ve convinced her to spend the night at my place, and as I park the R8 in my designated spot, I can feel she’s a little nervous.The opening show is on Wednesday, and it will run straight through next weekend, which means I won’t get to see Eden much with our conflicting schedules.I grab her overnight bag from where it’s lying by her feet and say, “Let’s head up.”Climbing out of the car, I wait for Eden, and taking her hand, I lead her to the elevator.“You don’t live far from the ballet company,” she mentions.The elevator doors open, and we step inside. I scan my keycard for the top floor, then glance at her.“Thank you for agreeing to spend the night with me.”She leans into my side and smiles up at me. “You’re welcome.” When the doors open, Bella barks and comes barreling toward us.“Oh my God!” Eden exclaims as she rips her hand
Chapter 18EdenStanding with the mop in my hand, I read the text Dario sent me a minute ago.Can you take time off work to accompany me to the opening night?I don’t have anything fancy enough to wear to a ballet show, and people will recognize me.Which means I have to tell Dario that I’m a janitor. After the amazing Sunday night we spent together, I don’t think he’ll fire me or break things off.And I can scrounge up a few dollars to get a dress at a thrift store. The corner of my mouth lifts as I type out a reply.I’d love to. Can we meet up tomorrow morning? I need to tell you something.I see he reads my message, then it shows he’s typing.Dario: 9 am at Half n Half? Eden: Okay.Suddenly, someone grabs hold of my shoulder and yanks me until I turn around.“Where is it?” one of the ballerinas barks in my face. “Where’s what?”“Don’t play dumb. Where’s my ring?”The hell?“Vivian, what’s going on here,” Mrs. Stafford asks as she comes down the hallway.There’s a sinking sensation
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