Chapter 16ToriAngelo switches off the light before moving me onto my side and lying down behind me. He pushes an arm beneath my pillow, and the other he wraps around me, resting his forearm between my breasts.His fingers caress my throat, and I feel as he presses a kiss to my hair. In the darkness, the position feels intimate.My thoughts are overrun with everything that’s happened tonight. My emotions are all over the place, and I can’t focus on anything long enough to process it.Now that the afterglow of sex has faded, my fear and confusion have returned full force. Just because he made me feel pleasure doesn’t mean he’s suddenly a different person.Angelo is still one of the bosses of the Cosa Nostra. He’s still ruthless and violent.He’s still a stranger.The sounds in and around the mansion aren’t familiar, and I feel totally out of place lying on the expensive sheets.Even the pillow feels weird beneath my head.Angelo lets out a sigh, then his voice rumbles behind me. “What
Chapter 17ToriAfter taking a long bath and getting dressed in a pair of jeans, a T-shirt, and a light cardigan, I creep out of the main bedroom.It feels like I’m trespassing.I glance over the wrought iron banister, and not seeing anyone, I sneak from bedroom to bedroom, taking a look around the mansion that’s now my home.Cautiously, I head down the stairs while my eyes flit around. The décor is modern, and everything feels expensive.When I step into the living room, I see Tiny sitting on one of the couches.His eyes snap to me, then a crooked grin forms on his face. “Morning, Mrs. Rizzo.”“Morning,” I whisper. I swallow on the dryness in my throat before asking, “Where’s the kitchen?”He points to the left. “Through there.” “Thank you.”When I step into a state-of-the-art kitchen, there’s a woman who seems to be in her late fifties or early sixties. I suck at guessing someone’s age.Her eyes flit to me, and for a very uncomfortable moment, she looks me up and down.“Morning,” I
Chapter 18AngeloJesus fucking Christ.While Big Ricky and Eddie dispose of the body, I sit down behind my desk.I rub my hand over my face as I let out an angry huff. I didn’t mean to be so harsh with Vittoria, but the call came at the worst possible time.She sounded fucking terrified.I shake my head, wondering how the fuck I’m going to get Vittoria not to fear me.Big Ricky comes back into the office. “What do you want me to do with the drugs?”“Flush them,” I mutter.Jacks, one of the bartenders, stole two grand to buy drugs, which was a stupid move on his part.Like I’ve said before, I don’t make a habit of giving second chances.My thoughts turn back to Vittoria and how scared she sounded over the phone.I’ve never done relationships before, so I’m in uncharted waters.Christ, my longest relationship is with Tiny and Big Ricky. They’re tough as nails, so I don’t have to worry about their feelings.I let out a chuckle at the ridiculous thought.Now, I have a skittish deer for a
Chapter 19ToriIt feels like I have whiplash.Since Angelo scared the living crap out of me, he’s been…nice, for lack of a better word.I can feel his eyes on me as I pour the pesto sauce over the gnocchi, chicken, and rosa tomatoes.Letting the dish rest for five minutes, I turn to him and ask, “Do you want to eat in the dining room?”Earlier today, I familiarized myself with all the rooms in the mansion.Rita is so good at her job that there’s nothing for me to do, which is a bit of a concern.Angelo shakes his head. “We can eat in the living room.”I nod as I grab two plates, and setting them down, I dish up for us. I make sure the rims of the plates are clean of any sauce before sprinkling freshly chopped parsley and shredded parmesan over the food.Taking cutlery from the drawer, I glance at Angelo. “Food’s ready.”He stands up, and my eyes drift over the sweatpants and shirt he’s wearing.I have to admit, he doesn’t look as threatening in casual clothes.I hand him a knife and
Chapter 20AngeloI brush my fingers through Vittoria’s curls while I enjoy every second of the moment we’re sharing.With the desire burning in her eyes, she looks like a fucking siren. Keeping my tone soft, I say, “Tell me about your childhood.”Her hands slide from my shoulders down my chest until they settle against my abs.My cock jerks from her touch. I take hold of her shirt and tug the fabric over her head. My palms find her breasts, and I knead them through the thin fabric of her bra.Her cheeks flush pink, and her voice is shaky as she asks, “Ahh…what do you want to know?”A smirk tugs at my lips, and when she tilts her head back, I forget what we’re talking about.Leaning forward, my mouth latches onto her throat, and I begin to feast on her soft skin.Vittoria’s hands fly to my hair, and her fingers twist with the strands as she moans, “Angelo.”Hearing my name on her lips has me locking an arm around her lower back, and standing up, I turn and lie her down on the couch. M
Chapter 21ToriWhen I wake up, I find myself alone in bed. It takes a moment before I remember I fell asleep on top of Angelo.He must’ve carried me to bed.I don’t know how to feel about everything that’s happening. Let’s just say I’m cautiously optimistic right now.As I turn onto my back, I see the phone I bought yesterday lying on Angelo’s pillow. I reach for it, and when I unlock the screen, there’s a message. I open it, and a smile tugs at my mouth as I read it.Angelo: My cock misses your mouth. Enjoy shopping for clothes and anything else you like.Not knowing what to reply, I keep reading the text over and over. After a while, I give up and just type something generic.Vittoria: Morning. I hope you have a nice day.I climb out of bed and quickly fix the covers and pillows before heading into the bathroom so I can take a bath and get ready for the day.When I’m lying in the balmy water, my thoughts turn to Angelo. I lift my left hand and take a closer look at the wedding band
Chapter 22AngeloSitting across from Salvatore, we review the schedules of the fleet we currently have at sea.“Will Renzo’s shipment still dock on time?” I ask. “Yes, I’m expecting it Tuesday before lunch.”Salvatore is a lot like me. He’s all business and painfully private. From what I know, the man lives like a hermit.But he’s fucking loyal and a hard worker, and it’s all that matters to me. My phone vibrates, and when I check the message, I see it’s from Tiny.Tiny: We’re wrapping things up. Tori asked if we could swing by her old place to pick up ingredients for the cannolis she wants to make. Is that okay with you?Giorgio is still in the hospital, but I don’t want Vittoria anywhere near her old home.Angelo: No. She doesn’t go near her old house. Take her grocery shopping.Tiny: Yes, boss.Tucking my phone back into my pocket, my eyes flick to Salvatore, then I announce, “By the way, I got married.”His eyebrows fly into his hairline. “That’s the last thing I expected to hear
Chapter 23ToriAfter I light the two candles, I quickly shut the curtains so the room will be darker.I turn to look at the intimate corner of the dining room table, and happy that it looks romantic, I hurry back to the kitchen.I want tonight to be special for Angelo. It’s my way of making an effort to get closer to him.I’ve prepared baked eggplant with melted parmesan and roasted duck with blackberry-orange sauce.Before Rita left, she showed me the wine cellar and helped me pair the perfect bottle with our dinner.I take the chilled Romanee-Conti from the fridge, and grabbing the corkscrew, I try to figure out how the gadget works.“Need some help?” Angelo suddenly says behind me.“God!” I let out a startled chuckle, then mutter, “Please.”I wish the man would make a sound so I hear when he enters a room. I hand him the bottle and corkscrew.He checks the label. “Nice choice.”“Rita helped me choose the wine,” I mention as my gaze drifts over the faded blue jeans and white T-shir
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