Chapter 7DamianoStanding out on the veranda with my eyes roaming over the backyard and guards, I don’t glance behind me when I hear movement.I recognize my mother’s steps, and bracing myself for a million questions, I turn to face her.She takes a seat on one of the lounge chairs, then says, “Greta says the girl is beautiful.”I move closer and sit down on one of the chairs. With my gaze resting on my mother, I mutter, “Aunt Greta is right.”“Did you take Gabriella for yourself?” she asks, getting right to the point.“No.” I glance at the open French doors before saying, “I’m going to arrange a marriage between Dario and Gabriella.”“Oh.” Mamma’s eyebrow flies up. “He’s such a sweet boy. He’ll be good to her.”“She better be good to him,” I mutter.“Always so protective,” Mamma chuckles.“Don’t tell her. I need to talk with Dario before she’s informed of the arranged marriage.”“Okay.” She takes a deep breath before letting it out slowly, then asks, “Is Stefano very upset that you
Chapter 8GabriellaIt took me the whole day to get settled in the suite, and when I walk into the dining room for dinner, Mrs. Falco and Mrs. Accardi are already seated at the table.“Where have you been hiding today?” Mrs. Accardi asks.“I’ve been unpacking everything.” I take a seat at the table and give Gerardo a tentative smile when he also joins us.Martha brings out the food, and when she places a plate of spaghetti and meatballs in front of me, I whisper, “Thank you.”“I looked for you in your room and left the Wifi password on your bedside table,” Gerardo informs me.“Thank you.”Good, now I’ll be able to check my social media pages.Crap, I’ll need an address for any promotional merchandise I get sent.I glance at Gerardo, then push through and ask, “Which address can I use to receive packages?”A frown forms on his forehead, and stabbing a meatball, he asks, “What kind of packages?”“Sometimes I receive makeup and skincare products to promote on my social media pages.”He t
Chapter 9DamianoWhen Carlo brings the SUV to a stop at one of my warehouses, I shove the door open and climb out. Straightening my jacket, my gaze sweeps over the area before I head toward the side door.The moment my men see me, they straighten up.Tommy rushes toward me. “We found the fucker trying to deal in Mott Haven. There were five other guys with him, but the fuckers put up a fight, and we had to kill them.”Nodding, I walk to where the drug dealer is sitting on the floor. My men have restrained him with zip ties and already gave him one hell of a beating.Stopping a couple of feet from the prisoner, I say, “Dealing in the Bronx and Brooklyn is ambitious. What made you think it would be allowed?”The man lifts his head, and when his eyes lock on me, they widen with fear.Immediately, he starts to ramble, “We were just told to sell in those areas. They offered us good money for the work. Please, I have a family. It’s tough out there. I just wanted to make a quick buck.”When
Chapter 10GabriellaWith Damiano home, I’ve spent the entire day in my bedroom making a skincare tutorial.Things were tense at breakfast, so I skipped lunch. When Martha came to check on me, I told her I was working and not to worry about me.Knowing I can’t miss dinner, I check my appearance in the mirror. I’m wearing a short, black cocktail dress with a low-halter top.“You can survive dinner with Damiano,” I whisper before I leave my room.I walk down the hallway, and as I come around a bend, my eyes land on Damiano, who’s coming from the other wing. I slow my pace so he’ll head down the stairs before me.His eyes only touch on me for a split second, and he doesn’t say anything.I haven’t interacted much with him, but it’s clear he’s a man of few words.I follow him down the stairs, my gaze drifting over his broad shoulders before locking on his gun.Even at home, where we’re surrounded by an army of his men, he’s armed.When I take the last step, my left heel gives way, and not
Chapter 11DamianoFeeling rattled, I walk to my mother’s private suite, and knocking, I wait for her to answer before I enter.When I shut the door behind me, I ask, “How are you feeling, Mamma?”“I’m fine.” She pats the space beside her where she’s sitting on a sofa near the windows. “It’s nothing to worry about, so don’t take your anger out on Gabriella.”When I barged into Gabriella’s room, it was with the full intention of killing the woman. However, before I could reach for my gun, I saw the same expression on her face I’ve seen countless times on Mamma’s.It’s a blank look that masks years of trauma, and it’s one of the few things in this world that makes me feel like absolute shit.I witnessed firsthand how Gabriella was mistreated by her family and Stefano. I can only imagine what kind of abuse she’s suffered throughout her life.I shake my head as I take a seat, and resting my elbows on my thighs, I rub my palms over my face.Mamma places her hand on my arm before moving it
Chapter 12GabriellaI was on my way to Mrs. Falco’s sitting room so I could apologize when I overheard Damiano and Carlo’s conversation.While I shamelessly eavesdropped, it again dawned on me that Damiano could’ve killed me twice tonight, but he didn’t.It gave me the courage to confront him about my future.Not that I got any answers.Deciding to apologize to Mrs. Falco tomorrow morning, I head back to my bedroom. I feel too frustrated to talk to anyone right now. It’s been a week since Damiano brought me to New York, and my life is still up in the air.He said he wanted to arrange a marriage between Dario La Rosa and me. I don’t know much about Dario, but I’m thankful he’s no longer available.The last thing I want is to marry a stranger.No, there’s one more thing that would be worse – returning to my parents.Maybe I can convince Damiano to let me go. I won’t be able to live a life of luxury, but I make enough from my social media accounts to provide for myself.Walking into my
Chapter 13DamianoDuring the helicopter ride to Manhattan, my thoughts turn to the night before.I caught Gabriella sneaking around the house after midnight, but when she just grabbed something to eat before heading back to her room, I returned to the sunroom.I spent an hour thinking about the satin robe she wore and how the fabric flowed around her body when she moved. I got glimpses of her toned legs and way too fucking sexy shorts.By the time I headed to bed, I felt agitated.When the helicopter touches down on the helipad, I’m pulled out of my thoughts.I help Mamma out of the aircraft and lead her to the elevator with Gerardo following us. I gave Carlo a rare afternoon off so he can spend time with his mother.We’re quiet on the ride down to the basement, and when the doors open, I see Vito and Emilio waiting by the SUV.They signal for the other group of guards that we’re leaving, and Gerardo opens the back door.Once we’re seated, with my mother between Gerardo and myself, E
Chapter 14GabriellaWhen the closing credits of Safe Haven roll over the screen, I smile at Mrs. Accardi.“I love the movie.”“I thought we’d watch it while Adia’s out with Damiano. He doesn’t allow anything with violence near her.”My curiosity gets the better of me. “May I ask why?”“Damiano’s father was a bastard,” she says, but before she can continue, Carlo comes into the sitting room.“Are you done with the movie, Ma?”“Yes.” Her gaze rests lovingly on her son. “Why?” “I want to spend some time with you.”She darts up from the armchair. “I’ll never say no to that.” Waving at me, she says, “Enjoy the rest of your night, cara.”“You too.”Once I’m alone in the sitting room, I walk to the shelf and grab the erotic book Mrs. Accardi made me read aloud last week when she played the prank on me.Sitting down on the armchair again, I curl my legs beneath me and open to chapter two.My eyes dart over the words, and as I read page after page, my heartbeat speeds up. When I get to a scen
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