Chapter 12FrancoTonight is a fuck-ton more difficult than I expected it would be.After spending time away from the office so I didn’t have to interact with Samantha, I knew tonight might be uncomfortable.But it’s not uncomfortable. It’s brutal.All I want to do is hold her. The fucking urge is driving me insane.I link my fingers again and rest my hands on my lap while I tell her about my parents.When Dad had the stroke, I had no choice but to take over as the leader of the Vitale family.Christ, I didn’t know whether I was coming or going. People looked to me to run the business even though I had no fucking idea what I was doing.“Were you close with your dad?” Samantha asks.“Not really. I was seventeen and at a stage in my life where I didn’t agree with anything my father said or did. Looking back now, I wish I had listened to him.”“Don’t we all,” she chuckles. “I argued with my mom about everything when I was a teenager.”Wanting to keep the conversation flowing, I ask, “Wha
Chapter 13SamanthaWhen I climb into the passenger seat of the BMW, I feel a little apprehensive.I’m taking a huge risk by getting into a car with a man I barely know.Barely…ha! I don’t even know his freaking name.When my mystery man settles behind the steering wheel, I watch as he adjusts the seat.My eyebrow pops up. “Isn’t this your car?” “No, it’s a friend’s.”He starts the engine, and realizing he’s going to drive through Manhattan with a balaklava on, I let out a snort. “You look like a bank robber. The cops are going to pull us over.”“Let’s hope that doesn’t happen,” he mutters as he reverses the BMW out of the parking bay. “Where do you live?”Knowing he can find my address on my membership form, I don’t bother lying and tell him where to go.We drive in silence for a minute or so before my nerves get the better of me, and I blurt out, “This isn’t nerve-racking at all.”Turning left at a set of traffic lights, he says, “It’s the same as being in a room with me. Try not to
Chapter 14SamanthaSitting in my living room, instead of sleeping, I stare at my phone.This really could’ve waited until tomorrow, and he’ll return your call tomorrow. Go. To. Sleep!When a message comes through, I grab the device and quickly open it.You asked me to call. Is everything okay?“Shit,” I mutter.I type my reply and press send.I’m sorry for bothering you like this. We can talk tomorrow. I don’t want to keep you up.While I program the number under MMM, another text comes through.MMM: You’re not keeping me up. What’s wrong? Samantha: I just wanted to ask you something.MMM: What?I hesitate for a moment before I type out the question.Samantha: Do you do house calls? MMM: Why?Samantha: I’m worried the club is giving me a false sense of security, and while I think I’m getting better, I’m actually making no progress at all. I want to test the theory.Feeling like I’m asking too much, I quickly add another text.Samantha: Don’t feel obligated in any way. I’ll understand
Chapter 15SamanthaGod, I feel like death warmed over.Mr. Vitale has been relentless this morning. You’d swear he’s the one who didn’t get any sleep.Asshole.Just as the thought crosses my mind, an incoming call comes through from his office.Answering it, I try to sound upbeat as I say, “Yes, sir?” “My office. Now!”God, I hate him.“I’m coming.” He doesn’t hear my reply, because he’s already hung up.I let out a whining sound as I get up from my chair and have to resist the urge to stomp my feet like a two-year-old.Opening the door to the chamber of wrath, I go inside.“Cancel all my appointments for the next two days,” he barks. “And fix all the mistakes on this contract.”Papers fly across his desk, and I dart forward to catch them. Before I can stop myself, I snap, “Do you have to be such an asshole?”When he raises an eyebrow at me, my words register in my tired brain.I did not just say that to him!I start blinking at him, and then an apology falls over my lips, “Oh my God
Chapter 16FrancoAfter having dinner with Renzo and Dario, I stop at Paradiso to check on things.Once I’ve changed into my uniform, I take a moment to send Samantha a message.MMM: How are you?While I wait for her reply, my thoughts go back to the panic attack she had. It was fucking bad, and it’s clear our meetings haven’t helped as much as I thought.My phone vibrates in my hand, and I quickly read the message.Samantha: Honestly? MMM: Yes.Samantha: Not so good.MMM: Do you want me to come over?Needing to be there for her, I whisper, “Please say yes.”Samantha: Please. I’d really appreciate it.“Thank fuck.”MMM: I’m on my way. Open the window.I’m up and out of my office at the speed of light, and as I rush through the back entrance to the club, Milo and Lorenzo kill their cigarettes and give me a worried look.“What’s wrong?” Milo asks.“Nothing. I’m going to Samantha’s place,” I say as I open the back door of the G-Wagon.My men pile into the vehicle, and when we’re on our w
Chapter 17SamanthaGod, I can’t wait for next week. I need a vacation, even if it’s only a week.As I leave the subway and walk toward work, my phone starts to ring, and seeing it’s Mom, I smile as I answer, “Hey, Mom.”“Hi, sweetie. I can’t wait to pick you up at the airport on Saturday. I was thinking we could start your vacation with a spa day. What do you think?”My smile widens at the thought of getting a full body massage. “Yes!I’d love that.”“Great. I’ll make an appointment for us,” Mom says.“Thanks, Mom.” At the end of the block, I turn right and move closer to the buildings to avoid the other pedestrians before I admit, “I can’t wait to see you and Dad.”“We miss you too, sweetie. Unfortunately Matt won’t be here. He’s so busy with the new account he landed.”“Aww, that’s a pity,” I mutter. I haven’t seen my brother since Christmas and make a mental note to give him a call.When I reach the office, I say, “I have to go, Mom.” “Okay. Have a good day, sweetie.”“You too.”E
Chapter 18FrancoIt’s been ten minutes since I pressed the panic button on my wristwatch.Renzo and the others have received my exact location and will be here soon.I grab hold of Samantha’s bicep and haul her to her feet before pulling her toward the stairs.I’m fucking worried about Milo and Lorenzo. With men getting past them so quickly, it means we’re being attacked by half an army.As we cautiously take the stairs up to the sixth floor, my phone starts to vibrate. I quickly dig the device out of my pocket, and seeing Milo’s name flashing on the screen, I answer, “Where are you?”“Third floor. You?”“In the stairwell. We’re heading to the sixth floor.” “I’m coming.”I end the call and put the phone back in my pocket, then glance at Samantha’s pale face.“How are you holding up?” I ask. She shakes her head. “I’m not.” “It will be over soon.”When we reach the door to the sixth floor, I gesture with my finger in front of my lips for her to keep quiet.Holding the submachine gun I
Chapter 19SamanthaWith a fresh wave of fear flooding my veins, I yank away from Mr. Vitale.Our eyes lock, and suddenly, I see his ruthless nature written all over his face.One of the five heads. The other men.Oh God. I was surrounded by the leaders of the Sicilian mafia.It feels like I’m having an out-of-body experience, and what has been a pretty mundane reality until today, warps into something unrecognizable.Spinning around, I rush out of the restroom and into the foyer. Spotting the front door, I make a beeline for it.Suddenly, Mr. Vitale darts in front of me, and obstructing my escape, he says, “You can’t leave until we’ve talked about everything.”“The hell I can’t,” I shriek, my voice shrill from all the shocks I’ve had. I move away from him, and feeling bewildered, I say, “I work for a mafia boss. Great.” My hands fly to my hair and grip fistfuls. “Oh God. I won’t survive going to prison.”“You’re not going to prison,” he snaps.Hearing his annoyed tone, I spin around
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