Chapter 8RenzoUnresolved anger is like cancer. It fucking spreads and destroys everything in its path.I swing the bat at the fucker’s hip for the fourth time, and he howls with pain.After posing as a buyer, Dario set up a meeting with this guy. He’s the one who sold Giulio’s information at the blood bank.“Who the fuck did you give the information to?” I shout, unable to control my rage, as I slam the bat into his lower back.“Please,” he begs through snot and tears. “Don’t kill me.”We have him stripped down to his underwear, his body covered in bruises and blood.Caught in a haze of white-hot wrath, I beat the fuck out of him until I’m breathless, and he’s a whimpering mess at my feet.My body vibrates from the destructive emotions, and my voice is ice fucking cold as I ask, “Who did you sell the information to?”“I only have…an email,” he whimpers. “I never…saw the person.” “Give us the email,” I demand.He lifts his head and tries to crawl a couple of feet away from me. “It’s
Chapter 9SkylarThe stitches were removed a few days ago, and Dr. Bentall says my body is adjusting to the transplant at a satisfactory rate.Honestly, I feel as good as new, and with every passing day, I’m becoming stronger. I’m even gaining weight again.While I fill little pockets of dough with shredded beef so I can make steamed dumplings, Louisa places a cup of tea on the counter.“You’re spending too much time in the kitchen,” she chastises me. “You promised to take it slow.”“If I take it any slower, I’ll be in bed twenty-four-seven,” I mumble. I shoot her a grin. “It feels like I’ve been released from a prison sentence. Let me enjoy life.”“I just don’t want anything going wrong.”Giving her a reassuring smile, I say, “Nothing will go wrong. I feel healthy, and as soon as I get tired, I’ll take a nap.”She lets out a sigh before walking out of the kitchen, and I take a quick sip of the tea then continue making another dumpling.Suddenly, the tiny hairs on the back of my neck
Chapter 10RenzoSitting in my living room, I watch the lifestream from the cameras I planted in Davies’ mansion.I bring the tumbler of whiskey to my lips and take a sip, my eyes glued to Skylar, where she’s blow-drying her hair.She’s physically changed over the past three weeks. Her face isn’t gaunt anymore, and her skin has a healthy glow. With the weight she’s gained, she’s gone from pretty to strikingly beautiful.She’s sitting at her dressing table, facing the camera, and when I look into her clear blue eyes, it feels as if she can see me.Her movements slow down, and with a frown forming on her forehead, she switches off the hairdryer.She glances around her, then tugs her bottom lip between her teeth before murmuring, “This is getting insane. There’s no one there.”The corner of my mouth lifts in a predatory smirk. “Oh, I’m here.”Brushing her shoulder-length ginger hair with hard strokes, she says, “I better stop seeing ghosts everywhere, or Dad’s going to drag my ass to the
Chapter 11SkylarA miracle happened today.Dad finally let me go to the store on my own. It felt weird driving a car, but as I walk up and down the aisles, I feel empowered.That’s until the eerie sensation I’ve been experiencing since I left the hospital ripples down my spine.Shaking my head hard, I do my best to ignore it as I grab flour and baking powder from the shelf.Unable to help myself, I glance over my shoulder, and for a split second, I catch sight of a man in a light brown suit.Like an idiot, I stand frozen while staring at the end of the aisle.I’m not insane, and there is no such thing as ghosts.Fear tightens my stomach, and tearing my eyes away from the spot where I saw the man, I push the cart to the next aisle.I keep glancing around me, and by the time I reach the fruit and vegetables, I’m second-guessing myself once again.I’m digging through zucchinis, looking for the biggest ones, when someone comes to stand slightly behind me. When I see the light brown suit
Chapter 12RenzoAfter concluding the deal with the Mexicans, I find myself watching Skylar Davies twenty-four-seven.The other day, when I got close to her at the store, I could feel the fear vibrating from her.She’s aware I’m watching her, and even at home, she’s constantly on guard and glancing around as if she expects me to creep out of the shadows.I’m not going to lie. I’m enjoying this little game of cat and mouse way too fucking much.Sitting on the other side of the restaurant, where Skylar and her father are enjoying dinner, the corner of my mouth lifts as I stare at her.Topolina.Calling her ‘little mouse’ seems fitting. Just like a cat, I’ll play with her before biting off her fucking head.I watch as she smiles at her father and says something before she gets up and walks to the back of the restaurant, where the restroom is.I wait a few seconds before I climb to my feet and follow her. I glance around to make sure no one’s paying attention to me before I slip into the
Chapter 13SkylarYesterday, Dad contacted the private security firm, and he said they’re putting a skilled team together to protect me.It doesn’t make me feel any better, because I think we should go to the police, but Dad won’t hear about it.Sitting in Dr. Bentall’s office at the hospital, we wait for him to arrive so he can give me a checkup. He’s already twenty-five minutes late, and Dad’s getting agitated.“What’s taking him so long?” Dad mutters as he pulls his phone out of his pocket.I watch as he dials Dr. Bentall’s personal number, but a moment later, he shakes his head. “It goes straight to voicemail.”Patting Dad’s arm, I get up and say, “I’ll check with Julia.” Walking to the reception counter, I smile as I ask, “Do you know where Dr. Bentall is?” She gives me an apologetic look. “I’m sorry you’re waiting so long, Skylar. I’ve tried to call but can’t get a hold of him. Do you want to wait a little longer, or should we reschedule? I can squeeze you in tomorrowafternoon.
Chapter 14SkylarA million questions bombard me, but I don’t have the guts to ask any of them.My knees ache, and my body feels weak. I sway again, and it brings Renzo’s attention back to me.“With you still recovering from the transplant, this must be taking a toll on your body,” he says, his tone biting.“She’s innocent in all of this!” Dad suddenly exclaims.Renzo’s eyes flick to the man who’s holding a gun. I assume he’s a guard, and without a word passing between them, the man walks to Dad and slams the gun into the side of his head.“No!” I cry desperately.“Shut up,” the guard hisses at me.Whimpering, I scoot closer to Dad, but the guard aims the gun at me, and it has me instantly freezing.“No, please,” Dad begs as he quickly moves between the gun and me. Tears spill over my cheeks, and a sob explodes from my burning chest. “Enough!” Renzo’s voice is like a whip tearing through raw skin, and Iswear my bladder is a second away from failing me.Giving Renzo a pleading look, I
Chapter 15RenzoWatching Skylar scream at her father on the live stream from the camera in the room brings me a sliver of satisfaction.It looks like she’s losing her mind, and it’s clear she had no idea where the kidney came from.Not that it changes anything.I’m still going to make her suffer for the rest of her life.The way I have to suffer every day I’m forced to live without Giulio.Skylar slumps down to her ass and leans back against the wall. She looks exhausted.Not wanting her to die yet, I know I’ll have to make her more comfortable.“Carlo, put a bed in one of the empty offices,” I order. “On it, boss.”My eyes are glued to the screen as I watch Harlan stalk up and down like a caged animal while Bentall stands in a corner.Skylar buries her face in her arms that are wrapped around her knees, the skirt of her dress pinned between her calves and the back of her thighs.My phone vibrates in my pocket, and I quickly pull it out. Seeing Dario’s name, I answer, “Did you find o
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