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
Chapter 16SkylarI thought I wouldn’t be able to shut an eye, but I ended up passing out. I slept like the dead before waking up in the dark room.I have no idea what time it is, but seeing as I can’t hear any noises, I assume it’s the middle of the night.Sitting up on the bed, I glance around the room, and my eyes latch onto a shadowy figure standing in the corner.I stare at Renzo while draping the covers over my lap and legs.I have no idea what the man plans to do with me, and it terrifies me. “Sleep well?” his voice rumbles from the corner.Unable to speak, I nod. “Good.”Minutes of silence follow where he just stares at me, and it rattles the hell out of me.“You have good instincts,” he suddenly pays me a compliment. “Every time you were in the kitchen, or watching TV, or in your bedroom, and you glanced around thinking you were losing your mind, I was watching you.”My mouth drops open, and before I can stop myself, I mutter, “That’s not creepy at all. ”He lets out a chuckl
Chapter 17RenzoAs I rise to my feet, I pull Skylar up until she’s standing on shaky legs.I let go of her and gesture to her father as I order, “Untie him.”Carlo comes closer, and pulling a pocket knife out, he flips it open and crouches behind Harlan, cutting the cable ties.When Harlan climbs to his feet, rubbing his swollen wrists, I say, “You have five minutes to say goodbye to your daughter.”“What?” he gasps, his eyes flicking between me and Skylar. “Why?What are you going to do?”Not answering the man, I cross my arms over my chest and mutter, “Your five minutes has already started.”With panic blooming over his face, he grabs Skylar to him and holds her tightly.“No matter what happens, I love you, sweetheart.” She begins to cry harder and clings to her father.I didn’t get to say goodbye. Christ. I’d give everything I have to hug Giulio one last time. To tell him I love him.My grief spirals until the deadly rage that was soothed by killing the doctor returns with a venge
Chapter 18SkylarThere’s a camera showing my bedroom.My mouth grows dry when I think Renzo probably watched me get dressed.Has he seen me naked? Shit.My fear spirals a little as the question teeters on the tip of my tongue.As Renzo drops the remote on the coffee table before shrugging off his jacket, the question bursts from me, “Did you watch me get dressed?”His eyes touch on me for a second, then he casually takes his phone from the inside pocket before draping the jacket over the back of a couch.He sets the device down next to the remote, and only then does he look at me again. I can’t place his expression, but the longer he just stares at me, the faster my heart beats.His gaze burns down my body and stops on my bare legs, where there are still droplets of dried blood.Finally his lips part, and he says, “I suppose we have to get you something clean to wear.”He’s not answering my question. That has to mean he did see me naked.Right?He grabs his phone again and dials a nu
Chapter 19RenzoI’ve seen every fucking bare inch of Skylar’s delectable body.I lied because I didn’t want her to have that kind of knowledge. If she finds out I’ve seen her naked, she might get it in her head to seduce me in an attempt to gain her freedom. It’s the last thing I need. She’s my prisoner, and that’s the extent of our relationship.After I’ve showered, I change into black suit pants, a crisp white dress shirt, and a vest. I don’t bother with a jacket as I don’t plan to leave the apartment.Tucking my Glock behind my back into the waistband of my pants, I let out a sigh as I leave my bedroom.When Carlo dropped off Skylar’s shit, I told him to go shopping so the woman will have ingredients to cook with. I’ve watched her long enough to know exactly what she needs to prepare a five-star meal.Dario will finally get his wish for me to eat healthier. That should put a smile on his face.Passing the guestroom where Skylar is, I notice the door’s shut, and I don’t hear anythi
Chapter 20SkylarIt’s difficult focusing on cooking with Renzo sitting by the island and watching me like a hawk.I’m in a constant state of fear, and whenever I manage to calm down a little, Renzo does something to terrify the hell out of me.I’ve never encountered anyone like him – a monster with no humanity at all.Just as I think the thought, I hear the elevator doors open, and a moment later, an attractive man with light brown hair and brown eyes, the color of melted chocolate, walks into the kitchen.When his eyes land on me, he comes to a stop, and pushing his hands into his pockets, he just stares at me.My eyes dart between the man and Renzo, then Renzo mutters, “Smile, fucker. I’m finally going to eat healthy.”Again, my eyes dart between them, every muscle in my body on high alert while I grip the knife tightly.“Yeah, this is not what I meant when I said you need to eat healthier,” the man says as he turns his attention from me to Renzo. “You seriously brought her to your
Chapter 21SkylarWhile I continue to slice the chicken and fry it in a pan, I hear the two men talking in the living room.I add garlic and herbs to the pan as Dario says, “You missed a good ballet performance.” There’s pride in his voice. “The company I bought will soon be the best in the country.”He owns a ballet company?It’s hard to think a mafia boss cares about arts and culture.“Watching a bunch of women twirling around on a stage to some boring opera piece is the last thing I’m interested in,” Renzo replies, his tone surprisingly humorous. “I’m more interested in your hacking skills. Have you found out anything new about Castellanos?”I actually manage to relax a little now that the atmosphere is less tense. When the chicken is ready, I remove it from the hot pan.Finding three plates, I arrange sliced avocado, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber slices on a bed of Boston lettuce. I plate the grilled slices of chicken carefully before I return to the pan to fry some corn, which I
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