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 22RenzoThe past three days it’s taken some getting used to having Skylar in my place.Mostly, she’s quiet like the little mouse she is. She only leaves her bedroom when she has to make food, and I’ve noticed she’ll spare the TV screen no more than five minutes a day. As soon as she gets a glimpse of her father, she’ll return to her room.She never talks unless I demand a response from her, and dark circles have formed beneath her eyes which have lost their sparkle. Even when I threaten her, they don’t shimmer with fear anymore.It’s supposed to fill me with satisfaction. This is what I wanted. The Davies family is suffering for the part they played in Giulio’s death.Still, as I watch Skylar prepare some kind of Asian dish, the thick silence grates against my ears.The sound of Skylar chopping vegetables is all I hear for a while, and with every passing second, I grow increasingly agitated.My knee starts bouncing, and my shoulders tense, my eyes following the elegant moveme
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