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DAWN

Author: ink inn
last update Last Updated: 2024-11-03 15:17:34

The echo of Ella’s threats lingered in the quiet of the morning, her footsteps fading down the path. I leaned against the gate, taking a slow, steady breath, steadying myself after the charged encounter. My cheek still stung from her slap, but the ache only served to solidify the resolve that had been simmering inside me for so long.

As I walked back to the house, Russo stepped into the hall, his brow furrowed as he looked me over. “Did she hurt you?” he asked, his voice calm but with a flicker of anger beneath.

I shook my head. “She tried. But she’s not worth it, Russo. Not anymore.”

He nodded, the corners of his mouth lifting in a faint, approving smile. “That’s the Cleo I know.” He led me toward the kitchen, where he already had a steaming cup of coffee waiting, knowing I needed a moment to regain my composure.

I took a sip, feeling the warmth spread through me, grounding me. “She’s going to keep coming back, you know. Ella won’t stop until she thinks she’s won, no matter what she
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  • The Mafia's Pawn   SEQUEL

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  • The Mafia's Pawn   AM I INTERRUPTING SOMETHING?

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  • The Mafia's Pawn   I'M SORRY CLEO

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  • The Mafia's Pawn   SEQUEL

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  • The Mafia's Pawn   THE END

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  • The Mafia's Pawn   WHAT NEXT

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  • The Mafia's Pawn   DAWN

    The echo of Ella’s threats lingered in the quiet of the morning, her footsteps fading down the path. I leaned against the gate, taking a slow, steady breath, steadying myself after the charged encounter. My cheek still stung from her slap, but the ache only served to solidify the resolve that had been simmering inside me for so long.As I walked back to the house, Russo stepped into the hall, his brow furrowed as he looked me over. “Did she hurt you?” he asked, his voice calm but with a flicker of anger beneath.I shook my head. “She tried. But she’s not worth it, Russo. Not anymore.”He nodded, the corners of his mouth lifting in a faint, approving smile. “That’s the Cleo I know.” He led me toward the kitchen, where he already had a steaming cup of coffee waiting, knowing I needed a moment to regain my composure.I took a sip, feeling the warmth spread through me, grounding me. “She’s going to keep coming back, you know. Ella won’t stop until she thinks she’s won, no matter what she

  • The Mafia's Pawn   POINTING FINGERS

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  • The Mafia's Pawn   THE REVEAL

    Cleo's POV The leather seat in Russo's car was cool against my back, a stark contrast to the fiery adrenaline that still surged through my veins. I leaned back, trying to gather my thoughts, but my mind was still replaying the scene in that hotel room with Miley. The look on his face, his shock, his fear was something I’d savor for a long time. Russo glanced over at me from the driver’s seat, his sharp eyes assessing me before a smirk curved his lips. “You know, you looked stunning in that wedding gown,” he teased, the hint of laughter in his voice. I scoffed, rolling my eyes but unable to suppress the small smile tugging at my lips. “If you’re that invested in how I looked, you could’ve at least given me a proper wedding,” I shot back, raising an eyebrow at him. “Even if our marriage is just on paper.” Russo chuckled, his deep laugh filling the car. “So be it,” he said, his voice taking on a playful edge. “Let’s have that grand wedding, Cleo. White doves, a choir, the works.

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