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THE HUNTER AWAKES
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
The Mafia's Pawn THE PRICE OF REBELLION
Cleo's POVI stirred awake, my head throbbing like a drumbeat, the dull ache radiating through my skull. I tried to move, but my body wouldn’t respond. I blinked, my vision hazy and blurred as I struggled to make sense of my surroundings. My breath hitched when I finally took on where I was, a dark grimy room, the air thick with smoke that rose lazily from a fire burning inside a rusty old drum.The heat from the fire flickered across the walls, casting long, ominous shadows that seemed to dance mockingly around me. I strained against the ropes biting into my skin, my heart racing as the reality of my situation settled in. I wasn’t free. I hadn’t escaped. I had been caught.Panic flared in my chest, but before I could react, a figure stepped into my line of sight, his movements slow and deliberate. I squinted, my eyes watering from the smoke, and my heart sank when the figure resolved into someone all too familiar.Russo sat casually on a stool in front of me, his posture relaxed but
The Mafia's Pawn THE CONTRACT OF CONTROL
Russo's POV“Here’s everything you asked for, Boss,” Viktor said, handing me a brown envelope. I nodded, opening it and examining the contents. Social Security IDs, driver’s licenses, and other official documents, all bearing Cleo’s face, her name, and her new identity. I thumbed through the IDs, each one more damning than the last. It was all there, carefully crafted and meticulously detailed. This wasn’t just paperwork; it was Cleo’s new reality, one that I had carefully constructed for her.“She thinks she’s still in control,” I muttered, my voice low as I flipped through the documents. “But this time, she’ll play by my rules.”“Untie her,” I ordered, my voice calm but firm, a hint of command that brooked no argument. My men moved quickly, untying the ropes that had bound her to the chair. Cleo’s expression remained gutsy, but I could see the uncertainty flickering behind her eyes. She was waiting for my next move, trying to predict my intentions. But she wouldn’t see this coming.
The Mafia's Pawn SEALED FATE
Cleo's POVMy legs felt heavy as I followed Viktor back to my room, every step echoing with the weight of what had just happened. The papers and IDs Russo had handed me earlier were clutched tightly against my chest, their crisp edges digging into my skin like a thousand tiny needles. Each document felt like a piece of my freedom stripped away, a reminder that every aspect of my life was no longer mine but controlled by the man who had made himself my captor.When Viktor opened the door to my room, I stepped inside, feeling the cold, indifferent space close in around me. He didn’t say a word as he shut the door behind me, the soft click of the lock echoing in the silence. I was alone again, but it didn’t feel like solitude, it was more like isolation, the kind that eats away at you from the inside out.I let out a shaky breath and walked over to the bed, dropping the stack of documents onto the covers. The white sheets of the contract lay on top, staring up at me like a taunt. Russo’s
The Mafia's Pawn DRESSED IN DECEPTION
Cleo's POV The drive was tense, filled with a silence that felt louder than any words could have been. Russo sat beside me in the backseat, his presence commanding even without speaking. I kept my eyes focused on the window, watching the world blur past, each street a reminder of the freedom just out of reach. Viktor drove, his eyes occasionally flicking up to the rearview mirror, ever the watchful guard dog. As we pulled up to an upscale boutique, Russo’s hand rested lightly on my knee, an unsettling gesture that made my skin crawl. “As we go in now, you’ll pick whatever you want,” he said, his voice smooth but laced with the underlying threat that always lingered. “You need to look the part. Our story has to be convincing.”I nodded, forcing my expression to remain neutral, even as anger simmered beneath the surface. To him, this was just another power play, another opportunity to mold me into his perfect puppet. I followed him into the boutique, my steps robotic, every movement
The Mafia's Pawn UNDER THE WATCHFUL EYES
Cleo's POV “I brought her, as you requested” Russo continued, his tone steady, though I could sense the slight edge of impatience. “The woman I've chosen.”Nonno’s eyes flicked over me, appraising, searching for any sign of weakness. I forced myself to meet his gaze, offering a polite smile that I hoped conveyed more confidence than I felt. I was playing the part Russo had forced on me, the obedient fiancée, and I had no choice but to see it through.“Ah, Cleopatra,” Nonno said, his voice gravelly but sharp. “Enzo has told me much about you. It is good to finally meet the woman who has captured my grandson’s heart.”He had told you so much about me? Did he also tell you how he took advantage of my father's huge debt to force me into marrying him? I doubt he did tell you everything then. I nearly choked at the absurdity of the statement but managed to keep my composure. “It’s an honor to meet you, sir,” I replied, my voice steady. I could feel Russo’s eyes on me, watching my every mo
The Mafia's Pawn THE PAWN'S AWAKENING
Cleo's povI stood in the dim hallway, trying to steady my breathing as Russo’s command echoed in my mind. “You are not to see any man without my consent.” He hadn’t yelled, but his voice had carried the kind of weight that could crush a person, and I was already buried under enough pressure. He had turned and left me there without waiting for a response, as if my compliance was as natural as breathing. I gripped the smooth banister, my nails digging into the polished wood as I tried to keep my anger and fear at bay.I heaved a deep sigh and took a right turn but it was a dead end. It was my first time in the mansion and every hallway looked the same, cold, lavish and utterly unfamiliar. I tried retracing my steps but each turn seemed to lead me deeper into a maze of rooms that felt like they were closing in on me.I took a last turn, and there he was, leaning against the wall near the entrance. He looked up, his brows knitting together when he saw me, surprise flickering across his f
The Mafia's Pawn BEHIND THE CURTAIN
Cleo's POVRusso’s head snapped up, his eyes narrowing toward the doorway. “Did you hear that?” His voice was tense, suspicious.I panicked, adrenaline surging through me as I looked around for somewhere to hide. My heart pounded as I ducked behind the heavy curtains just beside the window, pressing my back against the cold wall. I held my breath, trying to still the tremble in my hands. From my spot, I could just make out the edge of the doorway, Russo’s shadow stretching ominously as he moved closer to investigate.Viktor spoke up, trying to dismiss the noise. “Probably just the wind knocking something over. The windows are always slightly ajar in this old place.”Russo hesitated, and I could feel the weight of his scrutiny, the way his eyes swept the room and lingered on every darkened corner. I squeezed my eyes shut, praying he wouldn’t look too closely, praying I’d blend into the shadows.“Maybe,” Russo muttered, though I could hear the doubt in his voice. “But I don’t like surpr
The Mafia's Pawn UNDER HIS SPELL
Cleo’s POVRusso’s smirk lingered in the air, and I could feel his eyes burning into me even as I tried to ignore him. The tension in the room was thick, a heady mix of anger, confusion, and something I didn’t want to name. My heart was still racing from what I’d overheard earlier and the conclusion I came to, but here he was, half-naked and dripping wet, completely unfazed by the storm raging inside me.As I turned to leave, my foot slipped on a puddle of water, and I lost my balance. I stumbled forward, arms flailing in a desperate attempt to steady myself, but before I could hit the floor, strong hands caught me, pulling me upright. My heart leaped into my throat as I found myself pressed against Russo’s chest, his grip firm on my waist. His touch was electric, sending a shiver down my spine that I couldn’t suppress.I looked up, our faces just inches apart, close enough to feel his hot breath against my skin. His dark eyes held mine, and for a moment, the room seemed to tilt, the
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The Mafia's Pawn AM I INTERRUPTING SOMETHING?
Cleo's POV The first light of dawn filtered into the room, faint and cold, casting a pale glow across the bed. I stirred, my body stiff with lingering tension, and reached out instinctively. My hand met the cold, empty sheets beside me, and my heart sank. Russo wasn’t there. I sat up, the silence in the room oppressive. Swinging my legs over the edge of the bed, I forced myself to go through my morning routine on autopilot; washing my face, brushing my teeth and trying to ignore the ache in my chest. The sunlight streaming through the windows mocked the chill in my chest. It was the weekend, a day I used to look forward to spending with Russo, but given that he didn't wake me up from sleep, he should probably be at the gym. Maybe he’d come back to his senses and apologize, or maybe offering the kind of explanation I longed for after sweating out all of Isabelle's manipulations. I headed downstairs, trying to push away the gnawing unease that had settled in my stomach. Maybe I’m o
The Mafia's Pawn I'M SORRY CLEO
CHAPTER 3 Cleo's POV Before I could process what was happening, he was off the bed, pulling away from me without a second glance. The warmth of his touch, the intensity of the moment, vanished as if it had never been there. I was left trembling, the cold air biting at my skin where his warmth had been just moments before. “Russo? What’s wrong?” I asked, but he was already out the door. He rushed out of the room, not even bothering to throw on a shirt, leaving me lying there in the dark. I heard him call her name again, his voice thick with concern as he disappeared down the hallway. Russo, where are you going?” I called out, trying to mask the frustration in my voice. My body was still humming with need, but I forced my legs together, willing the tension to ebb away. He didn’t answer. I bit my lower lip, the lingering warmth between my thighs rapidly cooling into a hollow ache. For a moment, I just lay there, paralyzed by a mix of emotions, confusion, anger, hurt. The remnants
The Mafia's Pawn ISABELLE
Cleo's POV I forced another smile as Isabelle belched in my face, her breath reeking of alcohol. My stomach turned, and I had to fight the urge to step back. “Let’s go upstairs,” Russo said quickly, grabbing Isabelle’s arm. He looked at me, his expression almost pleading. “You don’t mind me guiding her upstairs, do you? She’s really drunk, you know.” He didn’t even wait for my response, just turned and put his arm around Isabelle again, guiding her toward the entrance of his building. I stood there, watching them. A thousand words tangled in my throat, but none of them would come out. I didn't suffer any grievances? This woman clearly knew who I was, before Russo could even introduce me. So, how come I never heard anything about her for once in the past six months? Fighting the lump in my throat, I grabbed my broken suitcase and trudged after them, my mind reeling. In the elevator, I finally found my voice. “I’ve been trying to reach you for days,” I said, forcing myself to look
The Mafia's Pawn SEQUEL
Author’s POV As we turn the page into this next chapter, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for your support on Cleo, Russo, Aunt Lydia, Miley and Ella's journey thus far. Their story has been one of love, betrayal, and resilience, and it is far from over. In this continuation, you will delve deeper into Cleo's evolution as she navigates the complexities of her relationship with Russo and his secret long distance girlfriend, Isabelle, explores the intricacies of her past, and confronts the challenges that come with reclaiming her future. As the bonds of friendship are tested and new alliances are formed, prepare for a tapestry of emotions that will draw you even closer to these beloved characters. This sequel is crafted to seamlessly weave into the narrative you’ve already come to know, enriching the themes and the heart of the story while unveiling fresh layers of intrigue and connection. You are invited to immerse yourself once more in their world, where e
The Mafia's Pawn THE END
Cleo's POV Russo raised an eyebrow, curiosity flickering in his expression. “Where exactly?”I couldn’t help but smile, a sense of freedom bubbling up inside me. “To my parents’ grave.”His expression softened, the lines of uncertainty easing away. “Then let’s go.”We stepped outside, the cool air embracing us as we made our way to the car. The world felt different now, lighter somehow, as though the burdens of my past were finally loosening their grip. I climbed into the passenger seat, and he turned to me, a flicker of admiration in his eyes.“You’re brave, Cleo. Facing the past like this.”I shrugged, feeling a mix of pride and vulnerability. “It’s time to make things right and to honor them properly.”The drive to the cemetery was filled with a comfortable silence, each passing moment allowing me to gather my thoughts. As we arrived, I glanced out the window at the sprawling grounds, the rows of gravestones standing like sentinels in the soft afternoon light.“Here we are,” I sai
The Mafia's Pawn WHAT NEXT
She flinched, unable to meet my gaze as the truth unraveled before us both, heavy and undeniable. For a moment, a flicker of remorse crossed her face, but it was gone just as quickly, replaced by the twisted self-justification that had driven her all along."Cleo, you don’t understand," she hissed, her voice wavering. "I did it for survival. You don’t know the pressure, the weight of everything I had to endure. Your father was... useless to me. I needed control, or we’d have been left with nothing."My hands clenched, the anger simmering hotter than ever. "So you took everything from him and from me just to save yourself?"She bit her lip, struggling to hold onto her composure, but she was visibly cracking. "I… I did what I thought was best. I didn’t mean for it to go this far," she murmured, the hint of vulnerability almost pitiful if it weren’t for the years of pain she’d caused me.Russo stepped closer, his presence casting a shadow over her. "And Ella?" he asked sharply, his tone
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
Cleo's POV My head was pounding, still foggy from sleep, when a loud bang echoed through the house. I shot up, barely able to focus as I tried to shake off the drowsiness. My vision cleared just enough to see the small screen that connected to the outside security camera. Ella was standing there, seething with anger, her face twisted in a way that sent a warning through my veins.I was expecting her anyways, but not so soon. I adjusted my clothes, trying to mask the unease creeping up my spine, and went to the gate. As soon as it opened enough to let her in, Ella stormed forward, her fury radiating like a wave. Before I could even get a word out, she slapped me hard across the face, the sting sharp and immediate.“Where are they, Cleo?” she demanded, her voice icy and controlled. “Where’s my mother? Where’s Miley?”My mind raced, but I kept my expression steady, meeting her furious gaze with as much composure as I could muster. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I said, my voi
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.
