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UNVEILING VULNERABILITY
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
The Mafia's Pawn GHOSTS OF THE PAST
Russo’s POVThe darkness was thick, suffocating, pulling me under like quicksand. I was back there again trapped in that night I could never escape, no matter how many years passed or how much power I had gained. The flames roared around me, angry and unrelenting, their heat searing my skin as I stood frozen, watching the car engulfed in fire. I could see the car, twisted and broken, engulfed in the fire that raged like a beast with an insatiable appetite. The heat was unbearable, scorching my skin even from a distance, but I couldn’t move. I was rooted to the spot, helpless and terrified, watching the only people I’d ever loved disappear into the inferno.My parents were inside, trapped and unable to escape. I was only nineteen, too young to understand why this was happening but old enough to know that it was my fault. I was supposed to protect them, supposed to be strong, but all I had done was watch. The flames licked higher, and the car exploded in a burst of light and heat, thro
The Mafia's Pawn AN UNSPOKEN TRUCE
Russo’s POV The morning light seeped through the curtains, casting a soft, golden glow across the room. I blinked awake, feeling a strange sense of calm that I hadn’t known in years. My usual morning was filled with the weight of past demons and the cold resolve of a man who had built his life on control and power. But today was different. Today, I felt lighter. I lay still for a moment, staring up at the ceiling as the remnants of last night’s dream lingered at the edges of my mind. It wasn’t the fire that haunted me most now, it was the soft touch, the lullaby that had pulled me from the nightmare. My mother’s voice had always been a comfort, but last night, it was Cleo’s. Why do their voice sound so alike? I turned my head to the side and found her still there, sitting in the chair beside the bed, her head resting on her folded arms, which were propped against the mattress. She had fallen asleep in that uncomfortable position, her face relaxed, eyes closed, and for the first
The Mafia's Pawn FRACTURED TRUST
Cleo’s POVThe Paris morning was calm, a soft light spilling into the room, bathing everything in a warm glow that felt almost surreal after the stormy night. I stood at the window, trying to gather my thoughts, but they kept drifting back to Russo and the unexpected vulnerability I had seen in him. Last night, I’d seen a side of him that he kept hidden from the world, a side that reminded me he wasn’t just the ruthless mafia boss who had trapped me in this twisted marriage. He was also a man haunted by his past, much like me. As much as I wanted to keep my anger and distrust intact, the image of him lost in his nightmare, sweating and mumbling in fear, had cracked something inside me. It was easier to hate him when he was nothing more than a cold-hearted manipulator. But now? Now I wasn’t sure what to feel. And that scared me more than anything.Russo moved beside me, standing close enough that I could feel the heat of his presence but not touching me. I could sense his eyes on me,
The Mafia's Pawn CRACKS IN THE ARMOR
Russo's POVThe sun had barely risen, casting the Paris mansion in a soft, hazy light that made everything look deceptively calm. But the stillness was an illusion, masking the storm that raged beneath the surface. I stared out the window of our shared room, my mind still tangled in the events of the previous night. Cleo’s presence beside me had been unexpected, and her touch, so reminiscent of my mother’s, lingered like a ghost at the edge of my consciousness.The dreams had been relentless lately, pulling me back into memories I’d rather forget. But for the first time, Cleo had pulled me out, her soft lullaby chasing away the worst of the darkness. It had been a moment of weakness, one I couldn’t afford to show again. I was supposed to be the one in control, the one who never faltered. Yet, every time I looked at Cleo, I felt those walls I’d built so carefully begin to crumble.I turned away from the window, catching sight of Cleo still asleep on her side of the bed, her face peacef
The Mafia's Pawn SURPRISE AT THE BEACH
Cleo's POV The announcement of the family trip had come out of nowhere, catching me completely off guard. Nonno had declared it over breakfast, his tone final and his gaze sweeping over everyone at the table. “We’ll all head to the private beach this weekend,” he’d said, his voice brokering no argument. “It’s been too long since the family spent time together. It’s time we remember what matters.”My heart had skipped a beat at the news. A beach trip meant wearing swimsuits, relaxing by the ocean, and being surrounded by Russo’s family, the very people I was still trying to convince of our perfect, loving marriage. But it wasn’t just the pressure to keep up the act that bothered me; it was the fact that I hadn’t come prepared for any of it. I had packed the basics when I was taken to Paris, but beachwear? Not a chance.After breakfast, Russo had caught me staring out at the city from the balcony, my mind racing with the logistics of this unexpected getaway. “You seem lost in thought,”
The Mafia's Pawn THE SPARK OF SOMETHING NEW
Russo’s POVThe moment Cleo said yes, it felt as though the world shifted. It wasn’t just relief that washed over me, but a rush of emotions I hadn’t let myself feel in a long time. I had planned this proposal with the intention of sealing our public image, convincing Nonno and the rest of the family that our union was real. But as I slid the ring onto Cleo’s finger and pulled her into my arms, I realized it wasn’t just an act anymore. She had become something more that I couldn’t afford to lose.After the proposal, we returned to the main beach area, where the rest of the family was lounging, playing in the sand, and soaking up the sun. Cleo slipped away to change into the bikini I’d picked for her at the mall, and I settled into a sun chair, trying to keep my composure as I waited for her to come back. I told myself that this trip was still about business, about convincing everyone that our relationship was genuine but my mind kept wandering back to her and the way her voice had tre
The Mafia's Pawn CROSSING THE LINE
Cleo's POV The night air was warm and heavy, the sound of the ocean waves crashing softly against the shore just outside our room. Russo and I had returned from the beach bonfire with the family, and despite the laughter and the smiles, there was an unspoken tension that hung between us, thick and charged. I couldn’t tell if it was the lingering effect of his proposal or the way he had looked at me all day, his eyes dark with something deeper than mere attraction.The room was dimly lit, the soft glow of the moon filtering through the sheer curtains, casting delicate shadows that danced across the walls. I changed into my nightdress, a simple satin slip that brushed against my skin in the most delicate way, and tried to focus on anything other than the man standing just a few feet away. Russo was by the window, his broad shoulders outlined in the faint light as he watched the waves. His presence filled the space, overwhelming and magnetic, drawing me in even when I tried to keep my d
The Mafia's Pawn THE MORNING AFTER
Cleo's POV The soft morning light filtered into the room, casting a warm, golden glow over the sheets. I blinked awake, disoriented for a moment as the memories of last night rushed back. Russo’s arm was draped over me, his body warm and solid against mine. I lay still, trying to keep my breathing even, but my mind was racing. What had I done? The air was thick with the awkwardness of the morning after. My heart pounded as I carefully slid out from under Russo’s arm, trying not to wake him. I wrapped myself in the satin robe draped over the chair and tiptoed to the window, staring out at the ocean. I couldn’t bring myself to look at him; the intimacy of the night before felt raw, leaving me vulnerable in ways I hadn’t anticipated. Russo stirred behind me, and I heard the rustle of sheets as he woke up. I braced myself, pretending to be absorbed by the view outside, but I could feel his gaze on me, warm and searching. “Morning,” he said, his voice still thick with sleep. I could he
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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.
