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40: To solve the riddle
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The Mafia's Stolen Bride 41: Finding the Rat
VICTOR "Are you sure you want to go through with this, boss?" Grinder inquired, his voice tinged with concern. I could sense the hesitation in his tone, the gravity of the situation weighing heavily on both of us if I were to extinguish Satori's life. But in that moment, I found myself questioning whether I still cared. "It's necessary. What did you find regarding the picture I sent you?" "I've been making inquiries. Don't worry, boss. We'll track down that bastard." Worry. This entire situation was spiraling out of control. "The information better come through. Did you make any progress on the contract in the streets?" "You're not going to like it." "Tell me." "The shooter goes by the name of the Slayer. Some sadistic lunatic. No one seems to know much about them. Even our own soldiers are scared. There's talk that the hit list is extensive, if you catch my drift, and, uh..." He stumbled over his words, something that never sat well with me. "Just say it." "You're on that lis
The Mafia's Stolen Bride 42: Maybe Nothing
He appeared visibly unsettled, his face turning a shade of red that betrayed his nerves. "A couple of months ago, Dante contacted me. He presented me with a deal that seemed too good to pass up," he confessed, his voice laced with unease. I couldn't help but wonder why a powerful figure like Dante Massimo would bother with someone as insignificant as Louis. It seemed there was more to this story than met the eye. I took a step closer, urging him to continue. "He claimed that I could take control of the Racini business because your father was marked for elimination. According to him, your father had caused too much trouble and needed to be dealt with. He believed I was the right person for the job," he explained, his bitter laugh a mix of resignation and bitterness. My fist instinctively clenched, anger surging through me. "You expect me to believe this? That Dante orchestrated all of this, and you willingly went along with it?" I questioned, my voice dripping with skepticism. "I sw
The Mafia's Stolen Bride 43: Madeline's Sister
I walked away, sensing a newfound respect from my soldiers. Grinder's face displayed an expression of anxiety as he paced back and forth, gripping his phone tightly. "Damn it," he muttered quietly. I hadn't intended to fall deeply in love with Madeline. It was both irresponsible and dangerous. But there was little I could do about it, despite the nagging thoughts in my mind and the uneasiness in my stomach. I had never been a believer in love at first sight, nor was I a romantic. I also knew I wasn't good for her. However, deep down, I knew I could never allow her to slip away. "Answer the damn phone," Grinder whispered, wiping sweat from his face. I had never seen him so nervous and anxious. "Goddamn it." "What's wrong?" I asked. He took a deep breath and gestured towards me. "Neither of them is picking up." A surge of anger and hatred flooded through me. I should have known better than to leave her alone. Madeline had released the grip the demon had on me for so many years, al
The Mafia's Stolen Bride 44: We Hunt
He raised both hands in a gesture of surrender, blinking to confirm his understanding. I let go of him abruptly, stepping back as confusion and frustration flooded my mind. The situation made no sense at all. If Madeline had been alive all these years, where the hell had she been? And what was her involvement in this damning scheme? "What's our next move?" Grinder asked, his voice filled with uncertainty. "First, we need to find out who owns that phone number. If my suspicions are correct, Sasha has been alive all this time," I replied, my tone resolute. Grinder raised an eyebrow. "You think she's behind all of this?" I surveyed the room, taking in the chaos and destruction. Something didn't add up. "We have to consider the possibility." "Then what, boss?" "We hunt." Madeline had vanished, and we had deployed our resources to monitor airports, train stations, and bus terminals. Anyone attempting to take her out of the state or the country would be intercepted. But capturing Mad
The Mafia's Stolen Bride 45: Disappearance
Exhaling heavily, I made my way toward the exit. Madeline had vanished more than two hours ago. While I doubted that her abduction was intended to result in her death, the longer she remained missing, the slimmer the chances of finding her unharmed. Someone was trying to send a message. "Kelan, be careful. My father can be a real jerk. He's always wanted more control, even developed a hatred for your father. But he did respect him and wouldn't have gone against him if he hadn't been pressured. You might not believe me, but my father isn't a bad man, just a broken one. He warned me the same way. Stay away from the Massimo family at all costs." I paused for a moment, absorbing his words. "Noted," I responded quietly, making my way toward the open doors. "And it's Victor. Victor Racini." The night air was crisp, the breeze biting, but I felt a fire burning within me. I sensed that a war was on the verge of erupting, staining the city with blood. For the first time in years, the thought
The Mafia's Stolen Bride 46: Don't let me fall
"Do you even have real bullets in that gun, sweetheart, or is that part of the act too?" I taunted, the sound of movement catching my attention. Pressing the gun's barrel against the girl's head, I demanded, "Come out. Show yourself." A large man emerged, dragging Madeline with him. His strong arm was wrapped tightly around her neck, but her defiant spirit remained evident in her furious gaze. "Mr. Racini, a pleasure to finally meet you." The man's gruff voice carried an authentic Italian accent, and his stylish attire hinted at affluence. He calmly aimed his gun at Madeline's temple. It was a standoff I couldn't afford to risk. "Now that the pleasantries are over, why don't you enlighten me? What is the true purpose of all this?" I inched closer to the open wall, stealing a quick glance through the adjacent door. "You should already know," he replied, amusement evident in his voice. He moved closer to the opening as well, a wicked smile on his face. At that moment, I made up my
The Mafia's Stolen Bride 47: Just the beginning
For the time being, I had secured a hotel that offered a semblance of safety. However, I remained uncertain about whom I could trust. The puzzle pieces refused to fit together, leaving me in a state of disarray. To maintain anonymity, I had made the reservation under a pseudonym I frequently used. I met the hotel clerk in the parking lot to retrieve the key, ensuring his cooperation with a generous five-hundred-dollar tip. Against my better judgment, I decided to call in a favor, hoping to uncover the identity of the unfortunate girl who had become entangled in this dangerous web. It was crucial to inform her family of her demise. Dominick would handle the disposal of the other bodies. I couldn't afford to have an active investigation interfering at this critical juncture. We ascended the back stairs until the elevator became a necessity. Once inside our secure suite, I meticulously inspected the rooms, drawing the curtains and illuminating only a single light. Madeline observed my a
The Mafia's Stolen Bride 48: For Eternity
MADELINE Dante Massimo's demise should have brought me satisfaction, a sense of relief that the man who had caused so much pain and suffering was no longer a threat. For years, I had witnessed the relentless pressure he exerted on my father, forcing him into unsavory dealings and manipulating him at every turn. Tales of Dante's brutality and mistreatment of even his closest "family" members were well-known, painting a portrait of a man devoid of conscience or remorse. Yet, as the news of his demise reached our ears, it failed to evoke any emotion from Victor or me. The weight of the silence between us grew heavy, suffocating the room. Seeking solace, I wrapped my arms around myself, attempting to ward off the chill that seemed to seep into my bones. Victor's frustration was palpable, his jaw clenched tight with unspoken words. But instead of pressing me for answers or offering comfort, he stood by the window, gazing out at the world as if detached from its passing rhythms. Victor, t
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The Mafia's Stolen Bride 123: Filled with Hope for the Future
I went for a drive to visit Stefan at the hospital before returning home. Upon entering the house, I immediately sensed its coldness and stillness. It seemed as though Emily had left, and although I would have been devastated, I couldn't bring myself to be angry. She deserved to have a happy life. With a heavy heart, I dropped my keys on the hallway table, finding it difficult to proceed further into my own lifeless dwelling. Without Emily, there was no love, no brightness. I made my way towards my office, and as I approached the open door, I froze. She had discovered the papers I had signed, another secret I had kept from her. Frustration welled up inside me. Then, a delightful aroma of vanilla and cinnamon caught my attention, emanating from the kitchen. Confused, I ventured closer, and my senses were greeted by additional scents that made my mouth water: garlic, tomatoes, onions, and the fragrance of fresh bread. Taking cautious steps, I continued towards the kitchen, and amidst
The Mafia's Stolen Bride 122: An Amazing Man
"Mmmm... And I love you," I replied, my heart filled with the weight of those words. We remained wrapped in each other's embrace for several minutes, and when he finally eased away, I felt an unexpected sense of emptiness, a subtle pang of loneliness. An irrational fear crept into my mind—that I would always worry about his return, that I would never feel completely safe. But as if he sensed my unease, he zipped up his jeans and gathered me into his arms, disregarding our disheveled state as he led me back to the living room. Tenderly, he settled me on the couch, pulling a blanket over my naked body. Then, he simply disappeared. Confusion and worry washed over me. Had I done something wrong? I waited anxiously for a few minutes, contemplating getting up from the couch, when he reappeared. In his hands, he held an open bottle of champagne and two crystal glasses. It was a moment of enchantment, especially coming from a man who claimed not to have a romantic bone in his body. He pour
The Mafia's Stolen Bride 121: His Devotion
I also came to understand that Rafael had his limits when it came to sharing details about his business and his involvement in certain matters. He had mentioned before that it was partly to protect me, although I couldn't be certain if it was solely due to a lack of trust. Regardless, I decided not to push the issue at that moment. Instead, I cherished the time we spent together, enjoying our dinners and the comfort of his embrace. Amidst the chaos of bullets and death, a realization nagged at me, refusing to be ignored. Sensing an opportunity to lighten the mood, I playfully said, "What if I promise that I'll never let that happen again?" Rafael pulled me up from the ground, a skeptical look on his face. "Do you honestly think I would fall for such a promise?" he replied. "Not at all. You're a wise old man," I teased, unable to suppress a grin. Despite his guarded nature, Rafael had shown me various facets of his personality, including his vulnerability. My love for him was profoun
The Mafia's Stolen Bride 120: Not gonna happen
EMILY Love. That single word had replaced the suffocating fear that had nearly drained me of the will to survive, even though thoughts of death still lingered. Despite being assured that the nightmare was over. From the moment that bastard had forcibly taken me from William's house, I had resigned myself to never seeing Rafael again. While the monster had not followed through on his threat, instead locking me away until he eventually dragged me to the club, I couldn't shake his cowardly face from my mind. But amidst the haunting images that I knew would fade with time, Rafael's heartfelt words echoed in my ears. The horror in his eyes when he laid eyes on me confirmed that he would move heaven and earth to find me, if need be. Curled up under a blanket on the couch, my legs tucked close to my chest, I gazed at the crackling fire he had built. The uncharacteristic cold snap had given him an excuse to pamper me with hot chocolate, the fire perpetually ablaze. I would never have exp
The Mafia's Stolen Bride 119: With all of my heart
As I made my way towards the elevator, I noticed the attention I was receiving from those present in the club. Although some of my soldiers were discreetly positioned throughout the venue, it was much easier to identify the members of the Kadik gang with their leather jackets and dark jeans. I confidently approached a group of them, extending my arms. "I have an appointment with Konstantin." As I had expected, they conducted a search for weapons before allowing me to enter the empty elevator. The doors opened, and I could hear classical music playing from the speakers, an intriguing choice considering the nature of the individual I was about to meet. There he was, seated like a king, reclining in an opulent velour chair with one leg casually draped over the armrest. Dressed in a flowing white shirt and loose dark trousers, his appearance would have been almost comical if not for the underlying tension. "Konstantin Solntsevskaya," I greeted him, noting that Emily was nowhere to be s
The Mafia's Stolen Bride 118: We would win
He followed closely behind me, mirroring my confident stride. The time for this relentless war to reach its conclusion had arrived. And we were determined to emerge victorious. I inserted the drive into my computer, accessing the array of files it contained. "What are we up against?" Aleksei inquired, his customary vodka in hand. "Lists of names, supporters of our respective organizations," I replied. It was evident that someone had gone to great lengths, investing significant time and effort, to compile such an extensive and incriminating roster. "Blackmail," Miguel murmured, his voice barely audible. Indeed, it was a form of blackmail, but not the kind Armando had previously hinted at. "A weapon of sorts," Victor suggested. I glanced at him, acknowledging his insight. "You're correct. It targets those who work for us, placing them in impossible positions. They are left with no choice but to either yield or flee, eradicating crucial support from the police, city councils, atto
The Mafia's Stolen Bride 117: Hunger for power
Despite the enjoyable moments we shared watching games and sharing drinks, we had neglected to engage in meaningful conversations. In all honesty, I found myself somewhat intimidated by him – his amiable nature, kindness, and passion for life, which was completely devoid of violence. Perhaps it was time to change that. "Hey there. I heard you're improving," I said, unsure if I expected him to open his eyes or not, but I sensed that he heard me. "Everything will be alright. Just know that I have my best men protecting you." All I heard in response were the various sounds of the machines. Frustrating. Swallowing hard, aware that I didn't have as much time as I would have liked, I held his hand tightly as a solitary tear rolled down my cheek. What had become of our family? "Anyway, I can't stay long, but I'll be back, alright?" There was no response, no acknowledgement of any kind. "Stefan, know that I love you, brother." I squeezed his hand once more, finally letting go. For some in
The Mafia's Stolen Bride 116: On Death Bed
"Who? Who the hell took her?" Through a series of strained breaths, he managed to utter, "Ra..." Blood-tinged bubbles escaped his lips, followed by a violent cough that wracked his body. It was evident that time was running out for him. "Russian." A chill ran down my spine, and I bristled at the revelation. Axel could never be mistaken for a Russian. "Okay, just rest," I urged, despite the conflicting emotions within me. I realized that he might still hold valuable information. Refusing to release my arm, he tugged me down closer to him. "Desk. Look. Drive." I glanced towards his desk, trying to comprehend his words. "Take... it." "Alright." Rising to my feet, I walked over to his desk, methodically opening each drawer. Finally, I discovered a solitary jump drive. It had to be what he was referring to. Returning to his side, I held the drive in front of his face. "Is this what Lucas was going to give Emily?" "Ya... yes. A copy." He began coughing up more blood, his chest heaving
The Mafia's Stolen Bride 115: They took her
The others looked on silently, aware that the day had come when we would have to reveal our secret meetings. There was no avoiding it any longer. "Then we work together until this is resolved, regardless of the consequences," I declared. Each person in the room nodded in agreement. We had received assistance and information, but what we faced was unprecedented. The fact that sworn enemies had formed an alliance meant someone knew we were working together, and they saw it as a weakness. But we knew better. We were a formidable force, and we had much to lose if we failed, especially the safety of our loved ones. After ending the call with Dante, I walked away from the others, dialing the number again to relay the necessary information to my father. It was a futile gesture, as I knew he would never forgive his impulsive son. "Dante, things are getting intense. We need to organize the soldiers immediately," I said urgently. "Rafael, we have a problem," Dante replied, his voice laced w
