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
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
He moved his hand down my neck, deepening the kiss as his tongue explored my mouth. The sensations overwhelmed me, my focus solely on him and the intensity of the moment. I wrapped my leg around his hip, drawing him closer until his arousal slid between my legs. My entire body tingled, and I moved my hips, moaning in response to the pleasure coursing through me. I was captivated by the desire that consumed my thoughts, making it difficult to think clearly. I ran my nails down his back as he kissed me, taking his time to explore the depths of my mouth. His commanding presence was captivating, his desire for me growing stronger. He lifted my other leg, securing it beside him as he broke the kiss. The sensations intensified as he trailed his tongue along my jawline and down to my neck. When he bit down, a whimper escaped my lips, and I felt an overwhelming closeness. Shifting my position, I moved my hips, and in an instant, he entered me. I was wet with anticipation, and as his firmnes
I recoiled, whimpering as he forcefully pushed the remaining inches inside me. A surge of sensation coursed through my body, transforming my agony into a wave of intense pleasure. "It's so tight," he exclaimed, wriggling back and forth to fully accommodate himself. His magnificent, imposing figure rocked, igniting the passion and intense heat between us. I drifted into a dreamlike state, cherishing every moment as he made love to me. I was trapped, a captive until he granted me freedom. The thought was cathartic, almost amusing, and brought a smile to my face. His movements grew more savage, thrusting with brutal force, his body crashing down upon mine. It was evident that he struggled to restrain himself, his desires overpowering all else. And so, I clenched. "Oh God...," he gasped, gripping my back and digging his fingers in, his actions growing more frenzied. "Fuck. Yes. Yes!" I felt the warm release as he climaxed, unable to contain my grin. Everything about this moment was p
Planting a tender kiss on my forehead, he allowed his lips to linger for a moment. "Good. I need to take a quick shower. My father is awake and looking for me." A surge of happiness washed over me. "I'm so glad! Do you want me to come with you?" He shook his head. "I have trusted people coming to ensure your safety. After everything you've been through, you deserve some rest. Besides, I won't be long. Just going to freshen up. Okay?" I nodded, feeling a thick knot of fear constricting my chest. Victor winked playfully and made his way towards the bathroom. He returned moments later, throwing a robe in my direction. "Room service. No other man is going to catch a glimpse of that gorgeous body of yours. Got it?" "Yes, sir!" I responded, giving him a playful military-style salute. I clutched his pillow to my chest, inhaling deeply. Its soft cotton already carried his scent, a potent mix of masculinity and exotic spices. I could bask in his essence all night long. The sound of the sh
VICTOR Thoughts of revenge consumed my mind, the weight of the word lingering in my thoughts. I stood by the window, the sunlight streaming through the open blinds and drapes, unable to hide any longer. It was clear now that Franco Massimo had been the assassin all along, perhaps defying his father's wishes to take over the family business. Or maybe it was all part of a larger scheme, with Franco being directed by Dante from the shadows. The truth remained elusive, lost forever. I had eavesdropped on a significant portion of their conversation, my Glock steady in my hand, anticipating another imminent attack. Yet, I hadn't anticipated betrayal from within my own ranks so soon. Someone still underestimated my strength. There were still missing pieces to the puzzle, but I had a sense that neither Madeline nor I were in immediate danger. The remaining players would be forced to regroup and recalibrate their plans. "This is a mess, Victor. I don't know how much longer I can keep the Fe
"I encountered Franco in a coffee shop by chance," Madeline began, her voice tinged with a mix of nostalgia and pain. "He literally bumped into me, spilling coffee all over my new dress. We laughed it off, and he was incredibly apologetic. He insisted on making it right. At that time, I had a small apartment separate from my father's residence. I wasn't hiding, which made it easier for him to find my address. The next day, four exquisite and expensive dresses arrived. I was taken aback and called him to thank him. He then asked me out to dinner." "He was seeing your sister?" I inquired, trying to piece together the timeline. "Yes, but I had no knowledge of it. She had kept his identity a secret from me, although I sensed that something was terribly wrong," Madeline explained, her grip on my hand tightening. She leaned her face against the glass, seeking solace. "It's ironic, he treated me wonderfully for about three months. Then he became possessive. I had been raised well by my fath
"My mother was known by the stage name Daphne Phillips. That was all I knew for the first few months. She had no idea who I was until a reporter captured a photo of us together, and the next day, a scathing article was published in the Times. I think she had suspicions because of a mutual friend we had. After the article, I revealed everything to her about myself and my life, the responsibilities I carried as I prepared to take over from my father. I believed I had lost her. There were no tears, no outbursts. Just silence. She walked away, and I thought I would never see her again." "But you did." "One week later, she called me, asking me to meet for a drink. We went to our favorite little bar, and she did all the talking." He hesitated, closing his eyes. "Who was she, Father? What was my mother's real name?" "Her name was... Sophia Massimo." In an instant, the room felt devoid of light, and his words echoed. "What. Did. You. Say?" "She was Dante's only daughter. The bullet that