WARNING: THIS EPISODE CONTAINS SEXUAL CONTENT AND MAY BE TOO SENSITIVE FOR SOME READERS. SONG RECOMMENDATIONS: GET YOU BY DANIEL CAESAR AND KALI UCHIS Arya loved Jamaica. Leonardo had booked the most expensive resort for her pleasure. Not like she cared. All she wanted was alone time with her man. The Estate Homes exuded a blend of traditional Caribbean charm and contemporary luxury. The home was spacious, featuring expansive bedrooms, each elegantly furnished and with ensuite bathrooms that included both showers and bathtubs. Large, airy living spaces opened up to beautiful outdoor areas, where lush gardens and private pools invited relaxation under the sun. The architecture featured a high ceiling and large windows, maximizing natural light and views of the ocean or tropical gardens. The private terrace or balcony provided serene spots for morning coffee or evening cocktails along with a pool, while the state-of-the-art kitchens were a chef’s dream, fully equipped
BONUS CHAPTER Leonardo lost his cool. “You better get your men right, I am not spending more than three days here. I made a promise to my wife and I intend to keep it”, he growled. Kemar, Leonardo’s associate, swallowed audibly. “Mi ago do dat, Don. Jus gi wi likkle more minutes”, he said as he ran out of the room. “Kemar…. Your life depends on those few minutes”, he drawled casually, but there was no denying the temperature took a deep dive into frosty Kemar started to shake. “Yes, Don”. He scurried out. Leonardo checked the time on his watch. A soldier was standing behind him and the rest were standing outside but, he might as well just be alone. He missed Rob in these times. That being said, he’d rather swallow a scorching hot sword tip first before admitting that to Rob. He promised Arya that their trip would not last longer than two to three days and if he had to use Kemar as a scapegoat just to keep his promise, he’d do that with delight. Speak of the
The tension was evident. He didn’t have a good feeling about this Omar guy. “He’s not at fault here. If anything, he has been trying to get me to eat so bad”, Arya said with a low chuckle. Leonardo looked at Omar before leaning down so only Arya could hear what he was about to say. “Don’t you find it odd that he doesn’t talk?”, he asked. “Oh no, we’ve been talking for a while now”, she whispered back. And stopped in his presence, okay, that was something. “I don’t have a good feeling about him”. “Oh come on, he’s harmless”, she said. “I should know these things. My gut feelings when it comes to your safety is always right, mama”, he said in a hushed tone. If he was right, which he always was, letting Omar hear them will drive him off. “This isn’t the mafia. Can’t a girl enjoy a little vacation without having to deal with all this mafia bullshit?”, Arya lost her cool. Leonardo was dumbfounded. Arya lost her cool and it was nothing he’s seen before. “Ary
The security guards at the resort were useless sets of men. What did he expect? The resort was a cover up for money laundering which is a crime but it’s the mafia. Everything associated with it is a crime. “Don, this is the last building, he must be in here”, Rodolfo, one of the soldiers, said to him.. “What do you have?”, Leonardo asked. Rodolfo swallowed. “He is in the building, he’s armed but we don’t know…”. Leonardo punched him in the face. “He’s armed and we’re armed. March in there and bring out rat”. The men ran into the building and he led them. The building comprised of two rooms so sniffing out Omar wasn’t an issue. The issue however, was that Omar fired the gun the moment the door was pushed open. Leonardo winced at the pain in his chest from the bullet. From the not so long range and size of the bullet, it wasn’t a surprise. It was a good thing he wore a quality proof vest underneath his clothes every time. Regardless of that, a bad bruise was i
Her eyes tried to flutter open but she was too comfortable. She moved closer to the source of warmth wrapped around her body. “Hmmm…”, she moaned. “Are we awake?”, the sound of her husband’s voice caressed her ears and the rumble in his chest was like a mini massager. Wait! She flew out of his comfortable embrace and involuntarily moaned in disapproval as she lost his warmth. “Arya…”, he started. “Stop it”, she didn’t even spare him a glance. “At least let me look at you”, he said. “Nope”. “Baby, we need to talk”, he insisted. “I don’t want to”. “But we have to”. “And I said I don’t want to”, she snapped. “I’m sorry, but this is something we must do”, he said with a low voice. She sighed. “Okay, I’m listening”. Silence. “Arya, tell me what’s bothering you”. “I will. What bothers me is that fact that I never asked for any of this. My father is in the mafia and I had a traumatic childhood because of it. My only chance to escape was marriage but it tu
“Oh boy, I’m having mixed feelings”, Arya said. He chuckled lightly. “You asked for it”. “I know….”, she sighed. “I’m genuinely curious. Before you start, I’m sorry I’ve been holding you back”. “No, don’t be. Not everyone is cut out for violence. You were meant to be a princess and I won’t stop till I get us there. Especially now that you’re letting me”, he said and raised a brow. “Isn’t it ironic? Women never have a say in the mafia but here you are, the Don himself, taking permission from his wife”, she said and burst into a fit of laughter. He followed suit. “Rub it in all you want. I’m not ashamed” he said and put on a serious face. She burst into another fit of laughter. “Okay, let’s move on from that now”, he said. Her eyes watered from laughter and she pushed on his chest comically. Her smile faded as she saw him wince. “Are you okay?”, she asked. “Yeah, sure. I’m fine”, he answered. She was not buying it. He was wearing a casual T-shirt so she pulle
SEVENTEEN YEARS AGO Nine years old Leonardo just finished his training for the day with his instructor when a messenger from Don Vito approached him. “Buongiorno, Underboss”, Matteo greeted him. “Buongiorno.” “Your grand father, Don Vito, requested your presence”, Matteo said. “Am I in trouble?”, Leonardo asked. For the past four years he’s been undergoing basic training and self defense classes while still keeping up with school. He kept to the rules and as the only child in the villa, he was lonely. Loneliness was all he had for himself. “I can’t tell but to put your mind at ease, I don’t think so”, Matteo said and winked at him. Leonardo followed him to his grand father’s part of the villa. His mind ran through every scenario that could make his grand father summon him but nothing was sticking. He tried to get more information from Matteo again but to no avail. “You should count yourself lucky to be under Don Vito”, was all he said about the subject again.
What is innocence? Some would say innocence is a state of purity, untouched by the complexities of the world, where trust reigns supreme and the heart remains unburdened by cynicism or suspicion. Others would argue that innocence is a fleeting illusion, a veil that shields us from the harsh truths of reality, blinding us to the complexities of human nature and the moral ambiguities that define our existence. Whatever it was, Leonardo lost his on this very sad and life changing day. His instructor, Enzo, was pushed to the ground by Matteo. “What is going on?”, he asked his grandfather. “Nothing, yet. Shoot the man with a bag over his head”, Don Vito said. Leonardo’s vision blurred for a second. Shock ran through him. “What…what?”, he asked. “You heard me boy”, Don Vito said, his smiles and playful expression dropped. “Do I have to?”, Leonardo asked. “Okay, I guess you don’t understand the gravity of the situation. For your benefit, I’d give you an explanation
ONE YEAR LATER Leonardo watched her from the doorway, his arms folded as a soft smile played on his lips. Arya stood by the crib, gently stroking the twins’ hair until their breathing grew soft and even. A new mother in her element — flourishing. But he knew it wasn’t just because they were finally reunited with their babies. No, there was another weight lifted off her shoulders. Andrea’s body had washed ashore the morning after they returned to Italy. Whoever killed him had clearly found no more use for him. But Leonardo still wondered — was it Vito? He stepped forward, his voice low. “It’s been a year since we got back. The kids are happy, safe, and drowning in all the love we could give them. Are you finally ready for us?” Arya turned, eyes locking with his in that way that always made him feel like the only man in the world. “More than anything, Leo. I love our family — but throwing parties, decorating, smiling at guests — that’s not what I want to do with my life.” His smile
Arya placed her thumb against the sharp metal protruding from the mirror’s hidden safe. The prick was sharp and quick, a bead of blood welling up instantly. The metal retracted with a soft mechanical hiss, followed by a deep click as ancient locks gave way. The door of the safe creaked open, revealing what lay inside.Her breath caught.An old, thick book, its leather cover worn but unnaturally strong, sat beside a small, sleek device. The contrast between them — one ancient, the other unnervingly advanced — sent a chill through Arya’s spine.Isabel’s breath hitched. “I thought that was destroyed during the final battle between the Order and the Sisterhood — over fifty years ago.”Arya’s fingers hovered over the objects. “What exactly is it?”Dolores stepped forward, her face grim. “It’s a weapon. That device can override every military system on earth. Nukes, missiles, satellites — you name it. With the right codes, you could trigger wars from this room. The book holds those codes, a
The silence after Henry’s death was suffocating. Leonardo and Arya stood over his body, blood painting their hands and faces, their breath ragged and uneven. The room was littered with corpses, a battlefield stained with loyalty and betrayal.Ricardo and Roberto had finished off the remaining men, but Isabel barely had a moment to breathe before a rough hand seized her arm.“Let go of me!” Isabel struggled, but the man twisted her arm behind her back, dragging her toward the far end of the room. Leonardo’s gun snapped up, finger curling around the trigger — but before anyone could react, a single, sharp gunshot rang out.The man crumpled at Isabel’s feet, blood pouring from a hole between his eyes.Dolores stood a few feet away, smoke curling from her pistol. Her expression was calm, but her eyes betrayed years of unresolved rage. “No one touches another woman in front of me again.”Isabel stumbled into Arya’s arms, trembling. “It’s over,” Arya whispered. “You’re safe now.”But then A
“You remind me of him…” Andreas’ voice slithered through the tension like a blade through silk. Leonardo didn’t move, didn’t lower his gun. His heart was a hammer against his ribs, but his hand was steady, aimed straight at Andreas’ head. And yet, the Pope only smiled. “Vito. Your grandfather. You have his temper… his instincts.” A pause, measured, deliberate. Then, softer—“His arrogance.” “You were close to him,” Leonardo said. His voice was steady, but inside, something twisted. Andreas smiled. “Closer than you think. He would have been proud of you, Leonardo. If only he were still alive.” Leonardo’s jaw tensed. Andreas had been a ghost from his past, a man he had once admired, a mentor in a strange way. And now, he was standing against him, speaking about his grandfather as if— He didn’t have time to unpack it. Because in the next second, Ricardo’s gun cracked, the shot echoing through the chamber. Leonardo had silently given the signal, and Ricardo took the sh
Arya could barely believe her ears. None of this made sense. Isabel coming to this town had been a coincidence.Hadn’t it?Her pulse hammered in her ears, drowning out the distant creaks of the ancient walls.“Isabel having Adriana? Her coming here? You’re spewing nonsense,” Arya said, her voice sharper than she intended.Henry smirked. “I am here to ensure my predecessors’ wishes are met. Of course, her coming here wasn’t a coincidence. Neither was Stanley getting her pregnant. We ruined your life in ways that would bring you here. Not that we had to try too hard—Stanley was more than happy to do it and didn’t even come back for his pay.”Isabel gasped, her breath hitching. “Wha—”“I beg you, Isabel.” Henry’s voice turned colder, almost bored. “Don’t speak until you’re spoken to. Now that I’m no longer pretending, I can admit—I never could tolerate you. Always rushing to do the right thing for the church, as if doing good has ever brought you good luck.”Leonardo stepped forward, his
A second of stunned silence stretched between them. Then, as if a trigger had been pulled, everyone moved at once. Ricardo’s hand flew to his gun. Leonardo stepped protectively in front of Arya. Dolores unsheathed a hidden dagger from her belt, while Isabel squared her stance, ready for a fight. Roberto cocked his pistol, finger already on the trigger. But Henry didn’t flinch. Instead, he smiled. And then—the ground shook. A deep, guttural rumble echoed through the underground chamber, vibrating up their legs. Dust rained from the ceiling. The ancient stone beneath their feet groaned, as if something massive had just shifted deep within the earth. For a fraction of a second, everyone hesitated. And that was all Henry needed. A single, sharp whistle left his lips. A sniper’s laser appeared—red and deadly—right over Arya’s forehead. Leonardo’s stomach dropped. “Ah-ah,” Henry tutted, raising a single finger. “You know, I’d really rather not get blood all over these nic
Arya, Leonardo, Ricardo, Roberto, Isabel, Dolores, and Penelope, along with several others, entered the underground hideout and saw that Henry had already opened a secret door.“He left the door open for us to follow him? He’s either an egotistical moron or just plain stupid,” Leonardo said.Isabel was horrified. “I never even knew about this secret door—right here, in the very room where I trained my girls.”“Henry comes from a line of corrupt priests, each one worse than the last. They’ve been pitting you all against each other for years. Of course, he knew more than he let on,” Ricardo said.Penelope placed a comforting hand on Isabel’s shoulder.Dolores didn’t pause—she kept moving through the secret passage, and the others followed. The walkway was dimly lit by old, slow-burning lanterns, their glass clouded with dust. Cobwebs hung in thick strands, untouched for what must have been decades. The walls were covered in strange symbols, a forgotten language carved into the stone.“I
Smoke and dust hung thick in the air, swirling through the ruined convent like ghosts mourning the dead. The scent of burning wood mixed with the coppery tang of blood. The once-pristine courtyard was unrecognizable—bodies lay strewn across the stone floor, habits stained red, fingers still curled around the weapons they had fought with. Bullet holes riddled the chapel walls, and shattered stained-glass windows cast fragmented colors onto the carnage below. Flames crackled in the distance, devouring part of the east wing, their light flickering like dying prayers. Arya stepped over a body, careful not to let her boots slip on the slickness of fresh blood. She felt Leonardo’s presence beside her, solid and tense. Roberto and Ricardo moved with weapons drawn, scanning for any remaining threats. But the battle, for now, had paused. The dead had no more fight left in them. And in the heart of it all stood Isabel. She was drenched in blood, her gray-streaked hair matted with sweat. A
The doctor finished his examination, checking Leonardo’s pulse, pupils, and responsiveness. He pressed against his wrist, watching the steady beat, then moved a small flashlight across his eyes. Leonardo tolerated the prodding in silence, though his body ached from days of inactivity. Finally, the doctor stepped back and exhaled. “He seems clean. The drug is out of his system.” Arya sagged, as if the weight she had carried for days had been lifted just enough for her to breathe again. Her hands, which had been gripping the sheets so tightly her knuckles turned white, finally loosened. “Thank you, Doctor,” she said, her voice raw. The doctor gave her a small nod. “He may still experience some lingering effects—fatigue, confusion, maybe even nightmares—but the worst of it is over. His body will adjust in time.” Leonardo listened, barely absorbing the words. His mind was already moving forward, pushing past the haze of the last few days. He had woken up and gone back under so