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Chapter 11 : Everyone Has a Dysfunctional Family, Right?
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Vendetta and Vino: Tuscan Temptations Chapter 12 : When Disaster Strikes
*Sophie’s POV*“The beams are done,” the foreman told Luca and me, “They’re holding nicely, and we haven’t run into any problems with the replacements. This building is sturdier than it’s been since its construction.”I smiled widely at Luca, "Oh, fantastic. We're making better time than we ever could've anticipated. We can finally go upstairs and begin replacing the broken window frames!""There are quite a few things that need to be done upstairs, Soph," Luca began, "I know we're moving quickly, but we still have a lot to get done.""Quiet down, party pooper. You're always raining on my parade. We're killing it, and Mr. Rossi is going to be so happy when he stops to check our progress today," I teased as I walked toward the staircase.I cautiously climbed the rickety staircase, my feet carefully navigating the gaps between the splintered boards. With each step, a weary groan emanated from the dilapidated structure. I envisioned the finished product—a majestic grand entrance with
Vendetta and Vino: Tuscan Temptations Chapter 13 : Red Hot Restoration
*Sophie’s POV*The men were all standing in the yard gossiping and waiting on Luca and me. It always made me laugh when older women were referred to as clucking hens. Men were just as bad, why didn't they catch flack for that?I heard one of them say, "Did anyone call Mr. Rossi? He's gonna be pissed when he finds out his restorer took a free fall down into an unmarked basement.""Nobody will say a word to Mr. Rossi," I loudly spoke. "I'm fine. Everything is fine. We'll continue on as usual, and he'll be none the wiser. No sense getting his blood pressure up."Their heads snapped to attention as they turned toward my voice. "Now, we have a few men who'll be here within the hour to make sure the basement isn't going to hinder the rest of the project. Luca is going to oversee you all here, and I'm going to go work on a few art pieces in our downtime. Please," I pointedly looked at each man, "Don't give Luca a hard time. He is to be respected and his word is to be honored."Everyone l
Vendetta and Vino: Tuscan Temptations Chapter 14 : Burying Secrets
*Jacopo’s POV*‘What the fuck was that?’ I asked myself as I walked away from the server's building back toward the villa.She was like a witch. I watched, transfixed by Sophia's every move, as our hands had moved in sync. The humid air was heavy with the salty scent of sweat and sanded wood, and it almost felt like foreplay. I knew she felt it too, her eyes begged me to lie her on the floor and feast on her."You okay, Boss?" Luca asked as I approached him. My hair was wild and disheveled, sticking out in different directions as if I'd spent the entire walk there with my hands in it."I'm fine. Sophia and I are going into the basement to retrieve some things she believes are valuable. Then, it'll be sealed. Let the men know."Luca nodded, and I walked past him. I could feel the heat of his gaze on my back as I left, but I didn't turn around to acknowledge it.I stood at the entrance to the dungeon of horrors, waiting for Sophia. The darkness that I knew was down there should h
Vendetta and Vino: Tuscan Temptations Chapter 15 : Italian First Date
*Sophie’s POV*‘What do you wear when you're going on a date with the son of your rich boss?’ I thought as I pulled everything I'd packed out of the closet. "Luca!" I yelled, "It's an emergency. I need your help."He opened the door, and his eyes widened as he took in the scene before him: me, dripping wet with my hair plastered to my forehead and a pile of clothes lying haphazardly around me. His lips twitched once, then split into a wide grin as he burst into laughter."You're a mess. All that intelligence and talent in your body, and you can't dress yourself," he joked. "What's the problem?"I rolled my eyes and threw a shoe at him. "Well, I don't know what I'm supposed to wear to dinner with Jacopo. He's intimidating, Luca. Help me.""Fine, fine, just don't assault me anymore. How much time do we have to work with?"I checked the time on my phone. "We have two hours before he'll be here to pick me up."He clapped his hands together and smiled at me with a mischievous look
Vendetta and Vino: Tuscan Temptations Chapter 16 : F*cking Delicious
*Jacopo’s POV*Her face colored beautifully, and she looked at me with a smirk and hooded eyes, "You're incorrigible." I boisterously chuckled, "If only you knew, bella. Let's dig in before it cools down. Enzo is the best chef I've ever known. He could work in Paris in the most prestigious of restaurants, yet he chooses to stay here. Do you know why?" She moaned slightly as she took a bite, "Why is that?" I watched her eat and found myself becoming aroused. She was so expressive and vocal. It made me wonder if she was like that in all facets of pleasure."Love. This is where he met his wife. He worked here when his father owned the business, and he refused to leave when he got older. The memories of them falling in love kept him here. Beautiful, yes?"She nodded, "Very beautiful." Her voice was soft, and I could tell by the way she hid her eyes from me, that she felt the story touched her in a way, just as it touched me.I leaned in slightly, "Do you believe in love, Sophia
Vendetta and Vino: Tuscan Temptations Chapter 17 : Hidden Heirlooms
*Sophia’s POV*"Wake up, bella," a deep voice pulled me from a wonderful dream. I stretched out my body, feeling the coolness of the satin sheets against my skin. I cocooned myself in them, burying my head and letting the soft fabric engulf me."No, no, no," the voice whispered, "You have to get up. My father will kill me if I keep you from working."Jacopo. My eyes flew open, and I woke with a start. The blanket slipped off my body, leaving me exposed to the cool morning air. My bare skin erupted in bumps as I shivered from the chill, my nipples tightening into tight buds."There she is," he mumbled as he nuzzled his face into my chest, "I'd love nothing more than to gorge myself on your curves all morning. Alas, Luca and the men will be waiting for us. Get dressed, I had Luca drop off work clothes for you this morning."He nodded his head toward the dresser, and I saw clean clothes and my work boots folded neatly. I silently thanked Luca for making sure I didn't have to do the
Vendetta and Vino: Tuscan Temptations Chapter 18 : Change Of Plans
*Sophia’s POV*"Come on, Soph. We're going to be late. You were already late yesterday after your soiree with the boss man. Can't afford to do it again," Luca admonished me.After Mr. Rossi took the sketches yesterday, I had researched late into the night to see if I could find a record of them anywhere. Michelangelo's work was reasonably well documented for as long ago as he was alive, and I found mention of them in some articles from over fifty years ago. They were found in Italy when a building was set for demolition. On a whim, the man who bought the property had gone in and searched the rooms first. There was a box that was under a floorboard, and the sketches were hidden inside. After that, there's no mention of where they sold to or who had them. So how did they end up in the painting Mr. Rossi bought for his late wife?Because of the late night, Luca and I were running late getting to the villa. And in true Luca style, he was giving me shit. "Look, we're the bosses. And
Vendetta and Vino: Tuscan Temptations Chapter 19 : Be Careful Who You Get Into Bed With
*Sophia’s POV*"That's the last of it," I commented, "Thanks for your help." Jacopo's nostrils flared as he exhaled a deep, agitated breath. He avoided eye contact and his posture stiffened, arms crossed tightly over his chest. The air in the room shifted with tension, thick and suffocating. His mood had been foul ever since he'd told his father he'd be staying in the main house. "Jacopo, you know you don't have to stay here. Luca and I will be fine alone. I don't want you to be miserable when your father is more than capable of babysitting us."Somehow, his face became even angrier, "It's not my fucking father's job to protect you, bella. It's mine. I'll make sure nothing happens to you, do you understand?"He stepped closer, his chest rising and falling in heavy breaths. His eyes were like dark, churning oceans, emanating a mix of anger and rage that made my heart race. I dug my nails into my palms, reminding myself that the intent behind them was not directed at me.Just as
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Vendetta and Vino: Tuscan Temptations Chapter 50 : The Luckiest Woman on the Planet
*Sophia’s POV*The sun dipped below the horizon as we left the greco-roman dig site, casting a warm glow on the ancient ruins. Giorgio walked beside me, his eyes constantly scanning our surroundings as he took in the sights Greece had to offer. He seemed to enjoy being away from the constant mafia danger, and I couldn't blame him."Giorgio, thank you for being here with me," I said."Of course, Sophia," he replied with a smile. "You know I'd do anything to keep you safe."As night fell, we made our way to a bustling market full of antiques and vendors. The vibrant colors, fragrant spices, and cheerful chatter of the locals were intoxicating, and I found myself drawn toward a stall displaying beautiful handmade tiles."Look at these," I breathed, running my fingers over the intricate patterns. "They're stunning!""Indeed, they are," a deep voice agreed from behind me. I turned to see a man with dark, wavy hair and piercing eyes. My heart skipped a beat.I took in the intricate de
Vendetta and Vino: Tuscan Temptations Chapter 49 : Accomplishments and Plans
*Sophia’s POV*I opened the door to our new workspace, the smell of fresh paint and new beginnings filling my nose. Luca grinned at me as he hauled in another box of supplies.We had ended up moving to my home town in London after our return to the States, making sure we finished any pending business over there first before adventuring ourselves to a new business here."Can you believe this is all ours, Soph?" He asked, gesturing around at the empty space. I laughed, I could hardly believe it myself. "It's crazy. But with the money from the villa job, we can finally start that restoration business we always talked about."We spent the next hour unpacking boxes and brainstorming names for our new company. Luca wanted something flashy and clever, while I argued for something simple and elegant. We volleyed ideas back and forth, joking and teasing each other. In the end we settled on "Sophia & Luca Art Restoration." It felt right to put our names on it. It was our dream, and now i
Vendetta and Vino: Tuscan Temptations Chapter 48 : The Last Night
*Sophia’s POV*The curling iron sizzled as I wrapped another section of my hair around the hot barrel. I winced as a wisp of hair singed, filling the air with an acrid smell. The red dress I was wearing was a gift from Jacopo. Something to wear after I left here as a reminder of how his hands had once caressed my body.I stared at my reflection in the gilt-edged mirror as I applied a deep red lipstick. The color reminded me of the wine we shared on our first date out to dinner. A knot formed in my stomach as I pictured Jacopo's tonight. We had to discuss the fact that my visa was expiring. His warm brown eyes would cloud with hurt, and the thought of leaving him and Italy behind felt like a dagger twisting in my heart.I longed to stay wrapped in Jacopo's powerful embrace, to wander the cobbled streets hand-in-hand, to wake up every morning next to him. But the visa's expiration loomed, an implacable cliff's edge, drawing nearer each day. I took a deep breath, steadying myself bef
Vendetta and Vino: Tuscan Temptations Chapter 47 : Bad Omens
*Sophia’s POV*The hospital had the familiar scent of antiseptic and the low hum of hushed conversations. I sat on an examination bed, my fingers idly tracing the white paper that covered the surface. A nurse bustled about, preparing the instruments while I waited for the doctor to arrive.The nurse stood by, readying her instruments while checking off a checklist for me. Footsteps echoed from the hallway, signaling the doctor's arrival.The door creaked open, and a middle-aged doctor with steel-rimmed spectacles and a friendly smile entered the room. She glanced over before striding to my bedside. "Good morning, Sophia. How's the leg feeling?" I winced and gestured to the red jagged wound that marred my thigh. "It's been better, Doc. Looking forward to getting these stitches out." She hummed softly in agreement as she ran her gloved fingertips over the tender skin. "I can imagine. It's healing nicely. Let's get these stitches out, and I'll give you some ointment to prevent
Vendetta and Vino: Tuscan Temptations Chapter 46 : Moments Like This
*Sophia’s POV*The early morning sun painted the sky with hues of gold and crimson as I stood at the entrance of the Rossi villa.The restoration had been a labor of love, literally and figuratively. I was in love with the centuries old architecture, and I found love with Jacopo. The front room was abuzz with activity. Workers moved with precision, placing carefully selected antique furniture to honor the villa's original design. Each piece had been chosen with reverence, and each item bore the weight of history, mirroring the memories of the people who originally built the property on this land many, many years ago. I did my best to stay true to what they'd used back then, with the thatch style roof and the wooden beams. I knew if Jacopo's mom were here, she'd appreciate the integrity of the project.Jacopo had been immersed in his duties as the head of the Rossi family, and his days were a whirlwind of meetings and responsibilities. But amidst the chaos of leadership, I wanted to
Vendetta and Vino: Tuscan Temptations Chapter 45 : You're the Boss Tonight
*Sophia’s POV*"Your wish is my command," Jacopo's hungry voice whispered before he brought his sinful mouth down to my stomach and kissed just below my navel.I shivered under his touch and moaned softly. "Again," I said.He wet his lips and kissed me again, an inch below the spot he'd kissed before.“There?" he breathed. "Yes," my voice rasped, sounding deeper and wanting. "Again."He sank his teeth into my skin and ran his tongue in a gentle circle around the indentation in my stomach. Then he growled."Do you have any idea what you do to me? I want to rip you apart and make love to you until you're whole again. You turn me into a savage." His voice was muffled as he pressed his face into the satin material of my panties.He ran his hands up my body, and they slid under the crop top. He hissed when his palms met my bare skin, and he instinctively began to tweak and pinch my nipples."Where is your bra, Ms. Anderson?" he asked.I shrugged. "I must have forgotten to put o
Vendetta and Vino: Tuscan Temptations Chapter 44 : This is Heaven
*Jacopo’s POV* The days following passed quickly, as I scrambled to manage the Rossi family affairs. There was an endless list of things for me to oversee; with the death of the Marino heads, their absence left an echoing void in the Italian underworld and I had to work constantly to maintain the fragile peace that existed between our two families. While my father recovered, everything fell squarely on my shoulders.I checked the schedule on my phone and readied myself for yet another marathon day. I walked into the warehouse where we usually conducted business meetings, and I shook hands with my men as they filed in. We discussed how best to strengthen our ties with an ally. "Everyone under Mariano's reign is nervous about how they're going to feed their families. They lost two Dons on the same day, and now they're scrambling. We need to either offer a peaceful solution for them or begin to absorb some of their men," I spoke smoothly.My men nodded in agreement, all eyes on me a
Vendetta and Vino: Tuscan Temptations Chapter 43 : An Impromptu Ceremony
*Jacopo’s POV*My fingers drummed nervously against the cold, hard armrest of the chair. The fluorescent lights buzzed overhead as we sat in silence, waiting for any news about my father's condition. Sophia leaned into me and squeezed my hand with such a reassuring firmness that I wanted to weep. The walls were a blinding white, as bright as the sun itself, and it felt like their sterile surface was closing in on us. Even though the air conditioning blasted out freezing air, sweat dripped down my forehead and neck. Hours had passed since my father went into surgery. The nurses did not indicate when he would be out of recovery. We could only hope and pray. Sophia broke the silence with her voice, gentle yet strong, providing comfort when I couldn't speak. At that moment, I knew she was my rock, someone who wouldn't let me crumble under the crushing pressure.The doctor emerged from the double doors wearing a surgical gown, his face serious. I shot up out of the chair and stumbled to
Vendetta and Vino: Tuscan Temptations Chapter 42 : Flatlined
*Sophia’s POV*The electricity in the room felt like a tangible force, crackling between Vincent and Mr. Rossi as they stood opposite each other. Vincent's eyes were fierce and his grip on my hair was cruel, the barrel of the gun cold against my temple. His muscles tensed with rage – a rage that had been simmering for decades. I could feel their animosity engulfing me like a fog, leaving me feeling helpless and small.Vincent's voice shook with barely restrained rage as he confronted Mr. Rossi. His eyes were dark pools of emotion and his body trembled with anger. "You've always thought you were better than us, haven't you, Alessandro? Your family, your empire. It's all built on the suffering and destruction you've left in your wake." Mr. Rossi held his ground, his face a mask of stone. He didn’t blink or flinch away from Vincent’s piercing gaze. “I’ve made my share of mistakes, Vincent," he said calmly. "But this blood feud isn't all the Rossis’ doing."The room felt like a powder
