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Chapter 32 : The Domino Effect
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
Vendetta and Vino: Tuscan Temptations Chapter 33 : I Trust You With My Life
*Sophia’s POV*My hands were raw and blistered, and the cuts on my fingers throbbed as I scraped them desperately against the rough bricks encasing me. Darkness engulfed my senses; even the sound of my own ragged breaths was swallowed by the abyss around me. My screams had gone silent hours ago, leaving me with a rasping whisper that threatened to fade away completely. A warm, prickly feeling in my head told me it wouldn't be long before I passed out from the strain."Sophia, wake up" a deep voice called to me. I whipped my head around, eyes darting in a desperate attempt to detect the source of the noise. Only the shadows of the basement greeted me, and my panic increased. Then I felt it—someone shaking vigorously at my shoulders. My eyes shot open, only to be greeted by Jacopo's face full of worry and relief."You were having a nightmare," he said as he stroked my sweat dampened forehead, "You wouldn't wake up."My mouth opened, but no words escaped—it felt like razorblades w
Vendetta and Vino: Tuscan Temptations Chapter 34 : War Had Already Begun
*Jacopo’s POV*As I cautiously slid out from beneath the covers, Sophia's slender hands reached out in search of me. Even in slumber, her body yearned for mine, and her creamy skin shimmered in the golden morning light. It was difficult to leave her there alone.But my father had called a meeting, and I needed to be there. Things were escalating, and now that I had reclaimed my position of power, I'd have to participate in these meetings to show strength and unity.Unlike the dinner we'd had a few nights ago, this meeting was formal. It was being held in one of the buildings the Rossi family owned, and there would be more than just immediate family. The loyal men who'd worked for us for decades would have questions now that war was imminent and I was back in the fold, and this was my father's way of soothing questions and concerns.The tailored black suit hung in the corner of my closet like a dark shadow, and its call was irresistible. I slipped it on, feeling the familiar heft of
Vendetta and Vino: Tuscan Temptations Chapter 35 : Show You Off
*Sophia’s POV*Luca and I trudged across the cobblestone paths, loaded down with furniture. My arms burned from lifting the bed frames and wardrobes, but I pushed through, determined to make sure everything got moved inside before the rain. As we loaded the last piece into the house, I wondered where the men who had been working for Lucia and Francesco were. Jacopo and Alessandro had to have done something to them, and I couldn't find it in me to care what that was."You know," Luca grunted as we lifted opposite ends of a beautiful, antique armoire, "I still can't believe you're banging a mafia boss. Does that make you queen of the mafia? I have so many questions."I rolled my eyes at Luca's crude language. "I'm not 'banging' anyone. And being with Jacopo doesn't make me queen of anything. It's not like that.""Sure, sure," he said, winking at me. "But you have to admit, it's kind of hot. The forbidden romance between the mafia prince and the outsider.""It's not a romance, Luca,
Vendetta and Vino: Tuscan Temptations Chapter 36 : Glass Kaleidoscope
*Sophia’s POV*Luca and three of our bodyguards were shuffling along behind me after I'd just spent a ton of Alessandro Rossi's money on antiques in a nearby town. We were finishing up buying knickknacks and smaller items for the villa, and he'd given me a heavy metal credit. His words rang through my head, "Here, take this. Buy what you think works, don't spare expenses. Make the men load the trailer for you." It was insane that he trusted me as much as he did. I had been working for the family for a while now, but Alessandro acted as if I was a lifelong family member who couldn't possibly rob him blind. Surprising for a mafia Don."Are you almost done?" Luca called from behind me, "My legs and arms are sore from all the shit you've made us cart around today."I giggled at his over-exaggeration. "Luca, dear. You've barely done any of the heavy lifting. That's why we brought along Giorgio, Ernesto, and Clarence."Giorgio cleared his throat, "Actually, Sophia. We're here to prot
Vendetta and Vino: Tuscan Temptations Chapter 37 : How Far Would You Go?
*Jacopo’s POV*My foot felt like a lead weight as I pressed the gas pedal hard against the floor, cutting off any car that dared drive in front of me. With my eyes straight ahead, I replayed the conversation I had with Ernesto in my head, each word echoing louder than the one before. ‘Sophia was shot. We're going to The Farm.’I went out of town to do something for my father, so I had to drive an hour to get to her. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Sophia, my sweet Sophia, had been shot. I felt a tight knot form in the pit of my stomach, and all I could think about was getting to her as fast as possible. My hands trembled on the wheel, and I cursed the traffic that slowed me down."Five minutes to go," I said aloud as I revved the engine and took a sharp corner that turned off onto a gravel road. The Farm was tucked away in the countryside, far from prying eyes. It was a full-service medical facility, equipped with all the latest technology and staffed with a team of highly
Vendetta and Vino: Tuscan Temptations Chapter 38 : Every Action Has a Consequence
*Jacopo’s POV*I glanced at my watch – it was six forty-five. The sky had shifted in many shades of dark blue and black behind the warehouse. Lucia stood beside me with her hands bound in zip ties and her mouth covered in duct tape. Her mouth twitched in an arrogant smirk, and I clenched my fists against a rising rage.Twenty men surrounded us - ten of them fanned out behind me while the other half remained hidden with rifles trained on the entrance. We had been waiting all day for Francesco's arrival, and my patience was wearing thin.The warehouse was located in an industrial complex on the outskirts of town and far from the Rossi's and Mariano's respective territories. I hoped the neutral ground would be enough to convince Francesco to come out of hiding and meet us there.Finally, a pair of headlights marked his arrival one minute before seven. He stepped out of the car wearing a grey suit and dark sunglasses. My heart raced as he slowly made his way towards us, flanked by two
Vendetta and Vino: Tuscan Temptations Chapter 39 : This Is Where It Is
*Jacopo’s POV*As I leaned in close to Francesco's lifeless body, I noticed something sticking out of his shirt. It was a thin black wire that connected to a small box in the waistband of his slacks. A fucking wire. With one swift move, I grabbed the wire and pulled it from his shirt. I raised the receiver to my mouth and greeted Francesco’s father, "Hello, Vincent.”My voice echoed in the empty parking lot before I angrily ripped it off and ground it into the ground with the heel of my shoe. I looked over to my bodyguard who had been hit during the gunfire, "Are you okay?" He nodded, "Just got me in the shoulder. I'll live."Two of my other men helped him from the ground and we all walked together to the cars. We left Lucia and Francesco lying next to each other on the pavement. It was picturesque, really. It reminded me of Romeo and Juliet. "We have to get back to the hospital. Vincent was listening with a wire, so he knows his son is dead. Greg needs medical attention, and we
Vendetta and Vino: Tuscan Temptations Chapter 40 : The Vineyard
*Sophia’s POV*The bodyguards stayed toward the front of the vineyard, and Vincent pushed me forward with a gun pressed painfully into my back. The gnarled vines parted around us, and we stepped into a clearing. Vincent pointed to an all-too-familiar shape in the earth: a small rectangular pit the length and depth of a grave. All around it were loose dirt and rocks, and a dirty shovel leaned against one of the sides. I gasped when I saw a metal box lying in the grave. It was the box Alessandro put into the safe in his office, the box that contained Michelangelo's sketches. When I stopped walking, the cold metal barrel of the gun pressed sharply against my spine, urging me forward.I shook my head vehemently and begged, "No, no, no...please, I haven't done anything to you. Please." Vincent's icy eyes glimmered in the moonlight as he threw his head back and laughed heartlessly. His laughter reverberated through the night air. I was going to die."You recognize the box, yes? Are yo
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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
