All Chapters of Elegantly Wasted: Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

RaffaeleAfter bidding Edwina goodnight, I retreat to my office, intent on getting back to work, but my mind keeps drifting to her request. She had asked me to rest for the night. It was such a simple thing—something most people did without a second thought—but for me, sleep had always been a luxury, one I rarely indulged in. I sigh in frustration, running a hand through my hair. The weight of my responsibilities is relentless, and no matter how much I may want to shut my eyes for a few hours, I know it isn’t an option. There’s too much to do, too much to protect.Just as I settle at my desk, my phone buzzes, Alessandro’s name flashing across the screen.“There’s something you need to see at the compound,” he says, his voice grave. That tone tells me everything I need to know—this isn’t a minor issue. I grab my car keys without hesitation and leave the penthouse, ensuring Edwina remains under the strict watch of her new security detail. She might hate it, but after what I learned about

Edwina"What do you mean he's dead?" I ask, my voice laced with confusion, my brows knitting together as I try to process what I just heard."I killed him, Tesoro," Raffaele states in a hardened voice, his sharp eyes never leaving my face, as if calculating my reaction before it even settles in.To say I’m shocked would be an understatement. The words hang in the air between us, heavy and unshakable. He just admitted to murder like it was a simple transaction. My throat runs dry as I swallow hard, searching for an appropriate response. Finally, I settled on, "Okay."Raffaele's eyes widen slightly, caught off guard by my lack of hysteria. "Okay?" he echoes, clearly surprised by my calm demeanour.I shrug, meeting his gaze. "Well, you are a mafia boss, Raffaele. I don’t expect you to be all rainbows and unicorns."A deep, rich chuckle escapes him, the sound vibrating across the room. It's rare to hear him laugh, and something about it makes my stomach flip. His amusement lingers in his e

Edwina"Hmmm," I respond, turning to face Raffaele, who takes slow, calculated steps in my direction."Are you okay, Tesoro?" His piercing green eyes search mine, filled with an intensity that makes my stomach twist."Yeah, I am," I say, forcing my voice to stay steady, trying to keep my emotions from betraying me."Bullshit," Raffaele growls, gripping my chin between his fingers and tilting my face up to meet his. My breath hitches at his touch, my body betraying the fight I want to put up."I’ve been watching you, Edwina. You looked lost in thought," he murmurs, his thumb running over my lower lip, making my body shudder involuntarily."Don’t act like you care," I snap defensively, my voice sharper than intended.Raffaele’s grip tightens, his jaw clenching as frustration flickers across his face. "Why do you have to be so damn infuriating?" His tone is rough, edged with something deeper, something darker."Why do you have to be such an ass?" I shoot back, matching his fire with my ow

EdwinaThe moonlight spills through the lattice of leaves, casting shifting shadows across the tarmac as Raffaele’s car glides toward an intricate wrought-iron gate. The metal structure is massive, and imposing—like something out of a gothic dream—and yet, it parts smoothly, sensing our arrival, and welcoming us into the unknown. My pulse quickens as Raffaele drives through, the engine purring softly in the quiet of the night.And then, it comes into view.A fortress of a castle, dark and looming, emerges from the night, its towering walls standing firm against time itself. My mouth falls open in awe, my breath hitching as I take in the raw, breathtaking power of the structure before me. Built of stones in varying sizes and shapes, each piece unique, the fortress appears black from a distance. But as we move closer, the subtle interplay of colours—a mosaic of darkened greys and humble browns—reveals itself amid the sea of deep green that surrounds it.The atmosphere is thick with an ee

EdwinaI slowly stir awake, instinctively reaching for the other side of the bed, only to find cold, creased sheets. My chest tightens at Raffaele's absence, and disappointment settles deep in my bones. Last night replays in my mind—the way his hands claimed me and his lips murmured my name like a prayer. And now, he's gone.Maybe he regrets it. Maybe I was just a pawn in his game, a momentary indulgence before he tossed me aside. The thought makes my throat burn, my eyes brimming with tears, but I quickly wipe them away the moment the bedroom door creaks open."Morning, Tesoro," Raffaele's deep, velvety voice washes over me, sending an involuntary shiver down my spine. The bed dips as he settles beside me, but I keep my gaze fixed on the ceiling, unwilling to face him, too ashamed of how easily I had surrendered to him.A hand cups my chin, forcing me to look at him. His dark eyes soften the moment he sees the unshed tears clinging to my lashes. His brows knit together in concern, his