All Chapters of Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1): Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

“Lauren, are you there?” Jake's voice echoed through the loudspeaker, making me tense up. The entire environment was tense and I could feel Enzo's eyes on me as Jake talked. The tension between us was already high as we sat down together. I hesitated, clenching my phone tightly. Clearing my throat, I answered,“I'm here,” I said as I glanced at Enzo. “I was just about to call you.” “ Oh? What do you need? Are you in trouble?” Jake asked making me shake my head. “ I'm not in trouble. However, I do need your help with a friend of mine.” I said glancing at Enzo as I spoke. Enzo’s gaze darkened with curiosity, his fingers tapping lightly against the armrest. He didn’t say a word, but I could feel the silent warning in his posture. “A friend?” Jake’s voice sharpened. “What kind of trouble is he in?”“ It's a girl. She was arrested yesterday at the club and I need your help. Can you help me? We are already near the station.” I said, my voice firm despite the unease twisting in my stoma

ENZO“Drive!” I ordered, my voice lethal as I pulled out my gun.Staring at Lauren, I could see how frightened she was as she crouched down hiding. Motherf**kers. I was going to make them pay for ruining the mood.Carlos wasted no time stepping on the accelerator as bullets came at us. The windows were bulletproof but it didn’t stop them from shooting at us. Lauren screamed as the sound of the bullets hit the car window. They were doing their best to catch up with us. Staring at one of the shooters, my eyes narrowed as I searched for something I could use to identify him. Once I did, motherf**ker was dead. The city lights blurred past us as Carlos swerved through traffic, narrowly avoiding a collision. The car jerked, and Lauren let out a small gasp, her fingers gripping the leather seat. Her wide eyes met mine, filled with panic, but I had no time to reassure her. Not yet.“Stay down,” I ordered my voice firm, leaving no room for argument.I spotted another SUV in the middle of the r

The club was much louder than I expected. Sitting by the bar, I drowned the last contents of my glass before putting it down on the counter. The music was loud and there were a lot of people around but I didn’t care. All I could think about was Taylor’s face when she told me about the news of her pregnancy. She looked smug as she rubbed her belly back at the antique shop. It was obvious that she was there to mock me but I didn’t believe her. “You’re pregnant? Impossible.” I said staring at her. I didn’t trust Taylor at all. She was scheming, and annoying, and would do anything to get what she wanted. “You think because you didn’t get pregnant, Sylas was the one at fault? No, Lauren. You’re just the barren woman. You lied thinking that you could keep Sylas but mine is real…I’m pregnant.” Taylor taunted. The memory made me reach for the bottle pouring it so that the glass brimmed with whiskey. My fingers tightened around it as I fought the surge of emotions creeping up my throat. B

LAURENThe first strike hurt like hell.My eyes instantly teared up as I battled the pain. I turned back to look at Enzo. His face was unreadable but the strikes didn't stop. Unfortunately, I wasn't dressed in a way that could save me from the sting of the leather. Enzo continued, each strike worse than the last.“ This is what will happen every time you put yourself in danger. No matter what upsets you, you should never leave without your protection. Do you understand?” Enzo asked as he hit me again.Snap.A sharp gasp tore from my lips as the belt cracked against my skin again. The fire spread through me, hot and unrelenting. I clenched my teeth, refusing to give him the reaction he wanted. But my body betrayed me. My hands trembled and my breath hitched. I knew he saw it all yet he didn't stop.“ Answer me when I talk, gurriera. I hate having to repeat myself.” Enzo said.Another lash. My fingers curled into fists.I wanted to take it bravely. Show him that his threats and beatings

ENZO My eyes narrowed as I watched Lauren’s hand hovering over her phone. Seated in my car, I could see everything. The way she hesitated, the slight tremble in her fingers, the way Jake leaned in too close. And then he did it. His hand covered hers, a casual yet intimate gesture that made my grip tighten around the steering wheel. She should not be with him. Lauren was an expert at testing my patience. The way she had run out of the house and promised to take the men I had chosen to protect her yet she still ditched them, everything about her was tempting and frustrating at the same time. “Boss, he’s here,” Leonardo's voice pulled me out of my thoughts. My eyes flickered to the front of the hospital where Lauren had come out from. A red car pulled up in front and I watched as a man walked out from the hospital. He looked suspicious and was trying to hide his face as he walked out. “His name is Randall Cruz. He is the butler for the Riccardi family. He is also the one that we sus