Novel-novel oleh Nikky Mathew

A New GamePyotrThe air in Antonio's estate courtyard was still warm from the afternoon sun, it felt different after the wedding ceremony. I watched Elisa and Antonio move among their guests, they were both the picture of happiness. Their love was strong and undeniable, a rare occurrence, and I respected it, even if I didn't fully understand it. My own path was clearer, and simpler.I had stayed long enough to offer my congratulations to the couple, it was a matter of courtesy, and also a clear signal to Antonio. Our alliance was now confirmed by the shared moment of both war and peace, but everything was quiet now, so my work here was nearly done.I found Antonio near a fountain, speaking with David, they were already discussing the new power dynamics in Sicily. Antonio listened, a calm authority in his posture."Antonio," I said, stepping forward, both men turned to me.Antonio offered a slight nod. "Pyotr, thank you for coming.""The wedding was... well organized," I stated. "A

A New BeginningElisa Six weeks had passed since the fight against Marco Bianchi. The estate, which had buzzed with tension and men moving around before, was now quiet. The smell of gunpowder had faded, replaced by the scent of jasmine from the gardens, it was a strange kind of peace, one that we earned, but it was still fragile. Antonio had spent every day dealing with the fallout, rebuilding and securing alliances. The old world was gone, and a new one was slowly taking its place.Today, there was no talk of enemies or strategies, today was about us, today, Antonio and I were getting married.I stood in front of a tall mirror in our bedroom, the afternoon light streaming through the window. My dress was simple, made of soft ivory silk, it hung gracefully on my body, it wasn't tight, letting me move freely and letting my belly which was now very obvious, space. There was very little jewelry, just one of my mother's diamonds on my ears, which I got from the vault where Antonio st

The End of an EraElisa Marco's words hung in the air, cold and heavy, he had just laid bare the truth of my past and of Antonio's past. My entire family, gone, not for some random act of violence, but as a calculated move in his twisted game for power. The clarity was painful, but it hardened my mind. He thought he had trapped us, but he had only fueled our hatred and zeal to destroy him.Antonio moved first, his hand still on his gun, but his eyes blazing with fury and his face was a mask of determination. Pyotr and his men, ever watchful, shifted, weapons ready. Marco's remaining guards moved to shield him, the bunker, which had felt like a secret chamber of truth just a moment ago, was about to become a tomb now."You thought we fell into your trap, Marco," Antonio said, his voice a low growl, "but you are the one that was caught today, your reign ends now."Marco simply smiled, it was an arrogant grin. "Do you think so, Antonio? Do you really think you can take me down, end

The Truth UnveiledElisaMarco Bianchi stood before us, untouched by the chaos of the battle that had torn his compound apart. The flickering lights of the bunker cast long shadows, but they didn’t hide the cold arrogance in his eyes. He wasn't afraid, he was looking down on us, a small, knowing smile on his face. This was the man who had ordered my family killed, who had used Pietro to mold me into the assassin I was, and he had destroyed Antonio's life. Hatred, cold and sharp, coiled in my gut.Antonio now stood beside me, his body rigid, his hand tight on his gun. I could feel his hatred, a silent force beside my own, his eyes were locked on Marco."Antonio," Marco said, his voice calm, cutting through the silence. "You've made quite a mess in my house, and all for what, a personal vendetta? You are so... predictable." His words were like a slow poison.Antonio didn't reply, his jaw was tight, his face a mask of stone, he wasn't going to give Marco the satisfaction of a reac

Face to Face with the DevilAntonio The darkness clung to the hills of Tuscany, heavy and cold, it was the deepest part of the night, just hours before dawn. The air tasted of damp earth and the tense anticipation of what was coming. I stood at the head of our combined forces with Pyotr, looking at the silent faces of my men. My close captains, Matteo and Ricky, were solid walls of muscle beside me, Pyotr’s men, a quiet, efficient unit, were already in position. And David ’s maps folded tight in my pocket, had shown us the weaknesses in Marco Bianchi’s compound, now, it was time to use them.This wasn't just another battle of wit and strength, this was the final push, this was for everything. My father, Elisa’s family, was wiped out by Marco's orders. This was the end of a long, bloody path, I gripped my rifle, the cold metal a familiar comfort.Elisa walked up beside me, she looked tired, but her eyes held a fire I knew well. She didn't say anything, just put her hand on my arm

The Eve of BattleElisaThe air in our private room inside the estate felt heavy, it was thick with unspoken thoughts. Tomorrow, the true fight began, we were bringing the war to Marco's doorstep.The house was quiet, too quiet for the number of men moving through its halls, preparing. Every soldier's face held a grim resolve, mirroring the tension in the air.I found Antonio in our bedroom, standing by the large window overlooking the darkened Sicilian hills. The moon cast long shadows across the olive groves, and a cool breeze swept through the open glass. He wasn't looking at the view, though, he was staring out, his mind miles away, already on the battlefield. He was lost in thought, burdened by the weight of the coming fight.I walked to him quietly, my steps soft on the marble floor, and I slipped my arms around his waist from behind, resting my head against his broad back. I could feel the tension in his muscles, hard and unyielding. Even now, in what should be a moment of

Michael's POV By the time the building emptied out at 5pm, I had been staring at the same file for ten minutes without reading a single sentence.The lights in my office were dimmed automatically during late hours, casting everything in a muted glow that usually helped me focus, but tonight, it did nothing. My tie felt too tight against my throat, my collar stiff in a way that made me aware of every breath I took. I should have taken it off an hour ago but I didn’t, because I wanted to appear professional in all the meetings I had.I told myself it was just another late night. I’d had hundreds of them over the years. Nights where work followed me home, where sleep was optional and discipline carried me through. Today should have been no different, but it was.I heard footsteps before I registered the sound of knocking on my office door. It was soft and controlled, I thought I was the only one remaining in the building, that everyone else had left for the day.“Come in,” I said, my

Kelly's POVThe park smelled like cut grass and sunscreen, the kind of late-afternoon air that made the city feel softer than it really was. I spread the blanket out under a wide oak tree, while Hope rummaged through the picnic basket like she was preparing for a small famine instead of a casual hangout.“You brought three kinds of hummus?” I asked, watching her line them up with exaggerated care.“Different moods require different textures, Kelly,” she replied without looking up. “Also, have you forgotten that Tessa stress-eats?”“Oh! That's true. You know it's been a really long time, so…” I said, as I thought about our friend who we met at college on orientation day, and from then on, the three of us had been thick as thieves. Until Tessa moved to Los Angeles with her college boyfriend five years ago and they got engaged three years later.“I was shocked when she told us she was back in Seattle. Do you think something happened? I asked her."I really don't know, that is while I p

Michael's POV I got to Owen’s penthouse a few minutes early, an action I knew he would claim as a personal insult to him. The elevator opens into his living room, and the place was already bright and loud, like it’s been waiting for an audience. Music hums from hidden speakers, and floor-to-ceiling windows show the city spread out in gold and steel.Owen appeared from the kitchen with two wine glasses in one hand and a dish towel over his shoulder, as if he’s been doing actual work. His grin is wide and unearned.“You’re early, Why?” he says. “Are you sick? Blink twice if you need medical attention.”“Try again,” I answered, setting my coat on the coat closet, at the entrance of his living room. “Some of us can manage time like functioning adults.”Scott steps out behind him, sleeves rolled to the elbow, looking responsible as always, and he carries a tray of appetizers Owen clearly did not help prepare.“Don’t mind his sorry ass, Mike. He’s been in here threatening the stove,” Sco

Kelly's POV I didn’t expect the day to start with me in Michael's car and him sitting silently beside me on the way to a meeting. I expected him to be a bit talkative and asked questions about the documents and files I prepared for the meeting, which was what he normally does. But today he felt locked up in a way that told me he wasn't in the mood to be messed with. His hand rested against his leg, fingers drumming now and then, the only sign that the calm expression on his face wasn’t revealing the whole picture.The location for the meeting came into view quickly, and it was ANTONIO’S. An expensive restaurant in a tall building of dark glass and steel, its entrance framed by deep green awnings. It looked even more expensive up close as the car came to a stop in front of it. When we stepped out, a valet rushed forward, giving Michael a half-bow that made me instantly self conscious. Michael always drew that kind of respectful and commanding attention without even trying. But

Michael’s POV Ryder texted me around the time I left work, which was at five in the evening. He was asking if I was “alive, functional, and wanted to meet for a drink.” I ignored the message and refused to answer, but by eight, I was restless and bored in my penthouse; there was nothing to do, and I didn't want to be alone at the moment. So I finally sent him a short reply, grabbed my jacket, and called my driver. It wasn’t just about wanting company, it was also because I wanted my thoughts to shut the hell up for one night. The driver dropped me in front of a high-end lounge downtown, the kind of place with tinted windows, warm gold lighting, and music low enough that people with money could pretend they were relaxed. Ryder was leaning against the entrance rail, hands in his pockets, looking like he had just come from a gym session, instead of spending a day in his office when I walked in. He spotted me immediately, and he didn't waste time to insult me “There he is,” he

Kelly's POV I got to the office earlier than usual that morning, because I didn’t want to sit in my apartment overthinking the week ahead.The office floor was quiet, the lights were low and there was no chatter. There was no coffee machine screaming for survival and I liked it that way, because I needed the silence, as I wasn't in the mood to talk to anyone.I’d just set my bag down and turned on my desk lamp when I felt him walk in, before I saw him. Because he had that quiet shift in the air, the kind of presence that didn’t need sound.Michael walked in, and he stopped just inside the doorway like he hadn’t expected to see me there that early. For a second, neither of us moved. We didn’t smile nor did we greet one another, we just looked at each other.And then he crossed the room and slid a folder onto my desk.“I need these handled today,” he said.I nodded. “I’ll start right away.”But he continued standing there, which was a strange act.He didn’t move, didn’t speak. Inste