Novels by Bb_Anastacia

Chapter SevenWHY on earth did I argue with that man?That was the first thought that popped into Carlotta's head the moment she opened her eyes.If she really thought about it, she didn't even know Don Salvatorre. Meanwhile, Alessandro had probably rubbed elbows with the feared Don more than a few times. No wonder he carried such heavy resentment toward her future father-in-law.Future father-in-law, huh?The thought made her scowl. She climbed out of bed and stretched.She had eaten way too much the night before. Time to burn some of those calories—or she'd end up bloated again. She gained weight ridiculously fast

Chapter SixTWO hours out from the city, Alessandro turned onto a semi-rough road. At the end of the bumpy trail, a tall, broad-shouldered man opened the gate for them. As the car rolled in, Carlotta was greeted by the sight of a modern, sprawling bungalow surrounded by high fences.For a fleeting moment, a knot of fear twisted in her gut.What if this man had just been pretending? What if he wasn't really connected to the Galliardis and had only approached her to use her against them?Shit. Sometimes it sucks being a writer.Her mind went into overdrive, spiraling into every worst-case scenario. Why had she believed everythi

Chapter FiveCARLOTTA couldn't help but smile as vivid images of what was happening inside the stockroom played in her head. She was certain that if Belinda knew what she was thinking, she'd be accused of being a pervert. Good thing the stockroom walls were thick. Otherwise, the entire bar would be treated to some very special sound effects."Excuse me."Carlotta looked up at the sound of the deep baritone voice. She was already wearing the customary smile she reserved for customers. But her smile froze the moment her eyes landed on the man behind that oh-so-yummy, undress-me-baby voice. It felt like her panties had just snapped and were threatening to fall down around her ankles.Oh, my goodness, gracious, great balls of fire. Who is this man, and why are my ovaries in full-on meltdown mode?!"Hey." Snap, snap. The man clicked his fingers in front of her face.Her thoughts crash-landed back to earth."Y-yes?" she blinked, mortified that she'd just mentally undressed him in 4K resolut

Chapter Four"WHY?"Tyron flinched when the entire living room suddenly lit up as he stepped into the house."Carly? You nearly gave me a heart attack."Carlotta let out a sarcastic laugh."A heart attack? And what do you think my reaction was when I came face-to-face with Don Salvatorre's man?""Lower your voice. Papa might hear you," he warned, trying to keep his own voice down.She waited for him to come home. She asked Belinda for a night off so she could confront Tyron. And honestly, she had been seething with anger while waiting. This time, she wasn't going to hold back. This was too much, way too much. She had forgiven his past mistakes. But this last one? Even if he rotted in his grave, she still wouldn't be able to forgive him."Why?" she repeated, ignoring the way his eyes widened as if warning her to keep her voice down.She didn't care anymore, even if their parents found out. The more she kept covering up his mess, the worse he became. It was better that everything came t

Chapter Three"HELLO!"Don Salvatorre quickly pulled the receiver away from his ear at the almost shouted reply on the other end of the line."Giovanni, it's me--your father."He heard his son groan. Obviously, he wasn't pleased to hear his voice."What do you want?" Giovanni asked coldly."Un padre non può forse chiamare solo per sapere come sta suo figlio?" the don replied. Which means: Can't a father call just to check on his son?His son let out a hoarse, humorless laugh. "That's so unlike you, father. Stop beating around the bush and get to the point.""I found your bride.""You what?!""You heard me.""What the hell are you talking about?"The don nearly smiled, imagining the way his youngest son's brows must have drawn together."If you want the fifty percent share of Monarch Aviation International, I'm ready to hand it over to you. But in exchange, I want you to marry the woman I've chosen for you.""Is this some kind of joke?""A joke? Do you think I'd turn something this ser

Chapter TwoTWO months earlier...Carly stepped out of the taxi in front of a well-known casino, visibly flustered. As usual, her older brother Tyron had gotten himself into trouble again, and now she had to step in to keep him from ending up in jail. Or worse, buried six feet under.This has to be the last time, she told herself. But how many times had she already said that? Too many to count. No matter how badly he messed up, she could never bring herself to completely turn her back on him.Their father had long warned her to stop rescuing Tyron every time he landed in trouble. Let him suffer the consequences, he said, so he'd finally learn. She tried once. She left him overnight in a cell after he ran from gambling debts. But all it did was deepen his resentment toward her.Tyron had been angry with her since they were kids. She was only twelve when Papa Franz brought her home to live with them. She was technically his niece. Her biological mother who was Papa Franz's youngest sis