Novels by f.readss

Kiara's pov Being around Dante made me uneasy because his presence felt heavy. I found myself shrinking a little like my body was bracing for something it was taught to expect. Old instincts were waking up without my consent, telling me to stay alert, keep myself small and stay ready just in case. I subtly lifted my gaze to see him clicking away on his phone and I might as well have been invisible to him. That gave me the subtle confidence to excuse myself from the dining room claiming that Greta needed my assistance in the kitchen, which was a few feet away. He nodded without meeting my eyes and I took that as my cue to flee to literally anywhere else away from this intimidating man's presence. Greta eyed me knowingly when she saw me approach. She was like a mother to me taking the role of our caretaker after my mom passed away when I was five. “Mi vida, shouldn't you be keeping our guests company?” She said, faking a disapproving look. I let out a small laugh because she knew I w

Kiara's pov Seb was called for urgent business back in New Orleans and was leaving today in a few minutes. In the last few days, he was what I clinged to. He made my worst days bearable and drove away the loneliness that was woven into my being, even for just a little while. And now, he was leaving but I wasn't selfish enough to expect anything less so I pushed past the sadness and hugged my brother goodbye.“Oh how I'll miss you, kie. I was really hoping I could stay longer,” he said mid embrace“It's not your fault Seb I understand. But you can stay longer. I'm sure they'll manage without you for a few days,” I replied almost jokingly, although I'd be lying if I said there wasn't any truth to what I said. My brother's response to that was patting my head and with one last look, he climbed into his Audi and drove away. The air seemed to shift and a chill spread throughout my body. I knew who was there before even turning towards the looming presence. My father watched with a disappr

Dante’s povEveryone must be wondering what a guy like me is doing at a ballet recital. I stood at the corner watching, waiting in my charcoal suit and matte leather shoes. But what had people staring uneasily was the ghastly look on my face and my towering size. I didn't soften my face or attempt to seem approachable. I knew how people saw me and the way conversations stalled whenever I drew near. It was familiar, almost boring even, among the perks of being an enforcer for the Italian mafia. Most of these people had an inkling of who I was which I can confirm if I bothered to listen to their hushed whispers. Needless to say, they were not who I came here for. I arrived half an hour earlier to secure my usual spot at the deserted corner where I had the best view of my pretty ballerina on stage and I was well hidden from view. My leg bounced without me noticing. Every tick of the clock was louder than the last. The promise of what was coming filled me with anticipation and impatience.

Kiara's povThe music was blaring loudly through my headphones, drowning out every other sound around me. Notes collided and bounced into a chaotically melancholic melody. I swayed until my feet felt numb. It had been three or four hours since I started but I did not keep track of time. It was all a blur. The room was spinning with every turn I made but I refused to stop moving. I welcomed the pain because it kept the thoughts at bay. I relished in my solitude away from all and every civilization. I didn't want to be still enough to have the privilege of thinking. I wanted to stay suspended in this world of chaos and disarray. I wanted to be free from the world and its expectations of me.“Kiara, I've been knocking for almost five minutes. Can't you hear me?” My brother announces, slightly annoyed as he barges his way into our home dance studio.“Sorry, I had my headphones in and don't just barge in here next time, dude,” I mirror his annoyed expression. I did not play about my privac

Kiara's povNervousness engulfed my body like a second skin. It was all too much. The theatre lights felt too bright, I felt too exposed and the multiplying crowd felt suffocating. My hands shook as I smoothed down my skirt. My toes curled in my pointe shoes. I took a deep breath to calm my nerves and the throbbing heartbeat that threatened to evacuate my chest. It didn't help that my dad and brother were going to be among the crowd anticipating my performance. The thought that calmed my fraying nerves was the fact that there would also be another person in attendance. My heart fluttered and I suddenly started to feel warm despite the chilling temperature at the thought of him watching me like he always does.I didn't care about the hundreds gathered in the opera theatre as thoughts of him consumed my mind. In my mind, I was only performing for one person and that filled me with a sense of tranquility amid the chaos around me. My shoulders loosened and I stopped thinking about anythin