~~VINCENZO~~ I circled around Joyce's home, contemplating whether to stop by or not. I'd texted and called Jessica, but she hadn't replied to any. The only place she could’ve gone was Joyce’s. She didn’t have many people in her corner—not anymore. And I had already ruined too much to leave things as they were. I used to think staying away from her would make her heal, but if there's anything last night taught me, it was that she needed me, just like I needed her. By the time I pulled up in front of Joyce’s house, the sun was going down. I gripped my steering wheel, glaring at the mansion before me. It was the kind of house I'd want to grow old in with Jessica… and our kids. God, the thought made my chest tight. I hadn't even had the courage to ask her to marry me. But the thought was still there—sooner or later, she’d wear Daddy's diamond on her pretty fingers. I finally got down from my car, walked to the door, and knocked—hard. In a few seconds, Joyce opened the door. Her eyes
~~VINCENZO~~Jessica was gone. And I let her.Holding her back would only worsen her anger.I knew Bianca more than anyone. It was better to walk on eggshells around her. If she crashed out, there was no telling what she might do.And Jess had had enough bloodshed and pain in her life. If letting her go—even for a while—meant sparing her more, I’d damn my desires and do just that."Angelo?" A soft voice called from the door.I held the punching bag to my forehead, breathing heavily. I needed to let the steam out."What do you want, Bianca?" I bit out. Why wouldn’t she leave already?I couldn’t chase her out. She was my sister. But having her around was the most mentally draining thing."Are you mad at me?" she stepped in.I took in a long breath before turning around. My eyes widened, and I almost choked.She was in red lingerie. A fucking lingerie! One I bought for Jessica—to fuck her in. She had gone into my pleasure room. God help me."Bianca!" I grunted, turning away."What is it?
The smell of chicken and something spicy dragged me out of sleep. For a moment, I forgot I was at Vince's—it felt like a usual morning at Joyce's.I washed up and padded out of the room, still in Vince's tee and a pair of pink shorts. I yawned, stepping into the kitchen, but then I stopped right behind the island.Bianca.She was cooking and humming a soft tune like she was having the best morning of her life. She wore black silk pajamas, her black her in a messy bun.Where were all the maids?!"Hi, good morning," I decided to play nice. There was no need starting the morning like we were enemies.She turned slowly, and slithered eyes stared back at me."Can I help you?" she frowned. I had to admit—she's a beauty. Plain face and still giving great face card. I wasn't the jealous type, but Bianca stirred that ugly green feeling inside me."Um, saying good morning back wouldn’t hurt." I shrugged, my expression guarded. There was a knife next to her."And just who do you think you’re tal
"What is she doing here, Angelo?" I heard Bianca’s sharp voice cut through the silence like daggers.Vince let out a heavy sigh."Bianca." He growled, every letter a warning."She’s the reason Mama died!"I stood by the door, my bare feet cold against the wooden floor, eavesdropping on their conversation from the hallway. Vince had told me to wait in my room—but of course, I didn’t listen."I’m the reason Mama died! Me! Caesar killed Mama because of me!" Vince shouted, making gasp against the door.A thick silence followed, but my pulse thundered in my ears."You love her," Bianca stated, I heard the surprise in her voice."I do."I almost gasped. My heart soared in my chest. I wanted to burst into the room and kiss him—my Vince. He loved me. No high could ever match that feeling."What about me?" she whimpered."I love you too…" Vince said, but there was hesitation in his voice, and a heavy pause followed. "But as a sister.""No! I’m yours! I belong to you! Not her!"My skin prickled
I had to sneak out of the house like a grounded teenage girl heading to a party. Thankfully, it was already dark, and Joyce was with Noah. They were probably having a good night. Why did she get to have her back blown out, cuddled up by her man, while I had to deal with my depression alone?Vince had waited in the same spot I left him earlier. As soon as I slid into the car, his refreshing cologne hit me like nicotine."When did you get this?" he tugged at the dress I was wearing, his fingers brushing dangerously close to my nipples. My pussy clenched.I looked at him with hooded eyes. He was in a simple black tee, his biceps looked so edible, I had to lick my lips and just stare."Easy. Don’t make me fuck you before we get home," he warned, his hands cupping my breasts. I sucked in a breath when he gave them a squeeze.Home. He still called his place home, not my house."I don’t think I can wait that long," I shook my head, pouting."Oh yeah? You’re gonna have to wait. We can’t have
We sat quietly in his car—it was a new one, or maybe just one I hadn't seen before.He was visibly thinner, looking almost like the average big guy that fixes cars or ride dirt bikes. Like he was normal, just like I wanted."How's your wound?" I broke the silence.He didn't respond for nearly a minute, every second agitated me."Better," he finally replied.I looked at him; his face was lean, pain evident in his eyes."And the hurt?" My heart skittered at my own question.Vince's Adam's apple bobbed."Still there," he whispered.My chin wobbled as I felt a pang of pain—both mine and his.Lola was no more. I felt like a hypocrite missing her. Vince must miss her a lot more."How's your work here?" The way his voice dipped into that deep, commanding tone made me squirm in my seat.He saw it. He saw the moment the air shifted. It was like he didn’t know the extent of the effect he had on me—I didn’t know either. He was a Daddy more than he thought he was."Good," I swallowed, licking my