“Stop worrying, Jess, Toby is okay, he’s probably on one of his useless road trips.” My older sister, Joyce told me as she patted my cute three year old niece to sleep. Joyce was a lawyer, married to a handsome six figure earner. She was four years older and was more of a mom than a sister to me since we were kids.Our parents died when I was only four but luckily, we got adopted by Lola, our wonderful foster mom who lived in the outskirts of the city.“But it’s never been like this, he hasn’t called or texted for days.” I was really worried that something bad might have happened to my boyfriend.“You should seriously break up with this guy, he’s no good to you. When was the last time he took you out on date?” She asked and I couldn’t answer that because it’s been almost a year since we last went on a date.“Don’t say that Joyce, he’s a… great guy.” I tried to defend Toby. “You’ve caught him cheating twice, how is he a great guy?” She frowned.Joyce was a strict person, she was
I staggered backwards at the sound of the door unlocking and then the two men entered.One was weirdly huge and the other had an ugly scar on his left cheek. “She’s awake.” The one with a scar sniggered.“Let’s take her to the boss.” The huge one said as he prowled to me and suddenly ripped off the tape from my mouth.Ouch.“No! Wait! Stop!” I tried to wiggle out from his grip on my arm, wincing a little from the soreness around my mouth.“Shut up bitch!” Scarface snapped and dragged me to himself. He smelled of strong perfume and cigar.“I’d hit you but the boss said not to.”He told me with a wolfish grin, exposing a gold tooth.I was dragged to a dark lounge smelling of leather and cigarettes. Everything was mahogany and rich leather. There was a bar at the side and a snooker too.There were three men relaxing in the lounge. I easily figured out who the boss—Vincenzo was. He sat on the biggest leather couch, his large hand holding a tumbler of whisky or something. I took a
Toby was supposed to be just a rebound, someone to help me forget that I was dumped by a guy I thought was going to be my forever but instead, I fell in love with him more than he could ever love me. I paid for the dates, made efforts to meet up and the sex rarely happened because I didn’t enjoy it. It was all about him and never about me. He ditched movie nights that I’d plan for us and return in the wee hours of the morning drunk and annoying. He was always in one debt or the other and one time, I had to lie to Joyce to give me six hundred dollars so I could pay off some of his debts. I felt so stupid thinking about all I did just to save a useless relationship. Now, I was being held hostage all because I dated a stupid guy. I could literally hear Joyce scolding me in my mind. Toby and I were so done and I hoped I would eventually be released because I knew deep down that he wasn’t going to turn himself in just for my freedom, contrary to what Vincenzo or his dangerous gang may th
This had to be a dream. There was no way he just said that. I pinched myself severally to be sure I wasn’t dreaming and no, I wasn’t waking up from this. My heart was pounding so fast, I thought I would die of a heart attack. “How do you know I want that?” I asked, shivering a little, daring to hear his reply. He smiled and licked his enticing lips. “I see it in your eyes, bellissima. I see the way you look at me. You want something you know I’m very much capable of giving to you. You want a daddy and I can be your mafia daddy.” He told me and my whole system rearranged. He knew my darkest desires! I grew up with Daddy issues, wanting a man to care for and protect me. A man to provide for me, never letting me worry about anything in the world. A man to pamper me and give me endless orgasms. I wanted a father and a lover in one man. I wanted a Daddy. I’ve been scared to talk about my fantasies with the boys I dated. I didn’t want to seem weird about wanting to call
“I’m sorry, please, I’m sorry.” I kept whispering as Vincenzo pulled me out of the store and flung me into his limo. “Drive!” He growled his chauffeur . “To where sir?” “Just fucking drive!” He snapped and then forcefully pulled me into him, his eyes all fiery on mine. “Did you think I wouldn’t know my own phone was being slipped out of my pocket? I felt your tiny hand the second it went behind me.” He said with his harsh minty breath pouring on my face. “I’m really sorry, I just wanted to call my sister and my mom would be so worried and—.” I didn’t get to finish my statement before he shut me up with a kiss. Oh goodness, this man kisses were orgasmic. I felt the intensity all the way down there as he took my mouth hungrily like a depraved. man. He pressed a button beside us and the partition closed. “Lie across my laps.” He rasped against my lips, not even allowing me to recover from the mind blowing kiss he just gave me. “What?” I mumbled like I hadn’t heard him w
I have never been to a casino before but, the one Vincenzo took me to was just magnificent. It had everything and more with rich and powerful looking men everywhere.“This is nice, whoever it belongs to must be really rich.” I said to Vincenzo, astonished as I looked around the huge place while we walked further in.“Yeah. I am really rich.” He said and I whipped my gaze to him.“It’s yours?” I asked with wide eyes.“Yes and about four others.” He replied, casually as he settled us into a table.“Are you really a drug dealer?” The question was out before I could think of it. I watched his handsome face for an annoyed expression but there was none.“Do you really want to know?” He asked with a smirk. I thought for a moment and then shook my head no. “Hi boss. Good to see you.” A pretty red haired girl in black and white cooperate short dress was suddenly at our table with a menu.She eyed me a little before turning to smile at her boss.“Château Cheval Blanc.” Vincenzo said t
The sound of cars zooming into the compound jerked me out of deep thoughts. I was alone in the room, cast in darkness, waiting for Vincenzo to return. I was still in the white dress he bought me which was now tainted with blood—a man’s blood. I could still hear the starling sound of the gun shot that dropped him dead. I didn’t wait for ‘Mr Kill Everyone That Touches What’s Mine’ to come up to my room. Instead, I wrapped my tangled hair up and marched downstairs in anger. “Are you done shooting the whole of Chicago?” I asked on sight of him. His back was to me as he poured himself a drink from the bar. “Oh my god..” I gasped when he turned around. Blood everywhere. He looked like he’d tore those men limb from limb. He downed his entire drink and slammed the tumbler on the table. “Erica, go run me a bath.” He told the aged maid who was standing like a statue by the entrance. She nodded and left. I noticed how she wasn’t even surprised by the bloody look on her boss. He pro
A large room silhouetted in a dim red light. That was what I was standing in. My pulse was drumming in my ears as I looked around in utter devastation. Vincenzo had a red room. An actual red room properly equipped with some familiar and unfamiliar BDSM items. Catching my attention first was the red four poster bed, it looked so comfy and enticing. There were Chains, handcuffs, leather belts, whips and I had to squint hard to be sure of what was next to the gags--Packets of candy!“You have a red room.” I whispered to him like he wasn't aware.“Pleasure room.” He corrected but to me, it meant the same thing.He held my sweaty hand and took me further into the room.“This is how I give and take pleasure. I wanted to properly prepare you for it but it seems I’ve got an impatient little brat on my hands.” He glanced over at me, a dangerous look flashed in his hard eyes. “Are you up for it, vanilla girl?”Vanilla girl? Was that meant to be a rile up?I lifted a confident chin at him
I stared at the broken mirror, blood trickling down from its cracks. It was Darren's blood. He had punched the glass out of anger.Thankfully, I had turned off my phone before he did that, else Vincenzo would have taken the next flight to Maldives, and Darren would have been as good as dead.He made dinner—surprisingly. I was scared to touch my food, but he ate his as if he wasn't bothered by anything. Like hell he wasn't.“Darren, we need to talk,” I finally had the courage to break the silence.He sighed, ate his last piece of chicken, then turned to me. His face did not look good.“Is he the guy that owns you?” he suddenly asked, making me jump a little.He was referring to the statement Luca made. 'You have no idea who owns her'“He’s...” My voice trailed off as I realized who Vince actually was. He wasn’t some ex who worked in a company and had a dirt bike parked in his garage. He was the leader of the Black Cross Mafia, he was into illegal businesses, and I literally have PTSD f
He stood tall, well over six feet and hard muscles. He was wearing a dark shirt that hugged his broad upper body. He was in a pair of dark jeans too, a shade hung on his hair. He looked so much better than the last time I had seen him, his skin was tanned. There was no pain in his eyes now, just expressionless and a small smile tugging at his lips."You're here," I rasped, like it was unbelievable.His eyes took in my face and then my body, making me squirm a little and instinctively take a step back."Ouch. Was expecting a hug," he smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes.I stumbled forward and wrapped my arms around him, my body sank into his."I missed you so much, Jessica." His voice was low and dense, his hands by his side like he was afraid of touching me. Just his heartbeat booming in my ear."I missed you too," I sniffled. I took a moment to drink in his cozy scent before stepping away from him."Where have you been?" I asked."Las Vegas," he shrugged, looking around before retur
It was graduation day. The cheers from the auditorium still echoed in my ears as I stepped out, my black graduation gown fluttering around my knees and my cap slightly crooked from all the hugs and tears inside. The crowd swarmed around the steps of college, with families holding flowers, balloons, and signs that screamed, “You did it!” in bold letters.I turned, scanning the crowd for familiar faces—Joyce and my mom, they had texted that they were already here.“Jessie!” I heard Joyce call from the sidewalk. I squinted, and my lips spread into a wide smile at the sight of Joyce and my mom walking toward me."Mom!" I hurried to them, throwing my arms around my Mom.I didn’t get to see her regularly since Joyce and I moved away. Her presence here meant a lot."Oh, I'm so proud of you, mija." She squeezed me in her arms. We stayed like that for many seconds, my mom's hug could heal a broken soul and it was exactly what I needed."Auntie Jessie!" a little voice called from below. It was
Final week of college was filled with bittersweet moments. Having to say goodbye to an almost everyday schedule, also the cold feet of getting thrust into the world, and everyone would just expect you to do great. Either way, I was glad and eager to start a new phase. I visited the school libraries more—I’d definitely miss my favorite place in the whole school. I was more active in the literature clubs. I got large-size sodas before going home every day, and today, it was on the house—perks of being a lovely customer. "Hey there, pretty..." A car parked beside me. I looked through the rolled-down glass and almost dropped my soda. "Darren! What are you doing here?" I looked around like someone was already pointing a gun at him. He smiled, got down from his car, and swaggered to me. He looked charming in his work clothes, all business-like and handsome. "You've been avoiding my calls and texts, so I decided to come see you." He shrugged. I sighed, turning away with a blush on my
~~VINCENZO~~It's been eight fucking days since I packed for Italy, and yet, I was still lurking around Chicago because I couldn't stay away from her.What a hypocrite I was, sending Luca away to protect her and promising myself I'd leave too. He was gone, and I was still fucking here—stalking her like a fucking predator. And now, I got a slap right in the face—she fucked someone else. In his damn car.How I held myself from blowing out his brain the second he got into his penthouse was a mystery to me. Maybe it was the trauma of hearing her say those ugly words to me: I hate you.This anger and brutality in me was what she hated. So, I had to control it.I had to. I hated to do whatever it took to keep her safe and happy.And now, I was right behind the entrance to her living room. I came in through the back, minutes after her sister and her husband left for date night.I needed to see her. I knew I promised to stay away, but how could I fucking stay away when another man was inside
There was a white Porsche parked in Joyce's driveway. It had a huge red ribbon on it, some pink balloons and a bouquet of roses."What. The. Hell?" Joyce stood, arms folded in bewilderment.I was stunned, watching my birthday gift like it would disappear in a moment. I caught sight of the card hung in the screen. I picked it up and untied the tiny pink ribbon on it.It read:HAPPY BIRTHDAY MI AMORE— VOf course, it was him.Who else would it be?I remembered telling him I wanted my first car to be a white Porsche, and now that I had recently gotten my driver's license, it was the best gift ever!"We need to talk, Jessica," Joyce finally spoke after minutes of watching me fawn all over my new car.She was worried, and she had a good reason to be."Talk about what?" I took the flowers, heading back into the house. She was right behind me."Everything! This Vincenzo guy! I thought you were drunk and joking last night!" she said.I had dreaded this conversation, but it was long overdue."
Life changed so much. No drama. No danger. No pleasure. Just back to my old self. I moved in with Joyce, after a series of back and forth with her. My mom had also threatened to kill herself if I didn't. Everywhere I went, there was a tall man in all black and dark shades following me. I wasn't worried about that; I knew he was one of Vince's men. I had just three weeks left in college, and I had to make the most of it, but I was waist-deep in heartbreak, struggling to get by every day. I wanted to quit, but quitting was for losers, and I wasn't one. Life changed... but it continued. "Guess whose birthday is coming up soon?" Penny sing-sang, suddenly appearing behind me. I was getting some books from the library before heading home. "Oh, Penny, you still remember my birthday?" I groaned, not really enthusiastic about celebrating anything. "Of course! April 18th, 1999. Could never forget my favorite girl's birthday." She hugged me, and when I squeaked, she jumped off of me. "H
My eyes fluttered open to the sight of a cannula taped to my arm. I felt numb, my heart beating too slowly, like I was barely alive. I shifted slightly, and pain seared through my side, making me wince. That’s when the mattress dipped beside me and I felt someone sat next to me. “Cara,” came a gruff voice. I felt the strong, veiny arms next to me, trailing up to broad biceps and then— “Luca,” I whispered. My mouth was dry as sand. His lips twitched slightly and I noticed a cut there—actually, several cuts. His face was all battered and bruised. “What happened to you?” I asked. He looked like he’d just crawled out of hell. “I don’t have much time,” he rasped, shaking his head. His eyes, those big, tormented blue eyes, were filled with agony. “What do you mean?” My voice was hoarse, too weak. “When I was five, my father burned me with a hot rod…” His voice cracked. My brows drew together, confused by his sudden words. He lifted his shirt, revealing a dark, t
I was sat on Fabiano’s thick, sweaty thighs against my will. He had a gun pressed to my lower back, tracing slow, mocking circles with its cold tip. I couldn’t even cry. I was paralyzed with fear. Luca stood by the window, watching like a robot with no emotions. He wasn’t going to help me. Vince still hadn’t found me. I was really fucked this time. “Isn’t she pretty, Luca?” Fabiano said suddenly, shattering the suffocating silence. He blew a stream of hot cigar smoke across my bare arm, making me shiver. “You do know Vince is probably scouring the earth for her right now, right?” Luca’s eyes were locked on Fabiano like a hawk’s—unwavering. Fabiano hummed. Then he leaned in to place a soft kiss on my nape. I squirmed as goosebumps rippled across my skin. “Of course. She means the universe to him. But he knows better than to be reckless. Otherwise, I’ll—” He made a clicking sound with his tongue as he lifted the barrel against my neck. Luca sprang forward. “I’d