~~LUCA~~ They were back together. Imagine that. I was right at the corner of her apartment, watching them in his car for more than an hour. I wondered if they had sex. I couldn’t see because the windows were tinted. Also, he spent the night. He actually slept over. For the first time, I thought of hurting my brother. The next morning, I waited outside her classroom door, needing—no, craving—a conversation we should’ve had long ago. As the students poured out, I braced myself for the sight of her. “Luca,” she gasped when she saw me, startled like she’d seen a ghost. She looked so pure. So virginal in that soft white dress. Vince bought that dress. I knew his taste—classy and expensive. “You don’t reply to my calls or texts anymore,” I said, my voice tight. I tried hiding all the hurt I felt from last night. “School. It’s just school. Too many classes,” she replied, breathless. “Not Vince?” I asked, eyeing her. I wished she would just tell the truth. “
I gasped, breath filling my lungs as I regained consciousness. I was on a soft bed, a four-poster pink bed. I looked around and noticed I was in a bright room. Nice furniture, white curtains. The air was fresh and citrusy. It reminded me of home. “Cara?” a familiar voice called from the direction of the door. It was half open, dark curly hair peering in. “Luca?” I squinted. He stepped inside, a glass of water in his hand. He was in a clean white shirt and black sweatpants. He looked like any nice, handsome guy. An image of him staring down at me as I went unconscious flashed through my mind. He drugged me! “What is this!? What’s happening?” I scurried out of the bed. I staggered a little as my head ached and my vision blurred. “Calm down, Cara—” He reached for me. “Don’t…” I stopped him. I could barely stand; I felt all weak. My head was spinning, so I had to sit on the chair behind me. “What did you do to me?” “I helped you,” he nodded. His eyes were stra
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
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
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
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."
~~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
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
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
I gasped, breath filling my lungs as I regained consciousness. I was on a soft bed, a four-poster pink bed. I looked around and noticed I was in a bright room. Nice furniture, white curtains. The air was fresh and citrusy. It reminded me of home. “Cara?” a familiar voice called from the direction of the door. It was half open, dark curly hair peering in. “Luca?” I squinted. He stepped inside, a glass of water in his hand. He was in a clean white shirt and black sweatpants. He looked like any nice, handsome guy. An image of him staring down at me as I went unconscious flashed through my mind. He drugged me! “What is this!? What’s happening?” I scurried out of the bed. I staggered a little as my head ached and my vision blurred. “Calm down, Cara—” He reached for me. “Don’t…” I stopped him. I could barely stand; I felt all weak. My head was spinning, so I had to sit on the chair behind me. “What did you do to me?” “I helped you,” he nodded. His eyes were stra