LOGINLEONARDO These past twelve days have been the most painfully slow and insufferable days of my life. I couldn't believe how empty and easily fucking agitated I felt as a result of her absence and now this lying bastard kneeling in front of me was getting on my last fucking nerve.I lit the cigarette in my hand, taking a long drag before puffing out the smoke.“You of all people should know better how this will end. But…” I took a long drag. “I'm feeling a bit generous today,” I said, letting the smoke swirl through my lips as I spoke.Two more fucking days and my woman will be right back in my arms, exactly where she belongs. “So I'm going to let you choose your death.”I managed to rise to my feet, using my walking stick as support while ignoring the dull ache that shot up through my spine.That bastard, Enzo. He fucking thought he could escape us after hoarding our shipments without being accountable but now, here he was, tied up to the floor like a cunt and pleading like a fuckin
TESSAThe music was much louder now than it was inside the car.I hadn't realized when Ella rounded the car till she looped her arm through mine, a wide smile on her face.“This is wild!” She laughed, clearly still amazed. “Look at all of this.”My gaze followed hers.The entire town square had been transformed into a display of colors and bright banners with people dressed in traditional costume and masquerade masks, dancing and moving in a procession.I couldn't help but stare. It was indeed a very beautiful sight.“Can we get closer? I want to see what's happening over there,” she said, pointing to a distance. Mum, dad and Jason came down from the car behind, looking fascinated by the view. Giovanni also alighted since the roads ahead were practically blocked due to the festival.We got closer, mixing with the crowd as they cheered loudly to the performance of some masked dancers in what looked like an elevated stage.“Oh crap. I think I forgot my phone in the car,” Ella said bes
TESSA They say you know you're falling when you can't stop thinking about someone. When they’re the first thought on your mind every morning and the last one you drift to sleep with each night.When you find yourself smiling to the sound of their voices and counting down the seconds left till you're able to hear them again.When you feel whole because they complete every broken piece you harbor. When you learn to accept them entirely, flaws and imperfections. With Leonardo, nothing else mattered. I didn't care about how absurd our relationship was, I didn't care about how dangerous his world was. I didn't care that feeling this way was like walking into a battlefield with no armour to shield me. All I cared about was him and these feelings he stirred up within me.It's been a week since my birthday and each day ever since, it felt like I was getting to know him much better.We'd talk for hours on call about the most random things, sometimes laughing till my stomach hurt.He loved
TESSA I took a shower and got dressed in a two-piece swimsuit I found among the numerous gifts on the bed, wrapping a knitted sarong round my waist and placing a straw hat on my head. I grabbed a pair of sunglasses and some sunscreen from one of the bags before heading out of the cabin. Following the spiral staircase, I came up to the upper sun deck, holding the railing for support as the wind blew through my hair. “And right here we have the birthday girl!” Ella squealed as she approached me, her left hand draped on my waist while her other hand held up her phone in front of us as a video was recording. “Hi,” I smiled, waving at the camera. “Happy birthday, sis. I love you so so much.” “Thank you,” I blushed as she kissed my cheek before turning to face the camera once more. “She's the best sister in the whole world and I'm so lucky she's mine,” She said and I saw some heart emojis go up on her phone. “Awwn,” I dramatically placed a hand on my chest. “That's really sweet. I'
TESSAOh. My. God.Was I dreaming?“Did I like my—?” I blinked rapidly, trying to register his question as I walked back to the windows. I had no idea I was holding my breath till my chest started to feel tight, but even at that, I feared to make even the faintest sound.I couldn't believe my eyes. “Leonardo… what's this?” I asked, my voice still hoarse from sleep as I flattened my palms on the window, my eyes still glued to the massive yacht floating on the ocean. He chuckled, the deep sound resonating through the phone speakers and sending tingles through my body. “It's my queen's birthday. I can't be there with you, but it doesn't mean I can't give you the best day,” he said, his voice smooth, making my knees weak.My heart felt full, excitement and longing crashing together in my chest. My eyes stung a bit at the sides. I'd never had anyone do something this grand for me. But Leonardo was really going out of his way to make so many experiences really special for me.“Leonardo…,”
TESSA My eyes fluttered open, adjusting to the sunlight spilling in through the full length windows that gave an exceptional view of the ocean below. The sounds of the ocean crashing against the shore and the melodic chirping of the birds filled the air, rhyming with the serene contentment I felt within. A wide smile made its way to my lips as memories of last night resurfaced in my mind. I bit on my lower lip to try to contain the excitement that flooded my chest. Everything felt perfect. Him, me, what we had between us— whatever that was, it was intoxicating. Never in a million years would I have allowed myself to be bold and daring in the way that I was last night but with him, things felt easier. He brought out a different version of myself. He made me feel okay with a lot of things, always taking what he wanted, but putting my needs and comfort first and I loved every second of it. I loved how I wasn't scared or ashamed to explore certain aspects of my life. It was ver
TESSA “Thank you for dessert.” My head spun at his words. Heat crept up to my cheeks. For a second, I felt amazed at how my body responded to his every touch. The way his hands and lips brought me to highs I never knew existed. But it terrified me. This was far from a fairytale. I was no Belle
TESSAMy heart leaped into my throat as the darkness consumed me.“Shit!” I half yelled as the knife slipped from my grip, making a clattering sound as it hit the ground. I squinted my eyes to see who it was although from the voice I already knew. It was Leonardo. “What's happening?” I asked him,
LEONARDO'S POV “I told you to bring her back in one piece, not bleeding all over the place!” My voice thundered. Her eyes met mine, glassy with tears, her face as pale as death. Blood everywhere, on her cheeks, palms, even on the blanket draped on her shoulders. Before I could say another wor
TESSA I barely had time to register what was going on when the other man rushed to my side, yanking me up to my feet. I screamed at the sound of a gunshot getting closer. “What's happening?” I panicked, my legs buckling beneath my weight. I got no response, instead he pulled me towards the door







