Vivian POVNiko just walked out like nothing happened. Why did I completely melt to him like that? He caught me off guard and I caved to him. The entire time I showered I thought of him and even considered pleasuring myself. Now I was thoroughly satisfied by the real monster and unsure how to feel about it. There was no denying I wanted to feel his hard body take mine as his again, but emotionally I couldn't handle it. I wasn't a weak woman that allowed a man to hurt me the many ways he did, then just give into him. I gathered myself then washed quickly and headed to bed. My body felt like blissful jelly and my mind was complete mush. I could internally smack myself tomorrow for letting him make me feel this good. The next morning Niko was grinning at breakfast. He told Vanessa to handle the business affairs for the next few days because he had more important matters to deal with. I didn't know what he meant by that, but I did hate that he relied on her so much. She was a clear remi
Vivian POVI gathered myself in the bathroom after having a good cry then walked out. I heard the kids chanting in the room next to me and the second the words became recognizable I ran to Amy.Three boys and four girls were surrounding her. Two of the boys had Zander held back as he tried to defend her. The one little snot nose brat got in Amy's face and spewed nothing but vile words to her. "You're nothing here. Just a bastard of our enemy. One day our Capo will rip your heart out, giving you a death a traitor deserves."Now, I don't believe in harming a child, ever, but I lost my shit. Call me over protective or call me emotional, but that little bitch was about to get her ass spanked. I grabbed the girl's ear rough in my fingers and dragged her out the room. I stood in the middle of the meeting room with all the adults and screamed. "Who the fuck does this spawn of Satan belong too?" Everyone's eyes diverted to me as I roughly tugged on a small child's ear as she cried for help."
Niko POVThe second my eyes caught Viv in a nearly see-through dress I almost lost it. My body instantly went to hers, needing to feel her every curve. Tonight, we were celebrating the end of the Grasso's reign and the heads of many families were present.They knew I was the Boss, but I still needed to be prepared for anything. Me standing there drooling over an outsider wouldn't look well in their eyes. My body didn't care once she was close though, and it made my mind spin out of control. She denied me yet again then walked off. I was getting tired of this game. At least she was jealous of Vanessa and that gave me some hope. Then I saw how Dennis immediately approached her once she was alone. Vanessa grabbed my arm into hers and led me over to them. In my rage for her denial and another man touching her I started building my walls stronger. She was trying to start trouble with Vanessa and I liked how worked up she got. I didn't realize I agreed to marry Vanessa though. She already
Niko POVA week went by with no disturbance. Vivian didn't complain, fight, or give me even a hint of attitude. She and Amy remained in her room most of the day, joining us every night for dinner. I didn't have any guests over because the hour we sat at the table was barely enough time with her. I wasn't going an entire day without her close to me. Conversations carried on around us, but I was lost in the morbid dark seas she surrounded me in. Vivian had no happiness in her face and she barely ate. I asked the staff to update me on her meals from breakfast and lunch and they said she eats about half her plate. Amy was also quiet. Whenever anyone spoke to her, she hid behind Viv who just rubbed her arm or caressed her hair. I couldn't stomach watching them this way, but I had no choice. Viv's outburst twisted my hand and I couldn't trust her around the families anymore. I thought of allowing her to return to work with Dennis, but I didn't like her alone with him either. Vanessa spent
Vivian POVAll week I was in a haze. Every morning I woke up running to the bathroom and I was positive I was pregnant. I never feared anything so much in my life.Niko showed me what little he could offer me and my child so I had no choice but to run. I contemplated a million ways all week and came up short every time. Once he said I could go back to work, a wave of relief washed over me. I didn't show any emotions to Niko and prayed this would be my way out. I needed a doctor, prenatal vitamins, and peace of mind... and I needed it soon. I figured out I must be diabetic from the pregnancy and been trying to keep my blood sugar levels stable. It was still hard to keep food down, but the dizzy spells were coming less often. I felt my body dip low in energy and I knew I needed something before I passed out. I walked downstairs searching for something that would help when I saw the orange juice. Perfect! I poured a glass and turned to head back upstairs when my vision blurred. I gripp
Vivian POVAmy and I arrived home and the first thing I did was change out of my heels. I hadn't worn them for so long in months and my feet were killing me. Amy also changed into sweatpants and t-shirt like me. We were becoming bums around the house with not much to do."Greg is here. Amy go with Mario somewhere." Niko ordered the second he walked in our room. Amy clutched to my side shaking. She was terrified of Niko."Hey, it's ok. Mario will protect you. I only need a little bit, just to make sure everything is ok." I looked at her sweetly hoping she calmed down."Are you sure you're ok? I don't want to lose you too." She sniffled back tears.I bent down hugging her. "I'm fine munchkin and the Doctor is going to make sure I stay that way. Why don't you grab a snack with Mario from Russel? He made fresh brownies for dessert since you did so good with school today.""He makes fresh brownies every day for me." She smiled."He does and it's because he adores you. Go get some while they
Niko POVI heard the doctor loud and clear. I wouldn't harm her, not even a rough tug. I knew he was trying to convey no rough sex and that was no problem. Viv barely let me touch her.I sighed walking back to the house with her next to me. My hand was spread across most of her back and even though I knew I should pull away, I couldn't. The doctor said she just needed some vitamins and medication, but I could feel something wasn't right with her. These last few months she crept into my soul and found a permanent space there that irked me to no end. She was the worst person to ever enter my life, yet I wouldn't change having her here. "Come upstairs with me." I tried making my voice sound less like an order but that was stretch for me."Why? I need to get Amy." I could see the panic in her eyes. She was either afraid of me or what might happen to the girl."Sophia is home. She has the girl playing with some other kid. She is fine." I reassured Viv as we stood at the bottom of the stai
Vivian POVThe way he cared for me had my body melting little by little. He made sure Amy was happy and safe then brought me upstairs to spoil me. This was the man I saw peek through his walls and the man I wanted. I knew it was temporary though. He was the Capo and had responsibility that didn't include me.I planned to leave in a week so just for today I let my walls down too. I could enjoy him while I had him. I could give myself good memories to hold on to for our son. He broke my heart yet filled me in a way I never knew existed."Get in here, beast!" I ordered him and his eyebrows perked up. He took off his shirt as he stood then started unbuckling his pants. He has been wearing more jeans and T-shirts lately. I like seeing him a little more relaxed at home."Are you giving me an order Viv?" He teased as he slid his pants and boxer down slowly. God his body was curved in pure perfection."Yes, and you better behave." I bit my lip, raking my eyes over every muscle upon muscle his
Michael POVThe tension from everyone around me was thick, and suffocating, but I had to ignore it. We all had our positions and if we didn't make every move exactly right we could all end up dead. Paul spent the next hour spreading whispers of betrayal, he conveyed his absolute disgust of my decisions to any that would hear. It would grab the attention of Niko's men and start a small riot within their ranks. Vinnie was the smart-ass jokester both unwaveringly loyal to me, and crazy enough to start a blood bath in my honor. Niko's men would never align with him, or trust him with a plan. But that would open the door for those disloyal within the Grasso's to take him under their wing. Amy played both sides by acting as the scared lost girl, someone tough who wanted revenge even at the cost of her life, but also someone who loved her brother dearly. She should be removed from all sides and none will be able to fully trust her. Last was Lucy, the one person in all this mess who was i
Michael POVI don't know what this woman was doing to me, but I didn't want it to stop. I needed her in a way I never needed anyone. She was always in the back of my mind, for months I found ways to single her out in my torment, but then it turned into something more, a touch, a kiss, a need. Now, since I woke from that night my whole world flipped upside down, I wanted her in a whole new way. "Help me get dressed?" I said casually as I grabbed my suit from the chair. Her dress was under mine and I couldn't wait to see her in it."Of course." Lucy jumped right up and followed me to the bathroom. I definitely didn't need help getting dressed, but I definitely needed to see her naked again."You like?" I watched her unzip the bag, revealing a sophisticated but sexy white dress. The neckline was to her collarbone, concealing those beautiful babies in her chest. I knew she didn't like revealing too much skin, and I preferred it that way too. I had enough jealousy swarming inside me with
Lucy POVThe moment I walked inside there was chaos everywhere. It seemed like hundreds of workers were renovating the house and I really just wanted some quiet. "I'll head upstairs. Maybe he won't wake until 3." I looked to Vinnie and Paul."I already sent him a text you were on your way because the dinosaur failed," Vinnie said and I closed my eyes. "Are you that afraid of him or just want us to get our asses handed to us?" I shot back at him. He was annoyingly loyal to Michael."Hey, I'm just doing my job. I don't need to get shot over this crap." Vinnie put his hands up in defense."No one is getting shot!" I yelled back, frustrated and so damn tired of this life. I half ran up the stairs, preparing my body for a fight that I didn't want to have. If I wanted to come home, I should be able to come home, and no one gets shot because of it.But the second I opened the door I froze. Michael was sound asleep in my bed, with no shirt or bandage over his long scar down his chest. I do
Lucy POV"Michael ordered you to stay in school. I can't bring you home until 3:00." Paul quickly followed behind me to the car."I don't care what Michael ordered. I'm not part of your world and he isn't my boss." I yelled back at him."Lucy!" He reprimanded me, grabbing my arm and guiding me into the car."I'm sorry." I took a deep breath. I knew of the dangers of defying Michael. Not that he would hurt me, but if others overhead. He can't look weak."Just take a moment then head back in." He tried to de-escalate my boiling tantrum. "I can't, Paul. I want to go home." A few tears slipped and the car got quiet."I know this is hard and not what you want," Paul said carefully, probably hoping not to make me cry more. "Once we weed out who is behind the attacks we can all go back to the life we want." I looked him over for a minute, sadness taking over that he too was sacrificing for Michael. "Do you miss Gio?" I asked softly."We've been by each other's side since we were kids." He
Lucy POVIt was strange being here, like it was a place I knew but didn't really remember. It wasn't too long ago that this was my norm. Monday through Friday I came to this building, gossiped, and joked with my friends. I went from class to class, worrying about nothing more than the next test or quiz.Now, it felt foreign. I didn't even remember what class I had during the fifth period. I was about to leave until I saw Zander in the hall. The second our eyes caught I felt a wave of relief. It was like my old life suddenly came rushing back to me."Hey, you came." He walked right up to me and hugged me tight in his arms. "It's been hell here without you." He admitted, squeezing me in his arms then let go. "High school was never all that much fun. I appreciate it though." I tuck my hair behind my ears, feeling a little out of place but comfortable now I found a friend."It was always better with you and..." he shrugged before finishing. "Is she here?" I looked around the halls. Ever
Amy POVAll morning my house was in an uproar. Paul fighting with Lucy to stay home, and Lucy fighting with me to go to school. I had really thought once Michael was awake we could ignore all the stupid rules and do what was needed. I knew he would need time to recover, but I didn't fully register how weak he would be. I wanted to ignore that too, but I didn't want to get my brother killed.I needed a new plan, a way to find Declan and give him the death he deserved. He killed my family, the only man I ever looked at as a father. I can't just sit here and do nothing. I can't just wait for Michael to heal and finish the job for me. I needed to act!"Why are you down here?" Dylan walked into the basement, holding a box of donuts and two coffees. "I can't just walk around school and pretend to be fine. There are threats everywhere, even here. Why do you think Paul refuses to let Lucy out of his sight?" I was pacing the floor like a caged animal. My nerves were fried and I was about to
Michael POV"Come in," I ordered."You needed me?" Paul walked in, looking unamused to be summoned."Take Lucy to school, and from now on, don't make a single order unless I approve it," I said, lying back down. A wave of exhaustion suddenly hit me."If that is what you think is best, boss." Paul had all attitude laced in his words. He was punk for a dinosaur."Do you have a problem with me becoming Capo, Paul? We can easily resolve it." I nodded to Vinnie who walked in behind him. He looked terrified and tried stepping back out the door. "Get in here!" I yelled at him.Lucy rushed out in an oversized shirt and baggy jeans. "What is happening?" She asked, looking at Paul and then Vinnie."Paul is going to take you to school and make sure you're safe. Right, Paul? You seem to like being attached to her side.""We have a meeting you called at 3:30." Paul clenched his jaw. "Unless you don't want your Second to attend. It would be a good way to make us look weak again.""Listen, Paul," V
Michael POVI was pissed I woke alone but determined to get over this whole recovery process. Two more doctors met me in the morning, neither having the solutions I wanted. "Did you get what I needed?" I asked Vinnie the second he walked into my room. "Wouldn't disobey my Capo." He mocked and threw a bag at me. "Want to bend over and I stick it in you." He chuckled.Both doctors gave me a concerned look but they could go to hell. "They are the professionals and it can go in my arm, jackass." I pulled out the bottle and ordered one of the doctors to come to me."That's not advised." He warned."Wasn't asking." I handed him the steroids and they gave each other a look. "I'll eat plenty of protein, take all my vitamins, and chug nothing other than water, but that can't be all. I need to recover faster. Steroids, facet injections, cortisol, whatever there is, I'm filling my body to the brim with it over the next three weeks. After that, I should be good with my own exercise regime to he
Michael POV"We needed to draw out the enemy outside the house." She replied, small tears slipping from her eyes."We? You aren't we. You are supposed to be in school. You will not go to another event. You will not take part in any of this..." I grunted, my hand releasing her arm, and grabbed my chest. I had her caged against the wall, but I was no threat."Michael, you should rest." Her hands came to my face, her touch so soft and gentle. "Rest?" I chuckled. "How can I rest when everyone around me has lost their minds?""I'm sorry. I was just trying to protect you." "Protect me? That's not how this works!""You can barely stand." She countered."Amy has already made it very clear that I'm weak. I don't need another lecture." I clenched my jaw, anger fading as I watched those eyes look over me. Concern, fear, maybe even love, staring at me."There's more power in my position than my body. You want to flush them out, then invite them in." I glared at her a moment, wanting to spew not