Niko POV"She left!" I screamed out. Paul looked at me unfazed as a fit of rage coursed through my body. He knew something. My hand wrapped around his neck."Where is she?""I... don't know." He struggled to get out the words."Fuck!" I roared dropping him. He hit the ground coughing. "I want her found!" I ordered. "Your men are searching for her now. We haven't found anything yet though.""Why wasn't I notified the second she went missing?" I stared at Paul hard. He straighten his body, readying himself for the wrath I was about to bring down on him.He shrugged his shoulders. "Head start?" He replied with a cocky smile. My fist instantly connected with his jaw, dropping him back to the ground. "Put him in a cell." I was ready to kill him. I couldn't do that though. I have known Paul since he was born. He and Tommy were thick as thieves growing up. I couldn't kill him for protecting Viv."She is gone Niko. I don't know where or how, but I know she ran. She left this horrible life y
Vivian POVAmy and I made it on the bus just in time. I got to my apartment thankful it was untouched and my hidden key was still in a flower pot. Amy looked at me strangely as I dug through the dirt but it seemed like the best place to put it. I quickly got my ID and a few of my belongings.There was a picture by my bed of Tommy and me. His deep blue eyes looked at me like he was inside the frame watching over me. His large arms wrapped around my stomach and we smiled happily in the courtyard of our campus. My mind floated back to that day, remembering how we laughed all afternoon together. Paul joined us and he was the one to take the picture. I had one other frame with Tommy, Paul, and Danny. I never did get to see Danny again. He had a family so I was thankful he was left out of my drama. I couldn't let my mind wander to what punishment Niko was giving Paul for losing me. I turned the photos down then left this life for good. It was over and I would never have it again. Too much
Niko POVA week has gone by and still no leads. Vanessa's contact was able to trace her face at a bank, grocery store, and a gas station. She even stopped at her apartment and left with a small bag. I had my men raid her apartment and took all her things. She would come back to me and I would have all her belongings for her."There is something concerning about the bank transaction, Capo." Vanessa handed me the file in her hand then sat down. I should have sent her home but I had to admit she was taking a strong lead in finding Viv.I scanned over the file unsure why she was using a different name. "Marissa Vivian Sparks? That didn't make sense. Why would she change her name for school?""I don't know. I'm searching for a school record under this name but nothing has come up yet. Juvenile records are a little harder to get through without a warrant but we will have something soon.""It's been over a week. Even if she went home, I'm sure she left by now." I was losing hope of finding he
Vivian POVIt had been a little over three weeks and I was starting to feel like we were going to be ok. Amy and I started making friends, had school and work, and my aunt was softening to us some. She was still withdrawn and had plenty of backhanded comments to me, but I think she was enjoying a child in the house. She even seemed to be getting excited about my baby. The other day she showed me a room that had a small cove added to it. She thought it would be perfect for myself and a nursery for the baby. She suggested Amy take the room across from me and had a few ideas about color and themes. Amy was of course going to be pink, like the little princess she was, and for my baby boy, she thought planes would be appropriate. For the first time she spoke about my father. Filling me in about his passion to fly. I never knew he had a pilot's license before. He even had his own little plane that we took small family trips to remote islands too. I couldn't remember any of them though. It
Niko POVI paced my entry room still unable to make a decision. Roberto already called informing me he found Viv and she was on her way here. In less than ten minutes I would see her again and she was going to be pissed. I didn't fear her though. I feared what her fate was going to be. A quick death or long torturous one. Fuck, I can't kill her. How can I avoid her death without starting a fight among the families?I've already shown I care for her too much. They will know I was weak to a traitor. Why the fuck did it matter anyways? I could keep her here under lock and key like before. No! She was the blood of Marcusio and Grasso. She has to die. My fucking head hurt. I needed to make a fucking decision."Nikola, stop pacing!" Paul shouted."You're giving me orders?" I got right in his face. His attitude and temper was sending mine through the roof."She will be here any minute. You need to get your head straight.""Fuck!" I shouted, then started pacing again."Just put her in a cell
Vivian POVI laid in Greg's office for at least a day. I had no concept of time anymore. I couldn't allow myself to feel anything or the hard truth would come rushing back to me."Vivian, we should move you to your room. It would be more comfortable and we can clean up better." Paul spoke softly as he moved the hair from my face. I was on my side staring aimlessly at the wall."I don't want to move." I replied in barely a whisper."I know, V. If we can just clean up a little then you can lay back down. I promise just a little bit I need you to get up."I nodded ok, slowly lifting from the bed. My body felt like lead and my core felt achy. I winced, slowly moving off the table in just an oversized tshirt Paul gave me."I got you V." Paul whispered, picking me up bridal style.He walked out the door and a swarm of men were out there. Did Niko actually think I would run in the state I was in? As Paul walked further on I noticed them all following behind us."Why are there so many guards?"
Niko POVFor days I paced my floors, wearing out a clear line in the carpet. I didn't know what to do anymore. I closed myself off for so long I'm not even sure I can be anything but a beast, like Viv calls me.I walked the halls of my house, feeling everyone's hard glare on me. The look in my men's eyes were of disgust and I felt the same way about myself. Vivian has been here for months and I did nothing but try to put her under my thumb.She is a fierce woman with a compassionate heart that I should have never tried to silence. Viv could stare a beast in the eyes and tell me to fuck off, not even thinking twice about it. She didn't deserve this. I only knew I had a child after he was gone. She knew for weeks, if not months.I caught glimpses of her laying lifeless in her bed and I couldn't think of anything to do to help. I wanted her more than anything. I wanted to comfort her, mourn our lost child together, but I had no right to her anymore. I had so many opportunities to do right
Vivian POVI woke with all the people I loved piled in my bed and it gave me a spark to try and live today. I got in the shower, letting the steam roll away my sadness but nothing took away the pain in my heart. I just felt empty and helpless. My Aunt was on my bed reading to Amy while Dominick and Sophia shamelessly flirted with each other on my couch. They were cute together. "I was thinking... maybe we could get some food." I said with a small smile. I wasn't hungry but I needed to do the normal things again, like showering and eating. For now, I would concentrate on Amy, my friends, and finding out why my father caused such chaos. I hoped it would be enough to keep me up all day, but I also knew I could come to bed and cry to my heart's content too. No one put pressure on me to be ok, or to act in a certain way. Everyone was just there for me however I needed them. So, now I needed to try for them and maybe one day I'll want to do it for myself again. "Yes, that's a great idea.
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
Michael POVThe second my eyes opened again I grabbed Vinnie's phone to text him. It hadn't even been 48 hours since I woke up in this alternate universe and I was already stir crazy. I was not surviving months of bed rest.'Send me my doctor.' I texted.'It's almost midnight.' He replied.'Don't care. I need some steroids.' I tossed the phone to the side.It dinged again but I ignored his dumb comments about not needing any more rage in my blood.'Where's Lucy?' I texted back. She should be home, hopefully, this home and not her actual home. 'Safe and sound. I know how much she means to you.' He added a wink at the end and I wasn't sure if he meant because I was somehow obsessed with her, or because of the fake pregnancy.I got up, needing some fuel before I passed out again. The doctor was about to knock as I opened my door though. I stared him down like I wanted to eat his heart out. "You called for me, Capo." He said with a shaky voice. He was old, like really old. "Can you eve
Lucy POV"This is unbelievable." I shoved Vinnie off me. He was practically sitting in my lap in the back seat of the car."Michael told me to keep my eyes on you all night." His gaze swept over me, lingering at the slit down my chest like a creep."Michael will rip your eyes out if you keep looking at me like that." I clenched my fists in my lap."He'd never kill me," Vinnie shot back, smug.Paul sighed, clearly over it. "Removing your eyes wouldn't kill you. Enough games, Vinnie. We need to focus.""He should stay in the car," I snapped, shooting Paul a look that begged for backup. I hated Vinnie's childish, flirty attitude."Michael just woke up. Let's not piss him off yet," Paul muttered, flipping a page in the book he'd been pretending to read. He was tired of this charade too, but not enough to go against Viv's orders."What's the big deal anyway?" Vinnie asked. "It's a charity gala, not a war zone.""Michael has enemies. It's better to be ready than dead." Paul's tone stayed fl