Niko POVToday felt like a never-ending saga of depression filled with guilt. Viv's Aunt's story replayed in my head over and over again. It was strange that I felt so much anger for a man I admired, still admire. My father was everything to me, yet he didn't protect the woman I love. He didn't know what Peter's child would come to mean to me, but she was still a child. An unborn child, like my son, who I failed. I clasped my father's watch to my wrist then looked away with a deep breath. I will always love and respect my father, but I won't make the same mistakes he did. Many generations ago our ancestor created these alliances not just for money and power, but for protection. No one was going to rule our families, no laws would bind us, and no government would push us down. We ran the world behind the scenes and lived a luxurious life. Overtime the greed became too much, allowing men like Grasso to have more power than he should had been allowed. Being a made-man once meant a duty
Vivian POVThe second the meeting began I could barely feel my body. I stood confidently by Niko's side truly believing he would protect me. As they discussed my father, then my own fate, it seemed surreal. Rarely did any of them glance my way. How could they so candidly discuss my life and not even bother to ask my opinion?I realized how powerful these families really were. They weren't vile humans pushing drugs and fucking whores. They were united as one to keep the children and grandchildren on top. To keep their bloodline above tyranny and above any other's rule. They were like a cult, but with more money than God. It was sickening yet alluring. So much power they held, so much good they could do.Niko spoke of my time with him and I felt his words. I never wanted to be here or with him. There were times I found happiness behind closed door with Niko, but not within this life. It wasn't all true though. I loved Sophia, Dominick, Paul, Marie, and even Gio was growing on me again. I
Niko POVI walked away from Viv's cell uneasy with her plan. I didn't like her down here or alone. What if something happened? What if someone tried to get to her? I walked to the first cell and laid in my suit on the thin metal bed. I wasn't leaving her. When she left next week, I wasn't sure how I would be able to stay away. I promised her freedom, but I feared I may turn into a stalker. After a short while I fell into a deep sleep. Even though we were in different cells and well, in a cell, I still felt a calm in my heart. She was home and although she would never be mine again, I felt the tension slowly lifting between us. She smiled at me, teased me, even talked to me. Viv didn't hate me, even though she should.I heard the door creak open and guessed Paul was coming to check on her. When I saw a tall woman slink by my curiosity was at a new high. This was what Viv was waiting for. Vanessa was coming to confess something important. There was an army of men at the door ready to
Niko POV"Come in." I grunted to the knocking at my door."Good Afternoon, Capo. You wanted to see me?" Vanessa walked in standing at the side of my desk."Yes, now that we have this mess settled, I wanted to speak to you about our arrangement." I didn't even look up from my papers as I spoke. The last thing I needed was to pretend I wanted this woman in front of me. "Of course. I have everything arranged and there is nothing you need to do. In a little over two months, we will be married." She slithered her way behind my chair, lightly sliding her fingers to my shoulders. "You have been so stressed Nikola. Let me help relieve all this pressure." She kneaded my shoulders and it actually felt really good. I have been stressed a lot lately."Hmm, I could use a good release." I closed my eyes allowing her fingers to dig deep into my muscles. "You have so much responsibility Capo. I can help.""You have helped Vanessa. I know many ways you've stood by my side. I even noticed how you choo
Vivian POVHe walked into the dining room in a black suit that was half a mess. Sleeves rolled up, top buttons undone, and hair ruffled. His muscles were throbbing, probably from all the tension in his body and it made my eyes walk over every inch of his skin. I don't know how and I don't know when, but something inside me just snapped into place about Niko. Maybe it was his vow, or how he looked at me like a mystical creature too far above him to even touch, or maybe it was his devotion to give me anything I ask of. All I knew was that somehow a brick wall came crashing down and now everything inside me flooded with emotions. Mostly, I just wanted to curl into his arms and hear his rough voice tell me it was all ok. I hadn't decided what it all meant though. I still wasn't sure if I could live this life or abide by their rules. I saw it all as barbaric and unfair. A few families with all this power. Niko killed Joseph, who was my half-brother, in his basement. He attacked Jonathan a
Niko POVI woke remembering the best dream where Viv was in my arms to find it was not a dream at all. She was really here. I put her to bed in her room despite wanting to carry her to my bed. Then in the middle of the night she came to me. "Good morning, beautiful." My voice was a bit raspy from sleep. I felt her body squirming awake and couldn't help but watch her body next to mine. "Good morning, beast." Her lips pulled a small smile, making everything inside me erupt in butterflies. "Did something happen or could you not resist me?" I teased. I was actually concerned something bad scared her. I can't imagine her leaving Amy's side if there was a threat though."I was just missing you and decided to crawl in your bed. Do you not want me here?""I always want you here." "I like being here with you." We didn't say anything else. I was afraid she would tell me she was still leaving and I couldn't handle that right now. We stayed in bed for at least an hour just cuddling each other
Vivian POVI walked downstairs with a smile on my face. I was nervous to go to his room last night, but now I was glad I did. He held me all night, spoke honestly, and he was even playful. Niko was my beast yet I've only seen him kneel to my ever demand since I returned. I knew in my heart I wanted to stay. My mind was still at odds with this decision though. I slowly opened my heart to him before and he ripped it wide open then stomped on it. Could he really change this much in such a short time? Could we make a real future together? I wasn't even sure what I wanted in my future anymore. Other than Amy, nothing in my life felt whole.The table was full of life at breakfast this morning. Everyone was chatting and joking around. I found myself tearing a few times watching all my friends laughing as I did too. This felt right. Niko didn't engage in much conversation, but he listened and he wasn't bruting. "Are you ready boss?" Paul asked as we finished eating. We sat there for over an
Niko POVRandy, Paul, and I arrived in Vegas by the late afternoon and I couldn't wait to get this over with. I had a long plan to cut off every one of his fingers, then peel his skin off his arms, then finally, leave him tied up as he bled out. Now I just wanted to walk in and put a bullet in his head so I could get back to Vivian. That fucking body was calling me every second of the day. I think I have a chance of taking it and I was here with this bullshit. I had to be the one to end him though. The families needed to understand that I was the Capo and I didn't take any orders or demands. Well, unless it was Viv giving them. Then I'll happily fulfill her every request. Especially in bed. Would she want me to take her to bed? "Capo!" Paul spoke my name in anger. My eyes stoned to pure evil as I faced him. "Sorry, boss. You were just standing there. The car is here." Paul coward down to my cold glare."Let's get this over with." Was all I could say as I got in the car. Fuck, I real
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