Mafia's Art of Love

Gabriel's POV Sighing as I held my mother's frail hand in the hospital, I wished she could wake up, look directly into my eyes and talk to me. The moment she was awake, she only said incomprehensible things.Growing up in a wealthy home where peace and love were just luxuries I couldn't afford, I had to watch my father's constant physical and emotional abuse on my mother. "She sustained a skull fracture leading to an increase in intracranial pressure and an internal bleeding. The outcomes could be dementia, seizures, disability or the worst possible fate; death." I could still recall the doctor's exact words the first day I took her to the hospital. That was after she had a serious head injury during one of her traumatizing incidents.Dealing with my troubled past and my damaged self, I knew I had to build a wall around myself by putting up a facade which was effortless because of the power and affluence I had. My involvement with the mafia was the perfect escape. It was much easie

Arielle's POVI rounded up my talk, took my pay, and it was finally time to end this disaster of a day. As soon as I got out of the gallery, the lights went off. Darkness and silence overwhelmed the environment around me. The only sound that could be heard was the clicking of my heels on the floor as I made my way to my car. I wasn't scared though. It was 9 pm. The night was still early. It wasn't the first time I'd be going home after everyone else.I was inserting my car key into its lock when I saw a reflection on my car window. Someone was at my back. Not just one person. They were two.My self defense instinct picked up. I fumbled into my bag and brought out a can of pepper spray. I always had my self defense kit in my bag, and was ready to defend myself anytime. With a quick turn, I sprayed it on their faces. I tried to unlock my car door and get in, but one of the men was quick to grab the car keys from me.I didn't bother struggling with him, and took to my heels, running

Arielle's POV "Why do you want me to be with him?" I asked my aunty immediately we stepped into our house."Luciano has been through a lot more than you can imagine. I see you as a light in his life. You're chatty, you're fun to be with. You can make him smile," she replied, putting up that pleading look that made me always listen to her.I shook my head in disagreement. "I can't, Aunt Linnie. He's rude. I can't even imagine being friends with him. I mean, he is so arrogant," I spoke with disgust."Why did you even agree to do this with him?""I bashed into his car this morning and since then, he hasn't let me be. He said it was a way to pay for the damage. Do you know that he insulted your car early this morning?""I don't know why you still carry that car around, making everyone think we can't afford anything.""It's my favourite, Aunt Linnie," I whined."That car should go to the scrap." She sighed and held my hands. "Don Marcello believes you can change his grandson. He dotes on

Arielle's POV Introducing my brothers formally; there's Eryx, the eldest at 26, who has become somewhat cold and detached. Then there's Maven, my favorite brother, a 24-year-old tech whiz who's absolutely fun to be with. And last but not least, there's Aiden, our youngest brother and the baby of the house, who's 19 and still in college. It felt great to be home. I had stayed a week with my family, bonding with everyone and sharing past experiences. No matter how much I tried to make Eryx budge and open up, he still carried on with the cold attitude. Once in a while, he would chip in with a joke but after a bout of laughter especially from me which now seemed exaggerated, he would be calm again like an iceberg. It was just like the youthful charm and childhood exuberance had been replaced with a sense of maturity and I was the only one left behind. Well, it wasn't that bad. We ran short of groceries in the house, and I decided to go shopping with one of my brothers. Maven was bus

Arielle's POV I came back from work, feeling excited and energetic. During all that time I worked at that art gallery in Italy, I had never felt this way. It had never been my passion to work as a secretary. I had always wanted to paint and create another world out of art.I was feeling very bubbly when I walked into the house, and I needed to tell someone about my day. The only person my mind signaled to was Maven. With a huge smile on my face, I rushed towards his room.Aiden was just coming out of his own room. "How was work?" He asked.I looked away from him. "You're too judgemental. I don't wanna talk to you about my day."He raised an eyebrow. "Where's that coming from?"I ignored him and stopped in front of Maven's room, holding the door handle. "I want to tell my favourite brother instead.""Wait, wait. I don't think you need to—"I interrupted, snapping my head towards him. "No, Aiden. Don't tell me what to do right now. I'm older than you.""Arielle, y...""Leave me alone,"