LOGINGIOVANNI’S POVBefore I could stop myself, I grabbed the bottle and left my room. My feet carried me down the hallway, to the door I was avoiding for two months.Arya's room.The door creaked as I pushed it open and my gaze raked over the dimly lit space. Everything was exactly as she left it. The bed was made and the curtains were drawn with a faint scent of jasmine still lingering in the air.I stepped inside, closing the door behind me and the memories hit me all at once. Arya sitting on that bed, laughing at something I said. Arya brushing her hair at the vanity, catching my eye in the mirror and blushing. Arya curled up with a book, looking so peaceful I hadn't wanted to disturb her. Arya beneath me, gasping my name, looking at me like I was everything.I took another drink straight from the bottle then I moved to the bed and down. The mattress gave slightly under my weight.Without thinking, I leaned forward, pressing my face into her pillow. The jasmine scent was stronger he
GIOVANNI’S POV"To new beginnings," Signor Rossi raised his glass, his face creasing into a satisfied smile.I clinked my glass against his, the sound sharp and clear in the private dining room. "And profitable partnerships."We drank, sealing the deal we spent the last three hours negotiating. Rossi's distribution network in exchange for protection and a cut of the northern part of the city.It was a good arrangement, one that would help fill the gaps the Riveras had torn in our operations."You drive a hard bargain, De Santis," Rossi said, setting down his glass. "Your father would be proud. You've rebuilt what many thought was lost.""We're not rebuilt yet," I said with a shrug. "But we're getting there.""You’re too modest." He clapped me on the shoulder as he stood. "I look forward to working with you. My men will be in touch about the first shipment."I walked him to the door, maintaining the facade of the confident boss who had everything under control. The moment the door clo
GIOVANNI’S POVWe worked for another hour, and it felt almost normal again. "I'm heading out," I said finally, standing and immediately regretting it as my ribs protested. "Carlo's meeting me to go over the northern routes. We need to plug those holes before they get worse.""You sure you're up for this?" Enzo asked. "You got your ass kicked less than twenty-four hours ago."I shrugged, rearranging my limp hand in my cast. "I'm fine.""You're limping." He pointed out. "I said I'm fine." I grabbed my jacket, moving toward the door. "Call me if anything comes up with Genoa."Outside, Carlo was already waiting by the car, scrolling through his phone. He looked up when I approached, his eyes widening slightly at my battered face.He straightened immediately. "Boss. You okay?"I waved him off. "Fine. Let's go."The drive to the harbor took thirty minutes. Carlo talked the whole way about updates on shipments, concerns about Rivera activity in our territory, and questions about reassignme
GIOVANNI’S POV“Giovanni!” Someone else yelled, probably Alessio. I ignored him as well. This was what I wanted and Julio was finally giving it to me.He landed an uppercut that sent me staggering. My vision went dark at the edges. Then his knee caught me in the ribs, and I went down.The concrete was cold against my cheek. Boots appeared in my limited vision and someone was yelling. But the sounds got further away, like I was underwater.Finally, my eyes closed and everything stopped existing. I woke up to pain everywhere. My face felt stiff and my ribs screamed with each breath, even my fucking hair hurt.Blurry figures swam into focus. Alessio, leaning against a wall with his arms crossed. Enzo, sitting on the edge of... my bed? I was home?"Welcome back," Alessio said dryly. "Enjoy your nap?"I tried to sit up and immediately regretted it. Everything hurt worse than before."Easy," Enzo said, putting a hand on my shoulder. "You've got three cracked ribs, a concussion, and your
GIOVANNI’S POVThe Bologna warehouse was a fucking massacre.Blood pooled on the concrete floor, already turning brown at the edges. Three of our men lay where they fell, the shipment was gone. Millions of euros worth of product, just vanished into thin air.I stood in the center of it all, my bandaged hand throbbing, and felt nothing. "They knew exactly when to hit," Enzo said, crouching beside one of the bodies. "Which means either they've been watching us for weeks, or-""Or someone told them." I kicked an empty crate, sending it skidding across the floor. "Again."It always came back to Arya, didn't it? Even when she was gone, her betrayal kept destroying everything I built."Gio." Alessio's voice came from the entrance. I turned to see him picking his way through the debris, his expensive shoes somehow staying pristine despite the carnage. "Heard you had some trouble.""Nothing we can't handle," I said tersely.Alessio surveyed the scene. “Looks like more than trouble.”"The Ri
GIOVANNI’S POVI had to go to the doctor's office after two days of trying to get by with the injury. By yesterday, my left hand was so swollen and red that Enzo booked an appointment with the doctor before I could stop him. I sat on the examination table while Dr. Russo examined my hand. He whistled low. "This is bad, Mr. De Santis. Very bad.""Just fix it," I muttered.He probed gently, and I hissed through my teeth. "Two fractured metacarpals, possibly three with significant soft tissue damage.” He looked at me and shook his head. “You need X-rays to confirm, but I'd say you're looking at at least six weeks in a cast.""Fine. Do what you need to do."Dr. Russo worked in silence for a while, cleaning the wounds. When he finally started wrapping my hand in a proper splint and bandage, he cleared his throat."Mr. De Santis, I have to ask... how did this happen?"I shrugged. "Training accident.""Training." His tone was skeptical. I didn't answer.He secured the bandage with medic







