The lunch with his family dragged on painfully slow, feeling like an eternity of uncomfortable silences and forced smiles. The atmosphere was so tense, I thought I might actually have a panic attack right there at the table.Conversations were stilted and awkward, with every word feeling like it could ignite a powder keg of emotions. I tried to keep my cool, but the scrutiny from Vincenzo's family was suffocating. It was like they were dissecting me with their stares, leaving me feeling exposed and on edge.I barely touched my food, my appetite vanishing in the face of such palpable tension. Each minute felt like an hour, and I couldn't wait for the meal to end so I could escape the suffocating atmosphere.Vincenzo and his father seemed to have a relationship akin to that of a cat and a dog, constantly at odds with each other. As I observed their interactions, I couldn't help but wonder about the underlying dynamics that led Vincenzo to wish his father dead.Sure, his father appeared
His sarcastic chortle cut through the tension, and he turned away, his gaze distant and cold. "It seems like you've forgotten who I am, bellezza," he said, his voice icy. "I am a monster, and I've never regretted anything I've done in the past."His words echoed in my mind, a chilling reminder of the darkness that lurked within him. I couldn't shake the memory of the two men he had killed before my eyes, the images still haunting me, filling me with a deep-rooted fear. Yet, despite the terror that gripped me, there was a flicker of something else—hope.Hope that buried beneath the layers of darkness and violence, there might still be a glimmer of humanity, a shred of goodness left within him. It was a fragile hope, easily overshadowed by the weight of his words and actions, but it was there nonetheless, a beacon in the darkness that threatened to consume us both."I am aware," I asserted, my voice unwavering. "And since you and I are going to get married soon, isn't it only right for
18+ Everything happened so quickly, the air crackling with tension as his grip on my wrist tightened. Before I could fully comprehend what was happening, his lips crashed against mine with an intensity that left me reeling. My eyes widened in shock, the suddenness of his action catching me off guard. For a fleeting moment, I was frozen, my mind struggling to process the collision of emotions coursing through me—fear, confusion, and an inexplicable sense of desire that threatened to consume me. As his kiss deepened, a primal instinct took over, and I found myself responding with a fierce passion that matched his own. Despite the turmoil raging inside me, there was an undeniable pull—an electric connection that sparked between us, igniting a fire that burned hotter with each passing moment. "V-Vincenzo..." I moaned, unable to suppress the wave of desire that surged through me as his lips trailed down to my neck, leaving a trail of kisses, nibbles, and lingering sensations in their wa
I slowly opened my eyes to the sunlight streaming through the window, warming my face. Stretching lazily, I absorbed the peaceful morning glow flooding the room. Memories of last night seeped in, blending with the gentle dawn light. With a tired sigh, I sank into the warmth of the bed, cherishing the tranquil moment before the day's hustle and bustle began. As I savored the tranquility of the morning, a sudden movement caught my eye. Startled, I turned to see Vincenzo, clad only in a towel wrapped around his waist, stepping through the bathroom. My heart skipped a beat at the sight of him, his tousled hair and rugged features bathed in the soft morning light. The towel hung dangerously low on his hips, revealing the tantalizing contours of his sculpted physique, and I couldn't tear my gaze away. "Good morning, bellezza," he murmured, his voice husky with sleep as he approached the bed with a predatory grace. The air crackled with tension, charged with the unspoken desire that simm
For a moment, Vincenzo seemed taken aback, caught off guard by my unexpected request. His cold facade faltered, a flicker of surprise crossing his features before he quickly regained his composure."Why would I?" he asked, crossing his arms over his chest."Well, for starters, you caused these bruises in the first place," I retorted, feeling annoyed by his indifference."I sent your maid to do that," he uttered, his glare intensifying. "Besides, why are you ordering me around?""It's not ordering around! I am asking for a favor.""A favor, huh?" he mused, a smirk playing at his lips.I bit my lip, frustration bubbling inside me at his stubbornness. "Yes, a favor," I replied, trying to keep my tone even. "I just thought... well, since you're the reason for these bruises, you might as well take responsibility for them."Vincenzo's smirk widened, his gaze unwavering as he regarded me. "And what do I get in return for this favor?" he asked, his voice dripping with sarcasm.I rolled my eye
We ate in silence as the food arrived. Although delicious meals were a regular occurrence for me, dining in a 5-star restaurant made the experience feel extra special. As for Vincenzo, he remained quiet, elegantly chewing his meat while casting unsettling stares in my direction. I ignored his gaze, focusing instead on savoring my meal.Soon enough, the chef and other staff delivered a variety of dishes to our table, each one meticulously prepared. I couldn't help but be impressed by their attentiveness and hospitality. However, a nagging thought lingered in the back of my mind – were they genuinely accommodating, or simply wary of displeasing Vincenzo?Well, whatever the reason, I thought to myself, I'm just happy to experience this before I die.Vincenzo's voice cut through the silence, cold and precise. "Did you enjoy the food here?"I paused, taken aback by the sudden question. His gaze bore into me, demanding an answer."Yes," I replied cautiously, choosing my words carefully. "Th
As we made it back to the mansion, I couldn’t shake the memory of what had happened earlier. The attack lingered in my mind, the possibility of being killed still haunting me with every recollection. I understood that Vincenzo lived in a world vastly different from the norm; as a mafia, death was always lurking around him like a shadow. Yet, even with that knowledge, I couldn’t seem to acclimate to it. The idea of constantly living under the threat of violence unnerved me, and I wondered if I would ever be able to grow accustomed to it.I tried to push the thoughts aside as we entered the mansion, but they continued to gnaw at me like a persistent ache.Vincenzo's presence beside me offered some measure of comfort, his hand a reassuring weight on my shoulder as we walked through. But even his presence couldn't dispel the unease that settled in the pit of my stomach.I couldn't help but wonder what the future held for us. Would these attacks become a regular occurrence? Would I ever tr
Arcel rushed to me while I was in the garden. I have been staying and resting here since it’s the pace where I can actually be at ease. There were less guards here, less violence, and there were plants were refreshing, giving me a peace of mind.“Ma’am, you have received a call,” she said as she handed me the phone. It was my phone who were confiscated from me when I first got here. Though Vincenzo gave it back to me a week ago—right after the incident in the car.I took the phone, feeling curious and a bit nervous. Who could be calling me here? As I answered, I braced myself for whatever news might come.“Annizah, dear?” I heard a familiar voice of a woman, and I stopped when I realized who the caller was—it was my adoptive mother.“M-Mom?” I asked, suddenly feeling a knot in the pit of my stomach.I clenched my fists, trying to calm down the emotions I felt that was starting to overwhelm me. Ever since she made up that negotiation with Vincenzo to have me as a collateral, not once d