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E L L EMy mother was still apologizing for the date, and promised the next suitor would be better.I sighed and sat on the sofa, drinking a glass of wine."I swear, mom. If the next date is another jerk, I'm done. I will not waste my time on any of these assholes. I am a grown woman and can choose who I want and don't want to date. I do not need your help.""I understand that, honey. But, you can't possibly expect me to believe that you would never settle down and find a partner. You need a man in your life, honey. A husband. Someone to support you, and take care of you. You're not getting any younger, darling. You're almost 28, you should be thinking about settling down, getting married, having kids. This is your destiny.""Why does destiny have to involve a man, hmm? Why can't a woman live a happy, fulfilling life without the need of a man? Is that so wrong?""No, darling. But, that is the way of life. You need a man. All women need a man. You were made for him. Just as he was made
E L L EJames was punctual.I was impressed.He was already waiting in his car when I got out of my building.My mother was right about one thing. He was tall, and very handsome. He looked a little intimidating, and had a stern look on his face, as if he was angry or annoyed about something.Maybe it was just the way he looked.He got out of his car, dressed in a black suit, looking sharp."You must be Elle," he said, his voice a little deep."Yes, and you're James?""Yes, I am. It's nice to meet you.""Nice to meet you too," I smiled.He smiled, and offered his hand. I took it and we shook hands."Shall we?" He asked, gesturing to the car. I nodded.He walked over and opened the passenger door for me. "Thank you," I said, smiling at him."You're welcome," he smiled back.After he got in the driver's side, we were off."So, where are we going?""I booked a table at The Grand," he answered."Ooh, a fancy restaurant. I love the food there.""Me too," he chuckled.The car ride was quiet,
E L L EOne month had passed, and I was quite disappointed that I hadn't gotten a call or text from James.He had wanted us to go out more after the first date, but up until now, he hadn't contacted me. Maybe he didn't like the date and only agreed because he was too nice to tell me. I thought that our date was fine. I mean, we had a lot in common, so I thought that was a good thing. We both liked to read and write. We both were very creative people. I couldn't help but feel that he wasn't interested in me.I wasn't hurt by his lack of communication, but I thought I was at least making a progress with my life. Now I felt as if all the hard work I put into getting myself back out there was wasted. I didn't regret going on a date with him, but I also didn't want to date anyone else at the moment. I was willing to at least try with James, and it seemed as if he wasn't interested in me.Maybe he was too nice to say anything. Maybe he thought that was a polite thing to do. Or maybe he didn'
E L L EI saved his address and closed my phone. I couldn't believe I was doing this, but it was too late to back out now. I was going to have to meet James tomorrow and see where it went.I let out a sigh and got back to work. I tried not to think about what could happen, and just focus on my work. But, the anticipation and excitement was there, and it was hard to ignore. I didn't know what was in store for me, but I was ready for whatever it was.I was curious and a little nervous about meeting James at his house. But, I was also excited. It was a chance for me to get to know him better, and get my mom off my neck. I spent the rest of the day working on the new product line, trying not to think about my date with James. But, it was hard not to.After a long day at work, I headed home. I was excited to get some rest and relax before my date with James."How was your day, darling?" My mom said through the phone. "It was hectic, but it's always that way when we're preparing for a laun
E L L EMy body stilled and the blood drained from my face as I stared into the eyes of the man who had broken my heart.I didn't know how long j stood, staring at an equally shocked Sebastian, but eventually, James cleared his throat and broke the silence."Elle, this is my business partner, Sebastian. Sebastian, this is Elle, the woman I was telling you about," he said, introducing us."Nice to meet you," Sebastian said, his voice low and his eyes full of anger. I was thankful that he didn't tell James anything. He only played along and acted like he was also meeting me for the first time. Sebastian took my hands, his grip tight, and the tension was evident. His gaze was piercing and his jaw clenched. The air was thick with tension and I could feel my palms sweat."Nice to meet you too," I managed to say.James' phone rang and he excused himself, "Excuse me, give me a minute," he said, leaving Sebastian and me alone. We stared at each other, the air between us thick with tension and
E L L E"We need to get to know each other better before making any decisions. This is a fresh start for us, and I don't want either of us to get hurt. I would like to take this slow as possible, start off as friends and see if it could lead to something greater. But, I definitely wouldn't want to rush it." I finally said, waiting to see his reaction. "Are you saying you don't like me then?" James asked, his face falling."No, not at all. You're a great guy, James. But, we're both in vulnerable positions right now, and rushing into a relationship would not be wise. I don't want to be the rebound girl, and I don't want you to be the rebound guy. We deserve better than that. So, can we start off as friends and see where this goes?"It sounded like I was basically rejecting him, but the last thing I wanted to do was make any promises that I wouldn't be able to keep. Rushing into anything when my heart is a jumbled mess wouldn't be the smartest thing to do.James seemed to think about it
E L L EI was invited to dinner at my parent's house. My mom insisted because in her words, 'we are all too busy and haven't spent quality time together as a family.'My family wasn't big, which was the reason why my mother wanted grandkids, because Varian and I are all grown and didn't have as much free time as we used to have. She said the house was too quiet, and that we needed to get together more often.She didn't ask me about James, which surprised me. Normally, my mom would pry about my personal life and try to find out as much information as she could. But, I knew that topic would definitely come up during the dinner.I arrived at my parents' house, and the first thing I noticed was that Varian's car was already in the driveway. My younger brother was usually late to everything, so I was a bit surprised to see that he had beat me there.I parked my car and walked inside, the familiar scent of my mother's cooking hitting my nostrils. My mom loved to cook, and her food was always
E L L EI stared at the door, trying to figure out what to do. I wasn't sure if I should open it or not.What did Sebastian want?He had already caused enough problems, and the last thing I needed was more drama. I had no desire to speak with him, and I didn't know why he was at my door.Maybe he was drunk or something. Or was he in danger? I shook my head, not wanting to deal with him. "Elle, I know you're in there. Open the door." He kept banging on the door, and I was afraid he would wake up my neighbors.I took a deep breath and opened the door, my face set in a frown."What the hell do you want, Sebastian?" I asked, glaring at him.He was dressed in a suit, and he looked like he had just come from a business meeting. His hair was neatly combed, and his eyes were clear, not the slightest hint of drunkenness."I want to talk," he said, his tone serious."I have nothing to say to you. You've already said enough. Get out of here, and don't ever come back," I said, my voice filled w
G I O V A N N AI smiled, and put the phone away, before heading down the stairs with Sebastian who had also freshened up. He was wearing a gray shirt, and a pair of dark pants. We found Fabian seated at the dinner table, eating his food, and a maid served Sebastian and I our plates.I hadn't realized how hungry I was, so I dug in, and didn't stop eating, until my plate was empty.Sebastian also cleaned his plate, and the maid came to remove our plates. Fabian was looking at Sebastian with amusement, and I was curious as to what he was thinking."So, young man. What do you do for a living?""I'm a businessman, sir.""A businessman? That's interesting. What is it that you do?""Well, I own a lot of businesses, and have several investments around the world.""Ah, I see. Well, let's get straight into business, shall we? Sebastian, I need you to be prepared, because once we find Laura, she might not be the same girl you met and fell in love with. The kidnappers, they don't care about how
G I O V A N N AThe plane landed in Italy, and it was registered in my blood that I was back here again. Not for good this time.For a blood war. I was either going to return home alive with Laura, or I die trying to save her. But, it will take a whole village to think they could kill me.I was Giovanna Vause, a mafia princess, and daughter of a powerful mafia boss. And, the most notorious and feared one.My father's reputation preceded him, and his enemies feared him, and the power he had.He was ruthless and cold-blooded before he died, and me not taking over his empire was a matter of choice, because his blood ran through my body.Sebastian and I stepped out of the plane, and we were greeted by two men, both holding guns, and wearing the black suit that identified them as part of the Vause's Mafia Family."Miss Vause. We are happy to have you back home. I hope your flight was smooth.""Yes, it was. Thank you."He smiled, and then, he was looking at Sebastian. "Ma'am, we made prepar
E L L EMy heart rate went up as the doctor and nurses prepared me for labor. They gave me instructions, and told me what was going to happen.The doctor and the nurse put on their gloves, and the nurse helped me put my feet up in the stirrups, and the doctor positioned himself between my legs.I gripped Mikhail's hand tightly, and he held my hand, whispering words of encouragement."Alright, Elle. I want you to start pushing now. You can do it. Just push.""Come on, baby. Push. You can do it. Just listen to the doctor's orders. Listen, and do whatever he says. Everything is going to be just fine." Mikhail whispered comfortingly as he stroked my hair, giving me strength. I nodded, and bit down on my lip as I started pushing. It hurt so bad, but the thought of finally seeing my baby in the flesh gave me the strength I needed to keep going."The baby is crowning, Elle. Keep going. Keep pushing." "Come on, love. You're doing so great.""Baby's head is out. Alright, Elle. One more big p
E L L EBlood drained from my face as an excruciating pain hit the bottom of my belly, and blood rolled down my legs.My heart jumped in my chest as Mikhail flew to my side, and helped me off the bed."What's happening? I think something is wrong with the baby, Mikhail. I- I aah!" I screamed as the pain intensified, and I bent over, feeling lightheaded.Mikhail was talking to someone on the phone, and he was yelling, his voice panicked."Elle, love. Listen to me, okay. We have to go.""Where are we going?""To the hospital, love. We have to get you there. It's going to be okay.""O-o-k-kay," I managed to choke out.He picked me up, and carried me out of the house, and straight into the car.He strapped me in, and closed the door, getting in on the other side. He started the engine, and drove down the road."Is- is- the- the baby gonna be okay?" I said, watching the blood spread, and the pain increased."Yes, love. The baby is gonna be fine. Just hang in there, baby."I nodded, and clo
M I K H A I LAs the weeks flew by, we were getting closer and closer to Elle's due date. In two weeks time, she'd be entering the very last month of her pregnancy.And I've been angsty, Michael hasn't got much information on Emory, and we still have no idea where the threats were coming from, and what we were dealing with.Everything had been quiet, and there were no news. It was as if we had entered a state of limbo.A weird, calm, limbo.I wanted to be hopeful, but my gut was telling me that she was up to something, and whatever it was, wasn't good.And, I was right.Elle was at home, and safe, and I had decided to spend the day with her. She was in the kitchen, which I had frowned upon but she had insisted that she was craving 'Her' own food. She was making cookies, and I was watching her, and making sure she wasn't overdoing it.Her bump had gotten bigger, and she was looking more and more like a balloon.She was wearing a grey, oversized t-shirt, and black sweatpants, and her ha
G I O V A N N ASebastian left a couple of minutes ago, to go get ready for our flight tonight. I placed back and forth, tugging my hair in frustration.I should have known that allowing Laura go to Italy all on her own was a bad idea. But for some reason, she has insisted on nobody coming with her, which was quite suspicious, because everyone knows how much Laura hayes bring in Italy, because of the horrid memories it holds for her.Something was off, and I had no idea what it was.I could have insisted more on her to let Sebastian come with her, or maybe me. Or even, one of my trusted security men.But, she had refused, saying it was important that she was alone, and now, look what had happened.She was gone.With no trace of who had abducted her, and no single lead.I was losing my mind.I was worried sick, and had been calling non-stop, asking for updates, and I had none. Avery came up to me, stopping my movements. "Relax. You will find her."I groaned. "This is so frustrating. Th
S E B A S T I A NIt's been exactly twenty four hours of calling Laura's number non-stop, and no response.Something was wrong.Really, fucking, wrong.Laura had never missed a call from me, and especially since she had promised to keep communication open. I have dropped more than 300 missed calls, and several texts, yet no response.Where was she?The last text she had sent me was twenty six hours , telling me that the funeral was ongoing and she would facetime me when she gets back home. But, she didn't. Something was definitely wrong.My heart was pounding in my chest, and anxiety was slowly taking over. Where was she?I was having a really bad feeling about her, and I didn't know if I was worrying for nothing or my worries were indeed valid. Laura wouldn't intentionally ignore my calls, knowing I'm sick with worry.What if something happened to her?What if she was attacked?What if her father's funeral had taken a turn for the worse? What if someone was holding her captive?Or, w
L A U R AThe shot rang in my ears, and I watched in horror as blood spurted from Marco's mouth and his body slumped to the floor."What did you do?!" Bile rose in my throat as I watched the horrific sight in front of me, a cold shiver and a feeling of deja vu running through my body.I have seen Viktor take people's life like it was nothing too many times. He kills humans faster than he kills a mosquito. He has no compassion, no emotions, no remorse. He's a monster.If you think my father was horrible, Viktor is ten times worse than him. He's the devil incarnate."Why? Why did you do that? He was innocent.""What he deserved. No one, and I mean, no one, will ever defy me. If he can't do his job, he is useless. There's no use keeping a man who's a coward. I'll have to get another one who is not a pussy like Marco to get the job done, sí?"My mind ran fast, and I had to think of a way to convince him against this. "What's the point of allowing another man to touch what is yours? It's o
L A U R AI felt a pinch on my arm, and I snapped my head to the side, to watch Viktor piercing a needle in my arm."What the fuck are you doing?""This is going to help you relax. You're tense, and nervous, and I don't want you to make a scene. Not now. Not when we're so close to finally being together again. So, stop struggling, and enjoy the ride. You will get there, eventually."He injected the contents into my blood stream, and I watched him, and the man driving, as the world around me started spinning.And, the last thing I saw was Viktor's smiling face.A face that had haunted me every single day, and a face that was the last thing I had ever wanted to see again.It was a nightmare.I slumped on the seat, and blacked out."Wakey, wakey, sleeping beauty. Wake the fuck up. I've waited too long for this."I heard Viktor's voice, and I struggled to open my eyes. I blinked a few times, and the room came into focus.I was in a room, sitting in a chair, with my hands tied behind me, an