Ava Parker, the daughter of a notorious American mafia family, is about to marry Riccardo De Lucca, her late sister’s fiancé. He’s the guy she’s secretly loved since the first moment she saw him ten years ago when she was only fourteen years old. After two years apart, she’s shocked to find he’s not the same man she fell for. The Riccardo in front of her is a ruthless figure, ready to turn her life into a nightmare. All she’s ever wanted is to break free. Living in her sister’s shadow has never been easy for her. But fate has other plans for her so it seems. Riccardo has his own reasons for wanting to marry Ava. He’s out for revenge against those who caused his fiancée's death and is willing to go to any lengths to achieve it, even if it means hurting the wrong person. He always thought Ava was meek, but he quickly discovers there’s a fiery spirit in her that drives him wild. As the barriers between them start to crumble, their connection becomes something neither can control. Ava has to navigate the dangerous world of the mafia while grappling with her undeniable attraction to the man she vowed to never love again. And Riccardo? He’s determined to claim her completely—body, mind, and soul.
View MoreAva Packing. I can't believe something so straightforward could really test my patience. "Why won't you just tell me where we're going?" I asked for what felt like the hundredth time, turning to Riccardo with my hands on my hips. He was perched on the edge of the bed, arms crossed, a playful smirk dancing on his lips. His dark blue eyes twinkled with mischief as he leaned back, looking like he had all the time in the world. "Because, baby, it's a surprise," he replied smoothly, his voice oozing that infuriating calmness he always had. I let out a frustrated groan, tossing a bunch of dresses into the suitcase. "How am I supposed to pack if I don’t even know where we’re headed? What if it’s cold? Or—" "It’s not cold," he cut in, standing up and crossing the room in just two strides. He placed his hands on my shoulders, his touch steadying. "Just pack light. Dresses, bikinis, and—" His lips curled into a cheeky grin. "Maybe some lingerie. I smacked his arm, but I could feel the he
Riccardo The morning sun streamed through the sheer curtains in our bedroom, creating a gentle light throughout the space. Ava was curled up on her side, her red hair spread out on the pillow, one hand protectively resting on the slight curve of her belly. She had finally returned to our room, where she truly belongs. My wife. My kids. My family. It was a sight that took my breath away every single time—her, serene and glowing, completely oblivious to the whirlwind of feelings she ignited in me. For someone like me, who had constructed his life around control and structure, she was the only one capable of unraveling me. I had been awake for hours, my mind racing with plans for the day. The ultrasound, telling Bento, and the surprise getaway I had set up to give us some quality time before the baby arrived. Life was speeding by, and I wanted to ensure Ava knew just how profoundly she had impacted mine. I crept closer, my steps quiet on the hardwood floor. Leaning down, I tucked a str
Ava His gaze softens, and I notice a flicker in his eyes—something warm, something I didn't see coming. His lips form the tiniest smile, and my heart skips a beat. "Amore mio," he whispers, his voice heavy with feeling, "this is... this is the best news I've ever received..." The relief washes over me like a tidal wave. I never thought he would respond like this. I didn't expect such calmness, such understanding. The fear that had been eating away at me for days—weeks, even—dissipates, replaced by something I never dared to hope for: acceptance. Tears start to well up in my eyes, but I fight them back, not wanting to break down, not wanting to lose control. But the dam inside me breaks. I can't hold them back any longer. The tears flow, hot and unrestrained, streaming down my cheeks as I look at him, my chest tight with emotion. Riccardo is watching me, and I can see his expression changing. For what feels like an eternity, he stays still. Then, he finally speaks, his lips parting.
Ava The rest of the day passes in a quiet haze. Riccardo is nearby, but not too close. It feels like we've crossed an unseen boundary, and even though there's still some uncertainty, things feel different now. The atmosphere between us isn't as tense as it used to be. He's making an effort, and I'm doing the same. But that doesn't simplify the choice ahead. I spot Steph across the room, her smile bright, but there's something in her look that makes me stop in my tracks. She's been giving me room, honoring my limits, yet there's a subtle urgency in her gaze now. It's like she senses I'm dodging something, something I haven't voiced. I excuse myself from the group, giving a small smile to Bento, who's chatting with Riccardo about work, and head over to Steph, who's lounging on the couch, her eyes gentle yet knowing. "Everything alright?" I ask, trying to keep my tone calm, but I can't hide the slight tremor that reveals my anxiety. Steph studies me for a moment before responding. "You
Riccardo I wake up to the soft sounds of the morning, momentarily forgetting where I am. The bed feels different. Last night was all about slowly rebuilding and those quiet family moments we shared. I turn my head gently, trying not to disturb her. Ava is next to me, her face calm in sleep, and for the first time in what feels like ages, the heaviness in my chest lightens a bit. She's here. Her red hair sprawls across the pillow, and her lips are slightly parted, her breathing calm. I feel an overwhelming urge to reach out and touch her, but I hold back, wanting to savor this moment. She's with me, after everything we've faced together. I still can't believe my luck. How is she willing to give us another shot? Deep down, I know I don't deserve it, yet here she is, right next to me, and the peace I feel after months of turmoil makes me want to cling to this moment forever. Her hand is just inches from mine, and I let my fingers hover near it, torn between wanting to move closer and n
Ava Today was the day I finally had to face it. As I drove into the De Lucca driveway, my heart was racing unexpectedly. It wasn't exactly fear, just a whirlwind of emotions I couldn't quite sort out. I wasn't sure how this visit would turn out, but I knew I had to go through with it. The kids were thrilled to see their dad again, and I totally understood why—they had missed out on six years with him. Once I parked, I helped the kids out, and as we walked through the front door, I paused for a moment, taking in the familiar yet different surroundings. The house was quiet when we entered, but soon I heard footsteps coming our way. "Ava!" Steph's voice was the first thing I heard. I smiled as she appeared in the hallway, her eyes wide with surprise, and then a warm grin spread across her face. Without hesitation, she rushed over and hugged me tightly. "I can't believe you're here," she said softly, stepping back to take a good look at me. "I've missed you." "I've missed you too," I r
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