Dominic's POVI had never known such fragile peace. From where I sat, I watched Alessia and the kids play on the terrace.Their laughter warmed my heart, and I felt myself wanting to join them.I clutched the bottled water and opened the cork. The water and calmness was blissful.Alessia turned and caught my eye. With a gentle smile, she said, “I thought you were working.”I replied evenly, “I was, until now.”She cocked her head and teased, “Trying to sweet talk your way out of your paperwork again?”I rose and crossed the patio slowly. “Maybe. Or perhaps I wanted to give you something.”She didn't understand and raised her eyebrow to show it.I smiled and got closer to her. “It's my treat for beating Sophia up,” I joked. She laughed and I reached into my back pocket and produced her old phone.“Is that my phone?” She asked, inspecting it, and I nodded.“I figured it was foolish of me not to trust you after everything,” I said.She chuckled and held the phone. “Are you sure? I could
Dominic's POVThe flames roared loudly, and I slowly dropped my hands from my face.I started to breathe again and looked around angrily. Someone wanted me dead, and they wanted me scared.My phone vibrated in my pocket.I pulled it out and checked the Caller ID. It was the warehouse's second line. They never used that except for emergencies.That wasn’t good.I answered. “Yeah?”“Boss. It’s Yuri,” came the heavy Russian accent. “You need to come. Now.”I blinked hard. “Why?”There was silence for a while, and then he spoke again. “Someone sent a virus to our system, and we kind of have an issue.”“Spit it out, already,” I groaned.“The men we left behind are dead. Someone got in, and we can't find them,” Yuri said.My hand clenched the phone so tight I heard it creak. “How long ago?”Yuri answered. “Half an hour. We just found out.”Only members of my Mafia group who were also made bodyguards knew all the warehouse locations and extra shipment houses in case of emergency. Since Matte
Dominic's POVCarlos stepped into the light smiling. “Hello, bastard.”“Who told you?” I asked, standing from my hiding spot.“Bold of you to come out like that. What makes you think I won't shoot you?” Carlos asked.He was always too dramatic for me.“If you wanted to, you would have shot the second I raised my head. Now, answer. Who sent you?” I asked.“Who else? You really had to push that one person, didn't you? Well, if it makes you feel better. I rejected her offer. I like to work alone. It gives me the thrills,” Carlos replied and took out his gun.I didn't flinch and waited as he pointed the gun to my head. My men aimed at him, and I signaled for them not to risk it.I was out of ammo and my men have less chances of survival.“What do you want?” I asked.“To kill you, what else?” Carlos asked and laughed. His face immediately returned to being angry. “You have been pissing me off for a long time, and I have had enough of your shit!”“You mean you got too tired of being a loser
Flynn's POVI was with Dominic a few minutes ago when he disappeared in a hurry.I glanced at my wrist watch, and I let out a sigh. On any other regular day, it would be time for the children to head off to school, but their family was not regular.I stayed in the car, waiting but then gave up because I realized that I had to do the move on my own.The cold morning smacked me in the face as I stepped out of the car, my fingers involuntarily fluttering on the steering wheel before I slammed the door shut with a jerk.I looked up at the sky. It was lovely and it annoyed me in some way.I looked into the rearview mirror. The seats were empty for now, but within ten minutes, they would not be.My phone buzzed. I picked it up and wished I hadn't. Sophia had sent a message."Don't be a fool. Or by God, I will destroy everything you have ever laid your hands on."I realized that she was manipulating me. "Narcissistic bitch," I cursed.I clenched my teeth, stuffed the phone into the lining of
Alessia's POVThe sun had already sunk behind the hills, leaving the sky a strange mix of gray and violet. The house was too quiet. Not just the peaceful kind of quiet but the heavy kind that sits in your chest like a warning.I checked the clock again. It was 6:47 PM.The twins were supposed to be back by 2:30. Flynn had taken them to school. This was new. Flynn should have called or texted if they were going to be late.The maid appeared and I ran to her. “Is Flynn back?” I asked.“No, Ma’am,” she answered.“Do you have his number? He's with my babies and I'm worried,” I complained.“Uhm, the house phone line has all the guards' numbers on it,” she replied.I didn't hesitate and ran to get the house phone. I called Flynn for the third time and it went straight to voicemail.“Come on, Flynn,” I muttered, pacing near the grand staircase. “Don’t do this to me.”I called again, but still got nothing.I called the school with my phone, and when I was told My kids hadn't made it to school
Matteo’s POVNothing felt worse at the moment than the piercing ache in my rib. It grew as I regained consciousness.“Ugh,” the words escaped my lips as I turned to face the sky. My eyes darted around the environment. I was in the woods. I looked down at my body and saw blood stains on my suit.My hands began to unbutton my suit jacket, and I felt like I had been stabbed a couple of times.“Shit,” I groaned as I looked down at the blood on my side.My memory rolled back to the past hours when I had been driving. I had crawled out of the car after the accident and ended up here.I bit my lower lip as I rolled to my other side and almost screamed. I let out small preparation breaths as I pulled out the piece of glass on my right rib side.I coughed after getting it out and started to move my legs.They were weak but not broken. I looked around again and finally noticed the old, wooden cottage ahead.Maybe, someone could help me if I got to them. I slowly forced myself, grunting as my fe
Matteo's POVDiego was as annoying as ever. I had to wait an awful ten minutes for him to change into new clothes in his room.“Could you hurry the hell up? I'm sick of standing on my legs,” I lashed out.He turned to look at me, and wore his floral blue shirt. “Sit your ass down or get a wheelchair. You look like you need it,” he responded.“That's it,” I said and walked thunderously to him. He backed up and raised his hand in surrender.“Yo, dude. Chill out. I'm done,” he said.I grabbed his collar and raised my fist. “Piss me off again and I'll knock your teeth out.”Diego looked scared but still adjusted his shirt. He walked to the door and glanced at me. “Aren't you coming?”I followed behind him, hating every moment he greeted everyone around the pub. We continued until we got to the restricted part of the pub.Two bodyguards stood at the entrance. Immediately, they saw Diego, and they let us pass. I heard Diego sigh. I wasn't interested in his father-son problems.Diego stopped
Lorenzo’s POVThe whole backseat shook as the car door slammed. I was scared, but had to act strong for Elena. Dad wouldn't be proud if he knew I acted more scared.He always said I was the man and I was going to act it. Elena whimpered beside me, her fingers tightened around the neck of her stuffed bunny on the end of her bag’s zip.I didn't cry and reached for her. She hugged me and sobbed. My fear was soon replaced with anger and I glared at the driver driving us into the thick trees. I hadn't seen a single person in sight from the back and I was waiting to scream if I saw one.I tried my best to memorize every twist and counted them like Dad had taught me some days ago after playing hide and seek.“Where are you taking us?” I asked, while I continued glaring at him.“Be quiet,” Flynn answered.“I said be quiet,” he said again, in a harsh voice.“You don't scare me Flynn,” I said.He stepped on the brakes and slowly turned to face me. Elena held me tightly.“How do you know my name
Alessia's POVThe taxi parked a few streets over to the location. I walked to the last block with my head down, moving like an outcast.I got the shock of my life when I stopped at the entrance of Via delle Vigne. It looked empty and abandoned. The gates were rusted and everything screamed “you could get killed anytime and no one would notice.”I started to reconsider. “Maybe, coming here was a bad idea. I should head back,” I murmured.But I didn't. I kept walking like I had a dead wish.I stepped into the courtyard, scanning every corner. It was also empty and quiet.I gave up. “This was a stupid joke,” I mumbled but then light footsteps echoed behind me.I stood still, scared and prepared myself to run as fast as I could if things went south.I whirled around, my fists up ready to punch with my heart slamming.And then the figure stepped into the light. I punched hard.The figure fell and cried. “Holy hell. You almost broke my nose.”“Sophia?” I spoke, surprised. What was she doin
Alessia's POVHe waited no longer and kissed me passionately. His hands held tightly onto my waist, pulling me closer still.I gasped softly as his hands grasped my behind and slipped under my dress.My hands repaid in kind by sliding into his soft hair.How I loved how he kissed me—he wasn’t half-starved and I wasn't the only thing keeping him alive. His fingers trailed down my spine agonisingly slow, under the silk, revealing me inch by inch as if he wanted to memorise the skin.I grabbed his shirt, yanked it off quickly, pushed him back until his knees hit the bed behind him.He sat there breathless, but hesitated.Was he holding part of himself back?“I don’t want to take advantage when you’re like this,” he muttered from his thighs, his hands flexing.“You’re not.” I sat on his lap, I centered myself over his leg, I ground against his cock, and I touched every sexy part of his body that I knew would drive him insane. “You’re just what I need right now. Enough of the gabbing, take
Alessia's POVI didn’t remember sending the message.I just remembered the feeling—the way my fingers shook over the keyboard, the way rage clawed up my throat like a living thing trying to escape.“Okay. But let’s make it in my free time. I’ll meet you there in three days.”My thumb hesitated, breathing fast, my heart pounding so loud it filled my ears.I pressed the send button.The reply came seconds later.“Fine. But come alone.”A sick laugh bubbled up in my chest. Of course.I closed the laptop abruptly and rammed it on the bedside table. I was quaking with rage, my fists balled such that my nails gouged the palms of my hands. The need to scream, to destroy something, rode me hard. But I didn’t. I couldn’t afford to slip.Not yet. I wondered if I should tell Dominic.“No, he doesn't need to know yet,” I reasoned. “But what if he could help me find out who it was?”I wiped my face, forcing myself to stand, to move, to act normal.“What if it's a trap? Wouldn't that be working int
Alessia’s POVI don’t know how long we stayed like that, but I didn't want to break it up.My lips fought for entrance and I became desperate. His touch aroused me. I wanted him badly.The IV line tugged at my skin and pulled me back from my desire. “Ouch,” I groaned and looked down at my arm.“Easy,” he said.I didn't want it easy and I kissed him back. This time I was more hungry than the first.Dominic drew back slightly, just enough to catch my face in his glance. His thumb swept over my jaw so gently I thought he was committing the shape of me to memory.“Are you okay?” his low deep voice spoke.“No, I am not okay. I want you. Goddamn it. Can't you tell. Do I have to say everything,” I hurled in my mind. Yet, I kept shut and nodded lightly.What in the world was wrong with me? I resented how much I was inclined to lean in once more. He had wormed his warm fingers into me, and I loved it.“Yes,” I answered, a little softer than I had meant.He remained in that spot.Instead, he st
Alessia's POV:My eyelids slowly opened to the blinding light.I scanned the room tiredly and a soft groan escaped my lips. That's when I felt a warm hand on my forehead.I traced the warmth and saw Dominic right beside me. I hadn't noticed him before.“Wh…” I started, but he butted in.“Don't move,” he said in a low gentle voice.“What happened?” I asked, barely hearing myself.“You fell halfway down the stairs, but I caught you,” he answered.“Oh,” I groaned and tried to sit up, but a sharp tug at my lower arm made me hiss. I looked down and saw the IV line shaking into my vein.“Ugh, I hate drugs,” I muttered and moved my hand to yank at the tape holding it down.Dominic caught my hand before I could rip it out and chuckled gently. Was he laughing at me?“What's funny?” I asked.“You look so cute, but you can't. It's the doctor's orders. You were stressed.”The last word left his lips with a worried look on his face.“You think?” I asked, making it all worse, then changed my tone.
Sophia's POVThe last words ran in my ear like thunder. The door closed and I let out the breath I was holding.That's when I felt it. “Ow,” I groaned and raised my dress up to my thighs. There was a bruise forming on my lap and a small cut on my ankle.It must have happened when I fell.“Great, that's going to leave a scar,” I blabbered. “Just my lucky day.”I needed to get it clean, or it would be infected. It took forever because my father had made all the maids stop working for me until further notice. They didn't disrespect me, though.They couldn't. I would rip their tongues out if they dared.Walking to the drawer didn't hurt until I made a wrong step. “Shit!” I hissed. That was more from anger than the pain.I got the first aid out, applied it while I bit my bottom lip and threw everything on the table in front of me.“I didn't plan for this shit,” I complained.My eyes moved to the bed, and I started walking toward it. My leg hurt a little, so I sat on the soft foam.If it wa
Sophia's POVI paced around the balcony impatiently. I had lost a lot of time to Dominic. Why couldn't he pick me? And worse I couldn't get to Flynn? Why did he have to be so useless and her caught?I gripped the balcony railing tightly and almost ruined my newly polished nails. It hurt and I took my hands off it.“Ouch,” I groaned.I hated being back in this mansion. I saw the guards stand on patrol. I had lost half my men and some money to make my plan come true but it hadn't worked out.I continued pacing in my black silhouette heels. I refused to lose just like that. It wasn't an option, and I would never let it go over my dead body.I had wanted to be a good wife to him initially until his little witch came along. And he had two small demons to make everything worse.I needed to figure out something. Knowing Dominic, he would retaliate soon because he always kept to his word. I couldn't wait.My fists tightened at my sides. I stomped my feet on the floor and almost lost my stance
Alessia's POV“You can't be serious. I have been talking to you, Alessia,” his voice thundered.“And I don't want to hear it,” I replied.“What will you have me do?” He asked.“I don't know,” I answered. “You won't tell me anything. You act like you care but you don't. You keep hiding stuff from me and endanger me and the kids. You keep making decisions that I have no say in it.”“That was before. I don't force you to do anything,” he answered.I snapped. “Oh, really. Like the last time you locked me up in that stupid office room for how many days again?”“That was because I didn't know how to handle the situation. You were going to run off and I wanted to know if the kids were mine,” he answered.“Oh, great. How lovely. Now you know. Then what? You forced me to stay in a stupid house alone. You took my phone. Limited me from seeing my kids and best friend. And your crazy ex had to visit me and threaten the heck out of my life,” I lashed out.His face contorted to confusion. “Sophia w
Alessia’s POVI blinked, staring at him like an idiot. My heart raced wildly. Why did he have such an effect on me?His grip wasn't hard but possessive.“You're not going anywhere, Alessia,” Dominic said. His voice had a silent plea to it.I jerked back to get away from him, but he wouldn't let me go.His other hand came up to cup my cheek, and I slapped it away angrily.“Don't you dare touch me like you love me when all you give me are lies!” I said angrily.“Alessia, stop,” he said, still refusing to let me go.“No!” I suited and pushed against his chest, but he wouldn't budge.What was he made of? Iron?He looked at me like I was some child, and I got even angrier.“Let me go,” I growled.He didn't. He was steady, and he pulled me in, close enough that our chest touched.“I said, let go!” I screamed again.By now, I was sure the entire house couldn't tell what was happening because no one came, or they just couldn't hear me struggle.“I can't,” he said. “ I won't.”“You won't?” I g