Dominic's POVThe chapel was silent. You could hear the heartbeat of everyone present as the cold metal rested on my fingers.Sophia's eyes locked onto mine, her neck throbbed and she swallowed. Her voice shook as she spoke, but she tried to stay strong. “Y….you wouldn't shoot me.”I smirked, cocking the gun and stepping closer, closing the space between us. “Really? Would you like to test that theory?”Her throat danced as she gulped, and fear crossed appeared on her face. She had every reason to be scared.“D…don't do it, Dominic,” she begged, her words slipping out faster than I expected. “I didn't mean to hurt you. I was just…I did it because I loved you. I was….I was jealous.”“Bravo, honey. That's the biggest excuse I have heard from you today,” I thought.A bitter laugh escaped my lips. She dared to even try. She held my kids up and locked the woman I loved.“Jealous? Do you really think that excuses this?” I asked angrily.“Dominic, don't!” Don Pedro shouted. My eyes moved a
Dominic's POV:“What did you just say?” I asked, surprised.My hands froze, and I didn't feel the blood move in them anymore.“You heard me. If you kill me. Someone's gonna tell her the truth,” she said.“What the hell are you talking about?” I asked calmly, despite the anger and confusion I felt inside.Her lips curled up into a smile. “Bingo. I got you. You didn't think I would just let you win, did you?”“I know you, Dominic. It's not easy to tell you would try to get out of this…” she said, looking around. “Marriage.”“What is she talking about?” Diego asked, crossing his arms.Sophia looked me in the eyes and smiled. “Should I tell them, or are you going to do it?” She asked calmly.“For the love of God, just push the trigger already,” Max said.“He can't,” Sophia said. “Or he’s going to lose her. He knows.”The ugly smirk that appeared on her face made my skin crawl.“She's bluffing,” Matteo said.“Am I?” Sophia said, turning to look at Matteo. “You should know I don't ever do t
Alessia’s POVI breathed in the cool air, wishing every day could be as peaceful as this. The second we stepped into the mansion, I knew peace was a lie.After the SUV drove for what felt like ages, the huge gate appeared. After the gates, it took two minutes before the mansion appeared.I wasn't sure this was the main house, but it looked magnificent and much larger and wider than the last one.We got out of the car, and then I walked into the house. The second she saw me, Ella ran towards me and crushed me in a tight hug.“Thank goodness, you're alright. I was so scared I wouldn't see you again.”I smiled for her. The twins clung to my legs. I wasn't sure if I wanted to be here.A few hours later, while in my room. I heard the sound of cars coming into the compound. I closed the book I was reading and walked down to the living room.The first person I saw was Dominic. He stood across the room, and his eyes met mine as he looked up. He turned away just half a second later.I didn't u
Blood In The Boardroom Dominic's POV Rome: Italy I walked into the room filled with the sharp scent of cigars and whiskey. My bodyguards followed behind me. The door opened, leading me into the boardroom, and I walked to the large mahogany table, sitting at the head chair. My gray eyes scanned the faces staring back at me. This was supposed to be a routine meeting to finalize a deal with Carlos Marchetti and the other Mafia bosses. “Welcome, Dominic,” Carlos said, puffing his cigar. “Took you long enough.” “Tell me Carlos,” I answered. “Everyone signed the papers except you. Why?” “I figured there was no need if you weren't present,” Carlos replied. “I am here now. Sign the papers or walk out of here empty-handed,” I replied coldly. Carlos sneered and reached for a pen one of his men handed to him. “You drive a hard bargain, Rossi.” My smile grew darker, not reaching my eyes as my gaze lingered. “That's why I'm still alive.” I watched Carlos scrawl his signature on the pape
The Night That Shattered EverythingAlessia's POVI danced happily to the bear of the loud music in the club. It felt so good not to be stuck behind the iron gates of my father's estate. I had snuck out the chance I got and ran to meet Ella. I had no responsibilities or at least, I could pretend not to have.Ella took my hand and twirled me around. “See? I told you this would be fun!”I laughed, my long dark hair whipping around me. “My father would kill me if he ever found out I came here.”Ella waved me off, a mischievous grin on her face. “Relax. It’s not like he’ll find out. You deserve this, Alessia. You’ve been cooped up for too long.”Nodding, I allowed myself to get lost in the moment. The lights and the crowd and the freedom, it was intoxicating. But I was still plagued by the feeling that someone was monitoring me.Then I saw him. The tall handsome man at the bar looked right at me with piercing gray eyes. He had a sharp jawline, and a tailored suit that made him stand out i
Ghosts of the PastDominic POVI had never expected to feel attached to any woman before, especially after a night, but Alessia was different. She was just some woman and yet I couldn't get her out of my mind.I left her a note. She was bold following a stranger to his home.When I returned to the room, Alessia was gone. Madame Calista gave me the side eye when she came to change the sheet.I retreated to my private office room and Madame Calista returned to me a few minutes ago later, staring at me until I felt uncomfortable.She was the only one that could ever do that to me. She was like a mother figure in my life.“Is it not time you settle down, Dominic?” She asked.I looked up from my laptop and stopped typing. “Not yet,” I answered.“Hmm, how long are you going to keep playing? You're closer to the grave everyday especially with your line of work,” she continued.I sighed and took off my glasses. “Why are you so interested in me settling down?” I asked. She always had something
A New LifeAlessia's POVI packed the little I could, dragging my luggage behind me. I was leaving everything behind. I booked a flight to the United States, far away from the chaos in my life.In the U.S., I built a new life. During my first month serving as a waitress to raise some extra cash and keep a low profile.I fainted while delivering a cup of coffee to a customer. Nothing could have prepared me, when the nurse told me I was pregnant.Seven months after arriving, I have both my twins, a boy and a girl, Lorenzo and Elena.They were my light in the dark, the reason I kept going when it seemed impossible. I worked hard to provide for them, juggling my studies and motherhood as best I could.After a year, I graduated first in my class, and my cybersecurity skills were soon recognized, making me one of the most sought-after analysts in the field.Companies vied for my services, and I felt like I finally had a handle on life. Lorenzo and Elena grew up to be intelligent, inquisitiv
Collision CourseDominic’s POVI was reviewing the quarterly reports in my office when Matteo knocked and walked in, holding a stack of files. “Boss, the new head of security is here.”I nodded absentmindedly. It was just another meeting, another name to add to the roster of professionals we’d brought in to tighten our operations. But when I entered the conference room, my heart raced as my eyes caught her bright green eyes.Alessia.She sat still, gripping the folder tightly. Her body stifled as if she was preparing for war.The past came rushing back like a tidal wave. That night. Her lips moaning my name as we moved together on the sheets. I tried to school my expression, but I couldn’t stop staring. She was different now. She looked more mature and curvier.Her lips parted slightly, and she whispered my name revealing her shock. “Dominic.”“Hello, Alessia,” I answered coldly.I kept looking into her eyes until Matteo's voice broke through the tension, reminding me we weren't alo
Alessia’s POVI breathed in the cool air, wishing every day could be as peaceful as this. The second we stepped into the mansion, I knew peace was a lie.After the SUV drove for what felt like ages, the huge gate appeared. After the gates, it took two minutes before the mansion appeared.I wasn't sure this was the main house, but it looked magnificent and much larger and wider than the last one.We got out of the car, and then I walked into the house. The second she saw me, Ella ran towards me and crushed me in a tight hug.“Thank goodness, you're alright. I was so scared I wouldn't see you again.”I smiled for her. The twins clung to my legs. I wasn't sure if I wanted to be here.A few hours later, while in my room. I heard the sound of cars coming into the compound. I closed the book I was reading and walked down to the living room.The first person I saw was Dominic. He stood across the room, and his eyes met mine as he looked up. He turned away just half a second later.I didn't u
Dominic's POV:“What did you just say?” I asked, surprised.My hands froze, and I didn't feel the blood move in them anymore.“You heard me. If you kill me. Someone's gonna tell her the truth,” she said.“What the hell are you talking about?” I asked calmly, despite the anger and confusion I felt inside.Her lips curled up into a smile. “Bingo. I got you. You didn't think I would just let you win, did you?”“I know you, Dominic. It's not easy to tell you would try to get out of this…” she said, looking around. “Marriage.”“What is she talking about?” Diego asked, crossing his arms.Sophia looked me in the eyes and smiled. “Should I tell them, or are you going to do it?” She asked calmly.“For the love of God, just push the trigger already,” Max said.“He can't,” Sophia said. “Or he’s going to lose her. He knows.”The ugly smirk that appeared on her face made my skin crawl.“She's bluffing,” Matteo said.“Am I?” Sophia said, turning to look at Matteo. “You should know I don't ever do t
Dominic's POVThe chapel was silent. You could hear the heartbeat of everyone present as the cold metal rested on my fingers.Sophia's eyes locked onto mine, her neck throbbed and she swallowed. Her voice shook as she spoke, but she tried to stay strong. “Y….you wouldn't shoot me.”I smirked, cocking the gun and stepping closer, closing the space between us. “Really? Would you like to test that theory?”Her throat danced as she gulped, and fear crossed appeared on her face. She had every reason to be scared.“D…don't do it, Dominic,” she begged, her words slipping out faster than I expected. “I didn't mean to hurt you. I was just…I did it because I loved you. I was….I was jealous.”“Bravo, honey. That's the biggest excuse I have heard from you today,” I thought.A bitter laugh escaped my lips. She dared to even try. She held my kids up and locked the woman I loved.“Jealous? Do you really think that excuses this?” I asked angrily.“Dominic, don't!” Don Pedro shouted. My eyes moved a
Dominic’s POVThe hush inside the chapel cut through me like ice. Brass chandeliers hovered overhead, but I ignored the light. I stayed fixed on Sophia’s face, watching her play queen.“Dearly beloved,” the priest began, voice echoing, “we are gathered here to witness—”Every other thing the priest says was rubbish to my ears.Her lips curved into a predator’s smile as she leaned close. “Say ‘I do’ or your family dies,” she whispered, breathing warm against my ear.She still thought she could tell me what to do.I held perfectly still. I enjoyed the confusion and shock on her face.The priest cleared his throat. “Do you Mr. Dominic Rossi, take this woman, Miss. Sophia De Luca to be your legally wedded wife?”Sophia’s eyes flicked toward the guests. She gripped my hand so tight my bones ached. “Now,” she mouthed. Her tone stayed sweet for everyone else.I raised my head. The room tilted under the weight of every gaze, but my lips did not move.A soft murmur rose among the crowd. Don Pe
Matteo’s POV“Down,” I hissed, yanking Diego behind a crumbling concrete post as the two guards at the gate made a slow patrol turn. Max’s voice clicked through the comms.“Visuals confirm. Two down, four more outside. East perimeter clear.”I tapped twice against my throat mic. “Team Alpha, hold the exit. Team Bravo, you're with me.”We moved low and fast, our feet barely brushing the mossy ground. The bunker loomed in the distance like a buried beast, hidden beneath layers of overgrowth and silence.We reached the entrance Flynn marked on the map. It was an old drainage tunnel half-covered in vines and thick mud.“This feels like a terrible idea,” Max started to complain. “I should have sprayed more perfume. Looks like I’ll get a stronger one.”“Flynn better not be lying,” Diego muttered.“He’s not,” I replied, crouching to lift the grate. “His bones are too fragile for the punishment I'd deliver if he did.”“You people never seem to make me forget my wrong life decisions,” Max comp
Matteo’s POVThree hours ago…“We breach in twenty-four minutes. No delays,” I said, in a calm, steady low voice that sliced through the dim hum of the underground ops room. Everyone was dressed in black suits and was packing up some battle gear.I stood over the table where the maps, marked-up floor plans, thermal images, and a cluster of weapons lay sprawled like a puzzle waiting to be solved. My finger traced the red mark on the east side of the bunker’s outer wall. That would be our entry.Max was hunched next to me, his fingers flying across a tablet as he synced feeds from the drone. Rico checked ammo clips, slamming each one into the side pocket of his vest with mechanical precision. Dino ran a silent countdown under his breath as he timed the window between patrol rotations. Diego sat near the end of the table, soldering the final wire on a miniature drone, calibrating it to fly low and undetected.But the real piece of work sat in the corner. Flynn. He was bruised, looked pal
Sophia’s POVToday was the day I got married. It felt perfect. The Rossi estate would bow to me.I stepped onto the marble landing, and every servant halted.I made sure everything had been arranged the night before.I stood in front of the large mirror admiring the silver wedding gown I wore and moved even when the maids were holding some parts with pins.She pulled the corset tighter. The door opened and another maid walked in. I could hear the orchestra rehearsing their notes downstairs.I was done in a couple of minutes and descended down the staircase with the maids lifting the hem of my dress.I stopped halfway and turned back to them with a glare. “Make sure the aisle is spotless. I will not have a single petal out of place.”I turned to continue walking down the stairs when I saw a decorator rushing in the hall and knocked over a glass vase in his panic. He apologized to the maid on the floor.“Are you blind or just desperate to be fired?” I snapped.He quickly apologized, sta
Matteo’s POVThe rain had not stopped for hours.“We found him,” Ella said, breathless, as she burst into the surveillance van.Her voice cut through the silence like a blade. I turned from the monitors, where a flickering street camera had just caught Flynn slipping into a dark alley three miles from Dominic’s estate.“That's odd,” I murmured and pressed the earpiece. “What would he want back here?”“Maybe some evidence, paperwork or something,” Ella responded.She might be right, and I accepted her explanation without hesitation. “Let’s go, everyone. Now.”Max was already at the door, checking his Glock with total focus. Diego slammed the laptop shut and shoved it into his bag. Ella moved beside me without waiting for orders. Flynn had resurfaced, and he was headed straight into our den.I drew out my gun but lowered it and kept my eyes forward.We circled the side of the house until we reached a third-floor window. It was Dominic’s private study. No light seeped through the curtain
Dominic's POVThe second Domino's voice came, I relaxed. I had expected him to be here but not this soon.He stepped forward, but still a bit farther from me and ordered. “Drop the gun, Dominic. Now.”His voice was calm. I didn't move. I kept my gun aimed at Sophia.Her lips twisted into a sickening grin, like she had won. She proved that she was mad like I thought.My eyes were locked on Domino, studying him, but I still made sure Sophia knew she couldn't move. I had my eyes on both of them.I heard footsteps hurrying up the stairs, and then five more men walked into the room, each armed, and aiming a gun straight at me.I didn't move an inch. They didn't scare me.I could hear Sophia breathing heavily below me. She was still naked and didn't make an attempt to cover up.“Cover up,” I said, trying to protect whatever dignity she has left.“Why? Don't you…” she argued, but I wasn't having it.“I get you want the entire planet to see you naked, but it makes me want to puke,” I said, st