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 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 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 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
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
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