Raffaele After wishing Edwina goodnight, I head back to my office to work my mind going back to Edwina's request to rest the night. I sigh in frustration knowing it's not possible as my phone rings Alessandro's name flashing on it. "There's something you need to see back here at the compound," comes Alessandro's serious voice and I grab my car keys exiting the penthouse leaving Edwina under the protection of her new security detail. The compound is the main base where the mafia operates here in New York and it is filled with all the requirements and heavy machinery needed. I get into my car the engine coming to life as I speed down the driveway. I walk into the underground dungeon specifically designed for holding famous culprits known to the mafia; a separate entity from the main house. The air reeks of blood, urine, faeces, sweat and possible traces of vomit as I walk towards an isolated cell finding Alessandro and a few of my trusted men waiting for me. They all bow in respect

Edwina "What do you mean he's dead?"I ask puzzled. "I killed him, Tesoro," says Raffaele in a hardened voice as if calculating my next expression. To say I was shocked that he openly just told me he killed a man was an understatement as I gulp down saliva saying, "Okay" "Okay?" asks Raffaele stunned at my calm composure and I say, "Well you are a mafia boss, I don't expect you to be all rainbows and unicorns." "Your something else," says Raffaele laughing the sound vibrating across the room and it's a sound I could get used to considering the man is always serious and stone-faced. "What about Mariano?"I ask puzzled and he sighs saying, "Well that's exactly what I wanted us to talk about. Tomorrow he and I have a meeting and you are to stay in this penthouse and not leave under no circumstances." "No, I'm not you prisoner Raffaele, "I say my eyes narrowing at him and he clenched his fists and I go on, "I'm coming with you." "Not," he roars and I raise a brow at him saying, "Abs

Edwina "Hmmm," I respond turning to face Raffaele who takes slow calculated steps in my direction. "Are you okay Tesoro?" asks Raffaele his piercing gaze staring into mine. "Yeah I am," I say trying my best to eliminate any form of emotion present on my face. "Bullshit," growls out Raffaele gripping my chin in his fingers to face him, my breath hitching in the process. "I have been standing observing you for a while and you looked lost in your thoughts. Talk to me Tesoro," says Raffaele his thumb running over my lower lip, my body shivering at his touch. "Don't act as your care," I grit out defensively causing Raffaele's grip on my chin to harden. "Why do you have to be so infuriating Tesoro?" growls Raffaele his face hardening. "Why do you have to be such an ass?" I retort back challengingly and Raffaele suddenly lifts me onto the kitchen counter my glass of wine crashing to the ground in the process, the red liquid spreading everywhere on the floor as a sudden gasp leaves my

Edwina I notice the many trees that cast shadows across the tarmac as the moon shines through the lattice of leaves as Raffaele slowly pulls up at a huge beautiful and intricate wrought-iron gate which automatically opens up as if sensing our arrival. Raffaele slowly drives through the gates as I notice the fortress of a castle that comes into view. My mouth opens in awe at the site. The castle is built of stones of varying sizes and shapes, each one unique. From a distance, it appears black but as the car slowly approaches it, it is a mosaic of humble rocks amid the dark green. There are multiple guards surrounding the castle at strategic positions armed with guns as the car finally comes to a stop before large stone steps which lead to an entrance. "What the hell is this place?"I ask Raffaele still puzzled at how he can own such a place. Raffaele only smirks not answering my question as the passenger door is opened by a guard who doesn't even spare me a glance and I'm assuming it h

Edwina I slowly stir awake my hand moving to feel the side of the bed next to me only to feel empty creased sheets. I sigh feeling disappointed at the lack of Raffaele's presence my mind thinking about last night's events. Maybe he regretted what happened between the two of us confirming my doubts that I was a pawn in his dirty little game and just a quick fuck.I can feel my tears brimming in my eyes as I quickly wipe them away on hearing the bedroom door open knowing exactly who it is. "Morning Tesoro" comes Raffaele's sexy voice as I feel the bed dip next to me but I don't bother responding or look at him too ashamed and angry at myself for giving in to him last night. "Hey," whispers out Raffaele gripping my chin between his fingers to look at him only for him to notice my tears.His face scrunches up in worry at my tears as I try to remove my chin from his grip but he growls, "Don't." "Do you regret last night? Is that why you left in the morning?"I whisper out scared to hear