When the SUV comes to a standstill outside the large iron gates, I don't wait for Riccardo to open my door, and I rush straight towards the Villa.My body tingles with annoyance as I sense Don Valentino watching me from behind.As I draw closer to the front entrance, it swings wide open and Savannah comes rushing out the door. She wraps her small arms around my waist, clinging to me and naturally, I tenderly run my fingers through her hair. “You're back,” she smiles as she pulls away from me, and looks up.“Of course, I am. Where else would I go?” I smile, pinching her cheek as her uncle walks up the stairs behind me, staring at us intently as Savannah and I talk. “The room,” she replies as she takes a step back and looks up with sad puppy eyes. “I watched Uncle carry you from the small guest room into his big one when you were sleeping during the storm. He had no shoes or shirt on. Just his pants. He was shouting, really, really loudly, and he sounded really, really mad while he wa

ALESSANDRO, AKA DON VALENTINO.My lips rub against the shell of her ear and I shamelessly inhale her sweet scent of mango dipped in cream.A faint growl vibrates in the back of my throat, and I can feel her body trembling beneath my touch. I tighten my grip, despising the fact that I am infatuated with her dearly and the last time I aroused this kind of desire — the love of my life deserted me. I won't bend my will this time. After all, Ivy is Roses’ sister and I have made it my duty to make her life a living hell. I will take out my pent-up anger on her. She will suffer due to her sister's betrayal, and I will take great joy in doing it. I will make her trust me, need me and desire me. Just so I can humiliate her the way, Rose humiliated me. 'When I'm done, you will have fallen in love with me.' She reckons.Her words have been like a horrible symphony playing in my ears for the past four days, and it's been driving me wild. The taste of her stains my lips, and no matter how ma

“I want Mr. Bishop moved into a private ward where he will receive the best treatment this hospital has to offer,” Don Valentino demands as he speaks with the Head Of Department, in the cardiac ward. I stand beside him, my jaw agape as I gaze at him in astonishment. He exudes wealth, power, and an aura that should not be trifled with.“I'll see what we can do with such short notice, Mr Valentino” The blonde-haired female replies as she bats her fake eyelashes at him. I swear, if she bats them any faster, she will create a mini-tornado right where we are standing.“Look, Mrs?” He sighs with frustration.“Ms. Yasmin Richards.” Her brows pinch together. “Kindly avoid using 'Mrs' in my name when addressing me.” Her cheeks flush with a lovely shade of pink. “I'm not married, and I’m definitely not my mother.” She hums, like what she is saying is relevant.“Ms. Richards,” Don Valentino raises his voice as he mutters her name. “I am paying this hospital a great deal of money, along with a

I roll onto my side, stretching my aching limbs in the hope that they will gradually loosen up as I sit up in the plush hotel bed. As I yawn and cover my mouth with my palm, I look down to find little Savannah fast asleep beside me.Her curls envelop her heart-shaped face, her long, black lashes fan her rose-colored cheeks, and the faintest sound of her snoring resonates throughout the room.When I look at her, my heart is filled with love and everything in my life appears to be in order.She is the air I need to breathe to survive. Her heart is as pure as water, while her body possesses a gentle soul.An old soul. After we left the hospital last night, Don Valentino had Gio bring Savannah to the airport. We flew to Palmerston North. It was an hour-long flight, and it certainly beats the twelve-hour bus ride I had to take there and back just a few days ago. True to his word, the man sold me back my mother’s ring at no extra cost. In fact, he offered it back to me at a lower price t

No…This can't be real. This isn't happening… “Yo…you're meant to be in prison.” I stutter as I stare down at my trembling hands. “Got out on good behaviour two months ago.” He whispers.He encircles my arm with his big callous hand. My body tenses up further, causing my muscles to scream out in pain.Derek starts to drag me down the right side of the room, turning down an abandoned corridor used for deliveries. He shoves me into the wall, slamming the side of my face against the hard, cold surface.“Pl.pl…please don’t!” I sob, “I.I. wo. won't tell anybody. I swear.” Pain spreads across my face as he uses his hand to push my head further into the wall. “Don't scream, or I'll snap your neck like a fucking twig. Do you hear me?” He hisses in my ear. I gulp, fear forbids my body from moving. Imprisoning me in its stillness. I am conscious of his presence, his heady breathing, and his growing cock that presses into me from behind. His hand snakes around my jaw, covering my mouth as