IRIS'S P.O.V A day before the wedding, I accompanied Massimo to the reopening of his newly refurbished club. Forced to wear a supremely tight and skimpy dress with heels that were uncomfortable, I stayed pretty by his side as he greeted his guests and showed me off.Eventually, I was able to sit when he sat but when he ordered drinks, I refused them. Massimo watched me suspiciously. “I don't want to have a hangover on my wedding day.” I said, giving him a small smile. That seemed to do the trick for him because he left me alone after that. More and more of his guests arrived along with a harem of girls by their sides. They sat at our table, drinking and laughing and doing some lewd things I'd rather not see. Suddenly, the atmosphere changed in the VIP area and I could sense all the men looking one way. "What the hell is he doing here?" One of them said and I followed their gaze and found Les at the entrance looking unashamedly handsome in a Tom Ford tailored suit. Beside him was

LES P.O.VBy the time I made it to the meeting room all eighteen members of The Family were seated. They were Mafia Dons and Consiglieres presiding over nine major cities in New Jersey. Just like my uncle, the Dons were all far along in years with deep set lines in their forever frowning faces while their second counterparts were younger in age.All were dressed in tailored suits which made them look sharp and displeased as I crossed the room towards the empty seats that had always been reserved for my father and his second in command. Since I hadn't become Don yet, I sat in the second chair facing the empty chair beside my Uncle. It was obvious Julian could not make it. How sad.“My Greetings.” I said, clearing my throat as my Uncle watched me with the utmost displeasure. “Greetings, Alessandro.” One of the Dons said and I dragged my gaze away from my seething relative to look at the man at the head of the table. Matteo Genovese. Oldest of the Family with the biggest Mafia presenc

Iris P.O.V Massimo had dropped me off at the house before going for the aunction a second time. All the night, I couldn't sleep and I couldn’t sneak anywhere because now security were both in and out of the house. I called my best friend and narrated the events to her and also warned her to stay away. She tried to arguw but I eventually convinced her. After that, I waited for Les to contact me while the events that happened played in my mind. Eventually, Les called me by morning. “Hey. I'm hiding in the toilet. I don't have much time.”“Are you okay?” “Yes, I'm fine. I have to go for my bridal makeup soon. Massimo went a second time again for the aunction yesterday night so he's coming back anytime soon.”Les sighed on the other end. From the noise in the background, I could tell he was driving. “You have to stay very careful, Sweetness. I heard he lost the bid to my Auntie. He will be very pissed.”An unpleasant shiver ran down my back at his words. “I'll be careful. Any news on

IRISAn involuntary groan slipped past my lips as a terrible ache surrounded my head. Blinking my ryes open, my surroundings came into focus followed by the onslaught of the memories of what had happened earlier. Massimo had driven me to a warehouse of sorts where I had discovered that he was selling me off to a bunch of Russians who paid him in gold bars. Before I knew it, I was thrown in the boot of a car and after a while, I was brought out at a port. When I realized I was being shipped out of the city, struggled, scratched and fought back but the Russians inserted something in my neck which made me pass out. Jerking awake and sitting upright, I realized I was now in a cell surrounded by darkness that was only pierced by a small light coming from a window. Rising to my feet, I swayed on my way to the window and had to stand on my toes to peek out. Just as I had suspected, I was on a boat but luckily it was still docked and hadn't left. Immediately, I pulled my cell phone from a z

IRISWhen Les entered another city and I saw the name on the signboard, a certain form of sadness enveloped me. I felt like shrinking into my seat as I hugged myself. I can't believe I missed Mary's funeral. She didn't deserve that and I am definitely a horrible person. I immediately fished out my phone and was appalled to see dozens of texts from Hilda. Apparently she had heard about my kidnapping and was worried sick. I also read the texts where she said Les had informed her of my safety and sent me pictures from the funeral. Mary's wakekeep had been a closed casket and only close family plus a few friends attended. I wish I had attended. Being with Les distracts me and I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad one. I felt a weight on my thigh and I looked down to see Les's hand. Somehow, his touch wasn't sensual in any way but rather communicated support. “Wanna talk?” I shook my head and looked out the window instead. “You shouldn't bottle up your feelings. It's not health