All Chapters of A Bride For A Truce: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

SERAFINA’S POV The black Mercedes pulled up smoothly to the front gates of the Vitale estate. I stepped out and walked towards the front door. My performance tonight was exceptional as usual,I loved the thrill that went through the crowd whenever I finished a piece. But as I approached the house, a rising sense of danger slowly encircled me. I shook it off and walked in. I stepped into the foyer, and glanced around. The extravagance of our family home always left me in awe. I heard footsteps approach me from behind. “Signoria” came a soft voice. I turned to see Tessa, our family maid approaching with a soft smile on her face. Tessa has been with the family for as long as I can remember. Ever since we lost mum, she had been a constant. “How are you, Tessa?” I smiled in return. “I am fine Cara (dear). You’re home late tonight”, she observed taking my coat and scarf that I was about to put up. She kissed my cheeks “You were amazing tonight as always” she gushed, her eyes

SERAFINA’S POV Sunlight seeped into the room, casting a luminous glow across the furniture as though it was trying to chase the shadows that lurked within. My stomach churned with nausea and I do my best to ignore it. The makeup artist wraps up quickly as she smoothes a brush over my lips. I stared at myself in the full-length mirror and can not recognize the woman looking back at me. I look beautiful. Too beautiful. The dress is a delicate off-the-shoulder white lace, long-sleeved mermaid dress, with thousands of beadings running across the bodice. The neckline plunges a bit, hinting at my voluptuous breasts. My fiery mane of auburn hair is tamed and wrapped intricately with a simple diamond tiara. ”You look so stunning, Fina” Diana gushed, her voice tinged with emotions as she moved to stand behind me, adjusting my tiara. She meets my eyes in the mirror and gives me a reassuring smile. I manage a small smile back, feeling grateful for the gift of Diana’s friendship an

SERAFINA’S POV The world shattered in an instant. One minute I was walking towards the Car, Adriko’s presence looming behind me. The next, the ground vibrated with a violent roar, cracking open as bits of asphalt and flame shot into the air. The force slammed me down hard, broken debris tearing into my side. I felt the weight of Adriko on top of me as mayhem broke out around us. A buzzing sound rang in my ear, making it hard to think. The harsh smell of smoke and burning metal filled my nose, choking me. I coughed, my chest aching with each breath I took, and my eyes watered from the effects of the smoke around me. Adriko’s voice floated into my hearing from somewhere around but it was muffled and distant. His grip tightened on my shoulders, shaking me subtly as he examined my face. His lips were moving but the ringing in my ears drowned out the noise. “Serafina!!” his voice finally floated in. I blinked at him, still too dazed to respond. “Are you hurt?” he a

ADRIKO’S POV. I lit my cigar and took a deep puff. I always love Cubans. They tend to calm me down. They brought him. The predatel (betrayer ) who thought he could get away with working with my enemies. Matvei was my head of security, he had been at my side for five years. I’d trusted him to guard my life and family but he has betrayed that trust. I pondered on the best way to punish him, that would send a clear message to the other members of my bratva. Don't want these people to think i’m getting soft. I pointed to my men. “Take him down to the basement and tie him up. I’ll be there shortly”. They drag him away as he screams for mercy. By the time I’m done, he won't be screaming. I take my time and finish my cigar, then make my way towards the basement in quick steps. The room is cold, its stone walls damp, illuminated by a single bulb swaying slightly from the ceiling. Sergei has my tools lined up and waiting. Pliers, a blowtorch, a hammer, and an assortment of

ADRIKO I was halfway through a meeting with Marco’s men, discussing the details of the next shipment. The club’s VIP room was dimly lit, clouds of cigar smoke curling around the table as glasses of vodka tinged. “We’re paying you for safe passage Ivanov”, one of them spat in heavily accented Italian. “But your end of the deal needs to hold, or—” I barely heard him, my phone vibrated on the table and I picked it up without thinking. Her name flashed on the screen. I froze, the conversation around me fading off as I read her message. “Please get here quick, there's someone here “. The air in the room shifted. My heart pounded against my ribs. The chair scraped against the floor as I stood abruptly, ignoring the startled looks around the table. “Meeting’s over” I snapped, my tone sharp and final. One of Marco’s men, a burly thug with scars tracing his cheek, leaned back with a smirk. “We’re not finished here, Ivanov “ I turned to him, the phone still clutched in my hand.