Semua Bab The Mafia's Arranged Bride : Bab 1 - Bab 10

Gianna2 years laterI stood in front of the full-length mirror, not quite recognizing the woman who stared back. My eyes felt tired, and my entire face showed telltale signs of exhaustion. My jaw ached from smiling so much throughout the day. Just a few hours ago, I married the man of my dreams—Nicholas Baldocchi. The wedding was like a fairytale, or so everyone thought.My brothers, Leonardo and Xavier, hired the best wedding planners in the country, shelling out millions of dollars to make sure today was perfect. A vineyard in Tuscany, a Monique Lhuillier dress that fit like it was stitched from starlight, and a guest list boasting Italy’s most powerful. But for all its perfection, this marriage was anything but.The reality of our marriage crashes over me like a wrecking ball every time it crosses my mind. My only peace lies in remembering how crucial this union was for both our families. Besides, despite everyth

GiannaI hated how my body softened when Nico placed his hand on my back, his fingers gripping me firmly. After last night, anyone with a shred of self-respect wouldn't even look at him. Hell, the sting of rejection still echoed in my mind.All Nico saw in me was someone he could fuck without a problem but not someone worthy enough of his love. I should go and drown myself in the Mediterranean for having such a weak sense of self-worth. But it was like where Nico was concerned, everything just went straight out of the window. My body reacted to his touch on its own, and I had no control over it. It was pathetic.“What’s wrong?” Nico’s deep voice distracted me from my train of thought.“Huh?” I frowned.“You just sighed so deeply. Are you feeling okay?” I was surprised he noticed something so small. The genuine concern in his voice brought a faint smile to my lips.“No, nothing,” I shook my head. “I just feel a bit tired, that's all. Let’s go. We shouldn’t keep your staff waiting.” Nic

NicoGianna was playing with fire, and she was going to get burned.“I will destroy you if you allow me to get closer, Gianna,” I warned and I meant every word.But somehow my gorgeous wife didn’t seem to be in the mood to listen. There was a determined glint in her eyes when she stepped closer and kissed me. It was brief, just a soft brush of her lips, but it evoked something inside me that suddenly wanted more. More of that sweet, warm taste of her.I wasn’t a man driven by desire—control was my strength. But even the most controlled man has his needs. And Gianna, with her innocence, stirred something darker within me. The way she looked up at me, shy and submissive, ignited thoughts I shouldn’t have. But this was Gianna. I reminded myself of that every time she was near.She deserved better than just wild sex.“Destroy me…” she whispered.A soft flush spread across her cheeks, her pupils widening as she looked at me. The room felt too hot, my shirt too tight. Desire coiled within me

Gianna“What are you so scared of?” I inquired. “I saw the fear in your eyes, Nico. If you don’t talk to me, how am I supposed to understand?”“Gianna…please…”“I want to know, Nico…” I pressed. “I want to know more. Why are you so afraid of opening up? Why do you loathe yourself so much? What is it? Who was she…who is the woman you love? Do you still see her?”Nico’s eyes darkened dangerously and I could visibly see all his muscles, heck his entire body coiling up with tension. I could feel the tension rippling through those beautifully sculpted muscles like a damn snake.“She is in the past…there is no reason to bring her up,” he hissed.“Is she?” I demanded. “Tell me you don’t see her face when you try to get close to me then? Tell me that a part of you doesn't wish that it was her who took the vows with you and not me…”“Gianna stop!” Nico growled, looking pissed. “Enough of this. You knew what you signed up for, didn’t you?”“Right,” I whispered, biting my lips to stop the tears

The Ammassari mansion was adorned with lights that could be seen from miles away. A seemingly endless line of luxury cars filled the driveway as guests arrived for the event. This party was not only in celebration of my wedding to Gianna, but also to mark the second anniversary of the peace treaty signed between the Ammassari and Baldocchi families. We entered through the private back entrance to avoid the crowd of guests and security gathered at the front. As soon as we came to a stop, I pressed a button to activate the privacy screen before Gianna could get out of the car.“What happened?” she demanded, turning to me.“If we need to convince Leonardo…we would need to do a fucking good job,” I said.“That’s what I said,” Gianna muttered, looking blank. I shook my head and with a slight tug of her hand, I pulled her closer until she was almost sitting on my lap. Her dark eyes widened in surprise, hands pressed on my chest to support herself.“Wh…what are you doing?” she mumbled.“Acti