Semua Bab Claimed by the Italian Mafia King: Bab 11 - Bab 20

TESSA The door shut with a dull thud, the phone heavy in my hands as I stared at the closed doors. I waited a few seconds. One. Two. Three. The footsteps faded and there was no click at the other side of the door. I wasn't locked in. A smile tried to make its way to my face but it was immediately replaced with a deep ache in my chest. I'd be delusional to be happy about not being locked in this room when I know that even if the front doors and gates were open and unguarded, I wouldn’t be able to make it far before they get to me again. I turned on the phone screen while moving towards the edge of the bed and carefully lowering myself to a sitting position. I typed in the number that I'd memorized over and over again right from elementary school in case I got lost. I took a deep breath, holding it as the phone rang, my hands shaking a bit as I anticipated to hear the voice on the other line. When it went to voicemail, my heartbeat quickened. I feared for the worse. I redialed t

TESSA “It means the fire wasn't a fucking accident!” The words hit me like a punch to the gut. My throat went dry. “What… What are you saying? That someone did this on purpose?” My voice wavered, the image of my dad in a hospital bed made my chest tighten until it hurt. “Possibly.” “What do you mean by possibly?” I raised my voice. “Was it a gas leak like the police suspected or was someone behind this?” “I don't have time to explain. There's something I need to handle,” he said abruptly. “I'm coming with you!” “No, you're not. Stay here.”He ordered. “Stay here?!” I couldn't believe him. “While my family is suffering for what they know nothing about?” I shook my head. “They're in this mess because of me!” “You're right about that,” he didn't sugarcoat his words. “But you're also a target and with you dead your family is also going to get killed.” “My dad is in the ICU! I can't just stand here and do nothing–” “You will stand here,” his voice dropped lower. It was an order.

LEONARDO 2 DAYS AGO… “You'll do exactly what I say. That's how you keep them alive,” I fumed, my jaw clenched. Rage barely contained. Her face contorted in confusion but she knew better than to keep countering me. Without a word, I turned on my heels, Matteo falling into step behind me. “Boss,” my men outside bowed in greeting. The door to the SUV was held open. I held out my hand and one of them placed a silencer in my palms without hesitation. I checked the bullets. Full. Perfect. I cocked the gun, taking off the safety and slid it into my waistband. Fools. They act first, never thinking about the consequences. And tonight, the Commission proved themselves nothing but fools. They dared to counter me. I passed a message to stay clear, yet as fools, they wanted to get a reaction from me. Now, they would get one. I slipped into the SUV, the engine roaring to life, a sound that echoed the fury burning inside me. The ride was silent, except for the low hum of the engine. Matte

TESSA His fingers dug into my thigh exposed through the slit. “I won't have you disrespect me.” He whispered close to my ear, his warm breath fanning my neck. I bit back a yelp at the intensity of the pain. “Understand?” I nodded once. It was unbelievable how his actions went unnoticed by the rest of the people on our table. “Words. I need words.” “Yes,” I whispered. “Good.” He let go of my thigh, a stinging pain radiating from his fierce grip. Before I could say anything, a voice sounded through the speakers. “Tonight, in a most special way, we'd like to honor Signore Leonardo Vitale not only for his generosity but for his unwavering resolve in seeing that this project becomes a reality.” A round of applause erupted even before the speaker finished what he had to say. Leonardo stood up in all his glory, adjusting his tux jacket. His expression mere seconds ago sharp with irritation now transformed into something charming. A mask. He lifted his champagne flute and gave a s

TESSA I let the warm water cascade down my back, easing my tensed muscles from the day's stress. I stood under the shower for a while longer before stepping out and putting on a silk red night gown that stopped mid thigh. I made my way downstairs to get some water before calling it a night. I stepped into the living room and the sensor lights flicked on. I headed toward the kitchen when I heard some rustling sounds coming from there. I halted my steps. Was someone in there? His men have never stepped foot inside this building since the night I arrived. And it was close to midnight so the cook should be gone by now. I feared for something worse. I scanned the room and my eyes landed on a flower vase. Without thinking, I grabbed it. At least to protect or defend myself. As if this object could stand a chance against their weapons, whoever the intruder was. But still, I carefully tiptoed towards the kitchen, clutching the vase tightly in my hands. My breath caught in my throat at