All Chapters of Claimed by the Italian Mafia King: Chapter 51 - Chapter 60

73 Chapters

CHAPTER FIFTY-ONE

TESSAI didn't answer, not because I didn't want to stay, but because I was scared. Because anything I said right now could break either of us. But the look on his face as he thought I was repulsed by him was even more heart wrenching.“No,” I said quickly, squatting in front of him. “No, I don't find you despicable. Not even one bit,” I confessed.His eyes searched mine as if looking for an atom of truth in them. “I frighten you,” His voice dropped, his face scrunched as if those words left a bitter taste in his mouth. I shook my head slowly, not finding my voice. “I can see it in your eyes. You're scared.”He was wrong. I wasn't scared of him. I wasn't scared that he could hurt me. I was terrified about what my acceptance would mean. “I'm not,” I whispered, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ears. I reached for his hand, holding them in mine. “I'm not scared of you, Leonardo… This–this is all too much for me. With the–the whole contract and everything—”“To hell with the c

CHAPTER FIFTY-TWO

LEONARDO I couldn't breathe. The ropes bit into my skin as I thrashed to free myself, but the harder I fought, the deeper I sank in these endless waters. I tried to yell for help but all that came out were sounds muffled by the waters. I couldn't hold on any longer. The surface seemed so far away and the ropes that bound my hands and feet were restraining my movements. Was this one of those games papa played? He called them training but they terrified the hell out of me. He'd lock me up in the basement and give me a couple minutes to get myself free. But he had never tied me up like this. Never. I couldn't even yell for help, the oxygen was draining quickly from my lungs. The longest I'd held my breath underwater was three minutes and it felt like I'd been down here longer than that. The ropes began to get loose and I pulled harder, finally freeing myself. I kicked my feet as fast as I could to get to the surface, gasping for breath while adjusting my eyes to the darkness th

CHAPTER FIFTY-THREE

TESSA It felt so good to be home. Home. A sudden calm filled my distraught thoughts as the elevator doors opened. I helped Leonardo into the penthouse, my mind returning to that night before his accident. How disregarded I felt as he walked out after I'd poured out all my emotions to him. We still hadn't spoken about that night. I didn't want to bring it up. I had a million questions in my mind, some whose answers I knew wouldn't be pleasant but I pushed them to the back of my mind. For now I'd pretend everything was perfect. I'd live in this fairytale pretense that it was just him and I. That the danger all around was non-existent. Just for now… “You okay?” I asked softly, seeing the way his palms fisted on the armrest. He nodded once. “I will be once I shower.” “Oh okay. Do you need my help with that?” I asked, guiding the wheelchair towards his room. “Don't bother. I can manage.” I didn't argue. “Okay,” I said slowly, opening his room door and helping him to the bathro

CHAPTER FIFTY-FOUR

TESSA I wasn't prepared for that. The way his eyes darkened as they held mine while he said those words, the honesty in them…it terrified me. “Leonardo…” I trailed off. “Don't say anything. Just let me. Let me feel this with you.” He whispered. He reached out his other hand and trailed his fingertips along my jawline. I shook my head, a heavy weight settling on my chest as I lowered my eyes. He was making things harder than they were supposed to be. “Will I ever be able to leave?” I couldn't stop myself from asking. His touch was gone instantly and I regretted ever voicing that thought. His eyes were cold, distant. “You want to leave that much?” I shook my head. “No. That's not what I meant.” I didn't want to leave but I couldn't live like this, giving up my freedom and being tied down this way. I had dreams. I had goals. I had a family that loved me and were unaware of this whole situation. And never in a million years did I ever imagine I'd end up here. With

CHAPTER FIFTY-FIVE

TESSAI stirred, reaching out for Leonardo, only to find the space beside me empty.My eyes snapped open before squinting at the bright lights that seeped through the full length window. I pushed up on one elbow, scanning the room but he wasn't in sight.My fingers curled into the duvet as flashes of last night resurfaced. How his arm locked around my waist, his breathing warm against my neck. I bit my lower lip as heat crept up my neck just at those memories. I turned towards the bedside table, seeing the time on the clock.11:56 am.I nearly bolted upright. Oh Christ!I pulled the duvet away from my body, rising to my feet. I hurried out of the room not minding the fact that my hair looked like I'd run straight through a tornado. Making my way towards the living room, I paused to put my hair up into a messy bun.I hadn't had a proper sleep in a few weeks but I definitely took this one a little too personal. Almost 12 noon? What was I thinking sleeping in like that!“Sì, riveder

CHAPTER FIFTY-SIX

TESSAMy shoulder stiffened at the sight of her. A hollow ache crawling its way up my chest.His private physiotherapist was a lady? But I thought it would be the same male physiotherapist assigned to him back at the hospital. A lump formed in my throat as my eyes lowered to her hand extended towards Leonardo. Leonardo ignored her handshake offer, narrowing his eyes at her. “I wasn't informed there'd be a change in personnel.”She retreated her hand but her smile didn't falter. “I was instructed to take over your recovery plan effective immediately,” she said calmly. “Dr. Romano was reassigned to another high-priority case. Hospital administration felt my expertise with spinal injuries made me better suited for your recovery.”Leonardo glanced up at me, his lips pressed into a thin line. He was clearly not pleased with the arrangement. And on the other hand, I still couldn't get myself to snap out of whatever it was going on within me. My fingers dug deep into my palms in a futile

CHAPTER FIFTY-SEVEN

LEONARDO “I’ll… give you some space,” Tessa murmured, shifting on her feet. I caught her hand before she could leave. “You don't have to go,” I studied her with a frown on my face. The awkward smile on her face, the way she nervously rubbed her elbow and stared down, avoiding my gaze didn't go unnoticed. She had never excused herself whenever I had a session. If anything, she'd stay around to ensure I was comfortable with the procedures. But now, with the way her eyes darted around, but purposely avoiding my gaze, it clearly showed something was wrong. “Um…I have a call I need to make anyway,” she said with a smile that didn't reach her eyes, pulling away from my grip. “I'll leave you to it,” she said faintly, before leaving. I stared at her retreating form, feeling a wave of confusion. She was okay just minutes ago. “I'll begin with the standard stretches,” the physiotherapist said, crouching down in front of me. I paid no attention to her. I hated strangers touching m

CHAPTER FIFTY-EIGHT

TESSAMy head throbbed.Not too painful, just a dull but heavy pressure behind my eyes, like I hadn’t slept enough even though I knew I had.I kept my eyes closed, hoping the pain would fade as I turned to my side, hugging the pillow closer to my chest.I heard frantic movements coming from outside my door. I slowly peeled my eyes open, adjusting to the light with my brows drawing together.Perhaps it was his men up here. I tried to ignore the sounds, focusing on getting rid of the headache forming when I heard a loud crashing sound.I pulled the duvet away from me and swung my legs off the bed, holding the edge of the bed to steady myself for a bit when my head spun. The marble tiles were cold beneath my feet as I stood up but I didn't bother putting on any slippers.I was still caught up in my thoughts about what could possibly be happening outside when I heard Leonardo's voice filled with urgency. “Careful with that!”“Mi dispiace, Don,” came another voice.I made my way out of my

CHAPTER FIFTY-NINE

LEONARDO“It's perfect,” she whispered, a tear sliding down her cheeks.I lifted my hand, wiping the tears away with my thumb. I couldn't bear to see her cry. Not for any reason. “You're perfect,” I corrected. Not the ring, not the gifts, nothing could compare to her. Absolutely nothing.My eyes dropped to her full lips, resisting the urge to feel them against mine, to feel our breaths mixed together into something dangerously addictive.Her long lashes fluttered, casting warm shadows beneath her eyes.My chest felt full, warmth coursing through my veins. For the first time in my life, I felt complete.I could never let go. I was so deep in whatever this was that letting go was not an option.Her lips parted, a small breath escaping and I felt all my control slip away. I pulled her in by the waist. I needed to taste her. Fuck! I needed to feel her lips on mine, hear her breathless moans, see the desire burning in her eyes and know that I'm the only one that gets to see this side of

CHAPTER SIXTY

LEONARDO I couldn't stop watching her.The entire drive to La Rosa d'Oro, I'd been trying and failing not to stare. Everything about her pulled at me. The way that dress clung to her curves. The way her fingers kept drifting to the ring. The way she bit her lip when she was nervous. Her very existence.The car slowed down at the entrance to the restaurant. “We're here, Don Vitale,” The driver announced.She looked around with wide eyes, taking in the elegant facade, and I found myself smiling.“Hold on,” I said when she reached for the door handle.Matteo alighted from the passenger seat, discreetly scanning the surroundings before pulling out the folded wheelchair from the back and setting it up.I held the door frame for support, then slowly shifted my weight, sliding from the seat and lowering myself into the chair, wincing slightly at the dull ache that shot up my spine.I circled the car, coming round to Tessa’s side and held the door open for her. I extended my hand to help he

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