Semua Bab Claimed by the Italian Mafia King: Bab 51 - Bab 60

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

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

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

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

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