31. Blood, Fire, and Nightmares

DIANAThe terrace lights flickered weakly as I fought sleep, staring out the window. Cold wind whispered through the leaves. Down below, Rocco stood still. Domenico yawned beside him."I'm heading home," Domenico said. "Nothing's going to happen at this hour. The little devil's probably asleep by now."He glanced up, and I pulled back into the shadows of the curtains."I'll stay," Rocco replied. "Extra coverage."Domenico patted Rocco's shoulder."The boss'll sleep easier tonight with you on watch. Actually, you know what? I'll stay a little longer."I dropped my head back, sighing. Sleep was pressing down on me. I moved away from the window and collapsed onto the bed, my consciousness starting to fade.The warmth of the pillows turned into summer sunlight, and I was fully asleep. Suddenly, I was walking through the city center, carrying a box of cigars and a bottle of whiskey—gifts for Nico.That day, when I got home, I had a bad feeling. My father's men came in behind me, but the un

Last Updated : 2026-03-27

32. Mine, Even If I Have to Kill for It

DIANABefore I could say anything, the reality of the nightmare hit me like a punch to the gut: my father's body on the floor. Nico's. The sound of gunshots. The searing pain of my skin tearing open. A sob broke out of me, and without hesitating, Rocco wrapped his arms around me.I grabbed his shirt, my fingers twisting into the fabric as I cried. I felt the solid wall of his chest under my hands, and he started stroking my hair, slow and steady. I cried into his shoulder, feeling the texture of his skin against my cheek.Slowly, the sobs started to quiet. The feeling of safety grew with every breath. His smell—a mix of soap, sweat, and something unmistakably him—filled my senses, pulling me back to calm. He didn't say anything. Just held me tight, letting me find my own rhythm until, finally, I felt steadier.I pulled back to look at him."Why are you still here?""I was worried about you. Earlier." His voice was softer than usual.I remembered my conversation with Alessandro and loo

Last Updated : 2026-03-27

33. Run Away With Me

DIANAHe looked at me with those cold eyes—the expression of a man who knew the rules but wouldn't hesitate to break them if he had to."If it came down to him or me, Diana. What do you think my choice would be?" He said it like the question was as simple as breathing.A shiver ran down my spine. I didn't even want to think about it. But at the same time, everything was a mess. One minute he was acting like we had to keep this secret forever, like it was no big deal. The next, he seemed ready to risk everything. It was driving me crazy."What do you want, exactly?"He went quiet for a moment when I pinned him down with my question. His eyes stayed intense, fixed on mine."I want you."His words hit like thunder, but I needed to be sure he meant it."I thought you didn't want me that much." My voice wavered, but my heart was racing.Rocco moved closer, his face inches from mine. His eyes burned with an intensity that stole my breath."Wanting and being able to have are two different th

Last Updated : 2026-03-27

All Chapters of PROTECTED BY THE DEVIL: Chapter 31 - Chapter 33

31. Blood, Fire, and Nightmares

32. Mine, Even If I Have to Kill for It

33. Run Away With Me