Raph X Donnie Novels & Stories

~Lianna Black~ My breath hitched, my lips parted to utter a word, yet my mouth felt too dry to mumble a thing. Staring deep into Ace’s pool of gray hues, I swallowed hard to dampen my waterless throat for the sincerity in them is enough to turn me into a putty. Is this some sort of game? Am I hallucinating this? What is going on? “I need you, Lianna.” He cupped my face with his big warm hands. This is real, I had to convince myself that Ace Romano, the Don of the most powerful crime family in the world, is speaking sweetly to me. Asking me to stay.

The gauntlet had been thrown down on her very first day. Avery looked at the incomplete file on her desk, her gaze turning cool. She was just about to reach for it when a young figure suddenly stepped in front of her. "Dr. Morris! This is the paperwork that needs to be filed this afternoon. Let me help you carry it!" It was Donna, the intern assistant. She had a head of fluffy blonde hair tied back in a messy ponytail and a personality as sunny and energetic as a little ray of sunshine. She used her own body to shield Avery from the probing, mocking glances of the others, her face flushed red as she whispered urgently:

His voice is a low growl, vibrating with a warning that makes the nearby guests shift uncomfortably. “Long time no see, son.” “Not long enough.” Nero doesn’t look at her. His eyes are locked on me, searching my face for any sign of damage. “I was just telling your girl how pleasing she is to the eye,” Donna Nera says, her dry voice wearing off. “I see why you’re holding on so tight. It’s a shame, really. Every fairytale has its final page, and I think I can hear yours turning.”

“Oh, that’s new. Wilbet only ever buys you ugly tulips. These are…” She plucked a rose, pressing her nose against it. “... expensive.” “Must be from the club committee,” I said quickly. “We’re hosting a fundraiser next week.” Cass gave a low, amused laugh. “Club committee? You sure it’s not someone who’s actually seen you smile?” I shot her a look. “Oh, don’t play coy or dumb with me, Aziza. You and I both know these aren’t from Wilbet. These are from someone. Dare I say... special?

He looked terrible. Unshaven. Bloodshot eyes. Wrinkled suit. The once‑powerful Don now looked like a homeless man. “Valentina,” he said. His voice was barely there. I glanced up. Then back at my papers. “Please sit, Don De Luca,” Vincent said, gesturing to the chair across from me. Alessandro didn’t sit. He walked straight to me. “Valentina. I need to talk to you. Alone.” “There’s nothing to talk about. Please sit. Let’s begin.”