"Kill me," she rasped, her voice hoarse. It was confusing; didn't she want this, didn't she want me? What an actress. My laughter turned bitter. "That would be too easy," I smirked before letting go of her neck and dropping her to the floor. I crouched down, grabbed her chin, and forced her to look at me. "I'm going to torture you, destroy you, but never kill you. After all, you'll have to sleep with me eventually. You are my wife now," he mocked me cruelly. Jennifer Nelson, the fearless Russian capo's perfect and pure daughter, finds her life changed when she's married off to form a treaty. Her new husband, Alexander Alfonso, is known worldwide, especially to her. The treaty wasn't the only reason he married her-he wanted revenge. Eight years have passed; has anything changed? She didn't expect to last long in the marriage. How far will she go to survive? Does she even want to? Alexander Alfonso, the ruthless Italian capo, is known for his cruelty. After something devastating happens to him, it haunts him for eight years until he gets the perfect chance to make the person responsible pay. He thinks he knows everything about her, but all his studying might be wasted when she reveals her truth. Even the most evil people have a traumatic story that shaped them. How far will he go to make her pay? Does he even want to after learning the truth? TW: This story contains triggering topics of many sorts.
This house choked me, maybe it was because I could still hear her sweet laugh and her precious voice as they ran through the many gardens that this house sported or, maybe it was because that monster was alive and living here, yet she wasn't.
We were all silent when I heard light footsteps and a laugh so delicate it could have belonged to an angel. However, I knew who it belonged to, and she was no angel. I hated her being able to laugh so freely it infuriated me, made me see red.
The round table separated the 4 of us, it had been placed on the balcony of Nelson's home office. The view of Madrid was rather amazing, yet it couldn't compare to my views of Sicily. Although the fresh summer breeze relaxed me a bit, I was still in the mood to kill.
What was the meaning of his invitation? More intriguingly, why invite Papa? He retired from the business ages ago, maybe it wasn't for business. All I know is, I have no time for it.
I stare at the man who sat before me, so the rumors really are true, Capo Nelson really is getting old. His eyes were aged, yet they still held their cold and emotionless stare. His head that once held his brunette locks was now quickly balding with his remaining hair a deep grey. His skin was now wrinkled. However, he sat tall.
He was staring right back at me, but when he realized I had noticed he quickly looked away. Damn right, he knows better than to look at me like that. Normally, I wouldn't hesitate to pierce his skull but in this case, it would cause an unnecessary war. Which wouldn't be ideal right now, I didn't need to stake our treaty.
He was testing me, stupid old bastard. I was tempted to bark something at him, to make him explain his plans, however, I manage to stay calm. "Respect the timing, my son." My father's words blare through my ears.
There are many differences between me and my father, making us nothing alike; one of them being I'm worse, much worse than he ever will be, my reign will be far more successful as I become more powerful than the rest.
Everyone knows I'm not a very patient man. But he doesn't deserve the pleasure of me twitching or squirming. I sit tall staring back, the tension between us rising.
His time is nearly over, the crown on his head would soon be passed onto his oldest son, Martinez. I can see it, Why couldn't they just announce it already?
Looking around, I see their men dressed in suits, guns resting in their holsters and earpieces snaked around their ears.
I knew I should have come with more men, instead, my father insisted on only bringing Enzo, Marco, Matteo, Roman, Diago, and Stanley with us. He had assured me no more were necessary. Stupid old man, I know he knows why we are here, he must know at least something.
Glancing around again, I notice Enzo, Stanley, Roman, Diago, and Marco guarding the arena. There are far more Russians on the other side, even more below us. To put it simply, we are trapped. Matteo stood tall behind us, while my hand traced the holster beneath my tailored suit.
Yes, I came somewhat prepared.
One wrong move from the opposite and they wouldn't know what hit them. But he wouldn't touch me, he wouldn't dare.
The history of our families runs deeper than overlooking the blue. Crueler than the dark clouds towering over the sky. One I don't wanna talk about.
I'm on their ground, in their territory. Not to mention, I'm outnumbered. If they were in Italy, my area, they would all be following me.
My rules, My reign.
Nobody challenges me.
Nobody speaks back.
They all fear me, as they should.
They all pathetically kiss the floor I walk on.
Over there, I am God, I am Satan, I am the leader of all leaders.
I don't own just my Mafia, I own them all; Capo Di Capi.
Fuck yes, I am worshipped more than a god.
Back in Italy, I am the law.
The.Fucking.King!
But here, I am a guest.
Like old times.
"Alfonso." The old bastard greets with a curt nod.
About.Fucking.Time!
"Nelson." I greet back, my voice laced in dominance, while I return the nod.
The old man glares at his son, who is glaring in absolute menace at me. I quickly return the favor, I don't avert my eyes, and nor does he.
"I don't agree to this agreement!" He whisper shouts to his father.
"It isn't your decision! You aren't don, I am!" The old man shouts in dominance, silently threatening his son.
Martinez sighs before standing down.
The old man leans back in his seat. "I have a proposition for you." He waits for my approval to continue.
"Go on," I say arching my eyebrow slightly.
"We both know enemies are rising, getting stronger by the day." He begins.
What he is saying is true. These bastards are on a mission to destroy us, to destroy me, To destroy my empire, my legacy, my birthright.
"I want to be more than allies." He announces.
"Are we not?" I spit, my voice coiled in hatred.
My father clears his throat as if something had gotten stuck in it. It reminded me of his presence. Nelson gives my father the slightest nod, ignoring my outbreak. What the fuck is going on right now?
"I want the Nelson's and the Alfonso's to be United. Rumour has it that a newer, stronger, larger enemy is rising. However, no one knows who. But that bastard is on the brink of making us, enemies." He spat angrily.
"Are we not already enemies?" Benjamin asks referring to my mafia and his fathers.
"We are not pointing guns at each other Benjamin!" Nelson sighs.
"It can be arranged," I smirk at Benjamin.
"I'm on board," Benjamin replies.
"Stop it both of you!" Nelson exhales holding the bridge of his nose in outrage.
"Show some respect!" Matteo growls.
"Watch it! We don't wanna start aiming guns do we now?" My father shouts at Matteo.
I need to get out of here as soon as possible, the Russian breeze is beginning to fuck with my brain. All I want is to pull the trigger and spill blood.
"So how do you suppose we get stronger? Are you gonna hand me the throne?" I asked tilting my head to the side while I study him. I always have the upper hand in any deal, whether it's alliances or drugs or prostitution or weapons. No matter what, I always win. Considering the circumstances, I don't know what he'll offer.
He has nothing to offer unless it's sharing in his long list of business.
The old man shook his head closing his eyes and for the first time, I notice something troubling him. Nothing dared to trouble the ruthless Russian Mob boss. He was the murderer walking into your life and ruining it. My stomach pummels at the worst imagination.
Once he finally opens his eyes, he stares directly into mine. "I am not giving you the throne, I am giving you something more precious than my mafia." He spoke his voice laced in regret and sorrow.
To say I'm confused would be an understatement; because my brain doesn't understand what could be more precious than his Mafia and its power. I can get shares from anyone.
"I am giving you a piece of myself." He sighs.
"Stop talking riddles, Nelson!" I growl.
It happens so fast, I almost miss it. Benjamin grabs a gun from under his jacket and points it at my head. However, Matteo is faster and he points his gun at Capo. Roman and Diago have theirs on Benjamin. Papa curses under his breath as I sit back and relax in my chair.
I know I'm outnumbered, but I also know they wouldn't dare shoot.
"Drop your gun Benjamin!" Capo demands.
"He disrespected you!" Benjamin shouts keeping his gun pointed at me.
"Roman! Diago! Drop your fucking weapons!" Father demands, they almost do but stop themselves remembering that they only take orders from me, and they no longer take orders from him.
"Drop the fucking gun now Benjamin," Capo demands, Matteo hesitates but finally lowers it.
I silently signal my men to put them down to as Capo signals his to do the same.
"Tsk, Tsk, Didn't know Russians treated their guests like this," I smirk.
"Don't disrespect me, boy!" Capo warns.
I chuckle in response.
"You haven't stopped testing my patience since I got here, So tell me what is it you want to do." I glare at him.
He takes a deep breath before announcing," I want you and Jennifer to get married."
She's shy, quiet, and prefers to stay in the background. He's bold, confident, and thrives in the spotlight. She dreams of a fairy tale ending, while he's determined to take life head-on. Morgan Perot, a former Navy SEAL, is a national hero and the kind of man every woman dreams about. After inheriting his grandfather's massive fortune, he becomes one of the country's most eligible bachelors. But when a dangerous enemy resurfaces, threatening Nadia St. Patrick and her family, Morgan is asked to protect her. Going undercover as her bodyguard, Morgan disguises himself as "Brown," changing his appearance to stay unrecognizable. Although Morgan and Nadia have crossed paths many times before, she doesn't realize who he really is. Both of them are keeping secrets, ones that could change their lives forever. As the danger grows closer, so does the undeniable attraction between them. Nadia's guarded heart begins to open under Morgan's protection, but he's determined to protect not just her body, but also her heart and soul. Will Nadia discover the truth about her mysterious protector before it's too late? Can she have the fairy tale she's always secretly hoped for, or will the enemy strike and take it all away? Be careful what you wish for-life's toughest lessons often come at the most difficult times.
Tiara meets Leandro just as her life seems to be falling into place. She's a confident young artist who recently opened her own art studio in the heart of New York City. One night, Leandro saves her from an attack, and everything she thought she knew about her life starts to unravel. She knows he's dangerous, but she can't resist the pull of the mysterious, captivating man. There's something about him that fascinates her-and he may hold secrets about a past she never even knew existed. Leandro, on the other hand, was only looking for a front to hide his illegal weapons trade when he stumbled into Tiara's gallery. Falling for the bold, dark-haired artist was never part of the plan. Yet, despite his belief that women are only weaknesses in the life of a Mafia Don, he finds himself drawn to her fiery spirit and unable to let her go. Can their love survive the chaos of Leandro's criminal world, or will Tiara become another casualty of his dangerous life?
"Stay away from me; I'm not the man for you." How did those words transform into "I can't live without her"? Dive into this unique love story to uncover the truth. Vivian Carter is forced into an arranged marriage with a man she's never met, under the threat of devastating consequences to the only person she truly loves if she disobeys her controlling father and stepmother. Mario Houston, a billionaire with his own empire, embodies the classic bad boy who always gets his way. But when Vivian enters his life and starts calling him out on his behavior, will he rise to the challenge and become a better man-or spiral even further into his dark ways?
On the day of the wedding, Brendan left me and went to find his true love. When I called him, he, who had always been gentle to me, showed impatience for the first time, saying, "It's just a wedding, I'll make it up to you when I get back." Feeling disheartened, I suggested calling off the wedding. Brendan thought I was just being stubborn, and in the face of friends' advice, he said, "It's okay, when she calms down, she will come find me." It wasn't until Edrence, the prince, posted our marriage certificate that Brendan suddenly went crazy and came knocking on my door. When he saw the man who opened the door, he was slightly stunned. And I, standing behind the man, with a blush still on my face, leaned forward and asked, "Nephew, what brings you to see your auntie so late?"
In their three years of marriage, Chelsea had been a dutiful wife to Edmund. She used to think that her love and care would someday melt Edmund's cold heart, but she was wrong. Finally, she couldn't take the disappointment any longer and chose to end the marriage. Edmund had always thought that his wife was just boring and dull. So it was shocking when Chelsea suddenly threw divorce papers at his face in front of everyone at the Nelson Group's anniversary party. How humiliating! After that, everyone thought that the formerly-married couple would never see each other again, even Chelsea. Once again, she thought wrong. Sometime later, at an award ceremony, Chelsea went onstage to accept the award for best screenplay. Her ex-husband, Edmund, was the one presenting the award to her. As he handed her the trophy, he suddenly reached for her hand and pleaded humbly in front of the audience, "Chelsea, I'm sorry I didn't cherish you before. Could you please give me another chance?" Chelsea looked at him indifferently. "I'm sorry, Mr. Nelson. My only concern now is my business." Edmund's heart was shattered into a million pieces. "Chelsea, I really can't live without you." But his ex-wife just walked away. Wasn't it better for her to just concentrate on her career? Men would only distract her—especially her ex-husband.
Compelled by her dad's dilemma and the looming fate of their business, Irene agreed to become Braydon's lover. To outsiders, Braydon seemed invulnerable, yet only Irene was privy to the tempestuous passions he unleashed behind closed doors. Gradually, Irene found herself tangled in the intricate emotional snare Braydon had woven, her heart craving more, only to be shattered by the revelation of his engagement. Devastated, she left and soon encountered Braydon's archrival. It was then that the formidable Braydon confronted the esteemed surgeon Dr. Mitchell, all in a fierce struggle over Irene.
Sara Mae Xavier is living every Omega's dream--she is the Alpha King's mate! That's until he betrays and rejects her. He also accuses her falsely, and she is sentenced to two years at the notorious North Academy, a campus made specifically for delinquent werewolves. She has no idea how she'll survive, being a weak Omega, but she soon realises that's the least of her problems. Her roommates are three Alphas, each with a notorious reputation of his own. But that's not the worst part...why on earth does she have a mate bond to all of them?
In order to fulfill her grandfather's last wish, Stella entered into a hasty marriage with an ordinary man she had never met before. However, even after becoming husband and wife on paper, they each led separate lives, barely crossing paths. A year later, Stella returned to Seamarsh City, hoping to finally meet her mysterious husband. To her astonishment, he sent her a text message, unexpectedly pleading for a divorce without ever having met her in person. Gritting her teeth, Stella replied, "So be it. Let’s get a divorce!" Following that, Stella made a bold move and joined the Prosperity Group, where she became a public relations officer that worked directly for the company’s CEO, Matthew. The handsome and enigmatic CEO was already bound in matrimony, and was known to be unwaveringly devoted to his wife in private. Unbeknownst to Stella, her mysterious husband was actually her boss, in his alternate identity! Determined to focus on her career, Stella deliberately kept her distance from the CEO, although she couldn't help but notice his deliberate attempts to get close to her. As time went on, her elusive husband had a change of heart. He suddenly refused to proceed with the divorce. When would his alternate identity be uncovered? Amidst a tumultuous blend of deception and profound love, what destiny awaited them?
Janice, the long-forgotten legitimate heiress, made her way back to her family, pouring her heart into winning their hearts. Yet, she had to relinquish her very identity, her academic credentials, and her creative works to her foster sister. In return for her sacrifices, she found no warmth, only deeper neglect. Resolute, Janice vowed to cut off all emotional bonds. Transformed, she now stood as a master of martial arts, adept in eight languages, an esteemed medical expert, and a celebrated designer. With newfound resolve, she declared, "From this day forward, no one in this family shall cross me."