/0/63055/coverbig.jpg?v=300ad7559857411ffb47aa34f63ea5ea)
Permission duly taken. Attending a party with my stepbrother, I'm in for the surprise of my life. It's not a regular party, but instead, my wedding. To Angelo Rizzo. A coldhearted man who's feared by all. Including me. Turns out my stepbrother owes the Cosa Nostra money, and I'm being used to repay his debt to Angelo Rizzo. Do I have a choice? No. Not when it comes to matters concerning the Cosa Nostra. Three hours later, I have a new shiny wedding ring on my finger and a husband I'm terrified of standing by my side. Yep, my life just took a turn for the worse. There's no hiding. No running. All I can do is face the nightmare that awaits me and pray I'll survive being married to Angelo Rizzo.
Chapter 1
Tori
Angelo Rizzo; 34. Vittoria – Tori Romano; 23.
"Mark my words," Giorgio says. "By the end of the year, I'll be one of the bosses."
I almost let out a snort. Listening to my stepbrother go on and on about how important he is in the Cosa Nostra is ridiculous.
He wishes.
Giorgio is...well, he's a narcissistic asshole. There's no other way to put it. Everyone knows there are only five bosses in the Cosa Nostra – Rizzo, Torrisi, Vitale, La Rosa, and Falco. The five families run New York, and no one dares go against them.
Giorgio is all talk, and one day, it will get him killed.
A girl can hope.
Instantly, I'm hit with a wave of guilt for wishing my stepbrother dead.
Forgive me, Father.
Since my father and stepmother died in a car accident seven years ago, Giorgio took over Papà's place in the Cosa Nostra. It went straight to Giorgio's head, and he's become downright unbearable to live with.
My aunt on Mamma's side of the family asked Giorgio to let me live with them, but he wouldn't hear of it. Sadly, my mamma died of pneumonia when I was three years old, and my aunt, uncle, and cousin are the only family I have left.
I was only sixteen, but Giorgio's word was law in our family, so no one dared go against him. Now I'm twenty-three and still stuck with the bastard.
I suspect he's only holding onto me to get my share of the inheritance that will pay out when I turn twenty-five.
He's already blown through more than half of his share, wasting it on gambling, alcohol, and women.
Giorgio was the perfect stepson to my father. Papà even adopted Giorgio as his own, so I can't blame Papà for leaving him in charge of our finances. Even I was shocked when I learned what a vile person Giorgio really is.
Cettina, Giorgio's mother, and Papà got married two years after Mamma died. I was five, and Giorgio was thirteen, so we grew up as brother and sister.
But overnight, he changed into a different person. One that's violent, selfish, and greedy.
I don't know what I'll do when I turn twenty-five in two years, but Giorgio won't get a dime from me. I'm hoping I can cash in my inheritance and run to somewhere he won't be able to find me.
Clearing my throat, I murmur, "Excuse me. I'm going to the restroom."
Giorgio's eyes are on a beautiful woman who just came in, and he doesn't pay me any attention as I get up from my chair.
Walking to the back of the restaurant, I glance around the establishment. The place is packed, and even though I've grown up around these people, they all feel like strangers.
Every Friday we have lunch at Piccola Sicilia. The restaurant belongs to Angelo Rizzo, and I've only seen him a few times. It's never long enough to get a good look at him.
Not that I want to. The five heads of the Cosa Nostra terrify the living crap out of me. They're known for being brutal when it comes to business.
Growing up in the Cosa Nostra, I've learned to fear the five families like the rest of the Sicilians who call New York their home.
Even Giorgio is shit scared of them. He talks big in front of me, but when he has to speak to one of Angelo Rizzo's men, he's pathetically humble.
Whenever he's forced to eat a slice of humble pie, I'm the one who suffers. The last time Big Ricky scolded Giorgio for being late for work, Giorgio broke two of my ribs.
He seldom leaves marks on my face because he loves to parade me in front of the single men in the Cosa Nostra. I know he plans to marry me off to one of them, but he's holding out for my inheritance.
The only solace I can find in the crappy situation is that Giorgio can't force me to marry him. We live in a tight-knit Sicilian community who would disapprove if he tried to marry me. After all, we were raised as brother and sister. It's my only saving grace and also the reason he hasn't looked at me in a sexual way. To Giorgio, the only thing that matters is getting his grubby hands on my inheritance.
I slip into the restroom, and after relieving myself, I wash my hands and touch up my lipstick. My eyes flit over the light peach summer dress I'm wearing, making sure the fabric isn't stuck in my underwear. It happened to Aida when we were fourteen, and I almost died of second-hand embarrassment for my cousin. Since then, I always check my clothes to ensure nothing is out of place.
My gaze locks on my reflection in the mirror, and I lift my chin.
Just two more years of this hell, then you can run away and create a new life for yourself.
As I step out of the restroom to return to the table, an office door opens to my right. Not thinking, I glance in the direction of the sound, and
instantly, I'm doused in ice.
I have a clear view of Angelo Rizzo, who's gripping a man by his neck. I can't hear what's being said, but as Big Ricky comes out of the office, I see Angelo slam a knife into the man's throat.
Mother of God.
The squeak escaping me has Big Ricky's eyes snapping in my direction.
Crap!
My heart instantly hammers against my ribs, and I quickly dart to the left. I know it's stupid of me to run, but my flight or fight instinct kicks in, and flight always wins.
I don't even reach the end of the hallway before being grabbed by the arm and hauled back to the office.
NoNoNoNoNo!
"I didn't see anything," I plead. Big Ricky ignores me, which has me begging, "I won't tell anyone. Please."
I'm shoved into the office and stumble forward. My eyes lock on Mr. Rizzo, who's wiping the blood from the knife, and the sight brings me to a dead stop.
His head is lowered, and focused on cleaning every crimson drop from the blade, he orders with a low and threatening tone, "Remove the body."
With wide eyes, I watch as the man's body is dragged out of a side door by Tiny, who doesn't even break a sweat. Then again, he's a mountain of a man. The trail of blood smeared on the tiled floor almost makes me gag.
Father, I've been a good girl. I've never dated and kept myself pure for marriage. I attend church every Sunday. Please get me out of this mess. You owe me.
Slowly, Mr. Rizzo lifts his head, and when his hazel eyes lock on me, shivers of fear rush through my body.
Crap.
Just one look from Angelo Rizzo and my mouth goes bone dry. I swallow hard on the lump of panic in my throat.
His eyes crawl from my head to the sandals on my feet before they flick to Big Ricky.
"She saw what happened," Big Ricky explains.
I quickly shake my head, and my voice quivers as I plead, "I won't tell anyone. I promise."
Mr. Rizzo lifts his hand, and while his thumb scratches his bottom lip, his eyes lock on me once more.
The brutality in his gaze delivers a punch to my stomach.
Father, I don't want to die. Get me out of this mess, and I'll do anything you want.
Tiny comes back into the office, and without taking his eyes off me, Mr.
Rizzo hands the murder weapon to him.
"She's Romano's sister," Big Ricky informs his boss.
If my heart beats any faster, I'm going to pass out.
Mr. Rizzo lifts an eyebrow. "Vittoria."
He knows my name?
Of course, he does. I'm pretty sure nothing happens in his territory without him knowing.
Mr. Rizzo takes a deep breath while slowly stalking closer to me. "I haven't seen you since your father's funeral."
The urge to back away overwhelms me, but by the grace of God, I manage to stand still.
When he stops mere inches from me, I have to tilt my head back to look up at him.
If I weren't so freaking terrified, I'd take the time to admire the man's attractiveness. His black hair is in stark contrast with his hazel eyes. There are tiny golden flecks that make it look like flames are burning in his brown-green irises. I know he's in his early thirties and still unmarried because he's too busy ruling over his territory with an iron fist.
When Tiny stands close behind Mr. Rizzo, I realize they're the same height. Easily two and a half heads taller than me.
Where Tiny is all bulging muscles and brute strength, Mr. Rizzo's body is firmer, giving me the impression of stealth and death cloaked in an expensive suit.
Tiny has a round face, whereas Mr. Rizzo has a sharp jaw.
My eyes keep flitting between the two men while I'm overly conscious of Big Ricky behind me.
Mr. Rizzo's eyes remain locked on my face, and when I can't stand the pressure anymore, I whimper, "I won't tell anyone what I saw."
A frown line appears between his eyebrows, and his words are soft and dangerous as he murmurs, "I know."
What does that mean? Am I free to go, or is he going to kill me? GOD!
When Mr. Rizzo suddenly lifts his hand to my face, I cringe back and let out a frightened sound. I pinch my eyes shut, and fisting my hands at my sides, I try to brace for the punch.
My skin stretches tightly over my cheekbones and jaw, and I clench my teeth.
Seconds pass, and when I feel something tug at my hair, my eyes fly open.
Mr. Rizzo's gaze watches me closely while he wraps a curl of my hair around his forefinger.
Confused by what he's doing, I startle again when Giorgio's voice booms outside the office. "For fuck sake. Tori, get your ass out of the restroom!"
I hear Big Ricky move, then the hinges of the office door squeak, and he says, "Your sister is with Mr. Rizzo."
"What?" Giorgio gasps.
I hear more movement behind me, but my eyes remain on the biggest threat in the office. Angelo Rizzo.
"What did you do?" Giorgio hisses at me.
A frown forms on Mr. Rizzo's forehead, and as he lets go of the curl, I nervously brush my hand over my hair while quickly taking a step away from the terrifying man.
Needing to explain myself, I ramble, "As I came out of the restroom, the office door opened. It drew my attention, and I accidentally saw Mr. Rizzo...ah...do something. I didn't mean to look. It just happened." My hand flies to my chest, and covering my racing heart, I swear, "I won't tell anyone."
Mr. Rizzo's eyes flick to Big Ricky. "Escort Miss Romano to a table and get her a cup of coffee while I speak with her brother."
Huh?
Not sure I heard right, I ask, "I get to leave?"
Mr. Rizzo's penetrating gaze returns to me. "For now."
Intense relief washes through me as I quickly exit the office with Big Ricky.
I cautiously glance at Big Ricky, who's not much taller than me. "I'm really sorry."
With the corner of his mouth lifting slightly, he nods. "It's okay,
bellissima." He leads me to a table and nods at the chair. "You can wait here
while Mr. Rizzo talks to your brother."
"Stepbrother," I correct him. Big Ricky looks the least threatening of the bunch, which gives me the courage to ask, "How much trouble am I in?"
He shakes his head. "As long as you keep quiet, you'll be fine."
More relief floods me, and with hope filling my heart, I ask, "Really?"
He nods again before gesturing for a server to come closer. "Bring a cup of coffee for Miss. Romano."
When the server leaves, Big Ricky looks at me again. "Stay right here."
I nod and watch as he walks toward a table where three men are enjoying lunch.
Letting out a breath, I slump in the chair while wiping my palm over my forehead.
Dear God. That was intense.
I stare at the table as the terrifying past few minutes replay in my mind.
Crap, I'm going to be in so much trouble with Giorgio.
A heavy feeling settles over my shoulders, and I glance at the hallway again.
I can't believe I just came face-to-face with Angelo Rizzo.
God, the man is intense. And handsome.
And freaking scary.
Now that I'm no longer in the direct line of fire, I realize just how attractive Angelo Rizzo is. I understand why Aida, my cousin, was so infatuated with the man when I saw her a couple of months ago at a family gathering.
He might be one of the most attractive men I've ever seen, but it doesn't take away from how terrifying he is. If anything, it adds to it.
Father, it's me again. Thanks for saving my butt.
My thoughts turn to the murder I witnessed, and it brings all the fear back.
Growing up in the Cosa Nostra, you'd think I'd be used to crime and corruption, but that's not the case for me. I don't think I'll ever get used to seeing someone die.
Just two more years, then you can make a clean break from Giorgio and this world.
PERMISSION IS TAKEN FRIM THE ORIGINAL, BE WARNED!! Do you believe in Myths? Just when she thinks it can't get any worse, it does. Lucy lost everything four years ago in a rogue attack. She's been abused, starved, rejected, and broken. As her eighteenth birthday approaches, strange things start to happen, things that only happen once every century. She finds friendship in the most unlikely place and escapes to find her true self with the help of the most dangerous Alpha. Warning: This werewolf trilogy is not intended for anyone under the age of 18 or anyone who doesn't enjoy a good spanking. It will take you on adventures around the world, make you laugh, fall in love, crush your heart and possibly leave you drooling.
NOTE: THIS BOOK IS A SERIES BOOK FOR EX-HUSBAND'S REGRETS AND HEIRESS REVENGE. IT CONTAINS MANY OTHER INTERESTING SERIES. XOXO❤️😍 "We'll make another baby." These words broke her heart. She threw the divorce papers on his face. "Sign this. Let's get this over with. I'm tired of being your sidepiece." With a smirk, he replied without hesitation. "Elena, you won't get a dime as compensation. Pack your things and get lost." Disappointed, Elena goes through with the divorce and goes back to being the heiress of the wealthy Brooks family. At an auction, she meets her ex-husband and spends a fortune to get an antique. Shocked, her ex-husband asked her. "Who are you, Elena?" "The woman you rejected."
Do you love military Romance? She's crashed the biggest party of her life, and she's about to pay the price. As the leader of an off-the-books black ops SEAL team, Luke Scott can't afford for anyone to discover the truth about who he is or what he does. But when a critical mission gets botched by a member of an iconic Hollywood family, he'll have to fight to protect his team's identity, as well as keep himself from falling for the woman who's turned his life upside down. Eva Sharp's the writer and co-producer for the hit TV series SEAL Security. While on break from filming, the last thing she expects is to end up in the middle of a real-life action scene--one that puts her life on the line. At first, she's not sure if she can trust this stranger in the mountains, even if he has military written all over him. But the more time she spends with him, the harder it is to fight the pull of attraction, without also jeopardizing his op. They'll soon realize not everything is as it seems, and Luke will be forced to discover how far he's willing to go to find his mark.
In the shadows, I found a destiny that was never meant to be mine. All my life, I've been an outcast and the target of cruel jokes. But fate flings me onto a different path when I receive a full-ride scholarship to a prestigious university I never applied to. As the new girl at Evergreen Elite, I'm surrounded by whispered secrets and danger that lurks in every corner. Then I meet Raffe Wright, the university's sexy, broody quarterback, whose presence stirs something deep within me. Every instinct warns me away from him, yet I can't fight the magnetic pull between us. As I unravel the mysteries of the university, I uncover truths about my own past and secrets that could change everything. Each step leads closer to Raffe, and the destiny that brought me here. But the deeper I delve, the more I realize that Raffe might be both the answer to my questions and the greatest danger of all.
Don't play doctor with your daddy's best friend. Especially when it gets you pregnant. One night with Doctor McHottie has him exploring every inch of my anatomy. It was supposed to be a fun fling with an out-of-towner. He turns out to be the new doctor and my daddy's best friend. An apple a day keeps the doctor away, but he keeps coming back for more. I'm in trouble. Now I'm falling for this chiseled silver fox who looks like he just walked off the set of Grey's Anatomy. This is so wrong. He's way older. He's my dad's best friend. He's a doctor. And I just found out he's the father of the baby in my belly...
After suffering a bad fall on the ice, Dalia finds herself at crossroads in her life. Ryan a gorgeous stranger gives her an ultimatum, forcing her to choose between himself, a guy who promises her a chance at becoming all that she can be or Adam the boy that she's in love with. Hearts are broken as Dalia's boundaries and courage are tested in this epic love story. With the Olympic Games over, the competition for Dalia's heart begins. Dalia was forced to give up Adam the guy of her dreams to pursue a skating career with her gorgeous partner Ryan. Now that the Olympics are over and Canada's favourite couple has returned, there's nothing stopping Adam from reclaiming the love of his life, except Ryan of course! In an attempt to find his way back into his ex-girlfriends life, Adam offers Dalia the opportunity of a lifetime: She will direct a television show that will air nationwide, earning her power and money she never dreamed of having. Everything goes according to plan until Global executives insist Adam hires Dalia's ex-husband and figure skating partner Ryan to work with her on the show. The station argues that Ryan's presence will attract more viewers and possibly reunite Canada's favourite couple. The tension mounts as the history of this love triangle finally comes to a head in the conclusion of the trilogy, Trapped in his love.
Rachel used to think that her devotion would win Brian over one day, but she was proven wrong when his true love returned. Rachel had endured it all—from standing alone at the altar to dragging herself to the hospital for an emergency treatment. Everyone thought she was crazy to give up so much of herself for someone who didn’t return her feelings. But when Brian received news of Rachel’s terminal illness and realized she didn’t have long to live, he completely broke down. "I forbid you to die!" Rachel just smiled. She no longer needed him. "I will finally be free."
Rumors said that Lucas married an unattractive woman with no background. In the three years they were together, he remained cold and distant to Belinda, who endured in silence. Her love for him forced her to sacrifice her self-worth and her dreams. When Lucas' true love reappeared, Belinda realized that their marriage was a sham from the start, a ploy to save another woman's life. She signed the divorce papers and left. Three years later, Belinda returned as a surgical prodigy and a maestro of the piano. Lost in regret, Lucas chased her in the rain and held her tightly. "You are mine, Belinda."
Life was perfect until she met her boyfriend's big brother. There was a forbidden law in the Night Shade Pack that if the head Alpha rejected his mate, he would be stripped of his position. Sophia's life would get connected with the law. She was an Omega who was dating the head Alpha's younger brother. Bryan Morrison, the head Alpha, was not only a cold-blooded man but also a charming business tycoon. His name was enough to cause other packs to tremble. He was known as a ruthless man. What if, by some twist of destiny, Sophia's path were to intertwine with his?
Joelle thought she could change Adrian's heart after three years of marriage, but she realized too late that it already belonged to another woman. "Give me a baby, and I'll set you free." The day Joelle went into labor, Adrian was traveling with his mistress on his private jet. "I don't care whom you love. My debt is paid. From now on, we have nothing to do with each other." Not long after Joelle left, Adrian found himself begging on his knees. "Please come back to me."
Yelena discovered that she wasn't her parents' biological child. After seeing through their ploy to trade her as a pawn in a business deal, she was sent away to her barren birthplace. There, she stumbled upon her true origins—a lineage of historic opulence. Her real family showered her with love and adoration. In the face of her so-called sister's envy, Yelena conquered every adversity and took her revenge, all while showcasing her talents. She soon caught the attention of the city's most eligible bachelor. He cornered Yelena and pinned her against the wall. “It's time to reveal your true identity, darling.”
Her fiance and her best friend worked together and set her up. She lost everything and died in the street. However, she was reborn. The moment she opened her eyes, her husband was trying to strangle her. Luckily, she survived that. She signed the divorce agreement without hesitation and was ready for her miserable life. To her surprise, her mother in this life left her a great deal of money. She turned the tables and avenged herself. Everything went well in her career and love when her ex-husband came to her.