Captured by mistake, Olivia's life shatters when she falls into the hands of Louis, the ruthless Italian mafia don. Mistaken for an enemy, she is forced into his dangerous world, where trust is a rare luxury. But as Louis battles his growing desire for the brave and defiant woman, secrets from Olivia's past emerge-ones that could destroy them both. When betrayal and passion collide, will love be enough to save them, or will their worlds be torn apart forever?
Olivia's P.O.V.
Silence was all I could hear as it grew louder in my head and darkness was all I could see as I kept my eyes shut, dreading what would happen in the next few moments. Silence; it stood as a reminder of my loneliness and seclusion.
The conversations between my parents were no longer present, the sound of footsteps scurrying across the floors as they rushed to get ready for work, did not exist anymore, and the enticing aroma of fresh coffee ceased to linger in the air every morning.
These small memories were slowly slipping away from my recollections as my parents had passed away thirteen years ago. I was ten at the time when the fatal car accident took place and was left to be taken care of by my grandparents, but they inevitably fell ill to old age, eight years later.
As anticipated, a loud jolting noise caused adrenaline to rush through my body and my stream of consciousness halted as my eyes shot open. I turned my head towards the sound and stared at the perpetrator. The dreadful alarm clock.
I sat up against the headboard of my bed and looked towards the window, watching the dust particles float aimlessly around my room in the rays of sunlight. The sound of motorists, in the bustling city of Rome, filled my ears and encouraged me to drag myself out of bed, now beginning a productive day.
After the death of my grandparents, I was overcome with despair and agony. The memories that I had of my family became too overbearing and I could no longer live in a house that I used to call a home. I was in pain and felt hopeless, but I was afraid to let the void inside of me grow darker. I was daunted by the looming fear of falling into a state of despondency.
I wanted to learn how to love and take care of myself again, so I made the decision to move out of The States and start a new part of my life in Italy.
With the money that I inherited and saved, I decided to complete my studies at The American University of Rome and receive a degree in art history. After graduating, I applied for a job at Il Museo Massimo and later successfully completed the interview process. Today marks the start of my career as an exhibition curator.
As my footsteps tread lightly across the cold beige tiles I came to a stop when I reached my dust-covered mirror. When I looked up at my reflection all I could see was a younger version of my mother. I had her light caramel brown hair that curled at the ends, near the back of my waist, and her warm olive complexion.
My eyes began to brim with tears as memories of her sweet melodic voice and smile that reached the corner of her deep blue eyes came flooding back. This was one feature that I did not share with my mother, instead, I had my father's warm and comforting light brown eyes.
I quickly blinked away my tears, refusing to let a drop fall down my cheek, and hurried to the bathroom to freshen up. I slid on a black pencil skirt then proceeded to tuck in a white button-up blouse before clasping a necklace around my neck, hoping that this simple attempt of looking presentable was adequate for my first day.
My grandmother had gifted me her golden necklace, with a heart shaped locket, that had my initials, A.A, engraved into it and enclosed the pictures of my parents from when they were infants. Very rarely do I forget to wear this necklace, it was all I had left of my family, I wanted to keep it close to my heart.
After giving my reflection one last look of approval I grabbed my belongings and rushed towards the door of my apartment. My heels met the stone covered ground as I found myself walking towards the streets of Rome. Sampietrini; the name of the type of pavement found throughout Italy, the stones, dating back to the fifteenth century, lined the streets, giving people a chance to walk through history.
My studies in art history have taught me to value and recognize the fine art and intricate details that were displayed throughout Rome. The city was alive, thriving, and vivacious; it was how I wanted to feel again.
My strides came to a stop as I reached the front entrance and pulled open the door of the museum, Il Museo Massimo.
"The great Massimo," I said to myself under my breath. The museum was beautifully constructed by an esteemed architect, under the name of Massimo. I wonder if he truly lived up to the meaning of his name, the greatest.
"Buongiorno," the receptionist greeted me, pulling myself out of my thoughts.
"Ciao, I am Olivia Fredinard, the new trainee who will be working as the curator."
I never gave much thought to my name, given that both of my parents were from Greece, my surname is of Greek origin, meaning eagle. Nothing glorious compared to the architect.
"Ah, sì, Ms. Fredinard you will have a briefing with Mr. Smith in twenty minutes." She stood from her desk and I soon followed her footsteps as she walked across the hall towards the meeting room.
Smith, I repeated in my head. Sounds like a name you would find on a label of pasta.
1
The sound of my heels tapping against the dark gray floor bounced off the beige stone walls and echoed throughout the halls. The natural sunlight radiating through the windows had casted shadows upon the meticulously carved marble sculptures. Feeling accomplished with my studies at the university, I began to recognize some of the statues as we continued our walk.
A replica of Lancellotti Discobulus, constructed during the Classical period, The Statue of Ludovisi Hermes, and the sculpture I admired most, the Girl from Anzio. My observations were interrupted as the receptionist turned the handle of the door to the meeting room, inviting me to step inside.
"Thank you..." I said, and glanced at her name badge, "...Mrs. Jackson."
"Prego!" she said with a slight smile and then quietly left the room (You're welcome).
Silence, it caught up with me again but this time I was not alone.
I turned around to face the room and I was met with deep blue eyes studying me carefully. The attentive stare belonged to a man who sat tall and proper, and his hair gleamed of golden blond as it was caught in the sunlight. He was a formal man, with crossed hands placed onto the table in front of him as his burly arms rest along the lengths of his chair.
I quickly broke eye contact, careful to not stare for a few seconds longer and walked towards the large glass table in the center of the room. I fleetingly examined the seating arrangement at the table and felt anxious not knowing where to sit as I felt his gaze following my every move.
I absolutely will not sit directly in front of him, I cannot stand the watchful look he is giving me, I thought to myself while I stood here like a complete idiot, having trouble with such a straightforward task. Why must he keep staring?
I promptly pulled out my journal and pen as I chose to sit diagonally from the observant man. Mimicking his posture, I placed my hands onto the table, straightened my back and held my head high, trying to uncover the confidence within myself.
You are a handsome man, I secretly admitted, almost feeling a sense of nervousness in his presence, but I sighed, shaking the thoughts from my head as I looked up to share a kind smile.
"Hello, I'm Olivia," I said and extended out my hand for him to shake, internally cringing and detesting myself for the slightly high pitched voice that escaped from my lips.
He looked at me with a neutral expression, not a change of emotion in his face while he examined me carefully. My hand still dangled awkwardly within the tense air between us, but only his eyes had moved, trailing down to my pending offer.
What if he doesn't understand English? I frantically questioned my attempts of being cordial with this person. Well, we are in Italy, idiota. My mind kept wondering about what to do next as I mentally face-palmed myself.
I immediately gathered what was left of my poise and tried to recall the basic Italian that I learned while studying in the university.
"Erm, ciao, mi chiamo Ara-"
He suddenly caught me by surprise as he leaned over the table and shook my hand with a firm grip.
"I understood you the first time, Ms. Olivia," he said with a smirk.
The words rolled off his tongue in perfect English, but with a slight accent that I could not seem to identify. I looked at him, my mouth agape with curiosity as a smile started to form on my lips while I shook my head.
"Then why didn't you-" I was soon interrupted when the door of the meeting room opened. An old man with a podgy body, which I am assuming is Mr. Smith, walked through the entrance wearing a beige, Italian milled wool suit and tie.
Very classy and expensive taste.
I had given him my full attention, but Mr. Smith seemed to disregard my presence as he directly looked at the blue eyed man who sat across from me.
"Patrick-" Mr. Smith spoke out in a raspy Italian accent before he was suddenly cut off.
"Yes, Patrick Van," he abruptly stood up from his chair and walked towards Mr. Smith to shake his hand, and without hesitance at that, as I stared and questioned his swift behavior. I furrowed my eyebrows in wonder, but soon dismissed the curiosity when Mr. Smith finally turned his attention towards me.
"Ms. Fredinard, it is a pleasure to have you working for us. I am looking forward to seeing you use your skills and knowledge to help better this museum."
"The pleasure is all mine, Mr. Smith." I shook his hand, and nodded with respect.
"I will be showing you and Patrick around the establishment as you two are new here. Patrick will not be working along your side, but he will be here to manage the security details."
I turned to Patrick and he shared a gentle smile as we followed Mr. Smith outside. While we walked throughout the gallery my eyes swept across the numerous pieces of art, but landed on a man who stood before the marble statues.
He examined the works of art scrupulously; I watched as his eyes trailed over every curve, crevice, and detail that the sculptures had to offer. The voice of Mr. Smith, introducing the pieces of art, drowned out of my head as this peculiar man now captured my attention.
He did not seem like he worked at the museum as he did not wear a name badge like the other employees, and the doors have yet to open to the public, it was not possible for him to be a guest. Who is he?
One would believe that a visitor of an art gallery will enter with a sparkling wonder within their eyes, but this man circled around a statue with a stare so stern and solemn. My gaze trailed from the sculpture to his presence, his hands were hidden in the pockets of his pants and his black shirt hugged his well built arms and broad-shoulders generously.
With an attraction towards his face, I observed a faint layer of stubble that lined his strong and sharp jawline, and his wavy short hair glimmered a dark chocolate color under the fluorescent lights. His eyes were the darkest shade of brown, a shade to be defined as a warm tone on the color spectrum, yet his glare was cold and bitter.
His aura was intimidating, his tall stature - domineering, and his face was as lifeless as the statues before him.
But he's alluring, I thought to myself.
As if he could sense my intrigue, he glared towards my direction and his eyes pierced my light brown ones, making me a prisoner under his gaze. I felt my cheeks redden and bit my bottom lip as I quickly turned the other direction, not wanting to investigate further into his mystery, and returned to following Mr. Smith and Patrick on this excruciatingly long tour.
Forced into an arranged marriage with the ruthless Austin , Claudia refuses to be trapped in a loveless union. On their wedding day, she does the unthinkable-she runs. But Austin is not a man to be defied. When he finds her, he offers a deal: one year of marriage, then freedom. Reluctantly, Claudia agrees, only to uncover dangerous secrets lurking beneath his cold exterior. As tension turns to passion and enemies close in, she must decide-will she escape again, or has she already fallen for the man she once feared?
Rachel Flinch guards her secrets behind the walls of the ranch she inherited from her father. But when Pamela Winters, a wealthy heiress, arrives to claim the land—and perhaps Rachel’s heart—those walls start to crumble. Pamela is a force of nature, and Rachel’s defenses are no match for her. As tensions rise, Rachel must decide whether to protect her secrets or let Pamela in, knowing she might lose everything.
(Rated 18+. Book contains sex scenes) The executive affair is a book that tells the story of Pete, a married IP attorney, who is having a sexual affair with his secretary, Jasmine. What starts as a steamy office romance soon becomes a journey into the complexities of desire and power. As Pete succumbs to his own desires, exploiting Jasmine's submissive tendencies, the affair takes a dark turn. The once fun and spontaneous connection between them begins to crumble. In this gripping tale of lust and consequence, Pete and Jasmine reach a point where the choices they make will either make or mar their lives. Click on chapter 1 to find out where their choices led them to.
Emily's decision to become a private flight attendant seemed straightforward and professional at first, but little did she know, her life was about to take an unexpected turn. Mr Antony, one of the richest entrepreneurs in Europe takes interest in Emily's outspoken but naïve nature. The billionaire never takes "No" for answer. When he wants something he makes sure he gets it. Emily also loves her Job and wouldn't like to loose it, she also likes to play "hard to get". What happens after Emily meets Mr Antony Lucas on the plane. Will she fight against the tempting and seductive billionaire in order to retain her Job or we will she fall hopelessly? ----------------------------------------------------------
“You need a bride, I need a groom. Why don’t we get married?” Both abandoned at the altar, Elyse decided to tie the knot with the disabled stranger from the venue next door. Pitying his state, she vowed to spoil him once they were married. Little did she know that he was actually a powerful tycoon. Jayden thought Elyse only married him for his money, and planned to divorce her when she was no longer of use to him. But after becoming her husband, he was faced with a new dilemma. “She keeps asking for a divorce, but I don’t want that! What should I do?”
The day Lilah found out that she was pregnant, she caught her fiancé cheating on her. Her remorseless fiancé and his mistress almost killed her. Lilah fled for her dear life. When she returned to her hometown five years later, she happened to save a little boy's life. The boy's father turned out to be the world's richest man. Everything changed for Lilah from that moment. The man didn't let her experience any inconvenience. When her ex-fiancé bullied her, he crushed the scumbag's family and also rented out an entire island just to give Lilah a break from all the drama. He also taught Lilah's hateful father a lesson. He crushed all her enemies before she even asked. When Lilah's vile sister threw herself at him, he showed her a marriage certificate and said, "I'm happily married and my wife is much more beautiful than you are!" Lilah was shocked. "When did we ever get married? Last I checked, I was still single." With a wicked smile, he said, "Honey, we've been married for five years. Isn't it about time we had another child together?" Lilah's jaw dropped to the floor. What the hell was he talking about?
Desperate to handle her grandmother's towering medical bills, Gianna agreed to a contract marriage with Tristan, the enigmatic man she'd once shared a one-night stand with. She assumed they'd fulfill each other's needs and dissolve the arrangement once the terms expired. Unbeknownst to Gianna, this marriage was a dream Tristan had clung to for ten relentless years. Certain she was just filling someone else's role, Gianna prepared to leave when that other woman returned. But Tristan, his eyes burning with unspoken emotion, seized her trembling hand and declared, "You’re mine. Now and always."
Eliana was framed by her best friend and her fiance into sleeping with a boy toy in the club and getting impregnated by him. Five years after she had given birth to twins, she returned home and worked under the Moran Group, where she met the CEO-- Maurice. Maurice was a brilliant businessman who did his job well. But in order to stay under the radar, he lived a double life. One as Maurice, and one as Preston. Fate brought the two together again, roping them in on an exciting love story. It all became more complicated when Eliana faced Preston, the man she had slept with before, once again. Now that she was being pursued by two men, how could she ever choose? When would Eliana uncover the secret of Maurice's identity? When was Maurice going to know that he already had two children of his own? How would Eliana face this man when the truth came to light one day? Come and find out.
"I've warned you from the beginning. Don't marry him, but you won't listen." She stood close to me and smiled with concern. "You are not a woman worthy of a man as handsome, rich, smart, and virile as Blaze." My whole body trembled at her words. "Have you no shame?" I asked in a quivering voice. "Take a good look at yourself, Heather." She looked at me in the mirror. "You can't even look at your ugly face. Do you think Blaze can endure a lifetime of looking at that face?" Heather Bailey had a surprise from her husband that night: a divorce agreement. After a year of marriage and facing ups and downs, she couldn't believe Blaze intended to divorce her. But she was devastated when she saw him gazing lovingly at another woman because that person was closest to her. Shortly after she put her signature on their divorce papers, shock waves caught her up. Her flower shop was severely burnt, beyond repair. Her father's company collapsed, and her parents blamed her. She struggled to rebuild her life from the ground up and became more successful than ever. Having many customers who came from influential families, she started her action against Blaze. She won the very thing he wanted. But that was just the beginning.
Five years ago, he upped and left his wife without informing her. He had always felt unworthy. As a result, he decided to go and become a better man. It took him five whole years of daily hard work. When he was satisfied, he returned as a powerful and honorable man. He intended to start a family with his wife. But he got back to meet the greatest shocker of his life. He actually had a daughter!