《Mafia King》


 Chapter 1

    ¡°Please be careful with that.¡±


    I reminded the men carrying the paintings towards the hotel. Over ten paintings were carried from the truck. Some can be handheld and life-size and some are as big as walls.


    ¡°You really need to take a chill pill, Hailynn.¡± Amy popped out beside me, arms crossed, face held in amusement.


    After telling her that I decided to finally sell my paintings, she immediately went to support me. I am so grateful that she¡¯s here. I¡¯m not sure if I can do it alone.


    ¡°Can¡¯t. You know how much I value those paintings.¡± I felt a tinge of regret but I know this will help those who are in need.


    She smiled at me softly. ¡°Then you better detach yourself with those artworks. Tonight you¡¯re not gonna be officially the owner.¡±


    ¡°Is it bad that I¡¯m hoping nobody¡¯s going to buy it and at the same time hoping that every painting will be sold?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not, Hailynn. What you¡¯re feeling ispletely normal. I mean those paintings held your memories with Ethan.¡± She ced her hands on my shoulders in aforting way. ¡°Remember this auction will help the orphans. This has been your and Ethan¡¯s dream to sell your works to help kids with no families.¡± I nodded as she smiled at me warmly.


    Tonight the elites will gather for a charity event. My paintings are the highlight of the night. Money will be donated to charity especially to the orphanages. I¡¯m nning to give twenty-five percent of it to where Ethan and I grew up.


    The night finally came and it was spent with sulent food, expensive wine and drinks, random chatters and boisterousughter. Everyone was dressed in their most gorgeous gowns and expensive suits. I could not help but feel nervous with the idea that the paintings will no longer be in my care. Paintings that hold our memories together.


    Surprisingly, the auction was beyond sessful. The paintings were sold. All of them. I doubt that they understood or appreciated it. Let¡¯s be real. Those old geezers and young millionaires only show off their money. Based on my experience, wealthy collectors who truly appreciate works of art are rare. Either way, the children and the poor will be benefited from their arrogance.


    My apprehension though made me leave one painting behind. The painting which Ethan and I created. We literally made this together and it was only recently before three months ago. I broke a promise to myself and perhaps with my longtime friend too. I simply could not sell it. I want to at least keep one memory of him with me. Well, except for the unfinished erotica book that he left.


    I sighed heavily before opening the doorknob to the temporary room where I store the painting. I need to ask someone to transfer this back to my apartment.


    The air was stuck in my throat as soon as I entered the room.


    I froze when a man in all ck suit pointed a gun towards another man.


    I stole their attention when they heard meing in. The man who was holding a gun had a scowl on his face. He red at my sudden intrusion that had made me nervous and scared. The other guy was somewhat relieved at their unexpected distraction. I noticed a blood smudged just below his lower lip.


    As soon as my eyes shifted back to the man holding the gun. My eyes widened when another gun was pointed at me while the other was still glinting against his first victim. My heart quickened its beat. It became louder every jump of a second. My hands automatically raise in surrender. I could feel the other man¡¯s eyes shifting back and forth between me and the man holding the gun.


    ¡°Come here, ragazza.¡± He said in his thick Italian ent. Okay, the man is obviously Italian.


    I couldn¡¯t move though. I was still frozen in my spot. I was literally panicking and my loud heartbeat is boosting my fear with the Italian dude.N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    ¡°Don¡¯t make me repeat.¡± He growled. It was deep and guttural.


    As soon as my foot moved to take a step, the other man lunged at him. From the Italian man¡¯s reaction, he expected him to move. I stopped myself and in a quick second, I turned around to reach for the doorknob for escape. The loud bang of a gun made me jump in fear. My eyes werepletely wide when I saw the dent and splinters that newly decorated the door. I nervously turned around. The two men were fighting, fists flying on their faces and body.


    ¡°Don¡¯t even think about it.¡± Mr. Italian snarled at me after kicking the man and making him fall right over my painting.


    I stiffened.


    Shit. No. Oh my god. No.


    I know I¡¯mpletely and undeniably scared right now¡­ yet I can¡¯t help but feel infuriated at the sight of my painting ripped apart. The masterpiece was unrecognizable. I stood agape at what happened. My jaw falling on the floor, unable to return to its original ce.


    He wiped the little blood that dripped on the corner of his lower lip as he sauntered towards his enemy who was having a hard time getting up.


    ¡°What did you do to my painting?!¡± I screeched. I walked towards him with hurried steps, forgetting about the fact that he was holding a gun and he could shoot me in a second.


    He stopped walking and turned his attention to me. His face was nk and extremely scary. I gulped a lump forming in my throat.


    He tilted his head and raised an eyebrow. He began to open his mouth to say something but the man lunged at him again making both of them fall down to the ground. I gasped at the sudden action. I couldn¡¯t see them wrestling behind the sofa.


    I jumped again for the umpteenth time tonight as a loud bang echoed in the four corners of the room. Tears started pooling in my eyes as the thought of death crossing my mind.


    Holy shit.


    Oh my god.


    I slowly walked and peeked behind the sofa. I saw how he roughly pushed away the man hovering him without a struggle. Blood pooled over his torso scattering to the floor. Our eyes met for a second before he got up and stood at his full height. I then noticed how short I ampared to his six foot something.


    I step back every step forward he makes.


    The sound of the door opening made me jumped in surprise. My head turned swiftly at the unexpected guest but didn¡¯t get the chance.


    A white handkerchief suddenly covered my nose and mouth.

 Chapter 2

    I tried to open my eyes, blinking it countless times, as I felt my senses finally regained. My head ached so much. It felt like I had drunk my night away and ended up with the major hangover ever the next day.


    But it wasn¡¯t exactly a day when I realized as soon as my eyespletely opened, I was met with darkness. The only light present were the city lights outside.


    I groaned while slowly getting up, pulling away the softest pillow and the softest quilt. The bed was the mostfortable I¡¯ve ever lied on too.


    Wait a minute. I stopped rubbing my eyes.


    This isn¡¯t my room.


    A pair of clear water eyes were staring right at me.


    I jumped back from surprise, my back hitting the headboard. I covered myself with the nket out of defense mechanism. I realizedter that what I did was in vain. He wasn¡¯t moving at all. He stayed seated on the sofa only a meter beside me. His head was resting on his fingers, elbow propped up on the armrest of the seat. How the hell did I not notice him first?


    And then I remembered something.


    ¡°You destroyed my painting.¡± I spat. I made sure that my anger was conveyed.


    ¡°How much?¡± He spoke finally. There I noticed its deepness and masculinity. It was guttural and yet very calm at the same time.


    My head unconsciously tilted to the side, wondering what he meant.


    ¡°I¡¯ll pay for it.¡±


    ¡°And you think you can afford it?¡± I retorted sassily.


    He raised an eyebrow. I was surprised that he wasn¡¯t insulted by my retort. ¡°How much, ragazza? Name the price and I will give it to you.¡± He leaned his elbows on his knees, making him lean forward towards me. His face was now somewhat visible. The lights from outside erased some of the shadows. The curves and contour are highlighted.


    ¡°Even if you have billions, mister. You will never be able to afford it.¡± His once calm face was reced with a scowl.


    ¡°Don¡¯t test me.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m only stating the truth. No amount of money can afford memories.¡±


    He replied with a silence. He was staring at me and I stared back. I wanted to paint his eyes. It was surreal, making my hands itch to work on a white canvass. I haven¡¯t been in the mood to do that for a while. Our stares went on for a minute until he decided to break it.


    ¡°You know I finally decided on what I¡¯d do with you.¡± He paused for a moment, letting the space as an opportunity for me to question him but I didn¡¯t. And I just remembered something in between.


    Shit. I forgot that he was a fucking criminal¡­ and that I saw him killing a man. Fear crept back in my spine.


    ¡°You¡¯re going to be my whore, Amore.¡±


    ¡ª


    ¡°Please, please, let me go.¡± My hands pressed together, praying and begging him to allow me to go out. I hope my puppy eyes work though.


    I kept following him all around his penthouse until he stopped by the kitchen. He was putting the guns in its holster. I gulped at the sight. Maybe it¡¯s a bad idea to pressure him with my request. One sound of that can send me to heaven¡­ or hell.


    There was a vague smirk on his face before speaking. ¡°You¡¯re quite brave, aren¡¯t you?¡± He leaned against the counter and crossed his arms. My sight was shifting between him and his guns.


    ¡°Please let me go just this time. I¡¯ll behave after that. Please.¡± He didn¡¯t answer. He was only looking at me with no intention of answering my plea. ¡°Look, if I don¡¯t go out and sign those documents then those paintings won¡¯t be delivered. No paintings mean no money. No money means no donation for the kids.¡±


    He still kept his silence. The only respond that I got was him adjusting himself against the counter.


    ¡°I¡¯ll do whatever you want.¡±


    A smirk that holds a lot of ns breaks his face.


    ¡°I¡¯ll do whatever you want but nothing sexual.¡± I added.


    ¡°Ah, amore. You have ruined my ns.¡± My face gave nothing away. I intend to let him know that I am serious with my decision. ¡°You are my whore. It¡¯s only fitting that I do you like my very own puttana.¡± His fingers brushed my cheeks towards my lips and chin. His thumb pressed my lower lip. His skin was grazing my teeth.


    ¡°I am not your whore.¡± I gritted my teeth and clenched my fists, holding back my displeasure. He withdrew his hand and went back to crossing his arms against his chest.


    ¡°Were you the one who made those paintings?¡± He asked, changing the topic.


    ¡°That includes the one that you destroyed.¡± I scowled at him.


    He only chuckled. ¡°You really have the gall to stand up against me.¡± He pulled away from the counter and stood straight to face me. His height devoured mine and I ended up looking up at him and him looking down at me. ¡°Do you even know who I am?¡±


    I replied, not intending to withdraw my re. ¡°Someone who deserves to live in jail.¡±


    He chuckled. Deep and throaty. ¡°You have no idea, amore.¡± He stepped towards me, closing our distance but I didn¡¯t stand back. I know he has two guns to kill me but I can¡¯t seem to shake off the memory of how he ripped my painting. Ethan and I¡¯s painting. Something that we both made before he died.


    He leaned down. His left cheek pressed against my right. His pink plump lips hovered against my ear. I could feel it grazing it.


    ¡°Have you ever heard of the Mafia?¡±


    I think I just gulped down an invisible apple.


    ¡ª


    So apparently he¡¯s in the mafia. Not only that¡­ he¡¯s literally a mafia boss. A fucking Italian mafia boss.


    I am toast.


    I am screwed.


    I am fucked.N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    Holy shit. Ethan, pleasee and get me. I don¡¯t think I can stomach the thought that I¡¯m hanging out with a crime boss.


    ¡°You seem nervous, amore. I thought you are just going to have a meeting with your friend.¡± He had a mischievous smirk right in his handsome face.


    Yeah, unfortunately the italian mafia boss is a god. A greek god. A greek italian god. Am I even making any sense?


    He was sitting right across the table. He was annoyingly rxed and here I am freaking scared of his existence. I wish I didn¡¯t know. I wish he didn¡¯t tell me who he really was. My bravery flew right out the window when I realized that he¡¯s the very top of a crime list.


    At least he was nice enough to buy me a coffee paired with blueberry cheesecake.


    ¡°What do you n¡­ on doing with me?¡± Gulping down my fear while asking. I couldn¡¯t even have the guts to drink or eat the treat he ordered for me.


    ¡°Eat now, amore. You haven¡¯t eaten anything sincest night.¡±


    Hello, my name is not Amore. ¡°Why do you even care?¡±


    ¡°I care cause as I said¡­¡± He put his elbows on the table and leaned towards me. ¡°You are now my whore. I will not enjoy my puttana all skins and bones. You will not be those women I came across who would defy me by thinking I would care if they don¡¯t eat. I will not hesitate to kill if I find you unnecessary, ragazza.¡± His italian was thick yet he spoke perfect english.


    I swallowed an imaginable lump. I adjusted my seat as if to settle my ufortable and anxious self. ¡°Can you just let me go? Please just let me go. I would even forget about the ruined painting. I promise that I never seen you kill anyone.¡± I plead.


    He chuckled. It was mischievous and cunning. ¡°And you think that is the reason I¡¯m keeping you?¡± He leaned to me even more. Our noses were inches apart. I could see those eyes that reminded me of clear waters. It was near grey. My hands were itching to draw him and paint him right after. The wave of his hair had specific direction. It was almost curly and though it looked ck, highlights of brown could be recognized under the sunlight. He was truly beautiful.


    ¡°The moment you walked into that room, you have surrendered your life to me. No one and I mean no one gets away from these eyes, ragazza.¡± He was no longer smirking. His eyes held depths of seriousness and I knew. I knew that I¡¯m in the deepest of trouble.


    Ethan, I take it back. I don¡¯t want to follow you. Not like this. I don¡¯t wanna follow you in the afterlife, killed by this crime boss.


    ¡°Hailynn!¡±


    Our yearlong gazes were suddenly broken. He leaned back to his seat while my head turned to the source of the voice.


    Shit. Avery¡¯s already here.

 Chapter 3

    ¡°What the hell are you doing?¡± She whisper-yelled at me.


    Avery¡¯s face was stern, like a mother scolding her child. Even she knew how much trouble I was in.


    ¡°That I can exin.¡± I answered nervously.


    ¡°That guy is dangerous, Hailynn.¡±


    ¡°I know- wait. H-how did you know that?¡±


    My friend sighed.


    We¡¯ve known each other for a while now. It was three years ago, when Ethan and I met her in the orphanage we used to visit. The orphanage where we grew up until we¡¯re old enough to be independent. It was the day she sent her donations for the children and for the orphanage itself.


    We¡¯ve met a lot of benefactors. Some woulde at the orphanage personally and others just donate confidentially. It was what kept us and the others going. When we met her, Ethan and I instantly liked her. She was beautiful, kind, tough, her sassiness could go on miles but she treats everyone equally- the list goes on.


    Until now, I can¡¯t seem to get over her beauty. This woman has everything yet so down to earth. Ethan and I admire her a lot. We have such high respect for her. She was the one who gave us opportunities to live our dream. Ethan was able to publish his books and she introduced me to mentors who could guide me with my skills and talent. Last night, I was finally confident enough to auction my paintings. Avery kept on convincing me to finally sell it. I gave in finally when she said the money would go to charity.


    And the fact that my excitementst nightpletely shattered when my fate was crossed with a mafia boss.


    ¡°We need to talk.¡± I returned her sigh. We walked towards where mister mafia and I sat. I made sure we sat outside of the coffee shop so if this guy does funny business, a lot of people will witness it. Who knows, a concerned citizen might save me or better yet, a cop.


    ¡°Angelo.¡± I frowned. So she knew this guy. This criminal.


    Wow, how ironic. Angelo, huh. He must be a stray angel. Dear, god. I think you forgot to categorize this one.


    Angelo yfully smirked. ¡°Such small world, don¡¯t you think so, cousin-inw?¡±


    Holy shit. My eyes widened like saucers.


    ¡°Get up. We need to talk in private.¡± Avery ignored the intentional slip up.


    ¡°Well, then, sit down.¡± He continued to sitnguidly while pointing to the two seats right across him.


    ¡°Listen here, Di Angelo. If you ever hurt her¡­ even a single hair, I won¡¯t hesitate to break your arm¡­ again.¡± I was shocked that she threatened him. But if it¡¯s true that they¡¯re cousins inw, then she must be close to him. I frowned at the thought. They don¡¯t sound close. Not when Avery is actually threatening him for my sake. She really sounded serious.


    Surprisingly, he chuckled. ¡°Tesoro, you know I simply let you win.¡±


    She scoffed. ¡°Yeah, nice try.¡± Avery had a steady re on him while Angelo only smiled at their exchange.


    I nced towards Avery. Did she really break his arm? My anxiety tripled at these two.


    ¡°Alright. Since you won¡¯t budge, we¡¯ll have our meeting here with you. I hope for your sake, Angelo, you won¡¯t open that idiotic mouth.¡±


    His lips lifted upward. ¡°The floor is yours, tesoro. Well in this case, the table.¡±


    Avery went to sit at the empty chair and I followed to sit besides her not intending to even graze my skin with him.


    Our meeting surprisingly went well. We were able to discuss the important details of the charity eventst night. I signed a lot of documents that include the shipments and ownership of the paintings. Avery made sure that I don¡¯t have to do anything besides talking and signing. Although I didn¡¯t want that, she insisted. She understood my circumstances now that my best friend is no longer with me. We were practically attached to the hip. She knew how I depended on him so much.


    ¡°I mean it, Angelo. Especially now that you are in New York.¡± Avery warned her cousin inw again. We were standing at our spot with Avery bidding us farewell but stopped short when she remembered Angelo.


    ¡°Rx, tesoro. Say hi to cousin for me, will you?¡± I only watched their exchange beside them. My eyes travel back and forth between him and Avery.


    ¡°What do you n on doing to her?¡±


    Angelo nced at me only for a few seconds before shifting his attention back to Avery. ¡°She¡¯s a witness.¡± I tensed.


    I hope she didn¡¯t understand what he meant.


    Avery froze. Of course she knew.


    I stared at the ground, suddenly finding it interesting. But if she knows, wouldn¡¯t it be in my favor? She¡¯ll help me escape from his grasp.


    ¡°Is that why you¡¯re here?¡± He nodded.


    When I looked up, I noticed he was already looking at me.


    ¡°You can¡¯t help her, tesoro. She¡¯s mine now.¡± So much for help. I sighed. ¡°I honor my promise to the family. I only came here because some fool tried to test my patience and steal from me. But know that I wouldn¡¯t dare break it. I have high respect for Uncle Marco and Stefano. I¡¯m pretty sure if I even hug you right now, Stefano would have my head on a cheapest tter. Italian style of course.¡± Avery snorted, clearly resisting augh while Angelo just smiled. I, on the other hand, am still scared.


    ¡°Angelo, she¡¯s my friend and she¡¯s been through a lot. Please and I mean please¡­ do not hurt her.¡± I held my breath hearing her plea. How did I ever deserve such a friend? She already did so much for me.


    ¡°Alright, tesoro. For you.¡± Avery and I exhaled a breath of relief. ¡°But that doesn¡¯t change the fact that she¡¯s now under my watch. I will not hurt her as promised but that doesn¡¯t stop me from doing anything aside from that.¡±


    Avery and I looked at each other before she nodded in understanding. She then faced me in full height. ¡°Hailynn¡­ I know you already know him. You must be surprised that the Ranallo is connected to the mafia. Maybe someday I¡¯ll tell you how it came to be.¡± She grabbed my hands and held it. ¡°But he is family, Hailynn. He¡¯s Stefano¡¯s cousin. Marco¡¯s nephew. And I promise you that he will not hurt you because he promised me that. Family is important to us and we respect and honor our family. You have my word on that.¡±


    I stare at the mafia boss across me. He was still rxed but the yful smirk he was always wearing was gone. I was still anxious but not triple anxious like before.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    ¡°Ask away, amore.¡± He smirked but not quite yful like his usual.


    Somehow it looked like it was forced. I was quiet. Just because I don¡¯t know what to ask first. There¡¯s just so many questions hanging, like the fact that he was rted to the Ranallos. Maybe I should¡¯ve asked Avery how to handle him. I mean considering she already broke his arm before.


    Toote for that though. She already left not long ago.


    My train of thoughts stopped when he leaned towards me, elbows propping on the table. ¡°You know you should be grateful to her. I am unable to touch you. Hell, you¡¯re lucky we are in their territory. I intend to keep my promise to them. If we would¡¯ve been in Italy right now, I have long buried my cock in that sassy mouth of yours.¡± I blushed. Furiously. But I managed to scowl at him, making sure my distaste was obvious in my face.


    ¡°She said-¡±


    ¡°She said not to hurt you.¡± He smirked mischievously. There¡¯s a smug look on his face. ¡°I¡¯m sure sucking my cock will only give us both pleasure.¡± He chuckled when I turned away. ¡°Shame. I can¡¯t do anything with you here¡­ for now though.¡±


    His fingers brushed my jaw, sliding towards my chin, forcing me to face him. He was now in my personal bubble and I noticed that he already got up from his seat only to bend down and hover over me.


    ¡°Once I drag you back to Italy with me¡­ you will only know pain from so much pleasure, amore. I¡¯d make sure of that.¡±

 Chapter 4

    ¡°Get up.¡±


    The owner of the voice pulled off the nket covering me. I stirred slightly. ¡°Get up. You¡¯re going to cook.¡± Shaking me roughly this time, finally, waking me up. I rubbed my eyes while sitting up.


    I stare at him groggily, trying to clear his godly image. The mafia boss was scowling at me.


    ¡°Don¡¯t make me wait.¡± He then stormed out leaving me to still process everything.


    ¡°So you decided that I¡¯m going to be your maid?¡± I asked once I set his breakfast.


    ¡°For now. You saved my inconvenience to hire someone. Can¡¯t have another repeat of what happened the other night.¡± I winced, inhaling a sharp breath.


    He started eating his breakfast. I cleared my throat before speaking. ¡°I need clothes.¡± I said almost in a whisper.


    He stopped delivering the food to his mouth and he turned his head to look at me. There was a slight re on his eyes. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°I need clothes. I have been wearing this outfit for two days now.¡± I made sure that I didn¡¯t sound demanding and respect was found in my voice.


    He snorted. ¡°Is it another way of telling me- darling, buy me clothes, so I could give you my credit card?¡± He crossed his arms as he leanednguidly to the chair.


    I frowned, not liking his insult. ¡°Sorry to ruin your perfect assumption. I only meant that I needed to go home and change. Not all women are what you think or the same as those who you sleep with.¡±


    ¡°Ahh¡­¡± He lifted his lips upward with obvious mischief. ¡°There¡¯s that sassy mouth I love.¡± He got up from his chair and stood in front of me. He leaned his hand on the table while the other on his hip, making his height crouch down to match mine. Our faces only inches closer. My hand sped each other in front of me, trying to maintain control and patience. ¡°I can¡¯t wait till I bring you to Italy with me, amore.¡± His grin was yful and mischievous.


    I crossed my arms and stood tall, challenging him. ¡°Except you can¡¯t. Avery will look for me. I don¡¯t want to know how she¡¯ll react when you break your promise.¡±


    He chuckled. There was menace to it but hardly noticeable. ¡°One day, amore, one day.¡±N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    I frowned. ¡°Stop calling me that.¡± I hissed. ¡°As you can see, I¡¯m not Italian.¡±


    He smirked. ¡°I noticed.¡± His eyes were travelling to my eyes, nose and my lips and back up again. ¡°But you do have a lovely ent. Do you think you sound the same when I fuck you to the moon and back?¡±


    I turned away while trying to avoid the effects of his words. Angeloughed. ¡°I know your name, amore.¡± He paused. ¡°Hailynn Fleury. You¡¯re half French thus the sexy ent.¡±


    I rolled my eyes. ¡°Wow, it¡¯s nice of you to know that. Did you investigate me or something?¡±


    His eyes and lips were yful. ¡°I¡¯m trying to be discreet with my presence here, amore, so I only asked my cousin inw.¡± His face suddenly became solemn.


    ¡°Which reminds me¡­ Hailynn Fleury.¡± He sauntered towards me. His intimidating height covered my form, eyes glowering intensely towards mine. ¡°If you ever sing our situation or even utter my name to someone else, Avery and I¡¯s promise are automatically invalid. If anything you do or say puts me in danger¡­¡± His intense eyes were studying me, spitting my name with heavy meaning. ¡°Fleury, you¡¯ll be kissing this life goodbye.¡±


    I subconsciously swallowed my fear and this man knows I fear him. I nodded frantically.


    ¡ª


    I packed my clothes not minding what outfit it was. Well, considering I own a bunch of t-shirts and jeans, I guess it won¡¯t matter. I don¡¯t know until when I¡¯d be staying with him and I¡¯m hoping that I won¡¯t be staying longer. Just as long as I don¡¯t ¡®sing¡¯, maybe mister mafia here would let me off. I¡¯m just thankful that Avery is keeping him grounded.


    Angelo isn¡¯t pretty bad which I observed. Just as long that I don¡¯t irk him. At least he has some respect for me, aside from the fact that he blurts out sexual innuendos.


    ¡°Is that all your stuff?¡± Angelo asked from behind. I nodded, still focused on packing. ¡°You¡¯re not a typical girl, are you?¡±


    I scrunch my eyebrows. My movements were slowing down. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t help but think that I am staring at a man¡¯s clothes.¡±


    I continued packing but now rushing it so he¡¯d quit staring at my clothes. ¡°That¡¯s because it is a man¡¯s clothes.¡± Shutting the suitcase finally. I huffed as I stood. When I turned to him, one of his eyebrows was raised.


    ¡°Interesting. You know I¡¯ve never tasted someone who¡¯s like you before.¡± He said while studying me. It sounded like I¡¯m a rare dish for him.


    I rolled my eyes. ¡°Are you insinuating that I swing both sides?¡± There was a vague quirk on his lips. ¡°Sorry to disappoint you, buddy, but I only swing on Ethan¡¯s side.¡±


    I let my eyes roam around my room, checking what I needed to bring. I thought by now he dropped the subject but surprisingly he asked.


    ¡°Who is Ethan?¡± Pure curiosity disyed on his face as I looked at him.


    ¡°Half owner of that painting you ruined¡­ and previous owner of these shirts.¡± I muttered the second phrase lowly. He furrowed his eyebrows, probably hearing thest part.


    I sat on my bed while picking up the thin silverptop, one that Ethan always uses where he types all his stories. I stare at it thinking how I¡¯m supposed to finish his book. I met his editor a few weeks ago. She suggested that I should try continuing the book, assuming that I knew how his mind works. And since I don¡¯t have anything to do and I haven¡¯t been in the mood to paint ever since his death, I figured I should try.


    ¡°You done?¡± He asked, bringing me out of my reverie. I nodded.


    When we got out of my room, I noticed something against the wall of my living room covered in white sheet. I didn¡¯t notice it when we came into my apartment. Probably because I was in a hurry to pack. It was huge and t, much like a canvass. Weird. I don¡¯t remember putting anything in there.


    I sauntered towards the object in question. Angelo seemed not to mind that I¡¯m slowing him down. I took the white sheet and unraveled the hidden piece beneath it.


    To my utter surprise, it was the ruined painting. The huge hole was shing before my eyes. I inhaled an almost silent cry and of course, my anger towards a certain angel.


    ¡°The least I could do is deliver the painting in your apartment safe and sound.¡±


    I rolled my eyes. ¡°Yeah, right because you already have the honor of ripping it.¡± I turned to him while sniffing.


    ¡°It¡¯s that important to you, huh?¡±


    ¡°Well, obviously.¡± Trying to hold back being snarky.


    He smirked yfully. ¡°Go on. Don¡¯t hold back. You already knew I won¡¯t be able to touch you.¡± He took a few steps towards me. ¡°You¡¯re angry with what I did to your masterpiece.¡±


    ¡°You also killed a man.¡±


    ¡°In which, amore, you¡¯re not going to tell anyone. I already told you the cost of your voice.¡±


    I looked at him squarely, letting him know my promise. ¡°I won¡¯t. I¡¯m not that stupid.¡±


    ¡°Good.¡± He turns. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

 Chapter 5

    I stare at the monitor of Ethan¡¯sptop in my room, brainstorming how to finish his work. Now that I¡¯m the owner, I officially decided to continue the book.


    Unexpectedly¡­ and unfortunately he stopped writing at the peak of the two leading characters¡¯ heated scene. I¡¯m actually surprised that I no longer blush reading this kind of genre. I have always read Ethan¡¯s book before he sends it to his editor. He will ask me what I think about it and sometimes ask for suggestions.


    He had gone for teacher and student, doctor and patient, the typical ones like boss and secretary. The pending book was about the driver and his boss. Apparently, he had this idea when we asked Avery on how she met her husband. Except that the driver here is a guy and his boss was a cold hearteddy. And he manages to worm his way into her heart.


    I don¡¯t know if someone already used this kind of concept but Ethan writes amazing R-rated scenes which makes the readers feel absorbed in the book. I don¡¯t even know if I can match his writings.


    ¡°Kinky. What about a mafia boss and a sexy painter who happens to have an amazing ass?¡± I gasped in surprise at the sudden voice. I jumped off my seat when I felt his lips against my ears.


    ¡°H-how- I-I¡­ I didn¡¯t hear youe in.¡± I stammered. I could hear my heart jump back and forth miles away.


    My back was leaning against the table, covering theptop behind me. My hands were gripping the edge of the desk to support my weight. Angelo was leaning on the chair I previously sat on, hands propping on the armrest. I was trying hard to lean away from him.


    ¡°Did you write that?¡± He nodded to myptop behind me.


    ¡°You read it?¡± Horrified at his discovery. I didn¡¯t write it but it¡¯s still embarrassing.


    He smirked mischievously. ¡°I didn¡¯t know you¡¯re into that.¡±


    ¡°Could you move back?¡± Feeling apprehensive and ufortable at our proximity. I was also feeling tired from leaning back so much.


    He withdrew his hands from the chair. ¡°Hmmn. Scared, amore?¡±


    I eyed him up and down, ignoring his question. I just noticed that he was half naked. I could see the tattoos all over his torso. It seemed the artwork coiled towards his back and then to the front again.


    ¡°I always love my puttana eye fucking my body.¡±


    I rolled my eyes in exasperation. ¡°Whatever, mister high and mighty. Some puttana just admire a really good piece of art.¡± I retorted.


    He chuckled before lunging at me. My scream seemed like a squeal as I closed my eyes, flinching at what he¡¯s about to do.


    His right hand grabbed my hair, fingers locking a handful of strands. His left arm was coiling around my waist, hand pushing my back making our front pressed against each other. I could feel his rock hard abs, his muscles that were perfectly formed. There was no denying that this man is sexy and straight from Ethan¡¯s book.


    ¡°I never had a girl like you before.¡± He said between breaths. His fingers pulling my hair, tugging it quite sexily. A move that was quite familiar to me. Don¡¯t me me. I am a fan of my best friend¡¯s books.


    ¡°Ah. Does that mean you¡¯re attracted to me?¡± I said with confidence. I can¡¯t believe guys like him do exist. I thought he only exists in books. The thought makes me confident and amused.


    ¡°Let me taste you, amore.¡± He ignored my question. He angled my head instead so I¡¯d be facing up. The left side of my neck bared for him.


    ¡°I think Avery would be delighted to know you¡¯re cravings, Angelo.¡± I smirked inwardly knowing his cousin is the only thing that holds him back.


    That woke him up and immediately let me go; pushing me away with a certain amount of force. ¡°One day, amore, one day.¡± He growled. His yfulness was reced with a scowl. I reveled on it.


    I couldn¡¯t resist a grin. I crossed my arms with confidence.


    ¡°And it¡¯s Dante to you.¡± He answered gruffly. I furrowed my eyebrows in confusion. I red when his hand reached again to my neck. Our faces only an inch apart. His big hand was almost wrapping it whole. His thumb massaging my throat like a feather. My hand automaticallynded to his chest, unable to push him. ¡°And when I thrust inside of you, I want to hear you scream my name. Every name of mine.


    ¡°Adriano. Sol. Di. Angelo.¡± His thumb stroking the center of my neck while uttering every name he owned. His eyes hooded in heat, lust clouding the windows of his soul. ¡°And when you cum, it¡¯ll be Dante you moan.¡±


    He then crashed his lips with mine.


    ¡ª


    He kept forcing his mouth on mine as I tried hard resisting.


    ¡°Get off me!¡±


    I pushed him away with all my force. He didn¡¯t budge at first and when he finally did, I immediately wiped my lips from his DNA.


    ¡°Oh, I never really had anyone like you before.¡± His chuckle had meaning and purpose.


    ¡°Please. Stop being so goddamn clich¨¦.¡± I snapped back, still angry from the kiss.


    ¡°But it makes me like you even more, amore.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s Hailynn.¡±


    He smirked. ¡°I know.¡±Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    ¡ª


    ¡°I have a question.¡± My palms kept brushing my thighs with the hopes of distracting myself from trepidation. I sat at the edge of the couch with a rigid posture. Angelo¡­ or Dante was sitting on the other end, texting on his smartphone with his elbow propped up on the armrest, leg crossed the other. He was rxed yet tensed at the same time.


    I pity the other end of the line. Well, considering the ugly scowl on his face, it must be bad news.


    ¡°What?¡± He answered tly with an edge. Clearly he was trying not to snap at me.


    ¡°Am I allowed to go out? Or am I just stuck here doing all the chores? I¡¯m pretty sure this whole ce ran out of dust or dishes to wash.¡±


    ¡°What, so you could tell someone that you¡¯re living with a mafia?¡± His face was still on his phone as he deadpanned.


    I frowned. ¡°I told you I¡¯m not that stupid but I really can¡¯t stay here forever.¡±


    He finally looked at me. ¡°You won¡¯t. You¡¯re going to Italy with me.¡±


    I snorted. ¡°Yeah, tell that to Avery.¡± My face then scrunched when I realized something. ¡°Where are your men, Dante? Are you sure you¡¯re really a mafia boss or just some random criminal whom I witnessed murdering someone?¡±


    Besides the night when I witnessed him kill a man, it was the only time that I saw a couple of his men. I¡¯m pretty sure it was those guys who opened the door right when Dante covered my nose with chloroform.


    He smirked. I don¡¯t know why he¡¯s even happy with me doubting his status. I tilted my head in realization. Sometimes I wonder where this braverye from when I could sit with him without feeling anxious or scared of him. Dante could be good or reasonable when he wants to.


    ¡°Say my name again, amore.¡± Oh mon dieu. Here we go again.


    He tosses his phone to the side and starts crawling towards me. I scoot closer to the edge, almost sitting on the armrest. ¡°You¡¯re the only one I allow saying my name.¡±

 Chapter 6

    I ignored his movement and instead asked him another question. ¡°Why does Avery call you Angelo?¡±


    He stopped midway, almost hovering me. He leaned back only to sit beside me and annoyingly too close for myfort. He rested his backnguidly on the backrest, cing his right arm behind me.


    ¡°Everyone who knew me calls me Angelo, a nickname that grew on me. My men call me capo or don and there are some who call me Sol. As for the answer to your question, I have my men here but I try to be discreet and not give away who I am. They are blending in and trying to act like normal citizens here. But if something goes wrong, they will in no doubt act instantaneously. And they basically just await my orders.¡± He shrugs. ¡°Trust me, amore, you don¡¯t want to know or see them.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± I answered rather nkly. He¡¯s right. If I see them, I¡¯m pretty sure I¡¯ll be scared shit of him again. ¡°Is Angelo your surname?¡± I asked again, deciding to let go of the topic of his men. I remember him reciting all of his names.


    ¡°It¡¯s Di Angelo. I¡¯m pretty much the prince of the family thus everyone calling me Angelo.¡±


    I snorted augh. ¡°That¡¯s so ironic considering what you do. You should be called diavolo.¡±


    He smirked yfully. ¡°So you knew italian for devil and yet not for amore.¡±


    I red at him. ¡°It was some random fact I read from Ethan¡¯s book.¡±


    He frowned. ¡°Ethan again.¡± I rolled my eyes. ¡°You can only roll your eyes when I fuck you, amore.¡± I flinched when I felt his mouth close to my ear. I immediately jumped back at the same time my heart did.


    Why does he always do that? It¡¯s ufortable and it freaks me out.


    ¡°Will you stop doing that?¡± I warned curtly.


    ¡°I will if you let me taste those lips again.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re disgusting.¡± My face creased.


    ¡°Since when is kissing disgusting, amore?¡±


    ¡°Obviously when you don¡¯t like the person.¡± I retorted with an eye roll.


    ¡°Should I assume that the only one you wish to kiss is that boy who was now six feet under the ground?¡±


    I re at him. I don¡¯t appreciate him including my best friend on our banter. My mood dulled at the mention of him. Ethan was a very touchy subject for me. Whether he knows or not, it¡¯s pretty much obvious that you avoid talking about sensitive subjects knowing how much it means to someone.


    ¡°What? It¡¯s obvious that you love the guy.¡± He shrugged. And apparently this guy didn¡¯t get the memo that he was already walking on thin ice. I mean what do I expect from someone who takes away lives?


    The room was suddenly quiet. I could feel him staring at me. My sight naturally avoiding him and only staring at the nk wall. I was angry and I was holding myself back not tosh out on him. I was still rational and for me to even rebuke him would only send me directly to hell.


    He scoffs. He then leans his mouth to my ear, his body leaning to mine, chest brushing against my shoulder. ¡°You think I care about your feelings. You think I¡¯d stop just because you¡¯re angry. You see, amore¡­ I don¡¯t give a damn about you pining over some dead guy-¡±


    ¡°Shut up!¡± I stood abruptly, making him jerk back. I didn¡¯t look at him. I dare not. I know when I take a single nce at his empty soul, I would only crush the remaining light he has. I was beyond angry and I was beyond hurt.


    Dante chuckled. I could feel him stand, his height and warmth hovering mine. ¡°Look at you, all feisty and¡­¡± He suddenly stopped. His words trailing off.


    ¡°Hailynn¡­¡± He uttered my name for the first time. And it was the first time I heard his voice, soft and warm¡­ with a hint of apprehension and guilt.


    His very warm hand pressed against my cheek. He slowly raised my head, letting my eyes and attention to him. Thumbs wiping the fallen tears. His lips moved to speak but I didn¡¯t let him be.


    ¡°You¡¯re a dick.¡± I spat. Letting myself get out of his grasp and walk away.


    ¡ª


    It¡¯s been hours since I started staring at the wall. I realized that I can only do limited things here. I wasn¡¯t in the mood to continue the book. The penthouse was already shiny and clean, every nook and cranny of it. Dante was out and I didn¡¯t mind asking him where he¡¯s going cause I¡¯m pretty sure he¡¯s going out on a hunt again. I didn¡¯t have the guts to sneak out cause he¡¯ll know and I don¡¯t wanna know what he¡¯ll do to me if I ever did escape.


    I really regretted not bringing my materials. Ever since his death, I never had the mood to paint or even draw again. He was my muse. Every work I¡¯ve done there¡¯s always hints of him.


    Every little thing my eyes see were always my inspiration. The flowers, the sky, trees, thendscapes, the people we randomly see, the animals, just everything. He used to bring me outside, sometimes beyond this city. I would bring my sketchbook and pencils, sometimes I¡¯d bring watercolors, acrylic or charcoal, depending on the mood I feel like doing. Ethan on the other hand would simply bring hisptop. People¡¯s chatters andughter, birds¡¯ chirping, the breeze and the clicking sounds of his typing were peace to me.


    And now everything is just dull.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    Perhaps part of the reason why I sold those paintings was because it just reminded me of him and every time I saw those paintings, my heart ached. Ethan knew well that I always have a hard time letting go of my works. The third room in our apartment was practically storage for my artworks and sometimes my studio when I decided to paint with a canvas as huge as walls.


    If I ever lose my mind, I¡¯ll just paint this whole bedroom. I didn¡¯t have any paint here but Dante¡¯s blood will do for sure.


    A knock on my door pulled me out of my reverie. I looked at the time and realized he was home early. He always goes home beyond midnight and sometimes wakes me up when he¡¯s hungry.


    ¡°Cook dinner for me, amore.¡± He said from the other side of the door.


    I sighed and got up from the bed. It¡¯s not like I have better to do here. I¡¯ve been sitting on my bed for hours thinking about many things in my life. Well, it¡¯s also not like I have a choice either. I hope someday his excellency realizes that he won¡¯t get anything from me and that I¡¯m only a liability.


    I decided to cook risotto for him. Well, obviously because the food is from where he came from. He¡¯s lucky I have a talent for cooking.


    Ethan used to tell me that I have a future for being a housewife. I have practically all of the skills. He once joked that it was the reason he stuck by me. I was simply a natural. It really wasn¡¯t apliment for me because he knew all I wanted was to be a well-known artist. Not necessarily in the whole wide world, I just wanted my works to be recognized and I wanted myself to be recognized by others and that as an artist.


    ¡°Do you want me to apologize, amore?¡±

 Chapter 7

    ¡°Do you want me to apologize, amore?¡±


    I try to ignore him. He was sitting on the kitchen ind waiting for his dinner. I¡¯m no longer in the mood for our usual banter. I¡¯d rather ignore his assiness. What he said this morning was below the belt and it very much offended me.


    ¡°Amore¡­ speak. I dislike being ignored.¡± His tone changed. It was cold and hard.


    I paused, having second thoughts whether to reply to him or not but the obvious edge in his voice made me do so. ¡°I don¡¯t want your apology. Not when it¡¯s shallow.¡± My voice was low and rough.


    He chuckled, deep and reverberating. ¡°It¡¯s not like I care, amore, but I figured you¡¯d like my apology.¡±


    ¡°Well, save it.¡± I retorted coldly. There was silence for a moment before he started talking again.


    ¡°The painting¡­ did he make it?¡± There was no malice in his tone but only filled with pure curiosity.


    ¡°We did.¡± I replied curtly with a purpose of only answering him.


    ¡°Do I need to apologize for ruining it?¡±


    I stopped stirring. I slowly turned to face him. ¡°That painting, Mister Di Angelo, in which you obviously know it, was special to me. He finally sumbed to my request of doing a painting with me after months of persuasion, only he died monthster. No money or even your soul could equal it. So please¡­ save your empty apologies, Dante. I don¡¯t need it.¡± I turned around swiftly and continued cooking.


    I could hear the chair scraping against the floor. Sounds of footsteps nearing me. I then feel his presence beside me. His usual heat only added to the indication of his presence.


    ¡°You¡¯re really lucky, amore. Really lucky.¡± He said almost in a whisper. His mouth was near my head, his breath tingling my face. ¡°If you wouldn¡¯t have known my cousin¡­ you absolutely have no idea what I¡¯m gonna do to you.¡± The words pouring between his gritted teeth.


    My heart rate increased.


    He then grabbed my chin, fingers roughly digging against my jaw. His hand could swallow my face whole. With a force, my face turned to him.


    He was staring and reading me while still having that magnificent scowl on his face. I returned one of my fiercest re.


    He nted his lips to mine. My eyes widened as I was taken off guard.


    .


    .


    .


    Finally realizing the reality, I pushed him away.


    ¡°Stop it! I don¡¯t like it!¡± I wiped off his saliva from my lips clumsily.


    ¡°I don¡¯t really give a flying fuck, amore.¡±


    He grabbed the nape of my neck and pulled me towards him with roughness, pressing his lips to mine. The kiss became more heated and aggressive every time my hands pressed against his chest to push him away from me. He snaked his hand around my waist and pulled me even more against him. He was challenging me. Our chests were pressed against each other, making him moan. I was caught off guard when he slipped his tongue into my mouth. I could only release a frustrated groan from resisting too much. He didn¡¯t spare a second to even let me yell at him.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, amore.¡± He said against my lips.N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    I was stunned. I waspletely shocked, not at his apology but the sound of it. He was sincere. I didn¡¯t even realize his lips were still dancing with mine. I was still preupied with how shocked I was.


    I resisted a smile and gave him a chance. This time, I kissed him back. Seconds turned to minutes until we decided to pull away.


    ¡°There. It wasn¡¯t that hard, was it?¡± He had an unusual smirk on his face. It was somewhat pissing me off.


    I rolled my eyes and distanced myself from him so he won¡¯t get another one. ¡°Whatever. Thanks to that, you have a burnt dinner.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m feeling pizza right now. Order for me, amore.¡± He winks. I re at him.


    Of course, I¡¯m the maid here.


    ¡ª


    ¡°Why are you staring at me like that?¡±


    We were eating the pizza I ordered. He invited me to eat with him. I usually eat after him, still considering the boundary between us. Which is why I am surprised that he wanted me to eat the pizza with him. He was acting casual.


    We were sitting on the couch while the tv was ying in the background. Although the movie fromflix was random, I was engrossed. On the other hand, the mafia king was not. He was staring at me from the other edge of the couch and it was creeping me out.


    ¡°How did your boyfriend die?¡±


    Ah, so this was what¡¯s going on in his mind.


    ¡°He¡¯s not my boyfriend.¡± I corrected nonchntly while taking a bite with my pizza. I focused back on watching the movie.


    ¡°He seems like it.¡±


    I sighed as I faced him. ¡°He died of lung cancer. He smoked a lot.¡± I remember how easily he emptied a pack a day; sometimes more. ¡°I wasn¡¯t a secondhand smoker though, he made sure of it. It was just a habit of his whenever he ran out of ideas for his work. It kept his mind running.¡± I paused as I thought of him. Sometimes I med myself for not reprimanding him more. I didn¡¯t think he¡¯d pay the price so soon.


    ¡°Ethan is special to me. We grew up together.¡± My eyebrows furrowed as I recall our memories again. ¡°He¡¯s my best friend. We¡¯re not a couple nor blood rted but he¡¯s my partner in life. He¡¯s my only family.¡± I looked at him straight in the eyes. ¡°I¡¯m sure you wouldn¡¯t understand what I feel.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right. I don¡¯t¡­ but not in the way you think. You may think that I¡¯m only a boss to a crime organization but I¡¯m more than that, amore. I am the head of this family. Like you said, we are not all rted by blood but we are all family. Family is very important to us and I will not hesitate to kill anyone who messes with them.¡± He pondered for a moment as he stare at me. ¡°That includes you, amore. Just because I¡¯m trying to be nice to you and get you to my bed doesn¡¯t mean I won¡¯t kill you. You harm me, my men will kill you. You harm them, I will kill you.¡± He paused again. ¡°Betray Avery¡­ I will kill you.¡±


    I snorted. ¡°Do I like you like I¡¯d cause any harm?¡± I wasn¡¯t scared of his threats at all. I waspletely harmless. The only thing in my mind right now was how long will this staying with himsts, and perhaps the thought of how I¡¯d finish my best friend¡¯s book. However, I did save the information in my mind. I remembered the way he and Avery talked. It was more than obvious how much they value their family.


    ¡°I met people who¡¯re innocent as angel like you¡­¡± His clear water eyes peering at me heatedly. ¡°¡­but they¡¯d still point a gun at me.¡±

 Chapter 8

    ¡°I met people who¡¯re innocent as angel like you¡­¡± His clear water eyes peering at me heatedly. ¡°¡­but they¡¯d still point a gun at me.¡±


    I rolled my eyes. ¡°Well, have you ever wondered why?¡± He raised a brow when he noticed a hint of sassiness. ¡°What you are said so.¡± I sighed. ¡°These things didn¡¯t cross my mind at all¡­¡± I waved my hands trying to mean the things that involve him and the mafia. ¡°¡­ when you weren¡¯t in my life. Although I was mourning, I was content. You came and changed everything.¡± I pursed my lips together. ¡°I trust Avery and your promise that you won¡¯t do anything to hurt me. That¡¯s the only thing that¡¯s keeping me sane here.¡±


    ¡°I need to step up my game then.¡±


    ¡°On what? Killing me?¡± I rolled my eyes again.


    He suddenly grabbed my wrist in the midst of my sass. He was so fast with his movement that I didn¡¯t catch him nearing me.


    ¡°One day, amore, my cock will shut you up.¡± He tightened his hold when his eyes travelled down to my lips. ¡°Let me kiss you again.¡± He said breathily. He sounded quite desperate which I find hard to believe. He wanted someone who was so ordinary and so normal.


    I was curious. ¡°What¡¯s with you and kissing me?¡± Thank god, he didn¡¯t force himself again.


    He lets go of my hand. ¡°I¡¯ve been abstinent.¡±


    I cross my arms. ¡°So I¡¯m in charge of taking care of it?¡± I scoff. ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure there¡¯s a lot of women here for you to sleep with, Dante. It¡¯s New York city.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m cautious, amore, not stupid. I don¡¯t want to sleep with women who are actually out for my head.¡± His headid rest on the couch.


    ¡°And yet you trust me.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t at first¡­ but Avery guaranteed for your safety. I could see her trust in you.¡± He shifted his eyes to look at me. ¡°Why do you think I¡¯ve been nice to you? Why do you think I let my guard down with you?¡± He then shifted his body to face me. He was closer and it was hell ufortable. There¡¯s always something mischievous happening if he closes his body with mine. ¡°Why do you think you¡¯re the only woman I trust to bring into my bedroom?¡±


    ¡°Oh my god.¡± I rolled my eyes heavenward. I¡¯m getting tired of his failed attempts.


    He chuckled. ¡°Don¡¯t fight this, amore. Give in.¡± He advices naturally. What a stupid mafia boss.


    ¡°I¡¯m not fighting anything.¡± I said with frustration. ¡°Can we just watch the movie please?¡± I shifted my attention towards the movie and tried to start ignoring him¡­ again.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t want to fuck, let¡¯s just make out.¡±


    I ignored him.


    ¡°Okay. What about a kiss?¡±


    I ignored him.


    ¡°Cazzo!¡± Brushing his wavy hair messily in one stroke. ¡°Fucking hell, amore. You¡¯re the only woman who I have to fucking beg. You¡¯re fucking lucky that you¡¯re her friend. If not, I will fucking rape you!¡± If he had said that from Italy, I could still probably hear his frustration miles away.


    I eye him in disbelief; my eyebrow raising at his tantrum.


    I shrugged. ¡°Too bad, right?¡± I met his re as soon as I turned my whole body to face him.


    And then he pounced on me with a growl. I waspletely dumbfounded with the suddenness. Just when I brought down my guard for one second, he lunged at me like a hungry predator.


    Our teeth shed from the impact but he didn¡¯t stop the kiss. And instead made sure to deepen it while being rough and passionate. My back crashed against the soft material, taking this moment for him to hover me. My head was perfectlyid against the armrest. No matter how much strength I put on pushing him away, not even a centimeter moved. He was so strong and heavy. I had no choice but to give in.


    He moaned when my lips moved on its own ord. He stopped being rough, knowing I had given in. Well, I guess just for tonight. I trust that he won¡¯t go further than kissing or making out.


    ¡°Whoa, whoa, whoa.¡± I immediately reacted when he suddenly started to pull the hem of my shirt with a purpose of stripping me. Thankfully, I was able to wake up from the trance and stop him by pushing his chest with my open palm. Our kiss broke as well.N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    ¡°Come on, amore.¡± He whispered, our lips only two inches closer, bodies still pressed against each other. I could feel his hard ripping muscles, his warm chest, solid abs and strong thighs snuggled between mine. ¡°Let me taste you. I¡¯m sure you¡¯re wet down there.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to, okay. Please.¡± I begged. He must have sensed the extreme severity of my tone. Dante finally pulled away.


    He scoffs. ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll let you go this time. Next time you won¡¯t have any choice.¡± He said between his gritted teeth. Anger and frustration radiating off of him. If he really wanted to fuck, he should just go home and fuck his Italian women.


    I sighed heavily as I sat upright. ¡°Why don¡¯t you just go back to Italy? Pretty sure you¡¯re abundant with women back home.¡±


    Our eyes met when he turned. ¡°I can¡¯t right now. My work here is still unfinished.¡±


    I furrowed my eyebrows. ¡°But you already killed that man. Is he not the only one you¡¯re after?¡±


    ¡°He had a partner. Both of them stole almost a million from me. They split it and ran away the moment I found out.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± I looked down. I don¡¯t think I like talking to him about his job. It¡¯s intense- he was intense. Despite being blessed with great looks, he was dangerous. What he does makes lives unpredictable¡­ especially for him. He was the leader and I¡¯m sure a lot of dangerous men like himself are after him.


    My eyes suddenly caught the tattoos that adorned his fingers. This managed to make me divert the subject. ¡°Can I see your hands?¡±


    He raised a brow questioningly. Either way he reached out his hand for me to take it. The forefinger and the pinky have wings. One wing on each side. The middle is a sun while the ring finger is a crescent moon.


    ¡°I feel like these tattoos have meanings¡­ do they?¡± I looked at him while expecting an answer.

 Chapter 9

    ¡°I feel like these tattoos have meanings¡­ do they?¡± I looked at him while expecting an answer.


    ¡°Dante Adriano Sol Di Angelo.¡± He uttered his name slowly. He was stroking his fingers while describing its meanings. ¡°These two are angel wings. Di Angelo. My uncle used to call me Sol. He said the nickname suited me since I will be the head of the family in the future. It means sun. I assume you know how the sun works in the universe.¡± He jokes.


    I chuckle. ¡°Yes, the one that has the biggest head and messy hair.¡±


    Heughs, one that came from the heart. It was the first time that I heard himugh genuinely. He always just chuckles or that famous yboy smirk of his. I think hisugh will be my second favorite next to his eyes.


    ¡°What about that crescent moon?¡±


    ¡°That, amore, is my sore, my cugina, my twin.¡±


    My head involuntary tilted to the side, not understanding the words.


    ¡°Sore, my sister. Cugina, my cousin. She¡¯s not entirely my real sister but in a lot of ways, she is. She¡¯s my blood. You already know that Stefano and I are cousins but he¡¯s not my first cousin. My sore and I are. Both of our fathers are brothers.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s the moon here?¡± I stroke the tattoo on his ring finger.


    ¡°Yes. You know her father was the original leader of the mafia. He¡¯s the boss of all bosses, thanks to his hard work and his loyalty to his family. Because of him, I¡¯m practically the king of all mafia. Following his legacy and all.¡± He shrugs at thest statement.


    ¡°What about your parents?¡± I asked suddenly curious of his family.


    ¡°My parents died when I was young. I don¡¯t have any siblings either.¡± I frowned. So he did understand my feelings after all. ¡°My uncle took care of me after. When he lost his life, I immediately became the don.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°What are you apologizing for? We are pretty much the same, amore. We lost someone we care about and love. This mafia is my family. The people you grew up with are your family.¡±


    A small smile escaped from my lips. ¡°You¡¯re right.¡±


    I looked at our entwined hands. I didn¡¯t know when that happened but among the things he did that was slightly tolerable, I must admit, this was by far the mostfortable. I noticed him leaning a bit towards me. His mouth moved and he whispered.


    ¡°Am I eligible now to fuck you?¡±


    ¡°Oh mon dieu.¡±


    ¡ª


    Dante


    ¡°Leo.¡± I answered as soon as I picked up the phone. ¡°Any good news for me?¡±


    ¡°We just saw Demario entering a bar. Franco and the others are already tailing him.¡± He said in our mother tongue.


    ¡°Good. Update me if you caught him.¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡± He paused before continuing. ¡°We¡¯ve gone past the borders, Angelo. We¡¯ve gone too far. Demario is always moving. He must¡¯ve thought his strategy would work on us.¡±


    ¡°I guess you¡¯ll be taking care of him then. I¡¯m heading towards Stefano¡¯s office right now. As much as I want to behead that puttana.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s better if I do this myself, fratello. No one must see your face, especially now that you¡¯re not in Italy.¡±


    I chuckled. ¡°You always have my back, fratello mio.¡±


    He returned a chuckle. ¡°Sempre. I gotta go. Send my regards to Stefano for me.¡±N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    ¡°Of course. You do what you do best, Leo. Don¡¯t hold back.¡± I reminded him sternly.


    ¡°Not for this bastard, Angelo. I¡¯ll make sure I go back with the money and his head.¡± We then hung up. It was at the same time when I reached the Ranallo building. It was one of the tallest structures all over New York. Probably the tallest, expected from the biggest business empire.


    After parking the car, I take my time walking towards the entrance while musing about the recent events that had happen when I came here. I trust that my right hand and my best man would take care of Demario for me. That¡¯s minus one among many problems I have.


    As much as I want to go on a hunt for those fools, I didn¡¯t want my face waving like a g here in America. I already made a mistake without considering any proper ns. Driven by rage and impulsivity, I flew here right away when my sources reported that Alfonso will attend a charity event. Coincidentally, my cousin-inw¡¯s charity event. His partner, Demario, was lucky enough to hear the news about my visit. He fucking had the chance to flee. Although I came here without Leo at first, he immediately followed me here and suggested that he take over the search. With no second thoughts, I let him.


    Leo and I are not rted by blood but we treat each other as brothers. We didn¡¯t grow up together like those normal childhood friends but we did train together. The asional nods and meetings made us very close. He¡¯s my best friend even if we don¡¯t often show it. We always know our ce and respected our ranks. He knows that I value our friendship and brotherhood and that there¡¯s no need for it to borate in words.


    That¡¯s why I was more than happy that he followed me here. He drags mymon sense back when I tend to lose it. If a girl happened to witness my murdering someone, I don¡¯t know if it won¡¯t happen again. I was fortunate enough that she¡¯s Avery¡¯s friend. I could say we were both lucky since that sassy painter is under my cousin¡¯s protection.


    ¡°Excuse me. Excuse me. Excuse me!¡±


    My cousin¡¯s secretary finally screamed at the third call while I continued to ignore her.


    ¡°Excuse me, sir.¡± I looked down at the woman who suddenly blocked my way. She was breathing heavily, probably from wasting her energy to stop me from going further to her boss¡¯ office. ¡°Do you have an appointment with Mr. Ranallo today, sir? Correct me if I¡¯m wrong but I was not aware of any meeting today.¡±


    I sighed. ¡°No worries, ragazza. I¡¯m just visiting my cousin. I¡¯m sure he¡¯d be happy to see his family.¡±


    ¡°Oh. My apologies. Let me inform him of your arrival. May I know what should I call you, sir?¡±


    I grinned. ¡°Tell him il suo fratello, Angelo, is here.¡±


    The lovely secretary emitted a frown, confused at the foreign words. Either way she nodded and walked back towards her desk. I didn¡¯t wait for her. I proceeded towards Stefano¡¯s office.


    ¡°Ciao, fratello mio!¡± I hollered as soon I barged in through the door. Of course, I didn¡¯t knock. I don¡¯t have to.


    The door opened with a loud bang. I grinned when Stefano rolled his eyes. His eyebrows knitted together like a bride in his forehead.


    ¡°Thank you, Miss Wilson.¡± He said through the inte. I weed myself by sitting on the chair in front of his desk which I know would irk him.


    He scowled even more when I put my leg over the other and propped my elbow on his table. Even marriage doesn¡¯t get rid of his scowl. I chuckled at the thought.


    ¡°What are you doing here, Angelo? Why in the world are you still here in New York?¡± Stefano always has this stern and cold tone in his voice. Even if he¡¯s trying to be nice, the tone is always there. Dio, to this day he¡¯s still worse than Uncle Marco.


    I shrugged. ¡°Still chasing some idiot, cugino. I will remain here until Leo and the others capture him.¡±


    ¡°And you¡¯re here because?¡±

 Chapter 10

    ¡°And you¡¯re here because?¡± While crossing his arms, leaning back to his chair.N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    ¡°How are you, Stef? I haven¡¯t seen you in years.¡± I asked instead, purposely ignoring his question.


    ¡°Thest time we met was my father¡¯s birthday, Angelo, which wasst year. Now, don¡¯t ignore my question.¡±


    ¡°Well, I never saw you at the party. I mean it¡¯s hard to find each other when the Ranallo mansion in Italy is more like a pce-¡±


    ¡°Angelo.¡± He warned.


    ¡°You know just because you¡¯re the eldest child of the entire family doesn¡¯t give you the right to act all bossy. You are talking to the capo dei capi¡­¡± I cut whatever I was saying, seeing Stefano¡¯s unhappy face. Some things just never changed.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have time for your ramblings, Angelo, if you have nothing to say here then leave.¡±


    ¡°Jeez. I think you¡¯re better suited being the mafia boss than myself.¡± I teased.


    ¡°I hope your hesitation does not mean you have killed my friend, Angelo.¡±


    ¡°Cazzo! When did you get here?¡± I turned to see my cousin-inw having the same unhappy face with her husband. She was ring at me with her arms crossed while standing behind me in all of her glory.


    ¡°What did my wife mean, Angelo? Did you kill anyone we know? A friend? I swear to you if you break our oath-¡±


    ¡°No, of course not! Dio, stop overreacting. I didn¡¯t kill your friend. She¡¯spletely safe and fine and still under my watch.¡± Avery walked towards her husband¡¯s side. She stood beside him like a queen. Her eyebrow raised, urging me to continue telling them the real reason why I was here.


    ¡°Look. I came here to tell you that I n to build a club here. You know I didn¡¯t have to tell you this but I respect our family and of course my promise not to wreak havoc here-¡±


    Avery¡¯s snort cut me off. ¡°d you do. I assume you did as well with our very own promise.¡±


    I nodded. ¡°You have no worries about that, although I don¡¯t have any control over her mourning her friend.¡± I stated with a roll of my eyes. Avery nodded in understanding. I noticed Stefano eyeing us inquisitively.


    ¡°I appreciate you letting us know your ns but what makes you want to build a club here? As far as I know, doing business here never crossed your mind at all. You made sure to stay away to avoid any conflict.¡±


    I shrugged.


    I felt Avery¡¯s weird stare on me. I looked at her and asked, ¡°What?¡±


    She then gave me a knowing smirk. ¡°How¡¯s Hailynn, Angelo?¡±


    I unconsciously cleared my throat. Something imaginary clogged in between.


    Stefano looked up to his wife with a frown. ¡°Your painter friend? Is she what you two are talking about?¡± Avery looked down and met his eyes lovingly. She nodded, answering her husband¡¯s question. ¡°Why are you asking him about her?¡± His tone was soft and affectionate. She and his sons are the only ones he shows his warmth to. And here I am, known to be the king of the mafia, treated by him with severity and coldness like I was an annoying little brother of his. On the bright side, he treats everyone coldly. But I like pestering him so his coldness is usually served with extra.


    ¡°Because, my love, he¡¯s been keeping her in his penthouse.¡± Stefano red at me.


    ¡°There¡¯s a perfect reason why she¡¯s there.¡± I eyed Avery skeptically as I defended myself. ¡°Have you been in contact with her?¡± Avery just shrugs.


    ¡°You know what, this isn¡¯t about her. Let¡¯s get back to business.¡±


    ¡°Angelo.¡± He warned again for the second time since my visit. I really am like an annoying little brother to him. He only says my name and I unconsciously follow him and shut up. Ever since we were kids, it¡¯s always been like that. Although his age which was older, was an upper hand. It¡¯s no doubt he is a Ranallo. I swear they are all dominant creatures. I won¡¯t deny that I do love to be dominant too. And in came Avery, a female alpha.


    ¡°I know, alright. I¡¯m sure she¡¯ll let you know if I ever hurt her which is impossible because I¡¯m not brainless.¡±


    My cousin nodded in understanding. ¡°I still need your exnation on why the hell you¡¯re keeping her in your penthouse. We¡¯ll talk at dinner. I want to hear what my cousin has been up to for the past year.¡± Although he had a straight face, there was a faint emotion in his voice towards his pure blooded Italian cousin.


    I smiled. ¡°See, I knew you missed me, fratello mio.¡±


    A forced scowl appeared on his face. ¡°Sei un idiota.¡±


    ¡ª


    Hailynn


    The sound of the door clicking signified Dante¡¯s arrival. I immediately stood meeting him halfway.


    He eyed me curiously. ¡°Were you waiting for me?¡± I nodded.


    Amy called me this afternoon, telling me her ns this weekend. It was her birthday today but since it¡¯s a weekday tomorrow, she didn¡¯t wake up with a hangover and still go to work. She invited the girls and I to go clubbing this Saturday. Her treat. Forgetting that I wasn¡¯t in charge of my life anymore, I said okay excitedly.


    I waited the entire day for him just to put my mind at peace. Amy will be so disappointed if Dante refuses this. And then she¡¯ll wonder why I didn¡¯t go and she¡¯ll find out that I¡¯m actually living with a mafia. Dante will be furious and kill me.


    He grinned and sauntered towards me. I frowned when he suddenly reached out, resting his hand around my neck and pulled me towards him. With no warning, he pressed his lips to mine.


    The kiss went on for minutes until he pulled away hesitantly. His face was still hovering mine, one eyebrow raising. He looked at me suspiciously, eyes studying me as if something was out of ce.


    ¡°You kissed back.¡± He said, well, more of a question.


    ¡°Why? You don¡¯t want me to?¡± He slowly pulled away from me.


    ¡°You never kissed back willingly.¡± He crossed his arms. The look of suspicion was back again.


    ¡°I want to ask you something.¡±


    ¡°Ah-ha. There it is.¡± He smiled yfully.


    I rolled my eyes. Of course he¡¯d know something might not be right. And I did kiss him back because I didn¡¯t want to anger him while I¡¯m asking for permission.


    ¡°My friend invited me to hang out this Saturday.¡± He raised his brow. ¡°Can Ie?¡±


    He chuckled. ¡°This sounds like we¡¯re in a rtionship. I like that you¡¯re asking for my permission, amore.¡±


    I rolled my eyes. ¡°It¡¯s not like I have a choice. You¡¯d probably destroy the whole city looking for me.¡±


    ¡°Is that why you¡¯re acting submissive?¡± He teased.


    I red at him. ¡°I was tolerant, not submissive.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll let you go on one condition. You will initiate the kiss. You will lead the kiss¡­ while I sit on that couch, you straddling me.¡± I knew it. He starts walking towards the couch but suddenly stops and faces me. ¡°And oh, make sure you grind. Use that plump ass of yours, eh.¡± He winks and proceeds to the couch.


    Oh mon dieu. This is going to be a long night.

 Chapter 11

    ¡°I¡¯m going.¡± While checking the phone and wallet in my jeans before leaving.


    Dante was sittingnguidly on the couch while scrolling on his smartphone.


    ¡°Okay. Let¡¯s go.¡± He stood and walked towards the door. My eyes widened at his intention.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    ¡°Wait, wait. Hold up, hold up.¡± His hand stopped midair while reaching the doorknob. ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m driving you to the mall.¡± I eyed him in disbelief. He sighed. ¡°Come on. Your dress is waiting for you.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Because I have nothing to do. Now,e on before I drag that ass of yours.¡±


    The guy might be extremely annoying and I¡¯ll definitely feel ufortable if he¡¯s going to follow me around while I choose my dress, it¡¯s still convenient though that he¡¯s driving me.


    ¡°Why do you look so happy?¡± I looked at him like he was crazy. He was acting weird because he¡¯s always not in the mood. Did he finally capture the culprit he talked about?


    Coincidentally, the light turned red making us stop. He then faces me. ¡°What? Is it a sin to be happy?¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t suit your face.¡± He res. ¡°That suits your face.¡±


    He then smirks mischievously. ¡°I was just thinking ofst night. How you were so sexy taking over every bit of my sanity.¡±


    I scoffed. ¡°Oh you mean how I manipted you so I could go to the mall today?¡±


    ¡°Amore, I would have let you tie me to the bed or punch me in the face so you could escape. But that¡¯s after our mind blowing sex of course. Seriously, I wouldn¡¯t mind. I have a feeling you¡¯re soaking pussy would have sucked the life out of my cock.¡±


    I facepalmed. ¡°Oh my god.¡± I muttered. ¡°Will you shut up for once? You¡¯re always talking about sex.¡± I eximed.


    ¡°I would¡¯ve shut up if you let me have a taste of you.¡± He reasoned out with a scoff.


    ¡°You¡¯re incorrigible.¡±


    ¡°Afterst night, I am satisfied for now. Your incessant grind made me cum so that¡¯s enough for now.¡± I eyed him in disbelief. He said it as if it was a normal day to day activity. I mean it is maybe for normal couples but we are far from that. He¡¯s an idiot mafia boss who¡¯s sexually frustrated.


    When the light turned green, he sped off, making sure the grin on his face stayed there.


    I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s a bad idea that I let him let me make out with him. Oh, god. What did I get myself into?


    ¡ª


    We¡¯re already on our fifth store since we arrived at the mall. It¡¯s been hours and I couldn¡¯t choose a dress right when Dante is annoying the hell out of me. He keeps bothering me. He keeps choosing weird clothes for me. If the outfit isn¡¯t goofy weird like it was owned by a grandmother, he¡¯d suggest a revealing dress. One that would pop out the boobs and ass. He¡¯d tease me and keep on making random conversation and I¡¯d lose my focus on finding my dress.


    All I want is to find a simple dress for the party. That¡¯s it.


    I red at Dante while picking the random dress from the rack and walked towards the changing room. I could feel him smirking behind me while watching me leave.


    Before I could reach the changing room, a guy approached me. He was young, almost my age. Maybe younger. He looks cute and friendly. He looked like one of the staff of the boutique. My guess was right when he introduced himself.


    ¡°Hello, ma¡¯am. Is there anything I can help you with? I¡¯m William, one of the staff here.¡± He gave me a charming smile.


    ¡°Oh, thanks.¡± I looked around to find Dante¡¯s presence. Fortunately, I didn¡¯t see him. I don¡¯t care where he went. I¡¯m just happy that he¡¯s out of my hair and finally have the time to myself. ¡°Can you help me find a dress, William? I just picked this random dress. I don¡¯t know if this will suit me.¡±


    ¡°What kind of dress are you looking for?¡± He mused as he studied me.


    ¡°Oh, just casual. My friends and I are going to a club this weekend. Just something that¡¯ll fit that vibe.¡±


    ¡°I see. I¡¯ll show you the best dresses we have. Before that, do you want to see how you look in that dress? I mean, it¡¯s just me saying but I think you will rock that dress.¡±


    I raised the dress that I once folded on my arm. I didn¡¯t check before picking it because I was so annoyed by Dante. I picked it up, finding a reason to leave him. Surprisingly, the dress I randomly picked was very sexy. It was ck and had a plunging neckline. The back was bare, ending only just inches above the butt. From the looks of it, it will reach my mid-thigh.


    Okay. I did manage to get a really gorgeous hot dress.


    After changing, I went out of the room to show William how I look with the dress. His eyes bulged when he saw me. His jaw dropped as he gave me a stunned look.


    I giggled. ¡°You¡¯re exaggerating.¡± I joked before he could evenment with how I looked. I twirled around and finally faced the huge mirror.


    ¡°You look hot. Are you single? Cause damn.¡±


    Iugh at his remark. He sounded more like he was joking rather than flirting. ¡°I think I don¡¯t need your help after all.¡±


    ¡°I think you needed my opinion. Damn girl, buy that dress.¡± He said sassily like a girl which made meugh. ¡°You need heels for that? I could show you where we disy our stilettos.¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s okay. I think I have one that¡¯s really really perfect for this.¡± I twirled around again.


    ¡°You honestly look really really good. You¡¯ll be turning heads the minute you walk inside the club.¡±


    Iugh again. ¡°I¡¯ll make sure to give you extra tips for this.¡± I winked at him which he returned augh.


    ¡°Thank god.¡± He ced his hand over his chest while sighing in relief.


    After changing back to my outfit, William led me to the counter and assisted me with the payment. The guy was fun to talk to. He threw a lot of jokes which made meugh nonstop. He flirts with me and surprisingly, it wasn¡¯t the annoying kind of flirt.


    ¡°Thanks for helping me, William. I mean for a short time, I had fun shopping.¡± William walked me towards the exit. I thanked him for assisting me. Although it was his job after all, I had a good time talking to him. I¡¯vepletely forgotten about my aggravation towards Dante.


    ¡°You¡¯re wee, Hailynn.¡± He was rubbing his neck while blushing. He was confident not long ago and now, he¡¯s acting all shy. ¡°Listen, I know I was joking but I¡¯m kind of serious about taking you out¡­¡± He suddenly trailed off, shyness reced with trepidation. I noticed that his sight went directly behind me. I frowned at his sudden change of behaviour.


    ¡°William?¡± I called his attention.


    ¡°Yeah¡­ ah.¡± His attention returned to me. ¡°S-sorry.¡±


    ¡°What did you wanna say to me?¡±


    ¡°I wanted to ask you out-¡±


    ¡°Did you not get the hint, coglione?!¡± A growl made me jump off my spot.

 Chapter 12

    ¡°Did you not get the hint, coglione?!¡± A growl made me jump off my spot.


    ¡°Dante!¡± I called as soon as I turned and faced him.


    ¡°Scram! Or I¡¯ll fucking cut off your tongue.¡± Dante threatened my newly found friend. I could feel William¡¯s fear, sweat glistening on his forehead.


    ¡°Dante! What are you doing threatening him like that?¡± Dante only glowered at me.


    ¡°Ah. See you around, Hailynn.¡± Dante almost lunged at him before he scurried away. My hand was pressed against his hard chest, careful not to let him go after William. I looked around and noticed that people are looking at us.


    ¡°Will you calm down?¡± He grunted. ¡°Dante, get your shit straight if you don¡¯t want people to know who you are.¡± That settled him. I felt his chest breathing up and down heavily. I raised a brow when he looked at me. ¡°What is wrong with you? Why are you suddenly acting like a caveman? The poor guy was just doing his job, you know, like helping a customer.¡±


    ¡°Well, I don¡¯t want him to help you. I was just gone for a while and you¡¯re here flirting with a sales boy.¡± He eximed.


    ¡°Oh my god! I wasn¡¯t flirting with him. Why are we even discussing this? It¡¯s none of your business if I flirt with anyone or not.¡± I retorted angrily. The frustration was clear in my voice. Why is he acting like a jerk?


    Dante closed our distance and grabbed my chin. He forced me to face him. My neck angled towards him while he brought his head down so our faces were inches closer. ¡°It is my business. All of you are my business so I suggest you to be careful, Hailynn. If you do something that would irk me, you will hate the consequences. I will show you how my world works.¡± He then let go of me with roughness. He swiftly turned and stomped away with hurried steps.


    I realized that I¡¯ve forgotten how scary Dante was. This. This was really him. I¡¯ve grown so used to his presence that I¡¯ve forgotten who he really was.


    I honestly don¡¯t even know what I did wrong that made him furious. I guess it¡¯s best to stay away from him for now.


    ¡ª


    ¡°Hey, I¡¯m leaving.¡± I let him know before I go. Dante was sitting on the couch while texting. A frown was etched on his face.


    When he looked up, his eyes widened when he saw me. His mouth opened in agape.


    We haven¡¯t really been talking for days ever since his outburst at the boutique. I kinda miss our banter. It meant that we¡¯re friends despite his reputation.


    He nodded when he finally went back to his senses. It¡¯s what we usually do when either of us says something. We don¡¯t talk back and make even the slightest conversation. He went back to his phone and made that as my cue to go.


    I was lucky enough that as soon as I got out of the building, there was an empty cab parked in the area. Someone just got out so I immediately took the chance to ride. Amy said to meet up in the club at eight. She offered toe and get me but I refused since I no longer live in the apartment. She might find out about my living condition.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    ¡°Hailynn!¡± I searched for the source of the voice. It didn¡¯t take long when someone lunged at me for a hug. I almost lost my bnce but thankfully regained it right away without falling.


    I realized it was Zoey, one of Amy¡¯s close friends at work, who was calling me. I immediately returned the hug with augh. I forgot to thank the driver before he drove off.


    ¡°Oh my god. How are you, Hai? Haven¡¯t seen you for months.¡± A grin so wide stretched her cheeks. I couldn¡¯t help but smile at her bubbliness.


    ¡°Yeah. You know¡­¡± I trailed off, having trouble trying to tell her what happened these past few months.


    ¡°I heard from Amy what happened.¡± Her voice was held with sadness. ¡°I¡¯m sorry about your best friend. You know you could alwayse to us. We¡¯re here for you. Let¡¯s limit the clubbing though. My boyfriend hates that. I was lucky enough that he let me out tonight.¡±


    I chuckled. ¡°It¡¯s Amy¡¯s thing. You know I¡¯m a coffee type of girl.¡± I shrugged. We started walking towards the entrance of the club. Amy¡¯s already waiting for us inside.


    ¡°We seriously need to find Amy a boyfriend so she¡¯d be preupied with something else and not partying. You look hot. Wow, Hailynn. I don¡¯t even know why you¡¯re always wearing those baggy clothes.¡± She said in awe while looking at me up and down.


    Iugh. Her ramblings really amazes me. ¡°I just don¡¯t want my clothes to be ruined by paint. Been there, done that. I ruined a couple of shirts in the past. Never want to do it again.¡±


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s bad. You look really gorgeous. Hey, are you up for a date? Link has a cute friend that I really like to introduce you to. Been wanting to have a double date ya know.¡± We stopped at the line formed near the entrance. It wasn¡¯t that long but there¡¯s still a lot of people especially since it¡¯s Saturday.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you want to introduce him to Amy instead?¡± I joked.


    Zoey rolled her eyes. ¡°I already did but the guy wasn¡¯t her type. She said he was too nice. Like really?! Sometimes I just want to p Amy¡¯s pretty face.¡± Iugh again at her ramblings. Zoey¡¯s really talkative. That¡¯s why people like her. She could easily talk to anyone and she¡¯s really friendly.


    ¡°I think Amy¡¯s used to the fact that she¡¯s always the one to break a guy¡¯s heart. I guess this time she wants some bad boy who could break her almost cold heart.¡± Zoey and Iughed at that. It didn¡¯t take long when the guard checked our IDs and let us in. Amy said that she hired a VIP room so we went out to look for that specific room.


    ¡°Happy Birthday, Amy!¡± Zoey dived towards her and squished her with her bone crushing hug.


    ¡°Seriously, Zo.¡± Amyined but hugged her back nheless. Zoey giggled.


    ¡°Happy Birthday.¡± Our eyes met over Zoey¡¯s shoulder.


    She let go of Zoey and sauntered towards me. Her arms circled around me. ¡°d you coulde. I really thought you¡¯re bailing.¡±


    I giggled. ¡°Not a chance.¡± We let go and held each other at arm¡¯s length. ¡°Where are Addie and Ivy?¡± I looked for them behind her. They weren¡¯t in the room. Zoey sat on the couchfortably.


    ¡°They went to the bar for drinks. Ivy got you two with margaritas.¡±


    Amy and I went to the couch and sat. I took a nce down at the dance floor. There really were a lot of people tonight. I could see men and women dancing and grinding with their partners. The music was muffled by the soundproof walls.


    Not a momentter, Ivy and Addie arrived with the drinks. A couple of drinks and random conversationter, we decided to dance. Zoey volunteered to stay to watch over our stuff. That and she didn¡¯t want to upset her boyfriend.


    The four of us rocked the dance floor especially when the music is at its peak. The DJ kept hitting really good music to sway our hips. Amy and Iugh at Ivy who was horrified at the scene when Addie grind against her. I grabbed Amy¡¯s hand and twirled her around. She twirled yfully away from me. She bumped into some guy and she frantically apologized. I smirked when she froze at the sight of the guy. He was cute and looked to be her type. I turned away, understanding the situation.


    Not a second longer, a pair of hands snaked around my waist.

 Chapter 13

    Not a second longer, a pair of hands snaked around my waist. Addison and Ivy both looked at me simultaneously. They grinned and winked while dancing with their partners, probably they met on the dance floor. I had a hint why they grinned. I whirled around to find out who those hands belong to and I was right.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    He was hot. The reason for their grins.


    He smiled when our eyes met. A pair of dimples decorated his smile. He was tall and ripping with muscles but not to the point that would ruin his proportion. His hair was swept back with gel. I wanted to know the color of his eyes but the dim lights didn¡¯t help.


    I swayed with him when I realized he was dancing slowly with me. I was really busy judging his features. Who could me me? He was undeniably a gorgeous man.


    ¡°You¡¯re beautiful.¡± He said through his smile. He pressed our bodies closer. The music was sexy and upbeat yet we were dancing really slowly.


    I gave him a small smile. ¡°Thank you.¡± I snaked my hands to his shoulders and to his neck.


    ¡°You know I was trying to find the right time to dance with you. Your friends were keeping you upied. So I gather up my courage to just steal you away from them. Coincidentally, they left at the same time I was near you.¡±


    I chuckled. ¡°Really? Luck must be on your side.¡± His dimples are so cute. Oh my god.


    ¡°I¡¯m Chase by the way.¡± He was grinning from ear to ear.


    ¡°A lot of girls must be chasing you, huh.¡±


    Heughs at my pun. ¡°I wish. You know when someone tells you their name, you tell yours back.¡± He teased.


    I was restraining a huge grin. I was having fun flirting with him. ¡°I don¡¯t want to. I¡¯d like to keep the mystery you know.¡±


    ¡°Well, I do have an option to ask your friends.¡± Iugh. He twirled me halfway around. My back was against his chest. We continued to dance slowly against the upbeat music.


    ¡°Would you like sit down and have a drink?¡± He said against my ear. I nodded, feeling drained from our nonstop dancing. He held my hand and dragged me towards the bar. He bought a drink for us. We sit and talk, asking questions about ourselves randomly. I could tell he was really interested in me with the way he listens intently and asks questions about me. He was so nice and obviously a gentleman.


    He was so impressed when I told him I¡¯m a painter. His eyes were filled with delight. The butterflies began to grow in my stomach. Not everyone is impressed with what I do since not all think artists have a bright future. But his response was different and I was d. We could really be close.


    Our conversation was cut off when his phone vibrated. There was a calling. He asked permission before going to take the call. I was left with a permanent smile.


    Maybe I said too early.


    ¡°Having fun, amore?¡±


    My breath hitched. I tried to turn around but I could feel his body against my back. His lips were slightly grazing my ear.


    ¡°W-what are you doing here?¡± I asked nervously. I felt him pulling away a bit.


    ¡°Keeping an eye on someone.¡± He finally withdrew himself from the close proximity. He sat on the stool beside me.


    I peer at him. Is he really that distrustful to keep an eye on me while I¡¯m out having fun with my friends?


    ¡°I thought we¡¯re not on talking terms.¡± I bit the straw that was floating in my cocktail. He was just silent, ignoring my statement. He was only staring at me. His eyes travelled from bottom to top.


    I sighed as I looked away.


    ¡°Hey.¡± Chase stole my attention at his arrival. ¡°It was my roommate. He had a family emergency so he flew back home.¡± He exined. ¡°I¡¯m probably gonna be alone at my apartment for a while.¡± He stated with a suggestive smirk.


    I grinned. ¡°Are you-¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s enough fun for tonight, amore.¡± Dante¡¯s back suddenly came into view. I can¡¯t believe he squeezed himself between us.


    ¡°Excuse me?¡± Chase¡¯s tone was that of annoyed.


    I slid off from the stool and stepped out behind Dante.


    ¡°What I meant to say was stay away from my girlfriend.¡± He warned.


    ¡°What?¡± ¡°Girlfriend?!¡± Chase and I eximed at the same time. We both looked at Dante. Since I was the shortest, I have to look up.


    Chase¡¯s gaze shifted to me. Eyes wide in disbelief. ¡°You¡­ you have a boyfriend?¡±


    ¡°Of course not! He¡¯s lying.¡± I defended while approaching him but Dante pulled my arm and stopped me. When my eyes met his, he was glowering at me. The feeling of fear crept up my spine again. I froze. I didn¡¯t realize that I was already breathing heavily as my heart rate increased.


    I turned my attention to Chase but the spot where he stood was already empty. I sighed. I really liked Chase. He was a great guy and I really like guys like him. I wasn¡¯t actually looking for a boyfriend but I was interested in him. I mean we had chemistry but this guy had to ruin it.


    ¡°Happy?¡± I asked sarcastically with an eye roll. I went back to my seat and continued drinking the cocktail. The night went on really great until he decided to grace us with his presence. Why did he have toe and spy on me? No. Why did he have toe and interrupt? He even lied and told him I¡¯m his girlfriend.


    ¡°I am.¡± I gave him a re. He went back to his seat as well. After the stupid scene he did, he was acting calm and it annoyed me even more. I can¡¯t even do anything about it. I didn¡¯t want to cross limits.


    ¡°You had a lot to drink.¡± He eyed my new ss of liquor. My eyes automatically shifted to his second ss of scotch.


    I shrugged. ¡°I¡¯m no longer in the mood so why not drink my night away? I doubt you¡¯d let me hang out with my friends again.¡± I paused. ¡°You know I told you before. I¡¯m not an idiot so you really don¡¯t have to ruin my night.¡± I spat.


    ¡°The problem is, amore, you¡¯re having too much fun.¡± Although he sounded nonchnt, there was a frown formed in his face.


    ¡°You don¡¯t want me to?¡± I asked in disbelief.


    ¡°No. Not when you¡¯re flirting with some guy.¡± He eximed. ¡°You only went out twice and now two guys are smitten by you.¡± He rambled the following sentence.


    I eyed him in disbelief. ¡°Excuse me. It¡¯s not my fault I¡¯m pretty.¡± I retorted sarcastically.


    ¡°Exactly! I can¡¯t sit at home knowing there¡¯ll be someone itching to have a night with you. You¡¯re mine, amore. Mine! No stronzo is going to take you away from me!¡±

 Chapter 14

    ¡°Exactly! I can¡¯t sit at home knowing there¡¯ll be someone itching to have a night with you. You¡¯re mine, amore. Mine! No stronzo is going to take you away from me.¡±


    Somehow our faces managed to get closer and closer. I can see the emotions swirled in his clear eyes. My retort was meant to be a sarcastic joke. I didn¡¯t think he felt that way.


    My eyes were wide staring at him still in disbelief. Dante looked away and sighed. He took his liquor and gulped it down in one go. He signaled the bartender to add another one.


    While I was frozen in shock.


    ¡°Don¡¯t stare at me like that, amore.¡± He didn¡¯t look at me while speaking but he felt my eyes burning a hole to his head.


    ¡°Well¡­ I just think you sounded desperate.¡± I joked. I was hiding my smile.


    Dante¡¯s eyes moved to nce at me. ¡°I am desperate to fuck you.¡± A faint smirk painted his lips. I grinned at the thought that he¡¯s finally back. We both chuckled afterwards.


    ¡°Kiss me, amore.¡± He suddenly said. His eyes were drunk and hooded. I doubt it was from the drink. He doesn¡¯t look like he¡¯d easily get drunk. My attention shifted down to his lips.


    My phone¡¯s vibration interrupted the moment. I swiped the green icon to answer the iing call.


    ¡°Who¡¯s the hot guy, Fleury?¡± I automatically searched the crowd for a certain brte which I doubt I¡¯d easily find among the huge crowd and dim light. ¡°As far as I know, he¡¯s my type, not yours.¡±


    Iugh. ¡°He¡¯s a friend, Amy.¡± Taking a nce at Dante who¡¯s been staring at me nonstop.


    ¡°He¡¯s hot. You have my permission to not return to my side, Fleury. The girls and I will understand with the condition of course that you won¡¯t be sleeping in your bed tonight.¡± Iugh again at Amy¡¯s craziness. The drinks probably added to that. She made sure to sound serious but I could feel her smirk on the other line.


    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am.¡± Cause if I said no, she¡¯ll find a way to convince me to agree so I¡¯d rather say yes even though Ipletely won¡¯t do it.


    ¡°One of your friends here?¡± Dante asked as soon as I put down my phone.


    ¡°You got what you wanted. I won¡¯t be returning with them.¡± I said with a sigh. ¡°Are your men here too?¡± I asked, suddenly curious. I tried to look around if they were here but obviously I don¡¯t know their faces so I stopped.


    He only hummed. ¡°Can I ask you a question?¡± He raised a brow. ¡°Can you tell me about your family?¡±


    Dante only smirked and suddenly rose from his seat. I looked up to him questioningly. He offered his hand and I hesitantly took it. I followed him silently although I pretty much have the idea where we¡¯re heading. It was the same ce where the VIP rooms were but this room we¡¯re in is the most expensive one judging by the high end design.N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    ¡°I¡¯d rather talk without the music ring and the crowd.¡± He sat down on the sofa and I followed suit. Our hands were finally separated when he put his arm behind me whileying it on the backrest. Dante called for a waiter and ordered drinks and snacks for us.


    ¡°You not drunk yet?¡± I shook my head.


    ¡°You¡¯re suddenly nice.¡± I narrowed my eyes at him in doubt. ¡°You¡¯re treating me like one of yourdies.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s because you are.¡± He was pouring his ss with scotch.


    I scoffed. ¡°Yeah, right.¡± I pause for a moment before saying. ¡°You know, Dante, we can really be friends. You can trust me.¡± He was still before leaning his back against the seat.


    ¡°I already trust you, amore.¡± I raised a brow, not believing his words. ¡°I don¡¯t trust you with other people.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± I don¡¯t understand him at all.


    ¡°You wanted to know about my family, right?¡± I rolled my eyes when I figured out he¡¯s trying to change the topic.


    ¡°Yes.¡± I relented since I really did want to find out about his family, how he¡¯s connected to the Ranallo. I¡¯m going to bring the topicter on since he did make an effort toe here all the way just to keep an eye on me. ¡°How did you end up being rted to the Ranallo?¡±


    I noticed we¡¯re both rxed right now. We really could be friends if only Dante trusts me and perhaps disregard the fact that he¡¯s in the mafia.


    ¡°That¡¯s because our grandparents were siblings. The Ranallo was already a prominent family since then. My grandmother was originally a Ranallo. She married a man who was head of the Di Angelo family and apparently a don.¡±


    ¡°I see. I can¡¯t believe I know someone who¡¯s this powerful.¡± I stated in amazement.


    He shrugged. ¡°Technically, Stefano is more powerful since he¡¯s the eldest of the family. Right now, he¡¯s probably handling the entire fortune of the Ranallo. But we do value family more than the assets. We¡¯re not the same with others who¡¯s always after the money or the inheritance. Our grandparents taught us to value our own blood rather than materials that you will never even bring in the next life. Because of that we don¡¯t have any family drama. Instead we very much support each other.¡±


    I looked at him in awe as he talked about his family. The Ranallos were a very famous family and very wealthy too. They¡¯re very much high up in thedder. Based on what Dante had said, they deserved it. When you have a very supportive family and filled with respect, you¡¯re more than just sessful.


    I gave him a light smile. ¡°You have a very wonderful family, Dante.¡± He returned my smile and we were engulfed in afortable silence before a question crossed my mind. ¡°Are you happy with what you do?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m happy that I have people that I can love and care.¡± His eyes suddenly held glint of mischievousness. ¡°You know our family is dominant with males. It¡¯s in our genes to reproduce males. There¡¯s only a little percentage that the women in our family will bear a female.¡±


    I scrunch my eyebrows and nose. ¡°And you¡¯re telling me this exactly why?¡±


    His eyebrows were wiggling, annoying the hell out of me. He had a roguish smirk. This kind of look of his was always up to something. ¡°For future reference so you¡¯d know what to expect while bearing my child.¡±


    Oh my god.

 Chapter 15

    Dante


    The scent ofvender pulled me in to stay longer and extend my sleep. It was rxing and warm¡­fortable. I realized I was no longer describing the scent.


    ¡°What the fuck?!¡±


    My eyes snapped open so wide that it brought a sudden headache. I sat up from the bed and automatically searched for the problem.


    ¡°W-what what happened? Why am I here?¡± Hailynn¡¯s frantic voice made me turn my attention towards her. My eyes travelled down towards her bare torso. She was covering her chest with the white sheet. Her skin was fair and glowing which I have not noticedst night.


    Right. I was too drunk from our sex.


    ¡°W-what did you do?¡± Hailynn¡¯s nervous voice pulled me out of my reverie. I intended to respond a teasing remark that she finally gave in to my charmst night but I froze when I saw that her eyes were ssy with tears. I suddenly felt rmed.


    ¡°Hailynn-¡±


    ¡°No!¡± She cut off my intention to exin. A tear fell down her face. ¡°I can¡¯t believe you. I can¡¯t believe you took advantage of me.¡±


    ¡°Hey, it¡¯s not like you didn¡¯t like it. You were moaning my name.¡± My reply was that of teasing but still letting her know that I wasn¡¯t the only one enjoyingst night. It takes two to tango as they say. Yet something was suddenly tugging my heart and it made me feel apprehensive.


    ¡°I was drunk!¡± She screeched. She grabbed a pillow and smacked me with it. ¡°Get out! Get out, Dante! I don¡¯t want to see your face.¡± I blocked the pillow from hitting my face with my arm. The pillow was harmless but I could see the agony on her face. I stood from the bed,pletely naked. I wanted to grab the sheet to cover myself but she was already using it for herself.


    ¡°You know this is my room.¡± I was pissed. How dare she throw her silly tantrums at me and disrespect me when clearly she more than enjoyed moaning and screaming my namest night.


    Her bawling made me pause, made me realize what I¡¯ve done. Have I gone too far? I don¡¯t feel guilty at all but I certainly do not like what I¡¯m seeing. I decided to leave her alone just as she wanted.


    Few hourster, I was sitting at a coffee shop. My second coffee was already cold but my thoughts were always the same.


    Hailynn.


    The first time I saw her cry, I didn¡¯t like it. It was annoying. Annoyingly different. I was annoyed that it wasn¡¯t annoying for me like that of the other women. Argh. I can¡¯t believe I¡¯m thinking like this. It¡¯s just she made me realize a lot of things¡­ and some feelings. And I¡¯m stupid and guilty for ying her emotions.


    I admit I was insulted by her reaction from this morning. I didn¡¯t think that when she¡¯s finally sober, she¡¯d feel revolted. I was annoyed but the image of her bawling was my undoing. I¡¯ve hurt her. I took her dignity and took advantage of it.


    The sound of my phone ringing pulled me out of my reverie. The screen shows Leo calling. I swiped the phone and answered it.


    ¡°We have a problem.¡± I frowned. ¡°Vassily called. Viktor is dead.¡± I unconsciously stood abruptly from the shock. The table rattled, almost spilling my coffee. ¡°He thinks it was the English mafia but he doesn¡¯t have proof yet. He asks for a meeting with you, fratello. He¡¯s now the leader of the entire Russian mafia.


    ¡°We leave as soon as possible.¡± I answered.


    ¡°Of course. Also Demario has been taken care of.¡±


    ¡°Good.¡±


    I immediately went back to the penthouse and grabbed my passport and some important belongings. I noticed that the whole penthouse was quiet. I stopped at Haillyn¡¯s room. The door was closed. I tried to listen if there¡¯s any noise inside, a sign that she¡¯s there but it was too quiet. I started to get annoyed. I turned the knob and opened the door rather roughly. No sign of Hailynn at all. The bathroom was also open. She left.


    I inhaled the growing rage surfacing. I pushed back the thought of her and decided to take care of the existing huge problem we now have. The head of the Ivanov family is dead. His son, Vassily, is now taking over. The Ivanov family and Di Angelo have been in alliance for years. Viktor¡¯s death will cause a huge uproar to us.


    I just hope Vassily will not move impulsively.


    ¡ª


    As soon as Inded, I immediately went straight to my office in the mansion.


    ¡°Why am I not surprised?¡± I was met with Vassily¡¯s back. He was sitting on the chair in front of my desk waiting for me.


    ¡°He came here as soon as he heard that you flew back.¡± Leo answered for me.


    ¡°I came here to tell you that those English bastards are mine.¡± He said through gritted teeth. My eyes shifted to his clenched fists. It looked like his veins would burst.


    I sauntered towards my desk. I sat at my throne with calm andposure even though Vassily Ivanov is nothing but. He was raging fire. I could figuratively see smoke breathing out his nose and ears. He sees red and nothing could stop this man. Not even me.


    ¡°I thought there was still no evidence that it was them.¡± I felt Leo¡¯s presence stood beside me.


    ¡°My gut tells me so, Angelo. And I know in my bones that it was none other than them. They always had beef on my father. They wanted an alliance with us but father refused to do so. We don¡¯t tolerate groups who involved their selves in human trafficking.¡± His thick Russian ent thickened as his temper rose.


    ¡°What if you¡¯re wrong? You¡¯ll unconsciously dere war between the two families, Ivanov. You know that I always have your back but we can¡¯t risk everything for false usations.¡±


    ¡°Fine.¡± He spat but rather he forced himself to agree with me even though his emotions are against it. ¡°I will seek evidence. But if they really did kill my father, Angelo, I will burn their flesh and blood alive. Not a single one of them will escape my wrath.¡±


    ¡°Are you saying that you do not need my assistance with your revenge?¡±


    ¡°Yes. I will handle this on my own, with my family. I know you will not hesitate to help if this indeed will turn into war but I¡¯d rather do this with my family. We will avenge Viktor Ivanov¡¯s death.¡± I could feel Vassily¡¯s fury and wrath. I am confident in his abilities and he will not stop until he gets what he wants.


    ¡°I understand but allow me to assist you in search of your father¡¯s murderer. That¡¯s the least I could do for your family, amico mio. I am also mournful and in rage with Viktor¡¯s death. You know I treated him like my uncle. He was there for us when Uncle Domenico died. He guided Cara and me until hisst breath. That¡¯s why don¡¯t hesitate to ask for help, amico. You are family too. Once we find who¡¯s responsible for it, the floor is all yours.¡±


    Vassily nodded. ¡°Thank you, Angelo. I will make sure this war will be damn bloody just as father¡¯s favorite color.¡±


    ¡ª


    I sighed as I closed my eyes, my head leaning back against the chair. Vassily left with his men a while ago. He wanted to focus on finding evidence against the English mafia but I suggested that we searched for others as well. We don¡¯t know if it¡¯s really them. We need a wide range of coverage in looking. What if there are others who wanted Viktor¡¯s head or the Ivanov family itself?


    ¡°How is she?¡± I asked suddenly. She dared not to leave my mind at all.


    ¡°She¡¯s staying back at her apartment. Franco is watching her.¡± Leo answered while standing beside me.


    ¡°Good. Let Franco watch her while I¡¯m away.¡±


    ¡°You know Franco is one of our best trackers. He was the one who actually found Demario. You might need him back here.¡±Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    I sighed. ¡°You¡¯re right¡±.


    ¡°Should we assign someone else to watch her?¡± He suggested.


    ¡°No. I trust her.¡±


    My mind then drifted back to the night we spent together.

 Chapter 16

    ¡°You know I used to have parents who really loved me.¡± She slurred indicating she was already drunk. Her eyes were hooded but it made her look sexier. I only stared at her, listening to her story as I asked her how she became an orphan.


    She looked so beautiful tonight. When I saw her in that short tight dress, I knew I needed to keep an eye on her. She was just too stunning to be out of my sight so I stalked her tonight for all the wrong reasons she assumed.


    ¡°I was twelve when my mom left for New York. She had a seminar here. Something about inspiring artists who followed their dreams. My mom was American and didn¡¯t have a good rtionship with her family. They belittled her talent but she was brave enough to go to France and pursue her dreams. She met my father there. Thus my French ent.¡± She leaned and wiggled her eyebrows to me. I chuckled at her antics. She then leaned back and continued her story.


    ¡°My dad and I followed her here. He really missed her. He loved her so much.¡± The look of grief in her face tugged something in me. ¡°I still remember the night when a car swerving right at us taking both of my parents¡¯ lives. I was the only one who was spared. I was supposed to die with them but my dad pushed me away merely saving my life.¡± A lone tear finally fell on her cheek. She used her palm to wipe it out. ¡°They died on the spot. I didn¡¯t want to return back to France. I felt empty that I¡¯d be returning without them. The house would be so fucking miserable. I didn¡¯t want to feel that agonizing pain. The people from the government sent me to an orphanage. I didn¡¯tin. From there, I suffered depression and I was counselled most of the time. It was even worse when I could hardly understand English. But Ethan was there for me. He was always there for me. I overcame everything because of him.¡±


    She chuckled bitterly, apparently remembering her friend. ¡°It¡¯s probably because he was the only one who understood me. Not figuratively but because he knew French and apparently he was French too. That boy was so smart that he learned thenguage by himself. He told me when he found out that his parents who abandoned him were French he decided to learn it, assuming that one day he¡¯ll meet them and he could understand them.¡±


    She suddenly looked at me, eyes brimming with tears. A small sad smile was formed in her lips. She still looked so beautiful even though she was a mess. ¡°I miss him.¡±


    Something heavy weighed in my chest when I breathed.


    ¡°It hurts. Whenever I think that he¡¯s no longer with me, it fucking hurts.¡± She wailed.


    I scooted closer to her and brought my fingers to her face. I wiped the messy tears that stuck to her rosy cheeks. ¡°Ssshhh. It¡¯s alright.¡± She probably won¡¯t remember this when she¡¯s finally sober. She was so drunk, her skin was blushing pretty bad and she still looked gorgeous. It just added to her charm.


    ¡°On the bright side, you now have me.¡± I teased with a sly smile. She just looked at me.


    ¡°You know¡­ you were right. I loved him¡­ and I regretted not telling him. Now I no longer have the chance.¡± My hand took a long pause as I stared at the woman before me. A growing rage suddenly surfaced from within as I pulled my hand away, no longer wanting to feel the warm blush on her face. Not only that, I felt a slight ache and irritation at her confession.


    She never even noticed me and that just added fuel to the fire.


    The rest of the night went on with Hailynn and I drinking and her telling me stories about her childhood and her obsession to her dead ¡®best friend¡¯.


    I hated it.


    So I let her talk while she keptughing and giggling on her own. I was no longer in the mood. When I felt she¡¯s already wasted, we returned home.


    I carried her all the way to the penthouse. I thought she¡¯s already asleep by now but no, she had to make things difficult. She was kicking and screaming,ughing at things that wasn¡¯t even funny. She would touch me anywhere and it was hell of a torture for me. Let me rephrase it. My dick is fucking tortured right now. It was hard and thick, looking for a partner to bury his thick girth.


    To top it off, Hailynn¡¯s dress was not helping at all. It would ride up and I could feel her smooth thighs against my palm. My cock was twitching at the feels.


    The long torture was gone when I put her down on the couch. With a huff, I left her for a moment to go get a ss of water for her.


    ¡°Here, drink this.¡± I offered it to her while helping her get up and took a sip from the ss. I supported her head to stop it from swinging. She looked at me through her hooded eyes. Hershes were long and seductive. I lost count how many times my cock twitched tonight.


    Time stopped when she spurted the water from her mouth into my face. My eyes were closed as I inhaled the fading patience I have for her.


    Hailynnughed so hard that the ss fell from our grasp. The rest of the content spilled on the couch. Herugh echoed the four corners of the room.


    I opened my eyes as I glowered at her. ¡°That¡¯s it.¡±


    I lunged for her. I nestled myself between her legs and mmed our lips. It didn¡¯t take much resistance from her when she was inebriated. Instead she weed me with open legs. Her arms automatically wrapped around my neck, urging me to press closer to her body. Pride swelled in my chest at the gesture.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    We continued to attack our mouths with kisses and touch. Her fingers brushed my hair, my skin tingled, the feeling reaching towards my ever growing erection. It didn¡¯t help when her luscious smell was invading my senses. This girl was making me lose my sanity. I was sumbing not to desire but to her.


    I have one mission tonight. I¡¯m going to fuck her, sober or not.

 Chapter 17

    I have one mission tonight. I¡¯m going to fuck her, sober or not.


    My lips travelled down towards her neck. Her scent making me go crazy as I bit, sucked and licked her neck, shoulder and cor. Her breasts were peeking out. I devoured it, sumbing to the temptation. When I lifted my head, her torso was already bare. Her two sulent globes so bare, served in a silver tter just for me. My eyes travelled back to her face. She was so high with alcohol and lust. I¡¯ve never been so proud of what I¡¯ve done.


    I then kissed her lips and whispered in between. ¡°Amore, let me taste you.¡± She moaned.


    ¡°Is that a yes, my love?¡± Her tongue suddenly dived into my mouth. I groaned at the unexpected aggression. I didn¡¯t realize I was already leaning towards the couch, my back was almost pressed against the soft material. My beautiful subus was hovering me, straddling my waist while dancing her hips seductively.


    Fuck. I can¡¯t take this anymore.


    ¡°I will fuck you, amore.¡± I said again with conviction. ¡°I will fuck you.¡±


    I flipped us both, making sure that I was on top this time. I didn¡¯t know how she managed to be on top a second ago. I loved it but I don¡¯t think I can give up being the dominant one in sex. I always love the sight of women squirming under me with pleasure and ecstasy. It boosts my ego to know that I have the power to do that and this woman is no exception. I¡¯ll show her that dead lover boy is no match for me.


    She moaned when I spread her legs wider. I hooked a finger in her ckcy underwear and slowly dragged it down, throwing it on the floor, soon be followed with the rest of her clothing. The scent of her sex wafted against my nostril, making my dick go insane. A breath stuck in my throat as I leaned in and licked the taste of her juice.


    Fuck.


    ¡°Dante.¡± She moaned.


    Double fuck.


    My heart beat so loud against the silence of the penthouse. I looked up and nced at her blushing face. I crawled towards her, lining my face to hers; my n to devour her pussy long forgotten. I kissed her with glee.


    I¡¯m so stupid to feel happy that she moaned my name. She knew it was me. Despite being drunk, she knew it. I kissed her with passion and roughness. I started to feel impatient and just bury myself in her right away. I¡¯ll savor herter after finally feeling her wrapped around my manhood.


    ¡°Amore¡­ Hailynn¡­¡± Whispering her name against our kisses. My other hand started to unbuckle my belt while the other feasting her body with desperation. Once my erection was out from his leash, I immediately let him snog against her wet slit. We both groaned at the contact.


    ¡°Dan¡­ te¡­¡± Our hooded eyes met, so intoxicated from our lust.


    Her fingers brushed my hair. Fuck. I¡¯m beginning to love that. It feels so good.


    ¡°I want you.¡± I whispered. ¡°Let me make love to you, amore.¡±


    ¡°Hmmn.¡± She closed her eyes when I started to push. She¡¯s so fucking wet. Wet yet so tight. She¡¯s gripping the head so tightly that it was making me dizzy from so much ecstasy.


    ¡°Look at me. Look at me as I put it in. Look at me until I¡¯m all the way to the hilt.¡±


    She giggled. ¡°You¡¯re so obsessed with me.¡±


    ¡°I am.¡± I started rocking my hips slowly. She was so tight. Even when she¡¯s fully lubricated, I still can¡¯t easily slide in.


    ¡°Why?¡± Her eyes rolled, her breaths getting heavier as I felt myself halfway in.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± Her voice like a whine and moan altogether. She sounded so fucking sexy. It¡¯s making me lose my fucking mind. ¡°Dante¡­ why?¡± Her pitch was getting higher.


    I grunted. ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    ¡°Ugh.¡± I didn¡¯t realize I was already hitting her cervix. Her pussy squeezing my cock. It felt like it was forcing me to milk it even though it wasn¡¯t time.


    ¡°You¡¯re so fucking tight, amore.¡± My thrusts became harder and faster. I could feel the couch moving and shaking like an earthquake. The pping of our skin echoed in the entire room along with our grunts and moans.


    As I kept on pounding her, I sucked her tits, making sure each of them were paid enough attention. The twins bounced as my dick kept kissing her all the way to the hilt. My arms went around her waist, holding her tightly like a fucking python to his prey. I carry out a strong thrust and bury my nose to her chest. My body shook as Hailynn milked the living daylight of my cock with a strong grip of her cunt.


    We both came together. I could feel my seed spilling out of her mixed with her cream. When I finally felt our muscles rx, I started kissing her chest all the way to her neck until I reached her lips. Her head wasyingnguidly on the armrest. When she realized I was kissing her, she responded.


    Her lips then went down to my jaw and then to my neck. I could feel her licking it and sucking it. There was a slight pain but it felt so good. I looked at her and realized my cock was still inside her. Instead of pulling it out, I stood while she was still wrapped around me. Her legs enveloped my waist so tightly. Her arms automatically circled around my neck. Her dress pooled around her waist. Her breasts jiggled at our movement. But what I love the most was her cute squeal when I carried her.


    I walked towards my bedroom, all energized for another endless rounds of sex. I ced her down on my bed. I slowly pulled out of her, taking my cock his time. I could hear a squelching sound when I pulled out of her, more cream spilled out from her core. Would she freak out when she knows that this long thick hard wood managed toe inside her? I let myself get distracted by it before undressing the rest of her clothing which is her dress and her heels. The thought of us having sex while she was still wearing her high heels made my cock hardened even more. But this time, I want us fully naked.


    After getting rid of our clothes, I nestled back between her legs and kissed her hastily. I never stopped making love to her that night and mostly fucking her brains out until she could no longer move. I fucked her senseless in all the corners of my room, bathroom included.


    I felt satiated and at the same time not. I realized I could never get enough of her. My ruthless self wanted to fuck her sober until she realized that what she signed up for when she let her guard down and inebriated. And she did realize when she woke up the next morning, regretting what she did.


    I touched my neck. My hand rubbing a specific spot that reminded me of her and the earth shattering sex we had. My anger and disappointment resurfaced. I heard a crack and the sound of something breaking. The pen in my hand was split in half. I threw it against the wall, smashing it into pieces.


    But my anger did not dissipate.

 Chapter 18

    2 monthster


    ¡°It looks good.¡±


    Imented as I eyed the whole architecture of the club. I just had a tour of the ce. It was nearly done and just the finishing touches left.


    ¡°Thank you for trusting us, Mr. Di Angelo.¡± Jason Myers, who I trusted to handle the construction of my club, offered his hand. I reached for it and shook his hand.


    ¡°I am impressed with the services and the quality of your work. Mr. Ranallo suggested a really greatpany for me to trust with the construction of my club. I admit I very much like it.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s an honor, Mr. Di Angelo. I think by next week we¡¯re done with the finishing touches so if you want any additional requests, we can add it right away.¡±


    ¡°No, no, I¡¯m good. I¡¯mpletely satisfied.¡± My hand rubbing my chin as I ponder. I must admit I¡¯m happy with what they¡¯ve done so far.


    He nodded. ¡°Your club will be up and running in no time.¡±


    After meeting with Myers and his staff, I immediately went to the mansion I just bought a month ago. I realized I no longer want to stay in that penthouse. I haven¡¯t given it up though. I still own it. This will be my first time stepping foot in my own house in New York. Leo was the one who personally bought it and took care of the documents. I was in Russia that time, flying back and forth to Italy. I was eyeing Vassily so he won¡¯t do anything stupid and impulsive, not until he proves the English mafia was in fact the ones who killed Viktor.


    Once we found out the evidence, I left Vassily to do his own business as nned. I know it will be a bloody war for them. Vassily was out for English blood. Revenge was what he sought for his father.


    When I finally had the time, I flew back to New York. Coincidentally, Myers called updating me with the progress of the club. Afternding, I decided to pay it a visit and assess the ce and I waspletely satisfied with their work. Stefano was the one who suggested them and because I trusted my cousin¡¯s taste and his judgement, I followed.


    ¡°Leo.¡± I answered the iing call from him as I drove my way to the streets of New York. I could hear a tired sigh on the other side of the line. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± A growing concern suddenly surfaced.


    ¡°She¡¯s not eating, fratello. She rejects every food that¡¯s given to her.¡± I gritted my teeth in anger.N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    ¡°Well, force feed her.¡± I eximed.


    ¡°She threw the food right on our men¡¯s faces, Angelo. She¡¯s throwing tantrums, crying and screaming her lungs out. Sorry, man, but she¡¯s really giving me a huge headache right now.¡±


    A scowl formed in my face. ¡°I¡¯ll take care of her myself then.¡± I mmed the phone down on the passenger seat. My fists clenched in white against the steering wheel, my foot mmed the elerator increasing the speed.


    The door banged against the wall when I opened it with force. Hailynn was under the nket, her back facing me.


    ¡°Prepare her food.¡± I ordered one of my men. I didn¡¯t stop to face him. My eyes were dead set on the woman lying on the bed. I stomped towards her, taking off the sheet. Her wrist was thin as I grabbed her. She was pale and had lost a lot of weight. Her eyes were droopy and bloodshot. She had bags under her eyes.


    I growled. ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you that I hate those who defy me?¡± Tears pooled in her eyes. ¡°Stop acting like a brat, Hailynn. You don¡¯t want to know my wrath. Now eat! Or I will force feed you myself!¡±


    The tray of food arrived just in time. Piero, one of my men, ced the tray on the bedside table. I pulled Hailynn and forced her to get up from the bed. She sat up with unwillingness.


    ¡°Eat.¡± I eyed the food and signaled her to get it. She immediatelyplied but there was obvious reluctance. There was a set ofplete meals and a sandwich too. She chose thetter. Her hands trembled when she went to grab it. Her skin was so pale and her arms were so thin. I eyed her whole body.


    My heart clenched at the sight. What the hell was she doing when I wasn¡¯t around?


    I couldn¡¯t let one of my men watch her when I let Franco go back to Italy. We were so preupied in search of Viktor¡¯s murderer. I trusted her enough to be left alone. However it didn¡¯t cross my mind that she¡¯ll end up like this.


    Have I gone really too far and made her this depressed? The decision to apologise to her cross my mind but my pride didn¡¯t let me. I will threaten her if I have to, if she¡¯d be stubborn to follow my orders.


    She took a slow tiny bite of the sandwich. I was irritated at the sight. Is she deliberately making me furious?


    Hailynn suddenly ran frantically, an arm cing on her stomach. The sandwich fell from her hands. My scowl disappeared when I figured out she was actually running towards the bathroom. The sound of her heaving and gagging shocked me. I pulled myself out from that state and immediately checked and helped her. I set aside her hair that was in the way.


    My heart clenched for the second time when I watched her throw up with nothing but liquid. She really hasn¡¯t eaten anything but I wasn¡¯t angry anymore at that.


    What was wrong with her?


    When she felt she¡¯s fine, I helped her wash her face and gave her something to get rid of the bad taste of vomit. When she¡¯s done, she looked at me with her eyes full of tears and bloodshot.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m sorry¡­ I can¡¯t¡­ I couldn¡¯t¡­¡± She sobbed.


    Cazzo.


    I immediately hugged her, holding her tightly in my arms.


    ¡°No, I¡¯m sorry. I should be the one to apologise. I shouldn¡¯t have forced you or treated you like that. I should¡¯ve asked what¡¯s wrong before being so aggressive about it.¡± I rubbed her arm and back, kissing her head multiple times, calming her down as she sobbed against my chest.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, amore.¡± She didn¡¯t say anything but cried. I could feel my shirt wet from her tears. I felt so guilty for what I did. I¡¯m such a fucking bastard.


    When she mellowed down, I carried her towards the bed and ced her there. She was clearly exhausted and I let her sleep.


    I asked Leo to call a doctor to check for Hailynn. He immediately moved. Less than an hourter, the doctor arrived. He immediately checked Hailynn.


    I was anxious. I kept pacing back and forth in the hallway just outside her room. Not long after, the doctor emerged out of the room. He nodded when he saw me.


    ¡°Are you the father?¡±


    ¡°What?¡± I scowled at his question.

 Chapter 19

    I scowled at his question.


    ¡°Sorry. Are you the husband?¡± He reiterated a different question.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    ¡°Yes.¡± I answered with no second thoughts.


    He then gave me a huge grin. ¡°Congrattions, Mr. Di Angelo. Your wife is pregnant.¡± My eyes bulged from their sockets.


    Holy shit. That was not what I had in mind.


    I immediately shook the feeling away, not forgetting my concern towards her. ¡°Is she okay? Why does she look so pale and thin? Why did she vomit? How far along is she?¡± I bombarded him with questions I thought I could never ask because of the shock. I was so worried for her and the news of her pregnancy overwhelmed me to the core.


    Doctor Rogers gave me a soft smile. ¡°She¡¯s about 9 weeks pregnant. It¡¯s normal for pregnant women to have morning sickness although not all are like that. Her symptoms are quite severe but it¡¯s only normal so you don¡¯t have to worry. You could bring your wife to my clinic to check her and the baby for an ultrasound.¡±


    I was still stunned at the news. I didn¡¯t know what to say anymore.


    ¡°Once again, congrattions, Mr. Di Angelo.¡± We then shook hands.


    ¡°Thank you so much, Doctor Rogers. I¡¯ll see you in your clinic for the ultrasound then.¡± Leo walked him out and made one of my men drive him back towards his clinic. It¡¯s the least I could do for suddenly pulling him out of his work just prioritize my woman.


    I went inside to check up on Hailynn. She was sitting on the bed, her back against the headboard, her legs were under the quilt. I noticed she was staring into space.


    ¡°Amore.¡± I beamed.


    ¡°Stay away from me.¡± I froze. Her eyes suddenly filled with contempt and it was all directed to me. ¡°This is your fault.¡± Her tone was filled me and venom.


    I was stunned at her sudden reaction.


    ¡°Amore, what are you saying?¡± I tried to suppress my growing anger at her tant disrespect towards me. I was still ted at the news. I don¡¯t want to ruin it just because of one of her pregnancy hormones.


    I sauntered towards her. I flinched when she screamed. ¡°Don¡¯te near me, putain de batard! Get out!¡± She then threw one of the pillows at me. I caught it instead of dodging it. ¡°Get out, Dante. I don¡¯t want to see your face.¡±


    ¡°Calm down, amore.¡± I was already feeling frustrated. ¡°What you are doing is not good for the baby.¡± Hell, I don¡¯t even know what¡¯s good and bad for both mother and child.


    ¡°Calm down? How can I calm the fuck down when this is all your fault! I don¡¯t want this child, Dante. I don¡¯t want this life. And I certainly don¡¯t want you!¡±


    It was silent for a moment. The only thing I could hear was my aching heartbeat. The conviction in her voice threw me off. I stare at her, eyes full of pain and sorrow. It reflected what I¡¯m feeling right now.


    Thest time I was hurt this much was when Uncle Domenico died, my second father. I don¡¯t think I could bear to feel what she just said.


    ¡°Right. Of course.¡± My eyes roam randomly, maybe as an excuse not to give away what my soul truly felt. Words suddenly flowing out of spite. ¡°Tell me when you¡¯re ready. We could see someone who could get rid of¡­¡± I couldn¡¯t continue, much less think about it. ¡°For now, rest. You¡¯re exhausted, amore.¡± I said softly. My demeanour softened. I was tired too.


    I didn¡¯t look at her when I left. I couldn¡¯t bear to see her or the state she¡¯s in.


    I didn¡¯t know when it happened but somehow, I managed to care for her in just a short amount of time. I didn¡¯t know that this lust could be something more. I realized that when I knew that she¡¯s going to be the mother of my child.


    But that¡¯s just wishful thinking now.


    ¡ª


    ¡°What are your ns now?¡± Leo asked as we walked to the garden located at the back of the mansion. He suggested going for a walk and calming down by getting some air.


    I just noticed that the whole lot was huge. There was a pocket forest a couple of meters away further than the garden. A hugewn was in front of the mansion, a wide pathway in between.


    I inhaled. ¡°She hates me. She doesn¡¯t want the child either. I guess the only option is to abort the child.¡± I sighed exasperatedly.


    Hailynn was on bed rest. It was hard for her to do even a simple day to day activity without getting a headache or feel nausea. It clenched my heart to see her like that but I couldn¡¯tfort her, not when she detests me right now.


    ¡°Maybe you should give her some time. With all the sudden pregnancy news and her hormones, of course she¡¯d react that way.¡±


    ¡°And what if she did feel that way. After all I¡¯ve treated her, she despises the hell out of me, Leo.¡±


    ¡°Time, fratello. You two created a wonderful thing together, a child, your heir¡­ with both of your genes. If you decide to let him or her go, I swear to you, fratello, you will regret it. Remember familyes first. If she doesn¡¯t want your child, then take responsibility.¡± His words hit me. Just when I sumb to giving up.


    Leo has always been sincere with a lot of things. He was calm but he wasn¡¯t always serious. He has coolposure and is the opposite of me who has a short temperament.


    ¡°This is one of the reasons why I chose you, my second inmand.¡± After everything that happened, I finally smiled. He just makes everything better and this is why I trust him the most.


    Leo was simply Cara and I¡¯s long lost brother. I¡¯m sure I would miss him if he chooses to go on with the mafia. But he will have Cara¡¯s side and that itself is a strong reassurance for me.


    He shook his head. ¡°You know you have no choice. We practically grew up together.¡± I chuckled at his joke. ¡°Hey, I¡¯ve already scheduled a doctor¡¯s appointment for Hailynn. I hope you two won¡¯t consider any way involving getting rid of him¡­ or her.¡± His hand was patting my shoulder. ¡°But I¡¯m pretty sure it¡¯s a he.¡± He grinned.

 Chapter 20

    ¡°You ready?¡±


    I lost count how many times she didn¡¯t answer me or just simply ignore me. My own house and I feel like I didn¡¯t even exist here when she never really looks my way. I felt like a ghost who¡¯s haunting her.


    She walked past me and I followed her. She stopped when she didn¡¯t know which car I¡¯d bring so I walked ahead and led her to a simple family car. I opened the car door for her and she immediately went in as if I was a mere butler working here.


    I sighed deeply. I was already on edge. I don¡¯t think I could take it anymore. I wanna get mad, get all aggressive towards her just like I usually do to her. I reveled in the power I used to have when she¡¯s scared or nervous of me. And then I thought of her and the baby inside her, her anger towards me and how she¡¯s feeling right now when she¡¯s not well. All of the sudden, my emotions didn¡¯t matter.


    I drove towards Doctor Rogers¡¯ clinic. When we arrived, he made sure we¡¯re his priority and I appreciated the gesture. Though I know Leo was behind all this since we decided that he¡¯s going to be our primary doctor from now on.


    ¡°Good morning, Mr. and Mrs. Di Angelo.¡± Doctor Rogers and I shook our hands when I noticed Hailynn raising her brow and crossing her arms. Pregnancy made my donna be a wild cat. For now, I ept that she¡¯s the predator in this rtionship.


    I cleared my throat awkwardly knowing she was mad at how she was called.


    ¡°This way please.¡± He led us inside and then guided Hailynn toy in a seat where she¡¯ll perform the ultrasound.


    I didn¡¯t know I was actually zoning out. I was so nervous. I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve been breathing evenly for a while. What if the baby is not okay and that causes Hailynn¡¯s horrible symptoms? What if both of them are really ill?


    The doctor pulled me out of my reverie when he called me to see the digital image on the screen. My eyes shifted towards Hailynn before looking at the screen. I couldn¡¯t read how she looked or what emotions she held when she was staring at the screen. The image was hardly recognizable. Doctor Rogers then exined to us what the image meant. He pointed to the screen as he described the location and size of the baby. He said it was the same size as a prune with it being almost ten weeks.


    He then looked at both of us with a huge grin. ¡°Congrattions! You¡¯re having twins!¡±


    We were quiet when we walked towards the car. The silence was suffocating me. I nearly crumpled the sonogram in my hand. I had to stop being so impulsive and always anger driven. Things are not the same as we first met or when she was living with me in that penthouse.


    ¡°Hailynn.¡± She was about to open the car¡¯s door but froze when I called her. I jogged towards her and stood just beside her but she never really turned to face me. Her head was down, obviously she did not want to see me directly in the eye.


    ¡°Please¡­ let¡¯s keep them. Let¡¯s keep the babies.¡± I hope the sound of my desperation reached her. I wanted to keep the babies, much more when I found out that there are two of them. ¡°I know you¡¯re mad at me for taking advantage of you and I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m sorry, amore, but I want this so bad. I want to make this work. I want a family with you.¡±


    Hailynn opened the door and got inside the car.


    I sighed as I looked up at the parking lot¡¯s ceiling. I can¡¯t believe this. I¡¯m begging for a woman who clearly doesn¡¯t want me. Is this karma? If this is the payment for what I¡¯ve done in the dark then should I¡¯ve been killed instead?


    I looked at the picture again. A decision that had been crossing my mind ever since the news of her pregnancy crossed my mind again. I grabbed my phone from my pocket and called Leo.


    ¡°Fratello.¡± He answered.


    ¡°Book a flight for me back to Italy.¡±


    ¡°Right away, fratello.¡±


    ¡°Grazie, Leo.¡±


    I then went inside the car and drove towards the mansion, trying to ignore the silence that I¡¯ve grown to despise.


    ¡ª


    ¡°My, my. Who do we have here? I thought you¡¯d be in New York by now, fratello.¡±


    Cara Luna Di Angelo.


    My first cousin- better yet my sore. My only family left in the Di Angelo bloodline. We grew up together after my father died when I was ten. Uncle Domenico took me in and treated me as his own son. We were his sun and moon, thus the nickname he had given us.


    When Cara was born, everyone in the family celebrated even the Ranallo family. Just because Aunt Abriana gave birth to a girl which was rare for the family. Cara was practically the prinsipessa in the entire n but she literally grew up to be a queen- fierce, headstrong and dauntless. Even though uncle gave me the title of don, she deserved it more. The woman clearly rules with an iron fist. Her sessful business was a prime example of it.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    Cara always spoke to me in perfect English. It was some sort of exercise for us when we were young so we could get used to thenguage. We don¡¯t speak Italian to each other. The habit grew with us. Although her Italian ent was now vague, mine was still thick.


    I came to her office without informing anyone. Her secretary got used to me popping out anytime so he just let me be.


    I sauntered towards her table and sat on the chair in front. She was sitting behind her office desk, wearing her usual business suit in all white, her favorite color.


    ¡°Fratello, on what do I owe this pleasure?¡± She asked again, clearly wondering why I was suddenly here. I never really visit her without anything important. Though I know she can handle herself, I still didn¡¯t want her to randomly mix up on any mafia business. She¡¯s already working sessfully on her business empire. I¡¯m sure I don¡¯t want to taint that with mafia agenda.


    ¡°We need to talk, sore.¡± The yful look she had on me morphed into seriousness when she sensed the gravity of my words.

 Chapter 21

    The yful look she had on me morphed into seriousness when she noticed the gravity of my words.


    ¡°Have you had lunch, Sol?¡± She hinted if I wanted to take this conversation over lunch but I shook my head. There¡¯s no better ce but to have this conversation here.


    ¡°Alright.¡± She took the hint. ¡°What is it, fratello?¡±


    ¡°Remember when I said you¡¯re better suited being the don than I?¡± She raised a curious brow. A smirk started growing on her painted lips.


    ¡°I know where this is going.¡± She said in amusement. ¡°Sol, he gave the family to you for a reason. It was not because I¡¯m a woman or daddy¡¯s little girl. That¡¯s because I¡¯m worse.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s exactly the reason why you¡¯re better suited.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± She asked. But I know her question is directed to the reason why I wanted to renounce the title. She then leaned, elbows resting tly on the table. ¡°The only reason you¡¯d give it up, Sol, is family itself. I know you so much, fratello mio. I know you from head to toe and what¡¯s inside that head of yours. I know that between the two of us you¡¯d always been soft. It¡¯s not a surprise that you finally fall in love.¡± She then leaned back to her chair.


    I narrowed my eyes at her. ¡°Have you been spying on me, Luna?¡±


    ¡°You won¡¯t be calling me that when I sit on your throne.¡± She grinned mischievously. ¡°But s¡­¡± She then rolled her eyes. ¡°Don¡¯t be too cocky. You¡¯re not worth stalking.¡± Cara crossed her arms. ¡°Your reaction told me I¡¯m right though.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m going to have a family, sore.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I know. It¡¯s written all over your damn face, fratello.¡± She deadpanned.


    I shook my head. ¡°I¡¯m going to have a child soon- no, children actually. There¡¯s two of them.¡±


    She raised her eyebrows, not hiding the surprise in her face. ¡°Twins.¡± She chuckled. And then her chuckle turned into a loudugh. ¡°Oh boy. You have beaten Stefano in one go.¡±


    I shook my head, disbelieving her craziness. ¡°Sore¡­¡±


    ¡°I know.¡± There¡¯s a moment of silence after her answer. Her face was now solemn. I didn¡¯t want to expect anything. Although Cara was more than fit to rule the family, she never hinted of wanting the title. She was always going with the flow and was very loyal to her father and the family. She was stubborn and a bit hot headed but she never did something that could put the family in danger. She loves the family as much as I do. We grew up to value our own flesh and blood and the family we created as an organization.


    We do sell illegal things but we¡¯re so much against human trafficking and if we could, we raid the groups who are into that business and rescue the victims and return them to society. Viktor and I agreed on that and that made our alliance stronger. Fortunately, his son felt the same way.


    ¡°I¡¯ll ept, fratello.¡± My eyes lit up at her answer. ¡°But on one condition¡­¡± Anything. I have full trust in her. ¡°Once I have the title, you will never interfere with the business. I forbid you so, fratello.¡±Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    I grinned. ¡°That¡¯s pretty damn easy to me.¡± I pause and ponder. ¡°I just like you to know that I¡¯m serious about this, sore. I really wanted this to work out.¡±


    ¡°Sounds like you¡¯re having a hard time on that.¡± She chuckled after teasing.


    Sometimes I cursed myself for having a sharp sister. ¡°One day, sore, I hope one day you¡¯ll find your match.¡± I rose from the chair, preparing myself to leave. Cara let out a vibrantugh. She then stood and stepped out behind her desk. She walked towards me with her arms wide open.


    ¡°See you soon, fratello.¡± She said while hugging me. I tightened my hold on her and inhaled her scent, remembering it for the years toe that we won¡¯t be seeing each other.


    Having family means steppingpletely out of this business and never return, never look back. I¡¯m d that Cara understood that. I¡¯m d that she knew me full well.


    ¡°Thank you. Thank you, sore. Ti voglio bene.¡±


    She then let go and ced her hand on my cheek, rubbing it with her thumb. ¡°I wish you the best in your life and you¡¯re soon to be family, fratello. Zio and babbo will be so proud of you. I can¡¯t say the same thing with me though. Babbo will have a heart attack six feet under the ground when he finds out.¡± She shrugged and Iughed from the bottom of my heart.


    I can¡¯t believe I miss my crazy sore.


    Cara sighed. ¡°As much as I want to be in your wedding¡­¡±


    Our faces dimmed at the thought. ¡°You still can go, mio sore. I¡¯m not going to forbid you.¡±


    She shook her head disapprovingly. ¡°I¡¯m not going to risk your happiness or your future.


    Anch¡¯io ti voglio bene, fratello mio. I hope you know this is perhaps thest meeting we¡¯ll have once I take over the family.¡±


    Iugh. ¡°I have yet to propose, sore. The woman hates my guts. I don¡¯t know if she¡¯ll even say yes.¡± I joke, knowing she loves seeing me suffer.


    She punched my arm yfully. ¡°You have your ways with women. I¡¯m sure she¡¯ll ept you at some point in time. Make sure to grovel at her feet though.¡±


    Iugh. ¡°Not this woman, sore.¡± I remembered the time I poured my heart out to her. I was very sincere about it but she just brushed me off and got inside the car instead.


    I looked at my sister for a second and reminded me of the present. I then pulled her into a tight hug again. ¡°Be well, mio sore.¡±


    I feel her inhale my scent and hummed.


    ¡ª


    I stayed in Italy for a few days and took care of things regarding my renouncing of my title. I had a hard time leaving when Cara and I said our goodbyes. But this was the best for me and my future family and Cara understood that full well. I don¡¯t know what Leo will think about it but I had a decision that I¡¯ll give him an option of freedom. Whatever he decides to do after this, I will support him.


    The man in my thoughts appeared before me just as I stepped foot on the threshold of my mansion. He seemed so agitated. I raised a brow out of curiosity.


    ¡°What¡¯s with you?¡±


    ¡°Trust me. You¡¯re in for a surprise.¡± He then led me to the patio. I rolled my eyes when I saw her sitting on one of the chairs and a cup of probably tea on the table.


    ¡°Lovely weather, don¡¯t you think so Di Angelo?¡±


    I sat down at one of the chairs across her. ¡°What brought you here, tesoro?¡±


    She sped her hands and mused. ¡°You know I initially came here to visit Hailynn.¡± Shit. ¡°For the record, cousin inw,¡± She said mockingly. ¡°she doesn¡¯t know I¡¯m here. She¡¯s probably upstairs resting her pregnant self.¡± She then gave me one of her intense res that reminded me of Stefano.


    Double shit.


    ¡°I will enjoy beating your shit up, Di Angelo.¡± She spat.

 Chapter 22

    Avery scowled as she tried to lunge at me. I raised my two hands to block her just in case she really will throw her fist. The woman could pack a powerful punch. I¡¯m not even just saying it out of observation because I did experience it firsthand when we spar one time.


    ¡°You promised not to harm her.¡± She chastised.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t harm her okay.¡± I was still putting my guard up, my two hands still full on disy on the air. ¡°M-maybe I-I took advantage of her but-¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the more reason I should kill you.¡± She eximed. She took a step forward and I automatically stepped back. ¡°I don¡¯t know if I should be d that you didn¡¯t hurt her or the fact that she¡¯s pregnant with your child! Are you insane, Angelo? You should be thankful I didn¡¯t tell him. If he finds this out-¡±


    ¡°Whoa, whoa, whoa.¡± I cut her off. ¡°I¡¯ll tell him myself, okay. Please. I n on marrying her.¡± I finally put my guard down and dropped my hands along my side.


    ¡°And you think that all solves the problem? Does she even love you- wait, does she even like you? Thest time I met you two together, she¡¯s either nervous or scared around you. She only calmed down when I reassured her that you will not hurt her.¡±


    ¡°And I didn¡¯t break our promise.¡± I brushed off the fact that Hailynn didn¡¯t both like me or love me.


    ¡°You did. Just not physically.¡± She retorted.


    I took a few steps towards her. ¡°I¡¯m serious about this, tesoro. Maybe we should sit down and talk in civil.¡± My face suddenly flew to the side, the pain making me slightly dizzy.


    The fuck this woman felt like she¡¯s been in the army all this time.


    ¡°Cazzo.¡± I muttered as I staggered. Something wet dripping down my lips. I wiped it off using my thumb and noticed that it was blood. I spat the taste of iron in my mouth. ¡°Seriously. Will you calm the fuck down? Sit down, tesoro, and let¡¯s talk.¡±


    ¡°Are you angry, Angelo?¡± She asked in a calm manner but I know better there was rage behind it. Her fists clenched ready to hit me any time.


    ¡°Maybe I deserved that but for the hundredth time please let¡¯s talk.¡± I dodged her expected punch but I was met with a kick in the stomach. I groaned in pain while clutching my midriff. ¡°Tesoro, please. You know well I won¡¯t retaliate.¡± I pleaded in pain.


    ¡°Oh, please.¡± She rolled her eyes. ¡°You challenged me back then and yet here you are begging for me to stop.¡± Her eyebrows then furrowed quizzically. Her mouth opened to say something but she was cut off when Hailynn suddenly arrived with a concerned look.


    ¡°What the hell¡¯s going on here?¡± She shifted her attention towards Avery. ¡°Avery? W-why- how do you know I¡¯m here? W-what¡¯s going on?¡± Questions came flooding in as expected. But the look on her face showed that she was obviously confused.


    I sighed. ¡°Amore-¡±


    ¡°Come, sit down, Hailynn. We need to talk.¡± Avery cut me off and red at me. Hailynn followed her and sat down at one of the chairs we once upied. Avery and I did the same but she stopped me. ¡°No.¡± She held her hand. ¡°You¡¯re going to stand. I¡¯m still mad at you, cousin inw.¡± She said in mockery. I sighed.


    Avery sat down near Hailynn. ¡°Now¡­ exin. I want you to talk.¡± She pointed at me. ¡°And I want you to confirm it.¡± She then looked at Hailynn. Hailynn then scowled at me. Avery chuckled. ¡°From the looks of it, you¡¯re treading on thin ice.¡± She said towards me.


    ¡°Believe me. I would rather see you beat him up.¡± Hailynn muttered and much to Avery¡¯s amusement, sheughed out loud.


    ¡°Well, there you have it. Ask and you shall receive.¡± She starts to stand and I stop her.


    ¡°Wait!¡± I cleared my throat from the obvious reaction. I respect Avery so much but sometimes she just scares me. Stefano¡¯s personality was rubbing off her. The couple don¡¯t hold back when they¡¯re angry. Like now, I knew that she cares for Hailynn from how she made me promise but I underestimated it. I am now facing the consequences, especially towards Hailynn when I finally realize that I wanted something more from her.


    ¡°No! You screwed up and you will pay for it.¡± She eximed as she hit the table with open palms. ¡°If she¡¯s acting like this, then surely you fucked up. All I ask is for you not to hurt her and what¡¯s even worse is that you took advantage of her. I have warned you that she¡¯s off limits and yet you still fucked up. I¡¯m not going to let this pass, Angelo. Not on my watch.¡±


    ¡°Please, tesoro, listen to me.¡± I begged. My attention shifted towards Hailynn who seemed interested more at the table than the situation right now. ¡°Please, amore. I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m sorry for what happened that night.¡±


    I¡¯m d that Avery stayed silent and not interrupted my plea on Hailynn. I know she was ring right at me but she still managed to give me a chance to voice out my feelings.


    ¡°There¡¯s no excuse for what I did¡­ except that I am attracted to you.¡± I hesitated before admitting the truth in front of Avery. ¡°You know how much I¡¯ve been wanting to sleep with you.¡± I stole a nce at Avery who was raising a brow at me. ¡°It¡¯s just¡­ that night I wanted you so much¡­¡±Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    The words were suddenly hard to pronounce. I don¡¯t know how to say this to her that she won¡¯t ignore me or get mad at me. Perhaps I just choked at thising confession.


    Since when do I exactly beg? I, otherwise known as the King of the Mafia, was helpless against this woman. Everyone respected me but howe I¡¯m almost groveling my feet in front of her? But Cara had known why and she¡¯d seen right through me. That all along I did not desire to lead a crime organization.


    She once mocked me that I belong on the sofa because I was too soft. I returned her mockery with a bull¡¯s eye in the shooting range we were practicing in. My soreughed at that. I didn¡¯t pay that in mind back then because being nice would never get me anywhere if I am to be the don.


    I hear Avery sigh beside me, the sound of the chair scraping against the ground when she decided to leave us be.


    The long silence was broken by her and I was extremely surprised that she finally decided to talk to me. ¡°I¡¯m mad that you took advantage of me knowing I was drunk and not in the right mind but I was more furious at the fact that you left.¡± She eximed.


    ¡°You left me, Dante.¡±

 Chapter 23

    ¡°You left me, Dante.¡± She repeated with conviction.


    I was stunned at her confession. ¡°I know I overreacted. Who wouldn¡¯t be? But we could¡¯ve talked, you know. When I came back to the penthouse, you¡¯re no longer there.¡±


    ¡°You were the one who left first. I checked your room but you weren¡¯t there anymore.¡± I tried to defend.


    ¡°I left to cool myself down.¡± She retorted. Her look gave off as if she couldn¡¯t believe I did the easy way out. ¡°I can¡¯t face you while I¡¯m still feeling so freaking angry at you. I asked one of your men whom I noticed who kept following me by the way, where you were. He said you left for Italy. Imagine what I felt when you left after you got what you always wanted. You literally fucked me and left, Dante. What am I supposed to feel?! And you just walked your way towards my life again asking to work things out. Screw you, Dante! I¡¯m still fucking hurt and furious at what you did.¡±


    ¡°Amore, I¡¯m so sorry. It never crossed my mind.¡± I said as I nudged closer towards her. I am almost tempted to grab her hand and hold it for dear life. When did I be so helpless before a woman?


    ¡°That¡¯s probably because you¡¯re a selfish bastard. I don¡¯t even know why you came back for me. What? Because you don¡¯t trust me? Afraid that I¡¯ll sing your name to the world who you are?¡± She spat, her toneced with venom.


    ¡°No, of course not. I came back because you¡¯re special to me. You¡¯re very important to me, amore.¡± Her eyes were now glistening with tears. I figured it¡¯s the best time to tell her what I¡¯ve nned and decided for us. I looked at her eye to eye, serious at what¡¯s about toe out of my mouth. ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m quitting the mafia. I¡¯m no longer the don of the family.¡± Hailynn eyed me in disbelief, eyebrows furrowed together. ¡°I gave it to Cara, my cousin who I told you about. She understood I did what I did.¡±


    Somehow I didn¡¯t know how I ended up kneeling in front of her while holding her hand tightly between mine. She was still surprised with my confession. Her eyes were wide as if it¡¯s impossible for me to do what I just I did.


    ¡°Hailynn, amore, we can work this out. We¡¯ll get married and have the family we deserve. I left my life for you, cuore mio. You¡¯re going to be my present and my future now. You and the twins.¡±


    She scoffed and rolled her eyes. ¡°How can you be so sure that these babies are yours?¡±


    A heavy weight crushed my chest. Rage came afterwards, a hot burning feeling was trying to surface. Out of spite, I grabbed her wrist unaware of it being too tight and might hurt her. I gritted my teeth as the words slipped out of my mouth. ¡°You know I¡¯m still a Ranallo. You don¡¯t want to know how a Ranallo can be so possessive and territorial. Those babies are mine. You are mine. And you are not going to leave me. Over my fucking dead body.¡± I growled/


    I realized that I might have overreacted. Hurting her was unreasonable especially now that I should not stress her out. She was obviously hurt when I saw her wince at my action. Her face scrunched in pain.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± I immediately let her go. She shook her hand probably to drive away the pain that I¡¯ve caused which made me feel guilty even more. Hailynn only rolled her eyes, feeling like what we were discussing was unimportant to her. That just adds to my fury. I felt my nostrils feeling at her reaction.N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    ¡°This is probably just my hormones.¡± She muttered. I eyed her quizzically. My anger dissipated slightly at what she just spoke. She then looked at me, slightly ring. ¡°You¡¯re hot with all that possessiveness of yours.¡± Waving her dainty hands.


    Suddenly everything didn¡¯t matter now. Iugh to my heart¡¯s content knowing what she said indicated that we¡¯re finally okay. I then grabbed her neck and smashed my lips to hers, kissing her with all my might. I didn¡¯t expect her to respond but she did and it kinda surprised me knowing she was mad at me just a moment ago.


    I still want to talk to her and clear things up but right now, I miss her so much and just want to savour her lips, her warmth, her body. God, I love the way she tastes. She¡¯s so sweet and delectable.


    ¡°All right that¡¯s enough.¡± Avery pulled me away from Hailynn by tugging my hair harshly right as I almost slid my tongue inside her mouth. I groaned at her annoying interruption. I heard Hailynn¡¯s chuckle, amused at my suffering.


    ¡°Now that you guys are okay now,¡± I noticed her nced towards Hailynn and then shifted her eyes towards me. ¡°You and I need to talk, Angelo. If you n to have a family with her, I need to know what you n on the mafia side of your life.¡±


    Thank god, I already quit or this woman would have skinned me from head to toe.


    ¡ª


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry if I came on too violent and aggressive.¡±


    ¡°You think?¡± She then red at me. I raised both of my hands in surrender. Two women are after my head right now so I¡¯d rather be humble for the mean time.


    Avery and I finally talked in civil while we let Hailynn go inside and take a rest in her bedroom. Instead of staying on the patio, I decided to tour her outside the mansion, especially the best part of the ce which is the garden and just further away, the pocket forest. I had to admit though, this ce is grand and stunning but itcks the homie feeling like one Stefano¡¯s and Avery¡¯s mansion emits. When I stepped foot on their home, I was a bit envious of the feeling their ce gives off. It was what I¡¯ve been longing for ever since my parents left.


    She sighed. We stopped at a bench in front of us and she moved to sit down. I followed suit. I let my elbows rest on my knees, leaning over.


    ¡°You must think that I¡¯m acting like a concerned hen over my chicks.¡± She paused as she pondered. ¡°I have been friends with her and her partner Ethan which I assume you already knew about him.¡± I nodded in reply.


    ¡°I do. It¡¯s hard not to know him when I destroyed her painting.¡± I remember how she always whined about it. I didn¡¯t care at first but I was eventually struck at her emotions especially when she cried. It was one of the first times that I actually felt guilty about something.

 Chapter 24

    ¡°I do. It¡¯s hard not to know him when I destroyed her painting.¡± I remember how she always whined about it. I didn¡¯t care at first but I was eventually struck at her emotions especially when she cried. It was one of the first times that I actually felt guilty about something.


    She shook her head in amusement. ¡°You are such an asshole, Angelo. The girl has been depressed for quite a while. I had to push her about the auction so she could focus on something else and you had to ruin it.¡±


    ¡°Well, if I didn¡¯t ruin it, we wouldn¡¯t have met.¡± I shrugged, reminiscing the first time we met. She was so scared of me. When I kept her my captive, she often have the courage to stand up against me and when I got angry, she stood back like a wounded pup.


    She scoffed and eyed me in disbelief. ¡°It¡¯s not only about that, Angelo. I cared for her because of her past. Being an orphan is not that easy. Why do you think I help people like her? Not all people are fortunate like us.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡± I frowned. The guilt and regret suddenly came flooding in. ¡°She told me about her past. She was tipsy when she told me about it but I got the gist.¡± I shrugged, acting nonchnt about it but when all actuality, I was hit at the fact that I hurt her and rather than realize my feelings for her and probably celebrate it with a night of passionate sex, here I am regretting what I did. It was not what I wanted it to be.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    I was an orphan myself but unlike her, I had Uncle Domenico and Cara as my family. Not to mention the mafia. They never once left me alone. Hailynn had nothing. Either way, she had Ethan before. That¡¯s why the serious attachment to him and now, he too, was gone.


    Then it crossed my mind, when exactly did I start caring? Cara would¡¯ve answered, ¡®You don¡¯t. You just care about her¡¯. She always ps the truth right out of my face. God, I suddenly miss her. Now that I know we might not be able to meet again¡­ ever.


    ¡°I hope you know the reason why I¡¯m acting like this; why I¡¯m too concerned for someone who¡¯s not even rted to me.¡±


    ¡°You are a godsend you know that.¡± It was the truth. Stefano was so lucky to have a partner in life who has a heart as big as the universe. No wonder he treats her like a queen. He loves her so much that even a blind man could see that.


    ¡°It¡¯s a matter of experience, Angelo, or what your eyes have seen or could see will shape you into something on what you can do in the present or the future.¡±


    ¡°Is this about you being in the army before?¡± I asked in curiosity. Stefano hated that topic whenever I brought it up in the past. I was so interested in the story that Stefano¡¯s wife was in the army. I realized he was always against Avery back for deployment. But I heard some rumors of her before even when I first met her. She was the talk of the family when Stefano married a woman who had been in the army.


    She let out a heavy sigh. ¡°I always wanted to go back, you know. My first deployment, I was sent to the field. Instinct to survive and save people kicked in. I realized that I truly wanted to help them, that I couldn¡¯t sit idly and watch people get hurt or die.¡± She yfully nced at me. ¡°I was hurt pretty badly when I did that. I got hit in the middle of a gunfire.¡± A small smirk appeared in her face.


    I frowned. Although I know she¡¯s alright because she¡¯s here now, I can¡¯t help but feel worried for her. ¡°Stefano must¡¯ve lost his shit.¡±


    ¡°Well¡­ he didn¡¯t know that. Sierra and my brother only knew this. And now you.¡± She smiled. She seemed to take this conversation too lightly.


    I frowned even more. ¡°That¡¯s not good. I¡¯m sure he must have seen the scars.¡±


    She rolled her eyes. ¡°I have ointment to remove unwanted scars, Angelo. I¡¯m pretty sure I¡¯m not gonna leave that in my skin. Stefano will turn the world upside down.¡± She chuckled but I wasn¡¯t a little bit happy about it. I don¡¯t even know how Stefano will react once he knows about this. I¡¯m even worried for her even though it was already in the past.


    ¡°I trust that you won¡¯t tell him about this though.¡± She winks as she pats my shoulder with her right hand.


    I scoffed. ¡°Let me think about that.¡±


    She then gave me a forced but cunning smile. ¡°Alright, you tell him that and I¡¯ll tell him about Hailynn.¡±


    I zipped my mouth with an imaginary zipper with my hand and threw the imaginary key away. Somewhere where no one will ever find it.


    ¡°Good.¡± She pats my shoulder again. ¡°Now, I¡¯d like to talk about your ns. You can¡¯t honestly expect to have a family with her and still be the don. It won¡¯t end well, Angelo.¡±


    I smile as I tell her what I¡¯ve been up to before she came marching in here ready to disfigure my handsome face.


    ¡ª


    After our conversation, I walked her towards her car. We had an agreement that she¡¯ll tell a clean cut version to her husband of my rtionship with Hailynn. He¡¯ll probably have the shock of his life when he finds out I quit the mafia life. He and Uncle Marco.


    When she finally drove off, I went directly towards Hailynn¡¯s room. She¡¯s probably sleeping right now. The doctor rmended that she needs to rest and not exert herself with work. She willingly did since her symptoms are still pretty severe. This will go on for a couple of weeks.


    I honestly just want her to lie down and not do anything. I¡¯m pretty nervous and scared that something will affect her and the twins. I just want what¡¯s best for them even if she has to sit pretty and do nothing all day every day.


    As soon as I went inside her room, I saw her figure lying under the nket sleeping. Her back was facing me. I¡¯ve missed her so much and with no second thoughts, I dived under the cover andid down beside her. My arm wrapped around her waistnguidly, careful not to squeeze her belly.

 Chapter 25

    I dived under the cover andid down beside her. My arm wrapped around her waistnguidly, careful not to squeeze her still t belly.


    Her scent immediately invaded my senses. It made me realize how much I more than just miss her. It was so much more. I dived my nose in between her shoulder and neck and inhaled her even more. I pushed closer against her, eliciting an indescribable warmth which tingled all over my body. The reaction lull me into a state of drowsiness.


    ¡°Were you serious?¡± I must have woken her up. Her voice was husky yet stable.


    ¡°Bout what?¡± I mumbled, scooting my head deeper to her neck.


    ¡°That you quit¡­ this life.¡± She hesitated though I knew what she meant.


    ¡°That was the main reason why I left, amore.¡±


    ¡°You mean the first time or the second time?¡± There was a slight edge in her statement but I could sense a little humor.


    I sat up knowing I need to tell her the truth. I ignore my need to cuddle her cause this discussion was far more important. This was mainly the reason why she was so mad at me and even dared to ignore me, who was the don of the mafia.


    But now¡­ I¡¯m just a normal man.


    Hailynn faces me at my movement. I leaned my upper body against the headboard. I looked down at her and urged her to scooch closer towards me. I pulled her when she didn¡¯t move. I kissed her head and stole a scent.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry if I left you and gave you the wrong signal.¡± I started. ¡°If I had the choice to stay, I would but I had an emergency in Italy. I had to go back. I¡¯d like to spare you the details since you¡¯re never really fond of this side of my life however I¡¯m already walking on thin ice here.¡± She snorted. A small smirk appearing in her beautiful face. I can¡¯t help but smile as swell.


    ¡°A friend of mine¡­ his father just died.¡± I continued. ¡°A rival murdered him. I had to fly back and made sure he doesn¡¯t do anything stupid and cause unnecessary war for us.¡±


    Her eyebrows furrowed. ¡°You know¡­ even if you have begged¡­ even if you¡¯ve loved me like no other¡­ I really wouldn¡¯t have epted you. I can¡¯t live a life knowing I¡¯m always in danger, let alone having a family with someone who¡¯s the leader of a crime organization. We don¡¯t deserve such life, Dante.¡±


    I understood what she meant. I was the one that understood it the most, especially in a child¡¯s perspective. I lost my parents when I was extremely young. Cara lost her mother when she was young too. She was still an infant and almost had no memory of her mother. Uncle Domenico was there for us up until I just turned twenty so we both lost extremely important people in our lives.


    I thought about it not long ago that I cannot honestly stay like this all my life. Deep inside, I wanted a family. Sleeping with women or fooling around never really gave me a sense of security. It might give me temporary pleasure but it neversts long. Not when I¡¯m always skeptical with every person I meet. I was always too guarded. We never know who could backstab me or my family.


    This woman was my once in a lifetime opportunity. I would never screw this up now that my dream ising true.


    ¡°So when you said you quit, I believed you.¡±


    I raised a brow in amusement. ¡°What if I lied about that?¡± I asked hypothetically, teasing her.


    Hailynn sat upright and faced me. She snorted in disbelief and amusement. ¡°You don¡¯t lie to me, Dante.¡± I smirked at her confession. ¡°That¡¯s one thing I am confident and sure about you.¡±


    I chuckled. ¡°Well¡­ if you put it that way.¡± I teased. My mood suddenly soured when a memory crossed my mind.


    ¡®I don¡¯t want this child, Dante. I don¡¯t want this life. And I certainly don¡¯t want you!¡¯


    ¡°Amore¡­ please be honest with me.¡± Her head tilted to the side inquisitively.  ¡°Do you really want this? Do you really want a family with me? The twins with me?¡±


    ¡ª


    Hailynn


    ¡°Oh.¡± I answered gloomily.


    I could feel Dante¡¯s hesitance. I knew he was sincere when he wanted to work things out with me.


    At first, I didn¡¯t expect anything from him. I mean really, with his work and his reputation, I don¡¯t think he¡¯s suited to be a loving father. I wasn¡¯t confident about him. That and the fact that I was furious when he left me and now suddenly begging to have a family with me when he found out I was pregnant.


    I don¡¯t even know if I¡¯m also in the wrong here because honestly, I don¡¯t have a single memory of that night. I was so drunk and wasted that I don¡¯t even remember a thing. Thest part was when I opened up to him and told him about my parents and my life. Even at that time I was already beyond tipsy.


    This man can¡¯t me me when I ignored him and I found everything he did as bullshit. And also the hormones. I was really just livid.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    ¡°Honestly¡­¡± I sighed. ¡°I was only caught in the moment of rage. I realized what I said when you told me that we could get rid of them. I didn¡¯t know I was telling stuff that would mean that way. I was just so angry but I could never do that to my own flesh and blood. As much as I hate you, I would never do anything that could hurt them.¡±


    Dante listened to me intently and I know he understood me from the way he looks at me.


    I realized¡­ this man have changed a lot. Whether it¡¯s because of me or the twins or anything, I¡¯m happy. I¡¯m happy that he wanted this. He wanted a family with Hailynn Fleury.


    He sighed heavily. ¡°I know. I know.¡± He sighed again. ¡°I guess I¡¯m just hurt that you didn¡¯t want me.¡±


    I eyed him in disbelief. ¡°Why would you be hurt? Dante, you only wanted me because you wanted so much to fuck me-¡±


    ¡°Sshhh, the twins could hear you.¡± I eyed him in disbelief again. My eyebrow raised while looking at him as if he was crazy.


    ¡°That and you wanted children.¡± I added.


    ¡°Maybe I wanted you more than that.¡±

 Chapter 26

    ¡°Maybe I wanted you more than that.¡± He murmured. I could barely hear what he said but I managed to.


    I scoffed in a sarcastic manner. ¡°Oh you do because I really don¡¯t feel your intention.¡± I teased but my heart was beating so fast.


    ¡°I always wanted a family of my own you know.¡± My head tilted to the side as I listened to him. ¡°Growing up with people who value families, I wanted to have that too. Maybe I wanted it with you. I mean the way you sway your ass in the kitchen like my adorable wife.¡±


    Iugh. ¡°Oh mon dieu. You¡¯re such a pervert.¡±


    He smirked mischievously. The one he always showed me before. ¡°Did you know you cried perfect French when I was pummeling you?¡±


    I red at him while heughed. ¡°You really are a pervert.¡±


    He then reached my face and his other hand resting on my neck, he pulled me towards him with a heavy passionate kiss. I returned his eagerness until our tongue collided and fought for dominance.


    He pulled away suddenly. I was still in a daze as I looked at him. I was surprised because he was scowling. ¡°Those babies are mine, right?¡±


    It was my turn tough. ¡°Who knows?¡±


    He then pounced on me with a sexual intent. He hovered over me while attacking me with hungry kisses and possessive touches. I guess this time, I finally gave in to him. I was willing to spread my legs for him as he liked to put it.


    After the second time, Dante held himself back for another since he still wanted to discuss our remaining issues and I highly appreciated this part of him. A guy who listens and who¡¯s willing to talk about our issues, is honestly admirable. Also I find it very pleasant to watch him groveling for me. After all the shit he put me through back then, he honestly deserved it. And the fact that he really wanted to fix things between us.


    Maybe right after the amazing sex he desired so much.


    ¡ª


    ¡°What does he think about Ethan then?¡± Amy asked in the midst of choosing dresses for her to buy.


    It was mid-morning when Amy asked me out for shopping and a lunch date. I agreed and since I was no longer Dante¡¯s so called prisoner, I went out, not asking his permission.


    I asked one of his men to drive to our meeting ce. I¡¯m sure the guy will happily report to Dante where I¡¯m going.


    ¡°I don¡¯t really know.¡± I shrugged. I tried to remember how Dante reacts whenever I talked about Ethan. He seemed to be nonchnt at first. I meane on, how could he be insecure or jealous of a dead person.


    I admit I loved Ethan. I really did. He was my hero, my other half. He was just so perfect for me but I couldn¡¯t keep on lingering about memories of a person who¡¯s no longer here. I had to move on. The time with Dante, as much as I want to deny, actually helped. He was a pervert and he really got on my nerves, still actually, but it stole my attention, helping me cope up with the wound in my heart.


    Because of him, it was slowly bing a scar.


    When he left, the anger and frustration I felt, I redirected it to writing. I did promise Ethan¡¯s editor that I¡¯d continue the story and I was able to do so. A few weekster, days before Dante arrived back, I stopped since I haven¡¯t been feeling well. I should have expected the guy was making sure to impregnate me.


    I was furious when I found out. I was okay being pregnant but I was not okay that it was him. It could have been any man. It could have been Chase with our one night stand. No. It had to be someone who holds the highest rank in the mafia world. I think my heart skipped when he said he¡¯d quit.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    Someone who¡¯ll do anything for you to that extent. Zut. How can I refuse him?


    Amy raised a brow questioningly. ¡°It¡¯s good that you haven¡¯t thought of him or even talk about him.¡± She smiled. ¡°That just means you¡¯re surely healing. We¡¯ll never know. The guy¡¯s going to be your future husband.¡± She teased while bumping her shoulder with mine.


    Shit. We haven¡¯t talked about our wedding. I haven¡¯t told Amy I¡¯m pregnant, too.


    ¡°What¡¯s with that look?¡± While assessing my surprised look.


    ¡°I¡¯m just hungry.¡± I willed myself to rx. What will she think when I tell her about the state I¡¯m in? What will she think when I don¡¯t tell her anything? Amy has always been concerned about me so this will surely be a big deal for her.


    ¡°Oh, then let¡¯s go have our lunch then. There¡¯s a restaurant a few blocks who had the best food and services. Come on.¡± She hooked her arm around mine as we started walking.


    ¡°Also, you need to eat like really big meals. You¡¯ve thinned and paled too. You haven¡¯t been taking care of yourself, have you? Is mister Drop Dead Gorgeous not taking care of you?¡± She asked both with concern and tease.


    I shook my head and smiled at her nonstop interrogation. ¡°He really just came back, Amy, and I haven¡¯t been feeling welltely.¡±


    ¡°Why? Are you pregnant?¡± Sheughs, amused at her own joke. I just smiled quietly because she¡¯ll be up for a huge shock when I tell her that I¡¯m actually pregnant. I n to spill the beans when we finally take our seat in the restaurant. I set up a perfect time when she¡¯ll drink water and do a spit take when I blurted out my pregnancy.


    The restaurant was not that busy when we arrived. There were a few customers and it benefited me because I¡¯m never good with crowded ces. Much more now that I¡¯m carrying two human beings inside me, I easily feel nauseous.


    Amy chose the seat near the ss wall where the outside could still be visible. A lot of people passed by and I enjoyed the view of the outside. We ordered food first and gathered myself some courage to what I¡¯m about to say to her. She will surely freak out about the news that I got pregnant with the guy whom she thought that I have a one night stand with but actually it¡¯s far from that.


    Maybe I¡¯ll just skip the part where I had been living with Dante before and he was not just a friend.


    As soon as I found the courage, I literally opened my mouth to say it but I froze when I noticed two people who were on their way to out of the restaurant. This restaurant.


    I was shocked to see Dante with a woman. From this far, I could still see the woman¡¯s beauty and she was hot with her tight business outfit, wearing a pencil skirt that was pretty tight in her thighs and ass.


    Of course. A yer is always a yer. Why should I be different in his eyes, right?


    ¡°Ugh, Hailynn. You okay? You just zoned out there. You wanted to tell me something.¡± Amy pulled me out of my trance.


    I was beyond furious but I held it in. I don¡¯t want Amy to worry. It will be a long story if I have to exin.


    ¡°Yeah¡­ Sorry, Amy. I forgot what I had to tell you. I was trying to remember it.¡±

 Chapter 27

    Last night, I didn¡¯t feel Dante get in the bed with me. It¡¯s either he was up sote and I slept like a log which made me not notice him getting in. Or he just didn¡¯te home.


    It felt like something deep within was crawling inside me and it was worrying. Ever since I saw Dante with that woman, I have been anxious. He was such a gentleman while opening the door for her. I haven¡¯t felt jealousy my whole life even if it¡¯s towards the girls who liked Ethan. He was charming and I understood that part why many girls have a crush on him.


    I don¡¯t know that this time, towards an asshole, I was jealous. I knew the guy was a womanizer from the way he talks about his escapade with women and how he always flirts with me just so he could get me to his bed. When he finally had the chance, he pounced on me with no hesitance. It was typical of him and I should¡¯ve expected this.


    My hand holding the paintbrush stopped midair. Just the thought of Dante made me so emotional. I was having second thoughts if I should just throw the fucking canvass or put my emotions into painting.


    I woke up this morning, with no Dante beside me, feeling like I wanted to paint.


    When he left me that time, a few weekster, I finally woke up one day having the drive to sketch something and the sketch finally turned into a painting. It was the same with continuing the book. I unexpectedly stopped again when I started to feel unwell.


    In short, when I started feeling the symptoms of pregnancy.


    Realizing I didn¡¯t have any materials here, I asked Leo to buy for me this morning. I originally wanted to buy it myself but I wasn¡¯t in good condition. Leo though was d to help me. He managed to buy all the things I wrote in the list and I was happy. But then I started to remember Dante and what I saw yesterday, it dampened my mood. I honestly don¡¯t know what to paint anymore. The whole thing was abstract. Maybe I should just go with that.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    The sound of the door opening pulled me out of my reverie. ¡°Hey.¡± His voice added to my already existing fury.


    I sighed. ¡°You¡¯re painting¡­¡± He trailed. Although his statement was more of a question. ¡°Is this okay? Will the twins be okay with the paint?¡± He sounded so concerned that I almost believed him.


    I scoffed. ¡°Why do you care?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s with that tone?¡± I could feel him scowl behind me. He asks again when I didn¡¯t say anything. ¡°Look at me, amore. What¡¯s wrong? Is it one of the symptoms? Your hormones? Maybe you should stop that for now.¡±


    I stood abruptly, making him startled. ¡°That¡¯s none of your business, you manwhore.¡± I could see he was taken aback with my sudden reaction.


    ¡°What did you call me?¡± He growled. He sauntered towards me almost threateningly. His height devouring mine. ¡°You better watch your tongue, Hailynn.¡±


    ¡°Or what?¡± I spat as I faced him head on. I had to tilt my head up due to height differences.


    Dante frowned in confusion as a response. He observed me, eyes holding curiosity. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you? Why are you acting this way? Have I done something wrong?¡±


    Not a second ago, it was as if he¡¯s ready to pounce on me. It was the look he used on me when I was still his captive.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, Dante. What did you do?¡± I was furious. I was jealous. And I don¡¯t know how to contain this madness. I hate this feeling, especially towards this man. I sighed. ¡°This was a mistake.¡±


    His eyes widened. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t even know why I gave you a chance. You might be the father but I¡¯m the one who¡¯s carrying these two human beings in my womb.¡±


    ¡°What are you trying to say?¡± He suddenly became frantic. He reached out his hand and grabbed my arm almost roughly. I could see he was trying to hold back because of course I¡¯m pregnant.


    ¡°I should¡¯ve expected this from you. You won¡¯t change for an ordinary woman.¡±


    ¡°What are you-¡± He exhaled slowly. He realized the tone was cold, angry and heavy. I appreciated that he was trying to be patient with me. But what I saw yesterday kepting back to my head. I couldn¡¯t drive it away. It was making me anxious and mad. ¡°What are you trying to say, amore? Please.¡± He begged. His hand tightened its grasp on my arm.


    I pped away his hand. Dante gritted his teeth in anger. ¡°Do not insult me.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t take me for a fool.¡± I retorted. ¡°You said you¡¯ve always wanted a family. You lied. You only want a woman to warm your bed.¡± I walked out.


    He called me but I ignored him. Again. He didn¡¯te after me though which was a relief. Whenever I see his face, my blood boils. I¡¯m so angry and hurt.


    A couple of hourster and some self-istion in my locked bedroom, I managed to think that maybe I should just let him exin. He didn¡¯t even know what his fault was but I¡¯m just so angry and now confused. Maybe I was wrong. Maybe I was right. The way he smiled to that woman and showed off his gentleman skills.


    Argh! I just hate how he¡¯s making me feel.


    This reminded me of the time when I was alone in my bedroom of his apartment. I sat on the bed and stared into space whenever we fought or he left me alone.


    A knocked on my door startled me.


    ¡°Amore, eat. Whatever I did wrong, I¡¯m sorry. Just please eat. You haven¡¯t gone out of this room. I¡¯m really worried.¡± His voice was soft and melodic.


    ¡°Are you really?¡± I whispered quietly.


    He knocked again, calling me several times but I didn¡¯t answer.


    ¡°I will fucking knocked this door down if you don¡¯t fucking open the damn door!¡± He was already hitting the door but I just let him be. My throat ached like something was squeezing my pipe.


    What¡¯s wrong with me? What the hell was wrong?


    My eyes shifted towards the door hitting the ground. Dante finally knocked the door down.


    ¡°What the fuck, Hailynn!¡± He yelled while walking towards me. He stopped once he noticed my face.


    ¡°Amore?¡± He slowly walked towards me. He kneeled down in front of me, cing his warm hands on my thighs. He looked up from his position, studying the tears falling down my face.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, amore? Please tell me.¡± He wiped the tears on my cheeks. His gesture was soft, warm and affectionate. His voice was the same which confused me even more.


    Why? What the hell was wrong with me? I asked again to myself.


    I sobbed at the thought and even him. The loud cry alerted Dante. ¡°Amore, please.¡±


    ¡°I hate you¡­ I hate you.¡±


    I saw the fear and worry in his eyes. The shock and hurt.


    ¡°I hate¡­ you.¡± I then cked out.


    Thest thing I sensed was Dante¡¯s scared face, the endless calling of my name and his warmth when he hugged and carried me.

 Chapter 28

    Dante


    ¡°Mr. Di Angelo.¡± I got up abruptly from my seat beside Hailynn¡¯s bed.


    Doctor Rogers stood by the door of the hospital room. His face was rxed with a slight smile on his face. I assume right away that Hailynn is fine. I sauntered towards him while trying to calm myself.


    ¡°Your wife is fine and stable now.¡±


    I frowned either way with the news. ¡°Why did she faint? I don¡¯t think this is one of her symptoms, right? This is the first time she fainted.¡±


    ¡°Right. This is due to stress and mild depression. Although this is normal in pregnancy, I still advise you to be careful and take care of her. This is a crucial and delicate stage.¡± My frown deepened.


    Stress? Depression?


    ¡°Is it normal for her to be so emotional?¡± Remembering how she suddenly found me aggravating. I don¡¯t even know what I did wrong. And if I did, how would I know if she won¡¯t tell me?


    ¡°Yes, very much so. Although not all pregnant women are experiencing the same thing. Every woman is different when carrying a child. Some would not suffer nausea and vomiting and just feel normal. So I suggest that you must be patient, Mr. Di Angelo, especially that your wife is carrying twins. It¡¯s really not easy for her.¡± He shook his head in understanding.


    He was a man which I¡¯m sure he won¡¯t ever understand but the doctor has obviously got the gist of it. He knows every part of the human body, male or female.


    ¡°What about in the future? Will she be okay?¡± I asked. I¡¯m just so concerned and worried for them. I think my brain is going to burst from overly thinking.


    ¡°I can¡¯t say for sure.¡± His eyebrows scrunched, pondering. ¡°It¡¯s all in her and your hands, and pretty much everyone and everything that surrounds her. Like I said, right now is crucial for her. Take care of her, Mr. Di Angelo. Do not stress her out. The mother and children would appreciate that. Your love and care would greatly reflect when the twins are born.¡± He smiled at thest part.


    After his endless reassurance, I managed to set him free to continue with his work. I also asked him to find another doctor for Hailynn once she¡¯ll give birth. I sure as hell don¡¯t want a man touching her.


    Every time Rogers examines her, I feel so antsy like I want to pounce on him and choke him to death. The doctor was still in his early forties. His dick is obviously still pretty active. I scowled at the thought. I need Leo to change Hailynn¡¯s doctor as soon as possible.


    I was holding her hand while mindlessly pressing my lips on her knuckles. Suddenly, the said hand pped my forehead.


    ¡°What the hell!¡± I swiftly got up from my seat to lunge at some bastard only to realise that it was none other than the mother of my children. I instantly sat back down.


    ¡°Get your stupid face off my hand.¡±


    ¡°Amore.¡± My eyes widened as I called her. She groaned as she rubbed her eyes.


    ¡°What happened?¡± While sitting up, making herselffortable as I help her.


    ¡°You cked out.¡± I answered in rm. Did she not remember anything? Did she lose her memory?


    ¡°Oh.¡± She trailed. She then sighed like she was exhausted. I stare at her wondering what to do next. I feel so unstable. I don¡¯t know what to think. I don¡¯t know what to do. I¡¯m so worried about her and the twins.


    ¡°We need to talk, Dante.¡±


    I frowned. ¡°Let¡¯s not talk for now. You need to rest. No more stress for you, amore.¡±


    ¡°I need space.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± I muttered, shocked at what I heard. ¡°Sh-should I go?¡± I started to get up though with hesitance. I¡¯m pretty sure that¡¯s not what she was trying to say.


    ¡°You know what I meant, Dante.¡± She eximed in gritted teeth. I froze. ¡°I think I made a mistake trying to decide without giving it much thought.¡± What does she mean? ¡°And I thought about it. Maybe we should reconsider being together just because of the babies.¡±


    ¡°What?!¡± The chair scraped against the floor and fell down hard.


    I can¡¯t believe she just said something like that. How could she?! She knows how much I wanted this. What made me even angrier was the fact that she said this in a straight face. Does she not care?


    ¡°You¡¯re over your head if you even think about giving you some fucking space? Those children are mine as much as they¡¯re yours. You can¡¯t stay away from me, Hailynn. Not ever.¡± I growled. I was looming over here. I didn¡¯t n on scaring her with how much I reacted but I was just so furious.


    Hailynn scowled. Tears filled her eyes. This time, nothing tugged my heart. She knew. She knew full well how much I wanted this and yet she deprived me of such thing.


    ¡°You just wanted me because of them.¡± She looked away, holding her tears.


    Why does she sound insecure? My eyebrows knitted at what I heard. ¡°You wanted a family¡­ not me.¡± She whispered thest part. I barely heard it.


    I inhaled a lungful of air. It was heavy and I shuddered as I exhaled. I sat on her bed, brushing her thigh against mine. I reached out her face. My palm pressing against her cold cheek.


    ¡°How could you say that? Of course I want you.¡± My voice was soft and warm, trying to reassure her¡­ insecurities.


    I know this is her hormones talking. Her change of moods was so obvious and it was affecting me as well. I almost can¡¯t keep up. And now she¡¯s crying when she was mad just a second ago.


    ¡°No, you don¡¯t.¡± She whispered. Her lips trembled.


    ¡°I love you, amore mio, cuore mio, vita mia.¡±


    ¡°No, you don¡¯t-¡± She suddenly whipped her head towards my direction. Her eyes were wide as she looked at me. She gritted her teeth. ¡°No, you don¡¯t!¡±


    Iugh. ¡°You don¡¯t believe me?¡± Somehow I understood why she¡¯s acting this way. My eyes softened as I poured my heart out to her. ¡°Ti amo, amore. Voglio passare il resto de mia vita con te. You and you only. Il mio cuore ¨¨ tuo, amore.¡±


    [I love you. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. My heart is yours.]


    Her head tilted to the side in confusion. Her frown made her even more cuter. ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re saying. If you want to be understood, maybe you should speak English.¡± She rolled her eyes sassily.


    I chuckled sadly. Her sassiness somehow relieved me. It reminded me of the times we were in my penthouse. ¡°I feel so silly confessing my heart to you but your heart is somewhere else.¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about?¡± She asked with impatience.


    ¡°You love him¡­ and yet here I am.¡±


    ¡°You im to love me and yet you¡¯re happily having a date with a beautiful woman yesterday.¡± The venom in her words was enough to poison me and die instantaneously.


    My eyes widened in shock. Is this what is all about? ¡°You saw me?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± She hissed. ¡°Luckily, I did. I would have regretted everything for the rest of my life if I have married a manwhore like you.¡±N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    Out of spite, I grabbed her around her neck and pulled her enough that our faces were inches apart. Her eyes dted in fear.


    Good. She could still tell how much she angered me.

 Chapter 29

    ¡°How dare you take me so lightly?¡± I growled. ¡°You think I tell you these things just to fool you? Why do you think you have the privilege?¡±


    Her tears that pooled in her eyes fell slowly down to her cheeks.


    ¡°Yeah? Why me?¡± She muttered. ¡°Why me, Dante? You said so yourself. You¡¯re after a woman who¡¯s in love with somebody else. You could have every beautiful¡­ sexy woman you have yet you chose someone like me. Someone who¡¯s been relying too much on her already friend; who can¡¯t even pick herself up when she¡¯s now alone! Yes, I loved him, Dante, so why me?!¡±


    Tears flowed to her cheeks like waterfalls. I don¡¯t know who between us is insecure. I don¡¯t know when I started getting jealous of a dead man.


    I stared at her. Her eyes held all the answers but I can¡¯t seem to trante it in words.


    ¡°See? You can¡¯t even exin to me why.¡± My hold on her tightened, releasing a small gasp from her.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think there¡¯s even an exnation why I love you.¡± I¡¯m angry. I¡¯m jealous but somehow I couldn¡¯t stay mad at her for long. My voice came out soft yet strong with conviction. ¡°I just do.¡±


    My thumb unconsciously traveled towards her wet cheek, wiping away the scattered tears. Her cheeks were flushed, lips trembling trying to resist a sob.


    ¡°You¡¯re lying.¡±


    My hands went to her cheeks, palms pressed feathery against it. ¡°Why would I? You said so yourself. I never lie to you.¡±


    ¡°The woman¡­¡± A little sob escaped from her.


    I sighed as I withdrew my hands. Her head tilted questioningly, frowning at my action. This must have caused her some doubts. ¡°Amore¡­ I wanted to keep this as a secret from you.¡± She inhaled sharply. ¡°I wanted to surprise you. The woman yesterday was someone I hired for work. She was in charge of the opening of my club I just built here.¡± She frowned even more. ¡°Considering I¡¯m going to stay here for the rest of my life with you.¡± Her eyebrows then raised seeming to get where my exnation is headed to.


    She shook her head in bewilderment. ¡°I can¡¯t believe¡­ I can¡¯t believe you did something like that.¡±


    ¡°See where I¡¯ming from, amore? I told you before. I¡¯ve always wanted a family of my own. When you came into my life, I saw you as my opportunity. I¡¯m like this metal who can¡¯t resist a ma like you. You made me obsessed with you. I don¡¯t even know how you even do that when obviously you did nothing but be yourself. I just feel that you¡¯re the one for me. That¡¯s why I wanted this to work. Amore, you¡¯re the one. You¡¯re the one for me.¡± My eyebrows scrunched at the thought, wondering how my hands went around hers and grasped it tightly as it could.


    ¡°Two months ago, I asked Stefano to help me with the club I¡¯ve been wanting to open here. I realized at that point that I saw myself staying here for good.¡± I chuckled. ¡°Even Avery noticed the sudden decision, when I hardly came to New York. I always tried to avoiding here, you know. I try so much not to break my promise. When you¡¯re in the mafia, you put everyone in danger and I didn¡¯t want that to happen. It¡¯s the reason why I had no second thoughts of dropping everything.¡±


    ¡°So the woman¡­ was someone you hired for the club?¡± She asked. Her cheeks reddened in embarrassment. Her head slightly bowed.


    I nodded. ¡°Yes. Though I have to leave the management to her temporarily. I¡¯m kinda busy with a pregnant woman right now.¡± I joked. She scoffed with augh and tried to smack my arm but I managed to evade.


    ¡°It was supposed to be a surprise for you, amore. You ruined it. I nned to bring you at the opening and boast to you what I¡¯ve built for our future. I even told her to make a VIP room just for me and my wife.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Dante.¡± She cried, both of her hands covering her face. ¡°God, I¡¯m so sorry. I should¡¯ve asked you instead of insulting you or making stupid conclusions.¡±


    My arms went around her and hugged her. Her head instantlyid on my shoulders. I kissed the top of her head tofort her and reassure her that she didn¡¯t need to apologize. I understand her feelings, more so when her moods right now are all over the ce. Partly, I am to me since I did nt my seeds inside her.


    ¡°Sshh. It¡¯s okay. It¡¯s not your fault to react this way.¡±


    ¡°Of course not. Everything is your fault. It¡¯s your fault why I¡¯m like this. It¡¯s your fault that I¡¯m feeling shit right now and probably until I pop these twins out.¡±


    Iugh. ¡°Yes, it is.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I haven¡¯t been myselftely.¡± She sniffled. ¡°I¡¯m just¡­ I¡¯m just not really well.¡±


    I withdrew from our hug and held her at arm¡¯s length. ¡°The doctor did warn me about it.¡± I said with amusement.


    Hailynn suddenly gave me a scowl. ¡°I hope you didn¡¯t n to impregnate from the start.¡±


    I awkwardly cleared my throat. My hands fell down to my sidenguidly. ¡°Well¡­ at first¡­ I forgot to wear a condom.¡±


    ¡°Well, duh?!¡± She shrieked.


    I winced. ¡°But I did wear the rest of the rounds.¡± I shrugged.


    She then smacked my arm. ¡°Ow!¡± I winced again. Smack. Wince. Smack.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    ¡°You probably did that intentionally.¡±


    ¡°Of course not.¡± I defended as she kept on smacking my arm. ¡°I just forgot, okay. Promise. Cross my heart. My heart that¡¯s owned by you.¡± Thankfully, she stopped hitting me.


    ¡°Ha ha. You think it¡¯s funny, don¡¯t you? You not only made me pregnant, but you literally let me carry two Dantes inside me.¡± She eximed.


    My ears perked at the mention of my name in plural form. ¡°Dantes? You think they¡¯re boys?¡± I grinned with excitement.


    She shrugged. ¡°Maybe. There¡¯s always this certain feeling you know which reminds me of you. Probably the annoying part I guess. If there were girls, they would give off a really beautiful aura, like me.¡± Her face was straight as she exined.


    Hailynn suddenlyughs when she notices my unhappy face. ¡°Rx. You obviously know it¡¯s a joke.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want them to be like me.¡± I peered.


    ¡°We¡¯ll see.¡± Disying a knowing smirk.


    If only she knew that I prayed so hard that they wouldn¡¯t be like me. Not when their father used to kill people, sold drugs, guns and other illegal things. If I could have control of this situation, I would be making the twins exactly like their mother.


    Beautiful, talented and the center of my universe.

 Chapter 30

    Hailynn was finally released from the hospital. I brought a set of clothes for her to change when I came to pick her up.


    When we had that conversation the other day, I realized we never thoroughly rified a lot of things. We didn¡¯t know what we were in each other¡¯s hearts. We were both insecure and I think that talk had brought light to our rtionship. Hailynn knows my feelings for her and I know for now that she doesn¡¯t still feel the same way but I could see that she¡¯s in the process.


    I could confidently say she¡¯s falling. She¡¯s walking on a path that she knows that it will bring her to me. To my heart.


    And for some reason, I don¡¯t know why the woman in question has been scowling all day when I thought we¡¯ve already made up. Did I meet a woman again yesterday that I¡¯m not aware of?


    I peered at the beauty sitting on the passenger seat of my car. ¡°Are you okay?¡± I¡¯ve been wanting to ask her that. I didn¡¯t want to irk her and let her be but I can¡¯t seem to stop worrying.


    ¡°Stop the car.¡± She demanded suddenly, ignoring my concern for her.


    I frowned. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Stop the car, Dante, or I¡¯ll jump.¡±


    ¡°Amore, what¡¯s wrong? Please tell me. You know I can¡¯t just stop.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll jump then.¡± She starts to unlock the car and I panic.


    I mutter a curse as I slow down and park the car at the side of the road. Hailynn immediately gets out of the car, mming the door shut. I followed her frantically, hurriedly walking around the car to meet her at the side of the road.


    ¡°Are you insane?!¡± I eximed. ¡°Do you want me to be a widower this early? God, we still haven¡¯t even married yet. Let me marry you- no, fucking hell, you¡¯re not ever gonna leave me. You hear that, you crazy woman.¡± My hand brushed my hair in frustration. The other resting on my hip while I try to settle my heart that was beating erratically.


    This woman will be the death of me. That or the heart attack that¡¯s about to happen.


    I was suddenly pulled out from my endless rambling when a huge pnded on my face. The long silence followed. My eyes swiftly shifted towards her in disbelief.


    What the fuck. I mouthed.


    She shakes her hands in relief¡­ weirdly. I was dumbfounded at the recent events that¡¯s happened one after another. I thought for sure she and I are good.


    ¡°Sorry- wait. I¡¯m not sorry.¡± She was pacing back and forth in front of me, hands waving in the air like her crazy messy hair. My hand was still pressed against my face, soothing the pain. My eyes wide still in disbelief as I stare at her precarious form.


    ¡°It¡¯s just¡­ I don¡¯t know there¡¯s just this gnawing feeling. I needed to p you.¡± She stops and looks at me. ¡°Can I p you again?¡±


    Without my consent, she raises her other hand and ps the other side of my face. She exhales in relief.


    ¡°I think I¡¯m satisfied now.¡± I stood still in the same utter disbelief and shock.


    ¡°Are you kidding me?¡± I spoke finally. ¡°What the hell, Hailynn? Have you lost your mind?¡±


    ¡°I told you, I just can¡¯t help it.¡± She reasons.


    ¡°Is that why you¡¯ve been scowling?¡±


    ¡°No. I mean yes.¡± She rolls her eyes. ¡°I don¡¯t know, okay. I just wanted to do it. I feel like kissing you right now.¡± She rambles on. I raised a brow, stunned at what¡¯s happening with her right now.


    Have I made her crazy?


    I shook my head, still wondering what the hell just happened. I¡¯m gonna pass this one out and ask the doctor if this is part of the pregnancy. The next time she does something like this, I¡¯m really going to make the twins into triplets.


    I gathered a huge amount of patience and inhaled the bestest mood I could get. I opened my arms as I took a step and embraced her. Hailynn fell into my arms greedily. I could feel her inhaling my scent against my chest. She was sniffing me as if her life depended on it. It was weird since she was yet to tell her feelings for me. Nheless, it made my heart flutter like a silly teenager towards her crush.


    I shook my head in amusement. I could start to imagine that she¡¯s going to be a handful, spoiled pregnant wife.


    She then withdraws a bit and leans in so she could reach my mouth, pressing her lips on mine. I returned the kiss blissfully. I was lost in our kiss when I felt her hand reaching my belt buckle, her other hand reaching the hem of my shirt to pull it out.


    Fucking hell.


    I immediately pulled her away. Her innocent eyes were wide as if caught red handed. The lust and hunger glinted her blue pupils.


    ¡°What are you doing? For god¡¯s sake, amore, we¡¯re outside. People can see us.¡± My sight roamed around in alert and concern that someone might¡¯ve seen us.


    Hailynn, for the first time, pouts. Her eyebrows creasing and arms crossing like a brat. ¡°Oh, wow, so it¡¯s okay if you¡¯re the one seducing me.¡±


    I raised a brow in amusement. ¡°I don¡¯t have a problem if you¡¯re going to seduce me every second of the day, amore. The problem is we¡¯re outside and a lot of people can see us. If you want to be fucked, there¡¯s a huge bedroom in our house. I could fuck you there, every damn corner of it.¡±


    ¡°What are we doing here then? Let¡¯s go.¡± Her eyes peered me with temptation and seduction. Her lips like a rose painted, lifted upwards with meaning.


    I groaned inwardly. I am simply lost for words for this woman.


    Hailynn sauntered towards the car and opened the door to get inside. Of course, I trailed behind like a fool I am, feeling giddy at the thought of being inside her again. And again.


    The car screeched in halt and parked randomly at the front of our house. I moved to open the door in haste and disorderly manner. I hurried towards Hailynn¡¯s side and opened her door for her.


    The huge grin on my face was immediately wiped when I saw her pale face. ¡°Are you okay?¡± I crouched as I took her hand in mine.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    ¡°Ye- no. I¡¯m feeling sick. I think I¡¯m gonna puke.¡± I eyed her in rm. ¡°Can you take me to the bathroom? I don¡¯t think I want to paint your porch with my vomit.¡± A small smile painted her lips. She still managed to joke in a time like this.


    ¡°Oh, amore. Your vomit will be the red carpet in front of our house.¡± My remark somehow distracted her and made herugh. I felt relieved to know that my dumb joke made her feel a little better. A hint of color was finally back in her face and that prompted me to scoop her in my arms and bring her to our bedroom.


    I guess no lovemaking time then. I sighed heavily.

 Chapter 31

    I spent half an hour looking for Hailynn in this huge house. I think I¡¯m starting to have regrets why I bought this massive ce. It was getting on my nerves when I couldn¡¯t find my pregnant wild cat easily.


    I opened the tall brown door that was adorned with intricate designs, leading to the most boring ce in this mansion. I should¡¯ve known she was staying in the mini library lounging on the sofa that was resting in the center of the room.


    When I found her, her back was leaning against the sofa¡¯s armrest. Her legsid tnguidly on the soft material,ptop on her thighs. She looked so serious as her sight focused on the screen. Reflection glinting her eyes in detail.


    I slowly strode towards her, finally getting my worried mind to settle down.


    ¡°I was looking for you in this entire huge ass mansion. I swear my hair started shedding when I couldn¡¯t find you. Tsk. And you¡¯re just here probably typing away my anxiety on aptop, my pregnant lovely wife.¡± I stopped at her side and propped my elbows on the backrest of the sofa, leaning my upper body towards her.


    She snorts in amusement and mockery. I sighed inwardly. This woman will be the death of me.


    I¡¯ll tell you exactly why.


    She has been fooling around in this house, ying tricks on me. She had tripped me in more ways than one in the hallways, bedroom, the kitchen, pretty much everywhere. She had been pranking me a lot. I have lost count how many times I fell victim to it.


    I couldn¡¯t even retaliate. We don¡¯t need to ask why on that. I would cook for her, do the chores for her, I took the role of a housewife rather than the husband.


    She was the queen here. Period. And I was just a lowly bullied servant who couldn¡¯t even do anything against his boss.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    I sighed. She suddenly flips herptop close. I raised a brow at her sudden movement.


    ¡°What?¡± I asked curiously. She was frowning while looking at me as if she wanted me out.


    ¡°Get out, bitch. I don¡¯t want you here. I can¡¯t concentrate.¡±


    I walked around the sofa and lifted her legs. I sat down and ced her legs over myp.


    ¡°We know you¡¯re the real bitch here, amore. You¡¯re the one who¡¯s carrying my pups.¡±


    I have gotten used to Hailynn bullying me, calling me random names. She has changed drastically ever since we became closer to each other. I tolerated her like that because I realized that this might be the real unguarded her. My feelings grew even more at the realization.


    It meant she was opening up to me. She was epting me not just through words.


    She then pointed her fingers from my hands to her legs, indicating to massage her. She adjusted herself, cing theptop on the center table andid in a more rxing position. I then started massaging her legs and feet.


    She moaned, closing her eyes. ¡°That¡¯s so good. You know¡­ you¡¯re better suited as a housewi- ahh!¡± She moaned with a gasp when my fingers crawled towards her pussy. Her eyes widened in surprise. ¡°Dante!¡±


    I chuckled. ¡°Still sensitive, I see.¡±


    ¡°Fuck you!¡± She scowled.


    ¡°Oh, I will.¡± I squinted at her in mischief. She only rolled her eyes. ¡°So you¡¯ve finished the book.¡±


    She red. ¡°You saw it?¡± My lips quirked. ¡°No wonder you¡¯re horny right now.¡± Iugh. ¡°I¡¯m going to meet up with Lara, Ethan¡¯s editor.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not going outside, amore. If you want to meet up with her, do it here.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not like I¡¯m in the mood to go out. I still feel like shit.¡± She said while closing her eyes and sighed.


    Unfortunately, she still isn¡¯t feeling well. The symptoms are still present. It was the reason why I pushed back our wedding date. As much as I want to drag her to the church or the courthouse, I don¡¯t want her to faint or vomit in the middle of saying our vows. People might think that I forced her to marry.


    ¡°Wait.¡± She suddenly got up which made me frown. ¡°I hope you didn¡¯t want me to go out because you¡¯re seeing someone else.¡± While ring at me.


    I sighed dramatically. This was one of the features that added to our daily lives. She keeps making things up and acting all suspicious of me. We all know the truth despite her knowing it as well.


    ¡°Stai zitto, amore. I haven¡¯t left this house ever since we got home from the hospital.¡±


    She smirks yfully. ¡°You¡¯re such a good boy, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    I rolled my eyes. ¡°Just you wait when those two are out, amore. You have no idea how I always imagine you to be tied in bed. You¡¯ll be fed with nothing but my cock.¡±


    She scowled. ¡°Get to work, Mr. Di Angelo. My legs need a massage.¡± She thenid back on the sofa.


    I guess there¡¯s one thing that didn¡¯t change here. She still acts like a shy virgin despite my feasting her ever damn night.


    ¡ª


    I¡¯m usually the first one to wake up in the morning. I crawl towards her stomach and let my heady over it and press my hand to try to feel the growing lives inside it. The bump was now visible.


    ¡°Ow, ow, ow!¡± My head raised involuntarily as Hailynn pinched my ear.


    ¡°What the hell, Hailynn?!¡± I growled.


    ¡°What are you doing worshipping my stomach early in the morning?¡± She said groggily. ¡°Dante, let me sleep.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not early. I already prepared breakfast for you.¡± She continued to sleep, ignoring my words.


    I decided to wake up earlier than usual since we decided to find out the gender of the babies today.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you want to find out the gender of the twins?¡± Her eyes suddenly opened wide. My lips quirked upwards in amusement. ¡°I prepared a chicken soup for you but if you want some bacon and eggs, they¡¯re right downstairs.¡±


    She slowly got up, rubbing her eyes from sleep. ¡°Sometimes I wonder how you learned how to cook. I thought you¡¯re only good with guns.¡±


    ¡°Guns and sex.¡± I teased.


    ¡°Tch. Feed me, Dante Di Angelo.¡± I rubbed her head making her hair even more messy.


    ¡°Sometimes I feel like I really want to kill you. I hate seeing your face. It makes me want to p you.¡± She muttered nonstop.


    ¡°You already did¡­ many times.¡± While I blew the hot soup on the spoon for it to get cold before feeding it to her.


    ¡°Punch you.¡±


    I chuckled. ¡°Remind me not to get you pregnant again.¡±


    She then gave me a soft smile beyond her sleepy face.


    ¡°But I still want to love you.¡±

 Chapter 32

    With a sleepy pregnant woman on my side, I drove towards the hospital with ease. Also a bit excited since we¡¯re going to find out the gender of the twins. Although Leo and I already knew that they are boys.


    It was rare for the Ranallo bloodline to give birth to a girl. Cara was the only woman in our generation. Before that, it was our grandmother.


    ¡°Amore, wake up. We¡¯re here.¡± I started to carefully unfasten her seatbelt as she was slowly opening her eyes.


    ¡°Do you want me to carry you?¡± I said as she was staring at me groggily.


    She immediately pinched my cheek so hard. ¡°Amore, these days I have already bruises all over my body. Maybe the next time wee here, I¡¯m already in the emergency room.¡±


    She scowled. ¡°It¡¯s because you¡¯re annoying.¡± She then opened the door and stepped out of the car.


    I followed while rubbing my cheek to ease the pain. Sometimes I think it¡¯s her payback for bullying her the previous times. She¡¯s lucky that she¡¯s pregnant or I would¡¯ve fucked her brains out for doing this to me.


    I could still fuck her but I had to be gentle for the sake of the babies. There are times that I¡¯m trying to hold back touching her. My mind is always filled with having rough sex with her. Our first night together keeps shing back to me and I wanted so much to repeat that night but far more better since now we are finally together.


    Just you wait when the twins are out. I¡¯m going to tie you to bed and never let my cock leave inside you.


    ¡°Why are you looking at me like that?¡± She asked with a frown in her now round face. She had be more filled now when the nausea and vomiting had recently eased down. There are still times that she suffers the symptoms but it wasn¡¯t worse than before.


    ¡°I¡¯m thinking of more ways to fuck you, amore. I have been keeping my desire to minimum for the sake of the twins.¡± I stopped walking when I saw her roll her eyes. She stopped as well wondering why I stopped. ¡°The first thing I¡¯ll do to you when they¡¯re out is cage you in my bed and fuck you 24/7. I¡¯m not going to stop unless we both run out of cum.¡±


    Hailynn pats my shoulder calmly. ¡°I¡¯d like to see you try.¡±


    Her answer provoked me, making me lunge at her, embracing her in my arms and trapped her in my chest. I kissed her temple while squeezing her in between. She squealed cutely andughed.


    ¡°You¡¯ve been nothing but naughty to me, amore. You¡¯re so lucky I can¡¯t touch you right now.¡±


    ¡°You are touching me right now.¡± She said, looking up from my chest. Tempted by her moist lips, I pecked it.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go. Stop acting like a child. Everyone is looking at us.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re always concerned about other people looking at us.¡± Sheined as she let go.


    ¡°That¡¯s because I should be the only one who sees you like this.¡± I replied while patting her head. I didn¡¯t give her the chance to talk back. I held her hand and walked her towards her scheduled appointment.


    This time we have a different doctor. Though I appreciated Doctor Rogers, he was still a man. It made me uneasy knowing a man is checking up on my wife.


    ¡°Hello, Mr and Mrs. Di Angelo. Pleasee in.¡± Doctor Williams greeted us with a huge smile on her face.


    ¡°Amore, this is Doctor Veda Williams, your new doctor I told you about.¡±


    ¡°Are you single?¡± She suddenly asked which made us freeze. ¡°If you are, his best friend, Leo, the one who called you, is single. I¡¯m sure you two will get along-¡±


    ¡°Amore.¡± I covered her mouth with my hand. ¡°What are you doing?¡± I whispered, also rmed at her sudden rudeness in front of our doctor.


    Doctor Williams just gave her a smile. There was a look of amusement in her face.


    ¡°It¡¯s because Leo is always with your ass all the time. He¡¯s in love with your shadow. Doctor Williams is beautiful, young and hot and she¡¯s perfect for him- hmmph.¡± I covered her mouth again.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, doctor. She¡¯s been crazy ever since her pregnancy- ugh!¡± Hailynn suddenly elbowed me in my stomach.


    ¡°Shut up. In short, this is your fault.¡± She retorted with a scowl.


    The doctor chuckled at our antics. ¡°Why don¡¯t you lie down there while we talk about your friend Leo?¡±


    Hailynn perked at the statement. She grinned mischievously as she followed her towards the examination chair.


    ¡°You¡¯re beautiful.¡± Sheplimented while unable to avert her stare from the doctor. I just face palmed at Hailynn¡¯s silliness.


    I can¡¯t believe pregnancy did this to her.N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    ¡°Thank you, Mrs Di Angelo.¡± I¡¯m grateful that she didn¡¯t find it awkward when Hailynn kept pestering her. She just smiles at us while continuing with her work.


    ¡°You can call me Hailynn since you¡¯re going to be Leo¡¯s wife.¡±


    I pecked her lips. ¡°What are you doing?!¡± She bellowed.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t shut up, I will kiss you. French style, got that?¡± I kissed her onest time when I saw her pout.


    Doctor WIlliams chuckled. ¡°It¡¯s alright. I don¡¯t mind.¡±


    During the process, I kept holding her hand while waiting for the results.


    ¡°The twins are very healthy.¡± Her eyes shifted towards Hailynn, smiling. ¡°Your husband takes care of you very well.¡± She then gives us copies of the sonogram. ¡°Also they¡¯re boys. Congrattions.¡±


    ¡°Thank you so much, Doctor Williams. We¡¯ll see you again next month. If you¡¯re free, you can give Leo a text and set up a daaaaaate- Dante!!!¡± I immediately dragged her out while she was whining about cutting her off.


    ¡°You need to behave.¡± I said as I buckled her seatbelt. I closed the door and went around towards the driver¡¯s side of the car.


    As I put my seatbelt on, I heard Hailynn chuckled beside me. I raised a brow at her.


    ¡°You know what¡¯s enjoyable, Mr Di Angelo?¡± I stare at her in silence waiting for her answer. ¡°Seeing you all worked up.¡± A vein suddenly popped in my head seeing her mischievous grin.


    I growled before grabbing her for an open mouth kiss. She instantly responded with equal fervor.


    ¡°I told you, didn¡¯t I?¡± I muttered as our lips parted an inch away.


    We have been kissing for a while in the car like horny teenagers. I haven¡¯t moved to reverse my car out of this parking lot. I was busy drowning myself from her luscious lips. My dick was aching for her but I resisted. He¡¯s been wanting it rough but it¡¯s impossible for now.


    ¡°About what?¡±


    ¡°That we are dominant with males.¡± I kissed her again softly and teasingly. I could feel her smile in between our kisses.


    She giggled. ¡°I never once doubted, mon amour.¡±


    I think I need some googling on that word.

 Chapter 33

    Hailynn


    ¡°Thank you foring here, Lara. Dante doesn¡¯t want me to leave this house for now.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. I think this is better since I get to see you living a good life. Ethan would be so happy for you.¡±


    My smile was sincere and full. ¡°You think so?¡±


    The weather is very good and nice today so I took her to our patio and decided to have our meeting here. One of the maids prepared tea and treats for us. Dante must¡¯ve been the one to ask her to do it.


    She nodded vehemently. ¡°Of course. Thest time I saw you, you were so depressed. I know I made an excuse to let you continue the book he was writing but the truth is, I wanted to help you keep your mind off the pain.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Lara. It took time but I managed to finish it. I don¡¯t know if it matches Ethan¡¯s writing though.¡±


    She nodded. ¡°It¡¯s alright. I could do the revisions for you since you¡¯re still quite busy with the pregnancy.¡± Her smile was that of teasing. She then reached for the hard copy and scanned the pages.


    ¡°Thank you, Lara. I appreciate it.¡± I was happy with her suggestion. My pregnancy was taking a toll in my work. I even stopped painting for now since I couldn¡¯t concentrate at all. Strange because I seemed to be able to focus on reading books rather than doing what I¡¯m actually passionate about.


    Sometimes I am really in the mood to cook and most of the time, I¡¯m disgusted going to the kitchen. I also have been sleeping constantly.


    The most interesting part for me to always do is teasing Dante. Seeing his face makes me want to bully him. I feel that it was because of my pent up frustration for him. And the fact that he was resisting to retaliate makes it more enjoyable.


    Lara raised a brow, a smirk painted her lips. ¡°I wonder if you learned this from your husband?¡±


    ¡°What?¡± I asked innocently.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect that you¡¯re good at writing an erotica book.¡± She said with a teasing smile.


    I blushed. ¡°Of course not!¡± I sounded guilty which made herugh.


    ¡°Come on, Hailynn. Your husband is hot. I¡¯m sure he is in bed as well.¡±


    ¡°Shut up.¡± I eximed while blushing. She wasughing at my predicament. ¡°I hope you choke on your tea.¡±


    She then grinned at me. ¡°I¡¯m d you¡¯re okay now, Hailynn. You¡¯re glowing right now.¡± She raised an indexed finger so I could not interrupt. ¡°It¡¯s not because you¡¯re pregnant. I could tell that your husband is taking good care of you well. He obviously dotes on you.¡±


    I let out a small shy smile.


    ¡°I¡¯m not gonna stay here long, dear.¡± She steadily gathered her things and rose. ¡°I need to review your book right away so we can publish it. A lot of his fans are requesting histest work.¡±


    I stood as well ready to walk her out. ¡°Thank you foring here, Lara.¡± I thanked her with a smile.


    She shook her head carefreely. ¡°I wanted toe here so I could see how you were doing. The book was just an add on to my trip. When you called and told me a different address, I instinctively knew you were doing great. And the fact that you live in one of the richest sites here in New York.¡± She shrugs teasingly.


    I chuckled. ¡°Come. I¡¯ll walk you out.¡±


    Dante offered her a ride back to herpany. He called one of his men to drive her.


    ¡°Thank you so much, Mr. Di Angelo.¡±


    Dante stood by my side, his arm resting around my shoulders. ¡°Please call me, Angelo.¡±


    It was rare for me to hear him speak so politely. Although this is not the first time, I¡¯m still not used to it.


    ¡°Very well, Angelo. Please take care of Hailynn. It is already very clear that you did very good on that part but please do continue it. She only deserves the best.¡±


    Dante and I smiled at her. ¡°I will.¡±


    ¡°Bye, Lara. Take care on the way.¡± I said between our hugs. Dante nodded at her before she turned around and got in the car.


    ¡°How did your meeting go?¡± He asked as soon as the car disappeared from the distance.


    ¡°It was good. I surprisingly did good on the book.¡±


    ¡°No surprise there, amore. You have been in a really good moodtely despite not feeling well.¡± He was looking at me with pride and affection.


    ¡°Since I did good, I obviously earned a reward. Come, servant. Your mistress needs a massage.¡± I said whirling around gracefully as if I was the mistress of the house.


    I heard Dante chuckling behind me. I squealed when he suddenly picked me up and carried me like a princess.


    ¡°Fuck now, massageter.¡± He said mischievously.


    ¡ª


    Dante


    I was catching up with my work in my study. There were a lot of documents that I needed to be signed since I¡¯ve been neglecting my work to take care of Hailynn. Well, I¡¯d rather take care of her honestly than face these boring papers all day.


    A sudden knock on the door made me temporarily pause my work. From the way it sounded, it was Leo. My guess was right when the door opened and it was him who emerged. He usually doesn¡¯t wait for my reply and gets in right after knocking.


    ¡°I need to show you something.¡± He said as soon as he got inside.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    I raised a brow questioningly before putting down my pen and got up. I strode towards him while eyeing him in curiosity.


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Come.¡± Nodding his head.


    I followed willingly. I realized he was walking towards the twins¡¯ future room. I¡¯ve been keeping this room a secret and let Hailynn stay away from it. It was a surprise for her.


    My brows knitted together when we got inside the room. I was wondering what he wanted to show me. Until I saw a huge painting of me stered on the wall.


    I stood frozen, shocked at the scene before me. I knew this style of painting. The strokes, the color.


    ¡°You wanted me to go to her apartment to get her things and settle unpaid bills. I found that in her makeshift studio. It was hidden surprisingly¡­ like she doesn¡¯t want anyone to find out about it.¡± There was a tease in his voice as he exined.


    I was still dumbfounded though. I was speechless. She painted me.


    When I left her, she still thought of me. There was a weird warm feeling in my belly as I imagined her painting me.


    ¡°Damn, fratello. I think you¡¯re not giving the painting justice at all.¡± He teased.


    I scowled. ¡°Don¡¯t make me hang you in front of our gate, fratello.¡±


    Heughs. ¡°I was only joking. Jeez. Hailynn sure is talented. No wonder you¡¯re keeping here for so long. I have to say I¡¯m jealous. I want an artist girlfriend too.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to look. Hailynn assigned a doctor as your wife.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± His utter astonishment amused me. I didn¡¯t answer him though.


    ¡°Also, don¡¯t tell Hailynn about this. I¡¯m sure she will freak out once she sees this. There¡¯s a reason why she hid this.¡±


    Leo chuckled. ¡°She¡¯s probably shy to admit that she¡¯s been thinking about our Angelo here.¡±


    I resisted a smile that was trying to break free from my face.


    ¡°This will be part of the surprise.¡±


    I can¡¯t wait to watch her reaction when she sees my surprise.

 Chapter 34

    Dante


    It was one of those days that Hailynn and I just wanted to stay in bed and getzy. It was one of her moods and I was willing to apany her.


    ¡°Dante.¡± She muttered against my chest. She had her headid on my chest, arm around my waist and one leg crossing over mine.


    ¡°Hmmn?¡± My eyes were still close as I responded.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry if I held you back with your club opening.¡±


    My eyes opened immediately looking at her. ¡°That was weeks ago, amore. Why did you suddenly bring that up?¡± I asked in curiosity.


    My club opened as soon as we settled our misunderstanding about the woman I hired to organize the event. As much as I want to relish her jealousy, I didn¡¯t want to make her suffer. Something might happen to the twins or her if I don¡¯t clear things up right away. That¡¯s why I¡¯ve been a literal angelo to her. I¡¯ve been tolerating her bullying for their sake.


    ¡°It just crossed my mind.¡± She slowly sat up, releasing me from her embrace. ¡°It¡¯s just¡­ you¡¯ve treated me so welltely and I couldn¡¯t even let you cheer on that most important day.¡±Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    I remember we nned to go to the opening. She¡¯de with me to support me. We even got my office ready so we could stay there. Unfortunately, she was feeling nauseous and dizzy so we had to canceling to the club. I stayed with her the entire time until she got better.


    It was at that time that I decided that I won¡¯t leave her here. I have not gone out ever since then. If there are meetings, I do it online. My priority is always her.


    I chuckled. ¡°What are you talking about, amore? That club was for you. It was supposed to be something that could make me stay here with you. That¡¯s before we knew you were pregnant but now, it¡¯s just one of my businesses.¡±


    ¡°Am I holding you back, Dante?¡± Her eyes were big like a puppy and lips in a pout.


    Is this one of those times that her hormones are suddenly acting up?


    Iugh. I then sat up and ced my arm around her. I kissed her temple. ¡°Don¡¯t be silly, amore. Stop making things up again. You¡¯re always plotting something that could make me suddenly look bad.¡±


    Her stare caught me off guard. It had meaning. I could see the wheels turning inside her head. I doubt she would tell what she was thinking.


    ¡°Amore, I would do anything for you.¡± My fingers found its way to her cheek, brushing them softly and affectionately. ¡°Anything. I already proved that by choosing you over my mafia. There was nothing to choose for from the start. You¡¯re the endgame.¡±


    A smile slowly slipped from her face. ¡°I love you, amore. Sempre. Verso l¡¯infinito e oltre.¡±


    Her eyebrows pulled together questioningly. ¡°What does that mean?¡±


    I smirked. ¡°You need some googling to do then.¡±


    ¡°Dante.¡± She whined while scowling. ¡°T¡¯es vraiment con.¡±


    It was my turn to scowl. ¡°What the hell does that mean?¡±


    She giggled mischievously while tapping my nose. ¡°You need some googling to do, Mr. Di Angelo.¡±


    ¡ª


    I was just done with my paperworks. I got out of my office with a purpose of checking Hailynn who was having her afternoon nap. Her belly is getting bigger and bigger by the day. Not to mention it¡¯s bigger than average.


    It was harder for her to stand so long and she exhausts easily if she wants to do something that regards something physical. You can¡¯t me me for eyeing her like a hawk and never ever leaving this house.


    I met Leo who was approaching me through the halls. I raised a brow when he had a look that something unexpected came up.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± My eyebrows pulling together.


    ¡°Vassily is here.¡±


    I stilled at the news. Vassilying here may not be good news. I have cut myself off from the mafia that I¡¯ve grown with. Why did he suddenlye here?


    Leo led me towards the patio where Vassily was waiting for me. I saw him immediately when I reached outside. He stood tall with eyes looking straight at the view of my garden. Leo stood somewhere on the side only to watch over us.


    ¡°Vassily.¡± I called.


    ¡°Nice ce you got here. I hope this is the reason why you didn¡¯t want to go back to Italy, brother.¡±


    I remained silent when I stood next to him. Curiosity got the best of me and I asked him the question that I wanted to know this whole time.


    ¡°Why are you here?¡±


    He mused. ¡°You know¡­ Cara deliberately told me not toe here. You made a choice and that choice needs to be respected.¡± My face remained straight with eyebrows knitted together. ¡°I say bullshit.¡±


    I exhaled.


    ¡°You left your life for this?¡± He waved his hand and that only added to the insult. ¡°You left your family for a woman, Angelo?¡±


    ¡°Do not disrespect me or my wife, Vassily.¡± I said through gritted teeth. ¡°She is my family. This is where I belong now. You better start listening to Cara.¡±


    He shook his head in disappointment. ¡°Come back with me, Angelo. You are the rightful leader¡­ the king of the mafia. Uncle Domenico left all of that to you. You dishonor it by cutting your connection from your true family. Are you insane? She is just an ordinary woman you identally met.¡±


    ¡°She bears my children, Vassily. I am the father of our children. She and the lives inside her are my family. The mafia is still family but I want my own blood. This is something I wish for a long time. Respect that, fratello mio. We all know that I don¡¯t deserve leading the mafia. Cara is.¡±


    I started to turn and leave him, fed up with his bullshit. Leo will just lead him out. Vassily wrapped his hand around my arm and stopped me.


    ¡°If you want to have the bastard then we can get them once they¡¯re born. Come back with me Angelo, the mafia-¡± I interjected with a strong punch on his Russian face.


    He fell down on the ground because of the strength I pack on my punch. He red at me menacingly.


    ¡°What the fuck is wrong with you?! I came here to wake you up, Angelo! We all know you don¡¯t belong here. You think you can y house with her? Just because you simply dropped everything of the past doesn¡¯t mean it will not catch up to you. You have enemies who want nothing more than your head. You will only risk your so called family¡¯s lives if you continue this charade.¡±


    I looked away, furious at his statement that held the truth. I stiffened when my eyes met Hailynn¡¯s blue eyes.

 Chapter 35

    How long has she been here? How long has she been listening?


    ¡°Amore¡­¡± I called despite my dumbfounded state.


    She gave me a weak smile and shook his head. She then whirled around and walked off. Leo studied her with a worried look and shifted his eyes to me.


    I nodded at him to go after her. He understood my signal right away and followed Hailynn for me.


    I turned my attention towards Vassily who was slowly getting up from the ground. I scowled at him. ¡°How dare you jeopardize our rtionship?¡± I growled.


    ¡°Jeopardize?¡± He scoffs before wiping the blood that dripped from his mouth. ¡°You¡¯re the one who¡¯s jeopardizing her life, what¡¯s more the child she¡¯s bearing. Don¡¯t be a fool, Angelo. You are born in the mafia and you will die there.¡±


    I strode threateningly towards him. ¡°I guess you don¡¯t know me well, brother.¡± I spat at him face to face. ¡°The mafia life isn¡¯t what I want. It¡¯s ironic really. Cara was the most ruthless among us three. We used to be so thrilled at her capabilities and yet she¡¯s the one who understood me right now.¡±


    He was silent as he stared at me. From the glint in his eyes, I knew he was reeling the past.


    ¡°She should be the one who should¡¯ve hated my decision. But she supported me instead¡­ like a family should.¡± I continued.


    ¡°Angelo.¡± He called as I backed away. ¡°Even if I supported this insanity, you know you will only put their lives in danger.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s my problem now, is it?¡± I said through gritted teeth. I walked off ignoring his calls.


    Vassily was right though. It¡¯s going to be a huge burden for us knowing that we will be walking on thin ss and we don¡¯t know when it will break until one of us gets hurt. The mafia will always be an annoying shadow that I can¡¯t get rid of¡­ even though it¡¯s broad daylight.


    Ever since I decided to drop everything from my previous life and settle my future with Hailynn, I vow everyday that I will protect her and our twins. Our family. Selfish but I wanted this for a long time. I¡¯ve always wanted this. How can I deprive myself of this knowing it¡¯s already right in front of me?


    And no one will ever stop me turning this dream into reality. No one will stop me from loving Hailynn and the growing family we have.


    ¡ª


    After dealing with Vassily, I came looking for Hailynn straight away. I peaked at the library just in case she went here before going to our bedroom.


    She wasn¡¯t in there apparently since the library was quiet and empty when I opened it. I saw Leoing out of the bedroom as I was approaching. His eyes met mine with a mirthless smile.


    ¡°Leo, how is she?¡± I asked as soon as I was in front of him.


    ¡°She and the twins are okay.¡± I waited for him to continue talking since that wasn¡¯t the only answer that I was waiting to hear. ¡°I think it¡¯s better if you two talk. Vassily said some things that might make her misunderstand.¡±


    ¡°Cazzo.¡± I grit my teeth in anger.


    I stepped towards the door and twisted the doorknob. I was even angrier knowing that she fucking locked the door.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    ¡°Amore, open up!¡± I banged the door non stop hoping she would open the door for me. ¡°Let¡¯s talk. Let me exin! Amore!¡±


    I pressed my forehead against the door in frustration. My hand kept twisting the doorknob, forcing it to open. ¡°Fuck. I¡¯m going to blow this fucking door.¡± I muttered through my breath.


    I felt a hand touch my shoulder. I realized it was Leo. He didn¡¯t leave surprisingly considering I¡¯ve been noisy here for god knows how long.


    ¡°Perhaps it¡¯s best to leave her alone for now. Let the situation cool down a little. Come backter when you also calmed down, si? I don¡¯t think it¡¯s a good idea for you to talk to her when you¡¯re still in a mess. You will surely have an argument instead.¡±


    I sighed heavily. I clenched my fists in disappointment and anger. But Leo is right. I¡¯m just afraid that she¡¯s going to be distant again to me.


    I have never loved a woman like I have with Hailynn. My heart is attached to her. I will fucking kill every living thing if she will leave me.


    ¡ª


    I followed Leo¡¯s advice and even hours had passed, she still won¡¯t talk to me. So I wasn¡¯t calming down at all. I felt like I¡¯m beginning to whine like a fucking dog. I could not even sit still and just paced back and forth in my study.


    The maids were able to send her food. She would take it but she would ask first if I was there and would tell them she will not if I try anything to burst into the bedroom.


    I have had it!


    I stormed out of my study like a man on a mission. I will not be sleeping out of the bedroom tonight. Like hell I will!


    I went to Vassily¡¯s room and confront him again. I n to let him submit to me and admit that he was wrong. I will let him apologize to Hailynn. I will fuck my wife after that. I will fucking tie her to the bed and make love to her until another babyes in.


    That bastard even has the face to stay in my house. Even chose a room for himself. But this is good. I won¡¯t have to travel to a hotel and leave Hailynn here.


    Without any warning, I barged right into his room, opening his, luckily, unlocked door with extreme force. I stopped short of what I had heard from his phone that he is currently listening to.


    ¡°Fucking idiota! Come back here and I will fucking skin you alive myself, Vassily! I told you not to step afoot there and you did not listen to me.¡±


    The familiar voice surprised me. Vassily¡¯s eyes immediately travelled to mine when my sudden presence took his attention.


    ¡°I came here to say what your brother needed to hear.¡± His sharp eyes remained in mine as he answered Cara¡¯s rebuke. ¡°Such fairytales don¡¯t exist in our world.¡±


    I remained in my position while listening to them intently.


    ¡°Don¡¯t make mee there, Vassily. War will arise if you do not listen to me.¡±


    Vassily only gritted his teeth at my sister¡¯s tant response.

 Chapter 36

    Vassily then chuckled. ¡°Don¡¯t make meugh, Cara. You risk for war because of Angelo¡¯s idiotic choices.¡±


    ¡°Whatever makes my brother happy, I will support it. Even if I break our alliance. Sol is my blood. That¡¯s all that matters.¡±


    He closes his eyes in frustration and looks away.


    ¡°I better hear news that you¡¯re going home tomorrow.¡± The line went dead right after. He threw his phone to the bed.


    ¡°Even Cara supports you, huh.¡±


    I know Cara will never let me down so this conversation was no surprise.


    ¡°Even if you¡¯re safe from me, there are always others who wille after you.¡±


    ¡°I know. That¡¯s my problem to deal with, Vassily.¡±


    He surprisingly nodded. We became silent with no one wanting to start a conversation so I decided to leave him alone.


    ¡°I¡¯ll leave you be.¡± I then walked out and mmed the door shut, forgetting my original n to face him head on and tell him that I will never change my mind. It turns out my sore did it for me.


    ¡ª


    Hailynn


    I was in the mood to make breakfast so I helped the maids to prepare for it. We always prepare a lot of food since some of Dante¡¯s men are still here. Some of them wanted to stay here and support their former boss.


    Right after everything was set, I went back to my bedroom to change my clothes. I was surprised to see Dante¡¯s friend along the way. His name was Vassily. Apparently, this man is in the Russian mafia. The leader of it too. He was good looking with blonde hair and dark eyes but that was it. He left a bad impression on me when he came here and had a fight with Dante.


    We both stopped when we met halfway. He was all dressed up ready to leave which was a surprise since I told one of Dante¡¯s men to tell the guest he was more than free to stay here.


    Vassily was eyeing me as if he wanted to say something to me but I refused to initiate a conversation. Just as I readied myself to continue to walk, he stopped me by speaking.


    ¡°May we take a walk?¡±


    I frowned at his politeness but I nodded anyway and sumbed to his request. I took him to our garden where I usually take my morning and afternoon walks. Dante convinced me to start exercising a bit so he¡¯d apany in the garden and sometimes anywhere outside the mansion.


    ¡°You know¡­¡± He starts. ¡°I don¡¯t get what he sees in you. I don¡¯t get why he chose you over his family. He was already known as the king of the mafia. It was his uncle¡¯s legacy to him. Sol is a name already widely known in the mafia. Everyone fears and adores him¡­ yet he chose this ordinary life over glory. I know a lot of things about Angelo¡­ but not stupid.¡± He halts making me stop as well.


    ¡°I don¡¯t get why you¡¯re his friend either.¡± He narrowed his eyes at me, annoyance shown. ¡°You might know a lot about him but not the rest. Not all of it.¡±


    ¡°And you think you do?¡± He retorted.


    ¡°I don¡¯t¡­ but I got the rest of our lives willing to know the real him. And I will ept him whoever he is and whatever he wants to be because he has done nothing but love me. I don¡¯t think I have a reason to not return his love at all.¡±


    I took a step closer towards him as I had the air of challenging him. ¡°That¡¯s why if he does think he doesn¡¯t belong here, I will let him go because that¡¯s his decision. I¡¯m not gonna stop him. I will respect it. But if he wants to stay here with me and love me and his flesh blood for the rest of our lives then you have no say on that. You will not decide for him. Because who are you really to him? A friend?¡± I scoff. ¡°What kind? One who couldn¡¯t even support his happiness?¡±


    He scowled but he never spoke back. He remained silent as he stared at each other eye to eye. I could see the wheels turning in his mind.


    The space I willed to have for Dante and I managed to let me think and the thought brought me to this decision. I don¡¯t want to be selfish and I certainly want to consider Dante¡¯s feelings. If he wants to go, I will not force him to stay. But if he wants to be with me then I¡¯ll dly ept it.


    His mouth opened as he started to speak but he was interrupted. ¡°Vassily! What the fuck are you doing with my wife?!¡± Dante stomped his way towards us. He was furious and I don¡¯t think the look he was giving will recognize a friend.


    Vassily slowly stepped back while raising both of his hands in surrender. Dante stomped his way towards him grabbing his cor threateningly.


    ¡°I allowed you to insult me but not her, Vassily. I will not allow you to hurt her.¡± He growled.


    I stared at the both of them in rm. I was looking around for help when I saw Leoing his way. He began to run when he saw me behind the two.


    ¡°Let go. I was only talking to her.¡± Vassily¡¯s voice surprisingly didn¡¯t sound oppressive like he used to when he first came here. He was now calm and seemed epting. But Dante didn¡¯t budge and only held on to his grip on his cor.


    ¡°Angelo!¡± Leo intervened. ¡°Let go.¡± He tried to uncoil his hand but Dante didn¡¯t relent. ¡°Angelo.¡± He muttered lowly. He then nodded towards my direction.


    Dante slowly turned to me and saw me in my uneasy state. His hands then finally let go of Vassily. He stepped back from him with a sigh as Dante slowly walked towards me. As he reached me, he immediately engulfed me with a hug. I sumbed to his warmth.


    ¡°I love you. I love you so much, amore. Don¡¯t ignore me ever again.¡±


    I felt his worries and affection for me altogether and all other mixed emotions. I closed my eyes as I breathed in his scent. I love his scent so much. It truly felt like home. It was something that makes me wish to stay in bed with him as we ignore our responsibilities. Being with him is enough.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    I realized that I love him. I love him. No more words or actions of his could convince me anymore.


    ¡°Tch. You¡¯ve gone soft, Angelo.¡± Vassily voiced out.


    I heard Leo chuckled behind. ¡°I guess you still don¡¯t know much about Angelo, fratello mio. He had always long for this.¡±


    Dante and I released ourselves from our hug and finally faced them together. His arm went around me showing his possessiveness, affection and support.


    ¡°I truly love her, Vassily. I don¡¯t need you to understand that but instead¡­ I hope someday you will feel what I feel towards a woman who deserves it.¡±


    His friend only rolled his eyes. ¡°Well, good luck then¡­ brother.¡± He then turned and finally left.


    Leo let out a soft smile. ¡°I¡¯m happy for you two. I hope you know that.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Leo.¡± I returned his smile and he nodded. And when I looked up, Dante¡¯s face was serious.


    ¡°Amore, can you go inside first?¡± His face softened as he spoke to me. I nodded, understanding his intentions.

 Chapter 37

    Dante


    ¡°You know Vassily¡¯s not the only one who¡¯s going to trouble you.¡±


    I sighed while rubbing my face with an open palm. ¡°I know.¡±


    ¡°Nheless, he¡¯s right. Sol is a name either they fear or adore and they will find the one who owns it. I don¡¯t think you don¡¯t know what happens after that.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡± I mused. ¡°You can¡¯t stay here, Leo. I can¡¯t let you drag down with me. Just because I quit doesn¡¯t mean you have to.¡±


    He snorts in response. It held sarcasm and amusement at the same time. ¡°What the hell are you saying, Angelo? Just because you quit doesn¡¯t also mean you have the right to decide for me.¡± He steps towards me, cing his hand on my shoulder showing his support. ¡°I wish nothing more than to support you, fratello mio. I will follow you- willingly.¡±


    My lips lifted upward in amusement. ¡°So you¡¯d rather live an ordinary and normal life than living a life in thrill?¡± His hand retracted before shrugging.


    ¡°What do you think? You chose this life over wealth and fame. I¡¯m gonna choose mine with my best friend.¡± I stood stunned at his answer. Leo has always been loyal to the family- to me but I didn¡¯t know he was this loyal to me.


    I shook my head in amusement, letting out augh. ¡°I didn¡¯t know you are this loyal to me, Leo. No wonder Hailynn was jealous of you.¡±


    Leo¡¯s face suddenly frowned. ¡°The hell, Angelo.¡±


    My arm went around his shoulder as we went inside the house for breakfast. Just in time when Leo and I took our seat, Hailynn walked in the dining room who had just changed from her pajamas.


    I was staring at her when she walked towards her seat and sat down. My eyes didn¡¯t remove from her even though she already started eating her breakfast. I was woken up when I felt Leo nudging me.


    ¡°What?¡± I growled. Both eyes widened and gave me a startled look.


    Hailynn stopped eating and eyed me as if I was crazy. I cleared my throat suddenly feeling awkward because of my overreaction.


    ¡°Is there something wrong?¡± She asked with a frown.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    Of course there is! We haven¡¯t talked properly ever since you ignored me. Leo was shaking his head in amusement but resumed eating anyway.


    ¡°No. Eat your breakfast, amore. Do you feel nauseous or anything?¡±


    She shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m fine now.¡±


    ¡ª


    ¡°Come, amore mio.¡± I instantly wrapped her around my arms, kissing and embracing her possessively.


    After our breakfast, I pulled her back to our bedroom. I wanted to talk to her since she had ignored mest night. I couldn¡¯t sleep thinking about her and the twins.


    ¡°I hope you¡­ ignored whatever you heard from Vassily. He was just being a brat.¡± I didn¡¯t let her go as I spoke. I wanted to say believed but let¡¯s face it. What Vassily had said was true.


    ¡°I heard him right, Dante. You know he only spoke the truth. Why do you think I was angry at you when I learned I got pregnant? I didn¡¯t want to live a life knowing our lives will always be in danger. Yet you surprised me by deciding that you left everything of  the mafia behind for me.¡±


    I cupped her cheeks with my hands as I looked at her beautiful soulful eyes. ¡°So you trust me then?¡±


    Hailynn grinned. ¡°I do.¡± She then ced her arms around my neck. Her huge bump was pressed against my belly. ¡°For once, I wanted to let you decide not basing on my feelings, Dante. That¡¯s why I let you be.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t resist an ear splitting smile. My hands couldn¡¯t stop roaming around her back affectionately. ¡°Let¡¯s be real, amore. Solo tu.¡±


    Her eyebrows knitted in a frown. ¡°Only you, amore.¡± I bent down and captured her lips


    ¡ª


    Hailynn


    Yesterday with Vassily.


    ¡°You alright?¡±


    Leo ran after me and followed me to the bedroom. He crouched down with one knee bended to the floor as I sat down on the bed.


    I nodded hesitantly.


    ¡°You sure?¡± I nodded again. ¡°The twins?¡± I nodded once more. ¡°You don¡¯t look alright, Hailynn. If you don¡¯t tell me the truth, Angelo¡¯s going to forget he has a best friend.¡±


    I sighed. ¡°I¡¯m fine, Leo.¡± I drawled.


    ¡°Obviously, you don¡¯t look fine. I would¡¯ve stopped asking if you are.¡±


    I pout while looking away unsure of what I¡¯ll say. ¡°I heard everything they said, Leo. Perhaps what your friend said is right. Angelo doesn¡¯t belong here.¡±


    ¡°Why do you think that?¡± He asked in a frown. ¡°I hope you¡¯re not questioning why he chose you.¡±


    ¡°Dante was groomed to be the leader of the mafia¡­ of your family. His uncle specifically made him his heir. He gave everything to him, Leo, and yet he let it go just like that. And for someone like me.¡±


    I was so happy when he told me the news. That he¡¯d rather be with me and renounce his title. I realized I was actually being selfish that I let him choose me over his family that he¡¯d been with all his life. Yes, I wanted that but the thought now made me realize that I was only thinking about myself.


    Leo shook his head. ¡°I think you¡¯re forgetting everything he told you just after listening to that idiot Vassily. The only thing that he was wrong about saying was Angelo didn¡¯t belong here. Only Angelo knows where he belongs. Only Angelo could decide for himself. And if he wants to be with you then no one can stop him.¡±


    Iughed with little sob as tears started to fall to my cheeks.


    ¡°Hey, hey. Don¡¯t cry.¡± Leo said in rm while wiping the spilled tears. ¡°Are you still unconvinced?¡±


    I shook my head. ¡°You¡¯re a really good friend, Leo. Even though I¡¯ve been annoyed with your irritating presence always following Angelo everywhere.¡± He smirked in amusement at my statement. ¡°But thank you. I really have been trying to suppress my insecurities. With a man like Dante, it¡¯s really hard but he never stops showing his affection to me or how he really cares for me.¡±


    ¡°Is that why you¡¯ve been teasing him a lot? Were you testing him?¡± There¡¯s a knowing smirk appearing in his lips.


    I nodded in a shy smile. ¡°A bit.¡±


    Heughs. ¡°Damn.¡±


    ¡°Leo.¡± He raised a brow questioningly. ¡°This will sound strange but don¡¯t tell Dante what we¡¯ve talked about.¡±


    His eyebrows knitted together in a frown. ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Right now, he thinks that I¡¯m angry or sad with what just happened. I want to keep it that way. Just for this time, I want to let him decide. I want him to think without me bothering him.¡±


    ¡°If you keep this up, he will only pursue you even more.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps it will also cross his mind that I¡¯m being extremely inconvenient right now and he¡¯ll consider going back.¡± He only looked at me with his dark eyes as his response. I sighed. ¡°Let this space make him think what he truly wants.¡±


    He exhaled. ¡°You sure you want to do that? You know there¡¯s a possibility that he will be furious if he feels a little distrust from you.¡±


    ¡°Onest time, Leo, and I promise I won¡¯t ever question his love for me again.¡±


    He reluctantly nodded.


    ¡ª


    ¡°Did you get your answer then?¡± Leo asked as he apanied me in my afternoon walk in the garden.


    Dante was still fast asleep in our bedroom. He was probably exhausted cause he couldn¡¯t sleep wellst night. It¡¯s hard for him to sleep every time I ignore him. So I let him rest right now.


    I let out a small smile. ¡°Thank you, Leo. You¡¯re truly his best friend. I can¡¯t believe you would quit the mafia for him, too. I guess I¡¯m thankful that he has someone right now who could support him, you know.¡±


    He was quiet for a moment before replying. ¡°I didn¡¯t like the previous life I have nor do I like it. Cara¡¯s father adopted me so it was only natural that I joined the mafia. We grew up together though it¡¯s not the same with being childhood friends but we did train and learn together. My loyalty not only lies to the family but also- especially to Angelo. After all, I was brought up to be his second inmand.¡±


    ¡°Your rtionship with him reminded me so much of Ethan and I. I love him. He¡¯s my family, my friend, my partner. We¡¯re orphans so we only have each other.¡±


    ¡°May I ask a personal question, Hailynn?¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡± Leo suddenly stopped walking, making me stop as well.


    ¡°Have you finally moved on?¡±

 Chapter 38

    Hailynn


    ¡°For the millionth time, amore, no.¡±


    ¡°Dante-¡±


    ¡°No. No means no. For God¡¯s sake, amore, you¡¯re almost eight months along. You can hardly work on your own.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s why you¡¯re going with me.¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    I gave him a pout and my famous puppy dog eyes that I realized during my pregnancy that it works against him. I can get whatever I want with these eyes.


    ¡°Oh, no. Don¡¯t give me that look. It¡¯s not gonna work this time.¡± He wasn¡¯t even looking at me straight. Surely because of fear that he might be swayed because of my eyes.Original from N?velDrama.Org.


    He continued to work on some documents behind his desk. My shoulder slumped in disappointment.


    You must be wondering what I had been asking from my handsome Italian man, the father of the twins inside my belly. I simply wanted to visit my parents¡¯ grave.


    I have been bugging him about this since we woke up. I even got to the point where I threatened him that he will not sleep with me ever. He confidently shrugged and responded that it will notst long and he will be happy to sleep in another room just as long as I don¡¯t get to go out.


    I sat down on one of the couches in his study in a defeated state. I heard Dante stepped out of his desk and approached me. He crouched down so his face and height could level my sitting position.


    ¡°Amore, you must understand. You¡¯re in a state right now that I always worry. What if something happens and I might not know what to do? You know I¡¯m still new to this just as you are. You¡¯re even carrying two human beings which is not that easy.¡±


    I brushed him off by standing up. I didn¡¯t look at him and ignored him as I walked out of his study. I heard him sighing heavily on my way out.


    I just wanted to see my parents¡¯ grave. I wanted to talk to them that could only be done in front of them. Why can¡¯t he allow me just this time? I have been so obedient to him and only asked this huge request once this time.


    ¡°Hailynn?¡± I raised my head and saw Leo who stopped in front of me, eyeing me with concern. ¡°You okay?¡± He asked again with a frown.


    I smirked inwardly when an idea popped in my head.


    I nodded. ¡°Yeah. It¡¯s just¡­ Dante couldn¡¯t go with me to the cemetery so I¡¯m a bit sad. I wanted to visit my parents¡¯ grave but he said he can¡¯t go with me and just suggested to ask one of his men instead.¡±


    His eyebrows knitted in disbelief. ¡°Angelo said that?¡± I could see the look he was giving me. It seemed he didn¡¯t believe that his best friend could let me go easily.


    I nodded innocently. ¡°Could you go with me, Leo? We¡¯re not going to take long. I¡¯m just going to give them their favorite flowers and then we go back.¡± Leo was silent and was only staring at me. But I did my best by using my puppy eyes.


    He sighed. ¡°Alright.¡± I did a happy dance in the back of my mind. ¡°Let me go to Angelo first and tell him.¡±


    I immediately grab his arm and pull him towards the garage. ¡°No, it¡¯s okay. He¡¯s busy right now. I don¡¯t think he wants to be disturbed. He was working with a lot of backlogs you know. Why do you think he said I should ask one of his men? It¡¯s a good thing I met you Leo. I mean he trusts you the most. He¡¯ll be reassured that I¡¯m going with you.¡± I bbered as I dragged him outside. My smile couldn¡¯t simply be wiped off at the sess of my n.


    We stopped by a flower shop first to buy my mother¡¯s favorite flowers, white roses. She once said to me that the flowers were like a nk canvas for her. She once experimented it on with dye in various colors. The color came out great and I loved to watch them as a child.


    When we arrived at the cemetery, Leo maintained a good distance so he could watch over me and give me privacy at the same time. I was grateful for it. I then started my little speech to my parents.


    This time, I finally moved on.


    ¡ª


    Dante


    ¡°Where the fuck is she?!¡± My voice boomed against the walls of my mansion.


    My men were on high alert searching for my missing wife. ¡°Where is Leo?!¡± I asked one of my men but they didn¡¯t know either. I dialled his number and called him. A few ringster, he answered.


    ¡°Where are you? Did you not know my pregnant wife is missing?¡± I growled. I know Leo didn¡¯t do anything wrong but I can¡¯t help but get furious at everyone. I can¡¯t help but me everyone and get frustrated at myself that I didn¡¯te after her right away when she walked out of my office.


    ¡°What are you talking about? I thought you let her go to the cemetery.¡± My eyes widened. My fist clenched as an instant reaction. My heart jumped suddenly feeling afraid, worried, furious and a hell lot of mixed emotions.


    ¡°What?!¡± I bellowed.


    Leo though sounded innocent in this so I couldn¡¯t scold him. He¡¯s too loyal to me. I¡¯m sure Hailynn might have set him up.


    ¡°She¡¯s with me right now, Angelo. She said you couldn¡¯t go with her so she asked me to apany her instead.¡±


    I knew it. I fucking knew it.


    My blood boiled at the sudden turn of events. Hailynn you little- I will really tie you to bed and fuck you until I ran out of cum.


    ¡°Send me your location.¡± I then hang up.


    I immediately went to get my car and drove towards the cemetery. Leo already sent me the location. They stopped by the flower shop first before going to the cemetery. It appeared that Hailynn was choosing flowers when I called. I texted him not to tell her anything.


    If she wants surprises so bad then I¡¯m going to go with what she wants.


    The cemetery was as usual quiet and there was no one besides my wife and best friend there. Leo was a few meters away from Hailynn who was facing the grave of her parents. He must¡¯ve given her some privacy since she was now speaking to their grave. But I¡¯m not going to respect any of that shit. Hailynn almost gave me a fucking heart attack.


    I stomped my way towards Leo, letting him know that I just arrived. I was a man on a mission and I¡¯m going to carry that woman back to our home.


    Leo was surprised to see that I arrived so fast. Shaking his head, he apologized as expected. ¡°Sorry, man. She tricked me.¡±


    ¡°I should¡¯ve known.¡± Our heads swiftly turned towards her when we heard her talk to her parents¡¯ grave.


    ¡°You can rest assured now. I finally found someone who will take care of me¡­ who will love me for the rest of my life. I love him, mom and dad. I hope you¡¯re happy for me as you guys watch me there in heaven.¡±


    I think my heart just exploded.

 Chapter 39

    My ears perked up as my heated gaze burned towards Hailynn¡¯s direction. I unconsciously strode towards her direction.


    ¡°Hey, hey. Give her some privacy, will ya. She¡¯s speaking to her family.¡± Leo said as he stopped me by grabbing my arm.


    ¡°Oh, please.¡± I shake off his hand. ¡°Her parents are mine as well.¡±


    He smiled while shaking his head. ¡°Is this the time where Americans would usually say ¡®you¡¯re whipped¡¯?¡±


    I punch his arm yfully. ¡°Stai zitto.¡± He chuckled but I continued to walk towards my wife who was slowly getting up from the ground with struggle.


    I hurried to her side and immediately supported her. I wrapped my arm around her waist and held her hand. Her head turned swiftly towards the unexpected intruder. Her eyes widened in rm and obviously with hidden guilt.


    ¡°Dante!¡± She shouted in surprise. ¡°Yo-you¡¯re here!¡±


    I rolled my eyes. ¡°And you¡¯re here as well, amore. Do you know what punishment you¡¯ll have when we go home?¡±


    She was smiling shyly and guilitly as she peered through her longshes. ¡°I know you love me so much, Dante. I know that punishment of yours means more love for me.¡± She acted sweetly and clingy as she took my arm and pressed herself to me even more.


    ¡°Tch.¡± My eyes suddenly caught something that was ced on the side of her parents¡¯ grave. ¡°Why is that lover boy¡¯s grave ced here?¡±


    She flinched at what I found out. ¡°Don¡¯t talk to Ethan like that. Respect the dead, Dante. There¡¯s no way for him to talk back if you¡¯re going to be like that.¡±


    I scowled even more. ¡°And you dare defend him!¡± I stepped towards the front of Ethan Comte¡¯s grave, leaving a stunned Hailynn a few steps behind. ¡°Listen here! Hailynn is mine.¡± I growled at his grave. ¡°So don¡¯t dare invade her thoughts. I don¡¯t care if you¡¯re living peace in heaven just don¡¯t bother her or haunt her!¡±


    ¡°What the hell are you doing?!¡± She held my arm with both of her hands and dragged me back. ¡°Are you crazy?! I can¡¯t believe you¡¯re scolding an already dead person.¡±N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    I stopped at her parents¡¯ grave and faced them solemnly. Hailynn stopped her nagging and raised a brow questioningly at my action. ¡°Mother, father.¡± She scoffs while rolling her eyes but I try to ignore her childish reaction.


    ¡°I know you¡¯re worried about your daughter who you left so early. I know you will always worry for her¡­ that¡¯s why I¡¯m here. I¡¯m here to promise you. I promise that I will continue to take care of her for the rest of our lives. I love her so much that I¡¯m pretty sure her ears are tired of the same words over and over again. But I¡¯m not tired of saying or showing that to her. She¡¯s that something in my life that I had been looking for. The missing piece of my puzzle and that piece which I can¡¯t live without for I can¡¯t beplete.¡±


    My pause made me unconsciously grab her hand and hold it firmly between mine.


    ¡°After the birth of the twins, I will marry your daughter right away. I want to marry her in her best condition and let our sons be the witness of our souls binding as one. I am confident though that you¡¯re not going to protest about that or oppose me as her partner in life¡­ because I know I¡¯m the only one that could make her happy. As her family, you only want that for her. To be happy and maintain that smile in her face. She¡¯s the only one who could make me happy as well. She and my sons in her belly.¡±


    A smile broke in my face at the thought. I¡¯m finally going to have a family with my beautiful future wife.


    I put my hands inside my pockets and grabbed something that had been residing there for a long time.


    ¡°This is you witnessing my promise.¡± I grabbed Hailynn¡¯s hand and picked a certain finger. I slid the ring on her finger with no hesitation. I pulled her hand and pressed a kiss on it, lingering it there for a long time.


    With teary eyes, she gave me a wobbly smile when I pulled away. ¡°What the hell are you doing? Did I say yes so you could put that ring on my finger?¡±


    I grinned. ¡°Oh, amore. A ring is just a ring but you¡¯re mine no matter what.¡± My hand went to her neck pulling her towards me and gave her a kiss in the forehead. A kiss on the lips followed.


    ¡°Ti amo, amore mio.¡± Pecking her lips again. ¡°Verso l¡¯infinito e oltre.¡±


    ¡°Je t¡¯aime aussi.¡± She replied.


    I didn¡¯t need a trantion for that. My heart already knew what it meant and I¡¯m even more the happiest man alive.


    I have been waiting for that answer for a long time and I finally heard it.


    As much as I want to carry her and give her a long french kiss, I have to hold back for now. Hailynn engulfed me with a hug instead. Her growing belly pressed against my stomach. It felt like the twins were celebrating when I felt them move.


    ¡°Thank you so much, Dante. Thank you for doing this in front of them. You don¡¯t know how much it made me fall in love with you more. I can¡¯t seem to stop wondering how you do that everyday, making me feel like a queen to be worshipped.¡± I could feel her tears falling towards my neck. And I know enough that it was tears of overwhelming happiness.


    ¡°Because, amore, I know you¡¯re my endgame.¡± I said against her neck as I inhaled her heady scent.


    We knew we were each others¡¯ endgame. That¡¯s why it felt natural calling her my wife even though I haven¡¯t proposed. I was surprised at first that she didn¡¯t ask me anything about marriage. She was epting of our present rtionship. Somehow it made me think that I was the only one who was wanting for more.


    I wanted her to demand from me. I wanted her to be clingy if possible more than I could ever be. I wanted her to want me more than I wanted her.


    Things like that were everything I hated over women I met back then but somehow I wanted her to be like that. But Hailynn was different. She was mischievous, always challenging me, always teasing me until I feel a vein popped in my head, always making me feel on edge, always making me feel crazy that I love a woman like her. I realized it was her way of showing me her love and affection. I¡¯ve understood thatter in our rtionship.


    And I¡¯ve never been more than happy with my life with her in it.

 Chapter 40: Epilogue Special

    Hailynn


    Amy and Zoey burst into the door, squealing their lungs out as they approached me.


    ¡°Oh my god! I can¡¯t believe you have twin boys, Hailynn!¡± Amy eximed as she went straight to my baby which I held in my arms. The other twin was carried by Dante who stood just beside me.


    I just hadbor hours ago. It was Leo¡¯s girlfriend, Veda, who helped me as I popped out the twins. Actually, she¡¯s still not Leo¡¯s girlfriend. I just say it cause it embarrasses Leo. Also, the beautiful doctor was letting me tease our handsome Leo.


    I felt refreshed when I slept right after. As soon as I woke up, Dante let me hold the baby as he carried the other one lovingly. He was swaying it in his arms like a loving father would. I¡¯ve never seen anything so perfect and so beautiful before.


    The twins were identical and I was a bit surprised since I didn¡¯t have knowledge on our side of our family of having twins. Since my soon to be husband has the strongest genes, I¡¯m pretty sure it¡¯s from their side of their family.


    It was no doubt that the twins are Dante¡¯s sons. They looked exactly like him. The only thing my sons got from me was my blonde hair, although theirs were only nearing blonde, and the other one had my blue eyes. The eldest twin got Dante¡¯s surreal clear water eyes.


    I fell in love twice on the same day.


    ¡°Look at them. They look so cute. So handsome.¡± Amy and Zoey gushed at the same time.


    I suddenly noticed Amy winking at Dante. My eyebrows knitted in question. What was that about? I wasn¡¯t able to ask what¡¯s going on when I was interrupted by a knock. The intruder came in after knocking. It was Leo¡­ followed by an older man.


    And then I realized something. Everyone was dressed so formally.N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    ¡°Ugh¡­ what¡¯s going on?¡± I asked while feeling suspicious.


    Dante took a seat beside me and smiled meaningfully. ¡°You¡¯ll see.¡±


    ¡°May I know the couple who¡¯s going to be wedded today?¡± The older man asked.


    ¡°What?!¡± I bellowed. ¡°Dante!¡± I turned to him with wide eyes.


    ¡°This is my fiancee.¡± Dante said to him with a full blown smile.


    ¡°Are you kidding me? This isn¡¯t happening.¡± I said in disbelief but tears already formed in my eyes from so much excitement and happiness.


    With a grin he replied. ¡°I did promise your parents after the twins are born, I will marry you and they as well be witnesses as we exchange our vows.¡±


    ¡°This man came to me and asked a favor if I coulde here and hold your wedding. When I heard his story, I simply couldn¡¯t say no to him.¡± He was smiling as he exined to us. Everyone was grinning in front of me. ¡°My name is Benjamin Wright, your pastor for today. I assume these people here are your witnesses and of course, the lovely newly born babies.¡±


    I nodded, tears spilling my eyes. Dante kissed the side of my head and embraced me in his other arm.


    ¡°So let¡¯s start, shall we?¡± The pastor stated.


    The girls almost squealed from so much excitement. Leo stood beside Dante with a grin. We all couldn¡¯t contain our happiness. Rather than a grand wedding, gorgeous dress and enormous feast, I¡¯d rather have this moment.


    Small but so meaningful that I could remember even until the next life.


    ¡ª


    Dayster, I was able to go home¡­ married and the happiest woman alive.


    I used to only treat Ethan as my only family but now¡­. I feel like I have everything and I couldn¡¯t ask for more.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that the room that you didn¡¯t want me to see?¡±


    At first, I wanted the twins to sleep in our room so I could keep an eye on them. And if they¡¯ll cry, they¡¯re right there where I could reach them easily. But instead of walking towards our bedroom, he led me to another and it was the room where he wanted me to stay out of. I thought it was something rted to the mafia so I didn¡¯t mind that I was forbidden there.


    He grinned cheekily. ¡°Amore, you¡¯re in it for a surprise.¡± He twisted the doorknob with his other hand while the other was holding Adriano.


    We named the twins as Angelo and Adriano. Angelo with the same eyes as his and Adriano, the one with blue eyes simr to mine. Angelo was older by minutes. Obviously, the names came from his full name. I wanted it like that since the two were like his minimes. Dante wanted the other one with the same blue eyes as mine to be named after me but I insisted that his was better. His Italian genes were so prominent but I wasn¡¯t jealous that they inherited almost everything from his. In fact, I loved it. I fall in love with them day by day.


    Dante then pushed the door open. My mouth fell open in awe, stunned at the beautiful room before me. It was as big as our room which is the master¡¯s bedroom so it was already really big for the twins. The color of the walls were painted into a really pale baby blue. Everything was already in here. Closet filled with lots of clothes for them, cupboards filled with baby powder, diapers and a lot more baby things, a nursery rocking chair, you name it all. It has everything.


    ¡°It¡¯s like you¡¯re not trying to let me shop for the twins.¡± I joked with a grin.


    ¡°We can still buy for more, amore. If you want to, just tell me. I¡¯m very excited to go outside and show the world our Adriano and Angelo.¡± There was light in his eyes when he said that and that¡¯s when I noticed it.


    Dante truly has changed. And if I recall everything from the first time we met, I hated him because he was not a gentleman at all. He only thought about getting me into his bed. Although he may still think the same way but this time, it was different because he loves me and I love him as well.


    ¡°Wait.¡± I frowned. I didn¡¯t notice it at first because I was too busy admiring the room but finally the inert clear water eyes were staring right at me.


    ¡°Why is my painting of you here, Dante?!¡±


    ¡ª


    Dante


    Three yearster.


    The twins recently just turned two. I was shocked that they were the spitting image of me. I thought our friends were just joking about it. Even Hailynn was teasing me about it.


    The golden locks they once had be darker as the time goes by. While Angelo was the older one of the twins and had my eyes, Adriano on the other hand had his mother¡¯s eyes. So I had been favoring Adriano while Hailynn was favoring Angelo because it reminded us of each other. Even though it wasn¡¯t obvious to the two, it was pretty clear to me and Hailynn.


    After having the twins, I was scared to ask for another child from her. I was there when Hailynn was inbor. I felt guilty about it since it was my fault. I almost regretted that I didn¡¯t court her properly and made her pregnant right away instead.


    It was not my n really. All I wanted was to taste her. I was attracted to her the moment I saw her face clearly when she fainted in my arms as I covered a handkerchief with chloroform against her nose.


    Originally, I would¡¯ve forced myself on her. I was true to my words when I wanted her to be my whore. I had a background check on her and found out that she had no rtives. She was alone. It was just perfect. The woman was indeed going to be mine with no one desperate enough to search for her. And then Avery came and ruined my ns.


    She knew the woman to the point of warning me not to harm her. All I got from trapping her in my penthouse were sexual frustrations and a countless boner that could not be satiated. I was simple picky with women especially when I experienced firsthand back in my younger years that a woman I slept with actually came to murder me.


    Cara, who was suspicious of her first, was alert and killed the woman herself, saving me. My sore had always been ruthless and merciless therefore she had no second thoughts of shooting her directly in between her eyes.


    Hailynn Fleury was perfect for me. But I didn¡¯t know then that she would be the one to fully own my heart and now three years havee by, we¡¯re happily married. She made meplete. And even though I wanted more children from her, I do not want to let her go through that pain ever again. I realized then women are stronger than men if they can handle that. Especially that Hailynn bore two human beings. I¡¯ve never been so scared my whole life.


    I was watching over my sons with an unending smile on my face as they yed with their toys that were gifts from their aunts and uncles a few weeks ago on their birthday. Everyone loved the two very much. They were the apple of their eyes. I never thought in a million years that Leo would love kids so much. He was obviously attached to my sons. He was spoiling them too much. Hailynn had to scold him many times for that.


    I was suddenly pulled out of my reverie when my phone rang. It was an unknown caller ID but I answered it anyway knowing it might be something important.


    ¡°Ciao, fratello.¡±


    I sat up straight at the familiar voice that I haven¡¯t heard for three long years.


    ¡°Cara¡­¡±


    ¡°Missed me, fratello?¡± I breathed for an answer. ¡°You do not have to answer that. We all know you are preupied with your family.¡± She spoke lightly with no malice. I could feel her happiness for me miles away.


    ¡°You got that right, sore.¡± A smile broke my face. Even though she stopped me from answering, I did miss my sister so much.


    ¡°However¡­ I did not call you to ask what I already know.¡±


    I have a bad feeling about this.


    ¡°Sol¡­ it seems that you stole something from me.¡±


    End.


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