Niko POVViv's Aunt was always quietly observing her surroundings. She held a scorned face as she looked around this house, as if it held memories she didn't want to remember. I knew she was uncomfortable here. Once she said she could tell us the truth about our parents it clicked. She was Peter's sister-in-law. Of course, she knew what happened over twenty years ago.I wasn't sure I could handle this story, but I also knew I needed to hear it. Vivian needed this too. She had been lied to her whole life. As much as I hated Peter for what he did, I still prayed he wasn't the villain I knew him to be. Viv loved her father and I didn't want her image of him destroyed. She lost enough already."I would like to know the truth, or at least your version of the truth from back then." I told her aunt. "And I do care for your niece. You know a vow is unbreakable and I vowed to protect her always."I didn't dare let my eyes drift to Viv. I already knew she would scruff at my words. They meant no
Vivian POVI couldn't believe the story my aunt just told us. Her and my mother endured so much pain for no other reason than for some men to have more power. All the years of my childhood she was cold and distant with me I now understood why. I was the reason she had to keep living."I'm so sorry Aunt Kathy." I whispered as she broke down in tears. She just said how she wanted to die but stayed alive to raise me. She had no pleasure left in this world. "I want to go home to my husband and my child now." She wiped her tears and pulled away from me. "Of course. Niko has a car for you all ready. You can go anywhere you want and they will protect you this time." I looked in her eyes, trying to convey her safety. She didn't care though."I will be leaving then. Don't come back causing me more trouble child." She scolded, then turned her back to me. I should be upset how little love she expressed for me but I knew how deep it truly was."Aunt Kathy, what was my cousin's name?"She slowly
Niko POVToday felt like a never-ending saga of depression filled with guilt. Viv's Aunt's story replayed in my head over and over again. It was strange that I felt so much anger for a man I admired, still admire. My father was everything to me, yet he didn't protect the woman I love. He didn't know what Peter's child would come to mean to me, but she was still a child. An unborn child, like my son, who I failed. I clasped my father's watch to my wrist then looked away with a deep breath. I will always love and respect my father, but I won't make the same mistakes he did. Many generations ago our ancestor created these alliances not just for money and power, but for protection. No one was going to rule our families, no laws would bind us, and no government would push us down. We ran the world behind the scenes and lived a luxurious life. Overtime the greed became too much, allowing men like Grasso to have more power than he should had been allowed. Being a made-man once meant a duty
Vivian POVThe second the meeting began I could barely feel my body. I stood confidently by Niko's side truly believing he would protect me. As they discussed my father, then my own fate, it seemed surreal. Rarely did any of them glance my way. How could they so candidly discuss my life and not even bother to ask my opinion?I realized how powerful these families really were. They weren't vile humans pushing drugs and fucking whores. They were united as one to keep the children and grandchildren on top. To keep their bloodline above tyranny and above any other's rule. They were like a cult, but with more money than God. It was sickening yet alluring. So much power they held, so much good they could do.Niko spoke of my time with him and I felt his words. I never wanted to be here or with him. There were times I found happiness behind closed door with Niko, but not within this life. It wasn't all true though. I loved Sophia, Dominick, Paul, Marie, and even Gio was growing on me again. I
Niko POVI walked away from Viv's cell uneasy with her plan. I didn't like her down here or alone. What if something happened? What if someone tried to get to her? I walked to the first cell and laid in my suit on the thin metal bed. I wasn't leaving her. When she left next week, I wasn't sure how I would be able to stay away. I promised her freedom, but I feared I may turn into a stalker. After a short while I fell into a deep sleep. Even though we were in different cells and well, in a cell, I still felt a calm in my heart. She was home and although she would never be mine again, I felt the tension slowly lifting between us. She smiled at me, teased me, even talked to me. Viv didn't hate me, even though she should.I heard the door creak open and guessed Paul was coming to check on her. When I saw a tall woman slink by my curiosity was at a new high. This was what Viv was waiting for. Vanessa was coming to confess something important. There was an army of men at the door ready to
Niko POV"Come in." I grunted to the knocking at my door."Good Afternoon, Capo. You wanted to see me?" Vanessa walked in standing at the side of my desk."Yes, now that we have this mess settled, I wanted to speak to you about our arrangement." I didn't even look up from my papers as I spoke. The last thing I needed was to pretend I wanted this woman in front of me. "Of course. I have everything arranged and there is nothing you need to do. In a little over two months, we will be married." She slithered her way behind my chair, lightly sliding her fingers to my shoulders. "You have been so stressed Nikola. Let me help relieve all this pressure." She kneaded my shoulders and it actually felt really good. I have been stressed a lot lately."Hmm, I could use a good release." I closed my eyes allowing her fingers to dig deep into my muscles. "You have so much responsibility Capo. I can help.""You have helped Vanessa. I know many ways you've stood by my side. I even noticed how you choo
Vivian POVHe walked into the dining room in a black suit that was half a mess. Sleeves rolled up, top buttons undone, and hair ruffled. His muscles were throbbing, probably from all the tension in his body and it made my eyes walk over every inch of his skin. I don't know how and I don't know when, but something inside me just snapped into place about Niko. Maybe it was his vow, or how he looked at me like a mystical creature too far above him to even touch, or maybe it was his devotion to give me anything I ask of. All I knew was that somehow a brick wall came crashing down and now everything inside me flooded with emotions. Mostly, I just wanted to curl into his arms and hear his rough voice tell me it was all ok. I hadn't decided what it all meant though. I still wasn't sure if I could live this life or abide by their rules. I saw it all as barbaric and unfair. A few families with all this power. Niko killed Joseph, who was my half-brother, in his basement. He attacked Jonathan a
Niko POVI woke remembering the best dream where Viv was in my arms to find it was not a dream at all. She was really here. I put her to bed in her room despite wanting to carry her to my bed. Then in the middle of the night she came to me. "Good morning, beautiful." My voice was a bit raspy from sleep. I felt her body squirming awake and couldn't help but watch her body next to mine. "Good morning, beast." Her lips pulled a small smile, making everything inside me erupt in butterflies. "Did something happen or could you not resist me?" I teased. I was actually concerned something bad scared her. I can't imagine her leaving Amy's side if there was a threat though."I was just missing you and decided to crawl in your bed. Do you not want me here?""I always want you here." "I like being here with you." We didn't say anything else. I was afraid she would tell me she was still leaving and I couldn't handle that right now. We stayed in bed for at least an hour just cuddling each other