NANA'S PETMatteo needed his privacy from everyone and everything. He knew Nana hated the farmhouse because it brought back memories of her husband.His grandfather loved to plant vegetables and flowers in the garden, and Nana always helped him. Together, they would spend hours tending to the plants and enjoying each other's company.When his grandfather passed away, she did not have the strength to go on planting. That was how it was abandoned and that part of her that loved to grow things had died with the love of her life.Matteo had always hidden in the farmhouse as a child when he wanted to be alone or whenever Nana's hovering and nagging became too much to bear. He would often climb up the tall oak tree in the yard.It was a peaceful escape from the chaos of his everyday life. Upon reaching the huge entrance, he found out that it had been locked with a padlock. The door design was a latch-style lock.He removed his suit and smiled. It was a good thing he could still pick locks.
STUCK WITH PRISCILLAPriscilla walked back to the house dreading her imminent confrontation with her stubborn and opinionated future grandmother-in-law. She passed by the old maid again and completely ignored her this time. But the old maid didn't seem to mind, she just kept smiling. Priscilla entered the house and headed for Nana's chamber to relay the bad news to her. However, the room was empty by the time she got there. She wondered where Nana could be. She headed for the official house bell and rang for the butler, she wasn't about to start searching this big house for the old bitch. The butler emerged from a dark room and arrogantly strode towards her. Priscilla inwardly groaned at the approaching servant. She could not stand his pompous ass. She adjusted her dress unconsciously and faked a smile. "Festus, may I know the whereabouts of the Lady, please," she asked politely, hoping her falsehood wasn't evident. Festus hesitated for a moment, then replied, "I'm sorry, but I
ONCE UPON A GENTLEMANDiana was certain that tongues would wag about her luncheon with Nicholas at the office by the end of the day. But she didn't care. After all, it was her first time being happy with someone.Someone that saw her, that made her feel wanted and cherished. She had been through so much before, but this person made it all worth it. She got feedback from her team that the ad was in good taste and effectively communicated the brand's message.Tired after a long day of work, her phone buzzed with Dr. Lexi's message."Don't give up on him yet. I believe that there is still a chance for him" The message read.Diana was becoming annoyed with Lexi's interference in her life. She deleted the message and put her phone away. Matteo was a closed chapter in her book.Someone knocked on her office door and opened it. It was Nicholas. He peered into her office playfully and smiled at her."What are you up to?" He asked as he came in and sat on the chair across her table."I was jus
THE BLACK HOUNDSurvey. Blend in. Analyze. Extract information. Neutralize.These were the six steps that the Black Hound followed to complete any mission that was given to them, successfully.Each step involved careful planning, execution, and evaluation to ensure maximum efficiency. On the first day of his mission, he disguised himself as a janitor for the company. It had felt almost impossible but he went though with it.The Black Hound had put on a grey uniform with a name tag that read "Steve" and began cleaning the offices. Steve worked diligently, wiping down desks and emptying trash bins. He didn't mind the repetitive work, as it gave him time to think. He also liked the fact that he was in a position where no one would notice him or even suspect him.He took mental pictures of the parking lot and found an anomaly. One particular vehicle did not belong in the parking lot. The Black Hound noted an old blue Camaro.There were certain cars that even businessmen did not ride. The
MATTEO'S BETROTHEDMatteo vowed to get the key to this room from Ella. He had not spent twenty-four hours here yet, this crazy woman was already coming and going into his space as she pleased."Jesus, Priscilla. Ever heard of boundaries," Matteo said, looking annoyed."Matteo, we need to talk," Priscilla said, her voice urgent.Matteo hesitated at the slight desperation he heard in her voice. He had never seen, more or less heard Priscilla sound so worried. His interest was piqued.Matteo signed and rubbed his eyes. He was suddenly exhausted."Alright. Let's hear the bullshit," He said as he walked toward the bed and sat down beside Priscilla."I can assure you, Matteo, I bring nothing but the truth," Priscilla said.Matteo shrugged nonchalantly and made himself comfortable on the bed."Tonight, secrets of your entire family will be revealed, you may not accept what you hear or see but know that you asked for the truth," Priscilla broadly stated."You just told me a bunch of not
BLISSFUL MOMENTSDiana wished she could be in this position forever.When their bodies touched as they watched the stars, she felt secure while holding his hand. She had never felt this kind of connection to anyone before.Nicholas loved the scent of her body, his body vibrated with need but he knew that he had to take it slow. The patient's dog ate the fattest bone. He wanted Diana to enjoy herself with him."It's a beautiful night, Nick," Diana said softly as she leaned into him, she watched the moon longingly."Not as beautiful as you, Diana," Nicholas replied his voice serenely."What did I say about ulterior motives?" Diana joked."Twas only a complement my lady," Nicholas quipped."Flattery will get you nowhere Mr. Nicholas," Diana said.Nicholas laughed and broke contact with her. He went over to where he placed the bottle of wine and poured himself another glass.Diana was glad Nicholas had left her side, she was slightly tipsy and it made her suddenly open to suggestions.
STUCK IN A PITMatteo sat there in stunned silence, unable to comprehend what his grandmother had said."That's enough talking for now, you look like you need time to let it all sink in," Nana said, deeply enjoying her grandson's discomfort."Somebody should not have run away from home," Priscilla jeered."And you've been utterly ineffective in your duty," Nana spat coldly at Priscilla. "You can't even get along with the man you've been betrothed to,"Priscilla clenched her fist in anger but kept mute. Festus the butler walked into the chamber."My Lady, the guest awaits you, dinner is served," He announced.Nana raised her hand and Festus helped her up. Priscilla stood up next. Matteo, lost in thought did not see that everyone was looking at him expectantly.He quickly got up and adjusted his clothes self-consciously. Festus quietly scoffed and led the way to the dining hall. Matteo followed, his mind going into overdrive.The dining room was large and spacious, and so was the table
93. LA MATRONAAt home, she was the dutiful wife and mother.Out of the confines of her home, she went by another identity. Sometimes she was called The Lady and other times, she had a different name.But as she grew older, her alias also changed. La Matrona was that alias and it served her well throughout her run as a successful businesswoman. She was not only the oldest Armani, but she was also the most dangerous.It was why she was very well respected in the underground world of crime. Together with her loyal husband, she had managed to carve out a powerful position.A position that many would buy, kill or die for. She was the head of the Consortium. An organized illegal entity that controlled vast underground networks of crime and corruption.Her husband had been behind the scene of all operations while she played cards with the big boys. It was normal for her to be challenged and this night was no different.Maurice Jover raged at the calmness of Nana. He was riled up by how she