DEIDREI fastened the top button of Matteo's dress shirt and rolled up the sleeves before heading toward the only window in the spacious cabin. The view of the sea was mesmerizing.I wasn't really a fan of the sea. I suppose not knowing how to swim was the main reason, but still, it had always held a fascination for me. I'd always wanted to get a close-up view like this.As I opened the window, letting my head out, a cool breeze tousled my hair, and I heaved out a breath. I straightened up when I heard the door creak open.My brows furrowed as Matteo entered the room. It had been a while since he left, and I hadn't expected him back until evening. He seemed to be in a bad mood, and I wondered who had upset him.I turned away, focusing on the beautiful blue sea, taking a deep breath. I could feel Matteo behind me."Mia Moglie," he whispered, leaning in. His body pressed against my back, his shirt riding up as he held onto my waist."What is it, Matteo?" I murmured, biting my lower lip
DEIRDREAn hour passed after Matteo left, and he never returned. He had reminded me to be outside by 7, and it was already 6 p.m.I tried to ask him where he went, but I never received a response to my text. I even called him, but he didn't pick up the phone. I couldn't help but wonder if he was avoiding me. Maybe. But then, I couldn't think of anything I did wrong to deserve being ignored. Or perhaps I did.Sighing, I walked towards the full-length mirror, took off Matteo's shirt, and slipped into the dress.Its fabric, a lustrous, bright blue satin, seemed to capture the essence of the deep, cerulean sea. The sequins were meticulously arranged in intricate patterns, glimmering like a thousand stars. They caught the low light in a dazzling display, casting prismatic reflections that danced across the room.As I touched the elegantly tailored bodice, my gaze moved to the sweetheart neckline that accentuated the curves of my torso. Delicate straps adorned with tiny crystal beads framed
DEIDRE"Wait," Matteo called out as I headed towards the door. He reached into his pocket, took out a small box, and stepped towards me.Raising my eyebrows, I stared at him as he opened it. Inside was a white gold necklace with a vivid blue sapphire set in platinum, surrounded by brilliant diamonds. It was stunning and undoubtedly costly. I couldn't understand why Matteo was giving me another necklace when I was already wearing one.I shook my head as he approached, and I pointed to the one around my neck. "I already have one.""I want you to have this," He said, getting even closer.I began to shake my head, but he gripped the locket of the necklace, snapping it open. "Kendall," He murmured, his eyes flicking to mine before glancing at his hand. "I still want you to have this," He repeated.Then he stepped behind me, unhooked the necklace from around my neck, and dropped it into his pocket. I felt the coolness of the white gold chain around my neck.After he was done, I looked at m
MATTEOIt was the La Festa dell'Ombra, also known as the festival of shadows. This annual gathering was a secret known only to the most influential and mysterious figures of the underworld. It featured masked revelers, enigmatic performances, and secret ceremonies held in the heart of the cruise ship's hidden chambers.Maybe I shouldn't have brought Deirdre here. I heard the warning in Jackson's voice earlier. Perhaps he had known that Javier, the troublemaker, would be here.Javier was from a rival gang, and he should have known better than to approach Deirdre when she was with me. But he didn't even look apologetic. It was as if he was deliberately taunting me.And why was the ship filled with enemies on all sides?!My eyes narrowed when I spotted three more, each flanking the side where Deirdre was seated.To Deirdre's right, three seats away from her, Enzo Romano sat. He looked at me with intrigue in his granite grey eyes. He was also known as "Silencer" due to his few words but i
DEIRDRE"Are you one of Matteo's friends?" I asked the man who escorted me out of the room. His salt-and-pepper hair was impeccably styled, a dimpled smile on one cheek, and his dark eyes twinkled as he looked down at me.He was tall and muscular, and next to him, I felt very small, like a dwarf. I couldn't help but notice he seemed much closer to Matteo than Javier, even though they didn't seem like friends, much like Lucia had seemed with him."I'm Vittorio De Luca," the man introduced himself. "I can't exactly say we're friends, but we're not foes either."I sighed, shaking my head. "So, he entrusted me to you? What if you do something horrible to me? I mean, you could toss me into the water just for the fun of it.""Why do you think that, darling?" he asked, raising his brows."It's Deirdre," I corrected him, slightly uncomfortable with how both men I'd spoken to tonight had referred to me endearingly.Even though I knew it meant nothing and wasn't a big deal, I didn't enjoy it. I
DEIRDREI jolted as another shot rang out.Now, it was evident to me that it was not a Roman candle definitely going off.It sounded more like a gunshot. I stood by my door with Vittorio beside me. He hadn't left, and he was taking his promise to Matteo seriously. I didn't mind him being with me, especially since whatever was happening outside frightened me.Yet, it seemed like I was the only one afraid. People were still partying. I could hear the music blasting from the old jukebox, but the gunfire was louder, and no one seemed to notice.Suddenly, there was silence. The music was gone, and I didn't hear any screams of people running for safety. Frowning, I turned to Vittorio, my brows raised. "What's happening?""Can you stay here by yourself? Will you promise me not to leave the room?" he asked."I can't make that promise without knowing what's going on. And as for staying in the room, I can't say. Matteo is out there and...""Your husband is fine," Vittorio grunted.I hadn't told
MATTEOWhy didn't the alarm go off yet?I couldn't tell. My eyes narrowed as I watched the engineer working to mitigate potential damage to the ship. Vittorio had described it as minor, but the frantic activity in the engine room suggested otherwise.Stepping away from the engine room, I headed to the wheelhouse. "Where are we? I need our exact location," I asked the captain, sweat coating his face despite the air conditioning."That's the problem. For an hour now, we've been in the middle of nowhere, and...""An hour?" I snapped. And yet, no one had mentioned anything."Yes. We might be at risk of the ship sinking due to the storm. I predict a cyclone is on its way. We can only hope for the best," the captain said."Where's the nearest island from here?" I pressed. I didn't suppose the ship sinking had anything to do with the storm, and I doubted a cyclone was on the way."I wouldn't know," he admitted.Striding towards him, I grabbed him by the shirt and slammed him into the door. "
DEIRDREI doubted it had been a minute since Matteo finished speaking when the heavens opened, unleashing their fury.The once gentle rain now poured heavily, and I could feel the ship's timbre groan in protest.Never did I think this would happen. Today, of all days, seemed like the end for me.I was barely in my prime, with a daughter waiting for me at home, yet here I was in the middle of nowhere – no, stuck on a ship in the midst of a storm.I was going to die; it was evident. I was on the verge of meeting my demise in this unforgiving storm.Throughout my life, I thought I would live fruitful years and die at a ripe age. Perhaps I shouldn't have harbored such thoughts and wishes.Biting my lower lip as it quivered, I turned to Matteo, feeling the grip of his hand on my shoulder."Are you alright?" he asked."You caused this, Matteo," I muttered, my eyes welling with tears."You brought me here against my wishes, and now I'm going to die. I'm leaving Kendall in this cruel world!"