LEONARDO'S POVRosalina answered her phone, her beautiful face turning distant and aloof. She glanced at my direction before looking outside the window. I followed her gaze and saw that bastard was glaring at me with a murderous intent. I was all too familiar with that look, many men had given me that look before, before I plummeted them to near death.I didn't think twice before I snatched the phone from her hand. "Hey!""Listen here, you punk," I growled into the phone, my New York accent thickening with each word. "You're interrupting our date and I ain't got time for your bullshit. So why don't you crawl back into whatever hole you came from and leave us the hell alone?"Sebastian's voice on the other end of the line was cold and threatening. "Stay out of her life. She doesn't deserve a brat like you."I couldn't help but let out a dark chuckle. "Too good for me? Is that what you think, tough guy? Let me tell you something. Rosalina's a big girl, she can make her own damn decision

ROSALINA'S POVI stood in the bustling kitchen, surrounded by the familiar aromas of simmering sauces and freshly baked bread. Nonna, my beloved grandmother, commanded the chaos with graceful ease, her weathered hands expertly maneuvering pots and pans.As I carefully sliced tomatoes for Nonna's famous marinara sauce, a thought escaped my lips before I could stop it. "I'm never getting married," I declared, my voice carrying a hint a rebellion.Nonna's hands faltered for a moment, a tiny gasp escaping her thin lips. She turned to face me, her eyes searching mine for any sign of jest. Finding none, a disapproving frown creased her forehead. "Don't be ridiculous, every woman should get married."I met Nonna's gaze head-on. I admired her for the strength she possessed, for the life she had built for herself. But somewhere within me, a fire burned fiercely, igniting the desire to forge my own path, untouched by societal norms imposed by the Cosa Nostra. I was pretty sure I would be the ne

ROSALINA'S POVI sat on the pool lounger, the afternoon breeze gently caressed my skin, carrying the soft scent of blooming flowers from Nonna's garden. While Isabella and Elizabetta were luxuriating in the pool, enjoying their refreshing dip, Benito decided to partake in some aquatic mischief by perching on the edge and unleashing a tidal wave of splashes upon the unsuspecting duo.The cool water droplets from Benito's splashes landed on my legs, sending a shiver up my spine, even in the warm evening air. I let out a laugh as Isabella and Elizabetta squealed in surprise and tried to retaliate with their own splashes."Why don't you go and join them?"I looked up to see Uncle Ricky smiling at me. Whenever I saw him, I couldn't help but see my Papa in that smile."Too childish," I said. The truth was, I wasn't in the mood for immature splashing. My mind was still preoccupied with the intense conversation we had at yesterday dinner.Uncle Ricardo settled into the seat beside me on the p

[TRIGGER WARNING: Violence ahead.]LEONARDO'S POVI descended into the dimly lit basement of the nightclub, a stale odor of spilled beer and musty dampness filled the air. The flickering fluorescent lights cast eerie shadows dancing against the graffiti-covered walls. The sound of muffled music from the dancefloor above vibrated through the floorboards, creating a disorienting cacophony. Enzo stood in the center of the room with his eyes fixed on a figure huddled in the corner. Carlo, his consigliere stood beside him with his arms behind his back, his bald head shining under the light."We caught the rat," Carlo said as he turned his head at me. "We needed some information, but this rat is one stubborn son of a bitch."With every stride, I sensed the eagerness sizzling in the atmosphere, a shiver of exhilaration running through my blood. Tonight was going to be a different kind of interrogation, and I was ready to take the reins."Let me be the bad cop this time," I declared. Enzo l

ROSALINA'S POVA wave of relief washed over me as Mr. Bennett announced my name. This was it, my chance to be a part of the New York Ballet Company. I couldn't help but glance over at Liora, hoping to catch a glimpse of her reaction. But her face remained impassive, giving nothing away. How odd. She gave the most authentic-looking expression on stage, but off-stage, she was an ice-queen."Congratulations, Liora," I said.She smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes. "Thank you," she replied curtly, almost as if she was disappointed. "You were really good up there," she commented, almost grudgingly."Thanks," I replied, trying to keep the conversation light. "You were incredible too. Your performance was so... gripping. It was hard to take one's eyes off you," It was true. Liora had the elegance in her which I clearly lacked. I ought to aspire to be that cool, feminine part of me and Liora was her.She subtly rolled her eyes, seemingly dismissing the praise. "Yeah, well, we'll see what Mr.