I stand motionless for what seems like forever in front of the one man I have ever allowed to see me naked. Even though my body quivers with trauma, I brazenly allow his gaze to feast upon my body, which I despise admiring.This body has endured various horrors, but it has never let me down. She is unattractive, damaged, and strong.Nonetheless, I feel indebted to her for not failing me.I watch as his jaw ticks, his hands curl and uncurl at his sides, turning his knuckle’s a ghostly shade of white and his icy blue eyes don't look away.His facial expression is impassive, “I-” He starts and finishes at the same time.I dip my head, swaying on my feet as I emotionally and mentally start to feel drained. He lunges forward, “I've got you, amore mio.” He whispers roughly as he catches me with open arms. Lifting me into his arms, he removes a cotton dressing robe from the rack near the shower door and drapes it over my shivering body.“I vow that the bastardo will never hurt you or any

“No, I’m not lying, I promise you.” The sound of a gun cocking next to my ears causes me to flinch and my body to go numb. “A life for a life, you lying little witch!” BANG!!---My body jolts upright, a scream caught in my throat as my skin glistens with perspiration. My breaths come in ragged gasps, my heart hammering against my chest with a force that threatens to break free.The discomfort is almost unbearable, but I grit my teeth and endure it nonetheless.The throbbing sensation of my protruding neck veins is accompanied by a pounding headache. I feel hot. Then in a split second, I begin to shiver like a bucket of cold water has been thrown over me and my body begins to shake in silent tremors. I feel like I'm suffocating. Where is Alessandro? He vowed he would be here, he said he would pull me out of my nightmares.He lied. Of course, he did. So why does the sudden feeling of doubt and being let down feel so new and raw? With a sudden jolt, I heave myself out of bed a

I stand from the table and I follow him. “Alessandro, Alessandro, wait.” He comes to an abrupt halt, but he doesn't bother to turn around and face me or utter a single word.I stop a few feet behind him. “I’m sorry,” I apologise quietly. “It was insensitive of me, and I’ll admit when I’m in the wrong.”His shoulders rise and fall with every breath he takes, and I can sense his anguish slowly spiralling out of control. He snarls, running his hand through his freshly showered hair. “It’s fine.” He tilts his head upwards, blowing air out of his nose. I reach out and place my hand on his shoulder, gingerly. “I truly am sorry. It's… When Savannah indicated that she wanted to cook lasagna for you, I was sceptical until she mentioned Rose, who used to make it for you regularly. Although I was a child at the time, I do recall being in the car with Mum when she dropped Rose off at your old villa. I followed Rose to the same villa when our father threw her out onto the street.” My voice qu

ALESSANDRO, AKA DON VALENTINO.I brush a weary hand over my face, feeling the dizziness take hold as my steps begin to sway. Perhaps I had indulged in a few too many bourbons at the hotel's bar after all.As I walk down the hallway to my room, I use the wall to keep me upright. Ivy caught me off guard with the special little dinner she and my sweet Savannah had made for me tonight.I don’t know what got into me.Taking a stroll down memory lane isn't my all-time favourite place to visit. Some scars have never fully healed, and I refuse to reopen the ones that have over the years. “Capo.” Gios’ voice bellows with a hint of panic.I raise my head, meeting his gaze as he waits outside my hotel suite. “What is it?” I mutter. “I.., uh…” he pauses, his brain trying to find the right words to soften the blow of what he's about to say. “Spit it out, Giovanni. I'm tired and drunk.” I slap him on the back as I reach his side. He wraps an arm around my waist, steadying me as I try to swipe t

Swoosh… “I'm… awake… you, arsehole!” I mutter through chattering teeth as I glare at my captor, who is still donning a mask. “Oh, trust me, mil, I know. But you wreak, and this is my way of cleaning you.” He hums, then starts to whistle a tune. Swoosh… He tosses another bucket full of cold water over my shivering body and I grind my teeth trying not to scream. I don't want to give him the pleasure of knowing that he's causing me grief. “And you couldn't have used warm water?” I shiver uncontrollably as my teeth chatter. “Nope. I am not here for your pleasure. I am here to semi-clean the filth you have created in my basement. Besides, if you open your mouth, you'll be able to catch some water.” He puts the bucket down and starts to scrub the concrete ground with a hard bristle broom. “I'm not going to live, am I?” I whisper in defeat. He stops and looks at his watch. “We still have a few hours left.” He mutters and carries on with what he was doing. “That's a no, then.” “