VITO D'ANGELO by Alexa Steel - FULL DARK MAFIA ROMANCE AUDIOBOOK
VITO D'ANGELO by Alexa Steel - FULL DARK MAFIA ROMANCE AUDIOBOOK
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Short filmTranscript
00:00:00Vito. Bailed in shadows, she stalks the night, her identity concealed behind a mask.
00:00:06The Black Shadow, a deadly assassin feared by all who cross her path.
00:00:10With a cold, calculating gaze and a heart hardened by a lifetime of pain and betrayal,
00:00:16she is an enigma, a merciless killer with an untraceable reputation.
00:00:21But when a powerful mafia boss demands a meeting,
00:00:24she finds herself drawn into a dangerous game of cat and mouse.
00:00:28Vito D'Angelo is a man shrouded in mystery,
00:00:32his icy blue eyes and chiseled features promising both exquisite pleasure and untold suffering.
00:00:37As the head of the most ruthless crime syndicate, his very presence commands respect and instills
00:00:42terror. Drawn to each other's darkness, an intense and forbidden attraction ignites.
00:00:49As they engage in a sensual dance of dominance and submission,
00:00:53neither can deny the addictive pull between them. But with deadly rivals and unforgiving
00:00:58enemies at every turn, surrendering to this feeling could prove not only dangerous, but fatal.
00:01:05Can the Black Shadow let down her guard long enough to trust the Mafia King?
00:01:11Chapter 1. Vito.
00:01:14I wake up to a splitting headache and run my hands over my face as the night's events
00:01:18come back like a wave. Just how much did I drink? I remember getting angry after finding a mole
00:01:25among my men. I was always so careful when it comes to choosing people to work for me,
00:01:31but I must have missed something. Liz, the blonde I often slept around with,
00:01:35tried to make me release but took too long so I sent her off. She can be a good fuck sometimes,
00:01:41but she's grown a liking to me and I don't have time to deal with her shit.
00:01:46I quickly shower and put on my signature outfit, black suit with a white dress shirt underneath.
00:01:51I decided on no tie today.
00:01:54Morning Vito, did you sleep well? My mom asks as I walk into the kitchen.
00:02:00My mother is not actually my biological mom, but she raised me since I was like two months old,
00:02:06so I would say she's pretty much my real mother. My biological mother didn't want me,
00:02:11and apparently I was a product of one of my father's one night stands.
00:02:16And that is why I take extra precaution when having sex. You never know.
00:02:22Not so good mama, I tell her and she looks at me understanding what I mean.
00:02:27Shit, she probably saw me drunk last night. She doesn't like when I drink too much
00:02:32and I hate to disappoint her. Someone has a hangover, Rose my sister says in a sing-song
00:02:37voice. She can be annoying sometimes but I love her so much. You're gonna be an alcoholic at that
00:02:44rate. Here have this. It's supposed to ease the hangover. It's honey with warm water, my mom says,
00:02:52handing me a cup. You really should stop fucking around and settle down Vito. You're a mafia leader
00:02:59with a lot of responsibilities and I believe a wife will help you come to your senses.
00:03:05I suggest you find someone soon, my father says. Luca D'Angelo, the mafia king, the most ruthless
00:03:11and heartless man known to earth, yet so soft when it comes to my mom. No one thought he would fall
00:03:17in love but here we are now. I took over the mafia when I was 22 and people say I'm even more cruel
00:03:24than my father is. I have no intentions of getting married, papa. I say, sitting at the table while
00:03:31my mom sets my plate down in front of me. She made pancakes, my favorite. You'll have to eventually.
00:03:39If you don't find someone soon, I might have to make you marry that blonde you always sleep with.
00:03:44What's her name, Liz or something? Fuck no. I shout, banging my fists on my table.
00:03:52Enough both of you. My mom exclaims, pointing at the both of us. My dad is smirking. He knows what
00:03:59he did. He always gets on my nerves to try and get a reaction from me. My sister looks at us and
00:04:06giggles softly. Your dad is right, Vito. You really should get married soon, my mom says looking at me.
00:04:14I sigh, saying I'm not interested in anyone, mama. You just haven't found the one yet but you will
00:04:20soon, she says with a small smile. My mom has always believed in romance and true love but the thing is
00:04:27love has no place in this kind of lifestyle. It's undeserving. My mom has always wanted me to fall
00:04:34in love someday but I think I'm incapable of loving anyone apart from my family. I don't do
00:04:41relationships and I don't do love. The rest of the meal continues in silence until I leave for work.
00:04:48I get in my Audi R8 and drive to our base which looks just like a normal building.
00:04:53Some of my men live in the apartments upstairs and all the work goes on underground.
00:04:59Boss. My men greet me as I walk into the meeting room. Update me. I was never one for small talk
00:05:06and always got straight to the point. The trade went well with the French but one of our shipments
00:05:12in New York got stolen again. We assume it's the Wolves, says Val, my right-hand man and my best
00:05:17friend. Alright, get the plane ready, we leave tonight. Let's end them once and for all. I quickly
00:05:25catch up on some calls and check my emails for the rest of the day. Just as I am signing my
00:05:30paperwork, I hear heels clinking outside the door before a puff of blonde hair appears.
00:05:36Baby, I missed you. Liz says, walking towards me and swaying her hips seductively, trying hard to
00:05:42get my attention. Yeah, she has a nice body and shit but she's just too much. Caked with makeup
00:05:48and always trying to have sex, even when I tell her I'm not in the mood. I told you not to barge
00:05:54in like that. Do I have to repeat myself every time? I say, still not looking at her. Sorry babe,
00:06:02I was in a hurry to see you, she says, standing behind me and trailing her hands down my back.
00:06:08Don't come here anymore, starting from today. But you know you want me. I can make you feel good,
00:06:14she says, pouting. Just as I'm about to retort, someone knocks on my door.
00:06:20Come in. Val, what is it? I ask him as he walks in. Black Shadow. We found him. About time.
00:06:30Black Shadow is an assassin who's known to be extremely skilled. I've been finding him for
00:06:36years but he remains in the shadows, no name, no pictures, nothing. I really want him on my team.
00:06:42My men were the best but they could really use some improvement. Where is he? New York. Great,
00:06:50we can go meet him tomorrow. Where do we find him? The Blaze. Blaze, what is he doing there?
00:06:59The Blaze is one of my underground fighting rings where I choose recruits from.
00:07:04I heard he goes there from time to time. He hasn't been there in years but I got intel
00:07:09that he'll be there tomorrow night. Good job. Call Brian and tell him we'll be there.
00:07:15With that I dismissed him along with Liz and decided to call it a day. I went home and spent
00:07:21a few hours in my gym before taking a shower. Hey, dinner's ready, Rose says. Coming.
00:07:30We all sit and eat while my parents talk about random things.
00:07:34I'm leaving for New York tonight, I tell my parents and notice my mom's expression change.
00:07:40She gets anxious when I leave them for missions and whatnot.
00:07:43She understands it's inevitable in this line of work but she worries too much.
00:07:49The wolves? My dad asks. Probably. They're the only ones trying to steal from us at the moment.
00:07:57Find them and make them pay is all he said. I'll be fine, mama. It's just a simple mission.
00:08:04I know, she sighs, just stay safe and don't get hurt. Alright. I'll be back as soon as possible.
00:08:12I'll call you when I get there. Okay? She nods and smiles at me.
00:08:18My flight is in two hours so I have some time to pack and get ready.
00:08:22It's the next day and we're invading the wolves' base tonight.
00:08:26No one touches my belongings and gets away. I will make them pay. How dare a small gang
00:08:32steal from us? Ready, I ask my men. They all nod and hold their guns in front of them,
00:08:40ready to enter. You around the back. They'll come with me. In minutes, my men have cleared
00:08:47everyone on the perimeter except the leader. Alfred Wolfe. What a pleasure to finally meet
00:08:53the man who decided to steal from me. W.H. What do you want? If it's the shipment,
00:09:00take it back, I don't care. Just let me live. I laugh at his idiocy. You really think I'll let
00:09:08you live? His eyes go wide and he trembles from fear between my two men. I walk closer to him
00:09:15and bend so I'm only inches away from his face. No one steals from me and lives. I. Will. Make.
00:09:24You. Pay. Tie him up and take him away, Val orders the men and they drag him away.
00:09:31Now to meet the Shadow.
00:09:35Chapter Two
00:09:36I pretend to sip on my drink and look at the man in the other side of the room,
00:09:41eyeing me like a snack. I walk towards him, making sure he's watching me and sit on his lap.
00:09:47His hands go round my waist, landing on my ass. I hook my hands behind his neck.
00:09:53What's a pretty girl like you doing here? Doing what I do best, I whisper in his ear
00:09:59and discreetly slip out my pocket knife from my sleeve before slitting his throat.
00:10:04I call the number and I get paid instantly. This is what I do best. I'm known as the Black Shadow,
00:10:11because no one knows who I am and that's exactly my intentions. No one has seen my real face for
00:10:17years. I'm a freelance assassin and I always use prosthetics to disguise myself. So far I've been
00:10:24able to hide, but I know they're still looking for me and they're getting closer. I'll have to
00:10:29move soon. I actually like this city, but I guess we don't always get what we want. It's my last
00:10:36week here. I might as well spend my remaining nights at The Blaze. The owner, Brian, is the
00:10:43only person I talk to there. Brian doesn't know my story and he hasn't actually seen my face,
00:10:49as I always wear a mask and hoodie when I go there. He only knows that I'm a woman and known
00:10:55as the Black Shadow. Some of my clients go there too. I rush through the busy streets and finally
00:11:02make it to my destination. The Blaze is actually a fighting ring disguised as a club. The music is
00:11:09blaring and the lights are messing with my eyesight. This is why I don't like clubs. There's
00:11:15no fun at all, just a lot of people grinding on each other. I weave my way between the sweaty
00:11:21bodies and finally make it to the stairs. I could have entered from the back alleyway, but something
00:11:27was telling me not to. Plus, I could use a drink before I fight. I quickly order a drink at the bar
00:11:34and down it all at once. The ring looks normal. Men betting on the fighters as they attack each
00:11:41other in the ring. Brian walks to me as soon as he sees me enter the place. Black. Been a long time.
00:11:50Yeah, been kinda busy. Got anyone for me? Actually yes, he doesn't usually come here,
00:11:57but he's here today. I nod and get ready to fight. Black wait. I turn to look at him,
00:12:05and he pulls me to a corner. There's someone who wants to meet you. A client. He wants to hire you.
00:12:14Brian, you know I don't meet my clients. You can let him call me. He insists on seeing you.
00:12:21Please Black. He's one of my close acquaintances, and he's big. You'll be making a lot.
00:12:28I groan in annoyance. Fine, but only because you've helped me many times. Thank you. Now go,
00:12:36you're next. I drop my bag on the bench in the corner and start wrapping my hands. I spot a
00:12:42group of men in black suits walk in and take a seat at the other end of the room. Once I'm done,
00:12:48I climb into the ring and take my position. My opponent is a tall man with large muscles.
00:12:54He looks extremely fit and just perfect. I love an equal challenge. I hate fighting with rookies.
00:13:02The men start to bet, most taking my side, as usual. I throw a punch to the man's side,
00:13:08catching him off guard. He quickly reciprocates with a series of punches,
00:13:12which I easily block. I try to kick him, but he grabs my foot and pushes me hard,
00:13:18making me lose my balance. I shake it off and punch his stomach, making him grunt.
00:13:23He throws a left hook, hitting my temple hard. I quickly shake it off and throw a right hook
00:13:29to his face, making his head turn to the side. In one swift movement, he tackles me to the ground,
00:13:35knocking all the air out of my lungs. Before he can trap me, I wrap my legs around his neck,
00:13:40and using the momentum, I push him down. He tries to escape, but I trap him with my hands.
00:13:46I won the match in the end, and the man was smirking, impressed.
00:13:51Good game, he says, and I just nod before walking to the locker to get cleaned up.
00:13:56I do the necessities and look in the mirror. He didn't do much damage,
00:14:01but there's a small cut on my lip. Brian drags me to his office before I can escape,
00:14:07and I am met with a pair of tantalizing blue eyes. These are the men that I saw a while ago,
00:14:13and the man I just fought. The man, whom I assume is the leader, sits at the table, watching me.
00:14:19He has really dark brown hair, and he has a nice body. I can see the muscles straining
00:14:24against his shirt. Tattoos peep from his neck, and everything about him screams power and wealth.
00:14:31Black Shadow, it is finally so nice to meet you. You beat my best men, I'm impressed.
00:14:38I don't reply and sit in front of him. He eyes me for a minute before speaking,
00:14:43I have a proposal for you. I want you to join my team, I could really use your help.
00:14:49And what do I get in return? I ask. He looks surprised, and so does every one other man in
00:14:56the room, except Brian of course. Oh right, they don't know I'm a woman. What? Didn't think I'm a
00:15:04woman? Never even crossed your mind cause women can't fight. The man from earlier tries to speak
00:15:11but instantly shuts his mouth. No no, it's not like that. So um you get a car and six thousand
00:15:17dollars per week. Per week? I ask astonished. Yep, and you get a place to stay. How long?
00:15:27I'm hoping a long time. And who are you? Vito D'Angelo, Mafia King aka capo of the Italian
00:15:35Mafia, the man from earlier says. Oh and I'm Valentino Ricci, by the way. Shit. The Vito
00:15:43D'Angelo. The Mafia. The kind of people I'm staying away from. This is more complicated than I
00:15:51expected. I'll think about it, I finally say after moments of silence. Chapter Three. The moment she
00:16:01began to speak, I was extremely surprised. The thought that Black Shadow could be a woman never
00:16:06crossed my mind. I couldn't see her face but everything about her intrigued me, the way she
00:16:12talked, the way she crossed her legs and the way her black eyes pierced mine. I'll think about it,
00:16:17she says nonchalantly. She was calm even after Val told her who I was.
00:16:23Most people would cower in fear if they heard my name. What's there to think about? I ask confused.
00:16:31If she knew things about the Mafia, she should be happy I'm recruiting her. She would become a part
00:16:37of the most powerful Mafia and yet she wants to think. I offered her six thousand dollars which
00:16:43is more than what most of my men get and yet she's hesitant. This woman is a mystery, a mystery I
00:16:49have yet to solve. Look, if you join me you'll be a part of the most powerful Mafia, meaning you won't
00:16:56have to worry about anything. You'll have enough money and most of all I take good care of my
00:17:02members, there's nothing to worry about. So if you decide to join us, give Val a call and he'll come
00:17:08pick you up. That won't be necessary, just give me the address and I'll be there. Great. Also one last
00:17:17thing, our base is in Italy. She nods and with that we get up to leave. Brian updates us on the club
00:17:24and new recruits and we are soon on our way to the hotel. I get in the elevator to go to my penthouse
00:17:31where Val joins me and we sit for a drink. You know the Spanish have been trying to take over
00:17:37the major Mafia families. That sick fuck's power thirsty. He kidnaps the leader's wives and daughters,
00:17:44it's a matter of time before he comes after us. Val says. My hands ball up in fists as I think
00:17:51about the time when they kidnapped my mom and sister to try and get to me. Luckily we got them
00:17:57out but they definitely will come after us again. I notice Val's jaw clenching. He hates him just as
00:18:04much as I do, even more, and he has every reason to. We need a plan. He's smarter than we think he is
00:18:11but we must always be a step ahead. Tell Ciro to find their location as soon as possible.
00:18:18Alexandria. It's dark by the time I make it to my small apartment. I don't have many belongings,
00:18:25not even a car. Most of the money I have is saved up for when I have to move again.
00:18:32After I met Vito, I started rethinking my decision of moving. I really didn't want to be
00:18:38involved with the Mafia but this man is more powerful than him. It might just be my chance
00:18:43to stop running and settle down. But could I really? Life has always been a bitch to me.
00:18:50I spent the rest of the night pondering about the proposal. I would be moving to another country
00:18:56and they won't be able to track me. Finally coming to the solution that I can at least
00:19:01have a chance at revenge, it made me calm and I gave in to sleep. The next morning,
00:19:07I took a shower and put on my outfit for the day. Finishing the look with a leather jacket,
00:19:13I make my way to the address they gave me. In a short amount of time I'm at the hotel
00:19:19calling the number I was given, probably Valentino's. He answers on the third ring
00:19:25and tells me to take the elevator to the penthouse. As soon as the bell dings and the
00:19:30door opens, I'm immediately met with blue eyes. You came he says. You made the right decision.
00:19:38If you're ready, let's go. Go where? I ask. I just came here. Italy. A man appears to take
00:19:47my luggage and I follow Vito to his car. He gets in the seat beside me and the driver pulls out
00:19:54of the parking lot. So tell me about yourself, he says glancing at me as we move through the
00:19:59busy streets. There's nothing to talk about. You know who I am? Yes but what's your name then?
00:20:08You can call me Black. Alright how old are you? 24. But seriously, I'll need your name if you're
00:20:16going to be working with me, he says with a serious expression on his face. Alex Portman.
00:20:23That's it? Seriously, I need to know more than that. He says, annoyed that I'm not giving away
00:20:30anything. You'll be doing a background check on me anyways, I say. Okay that's fair I guess.
00:20:38The rest of the ride is silent and we finally make it to the airport. Valentino is already
00:20:44waiting there with some other men and we make our way to his private plane or whatever.
00:20:50The plane is huge and really luxurious I must say. The interiors are black with huge off-white
00:20:55leather seats and a room at the end. I sit across Vito with Valentino beside him. I either look out
00:21:03the window the whole time or sleep. Vito just stares at his laptop the rest of the way. I'm
00:21:09soon awoken by Valentino who tells me we have arrived. Vito walks out of the room accompanied
00:21:15by a very flustered flight attendant with messy hair and her shirt crumpled up. Only God knows
00:21:21what they did there. A car is waiting at the airport and we are soon escorted to a huge
00:21:27mansion. The house is magnificent. There's a fountain in the garden and so many rose bushes
00:21:33in its perimeter. Chapter 4. Vito. My mom and dad are waiting for me on the porch when we arrive.
00:21:43Vito. You're back. My mom says rushing to hug me. Good job son, my dad says as usual. And who may
00:21:52this angel be Vito dear? My mom asks as she walks over to Alex's side. This is Alex. She's the
00:22:00newest addition to our team. Lovely. It's nice to meet you dear. I'm MIA, Vito's mother. That is
00:22:09Luca my husband and that's Rose over there, Vito's sister, she says introducing everyone.
00:22:15It's nice to meet you. You have a lovely home, Alex says trying to be polite. My mom tried to
00:22:22hug Alex but she flinched. I'm sorry. I'm just so happy Vito finally officially brought a woman home.
00:22:31It's about time, my dad added smirking at me. It's not like that mama. I just didn't want her to stay
00:22:38at the apartments because she'd be the only girl there and you know how the guys are, I explain.
00:22:44I can handle myself, I heard Alex mutter. Rose dear, will you kindly show Alex to her room
00:22:50upstairs? Rose quickly ran to her side and dragged her away talking excitedly. I knew
00:22:56Rose would like her. My sister was never one to have friends. That's not the only reason is it?
00:23:03Val asks from behind me but I ignore him and walk away. I quickly followed Alex and I heard
00:23:09laughter come from her room. My sister decided to give her the room opposite mine. Maybe it was a
00:23:16bad idea bringing her here. She wore a cap the whole way here and the only time she took it off
00:23:22was on the plane and car. It's like she's hiding something and I'm determined to find out. She is
00:23:28beautiful I must admit unlike any other woman I've ever seen. She has the perfect figure and
00:23:35her hair looks so soft and smooth I just want to run my hands through it. I couldn't stop watching
00:23:40her during our trip so I had to make a flight attendant distract not that she did a good job
00:23:45of getting my eyes off the black haired raven. You like the room? I ask walking in. Yep.
00:23:53All right I'll let you settle in. Dinner is in an hour. I left her room and drove to our base
00:24:00so I could deal with Wolf. Val is already waiting for me. I quickly remove my jacket and walk into
00:24:07the dark cell. He had already beaten him up and Wolf looks terrible. Who ordered you? I ask getting
00:24:15straight into the point. What? I didn't take orders from anyone. Oh yeah? Last time I checked
00:24:24you were just a small little amateur gang. Where did you get the confidence to steal from me?
00:24:30He remains silent and stares at the ground. Let's try again. Who did it? I ask dragging
00:24:37my knife down the side of his face drawing some blood. No one he says with gritted teeth.
00:24:43I immediately stab him hard in the legs and side. Tell me. Who is it? I shout in his face.
00:24:52I don't know. I got a message telling me to steal from you. That's it. He also told me to tell you
00:25:00that he will come for you. I stab him in the other leg making blood drip onto the cement.
00:25:06I, I don't know anything. I swear. Please don't kill me. He pleaded. Burn him. I walked out of
00:25:16the room Val following close behind. Rafael Morales. I will kill that fucker. I say clenching
00:25:24my fists. Ciro will be here next week. He says he will track him then. Val says handing me a
00:25:31towel to wipe the blood off. Alexandria. I like Rosé. She's nice and a baddie just like me.
00:25:40I think that's why we clicked the moment we met. Everything has been so nice. The room is so cozy
00:25:47with a huge bed with silk sheets, white walls with dark gray accents. The view is amazing too.
00:25:53There are acres of vineyards at the back of the house and the setting sun just makes it look even
00:25:58more beautiful. I know I'll have to tell Vito about my past eventually but I'm just not ready
00:26:04yet. I take a quick shower and change into more comfortable clothing. I put on a fuzzy white
00:26:11lounge set and Vito informs me that dinner is ready. The rest of his family is already seated
00:26:17and his mom smiles at me. The meal is delicious and Rose keeps me entertained. Vito is silent
00:26:24during the whole meal and he occasionally glances at me but that's all. After dinner,
00:26:30I offer to do the dishes but Mia refuses. Come. I'll show you around, Vito says as he leads me
00:26:37through the hallway. Once we finish the tour, he follows me into my room and shuts the door.
00:26:43In the blink of an eye, he has me trapped against the wall. You're hiding something, aren't you?
00:26:49He asks with a scowl on his face. I can see the specks in his eye glisten.
00:26:55He looks just like his father but a lot more attractive and intimidating.
00:27:00I don't reply and glare at him. It doesn't matter. I'll find out soon enough. He's so close I can
00:27:08feel his breath on my face. We stare at each other for a few seconds before he leaves.
00:27:14What the hell was that? I know he's going to find out soon but I just don't know how to tell him.
00:27:20He'll probably kick me out if he finds out. Did I make the wrong decision coming here?
00:27:27I just decide to forget everything and go with the flow. I've already come this far. I can't
00:27:33back out now. Chapter 5. Vito.
00:27:39The next morning. Morning Mama, I greet and kiss my mom's cheek. Morning Vito. I notice Alex helping
00:27:48my mom with breakfast. Oh hey Alex. I didn't know you were awake, I say, attempting to be somewhat
00:27:55nice. Hey, she says before turning back to make the sandwiches. You're coming with me to the base
00:28:02today. You can train and show our men some moves. Alright, I'll get ready after breakfast. We soon
00:28:09arrive at the base and I enter with Alex and Val close behind. My men are gathered in the hall
00:28:15waiting for me. Alright, I have someone I want you all to meet. This is Alex and she will be
00:28:22helping you improve your fighting skills, I announce getting annoying glances from my men.
00:28:27A woman. One of them says. I bet she can't even handle a gun, another man says in agreement.
00:28:35Alex is about to say something back but I cut in. You may have all heard of Black Shadow and this
00:28:41is her. She beat Valentino easily so she can beat all your asses with no effort. So you will treat
00:28:48her with respect. Do you understand? I say sternly. My men understand when I use that tone.
00:28:57They don't dare to disrespect me because they know the consequences. Yes, sir, they say.
00:29:04Alright, let's start. Alex joins me in the ring and wraps her hands as I wrap mine.
00:29:10You will watch her movements and learn, I say to my men stepping in and taking my place.
00:29:15Just as I'm about to turn back to her, Alex throws a left hook catching me off guard.
00:29:20Rule number one, catch your opponent off guard. And also stay alert and stay focused at all times,
00:29:26she says. You play dirty, I tell her and she chuckles. She does a few moves as the men watch
00:29:33and she teaches them things like mindset and mentality. I've never actually taught my men
00:29:38much apart from fighting and strength so they could use the change. Alex does have really
00:29:44great point of views on the whole mindset thing. Fear is only in our heads. It's just an illusion
00:29:50so don't be afraid of something you can't see, she says. Be confident when fighting and be
00:29:56observant. It helps a lot more than you think. You're pretty good, better than I expected,
00:30:03I say and she smirks. You're not so bad yourself, Mr. D'Angelo, she says trailing her hands down
00:30:09my chest. I got so caught up staring at her sparkling eyes I didn't notice her movements
00:30:15until she tackles me to the ground in one swift move. Tip number two, distract your opponent,
00:30:22she says and smiles smugly. And that is why you should focus, I conclude. Now go practice in pairs.
00:30:29I'm gonna get you back, I say and she laughs. She has a pretty laugh and I wish she smiles more.
00:30:35You look beautiful when you smile. The words slip out of my mouth before I can stop myself
00:30:41and she shakes her head solemnly. Her smile falters as she looks deep in thought.
00:30:46I ignore it and turn over so I'm now on top of her with the hands pinned above her head.
00:30:52I'll do everything I can to see more of that smile, I whisper before standing and pulling her up.
00:30:58We clean up and I give her a quick tour of the base. The men live in the apartments upstairs
00:31:04and the ones with families live in a different building. I explain as we walk towards my office.
00:31:10Alexandria. It's the next day and I'm sitting in front of Vito in his office as he explains how
00:31:16their mafia works and what they deal. I heard him mention the name Rafael and I stiffened but
00:31:22hopefully he doesn't catch on. Around afternoon he tells me he has more work and Valentino takes
00:31:28me home. I spend the rest of the day in my room binge-watching Netflix. It's been a few hours
00:31:35and I decided to make use of Vito's gym downstairs. I get changed into my workout clothes which are
00:31:41just a simple pair of leggings paired with a sports bra, the usual. I take my place in front
00:31:47of the sandbag and throw a few punches. You're no daughter of mine, he spat. I never wanted you.
00:31:55I never asked to be born, I muttered under my breath. What did you say? I said I never asked
00:32:02to be your daughter. You insolent bitch. How dare you talk like that? He raised his hand and it
00:32:09landed on my cheek with a sound that echoed the large halls. My mother was crying in the corner
00:32:15and trying to pull him away from me. I was used to this. My mother was used to this.
00:32:22She always stuck up for me but always ended up getting hurt. Mom don't. I say through gritted
00:32:29teeth. He'll hurt you. The bag's gonna fall if you continue at that rate, a deep voice said from
00:32:35behind me. I was so caught up in my thoughts and letting out all my pent-up anger that I didn't
00:32:41notice Vito walk in and watch me. What's got you so worked up? Nothing. What are you doing here?
00:32:50Aren't you supposed to work or something? I ask. Yeah, kind of finished early. Who taught you how
00:32:57to fight? He asks, handing me a bottle of water. My mom. Your mom? That's unexpected. How come?
00:33:07I guess it just happened. Um, dinner should be ready soon. You should clean up.
00:33:14Okay. I'm at the dinner table but my mind is elsewhere. I can't help but wonder if they've
00:33:20found me or if they're coming after me soon. I can't be found and there's still the matter of
00:33:26telling Vito. Can I trust him enough or will my plans backfire? Hey, I feel Vito's hand on mine
00:33:35as he rubs it gently. You okay? Hm. Are you alright? You kinda zoned out for a bit.
00:33:44Oh yeah. Sorry. Yay. I'm fine. Just thinking about some stuff. Alright then. Eat. Before the food
00:33:55gets cold. I nod and dig in. Mia's cooking is incredible. I swear she's the best chef apart
00:34:02from my mom. Chapter 6. Vito. My mind can't stop wandering to that time where I saw Alex
00:34:12punching and kicking at the bag so angrily a few days ago. I feel like she's hiding something big
00:34:18but I really don't know. I guess I'll try to find out when Ciro arrives tomorrow. Alex is sexy and
00:34:25so damn attractive. I'll give her that. But something tells me she's dangerous. My instincts
00:34:32are telling me to stay away but I just can't. The mystery behind those black eyes keeps drawing me
00:34:37in and there's nothing I can do to stop it. You know that feeling when you want to step into the
00:34:43darkness but don't know what it holds. Alex is like that, inviting me yet making me wary of her.
00:34:50For now, I need to focus on strengthening my alliances so that we'll be ready if we ever
00:34:55need their help. It's past midnight and I just arrived home. Everyone is asleep and the house
00:35:02is quiet. Just as I'm about to enter my room, I hear whimpers coming from Alex's room. Alex?
00:35:10I call out, opening the door a bit so I can see. She's thrashing in the bed and her whimpers are
00:35:16getting louder. Please don't, don't, she cries. Please don't let me go. I hurriedly rush to her
00:35:22side and shake her. Alex? Alex? Hey. It's me, Vito. It's me. She wakes up with a startle
00:35:33and I notice the tears falling down her face as soon as the moonlight reflects on them.
00:35:38As soon as she recognizes me, she hugs me and cries into my chest. I just hold her and run
00:35:44my fingers through her hair, not knowing what to do. She's shaking uncontrollably and she probably
00:35:50sobs for a good few minutes and I just let her. You're okay now. You're okay. I whisper into her
00:35:57ear. She calms down after a while and peels herself away from me. I'm sorry. I didn't mean
00:36:05to wake you, she says looking down at her lap. No, no, don't be sorry. I just got home. Are you
00:36:12okay though? I ask, tilting her face so I can see her, her eyes are bloodshot and puffy from all the
00:36:18crying. I'm fine. You want to talk about it? No. You sure? You can tell me if you want. I said I don't
00:36:29want to talk about it. She exclaims, startling me. I'm sorry, it's just not an easy topic to talk
00:36:36about, she quickly says, her voice barely a whisper. It's fine. But seriously, let me know if anything's
00:36:44bothering you. My mom always says it's better to let things out when it becomes too much or it ends
00:36:50up eating you up in the end. She just nods so I get up to leave. You should get some sleep. I'll
00:36:58see you in the morning. Thank you for everything. I know you'll probably hate me someday but thank
00:37:04you for everything, she says before I nod and leave the room. Hate her? Why would I hate her?
00:37:12What is she talking about? What are you hiding, Alex? Boss. Ciro. Nice to have you home.
00:37:22Happy to be back. Val told me you wanted to see me. Yes. I want you to run a background check on her.
00:37:30Her name's Alex Portman. I want you to find out everything you can. On it, boss, he says as I
00:37:37hand him the picture. Just as I'm about to dismiss him, he speaks up. Boss, this woman, she's the
00:37:44daughter of Robert Allen. The English Mafia. Why are you looking into her? What do you mean?
00:37:52She's Black Shadow. She just joined us. Well, her name is actually Alexandria Rose Allen,
00:37:59he says, looking up from his laptop after searching for a few things.
00:38:03She lied to me. So this is what she's been hiding. How could I be so careless to let
00:38:09the daughter of the American Mafia join us? This is going to cause so much trouble.
00:38:17Chapter 7. Alexandria.
00:38:21I had the nightmares again last night. It's never going to go away. I really needed the comfort
00:38:28and Vito was ready to give it to me. I'm really grateful he didn't pressure me into telling him
00:38:34anything, but I still feel ashamed to break down in front of him like that. I haven't shown anyone
00:38:40my weaknesses, but I want to trust Vito. I feel like I could just be me, I could be weak and he
00:38:46still wouldn't judge. But again, people can be the worst. It's not like me to cry in front of
00:38:53other people. As a matter of fact, I haven't cried for so long. I guess I needed to let it out,
00:38:59after all. Alex? Vito wants to see you, Val says knocking on my door his voice slightly worried.
00:39:06What's going on? Coming. I call out and make my way to his office.
00:39:13Vito is sitting behind the desk with a stern expression.
00:39:17Sit. He demands. What's with the certain attitude? I'm going to ask you a few questions,
00:39:24and you will answer honestly. No, this is not good. What's your name? Alex Portman,
00:39:32I say, the lie slipping off my tongue effortlessly as if it's the truth.
00:39:36This doesn't seem to convince Vito though as he says, wrong answer, his firsts clenching tighter.
00:39:42What's your real name? I don't know what you're talking about, I say innocently.
00:39:48This is it. I'm doomed. Oh shut up. You know very well what I'm talking about.
00:39:56Now tell me what's your real name? He asks raising his voice. Alexandria Rose Allen,
00:40:02I answer not looking at him. Why are you here? Because you recruited me. Why did you lie?
00:40:11Vito, I didn't. Stop. I don't want to hear it. You're the daughter of the American mafia,
00:40:18and you've joined the Italians. Have you not thought about what will happen if your father
00:40:24finds out? It'd be big trouble if he finds out his daughter is with us. Or maybe he sent you here.
00:40:31Maybe you came here with a purpose. Leave. Vito, no, don't do this, I say.
00:40:38He stands up and bangs his fists on the table, startling me. Vito please, I can't go back.
00:40:45I, I just can't. I plead, my voice starting to crack. This really can't be happening. Why not?
00:40:53Please please just let me stay. I'll tell you everything. You'll kill me. I say,
00:41:00whispering the last part. Just leave Alex. I don't want to talk about this anymore.
00:41:06Just go. I try to beg but he doesn't care. I said get out. You shouldn't have brought me here in the
00:41:14first place if you were gonna kick me out anyways. Thanks for nothing. I shout back,
00:41:20equally angry and confused. Leave. I was wrong to think you cared enough, I whisper before slamming
00:41:28the door. I rush to my room running past Rose and Val on the way not wanting to talk about it,
00:41:34knowing they probably heard everything, unless the room is soundproof that is.
00:41:39I throw all my things into a bag and make sure to include my mother's necklace,
00:41:43the last thing I have that reminds me of her. He wants me to leave then so be it.
00:41:49How can he be so cold after being so caring last night? So what now?
00:41:54Vito. Vito D'Angelo. What the hell did you do? Val shouts barging into my office.
00:42:06Do what? I ask rubbing my temples. I don't know. You tell me. Why is Alex rushing to her room with
00:42:15tears in her eyes? Rose asks with her hands on her hips. Was she crying? Why is she? Stop it
00:42:23Vito. Stop caring when she clearly lied to you. She's the daughter of the American Mafia.
00:42:31She shouldn't be here so I told her to leave. You what? Rose exclaims. She must have had a
00:42:38reason to not tell us then, Val says. I don't care. She told me to let her stay saying that
00:42:45he will kill her or something. Who? I don't know okay. I shout getting frustrated.
00:42:53You didn't even give her a chance to explain. She must have had a good reason not to tell us.
00:42:59Rose shouts back and walks out of the room. Val walks towards me and puts a hand on my shoulder.
00:43:06Vito man, I see the way you look at her. I know you care for her. Stop being like this and just
00:43:12give her a chance to explain. You didn't even listen to her side of the story and you kicked
00:43:18her out when we were the ones to bring her here. She probably would have told you sometime. Maybe
00:43:24she just didn't know how to. He's right. I should have listened when she tried to tell me. I guess
00:43:31I should at least have given her a chance. I guess you're right, I sigh. I rush to Alex's room only
00:43:38to find it empty. Her things are gone. Am I too late? Has she left? I run downstairs just in time
00:43:47to see her going out the door. Alex wait. What now? If you're going to tell me to leave, I'm already
00:43:55going. She sighs. Look, I'm sorry okay. I should have listened to you first. Look, I'll think about
00:44:03letting you stay here. On one condition. You have to tell me everything. Her face softens and she
00:44:11nods slowly. I follow her back to her room so she can talk about it. She sits on the bed and I do
00:44:18the same, making sure to keep my distance. Why didn't you tell me? I ask. I tried to. I just
00:44:26didn't know how to. I knew you would react this way the moment you found out. So what? You weren't
00:44:34planning on telling me until I found out, right? You were never going to tell me, I say, thinking
00:44:40over it and feeling the anger rise inside me again. Just let me fucking explain. She shouts and
00:44:47my anger slowly subsides. She's right. I'm here to listen to her explanation. That's what I came for.
00:44:56Alex sighs before slowly speaking, my father never wanted me because I was a girl. He always wanted
00:45:02a son but he got me. He hated me for it and he would beat me up anytime he wanted. My mom tried
00:45:09to stop him and I told her not to because he would hurt her too. Eventually he killed her in front of
00:45:16me for not giving him a son and instead protecting me. He just shot her at the dinner table like it
00:45:22was nothing. That was the last night I saw my father. I never met him again. I ran that night.
00:45:30I just couldn't stay there anymore. My mom had saved some money for me so I took it and ran.
00:45:36He sent men after me but I learned to hide myself. That's when I started my jobs as an assassin.
00:45:43My mom secretly taught me how to fight since I was young. She was known as the Black Knight when
00:45:48she was younger, you know. She chuckles softly, probably at the memory of her mom. She taught me
00:45:55the basics but I taught myself the rest. She knew I wouldn't have an easy life and she tried to
00:46:01prepare me for something like this. She knew she wouldn't be able to protect me someday.
00:46:07Alex takes a deep breath and looks up at the ceiling before continuing. I ran a day before I
00:46:13turned 18 so that would be about five years ago. I moved from place to place. Every time I felt
00:46:21unsafe I would leave and move to another city. I couldn't leave the country because it was too
00:46:26risky. When you gave me the offer I was hesitant at first. I later became convinced that joining
00:46:33you would be the safer option and that that might be my only way to escape the country.
00:46:39I knew there was the possibility of my plan backfiring and I knew I would have to tell you
00:46:44eventually but I just couldn't bring myself to. I knew you wouldn't want me here if you found out
00:46:50so I understand if you want me to leave. I'm really sorry for not telling you.
00:46:56She's trying so hard to be strong and she is but if you look closely you'll see the pain in her eyes.
00:47:02I'm sorry about your mom and I'm sorry I kicked you out without giving you the chance to explain.
00:47:08I'll let you stay but please promise me you won't keep anything from me from now on.
00:47:13She nods and smiles sadly. Wanting to comfort her I pull her into my arms.
00:47:19I hate being weak she murmurs. You're not weak Lex. You're the strongest woman I know
00:47:25and I admire you for that I tell her reassuringly. We stay like that for a moment until I hear soft
00:47:32sniffles. I let her cry in my arms until she falls asleep. I never show affection for any woman
00:47:39let alone let them touch me like this. I set her down on the bed and pull the covers over her.
00:47:46She looks beautiful. No woman I've ever met can compare to her beauty.
00:47:51Am I falling for this mysterious woman? I can't can I? I shouldn't. I can't be with her.
00:48:00It would bring so much danger and she has already gone through so much.
00:48:04I must keep my distance. I watch her sleep for a few minutes before going back to work.
00:48:10Chapter 9 Alexandria
00:48:16I broke down in front of Vito again. I can't believe I keep crying in front of him.
00:48:21Am I becoming weak? If it's one thing I hated most in the world it's being weak. It's also
00:48:28the reason why I love fighting so much. It makes me feel like I have control, like I am a strong
00:48:34and powerful woman and not the young girl trying to survive. It's been a few days since the
00:48:39incident and the training with the men has gone pretty well. I've been training them every day
00:48:45and they've already improved so much. You're beautiful and you're mine. I will make you mine.
00:48:52All mine. Just you wait. In two years you'll be my wife and I'll be able to have you all to myself.
00:49:00He smiled evilly and looked at my bare body, sprawled out and exhausted on the sheets.
00:49:05I don't even beg anymore. It doesn't hurt much if I just let him get it over with. I guess this is
00:49:12my fate. What did I do to deserve this? How could my father let him do this? How could fate be so
00:49:20cruel to a 16-year-old who hasn't even seen the world? I will come for you again, sweetheart.
00:49:27I wake up covered in sweat. It's those dreams again. Raphael Morales, the man who also ruined
00:49:34my life. I rub my face, unable to sleep again. I notice that it's raining outside. Needing fresh
00:49:42air, I walk out and sit on the steps of the porch, leaning against the railing and watching the rain.
00:49:48My mother used to dance with me in the rain when my father wasn't home. She always loved the rain.
00:49:54She said it brought life to this dull world. It's been raining these past few night and watching the
00:50:00raindrops has become my favorite thing to do. It keeps me calm and away from the thoughts chasing
00:50:06after me, the looming truth I haven't told Vito. What are you doing out here, dear? Mia asks,
00:50:12startling me for my days. I had spent hours out here thinking of my mom. I didn't even
00:50:18notice the sunrise and the rain stop. Oh, nothing. I just couldn't sleep last night,
00:50:25I say and walk towards the kitchen for breakfast. Mia had made bacon and eggs with some freshly
00:50:30pressed orange juice. Thank you for this, I say and she smiles at me. Leonardo. It's the next day
00:50:39and I'm watching Alex train the guys. I've tried to get her out of my head. I've even fucked Liz
00:50:45over and over, but all I could think about was the enchanting black-eyed woman. As I observe,
00:50:51I notice that Alex is running out of breath easily. She seems a bit tired today. Alex?
00:50:58You okay? I ask. Yeah, I'm fi-fine. She coughs. I walk towards her and place the back of my hand on
00:51:07her forehead to feel her temperature. You're burning hot. Alex, you should be resting if
00:51:13you're sick. Why are you here? I didn't know I'm sick, she says coughing again. I must have
00:51:20caught a cold. Just as I'm about to tell her to go home, she collapses. I manage to catch her
00:51:27before she hits the floor. She overworked herself? I knew it. I should have told her to rest since
00:51:34earlier. Training is over, I announce before carrying Alex to my car. Val called Dr. Fabian.
00:51:42I need him at the house ASAP, I tell him before driving home. I lay her on my bed, and Dr. Fabian
00:51:49soon arrives. He has been our family doctor for years, and I trust him with my life. He starts
00:51:56taking Alex's temperature and other stuff. She's fine. She just has a bad cold. I'll leave some
00:52:03pills for her to take. She should be okay in a few days. Just tell her to get lots of rest or
00:52:10she'll end up passing out again, he says after examining her. Thank you, doctor. He gives me
00:52:17the pills and leaves. Vito. Alex calls after a few moments. Hey. How are you feeling? Better.
00:52:27What happened? You caught a cold, and you kinda passed out at the base. You shouldn't have used
00:52:33that much energy if you were sick, I tell her. Oh. I guess I didn't realize I was sick. I've
00:52:41never been sick before, or maybe I just didn't notice. You'll be fine, though. But you should
00:52:47rest. The doctor says you shouldn't do anything strenuous, or you'll pass out again. Your body
00:52:54is weak or something. Where am I, she asks, finally taking in her surroundings. My room.
00:53:01Now you should get some sleep. I'm going to my office. Stay, she whispers holding my hand before
00:53:08I get too far. You sure? I wouldn't want you to be uncomfortable, I ask concerned. I'm okay.
00:53:17I just don't want to be alone, she says. Alright then. Let me just get changed into something more
00:53:23comfortable. By the time I come out of the closet, she's half asleep. I get in the bed beside her,
00:53:30and she turns towards me nuzzling her head in my chest. God, I'm falling for this woman,
00:53:36and I'm falling hard. I promise myself to stay away, but I can't escape the attraction drawing
00:53:42me in. I'll make sure no one ever hurts you again, Lex, I whisper and plant a soft kiss
00:53:47on her forehead. She snuggles closer to me, and I hold her as I too succumb to the darkness.
00:53:54Chapter 10. Alexandria. I wake up to an empty bed. I kinda hoped he'd be here when I woke up,
00:54:01but I guess not. A piece of paper on the pillow beside me catches my eye, and I hold it up to
00:54:07read the contents. Hey. I had to leave for work. Hope you're feeling better. Don't forget to take
00:54:15the pills the doctor left you. I'll be home late, but I hope to see you soon.
00:54:23L. That was nice of him to at least leave a note, I guess. For the first time in years,
00:54:30I finally felt calm with Vito beside me last night, the kind of peace I didn't even know
00:54:34existed. Alex? What are you doing here? You should be in bed. Mia exclaims when she sees
00:54:42me walk down the stairs. I'm feeling much better now, I say and give her a small smile.
00:54:49Alex, my brother is going to kill me if he finds out. He demanded that I shouldn't let you leave
00:54:55the room, unless totally necessary. He told me to lock you up if I needed to, Rose says,
00:55:01laughing and shaking her head. He did. He even told me to make you some chicken soup.
00:55:08It's a first, you know. Vito has never cared for any girl like this before.
00:55:13He must really like you, Mia says, grinning widely.
00:55:17I feel my cheeks heat up in embarrassment. Nobody has cared for me like this before.
00:55:23Apart from my mom, I guess. Thank you, all of you, for letting me stay and taking care of me.
00:55:30No problem, dear. This is the first time Vito has shown affection towards anyone.
00:55:36I'm the one who has to thank you for making my son smile more.
00:55:40Later that evening, I just spent most of my time watching movies and sleeping.
00:55:45The pills are making me drowsy. I hear a soft knock on the door, and it opens to reveal Vito
00:55:52in his suit, looking as hot as ever. His muscles are straining against his white shirt, the tattoos
00:55:58showing through the fabric. Hey. How are you feeling? So much better. You're back earlier
00:56:05than I expected. How was your day? Fine. Just the usual. I trained the guys today on your behalf.
00:56:15They were happy you weren't there to push their limits. I chuckle at that, and he joins me.
00:56:21Vito, um, would you like to watch a movie with me? I, um, have some work to do. Maybe later?
00:56:29Okay. He leaves and I just settle with reading a book. A few hours later,
00:56:35he appears at my door, wearing a pair of joggers and a black t-shirt.
00:56:39Have you had dinner? He asks. Yes you. Yeah, I just finished. Have you watched the movie yet?
00:56:49Nope. I was just going to find something to watch, I say, hoping he'd join me this time.
00:56:55Can I join? Of course. What do you want to watch? I don't know. You choose.
00:57:03I haven't watched movies since I was a kid, he says, climbing into bed beside me.
00:57:08I just started watching them when I arrived here. I didn't have the chance to watch anything before,
00:57:14I say sadly, and he looks at me with sympathy in his eyes.
00:57:18I think that looks good, he states, pointing towards a movie called Divergent.
00:57:23I click on it, even though I've already watched it the other day.
00:57:28As the intro starts he turns to me, I'm hosting a dinner this week at one of my hotels.
00:57:33It's to strengthen my alliances and whatnot. But I wanted to ask if you'll go with me?
00:57:40Um, okay. He won't be there, right? They sworn enemies, so there's no way his men will be there
00:57:46too. If it's about your father, don't worry, these are mostly just the French and other mafias.
00:57:53None of them are associated with the Americans, so your identity should be safe. I'll make sure
00:57:59you're safe, Lex. Just trust me. I nod and stare into his eyes. I don't want to run anymore.
00:58:08I'm exhausted. I can't hide forever. I want to be free. I'm brought out of my days by Vito's
00:58:15lips crashing mine. The kiss is hot and needy, yet so warm and tender. I can feel the butterflies
00:58:21in my stomach. I've been falling for Vito, and I didn't realize it until last night. He licks my
00:58:28bottom lip for entrance, and I grant it, our tongues dancing together in harmony. I won't let
00:58:34anyone hurt you again, Lex. I promise, he says, resting his forehead on mine as we catch our
00:58:40breaths. Promises. Most of them are broken, but some of them are kept. I really hope this promise
00:58:47will be kept. I'm tired of the battles. I'm tired of fighting. We watch the movie as he holds me
00:58:55tight in his arms, as if he's afraid to let me go. The last words I hear before I fall asleep are,
00:59:01I don't want you to get hurt because of me. Chapter Eleven
00:59:08Vito. Many of the smaller mafias have been receiving several threats from the Spanish,
00:59:13but none of them are from Rafael himself, yet. Most of it has been sent by his underbosses.
00:59:20We need to find and eliminate them, but they've been off the grid. For now, I'll just have to
00:59:26prepare for the dinner with my alliances. I still have to get a dress for Alex.
00:59:32Valentino Rucci. Are you okay? I ask him. He's been smiling like a madman all day.
00:59:40Huh. Oh yes, I'm fine, he says, his small smile disappearing at once.
00:59:45Quit dreaming and get to work. Who are you thinking about, even?
00:59:51Nobody. He says quickly. It's Rose, isn't it? Huh. What? No. Val, you've been my best friend
01:00:01since I was four. We grew up together. I know you enough to be able to say that you're in
01:00:07love with my sister. Just ask her out already. You knew? You're not angry? Why would I be angry?
01:00:16I'm happy if my sister is, as long as you don't hurt her. I'd rather it be you than some random
01:00:22creep. Thanks, man. And yeah, I'm thinking about asking her out soon. His smile widens and I laugh
01:00:29at my lovestruck best friend. So you and Alex, huh? It's not like that. I like her, I really do.
01:00:38I just don't want to risk her safety. I already have a lot of enemies. I don't want her to be
01:00:44caught up in the dangers of this life. Well, I thought you turned into your mom for a second
01:00:51there. Since when do you care so much about other people? Damn, you're whipped. Shut up.
01:00:58We're not together. I just, I do like her but I can't do anything about it.
01:01:04You can do anything you want, Vito. I know Alex likes you too.
01:01:10Alexandria. Alex? Movie night? Rose asks, walking into my room with bags of popcorn and chips.
01:01:19I'm okay, I say, walking towards the door to join her. We settle down in the big theater room,
01:01:25and Rose turns on a movie I've never seen before. Soon after, Val walks in. Oh, so this is what it
01:01:32is. That cunning woman used me so she could meet with Val without raising suspicions from her
01:01:38brother. She's smart. I watch as he takes a seat beside her, putting an arm behind her seat.
01:01:45We're quite into the movie when Vito decided to make an appearance and join us.
01:01:50He took the seat beside me and sat without a word. You don't have work? I whisper and he shakes his
01:01:57head no. Val and Rose are talking among themselves, and seeing how Vito doesn't mind, he must have
01:02:04noticed that they have a thing going on too. Rose talks about Val a lot whenever she comes to hang
01:02:09out with me. I'm only wearing shorts and a lace cami top, and the low temperature of the room
01:02:16is making me feel chilly. You cold? Vito asks, noticing me rubbing my arms. A bit. He disappears
01:02:25for a while, before appearing with a fuzzy blanket. Rose and Val left a few minutes after Vito,
01:02:31so it's only us now. Vito drapes the blanket over me, before taking his seat. You have to
01:02:38stop doing things like this, I say under my breath. Like what? Caring for me. Why? Because
01:02:46then I'll grow attached, I mumble. He probably doesn't understand what I said but he puts his
01:02:52hand on my face, making me face him. Lex, I will always care for you. I will always look after you
01:02:59as long as I live. You know I like you. I like you too Vito but we can't, I say. He knows what I mean.
01:03:08I'm not ready for a relationship, and so isn't he. Instead of talking, he pulls me close to him and
01:03:14kisses me slow. Maybe one day we can, he whispers and plants a gentle kiss on my forehead before
01:03:21turning back to the screen. It's the next morning, and I wake up in Vito's bed yet again. I really
01:03:27love these kinds of nights because I feel safe. But I know it won't last, good things don't last
01:03:33forever. This is like the calm before the storm. As much as I love living here, I know I'll
01:03:39eventually have to leave. Now that the guy's training is almost over, I don't have much to do.
01:03:46Vito hasn't sent me on any missions either. I look at the man beside me, shirtless, with muscles
01:03:52sculpted by the gods themselves. He looks so peaceful, so serene, his chest rising and falling
01:03:58with each breath, his arm around my waist. I really want to stay with him, but I don't want
01:04:03to get him all caught up in my fucked up life. Morning Bella, Vito greets as his eyelids flutter
01:04:09open and those blue orbs come into view. Did you sleep well? I ask not knowing what to say when he
01:04:16was this close. Better than ever, he says with a smile. Chapter 12. Vito.
01:04:25Tease the day of the dinner. I need to make sure everything goes well. We need to work together
01:04:31to track Raphael down. He has made all of these men's lives miserable. He has their wives and
01:04:38children and he's not backing down without a fight. You look stunning Lex, I say as she walks
01:04:44down the stairs in the black dress I got her. Thanks, she says, trying hard to hide her blush.
01:04:50I take her hand and guide her to my car so we can go to the restaurant. When we arrive the rest are
01:04:55already there, some with their wives whom Raphael has not yet got to. This is a public restaurant,
01:05:02but there's a big hidden hall underneath for when I need to hold meetings like this.
01:05:07I take a seat at the end of the table with Alex near me. Vito, how surprising to see you with a
01:05:13woman, Francoise, the French leader says. I just nod at his comment and we start with the meeting.
01:05:20Alex seems to be immersed in the discussions, but every time Raphael's name is brought up
01:05:25she visibly tenses. I place my hand on her thigh throughout the meeting, rubbing circles to soothe
01:05:31her. What connection does she have to him? This isn't the first time she's reacted this way to
01:05:37his name. We finish up the dinner and I remind myself to find out more about Alex's connection
01:05:43to Raphael. Alex falls asleep on the way home. I guess the long meeting took a toll on her.
01:05:50She hasn't been completely healthy after she had the cold. It's like her body wasn't recovering
01:05:56well. She says she rarely gets sick, maybe that's why she seems more tired than usual.
01:06:02The doctor says she'll recover in a few days though. I carry her bridal style and lay her on
01:06:08her bed. I have some paperwork to catch up on. By the time I finish it's well past 1am and I decide
01:06:16to get a drink. I'm about to switch on the light in the kitchen when I notice a figure near the
01:06:21window. I hold out my gun in front of me, fumbling with the switch. Alex? I ask confused as she turns
01:06:30to face me with a tub of ice cream. What are you doing in the dark? Nothing. Couldn't sleep,
01:06:37she says. Nightmares? She nods solemnly. How often? Every night. Except when you're around me.
01:06:48Really? I smile at the thought of giving her some sort of comfort.
01:06:53I guess we need each other after all. I have insomnia but you seem to make me want to sleep
01:06:59when you're with me. But why didn't you switch on the light? I guess I'm used to it. Lex, I want
01:07:06to ask you something. Yeah? She asks as I stand behind her and put my arms around her waist.
01:07:14I like you a lot. And I want to stop fighting it. Will you be my girlfriend? I mean it.
01:07:22I know the dangers but like Val told me, it might just be worth it. I don't want to stay
01:07:27away from her much longer. She falls silent and her eyebrows furrow as she seems deep in thought.
01:07:34I can't, she finally says, making my heart drop. Why? I ask, pain evident in my voice.
01:07:41Because then he'll come for you. I'm about to ask more when we are interrupted by one of my men.
01:07:48Boss. We found this. You should take a look. Annoyed, I snatch the paper from him.
01:07:56It's actually an envelope with pictures. Pictures of me and Alex but mostly her.
01:08:01I'll come for you soon but first I will be there to retrieve what's mine, the words on the back
01:08:06of a picture says. I hear the sound of metal as Alex's spoon drops into the floor. I turn to Alex,
01:08:13who is now pale. She puts the tub of ice cream down and takes the pictures from me. No, she murmurs.
01:08:20No, it can't be. I dismiss my men and turn to her. He's here, she whispers to herself.
01:08:28What? Her eyes stay fixed on the pictures. What's wrong? I ask. Before we can talk further,
01:08:36bullets rain down on us. I pull Alex down behind the countertop with me. She grabs the gun from
01:08:43the waistband behind my pants and shoots the four men approaching the house. I take a gun from my
01:08:48men and take out the snipers hiding in the trees. My men finish off the rest of the intruders and
01:08:54we are met with silence, everyone unsure of what happens next. Lex, Lex? You okay? I ask but she's
01:09:03unresponsive. I hold her as she falls limp in my arm and carry her towards my room. Doc, I need
01:09:11you at the safe house in ten, I say into the phone before ordering Val to increase security.
01:09:17Vito, are you okay? My mom asks, rushing into the room, my father behind her.
01:09:23Yes, mama. I'm fine but we have to move to the safe house now. Tell Rose and get ready.
01:09:30What happened, son? My father asks. Raphael. I'll explain later.
01:09:37Quell filio di puttana, he mutters, earning a glare from my mom. That son of a bitch.
01:09:43Wait, is that Alex? My mom asks. Yes, I think she had a panic attack.
01:09:50She'll be fine. Let's go to the safe house. They nod and my men escort them there. I finish up
01:09:57things here and tell my men to take the intruders who are alive to the basement for interrogation.
01:10:03It was just a panic attack. She must have experienced some kind of trauma before.
01:10:09Were there any events that might trigger her? The doctor asks. We were attacked but I guess
01:10:16we'll find out more when she wakes up. Thanks, Doc. Anytime, Vito. This is the second time you've
01:10:23called me over for a woman. It's not like you. You must really like her. Yes, I do. Very much,
01:10:31I say the last word softly so that he won't hear it. The anxious look on Alex's face has now
01:10:36disappeared. I take one last look at her before interrogating the men. I make my way to the
01:10:43basement with Val and the men are all tied up waiting for me. Who sent you? I ask although
01:10:50I know who it is. No reply. You'll talk or I'll cut your tongue off, I say getting impatient.
01:10:58You will not get anything from me, an older man says though gritted teeth.
01:11:02Val holds his mouth open as I grab his tongue and cut it, blood splattering all over me.
01:11:08Now that's what you get for disrespecting me. He's not here for you, the young man speaks.
01:11:14What do you mean? He sent us for the girl. What girl? His fiancée, Alexandria. I don't know why
01:11:23he likes that bitch so much. He wants her back. My head spins at the mention of her name. Fiancée?
01:11:31Why didn't she tell me? Anger courses through me as I realize what's happening. I can't believe
01:11:38I almost slept with the enemy's fiancée. Is this a whole scheme to get to me? Did she use me?
01:11:45The man snickers at my expression but not for long. My bullet lands between his eyes and another
01:11:51bullet lodges in the other man's chest. I storm out of the room with Val following.
01:11:57Katso? I slam my fist into the wall, not noticing the pain. Fuck.
01:12:04Vito? Calm down. Val shouts at me. How can I? I fell for it. I fell for her. God am I fell
01:12:14for their little plan. She really got me fooled. Vito, I'm telling you this as your best friend.
01:12:21Stop assuming things, it never ends well and you know that. Just ask her about it.
01:12:27Let her tell you. What do you want me to do, Val? She will never tell me. She's been lying this
01:12:34whole time. I can't believe I trusted her. I walk away from him ignoring him shouting at me.
01:12:42I storm into my room only to be faced with Alex huddled on the bed with a blank expression.
01:12:48Good. You're awake. Now tell me, I say with no emotion in my voice.
01:12:54What? Tell me the fucking truth, Alex. You're Raphael's fiance and here you are spewing lies
01:13:01of how much you like me. Tell me the goddamn truth or God forbid I will kill you right here and now.
01:13:08Fine. I'll tell you. I'll tell you the goddamn truth. She shouts, fire blazing in her eyes.
01:13:16Go ahead. I take a seat on the couch facing her side as she stares straight ahead at the wall.
01:13:22When I was 15, my father promised my hand in marriage to Raphael Morales.
01:13:28Once I was 18, I would have to live with him even if I didn't want to. I begged my father to change
01:13:34his mind but he wouldn't even care. My mom tried to help but he ended up beating her black and blue.
01:13:41When I turned 16, Raphael started coming to our house often for dinner and meetings with my dad.
01:13:47The first night he came, she paused and took a long breath before continuing.
01:13:52I was in my room after dinner and he came in without asking me for permission.
01:13:57My father took my mom out that night so I was alone. He started touching me and I pushed him
01:14:03away but he was too strong for me. He raped me that night. I was a virgin, a fucking innocent
01:14:1016-year-old. I'm baffled at the revelation but I still don't know if she's telling me the truth.
01:14:17He raped me every time he came. My father always took my mother out. She never knew but he did.
01:14:24He left me on purpose. He had made a deal with Raphael and they planned to break me and shape
01:14:30me into their little puppet. Every time I tried to fight him, he made his men tie me down and
01:14:35he fucked me. I hated every minute of it, I ran the day before I turned 18. He has tried to hunt
01:14:42me down ever since. I've been running from him all along but he's here now. I can tell she's
01:14:49trying to hold back the tears flooding her eyes. How will I know you're telling me the truth?
01:14:55You think I'm lying, she exclaims, her face contorting into pain. You didn't tell me when
01:15:00you had the chance. You promised to keep no more secrets. I shout, frustrated. I didn't tell you
01:15:08because you would hate me if you found out. You would kick me out and I don't know if I can handle
01:15:13it because... she shakes her head while catching her breath. Because what? What Alex? Because I
01:15:21love you. She shouts, surprising me. I love you Vito and I knew that you wouldn't want me if I
01:15:28told you and there's no way we can be together. He'll always come after Emmy, she says, her voice
01:15:33cracking at the last part. I wanted to stop myself from getting involved with the enemy
01:15:39but deep down I just wanted to be with her. I pull her close to me as a tear escapes her
01:15:45beautiful eyes. I love you too Lex. I'm sorry, I'm sorry for doubting you. I didn't know you
01:15:52had to go through so much, I whisper, running my fingers through her silky curls. She sobs
01:15:58quietly into my chest, her hands gripping my shirt so tight her knuckles are turning white.
01:16:04I'm sorry for being angry with you. I've fallen in love with you Lex. I tried to stop myself but
01:16:10I just couldn't. She pulls away to look at me. He will kill you if he finds out. I can't put
01:16:17you in danger too, she says softly. Shush. We'll find a way, I promise. He won't be able to kill
01:16:25the Mafia King that easily. I won't let anyone hurt you again Lex. You know that, I say cupping
01:16:32her face with my palms. I don't want you to get hurt because of me. I won't. Just promise not to
01:16:40hide anything from me. Okay? Okay. Okay what? I promise, she says, a small smile tugging in her
01:16:49lips. There's that smile I love to see, come on let's rest. I change into a pair of sweats and
01:16:56throw her my t-shirt cause her clothes are still at the house. She puts her hands on the hem of
01:17:01her shirt but hesitates. Sensing her discomfort, I turn to the side to give her some space.
01:17:07She pulls it over her head and puts on my shirt. Before she can pull the shirt down,
01:17:12I notice the scar on her upper waist. She tries to hide it but I remove her hands gently.
01:17:19What happened? I ask, tracing my fingers over it. I was stabbed. When I first ran,
01:17:26I was in Vegas and Raphael sent one of his best assassins to find me.
01:17:31I stabbed him in the leg before he could try anything and he became angry. So he tried to
01:17:37kill me but I managed to stab him in the heart again. It was my first kill, she explains.
01:17:43Why are you hiding it? Because it's ugly. It reminds me of Raphael and I hate it.
01:17:50It also reminds you that you're a strong woman. There's nothing to be ashamed of.
01:17:56You're very beautiful, Lex. You shouldn't hide yourself. Scars are symbols of your
01:18:02biggest battles. I pull her under the covers with me, her back to my front.
01:18:08Aren't you disgusted, she asks after a while. Of what? Sleeping with a woman who was raped,
01:18:14not only once but multiple times. No, Lex. Why would you think that?
01:18:21It's not your fault that it happened. You had no choice. My mama would say you're a brave woman for
01:18:27fighting through it, I tell her and plant a soft kiss on her neck. She tenses at the contact but
01:18:33slowly relaxes. I can feel myself getting hard. I can't control myself when I'm around her.
01:18:41Not now, buddy. Wrong time. Keep your cool. We spend the rest of the night in each other's arms
01:18:48talking about our lives before she becomes tired and falls asleep.
01:18:54Chapter 13. Alexandria.
01:18:57I'm happy that I let it all out. I feel so much better. I thought Vito would have me if he finds
01:19:04out, but I was wrong. He's been so understanding. Everything's perfect but I know the storm is
01:19:11looming. I unconsciously trace the ink lines on Vito's exposed torso, fascinated by the art.
01:19:18He has a tattoo of a tree, as well as other words and symbols on his chest.
01:19:23You like it? I hear his raspy morning voice ask. Yes, it's intriguing. He smiles and pulls me so
01:19:31I'm straddling him. I love you, Lex. You're the most amazing woman I've ever met. I can feel his
01:19:39hard-on underneath my thin underwear and I blush at the thought. He seems to notice and clears his
01:19:45throat. I'm going to um, take a shower. Do you want to join? I decide against it, but change my
01:19:53mind when he walks into the bathroom, his pants low on his hips. He carries me and puts me on the
01:19:59counter. Our lips connect in a very passionate kiss, all our emotions pouring into it. He pulls
01:20:05my shirt up and the moment I feel his touch on my stomach, I stiffen. I can feel the panic rise,
01:20:12but I try to shake it off. He takes the shirt off and removes my bra and panties, making sure
01:20:17I'm okay. Fuck, you're so beautiful, Lex, he says, sliding his pants down along with his boxers.
01:20:24My eyes widen at his length, but I quickly regain my composure. He takes my hand to help me into the
01:20:30shower and allows the warm water to cascade between us. He kisses me again, this time with
01:20:36lust and need. His hands trail down my arms to my waist and curves until they land on my hips.
01:20:43His lips move towards my neck and shoulders. His touch is gentle and I want more.
01:20:48You're belong to me, sweetheart. Raphael's voice echoes in my ear.
01:20:54I own you. You will always be my little toy. I try to shake it off, but the voice becomes louder.
01:21:02Vito I I can't, I see can't, I whisper panting and shaking my head trying to get the voice out
01:21:07of my head. Shit. I'm sorry. Breathe. Take a deep breath Lex. You got this, he says soothingly.
01:21:17He steps back to give me space and I calm down a bit. Let's just shower okay? He asks and starts
01:21:24lathering me with soap. We wash each other in silence, not having any words at the moment.
01:21:30He hands me a towel and goes to the wardrobe, returning with a crisp white shirt and boxers.
01:21:36I'll tell the men to get our stuff today, this will have to do for now.
01:21:41I put on the clothes and watch him do the same. Vito, I say quietly. Yeah? I'm sorry, I whisper
01:21:49avoiding his eyes and looking at the floor. What are you sorry about? He asks, tilting my chin so
01:21:56that I'm looking at him. For I'm just now. He drops his hands and sighs. It's not your fault
01:22:03Lex. It's his fault if anything. But we can't change the past. We'll just have to fight through
01:22:10it. We? Yes Lex. I told you I'll always be there to protect you. Why? Why are you doing all this?
01:22:21Because I love you. I never thought I was capable of loving someone. But the moment I saw you,
01:22:28I was longing to be with you although I didn't know it yet. If my men see me right now,
01:22:33they'd say I'm becoming weak. He laughs at the thought before continuing, I also thought love
01:22:39makes people weak. But my dad's right. Love makes you stronger. You've taught me so much since the
01:22:45day you walked into my life. You've made me stronger. I love you Lex and I will always stay
01:22:51by your side. Chapter 14. Vito. Ever since I found out, Lex has been blaming herself for everything.
01:23:02She is still strong, like she always is but she becomes insecure when she spends time with me.
01:23:08In fact, I feel like she's been avoiding me. Vito. Yes Rose. What is it? I ask running my
01:23:16hands over my face. Nothing, I just noticed that something's wrong with you. What is it?
01:23:23It's Alex. After she told me about, well don't you know, she's just avoiding me.
01:23:29We had to tell my family and Val about her relation to Raphael after the attack,
01:23:34excluding the details of course, but they probably all know how grave the matter is.
01:23:40Maybe she just needs some time Vito. She's never told anyone about it and telling you might feel
01:23:46weird for her at first. Just let her be. Give her some space so she can figure it out. I guess
01:23:53you're right. Actually, Alex told me about it all. She also said she doesn't want you to get hurt
01:24:00because of her. She's just overthinking everything and blaming herself. She'll come around soon.
01:24:07I just wish she'll talk to me, you know? I feel like she's shutting me out and I don't know what
01:24:12to do. It's not easy to open up to someone after you've been alone for so long, Rose says.
01:24:19Hmm. Have you heard from Cecilia lately? Cecilia is my youngest sister. She's still 18 and starting
01:24:28college. I don't have direct contact with her for the sake of her safety, but she keeps in touch
01:24:34with Rose and my parents. Nope. She hasn't called during the last two weeks. I hope she's okay,
01:24:41I say. I'm sure she's just busy with school or maybe she's out partying. Let me know if she
01:24:48calls again, I tell Rose and she nods. Alexandria. I've been avoiding him these past few days.
01:24:56After he told me he'd stay by my side, I started feeling uneasy. Raphael is going to come for me
01:25:02and he will kill everyone who gets in his way, including his favorite enemy, Vito D'Angelo.
01:25:09I don't want to risk it. I can't lose another person I care about. There's a knock on the door
01:25:16and I open it to reveal a very tired looking Vito. Hey, he says with an awkward smile.
01:25:23Hey. Is everything okay? You look exhausted. I'm okay. I just wanted to ask if you'd be able to
01:25:31train the guys tomorrow. Yeah, sure. But Vito, are you going to be okay? You look really tired.
01:25:41I'm fine, he says with a curt nod. Vito. I call out just as he's about to leave.
01:25:48I'm sorry for pushing you away. I'm just afraid to lose you. I tell him while staring at his eyes.
01:25:56It's fine. I get that you need space. I pull him close and whisper, I'm trying. I'll try,
01:26:03dot, for you. Just promise me you'll be safe. I will, he says with a bigger smile this time.
01:26:09He wraps his arms around me and rests his head on mine. To be continued.
01:26:39you