LOGINSlow update because I was hesitant to post this. I tried to write two other softer chapters, but Rhys wasn’t cooperating with me and I kept hitting a block. I apologize if you find this disturbing. However, things are only going to get darker. Read with caution or drop the book all together for your mental health. Thank you. 💕 Will start writing ahead today so updates can be frequent.
FIORELLA’S POV [Trigger Warning: This chapter contains references to sexual assault, exploitation, and the lasting effects of abuse. These acts are presented as traumatic experiences and are not romanticized or endorsed.] Matteo reached for my dress. I slammed the butt of the gun into his nose.
FIORELLA’S POV [Trigger Warning: This chapter contains references to sexual assault, exploitation, and the lasting effects of abuse. These acts are presented as traumatic experiences and are not romanticized or endorsed.] “You look pretty as ever, little sister,” Matteo smiled. “I missed you.” Th
FIORELLA’S POV I understood what it meant to have no choice or hope. I stepped forward and held my hand out to the girl. Fear swirled in her eyes, but she took my hand and stood up. “Come ti chiami?” I asked. She looked at Celeste before answering. “Ornella.” Before I could say another word, the door pushed open and a woman with thick black liner on her lower lash and a red scarf over her head stepped in. She bowed her head at me then turned to the girl. “È ora di andare, Ornella.” Ornella stepped closer to me and shook her head. “No.” The woman frowned and grabbed her hand, pulling her to her side. “Non hai scelta.” “She’s an adult,” I cut in, pulling her back and standing in front of her. “And she said she doesn’t want to.” The woman hesitated. “Mi dispiace, Donna. Questa è la nostra tradizione. È il nostro pane e burro. Lei non sopravviverà se non lavora.” “Non mi interessa la tua tradizione,” I returned. “She’s not joining your business if she doesn’t w
FIORELLA’S POV The building was larger than I had expected. It connected several apartment blocks through overhead walkways that led directly into the upper floors, allowing people to move between them without coming back down to the street. The younger women stood a few feet away, singing an ol
FIORELLA’S POV I raised a brow. “You’re asking me, the Donna, to come to the brothel with you?” She hesitated. “If it’s no bother to you, of course. It’s the only way you can truly understand their plight, Donna.” It was an absurd request. Yet she hadn’t looked away once. “No.” I moved away from her. Celeste didn’t give up, still walking behind me. “Please, Donna. Just a visit, that’s all I’m asking for. If you’re worried about your reputation…” “So you understand the situation and still want me to visit your brothel?” I asked, still walking. A moment of silence passed. Her voice was lower now. “You’re the queen of the underworld. People are too jealous of you to care that you stepped into a brothel.” I could sense she wasn’t trying to flatter me, but was only stating a fact. I didn’t respond. “I’ll beg on my knees if I have to regardless of our personal circumstances,” she said after a while. “Just one visit is all I’m asking for. These women need their Don
FIORELLA’S POV My eyes fell on the swan symbol embroidered on her red scarf before I took in the rest of her appearance. Vani was right. Which meant Celeste had just moved to the top of my short list of suspects. “Celeste,” I said, giving her a head-to-toe glance. “You look different.” Her smil







