LOGINHe stood there, leaning against the desk with his dark eyes fixed on me like he already knew everything I was too afraid to say. “Do you know what happens,” He asked quietly, “to people who walk into fire without thinking?” “They burn.” I mumbled. “Exactly.” he said with a slow, cold smile on his lips. Rosalina Evans is a woman with simple dreams until one night changes her life. One moment she’s running from death, and the next, she’s locked inside the mansion of a man everyone fears, Christopher Romano, the cruel and powerful Mafia boss.
View MoreROSELINA’S POV
Another morning, another shift, another battle with sleep. “Good Morning, Mrs. Selena,” I greeted the café owner. “Morning, dear,” she replied with her usual gentle smile. I pushed through the door to the kitchen and spotted my one and only friend, Anna, already there. She was tying her honey-blonde hair into a messy bun, her hazel eyes was shining even this early. “Hey, sleepyhead,” she teased when she saw me. I groaned and tied my apron. “Good morning, Anna. You are way too cheerful this morning.” She grinned, leaning against the counter. “That is because I actually went home early and slept last night. You look like you barely closed your eyes.” I rolled mine and bumped her shoulder playfully. “Don’t start. Anyway, guess what? We don’t have to come to work tomorrow. It's our off day. That means tonight, we can go out!” Her smile vanished in an instant. “Out? You mean a club?” “Yeah, why not? We deserve some fun.” Anna shook her head firmly. “No way. Absolutely not.” I stared at her. “Come on. Don’t be boring. I have always wanted to go to the club ever since I heard that customer story the other day and moreover, you have been to the club before. Twice actually and I haven't. ” Her expression grew serious, her voice dropping lower. “Rose, The last time I visited the club was two years ago and that was because, my ex-boyfriend forced me to go. And besides, the city has changed now, going out at night isn’t safe anymore. Haven’t you been paying attention? Things are getting worse in this city.” I frowned. “What do you mean ‘worse’? It’s always been a little rough.” She leaned closer. “No. This is different. Some mafia’s has taken over. Two groups, maybe more. They control businesses, they fight each other, people get killed. Last week, my cousin told me there was a shooting not far from here. A man never made it home.” I blinked at her, shocked. “are you serious?” “Yes!” she whispered harshly. “And the police? They can’t stop them. Half of them are paid off, and the other half are too scared to even try. This isn’t just rumor, Rose. This is what is currently happening. .” I crossed my arms. “So what? We lock ourselves in our rooms forever? Is that the plan?” “Don’t twist it.” She gave me a sharp look. “I’m saying we should be careful. Especially at night.” I sighed loudly. “Anna, nothing will happen to us. You worry too much.” “Worry too much?” she repeated with her voice rising. “You walk home late every night! Do you know how many times I have stayed awake praying you would make it home safe? You don’t take this seriously, but I do. I don’t want to lose my best friend.” Her words softened me for a moment, but I quickly forced a smile. “Anna… I will be fine. Look, we have been living here for years. If something bad was going to happen, it would have already.” She shook her head in disbelief. “That is exactly what everyone says before something happens. You know you are careless.” I pressed my lips together, annoyed at her over protectiveness. Then an idea popped into my head, and I decided to push her buttons. “Okay, okay,” I said with a mischievous smile. “But listen. We should go to the club tonight. Just for a little while. Music, dancing, drinks. We will be careful, I promise.” Her eyes widened. “Are you insane? Have you been listening to anything I have been saying so far?” “Yes,” I answered quickly. “And that is why we should go. We need to forget about all this fear for one night. We can’t live hiding all the time.” Anna glared at me, clearly fighting with herself. “Rose, stop. This is not funny. I won’t do it.” I groaned dramatically. “Please? Just this once. We don’t have shifts tomorrow. Think about it. It's just like us relaxing, laughing, maybe even meet someone interesting.” Her cheeks turned pink. “I don’t need to meet anyone. And I’m not going.” I clasped my hands together in mock prayer. “Anna, please. Please. I will owe you forever. If you come tonight, I will even do your chores for a week.” She gave me a long, unimpressed look. “You are ridiculous.” “Ridiculously fun,” I shot back with a grin. She tried to stay serious, but I could see her lips twitch. “Rose…” she warned. I leaned closer, giving her my best puppy eyes. “Please, bestie? Just one night.” She groaned loudly and covered her face with her hands. “You are impossible.” I squealed, sensing she was close to giving in. “So is that a yes?” “No,” she said firmly, but her tone had softened. “Then why aren’t you walking away?” I teased. She dropped her hands and glared at me, but there was no real anger. “Fine. But if something bad happens, I swear I will never forgive you.” “Yes!” I shouted, hugging her tightly. “You are the best! I promise, we will be fine. Nothing bad will happen.” Anna shook her head, muttering under her breath. “You are going to get me killed.” *Time Skip* I ordered a drink and drank it fast. The club was loud, and full of a lot of people I didn’t know. Anna stood close to me, looking nervous. She had said earlier that she didn’t feel like coming, and now I could see it on her face. “I don’t feel comfortable Rose,” she said. “I think I’m going to leave.” “Are you sure?” I asked, but she was already shaking her head. " I will call you later. ” she told me and walked out through the main doors. I stayed behind, trying to blend into the noise. Ever since I was born I don’t remember ever going to the club. I have always wanted to know what it feels like to be in the midst of crowd. What it feels like to be in a place that is filled with alcoholic smell. But right now, I feel out of this place . I was just on my own. No friend to talk to, nobody was talking to me. I couldn’t take it anymore. I pushed through the crowd and slipped outside through the back door to get some fresh air. It was quiet outside here, too quiet. The only sound was the music thumping faintly from inside the club. I hugged myself and thought, Maybe I should go back in. Then I heard it. A scream. I froze on the spot. At first, I thought I imagined it. But then it came again and it was louder this time. My blood ran cold. Is that not anna’s voice? I moved to where the sound came from and saw Anna backed against the wall, her eyes was filled with fear. I moved a bit closer, trying not to be seen or caught by the men that was surrounding her. The men were talking in low voices and I couldn’t hear what they said. Then Anna’s voice broke through, soft and desperate. “Please… someone help me.” My chest tightened. A Part of me said I should turn back, to run before they noticed me. But I couldn’t leave her like that. She is my best friend and she is only in this situation because of me. One of the men pulled out a gun, and my whole body froze. I forced myself to step forward. “Leave her alone!” I shouted with a shaking voice. All of their heads snapped toward me. The man with the gun turned it in my direction. My knees felt weak, but I stood still. This was a bad idea. A very bad idea. One of them came closer to me. I couldn’t see him clearly because his face was hidden in the dark. “Run away, young lady. Forget what you saw, and we will let you live.” I bit my lip hard, fear rising in my throat. He was giving me a chance to escape. I should leave. But Anna’s terrified eyes met mine. “No,” I said firmly and louder this time. “Let her go.” He smirked at me. “You are foolish, girl. I’m giving you a chance to live. Leave now. You don’t want to mess with the Cruz Mafia.” What the fuck! Cruz mafia? Anna had told me about them on our way here. They are the second biggest mafia in the country. “Oh God,” I whispered. “Please,” I pleaded as I came closer, “let her go.” The man chuckled darkly as he waved the gun in his hand while moving closer. His steps made my heart pound. I lifted my knee and kicked him hard between his legs. He groaned and fell as the gun slipped from his hand. Before I could even breathe, I grabbed the gun and pointed it at him as he lay on the ground. The other men shouted and started walking towards me. My hands shook with fear. I didn’t know what I was doing, but I pulled the trigger. The shot rang out and echoed in the alley. The man screamed, clutching his leg as he fell. The others froze as they glared at me. I aimed the gun at them, praying inwardly that they would be scared enough to back off. I pressed the trigger again. click. Nothing. The gun was empty. My blood went cold. The men grinned when they realized that there were no bullets anymore in the gun. Behind them, I noticed Anna. She pushed herself up from the ground and bolted in the opposite direction. My heart leapt....at least she is safe. But me? I am in serious trouble. I stumbled back, then threw the gun at one of them and hit his shoulder. Using that moment, I turned and ran. The heels on my feet slowed me down, so I took them off and held it n my hands as I ran down the dark street. Their footsteps thundered behind me. “What have I gotten myself into?” I thought with my breath burning in my chest. To be continuedROSALINA P.O.VThe heavy wooden door closed with a soft click. Christopher turned the key in the lock, and the sound echoed through the quiet bedroom.I stood in the middle of the room, my hands holding the skirt of my white lace wedding dress. My heart was beating so fast I could hear it in my ears."We are finally alone," I said, breaking the silence.Christopher turned around. He took off his black suit jacket and threw it onto the armchair. "Yes. No guards. No Sofia. Just you and me, Mrs. Romano."I smiled, my cheeks feeling very warm. "Mrs. Romano. It still sounds so strange to hear that.""Do you not like it?" he asked, walking slowly toward me."I love it," I whispered. "I just never thought I would actually be here. With you. Wearing a wedding dress."Christopher stopped right in front of me. He reached out and took my left hand, lifting it up so the candlelight caught the rings. "Look at this, Rosalina. It is very real. You are my wife now.""I know," I said, looking up into
**CHRISTOPHER P.O.V**The wind coming off the valley was cool, but the hand holding mine was incredibly warm.I stood under the stone archway, the gold light of the sunset painting the white silk canopy in shades of soft orange and pink. The old priest’s voice was a low, steady rumble, reciting the ancient Latin words of the marriage blessing. But to be completely honest, I wasn't listening to a single word of the ceremony.I was staring entirely at Rosalina.The white veil fell softly over her shoulders, framing her face like a painting. In her dark hair, the little blue sapphire pin that belonged to my mother shined brightly, catching the fading light of the sun. She looked so delicate standing next to my massive, scarred frame, yet there was absolutely no fear in her eyes. Her gaze was locked onto my single blue eye with a strength that humbled me."Christopher Romano," the priest said, his kind eyes looking up from his leather book. He switched his words from Latin back to simple
**ROSALINA P.O.V**The morning sun over the Tuscan hills was warmer than it had been in weeks. The cold, gray fog of the war was completely gone, replaced by a bright blue sky that seemed to stretch on forever.I stood in the center of the grand courtyard, looking up at the massive white silk canopy that the workers had just finished setting up. It stretched from the stone archway of the villa all the way to the edge of the cliff, where the mountains fell away into the green valleys below.The air smelled of fresh pine, sweet jasmine, and thousands of white lilies that had been delivered from Florence earlier this morning."The silk is too low on the left side," Sofia’s voice barked from behind me. She was standing with her hands on her hips, glare-staring at two young guards who were trying their best to tie a heavy white ribbon to a stone pillar. "Lift it higher! The bride is not a dwarf. She needs to walk under it without getting her hair caught!"The two guards jumped nervously an
CHRISTOPHER P.O.VThe morning sun was bright and cold when I stood in front of the bedroom mirror. I adjusted the collar of my crisp white shirt, careful not to pull too hard on my left shoulder. The white bandages underneath were clean, but my muscles were still very sore from the bullet graze. I put on my best black suit jacket, hiding the pain and the bandages completely.When I turned around, Rosalina was sitting up in the large bed. She was holding the thick white blanket close to her chest. Her beautiful brown eyes were watching me with a lot of worry.I walked over to the bed and sat down on the edge. I reached out and took her hand. The pear-cut diamond ring on her finger was cold against my warm palm."I am going now, little bird," I said softly, my voice very deep in the quiet room."Please be careful, Christopher," she whispered. She reached up with her free hand and touched my cheek. "Do not let them make you angry. Just use the papers and come back to me.""I am only goin
ROSALINA P.O.VThe village looked like something out of a dream. The streets were made of old, smooth stones, and the buildings were covered in vines that turned gold in the afternoon sun. Sofia walked beside me, her arm linked with mine. She knew everyone. Every few steps, she would stop to shout
A woman came running out of the house. She looked to be in her fifties. She had dark hair pulled back in a bun and big gold earrings. She was wearing a simple black dress.Christopher stepped forward, and she grabbed his face, kissing both of his cheeks. She talked so fast I couldn't understand a s
CHRISTOPHER P.O.V The sun was just beginning to climb over the rolling hills of Tuscany. From the window of the private jet, the world looked like a painting. It was peaceful—a word I didn't get to use very often. I turned my head to look at Rosalina. She was fast asleep in the large leather sea
He reached around and picked up a piece of fruit from my plate, popping it into his mouth."You are a Romano ward," he said. "And soon, the world will know that touching you is the same as touching me."He walked out of the room, leaving me alone with a table full of food I couldn't eat.I was no l












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