I squeeze her hand and gently steer her back toward the house. “Don’t dwell on negative thoughts. Let’s go inside. I’ll show you the house, we can talk, maybe have some wine. I’ve got a great terrace in my room with a beautiful view of the lake.”
***
My dearest Fabiano,
By the time you read this, you might feel too ashamed to call me your sister. You might even hate me for what I’ve done. There may be days when you wish I had never been part of your life. I understand, Fabiano. I really do.
I’m writing this because I need you to know the truth: I didn’t leave because of lust or some passing desire. That’s not who I am. I followed the only path my heart would allow.
You’re the only one I can tell this to—I’m in love. Deeply in love with Antonio Bruni, my husband’s cousin. The man I was never supposed to want.
I’ve loved him for as long as I can remember. That love only grew stronger the day I overheard our parents and learned I was meant to be his fiancée. I held onto the hope that my fate would be kinder than what our mother and Nonna endured.
I still hold onto that hope.
I want to believe that one day he will love me back. That one day I will truly have his heart. Every day I look at the only gift he has ever given me and wish his eyes would one day hold the same longing I feel for him.
My heart tells me we will see each other again. You and I have always been everything to each other. I hope, with time, you can find it in your heart to forgive me.
Please use the money I gave you to chase the dreams you’ve always had. I’ll reach out the moment it’s safe.
Never forget how much I love you.
Your sister, always,
Lucia
The moment I fold the letter, the door bursts open, making me jump in surprise. I look up to see Tony striding toward me, his steps fast and determined. Before I can speak, he leans down, slides one arm under my knees and the other around my back, and lifts me effortlessly. He carries me to the bed and gently lays me down on it.
My hand reaches for his face, resting on his cheek. “What are you doing here? Someone might see us.”
“I don’t care,” he growls before crashing his lips against mine. His kiss is deep, intense, and possessive—like a man returning from war, desperate for a taste of life.
I haven’t seen him in days. He’s barely been home, not even bothering with the poor girl he manipulated into coming here. When I talked to Emily, I realized they aren’t even sharing a room.
“Tony, please, let’s talk,” I plead with him.
He doesn’t stop. Instead, a low growl rumbles from deep in his throat, a clear refusal. But I refuse to back down. I pull my lips away from his demanding ones. “Let’s take Emily with us. She doesn’t deserve a fate like this.”
His lips trail to my ear, his teeth catching my earlobe. “I’ve already explained Emily’s place in my life so you don’t ruin things for both of us out of jealousy. But don’t overstep. Stay out of my affairs.”
I glare at him and scoot back on the bed, trying to create distance, but he grabs me effortlessly, pulling me beneath him once more. His lips crash against mine, filling the room with the sound of our fervent kisses.
“Stop. Please, don’t.”
Ignoring my words, his hand slides beneath my dress, finding the wet heat between my thighs.
“Don’t waste your energy, beautiful. You know you’re getting fucked today. You need it. You need me. And deep down, you hate yourself for it. Your mouth lies, but your body screams the truth. Look at this tight little pussy, aching to take my cock.”
He captures my lips again, his kiss demanding and consuming, but our moment is shattered by the sudden, jarring sound of glass breaking in the hallway.
I freeze, panic locking every muscle in my body. Tony, however, moves instantly. He pulls his gun from the shoulder holster under his jacket and strides toward the door with calculated precision.
I sit up on the bed, my hand pressing against my chest. A wave of nausea grips me. What if someone heard us? What if Carlo was back early? My mind races with worst-case scenarios.
Tony approaches the door cautiously, his hand resting on the handle. A series of quick knocks follow, and then Rafael’s voice breaks the tension.
“Boss, there’s an issue.”
