MARKED BY THE MAFIA
Marked By The Mafia – Episode 45&46
[…BOUND BY DUTY…]
GENRE: Dark Romance
TAGS: MAFIAS, OBSESSION, POSSESSIVE, LOVE, STEAMY, LOVE TRIANGLE, EMPIRE, BETRAYAL, CRIME, VIOLENCE, DEATHS AND MANY MORE…
✧༺✰༻✧
✮{…THE SURPRISE…}✮
VIPER & BIANCA’S SUITE*
The door creaked open and Viper stepped in, her eyes wide as the news sank in.
“She was pregnant?” she muttered, disbelief flashing across her face before a slow, dangerous smile curved her lips.
The obsession in her chest burned hotter, choking out everything else.
But when the memory of Aurora’s loss crossed her mind, she smiled out of relief.
A shaky laugh escaped her lips. “Guess fate knows who really belongs to him”
She leaned back against the wall, eyes glassy and far away, the madness in her expression deepening. Her hands trembled as she touched the faint scar on her wrist, whispering under her breath.
“I’m going to have you very soon, Matteo. Just watch. I’ll be the one giving you your first child, not that woman”
Her pulse quickened as she closed her eyes, lost in her fantasy of him as she caressed her body sensually and squeezed her own boobs.
When she finally opened her eyes again, a cold calm settled over her. She picked up her phone from the table and dialled a number.
The line connected instantly.
“I need no soothsayer to know you sent that lady to harm her” Viper said, a wild little laugh spilling from her lips.
“I swear, Valentina, I love you. This is the happiest day of my life”
On the other end, Valentina’s laughed coldly.
“She stole him from me, and I won’t allow her to give him his first child”
Viper rolled her eyes but kept her tone soft. “Then we understand each other”
The call ended, and silence filled the room.
“Now I need a good f+k to celebrate this good news” She laughed and then proceeded to leave when Bianca came in.
Viper turned, a wicked smirk already twisting her lips.
“I heard her scream, I ran here as soon as I could” she said, mimicking Bianca’s exact tone from earlier with mock sweetness.
Bianca’s expression hardened.
“I’m sure you were damn happy to see her in that situation” Viper sneered, crossing her arms.
Bianca’s mouth curved in a slow, poisonous smile.
“You caught me. We’re both happy about it, Viper. It’s a win–win situation for us”
Viper’s eyes darkened with amusement. “I’ll advise you to leave Matteo alone, ‘cause he’s mine”
Bianca tilted her head slightly, unbothered.
“You don’t know our history, so I can’t blame you”
Viper scoffed. “Who cares about history? This is the present. Wake up”
With that, she turned on her heel and strode out of the room, the sound of her boots fading down the corridor.
Bianca stood there for a moment, fists clenched tight at her sides. Fury shimmered behind her calm facade, but she forced herself to breathe, to think.
She couldn’t fight Viper — not physically. She knew Viper would beat her black and blue without hesitation.
No, Bianca played a different kind of game.
She exhaled, unclenching her fists and walking toward the drawer. Sliding it open, she pulled out a black laptop and flipped it open. The screen glowed against her face as she typed a name into the search bar:
“Nicholas DeLuca”
If she was going on a date with him tonight, she needed every detail and that includes his likes, his habits and maybe his weaknesses.
“Well… he’s hot but my Matteo is hotter” she said and she smirked.
•••
Enzo stepped out of a restaurant as he adjusted the cuffs of his black shirt, the sunlight catching on the silver watch at his wrist.
For a long moment, he stood on the sidewalk, his hand slipping into his pocket to pull out his phone. The screen lit up with a single contact staring back at him.
Aurora.
His thumb hovered over the call button, his jaw tightening as he stared at her name.
It had been months, and yet she still had that hold on him.
Enzo locked the screen and slid the phone back into his pocket.
“Tonight” he murmured under his breath, eyes hardening.
“I’ll call tonight”
He raised a hand and whistled sharply. A yellow cab slowed to a stop in front of him.
“Le Monarch Hotel” he said as he opened the door.
The driver nodded, pulling away from the curb.
Enzo leaned back against the seat, his gaze drifting to the city outside the window.
Paris had always been beautiful, but to him it felt hollow.
A city that smiled to hide its sins.
When the cab pulled up before The Monarch Hotel, Enzo handed the man a few bills and stepped out.
He lit a cigarette, taking a slow drag before heading inside. The doorman greeted him with a nod, and Enzo returned it briefly before making his way toward the elevator.
The faint chime of piano music filled the lobby, elegant and haunting. He caught a glimpse of himself in the mirrored walls as the elevator doors closed.
When the doors opened to his floor, he walked down the corridor, he slipped his keycard into the slot, the light turning green with a soft click.
Inside, the room was dim and quiet. He dropped his jacket on the chair and set his gun on the table beside the window. The skyline of Paris stretched beyond the glass, bathed in the pale light of afternoon.
Enzo exhaled smoke, watching it curl upward before fading into nothing.
He reached for his phone again, stared at Aurora’s name one more time, and this time, he smiled faintly.
“Tonight, Feather” he whispered, his voice low and rough.
“We’ll talk tonight”
Enzo’s phone vibrated in his hand, screen lighting up with a message from an unsaved number.
He reached for it lazily, thumb swiping across the glass.
He stared at it for a second, expression unreadable. Then without replying, he dropped the phone back on the table.
He didn’t need to check twice. He already knew who it was and what the message meant.
Pushing up from the chair, Enzo crossed the room to the small cellar tucked beside the minibar. He selected a bottle of aged whiskey, uncorked it with one twist, and poured himself a glass.
The liquid glinted amber under the dim light as he took a slow sip, letting the burn crawl down his throat.
Setting the glass aside, he began unbuttoning his shirt one button at a time.
The white fabric fell open, revealing the lean, hard lines of his chest and the faint scars that traced the story of every mission he’d survived.
He moved toward the bathroom, the sound of his footsteps echoing faintly on the floor. Steam was already rising from the shower, curling through the air like ghostly smoke.
He set his drink on the counter, slid the rest of his shirt off his shoulders, and stepped inside the bathroom.
•••
7PM, FASHION MALL PARIS*
Maya tugged at Aurora’s arm as they navigated the bustling mall.
“Come on, Aurora! You need a little retail therapy. Trust me, shopping heals!”
Aurora sighed but let herself be dragged along. She tried to keep her mind off the pain of the loss, and for a brief moment, she allowed herself to be distracted by the rows of designer boutiques and glittering displays.
Maya’s eyes lit up as she reached a shoe section.
“Heels! Oh my God, I could spend my entire paycheck here!”
Aurora smiled faintly, watching her dive into racks and racks of shoes. Maya was in her element, flitting from one section to another, practically vibrating with excitement.
Aurora wandered towards a nearby clothing display.
As she turned a corner, she accidentally collided with someone.
“Careful, please” a deep voice said immediately.
Aurora looked up, startled, and found herself staring into piercing dark eyes.
“Thanks for the catch” she replied, her cheeks warming slightly.
“I’m Nicholas, by the way. Mind if I know yours?” He asked.
“Aurora” she said, meeting his gaze for a moment.
“Oh wow, that’s a beautiful name for someone as gorgeous as you” he said with a small, confident smile.
Aurora simply smiled back, a little amused but trying to keep her composure.
“Thanks. Now excuse me” she said, stepping away and moving to join Maya, who was busy flipping through racks of dresses.
Behind Nicholas, his friend let out a low, dramatic whistle.
“Oh my God, Nicholas DeLuca is interested in a girl for the first time. Is this a dream?”
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Nicholas didn’t reply immediately, his eyes still following Aurora as she walked away.
Finally, he muttered, almost to himself, “She’s just different from the others I’ve seen”
Luciano grinned knowingly. “Different, huh? Interesting. This might get fun”
Nicholas adjusted his jacket and followed at a distance, a faint smile tugging at his lips as he watched Aurora.
“Still showing up for the blind date?” Luciano asked, a teasing lilt in his voice.
“Only to satisfy my dad” Nicholas replied, his voice calm, yet there was a light in his eyes.
“I’ve found someone my heart finally beats for. I’ll tell him about her tomorrow”
Luciano laughed, nudging him lightly.
“My friend’s in love”
Nicholas allowed himself a small, genuine smile, rare and unguarded.
Meanwhile, Aurora had joined Maya at the jacket section. Maya held up a sleek red leather jacket, inspecting it against the light.
“Think this will look good on Ace?” she asked, holding it out for Aurora’s opinion.
Aurora tilted her head, studying the jacket.
“You must really like him” she said softly, a teasing undertone hidden in her words.
“Yes, I do,” Maya admitted with a grin, “now answer my question, Mrs. Moretti”
Aurora chuckled, nodding toward the jacket. “I think the red one is better. I’ve noticed he wears red a lot”
Maya raised an eyebrow, smirking.
“Oh, now you’re noticing someone else’s outfit color. What about your husband? You should get something for Matteo too”
Aurora narrowed her eyes thoughtfully.
Maya nudged her gently.
“If you’re going to get something for Matteo, make it special. He’s got a wardrobe full of tailored suits already. You want it to mean something… not just another jacket in the closet”
Aurora glanced at her friend, lips twitching into a faint smile.
“Special, huh? I like the sound of that”
Maya grinned.
“Exactly. Something that stands out… something only he would recognize as yours. Leave the ordinary for everyone else”
Aurora smiled.
Maya suddenly tugged at her arm.
“Come on, we’re not done yet” Maya said.
Aurora frowned slightly.
“Where are we going?”
“You’ll see,” Maya replied, linking their arms. “Trust me, you’ll love it”
Aurora sighed but followed her out of the mall after Maya cleared her bills.
“You’re being weirdly secretive today, you know that?”
Maya only smirked.
“It’s called ‘surprise therapy’. You’ve been through hell lately. You deserve something that makes you smile again”
They stepped outside where a black car waited by the curb. The driver opened the door wordlessly.
Aurora hesitated.
“Maya… this isn’t one of your shopping marathons again, right?”
“Would you relax and get in already?” Maya said, pushing her gently toward the car.
Aurora rolled her eyes and slid inside, her curiosity piqued. As she entered, she noticed Maya didn’t come in with her.
“Aren’t you getting in??”
Maya grinned. “Nope”
“Why?”
“Just trust me. You will love it, i promise you”
Aurora’s brows furrowed in confusion.
“Maya, what are you up to?” she asked.
Maya simply smiled, resting a hand on the car door.
“You’ll find out soon enough. Just… keep an open mind, okay?”
Before Aurora could ask more, the driver closed the door gently and moved to the front seat.
“Where are we going?” Aurora called out, glancing at Maya through the glass.
Maya winked. “Somewhere you need to be”
The car pulled away smoothly, leaving Maya standing on the curb.
The city faded behind them, replaced by long, winding roads lined with cypress trees. The air grew quieter, colder, and more still the farther they drove.
Aurora frowned, her unease growing as streetlights disappeared, replaced by the soft silver of moonlight brushing against the glass.
“Where are we going?” she asked again, this time sharper.
The driver said nothing. His eyes stayed forward, hands steady on the wheel.
Aurora’s heartbeat picked up. She turned to glance out the window, but all she saw was the blur of trees and shadows. She decided to trust Maya and just relaxed.
Finally, after what felt like forever, the car slowed before a pair of massive wrought-iron gates, their gold crest gleaming faintly under the headlights.
The Moretti emblem.
This wasn’t random.
The gates opened soundlessly, and the car rolled through a long driveway bordered by white roses glowing faintly in the moonlight. The villa that appeared ahead looked almost unreal.
When the car came to a stop before the grand staircase, the driver stepped out and opened her door.
Aurora stepped out, the night breeze brushing against her skin.
“Why am I here?” she asked quietly.
“Inside” the driver said simply.
Aurora hesitated on the steps, her eyes scanning the villa. It was enormous, every detail curated with elegance.
The door opened gently, and there he was.
Matteo, dressed casually in dark slacks and a fitted shirt, his hands casually tucked in his pockets. His eyes locked on hers, a faint, knowing smile playing on his lips.
“Mia” he said, sending a shiver down her spine.
Aurora blinked, caught off guard by the new nickname.
“Mia?”
He took a step closer, the night air shifting around him as if it obeyed his presence.
“Yes… you’re mine” he said tenderly and Aurora couldn’t help but blush.
“Why am I here?” Aurora asked quietly.
“Is it so bad to be with me… in my sanctuary?” His smile deepened, and she could feel the pull of his charm.
She swallowed, her heart beating faster than she wanted to admit. Something about the way he said it made her forget to answer immediately.
He stepped aside, gesturing toward the garden.
“Come, see what I’ve prepared for you”
Aurora followed, her curiosity stronger than her hesitation. As they walked through the villa doors, she caught sight of the garden.
The area was transformed into a private haven—strings of soft lights above, a table set for two in the center, surrounded by roses and candles. A gentle melody played from hidden speakers, the music mingling perfectly with the night air.
Matteo led her to the table, pulling out a chair for her with a gentleman’s grace.
“Dinner is ready” he said simply, though his eyes held a spark that suggested this evening was about far more than food.
“It’s… beautiful” she admitted softly.
“It is, just like you” Matteo agreed, leaning slightly closer. “And it’s all for you”
Her chest fluttered.
He poured wine into their glasses, his fingers brushing hers slightly. Aurora felt heat spread through her body at the contact.
She picked up her fork, though she could barely focus on the food in front of her.
The table was filled with delicate Parisian dishes: truffle pasta, roasted duck glazed in honey, and a small plate of strawberries dipped in melted chocolate.
The fragrance alone could make anyone weak, but what left her breathless was the way Matteo kept looking at her, like she was something rare, fragile, and his.
After a quiet moment, she finally spoke, her voice soft but curious.
“What suddenly came over you, Matteo?”
He leaned back slightly, his gaze still fixed on her. A faint shrug lifted his shoulders.
“I want to make you happy, Mia. And I’m starting from now… so be prepared”
His hand reached across the table, brushing against hers before his fingers closed gently around them.
“You’re being unusually sweet tonight” she teased, though her eyes betrayed the emotion swirling inside her.
He chuckled lowly, a sound that rumbled in his chest.
“Sweet? Maybe. Or maybe I’ve finally realized I’ve been too hard on what’s mine”
Her heart skipped. That word, “mine,” rolled off his tongue with the kind of authority that both scared and thrilled her.
They began eating in silence. The candlelight flickered over his face, softening the sharpness of his features, and Aurora found herself staring at him longer than she meant to.
When the last course was cleared away, Matteo rose slowly from his chair.
“Stay right there” he said quietly.
Aurora frowned but obeyed, watching him walk toward a small cabinet near the rose arch. He returned with a black velvet box in hand.
He stopped behind her, close enough that she could feel the warmth of his breath brushing her neck.
Her body went rigid for a second as his scent, clean, masculine, faintly smoky, wrapped around her.
“Matteo… what are you doing?” she whispered.
He opened the box and lifted a delicate necklace from it, white gold, with a cluster of diamonds at its center shaped like a teardrop. The pendant caught the candlelight, scattering it into tiny stars.
“Something special,” he murmured. “Something that tells the world who you belong to”
Her breath caught as his fingers brushed her skin while clasping the necklace around her neck. The cool metal kissed her collarbone, followed by the warmth of his fingertips tracing along the chain.
When he finally met her eyes again, his voice dropped to a whisper that made her shiver.
“Perfect, It suits you, Mia”
Aurora swallowed hard, her heart a mess of emotion.
“It’s beautiful… Matteo, you didn’t have to—”
He cut her off gently, his thumb tilting her chin up.
“I wanted to,” he said simply. “For once, I wanted tonight to remind you of what you mean to me”
Matteo’s gaze dropped to her lips, his breath warm against her skin. The space between them vanished until only the sound of their hearts filled the silence.
Just as he leaned in, a sharp buzz broke the moment.
Aurora glanced down at her phone lighting up between them.
ENZO flashing across the screen.
Matteo’s jaw tightened. Without hesitation, he reached for the device, then with one smooth motion, he hurled it against the floor, the screen shattering into silence.
“I’ll get you a better one” he said.
Before she could speak, his mouth found hers hungrily and Aurora gasped against his lips.
His hand slid around her waist, pulling her closer until she melted into him completely.
The kiss deepened, fierce and unrestrained, and somewhere between the chaos and the need, he swept everything off the dinner table with one motion.
Papers, candles, and glass scattered to the floor as he lifted her effortlessly on the surface.
Aurora’s breath hitched as his lips trailed down to the edge of her jaw, her fingers threading into his hair, pulling him closer.
“To be honest,” he murmured against her skin, his voice trembling with honesty, “you drive me crazy… and I’m not keeping it in anymore”
Her chest rose and fell, eyes fluttering shut as the tension broke, replaced by something raw and consuming.
“Matteo…”
He drew in a sharp breath at the sound, eyes darkening with something between love and madness.
“Say it again” he whispered.
“Matteo mio…”
That was all it took.
Their mouths met once more, their bodies molding together as the scene dissolved into the sound of ragged breaths.
Within seconds, rain began to pour without warning but neither of them moved.
Matteo’s forehead rested against hers, both of them breathing hard, their lips inches apart. The scent of rain and roses filled the air, cool mist brushing their faces as the storm rolled in.
Aurora’s fingers curled into his shirt, holding on as if the world might disappear if she let go.
He lifted her chin gently, his gaze tracing every line of her face.
“Look at me” he said softly.
She did.
Raindrops clung to her lashes, slipping down her cheeks like silver. Matteo leaned in, his lips finding hers once more, slower this time, deeper.
Every kiss tasting of rain, relief, and something dangerous neither could name.
The candles flickered out one by one as the storm swallowed the night, leaving only the sound of the rain and the echo of their hearts beating in unison.
•
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•
TBC😈
