Elsa
I let out a yawn and sat up in the bed, stretching my arms. I looked around the bedroom confused for a second before remembering I was in Italy.
Also, after our talk and knowing his thoughts about still wanting children at some point, gave me a new sense of relief. I knew he wanted that baby so badly because if there was one thing I was truly surprised by, was how quickly he had comprehended that I was pregnant with his baby. He didn’t even freak out considering we had just gotten together. He just embraced everything with no hesitation at all. That was another reason why I knew he would be an incredible father one day.
I got up from the soft bed to the bathroom to brush my teeth and wash my face before finding something to wear. The sun was high up in the clear sky, shining brightly and letting me know it was late in the afternoon.
I wore a pretty off-shoulder sage dress with short, loose sleeves that stopped at my elbows.
I was a bit concerned that it might be a little too short as it flowed around my mid-thigh, but I figured out Nicholas wouldn’t have packed it for me if it was too short for me to wear around here. I didn’t want to piss
Nonna off with inappropriate clothing and I wanted to be as respectable as possible.
I made my way downstairs and took my time looking around. It was truly aesthetic inside with a mixture of modern and antique elements, making it all seem incredibly classy and homey. Someone was a fan of art as I looked at the many different paintings on the walls on my way, and of course, I noticed the painting of The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci hanging big on the wall.
I did find it quite funny how there was such a big difference when it came to religious beliefs within Nicholas's family. His Nonna was a religious woman who strongly believed in God, and then there was Nicholas , who was practically The Devil himself. I couldn’t help but let out a snicker at my thoughts.
“Do you find the painting funny?” A slightly amusing male voice brought me out of my thoughts, making me turn around.
A tall man with piercing dark brown eyes came to stand next to me, his hands tucked into the pockets of his slacks as he looked at the painting. It gave me the chance to get a closer look at him, but I did not doubt that this man was Nicholas ’s father. Dante looked a lot like his father.
“Oh, no… I wasn’t laughing at the picture…” I said, embarrassed that it had looked like I was.
“I won’t tell, it’ll be our little secret.” He said as he still looked at the painting.
“Do you know the story of this painting?” He asked and I turned to look at it again.
“Jesus telling his disciples that one of them is going to betray him, or Leonardo da Vinci’s new paint experiment technique when he made it?” He turned to look at me, a brow slightly raised.
“And what about this painting experiment?”
“He used tempera paint but the experiment wasn’t quite successful as it started to flake within a few years, and then later it got completely ruined.” I explained before facing him. completely.
“Interesting. Are you an artist yourself?” He eyed me as he spoke.
“I wouldn’t say that, but it’s an interest and a passion of mine.” I gave a small smile and he gave one short nod in return. He looked me up and down but I couldn’t tell what he was thinking with the blank expression he wore, which made me nervous for some reason.
“Oh, sorry, I’m -”
“Elisabeth Volante.” He said before I could finish introducing myself.
“I’m Riccardo. You thought I wouldn’t know who you are as soon as I heard my son brought a woman with him? Especially a Volante?” The corner of his mouth twitched every so slightly, and I wanted to frown at his words.
What the hell does he mean by that?
“I wouldn’t have expected anything less.” I gave a tight smile and he tilted his head slightly to the side. He looked at me as if he was trying to look deep into my soul. To reveal my
Not that I had any…
“You do look quite well for someone who is supposed to be dead, no?” He smirked and mentally rolled my eyes.
Like father, like son.
“That was me telling death ‘not today’.” I tried to joke to ease my nervousness but his piercing cold eyes made it difficult to do so. The corner of his mouth turned up just the tiniest bit, and I had no idea if I should take that as a good sign or not.
“Why don’t you join me outside? I’m sure you could use some breakfast and we’ll get to have a little chat together.”
Riccardo didn’t leave me much of a choice as he turned around, making his way in the direction of the garden, and I followed quietly behind him.
We stepped outside where a table was already set up with food. I took a look around, noticing two unfamiliar men standing close by, assuming it was his men.
“Have a seat.” He gestured to the chair in front of him.
“Thank you.” I sat down and looked around once again but there was no sign of Nicholas or anyone that I knew for that matter.
"Nicholas is not here, but I’m sure he’ll be here shortly.” He looked at someone behind me, which made me turn to look. I got relieved when I saw Logan was present. He was on the phone, most likely with Nicholas ,while looking at Riccardo before ending the call.
“Tell me why your death had to be faked?” He wasted no time and cut right to the chase.
“That was my father trying to protect his daughter. I’m sure you can understand that.” I retorted and tried to relax as much as I could. I had a feeling this was going to be one interrogative conversation. Any trace of hunger I had felt before, disappeared with his intense gaze on me.
“What an odd way to do so, wouldn’t you say?” He questioned while pouring a cup of coffee.
“I agree. However, I do believe my father did whatever he thought would be the best for me at the time.” I said truthfully. I wasn’t exactly happy about knowing that I was dead on paper, and then finding out I was a Volante and not a Celano. I did have my father fix my papers for me but he must have read my file before it got fixed.
“If you say so.” He took a sip of his coffee as I eyed him.
“I hear your mother is Greek.”
“Yes.”
“That’s going to be a problem for me.” Riccardo said in all seriousness. This man didn’t beat around the bush at all.
“And how is that a problem?” I said defensively and frowned at him.
“You surely can understand that I would rather have my son be with an Italian, and from a family that would be beneficial to him.” I couldn’t help but let out a small humorless chuckle. I looked to the side, seeing Logan standing closer now, and was able to hear our conversation. He was still looking at Riccardo with a blank expression.
“That’s your preference, Mr. Donavan. If Nicholas wanted that then he would have done so.” I gave him a sweet smile, which made him slightly squint his eyes.
“Nicholas doesn’t know what he wants.” He stated firmly.
“We both know Nicholas is a man that goes for what he wants. And I am the one he wants.” I knew my words got to him when he slightly furrowed his brows. If this was how he wanted to play, then so be it.
“You seem quite confident about it.”
“Why shouldn’t I be?” I replied. Nicholas hasn’t given me one single reason why I shouldn’t be secure with our relationship.
Riccardo suddenly let out a laugh and leaned back in his seat.
“Let us just get to the point. How much do you want?” He asked amused.
“Excuse me?”
“How much money to make you go away? Name your price.” I looked at him, completely taken aback by what he just said. But he just smirked and sipped his coffee.
“With all due respect, Mr. Donavan, but this ‘chat’ of ours has turned rather ridiculous.” I gave him a blank look. I didn’t want to give him the pleasure of getting a reaction out of me even though I was pissed by his words.
“I’m simply stating what would be best for this family. It isn’t you. You don’t have anything to offer.” He gave me a smug grin while I tried to remain calm.
“I already have a woman from a powerful family for him that would be more suitable, and beneficial.” He continued. I couldn’t help but let out a scoff, anger fuming inside of me.
As if I would ever let Nicholas be with someone else.
Over my fucking dead body.
“Is that all you care about? Power? What about his happiness?”
“He will learn to live with it, just like everything else in life.” Riccardo signaled to one of his men to approach him and handed him a checkbook.
“This should be enough to leave my son and never show your face again, yes?” He said while scribbling down before sliding the check to me on the table.
No one said anything for a while as I looked at him blankly but he was slightly smiling at me. Right now I was wondering how much damage I could make to his face with a fork before getting shot by his men.
He gestured for me to pick up the check, so I did. I looked it over, seeing a ridiculous amount of money he was offering for me to leave Nicholas.I let out a smile the longer I stared at the check.
“I see you’re pleased with the number.” I looked up, seeing his brow raised. I didn’t say anything, my smile widened as I looked him right in the eyes.
And ripped the check into tiny pieces.
“Save your money because I’m not interested. I guess you better get used to me because I’m not going anywhere. And if you bring women you think would be more fitting for Nicholas ,consider them all dead. Because I will be going on a killing spree. If I can’t have him, I’m going to make sure no one else can.” I tilted my head slightly to the side, giving a sweet smile while his smirk widened.
“Wouldn’t it be easier to kill Nicholas then?”
“Nah, he’s too difficult to kill.” I waved my hand with a sigh. Riccardo let out a booming laugh, making me look at him with confusion and surprise.
“It was a pleasure to meet you, Elisabeth.” He smiled as he got up from his seat and left the table with his men. I didn’t say anything as I stared at his retreating form in utter confusion.
“What the hell just happened?” I said out loud to no one in particular. Before I could call after him, Logan blocked my view and took a seat where Riccardo previously sat.
“He was testing you.” Logan explained while grabbing a cornetto from the pastry platter.
“Testing me for what?” My frown deepened as I watched him take a bite, nodding in satisfaction at the cornetto.
“To figure out what your intentions are with Nicholas .In other words, if you’re a power-hungry gold digger.” I dropped my jaw at his words.
A gold digger?!
“If I was after money I would have gotten myself a sugar daddy that was, I don’t know, maybe not a freaking criminal and kills for a living.” I crossed my arms, scowling while he was still enjoying his cornetto, which was looking very delicious right now.
“That would make sense. It would be insane if you stayed around just for money after everything you have been through. You would be one hell of a desperate gold digger then.” He chuckled, making me laugh along with him.
“You knew he was testing me?” I asked.
“Yeah, I caught up on that pretty quickly and I wanted to see what you had to say. Not that I think you’re a gold digger, but many women would do anything to be with Nicholas because of the wealth and power he possesses.” Logan said as he finished eating.
“Well, he couldn’t have done it differently.” I muttered. I was still offended about him assuming I was a gold digger.
“One’s true colors show when you’re angry, which made me realize you’re also more psychotic than I thought you were.” He smirked, leaning forward to rest his arms on the table.
“What do you mean?”
“You wanted to stab him with a fork, didn’t you.” Logan laughed when my eyes widened.
“How did you know?” I half-whispered to him.
“You tend to look at things for too long, giving away what you want to do. Plus, you were eyeing your fork like you wanted to stab him. That’s fucking bold to do so in front of the former boss.” Logan grinned as he casually explained everything while I was completely mortified.
“Maybe he didn’t notice?” I asked. Logan shot me a ‘really’ look.
“I know, long shot…” I sighed.
“Don’t worry about it.” He tried to reassure me.
“Easier said than done! I apparently just showed a former Mafia Boss that I wanted to stab him! With a fork!” I tried to explain how this was actually bigger than he tried to make it out to be.
“It’s not that big of a deal. No offense, but you’re not really… a threat.” He apologetically gave a small shrug. I opened my mouth, about to say something before clamping my mouth. shut.
“Eh, true.” I agreed as he had a point. I had no fighting skills. whatsoever. At least not some that could ever be compared to their skills. And also, they all towered over me and could squish me without even trying.
“I will teach you how to be a bit scary. Though your height makes it a bit difficult.” He snickered.
“Ha ha, so funny.” I gave a sarcastic smile and flipped him off in the process.
“Anyway, where’s Nicholas ?” I wanted to talk to him about some of the things his father said. It did hurt me when he said my mother being Greek was a problem.
“He should be here soon. I was told to make sure you got something to eat, and you should also wear something comfortable that you can move around in.”
“Why? What are we doing?” I asked, curious about what Nicholas had in mind.
“A small hint; you’re going to get your ass kicked.” Logan smiled slyly.
Logan’s words had me smiling as I grabbed something to eat. These cornettos smelled and looked delicious.
“I’m going to get my ass kicked?”
“Big time.” He said confidently, having me try to think of what it could be.
“Dare to make a friendly bet?” I was one hell of a competitive person, and whatever we were going to do, I refused to get my ass kicked.
“It’ll be the easiest money I’ll make.” Logan grinned, making me roll my eyes at him.
“How much are we talking about?” He asked and I took a few seconds to think about it. I didn’t want to throw a high number in there in case I actually lost.
“Hmm… Let’s say fifty!” I held my hand out and he shook it to seal the deal with a smug grin.
“All right, fifty grand.” He said and I choked on my spit as he leaned back in his seat once again.
“Wait, what?!” I gaped at him with my eyes wide.
“You just said fifty?” Logan just looked at me slightly confused.
“I meant fifty dollars! Not freaking fifty thousand dollars!” I exclaimed. Was he out of his damn mind?!
“What am I supposed to do with only fifty dollars? I can’t even buy a decent meal with that. You already shook on fifty thousand. A deal is a deal.” He put his hands behind his head with a stupid smirk on his face.
“Are you insane?! That’s a lot of money! At least for me…” I tried to explain but he just shrugged his shoulders at me.
“You better not lose then.” He stuck his tongue slightly out to tease me.
“I’m not betting that much!” I frowned and crossed my arms.
“A deal is a deal. Do you know what happens to those who don’t pay what they owe?” Logan leaned forward, resting his arms on his thighs as he spoke.
“I think I have an idea…”. I muttered, a bit unsure when I saw Logan’s demeanor change. He looked at me with a psychopathic look I had never seen before.
“Trust me, you don’t. I fucking torture them. Slowly cut into their skin until they scream and beg for me to stop. But I love it when they beg. I feed off their screams. It only makes me want to keep going.” His voice was low and cold, his expression turned dark and sinister as he looked at me like I was his very next prey. I was startled by the sudden change in his personality.
“And that’s how you do it. Scary, right?” I blinked a few times as I watched him get back to his normal expression with his usual smile.
“What the – You need a fucking doctor! No way in hell it’s normal to switch personalities just like that.” I gaped at him.
“Damn, you definitely belong in the Mafia. You’re a lunatic!” I erupted in shock, but also in awe. To witness him like that was fascinating. The way he went from looking like a nice guy to a maniac in a split second was impressive.
“I didn’t get to my position by being a softie. Why do you think Nicholas assigned me to be your bodyguard? It’s because I’m very good at my job, actually better than good.” I gave an impressive nod. I had no doubt Logan was good at his job. I knew he was one of Nicholas ’s most trusted men as he was always around him along with Antonio, Giovanni, and Dom.
“That’s impressive! I’ve just never seen that side of you. You’re always smiling around me and you’re also pretty chill. One wouldn’t think you would be able to be that crazy.” I chuckled.
“I know. I decided to keep it low-key after that night at the amusement park. You were pretty freaked out and almost fainted. I wanted to make it easy for you.” We both smiled, thinking back to that episode.
Back in the hotel room, I did say to him that he seemed different from the others. He didn’t look at me with a blank expression and actually smiled, making him seem like any nice guy. Obviously, I knew he was still a tough person because, well, he was in a Mafia. But I just had no idea how batshit crazy Logan could be.
“Awh, look at you being so considerate of me.” I gave an exaggerated flattered look.
“Yeah, what can I say, you grew on me.” He let out a dramatic sigh with a teasing look.
“Well, since we have established that, you should-
“No. I’m not letting you win. I don’t care that much about you to purposely lose the bet. My pride won’t allow it.” Logan gave me one smug smile and I sulked in my seat.
“But I don’t have that kind of money!” I tried again. Okay, that was a lie. I had that kind of money from working my ass off in the boutique, and I definitely had a lot more now since
Nicholas had fixed the insurance. But Logan didn’t need to know that.
“Not my problem.” He shrugged, ignoring the glare I was giving him.
“What a bitch…” I muttered under my breath and left the table to get back to my room.
“Heard that!” He called after me.
“Good.” I replied, still in a sulking mood as I tried to think of how not to lose fifty thousand dollars at whatever we were going to do. I inwardly groaned as I had a feeling I was going to lose big time.
Once reaching my room, I went through my clothes and found a pair of black leggings and a t-shirt before getting dressed. Just as I pulled the t-shirt over my head, a knock sounded on the door before it opened.
“Hi there.” I smiled as I saw Nicholas ,my heart skipping a beat at the sight of him. He was looking handsome as ever in a fitted t-shirt that showed off his incredible body.
“Ciao, amore mio.” He gave me one of his beautiful smiles as he approached me. He placed a kiss on my forehead, making my body flutter at his actions.
“How did you sleep?” He asked.
“I slept good, and you?”
“Fine. Could have been better.” Nicholas slightly frowned.
“Is that why you were up early?” I chuckled and he gave a half- shrug.
“I had to take care of something. And also, this is for you.” He said and only now did I realize he was hiding something behind his back. My smile widened as I saw it was a beautiful bouquet of pink Lilies.
“They’re beautiful!” I took the bouquet, smelling the fresh flowers and feeling my cheeks heat up at the sweet gesture.
“Thank you, my love.” I leaned into him and placed a small kiss on his lips, tingles filling my body at the thought of him going out of his way to get me flowers.
“You’re welcome.” He smiled at my words, looking at me with his softened eyes.
“Are you ready? I’ll have someone put them in water for you.”
“I am, just need a different pair of shoes.” I put the flowers on top of a dresser.
“So, where are we going?” I asked as I put on my sneakers.
“It’s a surprise.” He had a playful smile when I gave him a displeased look. He knew I hated when people said that. My curiosity couldn’t handle it.
“It has also come to my attention that you wanted to stab my father with a fork.” I stopped in my tracks and stilled. I straightened up to see him looking at me with a rather amused look. I felt my face getting hotter by the second.
"don’t know what you’re talking about.” I said and searched for a hair tie, avoiding looking at him.
“Really?” Judging by his still amused tone, I knew he didn’t buy it.
“Mhmm.” I turned my back to him as I grabbed the hair tie to pull my hair up in a high ponytail. Arms wrapped around me from behind, and he pulled me into him. I felt his lips trail on the side of my neck before he reached my ear. My heartbeat was spiking from his actions, making me close my eyes as he nibbled on my earlobe.
“Have you forgotten that you’re a lousy liar?” He whispered to
“Yes.” I breathed out before snapping my eyes open.
“Uh… I mean, no.” It sounded more like a question than a statement, making me grimace at my answer. He let out a chuckle as I turned around to face him.
“Okay, so maybe I did want to stab him with a fork. But he kept talking about having a woman for you that will be more suitable for you. Of course, I would want to freaking stab him for saying that to me! I also told him I will kill every single woman he brings. If I can’t have you, no one else can. You’re mine. No one can have you but me. You hear me!” I jabbed my finger into his chest as I looked at him with a frown. I was dead serious about it. Nicholas gave a smug smile and he grabbed my chin, leaning in so close our lips were almost touching.
“Loud and clear, my little possessive elsa”
“Good.” I gave a firm nod, still frowning.
“Also, I’m not little, you’re just huge.”
“Oh, I know I’m huge.” He pressed his lower body into me, making me feel him. His eyes turned into lustful ones as he gave me that Devilish smirk. It was my weakness and my body responded immediately to him.
“Tsk, don’t flatter yourself. I can barely feel anything.” I tried my best not to laugh when he cocked a brow.
“Says the one who continues to scream out in pleasure every time I fuck her, and struggles to fit me in her mouth.” His hand slowly trailed down and wrapped around my throat. He slightly squeezed, having my breath come out quicker in excitement.
“I seem to be in need of a reminder.” My voice came out in a mere whisper, the pool of heat intensifying between my legs. I knew he felt the same as I watched his eyes darken.
“It appears so.” His eyes looked down to my lips, his thumb running across them.
“Though it will have to be later. You need your strength.” Nicholas stepped away, pulling me out of the spell he had me
“What a tease! You can’t just seduce me like that and give me nothing.” I complained. That damn Devil managed to get me hot and bothered.
“If you do good, it’ll be your reward later.” He winked,
“What’s the fun in that…” I scowled as he took my hand and lead me downstairs.
I stopped in my tracks and my jaw dropped to the ground when we got outside.
“Oh. My. God!” My eyes could barely believe what was in front of me.
(The sexiest car i k i k... 😍)
“Of course, you would own this car!” I ran up to the freaking Maserati Alfieri in pure awe, examining every single side of the car. Even the rims were to die for! I knew I shouldn’t be surprised by him owning these expensive cars, especially when I saw he owned the Bugatti La Voiture Noire. I just never thought I would get the pleasure of seeing them in real life or to even sitting in one!
“Do you like it?” Nicholas was watching me examining the car with a smile.
“In fear of sounding like a gold digger; fuck yeah, I do! I have a weakness for expensive cars.” I sighed dreamily, and carefully touched the shiny car.
“You can drive it.”
“I can?!” I stared at him with wide eyes.
“Wait, if you’re joking, I will never suck your dick again.” I said firmly.
“Oh, for fucking fucks sake…” The familiar grumpy voice spoke out. I looked in his direction, completely missing that Logan and Giovanni were present.
“Whoops…” I let out an awkward laugh and scratched the back of my head while Giovanni gave me a disapproving look.
“Keep that shit to yourself. I don’t wanna hear it.” He glared grumpily with a disgusted look on his face.
“Oh, shut up, Gio. You’re the one who’s perverted and listened to our conversation. Be like Logan, and don’t listen.” I pointed at Logan, who looked like he couldn’t give two shits about what had just said.
“You’re the one shouting about sucking dicks. Maybe don’t shout and I won’t hear it.” Giovanni shot back with disgust in his tone.
“Wrong! How many dicks do you think Nicholas has? ‘Cause I’ ve only sucked one so far.”
“I don’t wanna hear it!” He shouted and I laughed at his reaction, watching him quickly get inside a different car and slam the door shut.
Ah, I just loved to annoy the shit out of him.
“Classic Elisabeth to torture Gio like this.” Logan chuckled before getting inside the car as well.
“He should get his dick sucked. Maybe he will be less grumpy.” I looked at Nicholas ,seeing him with his eyes closed as he pinched the bridge of his nose.
“What…?” I asked innocently and gave a sweet smile. He just sighed and shook his head.
“Just get in the car. You’re driving.” I let out a squeal in excitement and ran up to him, wrapping my arms around his torso.
“Thank you!” I gave him a quick kiss before running back to the car, sliding inside the driver’s seat. The interior was unique and almost minimalistic, which suited the car so well as I took my time examining and admiring everything.
I was going to drive a freaking Maserati Alfieri!
“I will guide you. Don’t go too fast.” Nicholas said once he got inside the car. I looked at him with a brow raised.
“You put me in a car with a top speed of 189 miles per hour, an acceleration of 4.4 seconds, and you want me not to go fast.” I scoffed and got the car started, making it roar as I pressed down on the gas a few times.
“What a fucking beauty!” I beamed in happiness, and continued to make the engine roar like a beast!
“Elsaa -” Nicholas warned and I just laughed.
“Too late!” I pressed down on the gas and we were slammed back with the acceleration force. I screamed in excitement, my heart was beating fast, and adrenaline pumping in my veins as we flew out of the driveway.
I was driving fast! I was loving the way the car was driving so smoothly and the way, it sounded when I accelerated. This beauty was making me feel unstoppable.
“You can slow down now.” Nicholas said while scanning our surroundings as usual.
“Are you scared?” I grinned. I was having too much fun driving.
“No, but you lost Logan and Giovanni.” I looked in the rearview mirror, and sure enough, they were nowhere to be seen.
“Oh, right, sorry. I just love this car so much!” I said excitedly and lovingly caressing the steering wheel. I slowed by a lot to give Logan and Giovanni a chance to catch up.
“I knew you would.” He smiled as he watched me being excited.
“At least you can’t be mad at me for losing them when you’re with me. You really got pissed when I lost Antonio that time.” I laughed. Nicholas let out a chuckle and shook his head at me.
“My hand was twitching badly that day. There was nothing -more I wanted than to punish you for it.” I took a quick glance at him, squinting my eyes a little.
“Wait a minute… That day was the first time we were together…” I let out a small gasp when it hit me.
“Was that why you were so rough with me as a form of punishment?!” I didn’t give it much thought about it back then, but now I’ve come to learn if there was one thing he loved to do, it was to punish me through sex by being extremely rough. And sometimes not let me come until I begged.
The night of our first time, he was really rough with me. Like a beast, almost. He went in hard and fast, barely giving me time. to adjust to him. And he made sure it went on for a long time because I woke up sore as fuck and was barely able to walk.
“Was that also why you spanked me so fucking hard?!” I erupted.
“Yes, and you loved it.” He gave a smug smile and winked.
“Tsk…Whatever.” I rolled my eyes at him. Of course, I loved it. I loved everything he did to me. Who wouldn’t love mind- blowing sex?
“Since you’re letting me drive this car, does it mean I can drive your Bugat-”
“No.” He said immediately, not even letting me finish my sentence.
“Worth a shot.” I muttered. If there was anything I truly wanted to try, it was his incredible Bugatti La Voiture Noire.
Maybe I should just steal his car without him knowing. But then again, he always knew where I was so that wouldn’t work… Or maybe I should ask him while blowing him. He seemed to be in a whole different world when I did; and I was sure he would say yes without even noticing what I was asking about.
I snickered in my mind at my master plan.
Logan and Giovanni had caught up with us and Nicholas guided me to wherever we were going. We came to a stop and,I still had no clue what we were doing..