Adrian's Vengeance: A Dark Mafia Romance

by Isabella Starling

  I don't get to finish the sentence. The sound of Vitto's hard slap on my cheek rings out in the driveway. "Don't you dare raise your voice at me," he growls. "I don't know what those bastard Bernardis have been teaching you, but you will never ‒ fucking ever ‒ raise your voice at me again."

  "Calm down," Luigi hisses at Vitto. "She gets it."

  "Do you?" Vitto asks me.

  I find myself wordlessly nodding even though my eyes are shooting daggers at him.

  "Good. Let's head inside."

  I follow them into the house. It's beautiful here, everything is expensive, but also covered in a layer of dust. It looks neglected. It looks as if someone killed everyone who was supposed to live here... And I know it was Adrian. He didn't just have my parents killed, he's the reason Vitto's family is gone, too.

  Still, I can't help seething with anger as I follow the pair to the garden in the back. There's a table laid out with some whiskey on it and we all sit down around it.

  Vitto keeps staring at me, his face unreadable and yet filling me with fear.

  I turn to my brother. He's my last chance now, my last opportunity of escaping Vitto Donatti.

  "Did everything go according to plan?" Luigi asks.

  "Yes." I nod, looking away.

  "Good. We had the place you found burnt down."

  "Burnt?" I look up. "What about all the artwork that's in that garage?"

  "We got all of that. We're going to sell it," Vitto mutters. "Some paintings and sketches of that Bernardi reietto are in there, too. And some of you, Marzia."

  I flush, looking at my hands clasped in my lap. I can't stop shivering. "I painted those."

  "You painted?" Luigi raises his brows at me. "Adrian put you up to that?"

  "I've always loved it," I mutter defensively. "But papa wouldn't let me do it."

  "I wouldn't either," Vitto says firmly. "A lady has better things to do than paint, like taking care of her children."

  I glare at him. "I don't have any," I remind Vitto. "What else am I supposed to be—"

  "Do I need to warn you again?" he snarls, his hand heavy above my face.

  I shake my head and look away. Being near them has made me take a thousand steps back. All the work I've done at the Bernardi Estate, everything I've desperately tried to do to get over the abuse of my family, is meaningless. I'm back to being scaredy-cat Marzia—the one too afraid to ever speak up.

  "Back to the matter at hand," Luigi goes on after an awkward silence. "We're trying to get more people who can help us, but those bastard Bernardis have killed nearly all of our allies. What they did was more than cold-blooded murder. They tried to erase us from existence."

  "But we're not going to let that happen," Vitto grunts. "The first chance we get, we're going to kill them off, starting with that pretty boy, Adrian. I can't wait to slice his goddamn throat."

  I swallow thickly at the sound of his words. I need to warn Adrian. But how am I going to manage that here? I'm alone with them... They won't let me leave and I don't have a phone. Fuck.

  At least Luigi is here. I'm terrified of being here alone with Vitto. I don't think he would hold back around me if Luigi wasn't with us. I wouldn't catch a wink of sleep if it were just us.

  "The problem with the paintings, Marzia," Vitto says after Luigi's attempted interruption. "Isn't just that you were engaging in inappropriate activity. It's the way you painted the two of you. You look entirely indecent in those photos. Did Adrian order you to do that?"

  I might just be signing my own death sentence, but I'm determined to protect Adrian at all costs, so I merely smile and shake my head. "No, I painted them the way I wanted to paint them."

  "That's what I feared. Your life with the Bernardis has corrupted you. That Adrian is a fucking prick. He'll die for doing this to you. Who else was around you?"

  "Eleanora," I get out through gritted teeth. "But you already killed her."

  "Silence," Vitto hisses. "You've really grown quite the mouth on you, you little bitch."

  I suck in air at the sound of his insult, glaring at my brother to see if he'll object Vitto's words.

  Luigi doesn't react, he just drinks more of his booze.

  "Who else did you get to meet in their Estate?" Vitto demands again. "Tell me right now."

  "No one." I shrug. He can't hurt them if I don't give him any names.

  "No?" He gives me a cold grin. "Then I'll still have to kill them all. You know, just to be safe."

  I hate this smug fucking bastard. I want to attack him. I want to hammer my fists against his chest and smack him upside his stupid face. But I don't dare fight back. I've already seen what he does to the people who disobey him, and I'm not going to become another one of the corpses outside.

  I don't respond to Vitto. I've already realized the more I say, the more trouble I'll get myself into. Better to play the innocent, meek princess they both want me to be than get hurt. I'll just have to pray they don't find out the truth about my relationship with Adrian.

  The rest of the day is tense. I make food for the three of us and am shocked to realize there's no one else up here but my brother and Vitto. When I question them about it, they keep saying the same thing….that they don't have a lot of men left, and that most of them were killed.

  They show me to one of the guest bedrooms and I spend two hours scrubbing and cleaning it until I make it livable. At least there's water and electricity from a generator outside.

  I get ready for bed and climb under the sheets, my eyes glued to the window that overlooks the sea.

  I already know I've made a horrible mistake. But there's more about this situation. Something that just feels terribly wrong. Why would two mafia princes be all alone up here? Surely, they should have people helping them, allies making things easier. Even Eleanora and the guard would've been helpful, and they killed them both.

  I listen to Vitto and Luigi arguing as they bury the corpses outside. I feel sick, closing my eyes shut and trying to pretend none of this is happening. I can't help overhearing their conversation, the sound of damp dirt falling on the bodies, and the moment they hit the ground. I want to cry, but there are no tears left, only deep, shameful regret that reminds me I've made the worst decision of my entire life by coming here.

  I hear Luigi and Vitto arguing long into the night. I manage to catch some sleep only because I'm so fucking exhausted my eyes are shutting and I can't resist my pillow. The night is filled with restless dreams and nightmares.

  I wake up even more tired the next morning.

  A long shower makes me feel better. I get dressed in some of the clothes that at the house, sixties outfits with floral dresses. I put a sunhat on and head out into the garden. This is nice, at least. I never had the freedom of going outside like I wanted to before. It feels good.

  "What the hell are you doing?"

  I turn toward the terrace doors where Vitto is standing with an enraged expression.

  "Nothing," I reply. "Just wanted to get some fresh air."

  "You can't stand out there, someone's going to see you," he hisses. "Come back in her."

  I purse my lips but do as I'm told. He didn't have a problem with me being outside yesterday, and why is it fine for him and Luigi to go out, but not me? They're just as recognizable, if not more, as the sons of two of the biggest mafia families on the island. This is all ridiculous.

  I sit in the living room instead, my heart pounding with fear as Vitto joins me. "Where is Luigi?"

  "Your manners are piss poor," Vitto tells me. "You don't speak unless you're addressed, remember?"

  I nod. I'm slowly starting to realize agreeing with him gets me out of trouble faster than just arguing back.

  "As for your brother," Vitto goes on, shooting me an approving look. "He's gone to town to get some supplies. He'll be back tonight."

  I swallow thickly. This means I have to spend the rest of the day alone with Vitto.

  And to be honest, I'm fucking terrified of what he's capa
ble of now that there's no one here to stop him...

  39

  Adrian

  My best men are out there, trying to find Marzia. I don't know where she is. No one else saw her that day in the docks, and I'm not sure myself whether she was a mirage or if I really saw her.

  I'm fucking devastated. The thought of Donatti getting his hands on my woman makes me want to kill. But there's nothing I can do.

  We start by inspecting the garage that was robbed on the day of my wedding. I know it's Luigi and Vitto's work. What hurts the most is knowing that they took some of Marzia's work. Paintings and sketches I'd sent in to have framed are missing from the garage. Everything is gone, wiped out. It's as if Marzia never even existed at all.

  I just can't stop thinking about her. And the worst part is, Marzia still doesn't know she's pregnant. She could be risking the baby's life without even knowing. Even worse is the thought of Vitto hurting her when he finds out.

  I kick the wall of the garage, cursing out loud in frustration when they tell us they've once again found nothing to lead them back to the pricks who did this.

  "Are you telling me there aren't any security cameras?" I snarl at one of the guards. "No footage, fucking nothing from when it happened? How is that fucking possible? How can you be so goddamn incompetent—"

  "Adrian," Father speaks up in his calming voice. "Don't attack them. We'll handle this." He dismisses the guard.

  My body fucking shakes as I run my fingers through my hair. "How are we going to handle this? She's fucking gone. We may never find her again."

  "Adrian, we'll find her. I won't let them take her."

  "Now you care," I scoff. "But before you were more than eager to end her life."

  Father doesn't say a word, just purses his lips, and glares at me. "Come on, let's go back to the house."

  The drive back is quiet and uneventful even though my head is swimming with a thousand thoughts on how to punish Vitto and Luigi for what they've taken away from me. I fucking hate those two bastards and can't fucking wait to make them pay for everything they've done.

  Nicoletta is waiting for us when we arrive back, and she rushes toward me.

  I ignore her, striding into the Estate.

  "What's happened?" she calls out after me. "Did you find Marzia?"

  "No," I growl in reply.

  She knows better than to follow me. At least the girl can read people well enough to realize I will not be fucking disturbed right now. I head straight to my quarters and slam the door shut after I enter my room. I pace the room, fingers going through my hair as I wonder what the fuck I'm going to do.

  The worst part of thinking about Marzia is that she's got me used to fucking her so often and I'm a goddamned mess without her. Even now, my cock is straining painfully against the fabric of my pants, reminding me how desperate I am to claim her again. But she's not here. Not here to suck my cock, nor can I fuck her. Damnit, how I miss her.

  Fighting the urge to punch a wall, I pour myself a double shot of grappa and down it in one go. I need to think about where they could have gone. I need to come to the bottom of this and get Marzia back. Every day, every hour without her stretches ahead, trickling slowly like molasses. I can't live without her.

  With a groan, I unbutton my pants. My cock springs free. I need relief from the constant thoughts circling my head. I need Marzia. I need to remember my bambina, touch myself to the thought of her.

  I feel guilty as fuck as I start massaging my cock. I think of the times when I missed women before. None of it mattered…I'd have someone else in my bed and my obsession would be instantly cured. But not this time, not with Marzia. I'm more desperate than ever to feel her body next to mine, to run my fingertips over her silky tan skin.

  But I can't. Not unless I fucking fight to bring her back to where she belongs.

  I groan as my fingers continue to stroke my cock. I need her here, with me.

  What has to happen has never been clearer. Nicoletta has to leave and I have to do every-fucking-thing in my power to bring Marzia back home where she belongs.

  I growl her name as I bring my cock closer and closer to an inevitable orgasm. I'm not going to stop until my load has spilled over my fingers. The only thing that will bring me relief right now isn't here, so I'll just have to fucking take care of it myself.

  I grunt as I unload. Rope after rope of cum shoots ahead of me, on the hardwood floor. I pull my shirt off and toss it on the mess, falling back on my bed.

  So much shit has happened. Ryder interrupting the wedding, Marzia disappearing.

  But she didn't disappear, I remind myself. She left because she wanted to. She escaped.

  No matter what I want from her, she doesn't want the same. She'd rather be with Vitto fucking Donatti than me. That's why she left, after all. She couldn't bear the thought of staying here and being mine.

  It hurts. Knowing she chose to leave is hurting, cutting deeper than I ever thought it would.

  How did I allow this to happen? How could I let myself develop fucking feelings for a woman like her? She isn't just a childhood obsession, not anymore. My heart beats for her, my body wants her, and she's fucked with my head enough to have me obsessing over her after just a few short months. And it's not fixable. I can only fix it if I bring her back.

  Getting up, I head into the shower where the ice-cold water beats down my back. Every pelt of the water on me feels like a slap jolting me fucking awake. I can't allow myself to stop hoping now, to think I'm not going to get her back. I have to get her back.

  There is no other option.

  Two weeks later

  Today, Father will break off my engagement with Nicoletta.

  I've been looking forward to the day and something tells me my ex-fiancée isn't too sad about it either.

  Still, she seems worried when Gustavo arrives, merely smiling nervously as he greets her.

  We all sit down in the sun room where we have some tea. No one mentions Marzia ‒ Gustavo doesn't know she's missing ‒ and it doesn't fucking concern him.

  "I hope I'm here so you can tell me you've officially gotten married," Gustavo muses as we all sit down.

  Ryder wanted to be here, but Father wouldn't allow it, knowing Gustavo would lose his shit around him, since he was the one who stopped the wedding.

  As grateful as I am for that, I'm not letting him take the fall this time.

  "Unfortunately not," Father begins, clearing his throat.

  I interrupt him with a raised hand. "Let me, Father." I focus my attention back on Gustavo. "Signore Carlucci, I admire you very much. You know that."

  He merely smirks, not replying.

  "I want you to know I have the utmost respect for your daughter," I go on. "I have never touched her inappropriately. I have always been honest with her. And I hope both you and she will understand... that I can't go through with this marriage."

  Gustavo is on his feet the next second. "Are you fucking kidding me, you cazzo?"

  Bruno jumps up too, and guards pull out their weapons.

  "Calm down," I hiss. "Not in front of the girl."

  Reluctantly, everyone puts away the weapons. I notice Nicoletta is shivering, but don't offer to comfort her. That's not my job anymore.

  "I'm sorry, Gustavo, but I love someone else," I mutter. "I can't disappoint your daughter by not giving her everything she deserves."

  Gustavo is seething with anger. "This is not the deal we made. You will pay dearly for this."

  "I'm sorry," Father cuts in. "Perhaps she could marry a cousin..."

  "A cousin?" Gustavo spits out before rubbing his chin. "You have other sons, don't you?"

  "Yes," Father mutters. "I have four others."

  "Well then," Gustavo smirks, looking too pleased with himself for my fucking liking. "What about your prick of a son who stopped the wedding in the first place? If he hadn't done that, none of this would be happening right now."

  "Ryder?" Father repeats, glancing at me.
/>   "I like him," Nicoletta chirps, flushing before looking at her hands.

  "We know," Gustavo hisses, making her hide her face in her hands. "So, what do you say, Bernardi? Do we have another potential on our hands?"

  I watch Nicoletta closely. How can she just be okay with this? She's being passed around like a piece of meat. One brother doesn't want her? That's fine, she'll just go to the next one in fucking line. I'm outraged at both Father and Gustavo on her behalf, not that it helps.

  "You have a deal," Father replies after a thoughtful pause.

  "You can't be fucking serious!" I snap at him. "Have you even checked with Ryder?"

  "Quiet," Father cuts me off sternly. "Don't question me. You had your chance to speak and you got what you fucking wanted, didn't you? Let me worry about Ryder."

  I sit back sullenly, waiting for them to finish their conversation. I keep sneaking glances at Nicoletta, but instead of looking terrified or worried, she seems genuinely excited.

  I think back to the first time we met, when she thought Ryder was me. She liked him more than me back then... so she must be more excited about this wedding than the other option. I didn't exactly make things easier on her, either.

  Drinking in the pretty blonde with newfound interest, I realize never knew much about her. While I've been spending the past three months getting to know Marzia, I haven't devoted any attention to finding out more about my ex-bride. Now it's too late for another chance. Her fate has already been sealed.

  As Father and Gustavo shake hands, I try to catch Nicoletta's gaze, but she stubbornly won't meet my eyes. I know I've hurt her confidence, which I deeply regret. And nothing about my decision has anything to do with her— it's just that Marzia will always be first choice for me. No one could outdo her in my eyes. The poor little rich girl just got unlucky. But maybe Ryder will be a better match for her after all.

  "Good luck," I say to Nicoletta as she and her father say their goodbyes, agreeing to come back once Father breaks the news to Ryder.

  "Goodbye," Nicoletta replies stiffly, glaring at me before getting in the car.