Salvatore's POV

“You were strangely calm with that little missy in there, Salvatore,” my youngest brother, Russo, said as we walked to the car from the Klein's.

“Don't tell me it's love at first sight because what the hell has gotten into you? You're very much aware dad's going to be against it” Bianchi, my immediate brother pointed out.

I inhaled deeply, tucking my hands into my pocket. Bianchi was right. My dad would never agree to this goddamned alliance. We had one sole motive before coming to New York — getting the money from the Klein's.

Dad was home, probably waiting for us to return the money before he returned to Sicily, and he hated it when there were holes in his plans.

And that little missy? What was her name again….? Lyra! Yes, Lyra. That little, fearless, feisty missy. I liked her…. Her personality. But she'd swiftly turned into a complete red flag for me.

She had the audacity to call me a ‘cunt’ and as if that weren't enough, she'd hit me on my damn head. She clearly wasn't aware of what she had co-signed for. I would sure show her what a real ‘cunt’ is like.

A devilish, sly smirk played on my lips.

“You're busy smirking like it's nothing serious? What the hell are you plotting, huh?“ Bianchi asked, a big frown settled on his forehead.

“I'm honestly not happy with your decision. You know what it's impact it's going to be on us, but you still did it, and I'm sure you did it to get back at her. Petty!“ Russo hissed

“Didn't you fucking see how she called me a cunt? Why are you getting so worked up about the decision I made for myself?!“ I snapped at him, though I didn't intend to. Maybe that was me just transferring my aggression to him.

“Magari perché stiamo per perdere la capacità di camminare per un paio di giorni in poche ore (maybe 'cause we're going to lose our ability to walk for a couple of days in just few hours)” he retorted going into the car.

Bianchi followed suit.

Well…. He was right.

_____

“Stronzo! (You cunt!)“ My dad flared, throwing the glass of whiskey he held right at the face. The glass hit me on my forehead, leaving a cut.

I'd explained in details the whole that happened at the Klein's and of course omitting the part where a little missy I was 6 fucking years older than had called me a cunt and gave me a hard knock on my head.

Blood oozed freely from the cut, soaking my white T-shirt, but I cared less. Not like it was the first. And the real torture was yet to come.

“Mi dispiace( I'm sorry) I said clenching my fist tightly, my fingers digging into my palm.

“Dispiace?(Sorry?).” He landed a hard punch on my face, bursting my lower lip. “Who's going to pay the money? You? Or those imbeciles of you call your brothers?“

“I told you Bianchi and Russo weren't part of it. The decision was solely made by me and I'll take full responsibility. I'll pay the money”.

“And Octavia? What about her?“

Oh well, the rude, arrogant and manipulative bitch who'd always hung around me like my gun!

“Our engagement will get cancelled. I never even loved her to start with”.

Another heavy blow landed on my face, its weight throwing me on the floor. One thing I was grateful for was Russo and Bianchi wasn't part of this. I wouldn't have been able to bear it— seeing my siblings getting hurt for what I did.

“The Russian and the Sicilian mafia will turn into enemies until eternity, do you know what that means?” he thundered.

Of course, I knew. It meant nothing but WAR.

“I'll protect La Famiglia” I said, my voice calm. My breath heavy.

“You said that so easily. Is that how easy it seems?“

“Lo farò. Con l’ultima goccia del mio sangue(I will. With the last drop of my blood)” I raised my gaze to meet his, “Lo giuro(I swear)”

“It took me 30 fucking years to bring this organization to where it is today, and you want to destroy everything for me because of your incompetence? Over my dead body will I let that happen,” he spat,

“Better keep to your words, or I can promise you a really painful death. Don't joke with me, son” he warned—more like a threat.

It was so pathetic despite being feared in the outside world. Despite being known to the world for being ruthless, I still cave in when it comes to that one person. My dad.

After three fucking hours of torture, I staggered towards my room, my bruised body dripping blood.

The pain?

The torture?

It made me more lethal. More dangerous.

I flung my bedroom door open and found three pairs of eyes staring at me. And of course, it was that of my brothers and cousin.

I rolled my eyes, annoyed while I shot the door behind.

“Oh my dearest, sweetest cousin brother” My cousin, Miley said teasingly, “look what you've gotten yourself into”

“I warned you, didn't I?” Russo said.

I was so sure he was the one who told Miley about it.

“If I were the three of you, I wouldn't even stay in this room for another second” I limped towards my bed.

“Get your asses out of my room before I transfer all my aggression on you and do something stupid!”

I snapped, and like bees, they fled.

I collapsed onto my bed as I stared at my ceiling. Tuesday. What a big day it would be.

…..

The days flew by so quickly and it was Tuesday, my wedding day and guess what! My bride was standing in front of me looking as feisty as ever with a massive frown settled on her forehead.

Only a few of her relatives, Russo, Bianchi, and Miley were invited along with the Sicilian bodyguards. Dad had returned to Sicily last night. He wasn't happy about the wedding so there was obviously no reason to attend.

I leaned forward, consuming the space between us then whispered, “Smile a little, princess. The guests will think I'm forcing you into the marriage when it isn't so”.

She stared dagger at me for a while, then her lips stretched into a smile. One that was from the teeth and not from the heart.

“Do you, Salvatore Leone Morano, take Lyra Helga Klein to be your wife, to love and cherish her, through all the joys and challenges of life, forsaking all others and holding only to her, so long as you both shall live?” the priest asked.

Love and Cherish her? No! Nahhh! Nauuur! Never!

“Yes, I do,” I replied, and the priest turned to her.

“Do you, Lyra Helga Klein, take Salvatore Leone Morano to be your husband, to love and cherish him, through all the joys and challenges of life, forsaking all others, and holding only to her, so long as you both shall live?”

Her gaze was locked into mine, anger, resentment was clearly visible in her eyes.

She was mad at me when I was just doing them a favor? So ungrateful!

“I do” she responded and we exchanged rings.

I smirked.

Oh, welcome to hell, princess.

My triumph moment was interrupted with a clap that had suddenly erupted, echoing loudly in the church. I needed no soothsayer to tell me it was that Bitch Octavia.

She cat walked towards the altar, swaying her hips seductively.

“Long time, no see, octopus” I smiled lightly at her

She was a full-time bitch. Sly as a fox. Lethal than a volcanic eruption and more dangerous than a nuclear war.

She was here, in New York because I cancelled the engagement. I knew her so we'll, and I knew she was here to create a fuss, but I was a thousand and one ready.

I signaled my men to surround and protect Lyra's family.

Lyra's safety was under my control. I own her, after all.

“So this is the bitch you're getting married to?” She scoffed, “you've got such a bad taste”

“You think you're better than I?” I smirk walking to where she stood “touch some grass, sweetheart”

Anger blazed in her eyes, she seethed her teeth staring dagger at Lyra.

If looks could kill, my feisty bride would have drop-dead

In a swift motion, she brought out her gun and pointed it directly at Lyra.

“This bitch can't have you if I can't, Salvatore” she cocked the gun, “You're Mine alone!“

She spat then pulled the trigger.

Lyra's POV

I stood at the altar, cluelessly watching the drama unfolding before me—well, not until a gun was pointed straight at me.

I raised my hands in the air, my eyes shot tightly as my heart raised and fell fast in my chest.

I seemed cluelessly about shits happening around me—in my life lately.

First, was the debt which led to this godforsaken marriage.

Then this. My husband—sounded cringe but, yeah — my husband had a fiancé and from the look of things, their engagement was cancelled because of this so-called ‘wedding’.

I waited for the sharp pain of a bullet piercing through my skin as soon as a gunshot erupted in the church, but then, nothing had happened. No pain. I didn't feel any liquid substance—blood, dripping from any part of my body.

Do you think one of my family members had taken the bullet for me, just like they do in movies?

No!

The thought of it made my heart skip and I instantly fluttered my eyes open in horror only to meet an entirely different scenario.

Everyone in the church had guns aimed at themselves, including Salvatore whose hand gripped the girl's neck tightly and the other holding her wrist which held the gun up in the air.

My mind snapped to my family. My eyes scanned the church and I found them, they were being guarded by Salvatore's men.

Relief hit me like a bullet.

My attention went back to Salvatore and the lady who he was strangling with all his strength. I could see tears rolling down her cheek, her red eyeballs, bulged out.

With the type of man Salvatore was, he wouldn't mind committing a murder in the lord's sacred hall. But I wished someone would stop him.

But what else could they possibly do? He had a gun aimed right at his forehead, but he seemed careless.

Why would he propose such an alliance when he had a fiancé and she seemed powerful as well. Dragging the powerless me into something that seems like a clash between two organizations.

“Let go of her right now, or I'll pull the trigger, Salvatore” the man who'd pointed a gun at Salvatore's head ordered.

Someone was finally doing something!

Salvatore's gaze flew to me like he was checking if I was okay then back to the dying lady, then to the man

“Order me one more time, chicken….. I swear it'll cost you your life and hers” he said, his voice cold with no single emotion.

Shivers washed through my spine on behalf of the man.

He gulped down his saliva, his grip on his gun tightening. He didn't shoot, but he didn't dare utter another word.

“You see that fine shit standing on the altar?” Salvatore finally spoke, pointing at me,

“There's a whole lot of difference between you and her, Octavia Butler, and trust me when I say you're nothing compared to her,”

He smirked.

“Do you want to know the differences between the two of you? The most important of them?“

He threw her to the floor, making her collide with the ground harshly.

“She won't have to beg me for a kiss. She won't have to beg me to sleep with her and hell, I chose her over you because she's a million better than you!“

Okay, I would be lying if I said I didn't blush at that. Yes, I knew he was trying to get to her and make her mad but…..

I was one hell of a big fool, innit!

“I can promise you a really slow and painful death, Octavia, and I'll make sure to eliminate the whole Russian clan if you dare try to hurt my wife. Trust me”

Octavia could say nothing. She soothed her neck gently for a while, then staggered up with the help of her men.

“You'll pay for this, Salvatore Leone Morano. I'll make sure the entire Morano pays for this humiliation!“ She spat and without waiting for response, she stormed out of the church.

Everywhere became calm, the tension slowly dying down. Just the sounds of guns being uncocked filled the church.

“Christ!”

Breathed out a figure who struggled out from under the church bench.

The priest.

How the fuck did he get there?

And wasn't he supposed to, like, pray?

He didn't even spare us a glance as he walked past us, murmuring silent prayers to himself until he was out of sight.

I hurried down from the altar and rushed to my family.

“Dad, Brent, aunt, are you okay?” I asked, concern laced in my voice as I checked their body round. Thank goodness, no injury.

“We're fine darling” my aunt replied, staring at Salvatore.

I already knew what she was thinking.

“No, no aunt, forget about what just happened. Salvatore is a really nice man” I tried to convince her, “Trust me, auntie” I said and she nodded slowly.

Of course, aside from my dad, Brent and I, nobody knew about the deal between Salvatore and my family, and I wasn't planning to disclose it to anyone else.

Not my dad getting all emotional when it was time to leave. His little princess was now married, and he was sending her off to a hell on earth.

Well, he didn't actually say that, but I knew that was why he was so emotional.

…..

The morano's estate was like a heaven on earth standing almost in the middle of nowhere.It was a lone sprawling mansion painted all white with a black painted steel gate.

My jaw dropped in awe the moment I stepped foot into the building. The marble floors gleamed beneath crystal chandeliers. Every piece of furniture looked like it belonged in a museum. Everything about the mansion screamed nothing but WEALTH!

A few hours later, I was shown my room—a spacious, luxurious room with a well-dressed queen-sized bed. I unpacked my bag and changed into a tight black jean and a t-shirt I stole from my brother.

My room door burst opened and Salvatore walked in looking like a SIN.

He was dressed in All Black. Black ripped jeans that showcased his fresh and flawless thigh, black tank top that revealed the few tattoos he had on his chest and then a black leather jacket.

I hate to admit it, but he was dangerously and breathtakingly handsome.

“Are you done staring?” He smirked.

“I wasn't staring” I mumbled, lowering my gaze

He stretched out an envelope that I almost didn't know he was with.

“The rules that guide living here with me” he said in his hoarse voice.

Rules?

Did I expect any less? Definitely Not!

I took the envelope from him and he walked out.

My eyes widened in awe or should I say in surprise as I read the content of what was in the envelope. Were these rules or punishment?

I stormed out of the room, each step echoing on the marble floor, heavy and purposeful. I just wanted to confront him. To ask him if I was his wife or a prisoner.

I walked around the whole mansion, its beautiful interior blurring into the background.

The house was empty!

There was no fucking soul in the house aside me?!

Where the heck did they all disappear to?

I was still descending the stairs when the lights suddenly went off.

Huh? Blackout? But why now!

Panic crept into me. I tapped my pockets in search of my phone, but it wasn't in any of my pockets. I probably left it in the room.

My shoulders stiffened, my palm getting all sweaty. I held on to the railing tightly with my legs glued to the marble floor.

“Is… Is anyone there?” I stuttered, scared. My heart thumbed in my chest, my breathing becoming ragged.

“Is anyone there?“ My knee buckled beneath me as my vision blurred. It felt as if the world spun for a second and then everything went black

Salvatore's POV

The lights flashed in hypnotic colors that suddenly felt more irritating than exciting.

I left home to clear my head, plan ahead and have fun, but everything had turned boring all of a sudden.

My eyes scanned the whole club, everyone— including Miley, Russo, and Bianchi was vibing to the music, but I sat alone at the bar sipping my whiskey like someone who got dumped.

I tried but couldn't shake off the wave of worry and uneasiness. Lyra was alone at home—no guards and the cooks were probably in the servant quarters. She was new and unfamiliar to the environment.

Don't get me wrong, I wasn't worried about her. Just that, after what had happened earlier at the church, leaving her alone at home was a really terrible idea.

“Hey handsome,” one of my favourite strippers stood in front of me, smiling seductively.

“You look stressed. Y'know I can always relieve you of your stress” she bit her lower lip, taking a slow, seductive stride towards me.

I stared blankly at her, feeling irritatedly uninterested for the first time.

She sat on my lap, her blue blazing eyes burning with lust. She leaned closer to kiss me on the lips, but I placed my palm on her lips pushing her face away.

“ I've told you before, you can have my whole body but not my lips”

“Oh…. I'm sorry.“ She blinked her eyes cutely with a broad smile playing on her lips.

For the first time, a girl was rocking my dick, trailing kisses on my neck, her hands roaming on my body, but I still felt NOTHING. The more she touched me, the more I got turned off.

Strange.

Pathetically strange.

Okay, I'll admit, I was worried about her. I was damn worried, I couldn't think straight.

And I hated it. I hated the way it bothered me that she was alone at home.

“Stand up!” I ordered the bitch who was feasting on my neck, sucking it like her life depended on it.

She didn't respond as she continued to suck the nape of my neck. She gave it a small bite and that was it… I got agitated.

The bite was soft and romantic, but it triggered the anger in me, making me more irritated.

“Are you deaf? Get the hell off me” I snapped, and she flinched, jumping off my lap like my body was on fire.

“Get out of my sight” I said, but she stayed rooted at where she stood, trying to explain God knows what.

Too stressed to repeat myself, I brought out my gun and aimed it straight at her. Maybe I should let my gun do the talking.

I cocked it, and she flinched, raising her hands up in surrender then she fled.

I sighed, running my hands through my hair frustratingly.

My phone rang, I took it out from my pants pocket. On the screen was “Auntie”—the head cook.

“What's wrong”

“It's Lyra” came her voice over the phone.

My head banged!

“What happened to her?” I asked, alarmed.

I fucking screwed up. I screwed up big time!

“She'd passed out on the……. She's…..“ the noise wouldn't let me hear a thing.

I hung up, took my car keys from the table, then stormed off the bar without informing any of my siblings.

I halted the car rushing towards the entrance when the doctor and I collided at the door.

“Sam, how's she? What happened to her?“ I asked, trying to catch my breath.

“Calm down, Sal. She's fine now. She just fainted because of her phobia for darkness, thank goodness she was found on time”

“Phobia for darkness you say?” I asked with knotted brows and he nodded.

“Yes. It's pretty important she stays away from darkness. I just gave her few medications, and she's asleep now”

“Alright then, Sam. Thank you so much” I replied, patting his shoulder.

“Welcome friend. She's pretty by the way”

Sam said then left

A small smile tugged at the side of my lips. There was no need to deny it. Lyra was fine as hell.

I walked straight to my room and I found Lyra laying peacefully on the bed with Auntie, sitting beside her.

She explained everything that had happened —there was a black-out and they came to fix it, that was when they found Lyra laying on the stairs.

I sank into the chair beside the bed staring at her pretty, little figures sleeping on the bed.

“Is she okay?” Bianchi's voice spoke, bringing me back to reality.

I nodded my eyes not leaving Lyra.

_____

Lyra woke up almost an hour ago and all she did ever since then was cry.

Why? I didn't know.

I didn't ask either, but I hated seeing her cry. It made me want to go gaga. I suddenly felt guilty.

What exactly was I expecting when I discharged all the guards? Fucking left her alone.

I walked to her and handed her my hanky. She took it and threw it away.

What the actual hell?!

“Look, if you're expecting me to be all lovey-dovey with you, pull you in my arms and pat you like a baby then you must be out of your mind” I spat

“Bastard!” She retorted standing on the bed, “you left me here all alone with myself when you knew it wasn't safe!”

She sobbed more.

She got down from the bed and marched to the door angrily then stopped.

“You don't expect me to follow those shitty rules, do you?” She paused for a while probably expecting an answer from me then continued, “I WILL NEVER! You hear me? I will never follow those godforsaken rules. I'm your wife, not some prisoner!“

With that, she stormed out and shut at me.

I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose.

After a while, It was time for dinner and Auntie had gone upstairs to call Lyra to come down for dinner, but she said she wasn't hungry.

A few minutes later, she descended the stairs dressed in the jean she wore earlier, a black hoodie with a pair of white Crocs.

She walked out without even sparing me and my siblings a glance. I stood up to go after her, but Miley held my hands shaking her head.

“Don't. I think she needs some space”

“The house is big enough to give her the “space” she needs. It's not safe for her outside, she knows!“ I snapped at my cousin like she was the reason for my anger and frustration.

Grabbing my keys, I rushed out to the car then zoomed off. Though I didn't mean to, I'd seemly dragged her into the clash between two organizations, I needed to protect her. She was my responsibility now that we were married.

I trailed her with my car and found out that she didn't need any “space” like my cousin had claimed. She fucking came out to meet her man.

Really?

A wave of fury flooded inside me as I watched another man pull my WIFE into his damn arms, hugging her tightly. As if that weren't enough, they broke the hug, and he placed a kiss on her forehead.

Wow!

Just wow!

I balled my fist trying to control the anger that boiled inside me. I felt stupid. So stupid for chasing after her. I felt so fucking stupid that I cared about her safety.

I scoffed unbelievably.

Because I told her I wouldn't pull her into my arms and pat her like a baby, she went to another man,Huh?

“Puttana(whore)!“ I cursed under my breath hitting the steering wheel.