I froze, my whole body going numb.
That voice. The same voice that haunted not just my sleep every night—but my whole life.
That voice broke me—until I thought I was beyond repair.
That voice belonged to the devil.
Alberto, my mind screamed. No. No. No. Please no. Not now.
I wanted to cry and scream at this unfairness. I wanted to fall down and crumble into dust until I had nothing left. That way Alberto wouldn’t get to me.
My head ran wild until I could feel myself almost fainting. Breathe. Breathe, Ayla.
I sucked in a harsh breath and took a step forward, peeking past Alessio’s shoulders. I was still hidden behind him; only the top of my head was visible as I looked at the man in front of me.
He caught my eyes and smiled. I once thought he was handsome and charming. I was even slightly enamored by him when we first met. When I finally found his real truth, I realized that it was all just a pretty face, but his heart was black. He didn’t know how to love.
He was the true definition of evil.
And that smile on his face, some women would fall for it. But I knew that smile. It was sadistic and filled with the promise of pain.
“Love, it’s time for you to come home now,” Alberto said, looking at me as he placed his hand out as if he expected me to take it.
I shuddered and hid behind Alessio, my hand going to his back, my fingers clenching around his jacket as I held on for dear life.
This couldn’t be happening. I was supposed to be safe.
My breathing came out in hard pants as my chest grew tighter. I was losing it—losing myself again.
Alessio. Oh no. No. It wasn’t supposed to happen this way. He wasn’t supposed to find out my truth this way.
Everyone froze around me. Viktor, Phoenix, Artur, and Alessio. Silence. Utter silence. Viktor glanced down at me, his eyebrows furrowed. When he saw me cowering behind Alessio’s back, he took a step toward me, protecting me.
Phoenix and Artur looked confused while Alessio stayed frozen. His muscles were tensed underneath my fingers, and I wished I could look into those eyes so he could see my real truth. That I loved him and never wished to betray him.
The air went from cold to deadly. It smelled like death even though nobody had died yet. It chilled me to the bones, and I shivered, fear slithering its way into my spine. My knees buckled, but I held on to Alessio, refusing to fall.
Nobody had died yet.
But there would only be one end. Bloodshed. War. We were all going to bathe in blood until one family would be left standing.
And in that moment, I wasn’t sure which one.
The Ivanshovs or the Abandonatos.
“Take your fucking eyes off her,” Alessio snapped. “And get the fuck off my property. You do not want to start war.”
“I’m not here to wage war. As soon as I get what I’m here for, I will leave. This does not have to end in bloodshed, Alessio. Give me what I want and I’ll leave without any disturbance,” Alberto said calmly, as if he was discussing a business deal.
And that was when it happened.
Guns were drawn, and I was pushed behind. Viktor, Phoenix, and Artur pointed their guns at Alberto and his men. “Get out,” Viktor growled. “Or I’m going to have your fucking brain splattered on the ground.”
I trembled at the threat like it was said to me. This was going to end badly, and through it all, I was going to leave Alessio broken.
I couldn’t leave him. I was his Angel. He needed me.
From my place behind their backs, I saw Alberto raise his hands up and let out a low chuckle. “Do you see my men pointing guns at you? No. As I said, I’m just here to take back Ayla—my soon-to-be wife. She comes with me, and no blood needs to be spilled.”
No! I wanted to scream, but my voice was gone. I was paralyzed with fear. So much pain and fear. My heart was cracking under the pressure.
“Your what?” Viktor sputtered as he blinked down at me.
Alessio still hadn’t said anything. He was quiet—so quiet. Why wasn’t he saying anything? Why wasn’t he yelling?
Say something, Alessio. Please. Say something.
“Oh, I see she hasn’t told you yet. What a shame,” Alberto tsked. “Well, let me indulge you then. The woman you are protecting behind you right now is Ayla Abandonato. The late Alfredo’s daughter and only child. And also, my very soon-to-be wife. The Italian’s queen. Your enemy.”
“No,” I whimpered. No. Stop it! I brought my hands to my ears and shook my head, but I couldn’t block his words, his voice.
Phoenix stared down at me in shock, Artur glared, and Viktor just stared with his emotionless eyes. While Alessio—nothing. He gave me nothing. His back still faced me as he kept his eyes on Alberto.
He hadn’t drawn his gun. No, he just stood there. Staring. Unmoving.
But I could feel it…the fury rolling off him. I knew he was begging for control. He was trying to keep the monster in.
For whose sake? I didn’t know.
“C’mon now, love. Don’t be shy. It’s time for you to come home. You have wandered away for too long,” Alberto said, his voice almost soothing, but I knew he was taunting.
I looked at Viktor, begging him with my eyes, saying the words I couldn’t speak. Please, don’t let him take me. Please.
Viktor shook his head and then looked at Alessio. His eyes went back to Alberto, glaring. “Only over my dead body will you take Ayla away,” he finally growled menacingly.
“This doesn’t have to be hard. Alessio, as a Boss, I’m sure your people are more important than just a measly whore who keeps your bed warm.” Alberto chuckled.
His laughter rang through the air, and my blood roared. It felt like my ears were bleeding. His voice, his presence, his sadistic laughter, it was all too much for me.
His last words finally got a reaction from Alessio. But not one I expected.
“Viktor, get her inside,” Alessio said, his voice calm, yet so cold and deadly.
Viktor nodded and took my arm, pulling me toward the gates. I saw Alessio, Artur, and Phoenix still standing, facing Alberto. But Alberto’s eyes were on me, trained on my body and every movement I was making.
Viktor stopped at the gates, and I huddled closer to him, seeking protection.
“Get the fuck out of here, Alberto. This is the last time I am going to say this. It takes only one bullet to be fired and war will be upon us. Leave my property or my men will be forced to shoot.”
Alberto raised an eyebrow and started to back away slowly. “You are right. We will let Ayla decide.”
Alessio’s fists tightened even further, his face murderous.
Alberto sent me a wink. “I will be waiting, love.” With that, he got into his car, his men following behind as they drove away.
And then we were alone.
Alberto was gone, yet my heart pumped fiercely, fear still coursing through my body until I was weak in my knees. I was going to be sick. I bent forward as my stomach rolled, and I dry heaved in the driveway.
Alessio walked by me, leaving me there. Artur and Phoenix followed closely behind. “Alessio,” I gasped through my dry heaving, my throat closing, tears stinging my eyes as I tasted the bitterness on my tongue. “Alessio…”
But he never turned. Viktor patted my back awkwardly until my stomach settled. He grabbed my arms again and pulled me inside, closing the gates behind us before locking it.
I shrugged off his hold and ran after Alessio. “Alessio! Please listen to me. Please.”
But my legs weakened. I went down in a heap but struggled after Alessio. “Give me a chance to explain, please. I was going to tell you the truth. That’s why I wanted to come back. Let me explain. Alessio!”
But he never looked at me. Not even once. None of the men turned. I was left on the ground, crying after Alessio, begging for him to listen.
“Alessio. Please,” I whimpered. “Just let me explain.”
Viktor stopped and turned toward me. “Let it go, baby girl.”
“No. Viktor, let me explain, please.” But he, too, followed Alessio into the house.
And then I was left alone. I sank to the ground and sobbed. Wrapping my arms around my knees, I rocked back and forth, my mind quickly going numb, my body growing colder with each passing second.
You’re my Angel.
The creek. The piano. Flowers. Alessio’s smiles. Sweet kisses, gentle caresses, and softly spoken words.
I filled my mind with the good and tried to forget the bad. It’s okay, Ayla. You’re okay. Everything is okay. Perfect. Complete happiness. Laughter, love, and beautiful smiles. I floated and went to my happy place.
I rocked myself gently and smiled. I laid on the ground. Happy. I was happy. Alessio was kissing me. He was making love to me. We were happy.
We were at the creek, playing in the stream. Alessio was running after me. Laughter. Happiness. We were happy.
We were dancing. Alessio twirled me around the room. We were happy. I was his Angel. I was loved. We were loved.
Happy. Happy. Happy.
I smiled, pulling my legs to my chest. It’s okay, Ayla. You are happy. Everything is okay. Nothing is wrong.
And then suddenly I was thrust back into reality. I didn’t feel anything for a minute. I felt so cold.
But then my skin was on fire. I was burning. My skin prickled as if thousands of tiny bugs were crawling under my skin. I scratched and scratched. I was sobbing again, my chest squeezing with so much pain, it was impossible to breathe.
I had to explain and make Alessio listen to me. Even if I had to resolve to beg on my knees, I would. But he needed to know the truth—from my side.
Swiping away my tears, I went to stand up but fell back down again. My legs wouldn’t support me. My body was weak from my panic attack, and my vision was still blurred with dizziness.
So I crawled. I had to get to Alessio, no matter what.
When I reached the steps, I swallowed and wiped off the sweat on my face. Holding onto the banister, I stood up and walked up the three steps.
I stood in front of the porch and went to take a step forward.
But never got the chance.
Artur stood in front of me, blocking my way. I breathed out a sigh of relief. “I need to speak to Alessio. Please, let me in. Let me talk to him and explain,” I begged, holding onto his arm.
But he sent me a glare so cold that I cowered away. Artur grabbed my arm roughly, and I squeaked as pain shot through my muscles. He pulled me away, and my knees buckled underneath me. But still he didn’t stop.
He pulled me down the steps, and I shook my head wildly. “No, let me go. Artur, let me go! I need to talk to Alessio.”
But he didn’t stop. Instead, he pulled me toward the gates, my legs dragging behind me as I tried to force him to let go.
He was stronger. I was dizzy, sick, and weak from my melt down. It wasn’t a fair fight.
“No. Let me go. Artur! Stop!”
He did. I bumped into his back, and he swiveled around, his face filled with hatred and anger.
“Bitch! Do you really think Alessio wants to see you? After what you did?” he snapped, his lips curling up in disgust. “You are more delusional than I thought.”
“No. Let me go!” I said, frustration and desperation building inside of me. “I don’t care. I have to make him understand why I did it.”
He laughed, shaking his head. “You are really delusional,” he said, spitting at me.
I stood there, completely shell shocked by his action. He was dragging me again. I begged him to stop. I choked out a scream.
“You little whore. He doesn’t want to see your face. Ever again. He wants you out of his life and far away from him,” he uttered, breaking my heart even further.
This couldn’t be happening.
I dug my nails into his arms and scratched, hoping Artur would let go. “No! He wouldn’t do that. Alessio wouldn’t do that.”
Artur turned around and threw me over his shoulders. “No!” I punched his back repeatedly. “Let me go. I don’t believe you! Alessio wouldn’t say that. He wouldn’t.”
“Alessio!” I screamed, my voice hoarse. It was useless. My voice was scratched raw. I sounded like a newborn kitten.
“Artur, let me go. Alessio will kill you. Don’t touch me. He wouldn’t say such a thing. He would never cast me out of his life like that.”
I wanted to believe the words I threw at Artur. But deep in my thoughts, maybe he was right.
I mentally screamed in denial.
I had to believe in Alessio. Even if he hated me, I was sure he would talk to me himself. Not send one of his men. But what if?
What if he hated me so much that he couldn’t bear to see my face?
No. Alessio—the Alessio I knew, he would never do such a thing.
“You are lying. Let me go,” I kicked at Artur.
“Your father killed his mother and sister. He hates you, Ayla. Deep loathing. If you come into his sight, he will kill you without a second thought. You would never get a chance to speak. He is not the man you think he is. He is a killer. And you are his enemy,” Artur said, chuckling at the last words.
“Alessio!” I screamed, but my voice was low and croaky from my tears. He would never hear me.
“Do us all a favor and get the fuck out of here,” Artur said, pulling me down. We were out of the gates now, and I felt a rush of panic.
I pushed at Artur. “If Alessio hates me and really wants me out of his life, he will have to say it to my face. Only then will I believe him. If he kills me, then so be it.”
I tried to walk back in, but Artur grabbed my arm, pulling me away. “Fuck off, bitch.” I struggled, not giving up without a fight. I had to fight—for me, for Alessio, and for us.
Artur pushed me away, and I would have fallen if it wasn’t for another set of arms.
NO!
His touch…my skin burned under it. My voice was gone again as I retreated into my head. I screamed internally. Screaming so much until it felt like my insides were going to combust.
His touch alone was enough to drive me insane.
My eyes widened, and I gasped loudly, my breathing coming out harsher as I felt panic claw at my throat. Fear slithered its way into my body and mind until my soul knew nothing but fear and pain.
His grip was strong, and I couldn’t move away from him. I was paralyzed as I saw Artur walking backward, leaving me alone with the devil.
I tried to struggle, but my body wouldn’t move. I submitted under the devil’s hold because my body didn’t know what else to do. It was so accustomed to submitting to that man, it was the only thing it was capable of doing.
My muscles tensed and locked until it hurt. Panic spread through me as I slowly started to go numb, unfeeling.
“She’s all yours,” Artur said before closing the gates.
And then I was alone. With Alberto.
I was too overcome with fear and pain. My head felt like it was going to explode in two. My heart was already broken. How does someone live without her heart? Because mine had shattered in thousands of pieces. I felt it shatter. My whole body and soul felt it.
And this time, I knew it was beyond repair.
Alberto’s grip tightened, and my stomach dipped. I repressed the urge to retch as dizziness took over again. An obsidian darkness surrounded me, and I wanted to scream.
Alessio! But no words were uttered.
Alberto pulled me away, and when he pushed me into the car, I screamed.
“Alessio!”
But it was too late.
The door closed, and Alberto sat beside me. I crawled away from him, plastering myself against the door as the car started moving. No. No. No.
I pulled at the door, trying to open it, but Alberto wrapped his hand around my hair, roughly pulling away until my scalp burned under his assault.
He slammed my head into the door. Once. Twice. Pain splintered its way into my skull, and my cheek ached. I could taste blood in my mouth.
“You’ve been very bad, love. But it’s time for you to come home now,” Alberto said, keeping my cheek pressed firmly against the door. I winced as tears splashed down my cheeks.
He pulled me so that I was facing him. Alberto smirked, but his eyes were on fire. My blood ran cold.
My death had come sooner than expected.
“Time for you to go to sleep.”
My eyebrows furrowed, and then I screamed when I felt a sting in my thigh. I looked down to see a syringe in his hand and the needle in my thigh. “No,” I slurred.
His stares were cold and unfeeling, just like him. The back of his hand smacked across my face, and I flew against the door, my head cracking under the pressure.
I was losing myself as darkness clouded my vision.
“Alessio,” I whimpered.
Alberto roared and pressed my face harder against the window. “You will learn to never say his name again. I think you forgot that he handed you over to me.”
I tried to shake my head, forcing my eyes open even though I was slowly fading away.
“I think I’ve been too easy on you before. Now, you will feel what real pain is.” Alberto whispered his promise into my ears, his nail digging into my cheeks painfully.
A wash of numbness filled me, and I shuddered violently, my body crumbling and weakening under his hold and the drug he gave me.
My eyes rolled into my head. This was it. My reality. My fate.
All I could do was cry and stay still as the drug took over and the dizziness threw me into a cloud of darkness and despair.
I submitted to the heavy hold that was pulling me under, and my eyes closed.
My final thought as darkness took over was Alessio.
I’m sorry, Alessio. I love you.
His name was a mere whisper in my head as I lost consciousness.
Alessio.