*Mafia boss and his lost love*
Alessa Romanov had endured a difficult childhood. Kidnapped at two years old, she had no memory of her biological family and spent fifteen years in captivity. It wasn't until her stepfather's death that she was finally...
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I woke up with Grey latched onto my leg like a baby monkey, while Leo and Zoey were all tangled up in a big cuddle fest. It was both adorable and hilarious. I couldn't resist snapping a quick picture of them in their sleep-induced chaos. That's definitely some good blackmailing for future teasing.
Downstairs, I decided to whip up some pancakes and pour some juice to wake these sleepyheads up. Trust me, if there's one thing that can summon them from their slumber, it's the smell of breakfast.
"Whoa, I smell food," Grey's voice chimed in, and he stumbled into the kitchen like a sleepwalking zombie.
Leo appeared next, his eyes lighting up. "Pancakes! You're a lifesaver, Alessa."
Zoey rubbed her eyes and blushed when she caught me looking at her. "Good morning. Thanks for making breakfast, Alessa."
I grinned at them. "No problem, guys."
We all sat down to devour the stack of pancakes, with Grey and Leo eating like they hadn't seen food in days. Zoey and I exchanged amused glances and burst into laughter. Seriously, those two could give a competitive eating champion a run for their money.
Once we were done, reality hit me hard. I had to go back to the hellhole I called home. My brothers, being the clingy man-children they are, tried to convince me to stay. They even pushed me toward the door, pleading with their puppy-dog eyes.
"Nah, guys, I can't stay," I said, shaking my head. "But don't worry, I'll call you every day, I promise."
***
I entered the house of horrors, greeted by my aunts as I brushed past the rest of the family. Making my way to my room, I changed my clothes and settled down to check my phone and text Ace.
As dinner time approached, I was called down to join the family. I couldn't help but feel a sense of déjà vu as the chatter ceased upon my arrival. Ignoring the burning stares, I greeted my aunts and took my seat, relishing in the envy.
"I'm going," I declared standing up from the table after I was done eating and was full.
Just as I was about to make my exit, Lorenzo cleared his throat. "What now?" I snapped at him harshly, not holding back my frustration.
He showed a flicker of regret in his eyes, but quickly masked it. "Eat," he commanded, as if he had any authority over me.
I couldn't believe the nerve of this guy. So I smiled sarcastically and said, "No thanks, Lorenzo. I'll pass on your generous offer. And don't you dare think you can boss me around."
He had the audacity to claim he cared about me. Yeah, right. After all the shit he and the rest of them put me through? I wasn't buying it.
"Just a reminder, Lorenzo, I'm not your sister. I'm just a mole, remember?" I said, my voice dripping with anger and sarcasm. Slamming the door shut for effect, I left him dumbfounded.
***
I was snuggled up with my babies when I heard the ringing of a phone. With a smile on my face, I picked up the call, knowing it was Ace on the line.
"Hey there, Ace. How's everything going?" I greeted him warmly.
Ace's voice exuded confidence as he spoke, "I'm doing great, especially now that I'm talking to you. I do have a question for you, my love," he said, his tone filled with anticipation.
"Go ahead, Ace," I encouraged him, my voice filled with curiosity.
There was a momentary pause on the other end of the line, and then I heard Ace's deep voice say, "Alessa Hernandez, would you do me the honor of being my date to the mafia ball?"
A burst of laughter escaped my lips at his way of addressing me . "Alessa Hernandez? Last time I checked, I'm not your wife, Ace," I teased playfully.
Without missing a beat, Ace responded possessively, "Not yet, love. But you will be," I couldn't help but laugh even harder at Ace's confident response.
"Is that so, Ace? You seem quite sure of yourself," I teased, my voice laced with playful skepticism.
Ace's tone remained unwavering as he replied, "I've never been more sure about anything in my life. You're mine, my girl, and soon-to-be my wife. No doubt about it."
I couldn't help but let out a soft giggle at his possessive yet endearing words. "Well, if you're that confident, Ace, I guess I can't say no," I said, playfully accepting his invitation to the mafia ball.
"Great, I'll come to pick you up," he replied, his voice filled with excitement. I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at his statement. "Pick me up? From Italy?" I asked surprised
Ace chuckled on the other end of the line. "Anything for my girl," he said warmly and I blushed at his words.
"Alright then," I said, my voice brimming with excitement. "I'll be waiting for you, Ace. Safe travels, and see you soon."
