― In which Santino D'Antonio falls in love with a girl and it changes his life.
Power and money is all that's ever mattered to the leader of the Camorra, Italy's biggest mob. But an alliance with the British crime syndicate will make his path cross...
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SANTINO WAS difficult to say nonetheless, Pippa had definitely come to see that in their last year plus together- which she wasn't sure why that came as a surprise. After over a year of being by someone's side, loving and supporting them- you see it all. Especially when they put it all out on the table, no holding anything back, as she finally begged Santino to do. Not hold anything back. So he didn't. Nights of confusion and regret on her emotions, with tight chest and labored breathing. But the realization she was happiest with him, with a new life in Italy. And now that they're engaged she figured it wouldn't get any better. Everything about Santino she adored outside of his cruel boss side- his eyes she found kinder than most, his lopsided smirk that made her knees weak. Being able to hold him as he rested on her lap as she played with his hair- those nights where they were together undressed with soft kisses and promises. Pippa was happy.
But of course that never stopped her mind from wandering. Wandering to the things that have gone wrong. But she knew that was normal, it had happened in old relationships too. But that was different. And Pippa knew she needed to put more thought into it to make sure this was best, marrying him.
Because even though in the last year she was noticeably happier and healthier; she'd lost her mind at home and because of Santino. And the amount of times he'd irrationally threatened to lock her up were probably inching towards becoming reality.
For a man like him who was conniving and stubborn, hard and cruel.. he was kind and loving and loyal to her. His touch was always soft, ghosting over her skin as if he were scared he'd hurt her. His voice tended to be quieter with her, right in her ear, touching her so he could have her utmost attention, while showing her his. And that was why she stayed. Her whole life people had been like this around her so why should it bother her with the man she loved? He was perfect in her eyes regardless of the flaws she knew he had. Santino treated her like everything and more. Prayed on the ground she walked. Never once did she have to second guess how he felt. Or how she felt. Could a year and a few months had been enough time before an engagent? In this world it was a millenium. Santino hated all the bombardment from outside. Hated when those around him referred to Pippa as a mistress because there was no ring. She could feel the tension when she was around at his events. And even dating a prolific mob boss of one of the High Tables scariest families didn't drive away other men. Santino always blamed it on the fact she wanted to do her funny little dating escapade. But now it was time for him to get his way she know.
When he said a year, he meant it even if that passed a few months ago. Life got busy.
And not in a good way.
Thinking about it made Pippa cringe. Mixtures of nerves and guilt always bubbled up-
And it was all because of a man named Leo King. A name that had come up briefly well over a year ago, when Pippa had returned from her first Italy trip. At first it was just whispers. Tomas Damien had possibly hired a former assassin who was well known to the Firms and the Russians. He wanted him to help with interrogations. Pippa didn't understand how it all came to be as it never impacted her for months.
