"Surrender, Aurora," he whispered. "Surrender to me, to us. Soon, we'll be one, and I'll have you all to myself. Let's start now." His words dripped with malice, sending fear coursing through my veins.
I knew I had to resist, but Alessandro's proximity clouded my judgment. His touch ignited a fire within me, a toxic allure that threatened to consume me.
"No," I whispered, my voice barely audible.
His smile grew wider. "You don't have a choice, Mia cara." His lips claimed mine, the kiss brutal, raw, wanting and demanding.
_______
Setting: Modern-day Italy, with its rich mafia history and culture
Aurora "Rory" De Santis is a 22-year-old woman who's grown up on the fringes of the Italian mafia. Her father was a low-ranking member of the De Marco crime family, and after his murder, Rory's mother had to make a deal with the devil himself - Don Marco De Marco.
The deal: Rory would marry Don De Marco's son, Alessandro, when she turned 22. In exchange, the De Marco family would protect Rory and her mother from the rival families who seek to destroy them.
Rory's always known that her fate was sealed, but she never expected to be drawn to Alessandro, the ruthless and cunning mafia prince. As they navigate their arranged marriage, Rory finds herself trapped in a world of violence, corruption, and deceit.
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Started: 19th December, 2024
Finished: _____________
‶Get out of my sight before I do something I'll regret!″ the eldest shouted, his voice laced with fury.
‶I will. But I'm taking her with me,″ his younger brother replied, his expression unwavering.
‶Don't you dare come near her! She won't end up like you!″ the eldest retorted, his eyes ablaze with anger.
Amidst their yelling match, a young girl sat under the table, her eyes overflowing with tears and head throbbing uncontrollably. Her family had always been an unconventional one, but that day marked its transition from unconventional to unhappy.
*************************
Miles apart, a young boy looked at the star marred sky with twinkling eyes. As the shooting star made its appearance, he closed his eyes and prayed for the one thing he craved for the most.
'A happy family.'
‶What did you wish for?″ a manly voice interrupted him.
‶Death.″