Leading two successful lives, one normal and the other underwater, he was unstoppable. This secret he carefully concealed beneath his calm exterior hadn't escaped Alana Carsten. On the surface, she lived an ordinary life, juggling her career, friends, and dreams of a life free from complications. But all of that would change the day she uttered that simple "yes." This word, carrying a promise she could never have anticipated, bound her to Don, a man whose reputation extended far beyond the borders of illegality. At 25, Alana, a bold young woman full of character and curiosity, wasn't afraid to take risks. What she didn't know was that her "yes" marked the beginning of a plunge into a dangerous mafia world, where the rules were made to be broken. Once in this shadowy realm, there was no turning back. The choices she made from that moment on could lead her to her own destruction... or to a power she never imagined. Ready to face every challenge, Alana had no idea just how far this oath would take her.
Chapter 01
Alana Carsten
"You're beyond stunning. Absolutely beautiful, Lana," Ayla, my older sister, said with tears in her eyes, her voice thick with emotion.
I forced a smile, adjusting the makeup on my face. The layers of foundation, blush, and highlighter felt heavier with every passing second, yet I didn't dare wipe any of it off. This moment wasn't about me, it was about my upcoming wedding-no matter how wrong everything felt about it.
I glanced at my reflection in the full-length mirror. I was standing in a white silk wedding dress, its fabric hugging my body like a second skin, outlining every curve. The dress had a slit on the left side that led up to my mid-thigh, exposing my leg and leaving me feeling exposed in a way I wasn't sure was entirely appropriate for a Christian wedding. Was this even right? Was this what I wanted?
I was sure my future mother-in-law didn't choose this dress. She seemed to have a very traditional idea of how weddings should go, so I had no doubt she wouldn't have approved of something like this. No, Ayla was convinced that it was my soon-to-be husband who had chosen it, or at the very least, influenced it.
Now, standing here in this stunning dress that made me feel both beautiful and alienated at the same time, Ayla stood behind me, adjusting the lace in my hair. "Now listen to me," she started, her voice lowering as she became serious. "The Salvatore's might seem like a picture-perfect family, with Mr. and Mrs. Salvatore being all smiles and charm. Your future mother and father-in-law, they're nice people, sure."
I raised an eyebrow at her, unsure of where this was going.
"But Dan and I are convinced that behind all those billion-dollar tech companies they run, there's more going on. They're hiding something, Lana. They're the most powerful, dangerous, and feared family in Britain. Behind the business deals and the charity gala smiles, there's something else. A lifestyle... a mafia," Ayla said with a straight face.
Mafia.
I laughed under my breath, but there was no humor in it. "How the hell do you jump from a wedding dress to that? Seriously, Ayla. Mafia?"
Ayla was unwavering. "Yes. The Salvatores-everyone in the business world knows them. Their companies are massive, their influence unmatched. There's just no proof to tie them to anything shady, but trust me when I say they are as dangerous as they come. And once you're married to him, you'll be tied to that power, Lana. You're not just marrying a man; you're marrying an empire. A family with secrets darker than you could ever imagine."
I couldn't help but feel a chill run down my spine. I stared at my reflection again, trying to make sense of her words. I was about to become part of that world-the world of the Salvatores. But was it really as sinister as Ayla suggested?
I shook my head, trying to push the thoughts away. "Ayla, I think you're letting your imagination run wild. Everyone knows that the Salvatores have a powerful business empire, but mafia?" I scoffed. "Where's the proof?"
She didn't back down. "Lana, you can't ignore the signs. People in power don't get that way by playing nice. There's something hidden beneath the surface, something dark, and you've got to be careful."
I sighed, leaning back against the vanity table. "How does Dan deal with this?" I muttered under my breath. "The mood swings, the paranoia... it's exhausting."
Ayla snapped her gaze to me, looking almost offended. "What are you saying? Are you not listening?"
"I am listening," I muttered, forcing my attention back to her. "I just don't know what you expect me to do with this information. Should I run away?"
"Don't be ridiculous, Lana. I'm not saying you should run. I'm just saying, you need to understand what you're getting into," Ayla said, her tone more somber now. "You're marrying into a world full of power, but also full of danger. Whether you like it or not, you're going to be caught up in it."
I stared at her, my gaze drifting to the engagement ring on my finger. It was a beautiful ring-sapphire, diamond-encrusted, and far too expensive for my taste. My soon-to-be husband had given it to me, and part of me couldn't help but feel that this was just one more piece of the puzzle. The life I was about to enter wasn't one I chose, not really. But here I was, standing on the edge of a world I didn't understand.
"You sound like Dad," I said, the words slipping out before I could stop them.
Ayla's face softened as she stepped closer, placing a hand on my shoulder. "I just want to make sure you're ready. I know you don't like to show it, but this is serious. Dan and I... we've seen enough to know that the Salvatores aren't just a business family. You need to be aware of what you might be walking into."
I turned to face her, catching her eye in the mirror. She was serious now, her playful demeanor replaced with genuine concern. "Ayla, you don't have to worry about me. I've been around this kind of life for years. You know that. Guns, knives, power struggles-it's all just noise. It doesn't bother me."
"Maybe it should," she murmured, her voice low. "This isn't just another day in the life of some mafia don's daughter, Lana. This is different. These people... they have more than money and power. They have control over everything. If you're not careful, you'll be swept up in it."
I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of her words settle on my chest. Was she right? Was I about to walk into something I couldn't escape from? I looked at my reflection again, the confident woman staring back at me feeling almost like a stranger.
"Look, I get it. I know what I'm walking into. But I'm not going to let it consume me. I'm my own person, Ayla. No one owns me."
Ayla stared at me for a long moment, then finally nodded. "I just want you to be safe. That's all."
I couldn't help but chuckle. "Safe? From the mafia? From a man I'm supposed to marry? Ayla, we both grew up with a detector. We've been surrounded by guns and knives our whole lives. We even learned how to use them when we were ten years old. There's nothing new here."
Ayla's eyes softened as she reached out to adjust the lace in my hair. "You've always been fearless, Lana. But that's not always a good thing. Just promise me you'll be careful."
"I'll be fine," I said, turning to face her fully now. "Besides, I've already made my choice."
Ayla gave me a look, one that said she didn't entirely believe me, but she didn't press further. Instead, she gave me a brief hug. "Just remember that you're not alone in this, okay? Dan and I are always here for you."
I nodded, even though I wasn't sure what to believe anymore. There were so many unanswered questions, and Ayla's words had only added to the storm brewing inside my head.
Just then, the door opened with a soft creak, and I felt my heart skip a beat. A low, unmistakable growl echoed through the room. It wasn't just any growl. This one was deep, possessive.
"Mine."
I froze. My blood ran cold.
Chapter 1 01
Today at 03:00
Chapter 2 02
Today at 03:01
Chapter 3 03
Today at 03:01
Chapter 4 04
Today at 03:01
Chapter 5 05
Today at 03:02
Other books by Leriche
More