/0/80017/coverbig.jpg?v=b6eb44d33413270d21cde1e20d644c62&imageMogr2/format/webp)
Morning came soon after. Adriana had her shower and dried her hair. She then put her uniform on and for some reason, she looked dejected. Normally, she would be in high spirits, getting ready for school. For a good girl like her, studying is one of the things she enjoys. But now, she looked reluctant as she sat in front of her hairdresser table. Soon, she heard the door knocking from the outside, and she quickly put on her cheerful smile. "Come in," she said, and from the reflection in the mirror, she could see a familiar figure approaching her. Adriana carved a smile that was obviously forced because it didn't reach her eyes. "How would you like your hair today?" The same question every morning. Her smile became more bitter, but she managed to answer, "Anything you want it to be, brother." James, who had been taking good care of his little sister, could easily see the insincere smile she had on her beautiful face. His hand then carefully combed Adriana's silky, blonde, long hair before he slowly braided it down to the end. His fingers did it effortlessly before tying the end together. The French braid looked so good on Adriana, and the neat braid made her face much clearer to see. Even though he just came back a few months ago, James's skill did not get rusty and was still able to braid his sister's hair. Adrianna Rose Thomas She is innocent, she is beautiful, and she is an angel. She is a kind queen in her bright, colourful world. While he tried his best to protect his sister from his dark world, fate always had another plan. Bang! Boom! A rain of gunfire and thunderous bomb explosions deafened one particular region in Italy. The battle had begun half an hour ago, and it seemed like neither side was showing any sign of backing down. Pressing the earbud in his ear, a man asked in a stern voice, "Lui, how many men do we still have?" On the rooftop of the building right above the man who was speaking, the one holding the sniper rifle, along with five of his team members, responded, "Boss, a few of us are injured, and from my observation, the enemy shouldn't have much strength left by now." The one named Lui - full name Luigi De Luca - continued observing the situation and kept reporting everything he saw. He had with him five of the most experienced and skilled snipers in the underground world. There was no way their enemy could win this battle. Especially with a wise and strategic leader like Leo - Leonardo Andrea De Barone. His pride alone wouldn't allow him to lose. Leo, the most feared mafia king in Italy, was infamous for his ruthless and decisive personality. He was only twenty-eight years old, yet had already climbed his way to the top and made the De Barone family dominant in its business. Through the communication device in his ear, Luigi then heard Leo giving commands and checking in with every team. Luigi smiled, and once Leo finished giving his orders and listening to the updates, he finally commanded, "Rick, on the count of three, we strike!" Leonardo Andrea De Barone. A king of the dark underworld. His word is law, his presence is power, his decision is an order. A king void of emotion-driven only by wealth, power, and pleasure. He is the darkness, she is the light. He is the fire she unconsciously ignites. For life and death, whatever it might, She is the only one he wants in life.
Chapter 1 THE BEGINNING
Bang!
Boom!
A rain of gunfire and thunderous bomb explosions deafened a region in Italy. The battle had begun half an hour ago, and neither side showed any sign of backing down.
Pressing the earbud into his ear, a man asked in a stern voice, "Lui, how many men do we still have?"
On the rooftop of the building just above him, the sniper-along with five of his team members-responded, "Boss, a few of us are injured, and from my observation, the enemy doesn't have much strength left by now."
The one named Lui-full name Luigi De Luca-continued observing the battlefield and reporting everything he saw. He had with him five of the most experienced and skilled snipers in the underground world. There was no way their enemy could win this battle.
Especially not with a wise and strategic leader like Leo-Leonardo Andrea De Barone. His pride alone wouldn't allow defeat. Leo, the most feared mafia king in Italy, was infamous for his ruthless and decisive personality. At only twenty-eight years old, he had already climbed his way to the top and made the De Barone family dominant in the business.
Through the communication device in his ear, Luigi heard Leo giving commands and checking in with each team. Luigi smiled. Once Leo finished issuing his orders and listening to the updates, he finally commanded:"Rick, on the count of three, we strike!"
Hearing the name Rick, Luigi felt victory settle in his heart. Rick-the most honest and trustworthy man he had ever known, with exceptional marksmanship and assassination skills-deserved his place on Leo's top team.
"Yes, boss!" Rick responded immediately.
Luigi's smile widened at the sound of Rick's swift reply. He had always admired the man's discipline and self-respect. However, just as Leo was about to count, someone interrupted with a ridiculous question-right in the middle of a war.
"Wait! Do we strike on three, or after three?"
Luigi couldn't help but laugh. "Damn you, Penis! Can't you be serious for once? We're in the middle of a war, for God's sake!" he said between chuckles. He wanted to scold his friend, but laughter got the better of him.
Penis-his nickname for his best friend Denis Vova Alekhin, heir to the Alekhin mafia in Russia-had been Leo's ally for generations. Denis's playful character always lightened the atmosphere, even at the worst times.
Just like now.
"Damn you too, Luigi! Keep your eyes wide open and make sure our asses stay safe!" Denis fired back. He knew full well they were in the middle of a battle-but Denis, being Denis, couldn't resist the urge to ask. In his mind, it was a valid question.
"Enough!" Leo roared, clearly annoyed. Of course, he had two friends who could joke even in a crisis. His commanding tone silenced not just Luigi and Denis, but the rest of the mafia members too. A chill swept through the room, stiffening everyone in place.
"Everyone, stay focused! On three, we're going in! Is that clear?" Leo demanded.
"Si, Capo!" they all replied in unison.
Leo nodded in satisfaction. Turning to both sides, he exchanged 'okay' signs with nearby team members. Then he took a deep breath. He had waited a long time for this battle. Years of preparation had led to this moment, and he made sure nothing would go wrong.
"One... Two... Three!"
Three hours later.
At the largest mansion in Italy, numerous black sedans and SUVs were scattered across the grounds. The mansion was alive with movement-people in black suits and camouflage rushing in and out.
In the living room, several men sat with ragged faces and bloodstained shirts. Leo, still wearing his signature grim expression, poured himself a glass of whiskey. He took a slow sip, then sat down majestically on the wingback chair-like a king on his throne.
Rubbing the space between his eyebrows, Leo sat in silence while the others held their breath, waiting for him to speak. His closest friends knew better than to say anything, especially when things didn't go his way.
"Luigi, how many men did we lose?" Leo asked after a tense pause.
Luigi glanced at Denis, then answered, "Thirteen confirmed dead. Fifteen seriously injured-including your right-hand man, Rick."
Leo took another sip of whiskey... then slammed the glass to the floor.
Bang!
The expensive crystal shattered into pieces. Leo was furious. He couldn't believe his plan to erase his enemies from existence had failed.
Not only had he failed, but his most trusted man was now seriously injured-because he'd saved him. Though it was Rick's job to protect Leo, having someone save him made Leo feel weak. For the most powerful mafia boss in Italy, that was unforgivable. It made him look like a joke in the eyes of the underground world.
It wasn't about losing a subordinate. It was about trust-and Leo never gave that easily.
"Den, go and check who's been injured. I want them to receive the best treatment. As for the dead, compensate their families generously-according to what they deserve," Leo ordered.
Denis, normally the jokester, had pure seriousness written across his face. He nodded and immediately stood up, pulling his phone from his pocket as he walked out.
Luigi could tell Leo was on the verge of exploding. But despite his notorious ruthlessness, Leo knew how to keep his composure. This wasn't the right time for rage. Across the large living room, other sub-leaders sat quietly, holding their breath under the weight of Leo's fury.
Suddenly, hurried footsteps echoed from the staircase. Even before the person came into view, a worried voice rang out.
"Honey! Honey! Oh my God, honey!"
Luigi stood up instinctively-and not long after, a figure rushed into his arms, hugging him tightly. A smile appeared on his face as he felt the small arms wrap around him.
It was the love of his life-his fiancée, Marrise Aston.
"Oh Lord! You're back! You're back!" Marrise cried, nearly breaking down with relief as she clung to him.
Luigi held her close, gently patting her back. "I'm fine. I promised you I'd be back, didn't I?" he said softly.
Marrise pulled away and kissed him hard, not caring about the crowd in the room. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she kissed him. It was an awkward moment, but no one in the room judged her. They all understood Marrise's fear and overwhelming relief. Luigi gently pulled back and looked into her red, swollen eyes. Tears still poured down her face. A wave of guilt and gratitude swept through him.
If just seeing him alive could make her cry this much... what would have happened if he hadn't made it back?
Luigi didn't even want to imagine it.
/0/22777/coverbig.jpg?v=d7dca43f059c43509d1b61daea3a8fb1&imageMogr2/format/webp)
/0/19459/coverbig.jpg?v=a06d3125d63f4ac18f59de24b9865727&imageMogr2/format/webp)
/0/60228/coverorgin.jpg?v=7483aee7126a0c4a3441e4a4b8830ed8&imageMogr2/format/webp)
/0/68276/coverorgin.jpg?v=e850c968fd814f48daf5abddf2735a00&imageMogr2/format/webp)
/0/71874/coverorgin.jpg?v=ec15f5262b23f31092864f9e5eb887dd&imageMogr2/format/webp)
/0/71279/coverorgin.jpg?v=9e49a76b6b5eef1f9b662f77b9729717&imageMogr2/format/webp)
/0/76424/coverorgin.jpg?v=1f1f00800da35e5cf86ce12ac1f1b225&imageMogr2/format/webp)
/0/62446/coverorgin.jpg?v=38761145c8767e855c4e9668ff55049b&imageMogr2/format/webp)
Chapter 1 THE BEGINNING
04/06/2025
Chapter 2 THE DEVIL CRUELTY
04/06/2025
Chapter 3 THE MYSTERY
04/06/2025
Chapter 4 THE PLEASURE
04/06/2025
Chapter 5 THE IMAGINATION
05/06/2025
Chapter 6 THEN, DEATH IT IS
05/06/2025
Chapter 7 THE FRIENDS
06/06/2025
Chapter 8 THE PRIORITY
06/06/2025
Chapter 9 THE RAINBOW ISN'T GOING TO STAY FOREVER
07/06/2025
Chapter 10 THE ANSWER
07/06/2025
Chapter 11 THE SEARCHING
08/06/2025
Chapter 12 THE SCHOOL LIFE
08/06/2025
Chapter 13 THE GIRLS FIGHT
Today at 00:01
Chapter 14 THE HERO
Today at 00:01
Other books by Miranda Noah
More