“Why can’t I fucking hit you?” Thomas yells, smacking the belt close to her feet. “Why,” he smacks it on the door above her head. “Why, fucking why” to the right and left sides of her body. Melina trembles against the door with her eyes closed and head tucked between her knees. 
She jumps, sniffing Thomas’ cologne, and tries to hide more. He’s probably bending down. “I want to hurt you, Melina, but I fucking can’t. Tell me why I fucking can’t. Tell me why,” she bites her lips to muffle her sobs as she fears they will exacerbate her situation.
“Fucking look at me when I am talking to you,” Thomas says, grabbing her hair and pulling her head up. 
“I am- so-r-r-r-y,” she says as she turns to face him with her tear-stained face and bloodshot eyes.
“Did you think it would work? Did you actually think you could get me arrested and then flee? Are you that dumb, Melina?” he tightens his grip on her hair, and it starts to hurt.
Melina can’t believe this is what he thinks. How will she prove that it was never her intention to have him arrested? 

********
Melina Davis was born with the face and body of a goddess. Her heart was as beautiful as her, but it never did her any good. Melina was the most unlucky woman in this world when it came to love. Her first love was an abusive con artist who made sure to exploit Melina's kindness. The second one who Melina felt was genuinely worthy of owing her heart was far more dangerous than her first. His name is Thomas Costanzo. He is the second in command of the Costanzo mafia. He was highly feared in the mafia world. Some even feared him more than the don of the Costanzo mafia. Melina didn't know she shouldn't cross him, and she did. She broke the heart of one of the most feared men on this earth, and now, he is out searching for her. Once he finds her, Melina will wish she never crossed paths with him.

This Story Contains
- Physical and Sexual Abuse
- Violence
- Mature Themes
- Sexual Content 
- Strong Language

A Second Chance: A Mafia Romance

Melina thanks Thomas for walking her to her room before entering. She anticipates him walking over to his room, but instead, he follows her in. Thomas takes her hand in his and leads them to the bed. He makes Melina sit and bends in front of her. He takes her right foot in his hand. 


"What are you doing?" Melina asks, puzzled as she looks at him holding her foot in his hand. 


"How are you feeling?" he asks, taking off her heel. 


"I'm all right. You don't have to do that." Melina tries to get her right foot out of his grip, but he holds it tight. He's probably wondering if she's feeling better after her little meltdown earlier tonight. He massages her foot lightly and then releases it after kissing her ankle. 


"That's good to hear." Thomas says as he picks up her left foot and takes off her heel. He massages both feet while they’re resting on the ground. 


CHAPTER FORTY-EIGHT