Richie~Banks

Then, with deliberate slowness, he reached for a small black bottle from the table. “I thought you would prefer the gentle way. Guess I was wrong.”

His words cut through me like a knife. He crouched down in front of me, cupping my chin with his cold, cruel hands. His fingers dug into my skin, forcing my mouth open, and I gasped in horror as he tilted the bottle.

The liquid slid down my throat, burning, choking. My body convulsed in protest, but I couldn’t stop him. The poison — Deadly Nightshade. I had used it before. And now I was forced to take it. 

A year to live.

His smirk deepened as he let go of me, watching with sadistic pleasure as I gagged, my hands flying to my mouth.

Tears stung my eyes. The bitter, metallic taste of death filled my mouth, and I could do nothing but cry. My vision blurred as the poison coursed through me, but I couldn’t let go of my rage.

Francesco’s voice was low, almost gentle, as he spoke the words that felt like a death sentence. “Sometimes, the person you once loved may end up killing you,” he said, the twisted satisfaction in his voice unmistakable.

~~~~~

But surrender is never simple in a game of power, revenge, and dangerous desire. Because this man doesn’t just want to own her — he wants to unmake her, unravel her, and turn her fire to ash.

And the most terrifying part? Find out!

The Vicious Scent Of The Mafia's Black Rose

I paced up and down in Francesco's room. Despite the fact that the air conditioner was working perfectly well, sweat still glistened on my face and neck. 


“Will you keep pacing up and down?” Francesco asked before he sipped some wine. I ignored him, my left hand to my jaw while my index finger tapped my cheek gently. 


Francesco lit up the cigarette in his right hand, his eyes fixed on me. “Can't you take your eyes off me?” I questioned, throwing my hands in the air. 


He rolled his eyes sarcastically, “Really?” He arched an eyebrow. “You are not that beautiful for me not to take my eyes off you.” 


“Seriously? What is going on?” I ranted before I sat opposite him. “Thus far, from my investigations, I have also met a deadend just like your mother told me a few minutes ago. Who killed your father?” 


“I don't know. I'm lost, just as you are.” He replied. 


“In that case, why haven't you told me to find out who killed him?” I asked, which after I folded my hands. 


50 ~ In Death And In Life