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

My eyes trailed over his left bicep — The scorpion tattoo looked darker, more defined, almost hypnotic. 


My gaze drifted lower, tracing the hard ridges of his stomach. Every muscle flexed as he moved, commanding attention. 


But as things stand, I have no choice but to succumb to Francesco’s desires. 


This is just a distraction — Something to pass the time while I plot my next escape. 


But, why does my body feel like it’s betraying me? 


Francesco moved toward the bed, his steps unhurried, deliberate. He sank to his knees before me, his dark gaze never leaving mine. My heart pounded — fast and erratic — like a drum signaling my impending doom. 


The look in his eyes from earlier, the one filled with cold, deadly rage, was gone. Something new had replaced it. 


56 ~ Love In Darkness And Desire