MARKED BY THE MAFIA
Marked By The Mafia – Episode 39&40
[…BOUND BY DUTY…]
GENRE: Dark Romance
TAGS: MAFIAS, OBSESSION, POSSESSIVE, LOVE, STEAMY, LOVE TRIANGLE, EMPIRE, BETRAYAL, CRIME, VIOLENCE, DEATHS AND MANY MORE…
✧༺✰༻✧
✮{…THE QUESTION…}✮
Matteo stepped into his office, Ace trailing just behind him. The heavy door thudded shut, muffling the chaos of the empire outside.
“Rocco didn’t make it far, he’s dead and we disposed the body already” Ace reported.
Matteo didn’t flinch. His eyes scanned the office before settling on Ace. “I always knew he was a snitch. Served him right”
Ace hesitated, then added, “Maya was here last night, boss”
Matteo’s eyebrow rose in surprise. He hadn’t seen her in years.
Before he could ask more, the office door burst open.
“Brother! Missed me?”
Maya stood in the doorway,eyes glinting.
“Not a bit” Matteo replied, rolling his eyes.
“We both know that’s a lie,” she shot back, her grin widening. In one fluid motion, she produced a gun from somewhere behind her and aimed it at Ace playfully.
“Your money or your life” she teased.
Ace chuckled, unfazed, and Maya’s grin turned wicked. She dropped the gun with a soft clatter.
“Leave” Matteo commanded.
Ace gave a mock salute to her and slipped out, smirking as the door closed behind him.
“You still haven’t changed” Matteo said, his eyes narrowing.
“Old habits never dies” Maya replied, leaning casually against the desk.
“I heard Father is dead. That’s the best good news I’ve ever heard” Maya said, stepping closer. She went to hug him.
Matteo remained stiff, his body unyielding.
“I missed you so much” she whispered, pressing against him.
“Maya… that’s enough” he warned.
“Drop that façade and hug me back!” she demanded, her grin softening into something almost vulnerable.
For a brief moment, Matteo’s walls cracked. He hugged her back, firm but fleeting.
“Will you let me breathe now?” he muttered, pulling away slightly.
“You won’t… not when I’m back here” she said with a mischievous smile, moving away toward the window, her silhouette framed by the city lights outside.
She rested her hand on the glass, eyes tracing the empire sprawling beneath them.
Matteo’s gaze lingered on Maya as she leaned against the window, her presence filling the office like she’d never left.
He remembered the triplets of the Moretti family which consists of him, Maya, and Axel running through the estate’s sprawling gardens, laughing, daring each other to climb higher, jump farther, fight harder.
He remembered the day their father had taken Axel and Maya away. They were only ten. Axel and Maya were whisked off somewhere to train under his father’s strict gaze, while Matteo stayed behind, forced to endure training from his father in ways he could never escape.
Maya… it had been seven years since he had last seen her, because he still saw her when he was 19.
And now, here she was, back in his office, unannounced, unapologetic, and reminding him of everything he had buried behind his walls of stone and blood.
FLASHBACK, 16 YEARS AGO*
Matteo, just ten years old, clung to Maya and Axel, his small hands trembling as their father, Don Salvatore, paced with cold determination.
“Salvatore… please” thier mother begged, her voice cracking, arms reaching desperately for her children. “Don’t take them. Not today. Not my babies”
But Don Salvatore’s gaze was iron, unmoved by her pleading. “It is time. You know my decision is final”
Maya’s tears streamed freely, tiny shoulders shaking as she buried her face into Axel’s chest. Axel’s eyes were wide with sadness, lips pressed tight in a futile attempt to hold back his own sorrow.
“Don’t… don’t take them!” Matteo screamed, clinging to both of them, refusing to let go. “Father please, don’t!”
The moment Matteo’s father saw him, fury twisted his expression. He raised a heavy iron rod and swung it on him. Matteo cried out as the pain ripped through his small body, his grip loosening from his siblings.
Darkness swallowed him whole.
When he awoke, they were gone. His mother beside him, sobbing silently.
END OF FLASHBACK*
Matteo’s fingers curled into fists at his sides at the memory.
“I miss Mother” Maya whispered, moving away from the window. Her voice trembled, eyes glistening with unshed tears, betraying the tough façade she always wore.
Matteo’s jaw tightened, but he didn’t answer immediately. The old ache in his chest throbbed stronger than ever.
“You shouldn’t have to say it. We all do… but saying it doesn’t bring her back” He muttered.
“I know but that won’t stop me from missing her. I heard about your upcoming mission in Paris. I’m coming with you, i want to see the bastard who killed my mother”
“Hmm” Matteo said thoughtfully.
“You can’t say no to that, she’s my mother too”
“Then get ready” He smirked.
Maya’s grin widened like a blade. “Now let’s discuss something else. I heard you’re married so I looked her up. Aurora Bellanti. Daughter of Vincenzo Bellanti. How cute”
“That’s neither your business nor your joke” he said.
Maya laughed, a short, sharp sound. “Of course it is. She’s my brother’s wife. I get a front‑row seat to the circus” She stepped to the desk and plucked a stray pen, rolling it between her fingers.
“So? Do you like her?”
Matteo’s jaw tightened, the muscle ticking as he met her gaze. “Enough” he ordered.
“Get out of my office”
Maya laughed softly, shaking her head. “Still in denial, I see…” she murmured, her grin fading into something unreadable before she turned on her heel and strode to the door.
Out in the hallway, Ace had just stepped aside to let her pass. She stopped in front of him, eyes dancing.
“Hey, handsome” she said sweetly. “I like you. Don’t tell anyone”
Before he could react, she leaned in, pressed a quick kiss to his cheek, and winked before walking away, her heels clicking down the corridor.
Ace froze, blinking. His fingers rose almost unconsciously to touch the spot she’d kissed, still warm from the brush of her lips.
From the far end of the hall, Vixen leaned against the wall, watching everything in silence, her expression unreadable.
Ace finally noticed her and stiffened. “Vixen wait, I can explain—”
“You don’t owe me any explanation,”she cut him off. “It’s not like I like you or something”
Her words stung more than he expected, and Ace’s hand dropped from his cheek as he watched her turn away.
Vixen walked away, trying to shake off the strange ache that knotted her chest.
Why did that even bother me? she thought, frowning.
She had said it herself that she didn’t like him. So why did seeing Maya teasing Ace, kissing him like that, sting more than she expected?
Shaking her head, she turned a corner, only to catch a low conversation from the shadows.
“Valentina… trust me, I will get it to work perfectly” a deep, hushed voice murmured. A voice that belonged to Viper.
Vixen’s brow furrowed. She paused mid-step, peering toward the corner where the voices came from.
What are they talking about? she wondered, curiosity flickering, but nothing else.
With a shrug, she walked on.
•••
MATTEO MANSION*
Maya strode in, heels clicking softly against the floors.
Suddenly, a sharp pressure pressed against her throat, a knife gleaming dangerously close. Maya froze, instinctively holding her hands up.
“Who are you?” Aurora demanded.
Maya smirked, tilting her head. “Matteo’s… baby mama”
Aurora blinked, caught off guard, her focus faltering. Maya seized the moment, stepping back calmly, her grin widening.
“You’re… pretty,” Maya said, her eyes scanning Aurora appraisingly. “And I must say, I’m impressed”
Aurora’s grip on the knife loosened slightly, confusion flickering across her face.
Maya finally tilted her head, letting a soft laugh escape.
“Relax,” she said, stepping back fully, letting Aurora lower the knife. “I was just joking. You should see your face… priceless”
Aurora’s eyes narrowed suspiciously. “Joking?”
Maya shrugged, her grin mischievous. “A little dramatic flair never hurts, right? But really… I’m not here to hurt you”
Aurora studied her carefully, trying to read her intentions.
“I’m Matteo’s twin sister,” Maya said finally, her tone more serious now. “Yes… the one you’ve probably never met”
Aurora took the picture Maya gave her, her eyes scanning the image. There they were, three small children, tangled together in laughter. Matteo, Axel, and Maya, all bright-eyed and innocent, with the unmistakable spark of mischief in their expressions.
Aurora blinked, stunned. “He… he didn’t tell me he had a brother or a sister? He never mentioned Axel or you”
Maya’s lips curved into a small, knowing smile. “Yeah… he can be secretive. Matteo’s always been like that. Keeps things close to his chest”
Aurora studied the picture again, her mind racing. “Triplets…? I had no idea. He barely tells me anything”
Aurora’s brows furrowed, a mixture of frustration and sadness on her face.
“He’s too cold to me. He behaves like he doesn’t care… in fact, he doesn’t. I’m pregnant right now, and he told me to abort it. I… I hate him”
Maya’s eyes widened, and then a wicked grin tugged at her lips.
“Yikes! Abort my unborn niece or nephew? Don’t dare! He’s a joker” she said, and Aurora couldn’t help but laugh despite the heaviness of her words.
Maya’s smile softened slightly as she shook her head.
“He was trained by our father, don’t blame him. Axel and I were trained differently, under someone else. Matteo… he was a happy kid once, with a soft heart. But what I’m seeing now? This… cold, harsh man… it’s what happens under our father’s training. Showing care or love? Forbidden. It’s a weakness”
Aurora’s hand instinctively rested on her stomach, her voice small. “So… that’s why he said what he said?”
Maya nodded slowly. “Yes. Matteo’s words are blunt. He won’t explain further, at least not now. But I know him. The Matteo i knew as a child, the one who would’ve rushed to hug me immediately he sees me is still there, buried under years of pain and duty. He has his reasons… even if they don’t make sense to you yet”
Aurora swallowed hard. “I… I just want him to care”
Maya placed a hand on her shoulder, firm yet gentle. “Give him time. And don’t you dare think about that abortion. He may be cold, but this child… this is family. And family, Aurora… is never left behind”
Aurora stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Maya.
“Thank you”
Maya’s lips curved into a soft smile as she returned the hug.
“I so much love hugs” Maya said warmly. “Thanks for that. Remember… I’m with you always”
Aurora pulled back slightly, feeling comforted and reassured.
•••
TWO DAYS LATER, PARIS*
The convoy of black cars glided through the streets of Paris.
In the first car was Matteo and Ace.
In the second car was Maya and Aurora while the third car carried the rest of the clan, including Bianca, who had been trying to get closer to Maya ever since the airport.
Finally, the convoy stopped outside a modern penthouse Matteo had purchased a few days ago, a glass building standing proudly in the Paris skyline.
Matteo was the first to step out, his tailored coat brushing against his thighs. He barely glanced at the others as he entered the building.
The other cars opened their doors, and the remaining occupants stepped on the terrace, breathing in the crisp Parisian air.
Bianca immediately moved toward Maya.
“Let’s share a room together” she offered.
Maya folded her arms, smirking. “I don’t think so. I already have Vixen as my roommate”
Bianca’s smile didn’t falter, but her eyes darkened for a fraction of a second as she rolled them inwardly. She quickly turned to Aurora, her voice sugar-coated.
“Then… let’s be roommates”
“I’m staying with MY HUSBAND” she said pointedly before striding into the penthouse without another glance.
Bianca’s jaw tightened, her fake cheer cracking for a split second. Maya, still standing nearby, caught the shift in her expression and smirked knowingly. She already understood what Bianca was up to.
“I can see through that façade, stop it” Maya said.
Bianca blinked rapidly, her face settling into feigned confusion.
“I don’t understand what you mean…” she said lightly, her voice airy, though the stiffness in her smile betrayed her.
Maya didn’t bother replying. She simply smirked, brushing past her like she wasn’t worth the energy.
Her steps carried her straight to Ace, who was leaning casually against one of the black cars, scrolling through his phone.
“Well, if it isn’t my favorite Matteo’s boy” Maya teased, her voice lilting with playful mockery.
Ace glanced up, grinning. “What do you want this time?”
Maya grinned, leaning in just enough to invade his space. “Relax, handsome. Not everything I do involves guns or games…”She flicked his shoulder with a wicked grin. “Sometimes I just like your company. We meet tonight by the poolside”
Ace hesitated for a split second, then gave a small nod.
“Good boy” she winked before strutting off.
Vixen appeared beside him, arms folded across her chest.
“Seems she’s into you” she said flatly, her tone laced with something Ace couldn’t quite place.
Inside the penthouse, everyone began to disperse into their assigned rooms.
Aurora moved in with Matteo.
Maya paired with Vixen.
Bianca ended up with Viper.
Ace shared with Blade.
Storm took a room with Axe.
Sylvia, Scarlett, and Rosa grouped together in one suite.
Bianca stood in the hallway, staring at the door that had just shut between her and Maya. Her nails dug into her palm, fury bubbling beneath the surface.
She whispered under her breath, a smile tugging at her lips.
“You’ll like me soon, Maya. Whether you want to or not”
Bianca returned to the room, shutting the door behind her with a soft click. Viper was standing by the wardrobe, sifting through a row of outfits before pulling out a fitted leather top. She glanced at Bianca through the mirror, her smirk cutting sharp.
“Seen you trying to make Maya like you so bad” Viper drawled, tossing the outfit on the bed. “Baby girl, don’t force it. Come here, let me give you tips”
Bianca arched a brow, clearly caught but refusing to show weakness. She stepped closer with a sly little smile tugging at her lips.
“Tell me more, seems we think alike”
Viper’s grin widened.
•••
The penthouse suite was quiet except for the low hum of the television. Aurora sat cross-legged on the massive bed, a bag of chips balanced beside her as she absent-mindedly popped one into her mouth. ” you are reading from www.mhiztaemy.com.ng” The oversized screen across the room lit up with colors, throwing a soft glow over her relaxed figure.
From the bathroom came the faint rush of water, Matteo’s shadow occasionally moving past the fogged glass of the shower. The scent of his expensive cologne, mixed with steam, lingered in the air.
Aurora leaned back against the pillows, crunching loudly as she laughed at a scene on the screen. “You’d think he’d learn by now” she muttered to herself between bites, wiping her fingers on a napkin.
The bathroom door opened with a soft click, steam curling out into the cool suite. Matteo stepped out, droplets of water gliding down the hard ridges of his chest, a towel slung low around his waist. His damp hair clung slightly to his forehead, framing his sharp features as he ran a hand through it lazily.
He stopped mid-step, his gaze locking on Aurora. She was sprawled comfortably across the bed, still munching snacks, her eyes glued to the massive screen. She didn’t notice him at first, too immersed in the flashing images before her.
Finally, Aurora felt it. That heavy gaze. Her head turned, and the moment her eyes landed on him, she froze. Her gaze traveled from his dripping hair down to his sculpted torso, then lower to where the towel hung precariously at his waist.
Caught in the act, she blinked, her throat suddenly dry.
“The towel’s the only thing in your way… want me to fix that?”
Her breath hitched, snack forgotten in her hand.
Matteo’s smirk deepened as he closed the distance between them. Aurora’s heartbeat stuttered when he stopped right in front of her.
Without breaking eye contact, he tugged the towel loose and let it drop, the fabric pooling silently at his feet.
Aurora’s throat went dry. The movie on the TV faded into nothing but background noise as her gaze trailed down, then flicked back up to meet his.
He leaned down, close enough for his breath to tickle her ear.
“Satisfied with the view, or should I get even closer?”
The sharp chime of the doorbell echoed faintly through the suite, cutting through the heavy silence. Matteo’s hand reached for his phone on the nightstand. A new message blinked on the screen.
BIANCA: Please come, it’s very important. Concerning the mission.
His brows creased as he read it, his jaw tightening. Aurora noticed, her chest tightening.
Before he could speak, she stepped closer, her lips curving into a smirk that masked the storm brewing inside her.
“I’m not satisfied with the view…” she whispered, eyes dragging over him slowly. “I want more of it”
She grabbed his face and kissed him, hard, stealing his breath before he could retreat into himself. He didn’t hesitate as he kissed her back, just as fierce, pulling her into his chest like he couldn’t let go.
When they broke apart, foreheads nearly touching, Aurora’s voice came out low and sharp.
“Are you going to meet her… or are you staying here with me?”
•
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TBC😈
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