MARKED BY THE MAFIA
Marked By The Mafia – Episode 69&70
[…BOUND BY DUTY…]
GENRE: Dark Romance
TAGS: MAFIAS, OBSESSION, POSSESSIVE, LOVE, STEAMY, LOVE TRIANGLE, EMPIRE, BETRAYAL, CRIME, VIOLENCE, DEATHS AND MANY MORE…
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✮{…THE END…}✮
Two days later, Aurora was in the kitchen, stirring the pot absentmindedly.
She didn’t hear him walk in.
But she felt him.
Strong arms slid around her waist from behind, pulling her back against a familiar hard chest. She gasped softly.
“Matteo” she whispered.
“I leave you for two minutes,” he murmured against her neck, his voice low and rough, “and you run off to cook instead of staying in bed with me?”
She tried to bite back a smile. “People need to eat, you know”
He turned her around gently, his fingers still on her waist. His eyes scanned her face as though memorizing every line.
“I missed you” he said simply.
Aurora’s chest tightened. After everything, hearing it still made her knees weak. “You saw me this morning”
“Not enough” He leaned down and brushed his lips against her forehead. “Never enough”
She placed her hand on his cheek. “It’s over, Matteo. It’s really over.”
His jaw clenched slightly. “Yeah. And he deserved worse than what we gave him”
Before she could respond, someone cleared their throat at the doorway.
Isabella.
Aurora jumped a little, pulling away from Matteo as Isabella stood at the doorway, her hands folded gently in front of her.
“I’m sorry” Isabella said softly. “I didn’t mean to interrupt”
“No, no, you’re fine. I was just… cooking” She stepped closer to her. “Food will be ready soon”
A faint smile pulled at Isabella’s lips. “Thank you for taking care of me”
Aurora shook her head lightly. “It’s not a big deal”
Isabella nodded, touching Aurora’s hand briefly.
“You should go to rest, food will be ready soon” Matteo said and she smiled before leaving.
Aurora let out a slow breath only for her phone to suddenly beep on the counter. She reached for it, frowning at the notification.
Matteo raised a brow. “Who is it?”
Aurora opened the message.
“It’s my father,” she said, confusion settling on her face. “He wants me to come over tonight… for a family dinner”
“You look confused”
“He doesn’t care about family, or dinners, or anything like that” She stared at the screen again. “This is weird”
Matteo stepped closer. “You’re not obligated to go yunno”
“I’ll still go,” she said softly. “I want to see what this is about, and i also have something to take care of”
He exhaled, brushing his thumb across her waist once more and then gave her a light kiss.
•••
AT THE EMPIRE*
Maya stepped out of her suite, her hair packed in ponytail swinging behind her. She paused the moment she spotted Ace at the corridor.
He wasn’t alone.
Viper stood close to him, closer than Maya liked. She was blowing lightly into his eye, her fingers on his cheek as she examined a small cut. Their proximity was suffocating.
Maya’s jaw tightened.
Of course Ace didn’t pull back.
Of course Viper had her hands all over him.
The jealousy hit Maya like a punch to the chest.
She lifted her chin and walked past them without a word.
She almost made it out before she heard it.
“Maya”
She froze but she didn’t turn.
“What?!” she snapped, her voice sharp like broken glass as she finally faced him.
Ace blinked, surprised by how venomous she sounded. Viper stepped back immediately, sensing tension. She glanced at Ace, then at Maya, and wisely walked away without a word, leaving them alone.
Silence settled between them.
Maya stood stiffly, arms crossed, waiting for him to speak.
Ace took a slow step toward her.
“Maya,” he said again, softer this time. “We need to talk”
She scoffed. “I don’t think so”
Ace moved closer, close enough that she could smell his cologne. It annoyed her how much she still reacted to it.
“Maya, look at me”
“No”
“Maya”
She finally lifted her eyes.
Ace’s chest rose and fell like he was preparing for a war.
“I think I’m falling for you. No… scratch that. I’m in love with you and it’s killing me”
Maya’s breath hitched.
Ace stepped closer once again, his eyes locked on hers like she was the only thing in the world he wanted.
“I don’t care about Boss anymore,” he continued. “I don’t care about rules or consequences or who gets angry. All I want is you and you only”
Her arms slowly fell from their crossed position.
“I’m sorry I was a coward then,” his voice cracked slightly. “I’m sorry I hurt you. I swear, Maya, I—”
She didn’t let him finish.
Maya grabbed his collar and crushed her lips against his, shutting him up instantly.
Ace froze just for half a second before he pulled her in with both hands, kissing her back like he had been starving for her. “You are reading from www.mhiztaemy.com.ng” Like he had been dying for this moment. His fingers slid into her hair, pulling her closer, deepening the kiss until neither of them could breathe.
Maya clung to him, anger melting, jealousy burning away, replaced by everything she’d been holding back for weeks.
Ace pressed her gently against the wall, kissing her like he meant every word he just said.
When they finally broke apart, breathless, his forehead rested against hers.
“Maya,” he whispered, “please… give me a chance”
Her fingers tightened on his shirt.
“You already have one” she whispered back.
And Ace smiled.
A real, unguarded smile.
Like she had just given him oxygen.
She tugged him closer and jumped slightly, wrapping her legs around his waist. Ace caught her instantly like he’d been waiting for this, his hands slipping under her thighs, holding her firmly as her back pressed against the wall.
“Maya…” he breathed, already losing control.
She smirked and pulled him into another kiss, deeper, hotter, her fingers sliding into his hair. Ace groaned softly against her mouth, pressing his body flush against hers.
His lips trailed down to her jaw… then to her neck.
Maya tilted her head, gasping when he kissed the sensitive spot under her ear. His teeth grazed her skin lightly, making her grip his shoulders harder.
“Ace…” she whispered, breathless.
He kept going, kissing lower, darker, hungrier—
Until a voice echoed through the hallway.
“Get a room!”
They both froze.
Blade stood a few feet away, arms crossed, expression flat but a teasing smirk pulling at the corner of his mouth.
Maya burst into laughter against Ace’s shoulder.
Ace exhaled sharply, shaking his head. “You have the worst timing, Blade”
Blade shrugged. “Not my fault you two decided to have a telenovela moment in the hallway.”
Maya snorted.
Ace rolled his eyes, but he was still smiling.
“Whatever” he muttered, and without warning, he hooked his arm under Maya’s legs and lifted her into a full bridal carry.
Maya gasped, clutching his shoulders. “Ace!”
He leaned down and kissed her cheek. “You heard him, baby. Let’s get a room”
He carried her effortlessly, straight toward his suite.
Blade’s voice followed behind them.
“Use protection!”
“Shut up!” Maya and Ace yelled in unison, laughing as the door shut behind them.
Blade chuckled to himself, shaking his head.
He turned away from the hallway, ready to head back to his own floor but he stopped.
Storm was at the far end of the corridor.
And Viper was with him.
They were talking and aughing.
Viper who always shoved Storm off, avoided him, iced him out.
But right now… she was actually smiling at something he said.
Storm rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly, looking down, clearly flustered. Viper’s eyes softened in a way Blade had never seen before.
“Well I’ll be damned” Blade whispered, lips parting slightly.
He didn’t want to disturb them, so he turned and walked the other direction, hands in his pockets, a small smile tugging at him.
He needed air.
Maybe he needed to stop minding everybody’s business.
He stepped into the dim side hallway near the stairwell, letting out a long exhale.
But as he rounded the corner, he collided with someone.
“Oof—!”
His hands shot out automatically, gripping her arms to steady her.
And then he froze.
Vixen stood in front of him, her hair loose, her lips painted a soft red.
“Oh—Blade,” she breathed. “Sorry. I wasn’t watching where I was going”
Blade’s heart dropped to his stomach… then shot to his throat.
Vixen.
He swallowed, stepping back just enough but not letting go of her arms.
“I—uh—no, my fault,” he managed, hating how rough his voice sounded. “Didn’t expect anyone here”
Her lips curved into a soft, almost shy smile.
“You okay?” she asked. “You look… distracted”
If only she knew.
Blade cleared his throat. “Just needed air. That’s all”
Vixen tilted her head slightly, studying him in that calm, observant way.
And Blade felt heat creep up his neck.
Because damn…
Of all the people he could’ve bumped into…
It had to be her.
They ended up sitting on one of the low concrete blocks behind the training hall, the cold air brushing against their skin. Blade sat beside her, trying to act normal, even though his heart was doing acrobatics.
“How are you feeling about Ace and Maya?” he finally asked, pretending it was a casual question.
Vixen let out a small laugh. “Oh, that? I fucked it up myself. When he liked me, I never took him serious. I’m happy with him being with Maya”
Blade nodded slowly. “I’m so sorry… so uh, are you open to a new relationship?”
She scoffed softly. “I’m cancelling love for life. No relationship. I want to focus on acing missions instead”
Blade swallowed, masking the disappointment that flashed across his face. “Speaking of that,” he said, clearing his throat, “I heard we have one tonight”
Her lips curved into a small smirk. “Let’s duel”
Blade blinked. “Right now?”
She rose to her feet, cracking her knuckles. “Unless you’re scared”
He stood, smirking too. “Of you? Never”
She stepped closer, eyes glinting. “We’ll see”
The training hall was almost empty. Vixen pulled her hair into a quick ponytail while Blade rolled up his sleeves.
“Rules?” he asked.
“No rules,” she said with a smirk. “Just don’t cry when I win”
Blade laughed. “You talk too much”
They circled each other, slow and steady, eyes locked like predators testing each other’s patience.
Vixen struck first and Blade dodged, barely, her fingers grazing his jaw.
“You’re getting slow” she taunted.
“Or maybe you’re too fast” he shot back, moving in.
They clashed, hands catching wrists, feet shifting, bodies brushing. Vixen flipped him, but he twisted mid-air and landed on his feet, grinning like a devil.
“Oh, you practiced” she said.
“You inspire me”
She froze for half a second, caught off guard. Blade took advantage, pinning her wrist, but she slid out, sweeping his leg. He hit the mat with a grunt.
She stepped over him, smug. “One point for me”
Blade grabbed her ankle and tugged lightly. She toppled, landing on his chest with a soft gasp, her palms pressed against him, his hands steadying her waist without thinking.
They stilled, their faces were inches apart. Her breath fanned his cheek. His fingers flexed against her waist before he forced himself to let go.
She pushed off him a little too quickly, clearing her throat. “Accidental” she muttered.
“Sure” he said, standing, eyes lingering a moment too long.
They went again, faster this time, sharper, both trying to shake off what just happened. She tried to flip him again, but Blade countered, trapping her arms behind her and locking her gently against his chest.
“I win” he whispered in her ear.
“You cheated”
“I adapted”
Their eyes met over his shoulder, heat flickering and disappearing just as fast.
Vixen stepped away, grabbing her jacket. “Whatever. We should prepare for the mission”
Blade nodded, but he watched her walk away, heart thundering, wondering how long he could keep pretending.
And how long she would keep ignoring the spark she swore she didn’t care about, he couldn also see the connection between her and Axel these past few days.
He would wait until she was finally ready for a relationship. And if she never was, he’d still be Blade. And if she chose Axel, he’d still be Blade.
•••
NIGHT, THE BELLANTI’S ESTATE*
Aurora’s heels clicked softly against the marble as she stepped into the familiar mansion. Nothing had changed, yet somehow everything felt different.
She barely took two steps before warm arms wrapped around her tightly.
Her mother, Elena.
“Aurora,” she breathed, pulling her in even closer. “I’ve missed you”
Aurora closed her eyes for a second, letting herself melt into the embrace she rarely received growing up. “I’ve missed you too, Mamma”
When they pulled back, Aurora wasted no time.
“Why did father message me for a family dinner?” she asked, brows drawn. “He never does that”
Her mother sighed softly. “I have no idea. You know your father… full of surprises.” Her tone hinted at annoyance… and something else. Worry.
Before Aurora could say another word, heels echoed from the staircase.
Sharp, slow and intentionally loud.
Aurora stiffened.
Valentina walked into the room like she owned the entire estate.
Her eyes locked on Aurora like a target.
“Aurora,” Valentina said sweetly enough to make the walls rot. “You’re back”
Aurora’s jaw clenched so hard her teeth ached.
This was the sister who was originally meant to marry Matteo.
The sister whose jealousy burned hotter than gasoline.
The sister who secretly orchestrated the attack that caused Aurora’s miscarriage.
The sister Aurora swore she would kill when they see.
Valentina’s gaze dropped briefly to Aurora’s stomach.
Then she smirked.
Aurora’s fingers curled into fists at her sides.
“Valentina,” she said, voice cool, controlled. “Still alive, I see”
Valentina’s smile widened. “Disappointed?”
Aurora took one slow step toward her, her mother instinctively placing a hand on Aurora’s arm as if she sensed bloodshed waiting to happen.
“You have no idea” Aurora whispered.
And the entire room tightened like a bowstring ready to snap.
The grand doors of the dining room opened, and Vincenzo’s presence filled the room before he even spoke. He cleared his throat, a low, commanding sound that made the chatter die instantly.
Aurora, Valentina, and Elena followed him in, taking their seats at the long, polished table. Candles flickered, casting shadows that danced across the room.
Aurora’s eyes immediately found her father. “Why the sudden family dinner, father?” she asked.
“My darling daughter,” Vincenzo said smoothly, a glint of pride in his eyes, “you’ve proved yourself to be useful, and I’m proud of you”
Aurora rolled her eyes, unimpressed. “Go straight to the point, father”
Valentina’s lips curled in a sly smile. “Father, do something. You said Matteo would be mine. I want back my rightful husband” She leaned back, eyes locking on Aurora. “And I suppose the little replacement thinks she can just take everything away from me? That’s rich”
Aurora’s chest tightened, heat rising in her body. Without thinking, she reached under her coat and pulled out the gun she had stashed. In one smooth motion, she aimed it directly at Valentina, finger on the trigger.
“Drop it, Aurora!” Elena cried, her voice trembling with earnest fear. “Please, don’t do this!”
Aurora’s eyes closed for a brief moment, anger boiling through her veins, her grip on the pistol tightening. She opened her eyes again, jaw set.
Valentina’s eyes gleamed, sensing an opportunity. With a quick, practiced motion, she grabbed the gun from Aurora’s hands, twisting it and aiming it directly at Aurora’s head.
“Bang”
Aurora barely had time to duck, the bullet embedding itself into the wall behind her. Shards of plaster fell to the floor.
Meanwhile, Vincenzo sat calmly at the table, fork in hand, picking at his food as though nothing had happened.
Elena’s voice shook. “Valentina! Drop the gun!” She lunged toward her daughter, that distracted Valentina.
Aurora, heart pounding and adrenaline surging, didn’t wait. In one swift movement, she snatched the gun back, the metal cold and heavy in her hand. Without hesitation, she pulled the trigger.
The shot rang through the room.
Valentina’s eyes widened in shock. Blood blossomed across her chest as she stumbled backward, collapsing to the floor with a harsh thud.
Elena didn’t hesitate. She was at Valentina’s in an instant, cradling her face and shaking her lightly.
Aurora’s hands were trembling, the gun still in her grip. Her eyes, fierce and wild, never left Valentina’s lifeless form.
She just killed her own sister.
Does she deserves it? Yes
Does she regrets it? No
Vincenzo finally looked up, calm as ever. “Well,” he said smoothly, taking another bite of his food, “that was… tough”
Elena’s hands shook as she clutched at Aurora.
“Why did you shoot her?! She’s your sister!” Elena yelled, voice cracking, panic rising.
Aurora’s jaw tightened, eyes hard as steel. “She would have killed me first if I didn’t duck it” she spat, voice low but deadly.
“You brought out the pistol first!” Elena shouted, horror-stricken.
Aurora’s chest heaved. “Of course you would take her side! You always ignored everything she did to me growing up! I was always the spare daughter!”
Without another word, she tossed the pistol on the floor and stormed out, the echo of her heels against the marble a rhythm of finality.
Once outside, the cool night air hit her, sharp and freeing. She pulled out her phone and dialed Matteo, needing to hear his voice, to feel steady again.
“How was the mission?” she asked, her tone surprisingly light, betraying none of the adrenaline still coursing through her veins.
“Successful, baby” Matteo replied, his voice warm and relieved.
“Then we should celebrate it. On my way to the Empire” she said, a faint smirk tugging at her lips despite the chaos.
“How was the dinner?” he asked, curiosity laced with caution.
Aurora’s lips pressed into a thin line. “Ended with someone dying” she said bluntly, ending the call without waiting for a response.
She slid into her car, the leather cool against her palms. The engine roared to life as she sped to the highway, wind whipping through her hair, the city lights blurring past.
A soundtrack blared through the speakers, perfectly syncing with her. Her hair danced around her face like a cinematic halo, the night air and neon lights painting her as the unstoppable force she had always been.
The Bellanti mansion faded behind her.
This was the end.
But for Aurora? It was just the beginning.
___________________________________________
THE END!
Finally🤧
Another book finally done and dusted! 😩🖤
And to the readers, thank you for joining me on this journey. I hope you enjoyed the story as much as I did!
So now tell me…☺️
Saddest scene?
Funniest scene?
Favourite scene?
Best male characters?
Best female characters?
Best couple?
Who will you miss the the most?
Expect our next story soon!
XOXO 💜
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