"Where else did he touch you?" his voice hardened as he pulled me closer to himself. "Calm down, I..." I couldn't finish my sentence before he slammed his lips on mine aggressively. He kissed me so hard that I was gasping for air. We disengaged to catch our breath and he stared into my eyes. I could see his eyes green with jealousy. He gently nibbled on my earlobe. I shuddered in pleasure. "Mel," he called, his breath fanning my neck. "Don't ever let anyone touch you again," he paused "YOU ARE MINE," he said, his voice carrying so much authority. I chuckled slightly. His brow furrowed. I could tell he was annoyed with my chuckle. "You don't own me, you know," I said as I rolled my eyes. "I thought I made that clear enough for you, Blondie," He grinned widely. I felt chills run down my spine as I watch the evil grin dancing in the the corner of his lips. I knew at the moment that I was in danger. I had fallen for the devil, but it feels so good that I don't want to ever leave. I would gladly stay in this hell if Dante Russo rules it. . . . The Jones family, a small family who reside in the heart of Los Angeles faced a serious threat as they got an unexpected visit from a dangerous Mafia. They're forced to succumb to their request and do their biddings with the hope that the mafia would leave after they're done with them. But things took a different turn when Melinda Jones, the only daughter of the Jones family, fell in love with the heir of the Mafia group. Dante Russo, the heir to the Italian Mafia, crossed paths with Melinda Jones during a deadly mission to take down a rival group. The pair despised each other at first but were soon drawn towards each other as they realized they shared common goals. Just as they fall in love, Melinda discovers a truth that could shatter her feelings for Dante, and he must conceal a dangerous secret to protect her from looming danger. Will Melinda still embrace her love for Dante, even as he becomes her only protector? Or will they part ways in pursuit of peace, or perhaps, will love conquer all? What happens when Melinda unravels a secret against Dante, and will fate play a rough game with them? As their journey unfolds, can they navigate the hardships and keep their love alive despite the threats closing in?
Chapter 1 The mysterious visitor
CHAPTER ONE
Melinda's POV
LOCATION: Los Angeles, America
TIME: 7:00 AM
"Melinda!"
"Wake up, we're getting late,"
I heard my mum call from the other side of the door. I groaned before standing up from the bed and headed towards the bathroom.
I walked out after a few minutes, dripping wet. I quickly got dressed and stepped out of the room. I saw my mother at the table with a sandwich in her hands. I walked up to her and hugged her from behind.
"Good morning mum,"
"Good morning dear, how was your night?" She asked.
"It was great,"
I sat down and grabbed a sandwich from the plate in front of me.
"Where is dad?" I asked.
"He left a few minutes ago, I decided to wait for you," she said.
I nodded and munched on my sandwich. I was done after a few minutes and we headed out.
We hadn't taken more than a few strides when a luxurious car sped past us and splashed dirty water all over us.
I was so mad that I yelled angrily.
"Mother fucker,"
The car didn't stop so I picked up a stone and aimed for the car window but missed. It got me so furious.
"No need to stress Mel, we'll just go back home and change real quick," my mother said trying to calm me down.
"And the mother fucker gets away with it, I hate arrogant rich folks," I scoffed angrily.
We walked back to the house and hurriedly changed our clothes. We headed out soon after. By the time we got to the restaurant, it was already getting late. And it was all the mother fucker's fault.
Our family's restaurant, D Jones, is located in the heart of Los Angeles. It is a small restaurant and didn't fetch us much income, but my parents are content with what they have.
But I am different. I do believe in working for your money but I don't understand why anyone would be content with poverty. I love my parents so much and I wish to give them the best in this life but I'm yet to find a job. That thought alone hurts a lot.
"Melinda!"
I jolted out of my thoughts as I felt a tap on my shoulder.
"Dad," I called and smiled.
"I called you several times, what were you thinking about so much?" He asked.
"Nothing much, just stuff," I said and tried to convince him with a big smile.
My mum walked in with a sad expression on her face.
"How are the sales going so far?" She asked.
My dad sighed. I already knew what the answer would be before he even said it.
"Not looking good honey, not a single sale since I got here," he said.
My mum rubbed her forehead gently.
"Bills are piling up. If we don't pay the rent by the end of the month we will be evicted from our house," she lamented.
My dad moved closer to her and hugged her.
"We'll be fine honey," he said, reassuringly.
I stared at them with eyes full of love. I have always wondered how they were able to stick with each other even during tough times. I usually admire the love between them and wish to find true love one day.
I mentally reminded myself to make money first.
They were still in that position when I saw a man in black suit walk into the restaurant.
"Oh look, we have a customer. I'll go get the order," I said and left.
The man looked mysterious from afar. As I walked closer to him, I was amazed by his beauty. I almost drooled over him but was quick to regain my composure.
"Good morning sir, welcome to D Jones, what would you like to have?" I asked with a smile plastered on my face.
"A cup of coffee please," he said.
"Coming right up," I replied and left to get his order.
I wondered about the strange man. He sure is good looking but doesn't seem to be from around here. He seemed a little dangerous too.
I shrugged the thoughts off. We had just gotten a customer since we opened and I don't want to scare him away with my wild assumptions.
I prepared the coffee hurriedly. I occasionally peeped at the man and would see him darting his eyes around as if trying to take all the information about the restaurant in.
I still couldn't shake off the unease vibe emitting from the strange customer.
I took the coffee to him.
"Thank you," he said and smiled.
His smile was so gorgeous that I almost melted. I couldn't bring myself to say anything so I just smiled and left.
I got to the counter and saw that the man had left without touching the coffee. Strange. I went to clear the table and saw that he left a hundred dollars.
"That's too much money for a cup of coffee," I scoffed.
I shrugged and took the money and was about to go back when I heard someone scream my name. I recognized the voice instantly.
It's Isabella, my best friend since high school.
"Jeez Isa, are you trying to make me deaf?" I rolled my eyes.
Isabella rushed to me and gave me a tight hug.
"Well that's a great way to tell me you miss me huh," Isa said, still hugging me tight.
We disengaged from the hug and headed to the kitchen together.
"When did you get back from your trip? And you didn't call me," I whined.
"I wanted to give you a surprise," she laughed.
"Hahaha that was more like fright," I chuckled.
"Yeah whatever. How have you been?" She asked.
"Doing great, business slow as always," I sighed.
"You'll be fine," she said and patted my shoulders gently.
She darted her eyes around as if searching for something.
"Where is uncle and aunt? I don't see them anywhere," she said.
Just as she finished her question, we heard a loud thud. We rushed outside to see what the cause of the commotion was.
Unknown POV
"The coast is clear sir, they need help now more than ever so they wouldn't dare refuse your proposal. The target is also in plain sight,"