Mafia's Sinful Bride

Gabriella's Pov

"How much further till we get there?" I asked, my voice cutting through the silence, barely audible due to the rain falling heavily.

My stepdad, Victor, remained silent. His eyes stayed focused on the road, his jaw tightening, while he checked his watch over and over.

Breathing out, I faced the window, observing the city pass by. My hands were shaking, something that always happened whenever I knew danger was lurking ahead. Like the day my mother passed.

I turned back to him, to the man who I was certain was responsible for her death. "We have been driving for hours. Where are we going?"

Victor chuckled, glancing at me briefly. "Just a little more princess and we'll be there."

I cringed at the word, "princess". Only my father was allowed to call me that. I hated Victor. I hated him for finding his way into my mother's life after my father passed away.. He filled her heart with nothing but sorrow and pain. My mother changed after marrying him, she became distant, rarely smiles and at times she stares at him with fear.

Sitting straight, I felt uneasy. I sensed that something was off, and my mother always advised me to trust my instincts, so I relied on them as if my life depended on it.

The car came to a halt outside a deserted warehouse. I looked at Victor, who was watching me with deepening eyes. "Get out."

I tilted my head, observing the area. The place seemed to have been abandoned for a while.

Thick forest covered the building which made it harder to see.

Sighing, I stepped out of the car, the cold air grazing my skin instantly. My eyes were fixed on the building in front of me which looked more of a mansion, except it had no windows, just concrete walls with a single iron door.

"What is this place?" I curiosity asked, tightening my jacket around my shoulders.

Victor ignored me, grabbing my hand harshly as he led me inside.

The scent of cigars greeted me the moment we entered. My eyes were drawn to the men who looked at me as though I was a me ready to be devoured.

Realization dawned on me, this wasn't just some meeting. This was some sort of transaction.

"Victor!" I screamed, pulling my arm from his hold. "Why did you bring me here? You told me we were out to buy groceries. This doesn't look like a grocery store."

Victor turned to face me, gritting his teeth. "Stop asking unnecessary questions," he warned." I'm just getting rid of unwanted trash." he whispered the last part.

Unwanted trash? What did he mean by that? Before I could reply, Victor's hand gripped my wrist once more. "There was no other choice, my debts had to be paid one way or the other. Just relax and it'll be over soon."

I barely had time to process his words when two men approached me, taking my arm from Victor's hold.

"Just remember that I really did love your mother," he said, covering my eyes with a thick cloth.

"Stop!" I cried out, struggling against the grip of the men, but they wouldn't budge. My heart raced as my feet were pulled across the chilly floor. I couldn't tell where I was being led. I wanted to fight them, but I realized I had no chance of winning against these men.

I listened to voices, many of them, whispering. A chill went down my back as I stood on what felt like a stage.

"We're all set. Let the bidding begin. She's a virgin, untouched, pure."

My heart sank, they were talking about me. No, this couldn't be happening, I was being sold. Victor sold me.

"We start at ten million dollars."

A chorus of murmurs followed.

"Fifteen million," a man called.

"Twenty!"

I struggled, but a firm grip held me in place. My breath comimg in sharp, panicked gasps.

"Twenty-five!" someone else shouted.

Then a voice, smoother, colder, cut through the chaos. "Thirty million."

The room went deathly silent. That voice...It sounded too familiar.

"Going once. Going twice. Sold to the gentleman in the back."

I felt my blood run cold. Whoever he was, he owned me now.

Hands gripped me, forcing me back onto unsteady feet. I was dragged away, the blindfold still in place. My mind raced, fighting back the questions that needed answers. Who was he? What did he want? What kind of man spent thirty million on another person?

"Let go of me!" I screamed, twisting my hands against their hold. "Just please, let me go." I whispered.

No one answered. No one stopped them.

I hardly realized I was being forced into a car until I heard the door bang behind me. My breath caught as I tore off my blindfold, my gaze scanning the surroundings. I felt the world spin the moment it landed on someone I never thought I'd see again.

"Well well, we meet again Bella,"

"Alessio." I whispered, trying hard to remain steady.

A cruel smirk played on his lips. "You remember me?"

Of course I remembered him. How could I ever forget the boy I had once loved. My childhood best friend.

But now, nothing about him looked familiar.

His blond hair was much longer, falling messily over his forehead. His face was sharper, his jawline carved beautifully. His eyes were much colder than I had remembered, lacking the warmth it once had.

Alessio leaned back, running a hand through his hair. "I'll take it as a yes, then."

I swallowed the lump forming in my throat. "What... what are you doing here?"

He let out a humorless laugh. "Saving you? Hardly. Buying you? That's another story."

My blood ran cold. "You....You bid on me?"

He leaned forward, his eyes locking on mine. "Do you think I wanted to? Do you think I spent thirty million because I care?" He scoffed. "Victor put you on that stage to be sold to monsters, Gabriella. The kind who would've broken you beyond repair. I couldn't let that happen. But don't mistake this for kindness. I don't want you, either."

His words stung, but I forced myself to stay strong. I shaked my head slightly. This couldn't be real. It was probably another nightmare I needed to wake up from.

The last thing I remembered was Alessio saying he had to leave for a business meeting with his parents and he'll be back soon. He lied, he never came back and now he had just bought me. Nothing made sense.

"You lied to me. You told me you were coming back to me. You betrayed me," I whispered.

His face softened for a moment, but it quickly disappeared. "Oh, Gabriella," He leaned forward, his breath fanning against my skin. "You betrayed me."

My eyes widened. "I don't understand what you mean by that. "

Alessio gripped my jaw, holding it firmly in place. "You know everything right? "Don't mess around with me."

"I don't understand what you mean."

Alessio let out a forced chuckle. "Your family took everything from me, Bella,"

I stiffened. "My family? What could they have done? I'm sure they had nothing to do with whatever......."

"Oh, but indeed they do," he whispered, cutting me off. "It's about time I return the favor."

The car door locked with a click, startling me. Alessio's hand cradled my face, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.

"You are mine now, Bella," he whispered. "And I'm going to make sure you never forget it.

Alessio's Pov

My fists clenched as I stared at Gabriella. That name once brought a sense of warmth and comfort to me. But now, it tasted bitter. Hatred overwhelmed me, burning hotter than the cigarette between my fingers.

She hadn't changed much, her soft brown hair tied in a bun, brought out her sparkling hazel wide eyes. I hated those eyes. I despised everything about her, but now, she wasn't the same girl I had known, she's prettier, fiercer, and at the same time, fragile.

"Why did you buy me?" She asked softly.

I closed my eyes, taking a slow drag out of my cigarette, the thick smoke filling the air before placing it in the ashtray by my side.

"Wrong question ," I murmured. "You should be asking what happens next."

"Alessio," she called out harshly this time . "You can't just....."

"Shut up." I warned, clearly pissed off with her tantrums. "If you say one more fucking word, I promise you that you won't make it alive before dawn."

Her eyes widened at my words, as she sank further into the seat, fumbling with her dress. I wouldn't kill her, I can't but she knew better than to test my patience. I wanted to see her fight, to see her struggle before she finally breaks.

Carlo, my personal bodyguard, kept his eyes on the road, silent as always. I gave him a brief nod. "Continua a guidare (Keep driving)."

I turned to Gabriella. She was sweating, which was was weird because the weather was cool.

She had every right to be afraid. Because I hadn't planned to buy her tonight. I had gone to the auction house for business, a meeting with one of my suppliers. The auction was simply background noise, something I had no interest in.

Until I saw her. Bound, terrified, humiliated.

Gabriella. My Bella.

The girl who once meant everything to me. After years of searching, I finally found her. I should have walked away. I should have let her fate be decided by someone else but no I want to be the one to decide her fate.

But when the first bid was called, a twisted, possessive rage filled my veins. The thought of another man touching her, owning her, made my vision blur with fury. She wasn't meant for them. She was meant for me.

So I had to do the unthinkable. I outbid every bastard in the room, bidding an insane amount without thinking. And when the gavel slammed down, she became mine.

We arrived at my mansion moments later. No, my parents' mansion. I rubbed my temples at that thought. This was a place I've always considered a home but now, it felt lifeless.

I clenched my jaw, rubbing my temples as I stared at the massive gates. This was a place I once called home but now felt lifeless.

So many years had passed and those memories remained locked away at the back of my mind, but sitting here, close to her, inhaling her scent, seemed to bring those memories to the surface.

I was once a boy who had everything anyone could ever wish for, a loving mother, a father who ruled the empire with strong hands but loved and cared in his own way and lastly a brother, Leonardo, my best friend and protector. We were both heirs to the De Luca empire. An empire built on sweat and power. We had been untouchable.

Until her father destroyed everything.

The scent of the gunpowder remained fresh in my mind, my mother's screams which echoed in the halls. I had been twelve, Leonardo fifteen. We were hiding in the library, just as our father had ordered us to.

"Stay quiet," Leonardo had whispered, pressing me against the shelves, his body shielding mine. "No matter what happens, don't move."

But I had moved. I had run when I heard my mother's cries turn into silence. I had burst into the main hall just in time to see my father fall, a bullet between his eyes. Leonardo had chased after me, but it was too late.

Gunshots rang out. Leonardo's body jerked as the bullets tore through him. His blood on my hands as I knelt beside him, screaming his name before passing out.

When I woke up, I was at my uncle Martini's house. He had found me barely alive. He took me in, raised me, trained me. Taught me that weakness was a death sentence. That revenge was the only thing worth living for.

My throat tightened at the thought of them. I missed them more than I'd ever admit. Their deaths filled me with nothing but sorrow, carving me into this monster I'd become. And now the girl I'd once loved, sitting beside me, was the daughter of the man responsible for their deaths.

I glanced at Gabriella whose mouth hung open as she took in the view of the mansion. She has no idea who I was, not a clue that I came from a world of secrets and danger. My parents had insisted I keep it a secret from her, but at this point she needed to know the truth since she'll be spending the rest of her life with me

My men rushed to open the car door, bowing their heads in respect. I stepped out, straightening my suit as I observed the surroundings. All my men were stationed in their various positions just as I had instructed.

"Don." They greeted me in unison, raising their heads.

" Ci sono problemi? (Any problems?)" I asked, my voice hoarse.

They shook their heads. "Everything is secure."

"Good." I nodded.

I looked back at Gabriella who gripped the seat as though she was safer there than with me.

"Get out of the car," I ordered.

After a moment, she stepped out of the car, her eyes roaming the mansion, staring at the guards and then back at me. She took a shaky step back as though she realized something.

"You...." She began, her voice low. "You're part of the Mafia? No, you're the leader?"

I nodded, a grin forming on my lips. "Took you long enough to find out."

She turned around, but before she should take a step I caught her wrist, leading her towards the entrance of the mansion.

Gabriella let out a gasp the moment we were inside. Her eyes sparkled as she stared at the diamond chandelier above us, casting a warm glow over the marble floor.

"Let go of me!" She shouted, pulling her hand from my grip, but I only tightened my hold.

"From today, this will be your new home. You're not allowed to leave and you're allowed to ask questions."

Tears welled in her eyes but she refused to let them fall. "You can't keep me here, Alessio."

I chuckled darkly. "I already have."

Despite her protests, I led her upstairs to the second floor. I pushed the first door open, revealing a room I had specially prepared for her. The walls were painted in soft lilac, the furniture soft and elegant.

Gabriella's mouth hung open once more as her eyes swept the room. It seemed like she wasn't used to such luxury.

"Why does this look like....."

"Like it was made for you?" I finished for her, stepping closer. She stiffened as I leaned in, my breath fanning against her ear. "Because it was."

Her body shook slightly as she asked. "What exactly do you want from me?"

I leaned against the doorway, watching her closely. "I bought you, Gabriella. And I bought you for a reason."

She turned to face me, her eyebrow furrowing. "What reason?"

I took a slow step forward, closing the distance between us. "Revenge." I whispered.

She stared at me, confusion written all over her face. "Revenge? Why?"

A deadly smile etched across my face. "Your father, Gabriella. He killed my parents. Did you think I'd forget? Did you think I'd let it go?"

Gabriella staggered back as if I had struck her. " What? My father? No... you're lying, my father would never do such, he was a good man."

I stepped forward, caging her in against the bedpost.

"Tomorrow, we're getting married."

She stepped back, staring at me with anger. "This is madness Alessio, you can't force me to....."

I grabbed her chin, forcing her to look at me. "I can and I will, you don't have a choice."

I could see her hands clenching at her sides. "I will not marry you because I don't love you," she spat.

A low chuckle escaped my lips. "Who said anything about love Bella?"

She flinched but held my gaze, fire burning behind her fear. "You think forcing me into this marriage will break me?"

I leaned closer, my lips a few inches from hers. "You got it all wrong Bella. I don't want to break you," I murmured, my fingers tracing her arm, slow and sensual.

"I want to own you, I want to own every fucking inch of you," I whispered, my voice laced with anger. "You will walk down the aisle tomorrow, say the vows I demand and become Mrs De Luca,"

"If you dare to disobey me, there will be consequences."

Gabriella's face hardened at my words. "I hate you, Alessio. You're a monster." she breathed.

I smiled darkly, ignoring her statement."That I am, and tomorrow, you'll be this monster's bride.

Gabriella's Pov

I stared at my reflection in the mirror, the white gown hugged my body to my skin, showing off my perfect curves. The fabric of the dress was soft and smelled like flowers. I glanced briefly at my wrists which were sore and turning purple from the way the guards had held me at the auction house. I swallowed the lump forming in my throat as I remembered today was the day I was getting married to Alessio. However this wasn't a wedding to me. It was a nightmare.

I bit my lip lightly, blinking back the tears that threatened to fall. Rosa, the makeup artist, exhaled heavily while looking at my reflection in the mirror.

"It's okay to cry, you know. I cried when I was getting married so I understand the feeling. Today is a special day for you so no more crying else you'll ruin my masterpiece,"she laughed, dabbing my cheeks once more.

I let out a forced chuckle, wiping my tears gently. Masterpiece, that was what she called the broken face staring back at me. Beneath all the foundation and lipstick, I was not beautiful. My eyes were dull, lifeless, lacking the spark it once had. I was literally a corpse in a wedding dress.

"You're lucky, you know," Rosa began, cutting through my thoughts. "I've known Alessio since his diaper days, he's one of the most powerful and influential men in Italy. And also very handsome," She wiggled her eyebrows and I fought the urge to roll my eyes.

"Any woman would trade places with you in a heartbeat."

I scoffed. Lucky. Was that what they called being forced into a marriage fueled by revenge?

Rosa stepped back, her eyes roaming my face as she nodded in approval. "Perfetto. You look beautiful. Now you have to promise me, no more crying," she whispered, her hands squeezing mine lighty. "You'll make a beautiful bride."

A beautiful bride for a man who hated my very existence, the voice in my head rang.

Before I could thank her, the door burst open and a guard entered, his expression blank."I'll be escorting you to the church Mrs De Luca."

Mrs De Luca? That was my new name. Gabriella De Luca. I turned back to Rosa, my eyes glittering with tears, hoping she could get a hint. She grinned, waving her hand slightly as she left the room.

I rose from the chair, gripping the bouquet firmly in my hand.

We made our way downstairs and I spotted a white limousine parked by the porch. I have never been inside one of these and the sight was breathtaking. I couldn't help but wonder how wealthy Alessio must be to afford this.

The guard opened the door, gestiring for me to sit. I enteted, exhaling as my back relaxed into the cushy seat.

The ride to the church was filled with silence. I gazed out the window, my hands trembling as I watched the city go by. My thoughts drifted back to memories I had of Alessio. He was the boy who I could always count on, who would save me from bullies during my highschool days. Why did he change so much? How could he believe my father murdered his parents? My father was a good man.....wasn't he?

I shook my head slightly. He was wrong, my father was no murderer. He could barely hurt a fly, talk more of murdering someone.

The sudden screeching of tires jolted me back to reality. I stared at the massive church in front of me, which sparkled against the evening sky. The door opened and I stepped out, the cold wind grazing my skin immediately. I tightened my fingers around the bouquet, taking slow steps towards the entrance.

The doors swung open, the congregation standing in unison as their eyes instantly fell on me. The room was filled with unfamiliar faces, but I was certain they were powerful mafia families. After all, their Don was getting married. They stared at me with curiosity, or perhaps amusement at my predicament.

My breath hitched when my gaze landed on Alessio. He stood at the altar, dressed completely in black. His blond hair wa sgeles back to perfection, showing off his perfect jawline. How could someone be so cruel and breathtaking at the same time?

He still had an effect on me and I hated it. I needed to clear him off my head, I needed to stop loving him.

His gray eyes darkened the moment they met mine. I cleared my throat, for img myself to look anywhere but him.

The guard nudged me forward and I fought the urge to give him the middle finger. Alessio took my hand from his grip, his touch cold against my skin.

The priest began the ceremony. I barely paid attention, my mind was elsewhere, on Alessio. The time came for him to say his vows. He did so smoothly as if he meant those words. Deep down I really wish he did.

And then it was my turn.

Tears filled my eyes as I turned, my eyes flickering to the door, to the congregation and then back to Alessio. No one could save me from this.

With a shaky breath, I whispered, "I do."

"You may now kiss the bride," the priest concluded.

For a moment I thought Alessio wouldn't do it but then he leaned in, his lips mere inches from mine. I closed my eyes briefly, wanting to know what my first kiss would be like, but then his lips landed on the corner of my mouth. My eyes fluttered open, staring at Alessio who in return smirked.

My cheeks flushed as I straightened myself. I foolishly thought Alessio would kiss me but he just reminded me of what this marriage truly was. A loveless marriage.

******************************

I forced a smile on my face during the reception, and before I knew it Alessio announced it was time to head home. But that wasn't a home to me, it was a prison.

The ride home was filled with silence. I occasionally stole glances at Alessio, who was busy typing Into his phone.

"If you don't have anything to say, I suggest you stop staring at me," Alessio warned, without sparing me a look

I swallowed the lump forming in my throat, turning away, and resting my forehead against the glass.

I closed my eyes, enjoying the cool air and dozed off.

I woke up to strong arms carrying me. Blinking softly, I stared at the face who had these certain pairs of arms. Alessio. I couldn't help but admire him a little longer before his eyes met mine.

Alessio's smirked, dropping me down harshly. He cleared his throat, pointing to a room. "You'll be staying with me from now on."

A gasp escaped my lips at the thought of sharing a room with Alessio. Relax Gabriella, Alessio is nice he wouldn't hurt you, I reminded myself but deep down a voice told me otherwise.

I turned, observing the lavish bedroom. It was massive, decorated in black with a diamond chandelier which hung above us. It was more beautiful than the other room I'd been in, but still......

I turned back to Alessio. "I thought I'd have my own room, I mean......."

"You thought wrong, Bella." His gray eyes bore into mine."You're my wife, so I expect you to perform your duties as one."

I gulped at the statement. Was he expecting us to sleep together? I would have been happy knowing Alessio was the first man to take my virginity but now he seemed different, different from the boy I knew.

"Your clothes are in the closet. Everything you need is here in this room. Go take a bath, your reek of fear." He concluded, stepping out of the room.

I bit on my trembling lip. This was how my life was going to be henceforth, controlled by a man who despised me. Sighing, I walked to the closet, searching for pyjamas. There was none, except see-through lingerie. Did he purposely buy these? I searched further till my eyes landed on a red gown, it was short but not too revealing.

Grabbing the dress, I hurried into the bathroom and I was amazed at how huge it was. It was definitely way bigger than the one I had back at home. I stripped my gown off and stepped into the bathtub, letting the warm water relax me. I used every product I could find and when I was done I smelled good.

Stepping out of the bathroom, I froze, my eyes instantly locking on Alessio. He stood by the window, shirtless, the dim light casting warm light over his sculptured form. I felt my breath hitch as my gaze landed on the butterfly tattoo at the back of his neck, the same one he had gotten for me when we were teenagers. It was a symbol of love between us.

He turned around slowly, as if he'd knew I was gawking at him. His eyes roamed my figure, stopping at my chest area. I pushed my arms up, hoping some parts will remain covered from his stare. His eyes darkened for a moment before he cleared his throat.

"Let me just make this clear, Bella. I don't intend to have a wedding night. Nothing about your body turns me on," he began. "Don't expect love in this marriage, I don't want you and I never will."

The words stung, more than I thought it'll will, but I forced

His voice darkened. "Now, the rules. You will not leave this house. You are only allowed in the kitchen, library, sitting room, and pool. Every other room is off-limits. If you need anything, a new maid will be here tomorrow to attend to your needs. Do I make myself clear?"

Did Alessio think I was a puppet he could command? "And if I break the rules?" I couldn't help but ask.

Alessio smirked, his eyes darkening with desire. "If you break my rules, Bella," he said, taking slow steps towards me, his eyes boring into mine. "you'll be begging for me in ways you never imagined."