Mafia Princess Gone Rogue

When my boyfriend, Sebastian Passini, comes to me in tears, claiming his famiglia has been crippled and backed into a corner, I put everything my famiglia has at stake to pave the way for him.

I withstand immense pressure from my famiglia, divert four million dollars, deploy our most elite soldati, and even fall out with my Madre, all to protect him.

Yet, on the eve of his "counterattack," I stumble upon his true colors in my famiglia's underground chamber.

Angelina Aureli chuckles beside him. "To swallow the Valerini famiglia whole, you put on a fine performance. Are you really going to sit back and watch Isabella hand over her famiglia's foundation to you?"

Sebastian sneers, "Why else would I call her a fool? Her trust—and the Valerinis' resources—are nothing but stepping stones for me to rise to the top. Once I have everything in my hands, she and that old hag are dead!"

I fish out my phone and revoke the final tranche of resources I had reserved for Sebastian.

I should have known from the very beginning. He and I have never been on the same path. He wants plunder and destruction, and I'll make him pay for his greed in blood.

The voices leaking through the iron door of my famiglia's underground chamber nailed me to the spot.

"Half of the Valerinis' dock guards were reassigned last night. That's how the smuggled arms came ashore without a hitch. This single deal will keep our famiglia fed for half a year."

That was Angelina Aureli's voice.

"Why else do you think I call Isabella an idiot?" Sebastian Passini's laughter was thick with disdain.

He continued, "She's been under my thumb since we were kids. I told her my famiglia was being suppressed by yours, and she went against her own elders to hand me four million dollars.

"I told her I needed manpower. She reallocated her famiglia's dock's best soldati to guard my empty warehouse."

My hands curled into fists as the past month replayed in my head. I had challenged three elders at the famiglia meeting and silenced all opposition.

For him, I stayed up all night, helping him through his crisis. My heart had ached when I saw the shallow cut on his arm. I had even argued bitterly with my Madre, Camilla Bernardi, because I was convinced he had been driven into a corner.

"Aren't you afraid she'll find out?" Angelina asked, feigning concern.

"So what if she does?" Sebastian's laughter was as cold as steel.

"She loves me so much that she's willing to go against her whole famiglia for me. Once I get my hands on the Valerinis' resources, I'll get rid of her and that old hag. Then, everything here will belong to me!"

"What about me?" she pressed.

"Be patient." His tone softened, just a fraction. "Once Isabella is out of the picture, the Passinis and the Aurelis will be bound by marriage. Bellano's underground operations will be ours. What could