Don't have the energy for an authors now 🫠 Hope you like this chapter!

You're dead to me.

Every time those words rang out in my head, another crack formed in my heart.

"Costa..." I was on the verge of breaking down when Costa kneeled down in front of me while I sat on the chair. He took my hands in one of his, using the other to tilt my face towards him.

"Listen to me. None of what he said is true, baby. None of it." As Costa spoke in such a soft tone, I was vaguely aware of Rocco leaving the room behind me.

"He called me a traitor." Tears leaked out of my eyes as I thought back over my actions. "Am I traitor? I didn't mean to be. We fell in love, that's not-"

"You're not a traitor, principessa. Don't say that. You have every right to love who you want, regardless of who your family are. You can love your family and me, it doesn't make you a traitor."

"But-"

"No buts." He shook his head, wiping away my tears from my cheeks. "Of all the issues we've faced, the thought of you ever betraying me or your own family has never crossed my mind - and I'm guessing Damian's too. Your brother is just an angry fucker who is going to lose his fucking teeth when I leave this room."

A soft laugh escaped my lips when he spoke those threatening words so softly, still stroking my cheek.

"I love you, Costa. I couldn't deal with this without you."

"I love you too, baby. Come on. Let's go home." He pressed a kiss to my lips, reminding me that we were about to spend our first night in the newly renovated penthouse.

Costa gently helped me to my feet in my heels, his arm wrapped protectively around my shoulders. I kept my head down as we walked through the restaurant, Costa holding me close to his side the entire time.

When we reached the front door, my eyes landed on three tall figures in the foyer of the restaurant. Rocco was exchanging heated words with my brother while Damian attempted to keep them apart.

"Costa?" I nudged my husband's side when he became busy handling the payment for the meal.

The issue with eating in neutral territory was that we had to pay for our food like normal people. Restaurants in Sicilian territory almost always served Costa for free. He owned most of them anyway.

"Hm?" He looked at me, his eyes following my gaze towards the three of them by the door.

"Merda." He sighed. "I'll deal with it. Give me a second." (Shit) He pulled out his wallet, removing his card to tap it on the machine.

"I think they're leaving." I murmured, watching Damian roughly shove Julius out the front door - his own expression now one of anger.

Rocco stormed out a few seconds later and without a thought, I slipped out of Costa's hold, following him.

"Rocco?" I caught his attention after he ordered his head of security to bring the cars around to the front of the restaurant.

Before he could say a word to me though, the blinding flashes of cameras and the deafening roar of the paparazzi hit me like a tidal wave. I instinctively flinched, trying to hide my tear-streaked face behind my hand.

"Millie! Where have you been?"
"How's your marriage to Costantino Accardi going?"
"Why are you crying? Did Costa do something to hurt you?"
"Has he cheated on you yet?"

It had been months since the New York paparazzi swarmed me like this. I forgot how quickly these situations can arise. Within seconds you can be swarmed with cameras - especially in neutral territories which are often way more public.

My security team always kept people away, quickly ushering me in and out of buildings if I was ever at risk. But on a daily basis, I'd travel directly from Costa's underground garage to my work building's underground garage which was safe.

The questions were relentless, each one cutting deeper than the last. I felt a fresh wave of panic rising within me and I just knew I was close to breaking down again.

Just when I thought I couldn't take it anymore, Rocco came up next to me. He wrapped a protective arm around me, pulling me into his side. His face was set in a determined expression.

"Back the fuck up!" Rocco barked at the crowd, using his imposing presence to force them away from me. He quickly stepped in front of me, acting as a barrier between me and the relentless swarm of reporters. He turned to me, his voice softer but still firm. "Come on. We need to get in the car."

He guided me to the waiting car, his broad frame shielding me from the worst of the chaos. The rest of his security team were quick to arrive, pushing the crowd away from us.

Once I was safely inside the car, I allowed myself a moment to breathe. The tears continued to flow, but I felt much safer in the enclosed space. Costa joined us shortly after, his expression a mix of worry and anger.

"Fuck, Millie. Why did you walk off? Are you okay?" He asked, his voice rushed yet somehow still gentle as he reached for my hand.

I nodded, though I knew my eyes told a different story. "I'll be fine. Just...take me home."

Costa squeezed my hand reassuringly, ordering his driver to step on it. Rocco and Costa remained silent throughout the drive. Meanwhile, my mind was replaying the events of the night over and over. Julius's words, the confrontation, the paparazzi - it all felt like too much to process.

When we finally arrived at the penthouse, Costa helped me out of the car and up to our apartment. I think Rocco went out again - not that it was my concern.

The moment we stepped inside, the stress slowly began to melt away. It was time for our first night here together, alone at home. Tonight, the twins and Rocco were staying in the apartment four floors down to give us some space - as per my orders.

I should at least get one night in my home before it's invaded.

"Go ahead and get ready for bed, baby. I need to make a few calls." He pulled out his phone, gently kissing my forehead.

I nodded, feeling a bit more at ease. "Okay."

I headed up to our bedroom, the plush carpet soft under my feet.

I slipped off my dress, letting it pool on the floor, and then removed my jewellery, placing each piece carefully in the velvet-lined box on my dresser. Standing in front of the mirror, I took a moment to breathe deeply, trying to let go of the tension that had built up throughout the night.

It will all be okay.

I made my way to the en-suite bathroom, turning on the shower. I took my time, using my favorite lavender-scented body wash and massaging the shampoo into my hair. At this point, self care seemed to be the best way to ease the tension I felt.

After what felt like an eternity, I turned off the shower and wrapped myself in a plush towel. I did my skincare and hair care, feeling fresh and ready for bed. Once I was finished, I padded through the bedroom to slip into a pair of silk pyjamas in the closet.

When I returned, Costa was coming into our room but he was still on the phone, his voice low and serious as he discussed the night's events with one of his men. I curled up on our bed for the first time, waiting for him to finish.

I took that time to really analyse the new bedroom - our new bedroom. It was perfect in every way.

When he finally hung up, he looked over at me and smiled. "All done. How are you feeling?"

"Better." I smiled. "Are you coming to bed?"

"Just give me five minutes for a shower." It wasn't five minutes. My husband doesn't know how to take quick showers. Twenty minutes later he got into bed next to me, smelling fresh thanks to his luxury body wash.

"Ready for our show?" I rolled my eyes at his lateness, although a smile tugged at my lips. "Yeah. Let's do it."

In just over three months, we had made it to season three of Pretty Little Liars. The show had become our guilty pleasure. Although, Costa couldn't help himself from commenting, as always. "Really? They think breaking into the school at night is a good idea?"

I chuckled, snuggling closer to him. "Shh, just watch."

A few minutes later, as Aria and Ezra had another clandestine meeting, Costa shook his head at Ezra in particular. "How do they not get caught? That fucker is worse at keeping secrets than a rookie under surveillance."

I just laughed, as normal, at the fact my husband could find a way to compare anything to the Mafia. But being there with him brought me the most comfort I'd had all day, so I didn't mind it at all.

As the episode ended and the credits rolled, I looked up at Costa. "Thank you." I whispered.

"For what?" He asked, brushing a strand of hair from my face.

"For being here. For making me feel better."

He kissed my forehead, his touch gentle and reassuring. "Always, principessa. Always."

With that, we turned off the TV and settled into bed, holding each other close. The chaos of the outside world might be waiting for us in the morning, but for now, we had our sanctuary. And that was enough.

<<<<<<< >>>>>>> <<<<<<<<

"Shhh." I giggled, clutching my glass of wine tightly. "This is the good part."

"Bitch, you've been saying that about the whole movie." My best friend laughed, keeping her eyes on the screen.

"Because it's all good." I pointed out in a duh tone. "It's Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds in a fake marriage. It's so good."

With the weight of everything that happened with Julius the previous night and the ongoing tensions between our families, a day with my best friend was exactly what I needed to clear my mind.

We spent it eating everything in sight while watching rom-com movies. We also caught up on all the drama in our lives. Although, since I couldn't break our code of silence, I had to be careful what I could tell Zari.

But she was always open with me when she told me about her problems with her fiancé, Ryder.

Ryder was ready to fully commit to her and set a date for their wedding. But she was still happy being in an open relationship - so she could keep exploring with other men.

She called it swinging the first time she explained it, but I'm guessing it's more than that. Swinging is just about sex, but she seems to want more than sex with other guys.

And that's where their problems came.

"I just don't get what his problem is, Millie." She sipped on her wine, her eyes following the movie on the flatscreen. "We're still young. We have time to be tied down to each other forever."

"Maybe he's just getting jealous? He must really love you, so knowing you're seeing other guys must be hard for him." I've said it all before, but she never really registered it.

"But he was okay with it. I'm okay with him seeing other women. Like, seriously - he's been calling me over and over again when he knows I'm out with a guy."

I really was trying to see it from her perspective, I was trying to be a good friend. But I just couldn't justify it in my head. If Ryder wasn't happy with their arrangement anymore, why would she continue to the point it was damaging their relationship?

"The other day..." She hesitated, thinking about it for a second before she paused the movie to give me her full attention. "The other day I was coming home from a night out with this Spanish guy I met at some high end bar in the city. Ryder was all over me when I got through the front door."

"All over you how? Did he...did he hurt you?"

"No." She quickly shook her head. "Ryder wouldn't hurt me. He knows my limits, but he definitely pushed me to them."

Is she talking like...oh. She means sexually.

Do I have sexual limits?

Do I need to have a think about it?

Do I need to go over them with Costa?

Let's not think about this yet.

"Uh..." My awkward reply was mostly down to the weird thoughts running through my head about my own situation.

It's so exciting not being a virgin anymore. There's so much to think about.

"But, anyway. He was so angry, Millie. I've never seen him like that before."

"Can I ask why you do it? What did you see in that other guy that you don't have with Ryder?"

"Ryder is...he's everything I want in a stable relationship. He used to have a bit of a past, but he's good now - you know, in terms of the law. But, I like bad boys." She shrugged, pouring some more wine into her glass. "Bad boys might not be husband material, but I crave the thrill of being with them."

"Bad boys?"I scrunched up my nose. "The only bad boys I've heard of are in high school."

My admission caused her to laugh - the kind of laugh that could captivate a room. It was rich and velvety. She truly was stunning - she could have any man on their knees if she wanted them.

"No, I mean real bad boys - or bad guys if I'm being more accurate. Tall, dark and handsome. Maybe covered in tattoos and he's had many brushes with the law. People are terrified of him. You know, the kind your mama would spank you over if she ever caught you leaving the house with him?"

"Oh. Right." I laughed. "So just a stereotypical criminal?"

I know all about criminals.

"Well, yeah, if you want to make it sound boring." She rolled her eyes, hitting play on the movie again. "There's just something so alluring about a dangerous guy."

I forced out a laugh, averting my attention back to The Proposal playing on the screen. The conversation was becoming too close for comfort.

Sometime later that afternoon, the doors to the elevator opened and Costa stepped out, deep in a phone call. He was ranting away in Italian until his eyes landed on the couch where Zari and I were relaxing.

His presence was commanding as always, but there was a softness in his eyes when they landed on me. He crossed the room in a few strides and bent down to press a tender kiss to my lips.

"Hey." He murmured, his thumb brushing my cheek. Then he spoke in a hushed tone. "I have some men coming over for a meeting in my office. It won't take long."

"Shall we leave?" I knew it could get complicated with Zari here, but he didn't seem to mind.

"No. Don't worry about it."

"Alright. I'll be here with Zari then." My words had Costa turning to Zari, offering a nod. I wouldn't say it was polite, but it was more of an acknowledgment than he's ever given her before.

They met the first time at the bar when Costa left her hanging after she offered him a handshake. The second time was at my party to celebrate me winning the award. Even then, he just stared at her for a long time before leaving us to talk alone.

So the nod was progress in my eyes.

"Thanks for letting me crash your home." She smiled, revealing her dimples. "It's beautiful, by the way."

"Ah. It was all my wife's doing." Costa replied to her before straightening up. "I'll see you soon, Millie."

He gave my shoulder a reassuring squeeze before heading down the hallway towards his office. As soon as he was out of earshot, Zari leaned in, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

"He looks hot when he's angry. And that Italian accent. Girl, I don't know how you do it." She fanned herself exaggeratedly and I chuckled, shaking my head.

"He's definitely something, isn't he?"

"No, but seriously, Millie. How do you handle all that intensity?" Zari's voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper, her eyes glinting with curiosity.

I laughed, feeling a blush creep up my cheeks. "You get used to it, I guess. Or maybe you just find ways to enjoy it."

Zari's gaze lingered on the hallway where Costa had disappeared - the hallway where his office was. "I bet. I mean, I can see why you fell for him. Like I said earlier, there's just something about powerful men, you know?"

"Yeah, there is." I nodded, understanding exactly what she meant. His aura was always so captivating. But I still couldn't help but think about the problems that have come with being married to such a powerful man like Costa - a powerful man in the criminal world.

I was mostly referring to the threat of the Serbs and the Russians - which she didn't know, of course. They, and many of our other enemies, were a danger to us because of who we were.

"But it's not always great." I added. "Being in a high profile relationship isn't easy. There's always something lurking around the corner."

Zari's soft smile slowly morphed into a wicked one. "I get that. Sometimes the danger...the forbidden fruit is part of the allure, though, isn't it?"

I rose an eyebrow, sensing the shift in her tone. "What do you mean, forbidden?"

Is she still talking about bad guys?

She leaned back, swirling the wine in her glass thoughtfully. "I don't know. There's something exciting about not knowing what's going to happen next. Keeps things from getting boring."

I couldn't help but laugh, trying to ease off the weird tension in the room. "You do like living on the edge, I can tell."

Zari's eyes sparkled with a mix of mischief and deviousness. "It's more than that. There's something about being with someone who's already...committed. It's like stealing moments that aren't meant to be yours."

Her words hung in the air, and I felt a sudden queasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. "Zari, are you..."

She interrupted with a casual wave of her hand. "Oh, don't worry. I'm not making a move on Costa. I know he's yours. But it doesn't hurt to look, right?"

I tried to laugh, but the unease didn't fully dissipate. "Just remember, some lines aren't meant to be crossed."

Zari tilted her head, studying me with a curious expression. "Are you threatening me, Millie?"

It wasn't a joke. I'd been around enough women to know there was no humour in her voice, at all.

I shook my head, trying to keep my tone light during the tension between us. "It's not a threat, of course it's not. It's just a reminder."

She nodded slowly, her gaze thoughtful. "Fair enough. But still, there's no harm in admiring from a distance."

There is if he's not yours to admire.

The words were on the tip of my tongue, but I was interrupted by the sound of the elevator doors opening.

Rocco walked in with the twins, along with a few other men - much to my relief. The conversation we were having wasn't something I wanted to continue - at least, if I wanted to keep Zari as a friend.

Rocco had a cold expression on his face, one which I was used to. But for once the twins weren't acting all goofy. In front of these other men, at only 19 years old, they were already showing signs of the same fierce determination that ran in the Accardi bloodline.

Rocco glanced around the room, his eyes soon landing on Zari. She was already staring at him since the moment he walked through those elevator doors. It was a longing stare - she didn't even bother to hide it.

But the youngest Accardi brother gave her a quick once over before dismissing the sight of her all together.

Is it bad I was kind of satisfied by that? Does that make me a bitch? Oh god, I'm turning into a bitch.

Who am I kidding? I've always been a bitch.

Then he turned his attention to me, his eyes softening the tiniest little bit - but it's still Rocco we're talking about. "Did Costa tell you we're using the office for a bit?"

"Yeah. He's waiting for you." I replied, my mind still reeling from what just happened with Zari.

"You good?" He frowned, obviously noticing something was off with me.

"Hm." I forced a smile and a nod, shifting my eyes over to Gio and Aidan who offered friendly waves.

Then they followed Rocco and the other men down the hallway to Costa's office. Zari turned back to me, her expression a mix of curiosity and something else I couldn't quite place.

"Who were they?" She asked, trying to sound casual. I could see through her though and I was definitely anxious.

"Just some of Costa's business associates." I said, putting my wine glass down on the table. "Don't you think it's getting kind of late?"

It wasn't. It was like 4pm. But I couldn't think of another polite way of telling her to get out of my home before I introduced her to my knife. You know, just to remind her that Costa was mine.

And that she couldn't have Rocco either.

"Yeah, I should probably get going before I cause any trouble." She said, setting her glass down and standing up. "Who knows what could happen with all those hot men in one room?"

She wiggled her eyebrows, completely missing the glare I gave her as she put her coat on.

I walked her to the door, giving her a quick hug. "Thanks for hanging out today. We should do it again soon."

Just not in my home. Or anywhere near my family.

"Absolutely. And Millie?" She paused, holding the elevator door so it didn't shut.

"Be careful. Sometimes, even the most exciting things can turn dangerous." She winked, stepping back to let the doors close.

As much as I loved Zari, her words left me with a bitter feeling. I couldn't shake the feeling that something was shifting between us, and I wasn't sure if I liked where it was heading.

<<<<<<< >>>>>> <<<<<<<<

"Cazzo. Just like that, baby." Costa groaned, holding my hips as I moved up and down, bringing him to his climax.

Our bodies were moulded together on the couch in his office later that evening. My hands were on his chest as I moved, a soft moan escaping my lips when I felt him finish in the condom.

My movements eventually slowed to a stop and I released a tired breath, slumping down on his chest.

"Next time you're doing all the work." I spoke into the crook of his neck as he ran his fingers through my loose hair.

He likes it loose whenever we're intimate.

"Sure, baby." He laughed, pressing a kiss to my temple. I took another moment to catch my breath before I eventually moved off him, standing up to put my clothes back on.

"Why are you doing that?" He frowned, watching me like a wounded puppy.

"What? I have to get dressed again. Anyone could walk in." We were already taking a huge risk by having sex in his office - even if we were in the penthouse.

The twins and Rocco were staying with us again, which meant they could barge in at any second.

Apparently, they wanted to stay in the penthouse and not in another apartment in the building. It's what they'd always done when they were in New York since it was Costa's penthouse. I didn't have the heart to kick Aidan out, but Gio and Rocco were another story.

"Fine." Costa groaned, forcing himself up off the couch. He put his suit pants back on, along with his dress shirt although he didn't bother to button it up.

That meant I got an open view of his perfectly sculpted chest and abs. That's not to mention the tattoos contracting beautifully on his olive skin.

I'm a lucky girl.

"It's rude to stare, principessa." He smirked, heading back over to his desk.

"Not if it belongs to me." I returned the smirk, putting my hair up in a messy bun.

"True." He mused while clearing his desk and then closing his laptop.

"Are you done for the evening?" I frowned as he picked up his previously discarded suit jacket and tie. He called me in for an afternoon session after his meeting with all those men ended twenty minutes ago. Apparently he was feeling tense, but I think it was just an excuse to have sex.

"Sì. Do you want to do something?"

"Like what?" I tilted my head, pursing my lips. "Oh! Let's get milkshakes."

"I was thinking maybe something stronger than milkshakes." He laughed.

"We always go to your stupid club, Costa." I shook my head as we walked out of his office, heading into the main area of the penthouse. "Let's get milkshakes."

"That's going to take us like ten minutes - five if you choose your flavour faster this time."

"Bitch, please." I scoffed. "We both know I'll never be fast choosing my flavour."

It's just not possible.

"Flavour?" Our conversation was interrupted by Giovanni who was, as usual, chilling on the couch with Aidan.

"Milkshakes. You in?" I grinned knowing it would irritate my husband.

"No. They're not coming." Costa didn't disappoint. He was so quick to try and stop them joining us.

"Fuck yeah, we're coming." Aidan quickly stood up, walking around the couch. "I'll go and get ready."

"But-"

"Be nice." I turned around, flashing Costa a smile. "I want them to come."

"I'm coming too." Rocco suddenly appeared out of nowhere, coming down the same hallway where Costa's office was.

"It's obvious you guys just had sex, by the way." Rocco patted Costa's shoulder as he passed him. And while my husband burst out laughing, I was glaring at my brother in-law.

"Did you have to tell everyone?" I called after him as he headed towards the stairs with the twins.

"Oh, we already knew. You have the post-sex glow, Millie." Gio shouted back, earning a round of laughter from the idiots around me.

An hour later, the five of us left the penthouse, deciding to go for dinner first. Apparently, you can't have milkshakes before dinner - according to my husband anyway.

Personally, I think milkshakes are a round the clock thing.

The Japanese restaurant was in a fancy hotel, then we headed to a high end cigar lounge for our milkshakes after the meal.

It was quiet and intimate - the lounge dimly lit providing an even more relaxed atmosphere. It was definitely the kind of place for us - and for people in the criminal underworld, apparently.

Costa and I were sitting on a small love seat and I had my legs draped over his. Rocco was in a single arm chair and the twins were on another couch.

"What flavour are you getting?" Costa placed a hand on my bare leg, interrupting me while I studied the menu.

"I'm stuck between the classic strawberry and the cookies and cream." I pouted my lips.

"Strawberry. To go with your dress." He murmured, his fingers playing with the hem of my red dress that ended mid-thigh.

"Bro, shall we order a sundae?" Gio nudged Aidan, their love for sugar and junk food coming out again.

"They don't have sundaes on the menu." I pointed out, not that it made a difference.

"We can be persuasive." Gio winked, standing to his feet with his brother. "One strawberry milkshake and what else?"

"MacAllan 18." Costa murmured, pulling out a cigar and a lighter.

"I'll have the same." Rocco leaned back in his arm chair as the twins sauntered off to the bar to place our order. Once the twins were out of sight, he released a tired sigh, addressing Costa with a question.

"How did you think that meeting went?"

"It could have been better." My husband replied, stroking his fingers along my bare leg. "We needed Tristano there."

"Where is he?" I jumped in, directing my question towards Costa who was now lighting up the cigar.

"Sicily. He said he's got shit to deal with but he'll be here for our meeting in Chicago next week." He shrugged, annoyance lighting up his features. "He's been slacking recently."

"Fuck if I know why." Rocco muttered. "I've asked him what's going on but he keeps evading the question."

"He keeps disappearing." Costa added, exhaling the smoke from his lungs. "Throughout the Christmas period he was always slipping away without any explanation."

That reminded me of the night Costa and Rocco were punished by their father. Tristano was at the villa that night so he helped me take care of the twins when they got drunk. But I had no idea where he disappeared to before Costa and Rocco got home. He missed the entire thing.

"I noticed that too." I thought out loud, not that it was any of my business where Tristano was going.

"I'll find out." Rocco seemed determined - probably because it was a mystery to him and he had nothing better to do than solve it for his own personal satisfaction.

"So..." Rocco suddenly turned the attention towards me. "Your friend is hot."

"Zari?"

"Hm." He nodded. "Is she single?"

"No. But you didn't seem interested earlier." I frowned, recalling the way he dismissed her without a second glance.

"I wasn't until I saw how tense you were." He smirked. "Will it bother you if I fuck your friend, Millie?"

"Don't say it like that." I shook my head at his disrespect. "And yes, it would."

"Why?" He cocked an eyebrow, his smirk still in place. "Jealous?"

Costa's movements with his hand on my leg stopped when he heard Rocco's questioned. In fact, his body tensed only inches away from me on the love seat.

"No, I'm not jealous." I scoffed, my irritation rising. "Don't be ridiculous. I just don't want you getting involved with her."

"Okay, how about this. I won't fuck your friend if you tell us what your problem was when I arrived at the penthouse earlier." And just like that I knew the idiota had manipulated me into giving him the answer.

I'd been to a few clubs with Rocco in the last few weeks so I'd seen first hand what he's like when he's interested in a woman. He didn't give Zari a second glance, even though she is stunning.

"I didn't have a pro-"

"Save it. You looked like you were about to murder someone." Rocco spoke in a flat tone. "And you might have even done it if we didn't interrupt your conversation."

Damn. Did I really look that angry?

Well, the silly bitch was hinting that she wanted Costa. It's her own fault if she finds herself dead soon.

"What's he talking about?" Costa asked, looking between Rocco and I. "Is this why you've been acting weird today?"

So maybe I've been a little quiet since my conversation with Zari, but it wasn't that big of a deal.

"Nothing." I sighed, looking straight ahead so I didn't have to look at either of them. Instead I was admiring my Louboutins on my feet. They were nude stilettos with silver sparkles on.

"Millie." Costa murmured, forcing me to look in his direction. "Tell me what's wrong."

"It's..." I hesitated for a moment before sighing. "It's nothing serious. Just...girl stuff. Zari being Zari."

"Zari being a problem?" He cocked an eyebrow, his tone laced with concern.

Why was that so hot?

Because he wants to get rid of our problem for us and we should happily accept.

Why is my alter ego so murderous?

"No. I can handle it." I forced a smile onto my lips. "Don't worry about it. I just want to forget about it."

Costa paused for a moment before eventually nodding, relaxing back into the couch. "Okay. But remember you can tell me whatever is bothering you."

"I know." I smiled, appreciating his concern. The conversation continued between Rocco and Costa for another few minutes while I admired the lounge we were in.

My eyes drifted around the intimate, luxury room full of some of the richest people in New York. It was another one of those classic spots where you'd see shady deals and scandals taking place.

My gaze settled on the bar where Aidan and Gio were arguing with the bartender - probably trying to convince him to give them a huge ass ice cream sundae.

Next to them, was a group of women, but one of them stood out in particular. She had long, blonde hair and an aura of confidence that immediately put me on edge. She kept glancing over at our table, her gaze lingering on Costa every time.

I leaned into Costa, whispering. "Who is that woman over there? The one in the black dress."

Costa followed my gaze and his expression darkened. He paused for a moment, locking eyes with her before turning back to me. "That's Alina. She runs with the Bratva from time to time."

"What does that mean?" I rose an eyebrow.

"Let's just say she has a never ending history with Kozlov." He replied, his tone curt. "They're the most toxic couple you'll ever meet."

"They're a couple?" If I recall, Damian did say Kozlov was once in an on-again off-again relationship.

So that's her?

"Not officially." Rocco jumped in, leaning forward in his arm chair. "But everyone knows they're essentially together. It's like an open relationship. If you married Kozlov, that bitch probably would have killed you at some point."

As if on cue, Alina sauntered over to our table, a sly smile playing on her lips.

"Costantino Accardi." She purred in a thick Russian accent, ignoring me entirely. "It's been a while."

"Alina." Costa acknowledged coolly, his hand tightening around my leg, the other still holding a cigar. "What do you want?"

She chuckled, leaning in a little too close. "Just saying hello to an old friend. We had some good times, didn't we?"

I could feel the anger rising in my chest, but I kept my face impassive. After what Zari said, it was not the night for me to be dealing with Costa's past flings, too. The fact he had a fling with Kozlov's girlfriend didn't help either.

"Can we help you with something?" I asked, my voice icy.

Alina finally looked at me, her smile widening. "Oh, you must be the wife. I've heard about you and your alliance. You know, Costa and I...we go way back."

I clenched my jaw, forcing myself to stay calm. "That's nice but it's ancient history. Move on."

"Oh, but some memories are hard to forget." She smirked, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "Like that night in Vienna, Costa. Remember? Under the stars. You said it was unforgettable."

It was the kind of detail I really didn't want to hear.

We're killing this bitch too.

Costa's expression remained stoic, but I could see the tension in his jaw. His grip on my leg became even tighter. "That was a long time ago, Alina. Things have changed."

"Maybe for you." Her smile faltered for a moment. "But some of us still remember."

"And I remember why I ever stopped speaking with you." Costa shot back. "You're a pathological liar. Your ties to the Bratva nearly got my family killed."

She shrugged, her playful demeanor returning. "All's fair in love and war, right? I especially enjoyed the love part, didn't you?"

"Stay away from my husband." I jumped in, my voice low and dangerous. "Or you'll regret it."

I recently found out I'm a very jealous person when it comes to my husband. I kind of had an inkling, but then I took one of those personality quizzes online. They asked a bunch of questions like; would I be okay with my partner speaking to another woman or hugging another woman.

Like what the fuck? It was kind of stupid if you ask me. It was obvious in the end they'd tell me I had a jealous streak.

If Costa hugged another woman, they'd both be dead.

I'd happily kill my husband to make him a lonely ghost with no other women around him.

That's normal, right?

Alina rose an eyebrow, clearly amused by my anger. "Feisty, aren't you? Just like your husband."

Before I could respond, Rocco stood up, his imposing figure towering over Alina. "You heard her. Leave."

Alina glanced at him, then back at Costa. "Fine. But remember, Costa, some connections never really die. We'll be together again. I know it."

With that, she turned on her heel and sauntered back to her group at the bar. I exhaled slowly, trying to release the tension that had built up inside me.

How is it possible this day could get any worse?

"Millie-"

"Don't." I cut Costa off, sitting up straight so my legs were no longer draped over his. "I don't want to talk about it."

Once the twins got back, we didn't tell them what happened - only because they were too excited to eat their ice cream sundae. But I'm sure they picked up on the lingering tension between Costa and I.

The next half an hour went by with them rambling away about random things to fill the awkward silence. Rocco added a few things here and there but Costa and I were mostly silent.

I didn't even get to enjoy my milkshake. It all got ruined because of that blonde, Russian bitch.

"Ready to go?" Costa finished off his third whiskey, tossing the glass down on the table with a little more force than needed.

Knowing we'd probably end up having another fight on the way home or at the penthouse, I decided to take a moment to myself first.

"I'm just going to head to the bathroom first." I announced, needing a brief escape from the suffocating tension.

Costa nodded, his eyes following me with concern.

As I walked through the dimly lit hallway leading to the restrooms, the low hum of conversations and the clinking of glasses gradually faded. I did my business and then washed my hands, staring back at myself in the mirror.

The stress of the last 24 hours hadn't been kind to me. I looked like I had a war going on inside my head.

Even though I was dressed to perfection in my red dress, with pin straight hair and blood red lips, I still felt...inadequate?

Compared to women like Alina, I wasn't Costa's type. She was exactly as he once described - blonde with big boobs.

I didn't doubt his feelings for me, but I also didn't want to constantly be reminded that I wasn't what he initially wanted. It was a constant reminder that our relationship started off in the worst way. And it only fuelled the frustration and anger that had been building up since last night.

I still wasn't over what Julius said when he told me Costa would replace me, let alone Zari. Now I had this new bitch to add to my list.

Three conversations - three potential threats to my very new relationship.

And I really loved him. That's what scared me the most. If I lost Costa, I don't know what I would do.

As I reached for a hand towel, the door swung open behind me and I caught a glimpse of Alina's long blonde hair in the mirror.

I had a feeling it wasn't over when she left us earlier.

"Millie." She said, her thick Russian accent dripping with a false sweetness. "We need to talk."

I turned to face her, my pulse quickening. "There's nothing to talk about."

"Oh, but there is." She smiled, stepping closer. "You see, I have interests I need to protect. And you've been getting in my way for a long time now."

I stayed rooted to my spot as she came in closer, leaning her hip against the counter.

"First, you go after Viktor. I heard you were interested but I didn't think you'd be stupid enough to actually approach him in such a public setting."

"I didn't know you were still together. We did a background check and it was clear." I felt the need to clarify, not that it mattered. "And if he was in a relationship, he should have declined my father's request to meet."

"Actually, I was the one who told him to meet you." She revealed, her eyes sparkling with a devilish gleam. Then she explained what actually happened.

"See, once I discussed it with him, it just seemed like a treasure fell right into our lap - in the form of a dumb little bitch." She sneered, gesturing towards me for emphasis. "He was going to marry you. Then, he was going to kill you."

I didn't reply because I was too busy trying to process what the psychotic Russian woman was saying.

She was pulling the strings all that time? Viktor's words from our first meeting came back to me:

What I will get out of this marriage is my business. But yes, you're right, I do have my reasons for engaging in talks with you.

He said he had a business reason for the marriage which was none of my concern. It was Alina. They wanted the alliance and all the perks that came with it but without me in the picture.

It would have given the Russians a strong foothold in the Mediterranean and an alliance they could use against the Sicilians.

"But then you fucked it up and married Costa instead - my second love." Her eyes became even colder, any false smiles completely gone now. "I loved them both and I had them both - in my own way. Now you've taken Costa."

"Whatever history you had with him is over. He's married to me now."

"He's married to you for now. It won't last - your marriage or your alliance. I'll make sure of it."

My hand instinctively moved to my thigh, where I kept my knife hidden. "Stay away from my husband, Alina. This is your final warning."

I'm sick and tired of bitches threatening my marriage today.

She laughed, a cold, mocking sound that grated on my nerves. "Or what? You'll try to scare me off? You don't have it in you."

The anger that had been simmering all day boiled over. I stepped closer, getting right in her face. "You really don't want to test me right now."

With that I turned around, clutching the marble counter in hopes to control my anger. Alina's smile widened, her eyes meeting mine in the mirror.

"What are you going to do, Millie? Tell your husband? He would never hurt me. We have a history."

My grip on the counter tightened, my words coming out strained. "If you think for a second that you can come between us, you're delusional."

"Delusional?" She sneered, her eyes cold. "Costa and I had something real. Do you really think he loves you as much as he loved me?"

"He said he's never been in love before." It slipped out, much to her amusement. I looked down at the sink, trying to keep ahold of my last shreds of patience - or sanity.

"You really think he'd tell you?" She pouted her plump lips mockingly. "I told you it won't last. Soon, I'll have them both again - once you're out the picture, of course."

One second she was threatening me and the next she was gargling on her own blood.

The second I felt her hand roughly tug on my hair, I spun around.

I reached for my knife, stabbing it straight into her shoulder. With a cry, she released her grip on my hair as she stumbled back.

I pulled my knife out of her shoulder, throwing a single punch to her face to knock her to floor. A sickening crack filled the room and she immediately clutched her nose which soon gushed with blood. She coughed, spitting out the blood when it filled her mouth.

Her eyes widened in genuine fear when I knelt down next to her, holding my knife to her throat. I gripped her hair, forcing her to look up into my eyes.

"I warned you." I whispered, my anger from the last few days fuelling my every word. Her breathing came out in ragged gasps as she looked up at me. "Stay away from me and my husband."

"Y-you're a crazy bitch." She breathed, still clutching her nose.

Her words had me nodding, a slight smile tugging at my lips.

"Fair." I nodded before sliding my knife across her throat to cut her skin. It was just enough to hurt her but not enough to cause any long term damage, unfortunately. I did get to hear her cry again, though.

Once I was happy with my work, I grabbed a towel to wipe off my knife. I could feel her eyes on me as I stepped past her.

"You really think you'll get away with this?" She wheezed.

"What was it you said earlier? All's fair in love and war?" I quipped, opening the door to the bathroom.

"He'll come for you." She was referring to Viktor Kozlov, the man who has already declared war on both of my families.

"He already is."

With that I slipped out of the bathroom and made my way back to the lounge. Costa looked up as I approached, concern etched on his face.

"Millie, are you alright?" He asked, his eyes scanning me for any sign of distress.

"I'm fine." I forced my most believable smile. "Let's go. Now."

Any second she's going to come out of that bathroom.

He didn't press further, sensing that I needed to get out of there. The five of us immediately left the lounge and headed out to our awaiting car.

Throughout the entire drive to the penthouse, I couldn't shake the feeling that everything had changed. The adrenaline was beginning to wear off and the fear gnawed at me, but I pushed it down, for now.

That was until Costa's phone rang in the quiet SUV the five of us were in. Costa answered with a low murmur, his gaze focused on the view outside our window.

But the moment his furious eyes snapped to mine, I knew I was truly fucked.

The next one is crazy 🥲 I hope you liked it!