A/N

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THEN

• DAMIAN •

My body moved faster than my brain, hands throwing things into my duffel bag without much thought as Sienna in turn, shoved the items out. I paused, narrowing my eyes in her direction but never daring to stare at her face. Her beautiful, enigmatic face that could render any sane man senile.

Thankfully, I was slowly breaking out of the spell, the fog clearing, allowing me to see the monster for what it truly was.

"Damian, please." my eyes landed on the mascara staining her cheeks and I rushed to start packing once more, placing the duffel bag on the bed. Our bed that would soon be just hers. Everything we had, would be left to her. I wanted none of it.

"Baby please." she closed the distance between us, placing a soft hand over my chest. I shrugged it away, zipping the bag with whatever made it inside, making a mental note to replace what couldn't and turned to leave.

Her footsteps echoed against the tiles as she followed, cautious to not provoke me by touching me.

I made my way to the service elevator, clicking the button to the ground floor and taking a quick step in. She stood on the other side, hands balled into fists on either side of her.

"I swear to you." she went on her knees as the elevator doors slid close. "It won't happen again—"

I released a pent-up breath at the silence that came. How many times had I heard those words before? Everyone had warned me. My brothers, my sister, even mum. She loved Sienna as a person, but hated us paired together.

She's draining you, they said.

You look exhausted, they said.

But this was what love was, right,? Pain in the midst of bliss. Forgiveness in place of hate. Years I'd spent in love with her, and all I got was the short end of the stick.

Three times, she'd begged me to come back. She'd cheat, regret it and crawl her way back to me before the news got to my table. Tell me it was for the benefit of her career, a mistake she just had to do. But with all the resources and power my family held, I held, what else did she need to benefit from elsewhere?

The elevator doors slid open and I strolled out of the apartment complex. My men stood at the exit, a car parked and ready to leave. I looked back, staring at the foremost floor of the building and sighed. My phone rang in my pocket but I couldn't bear it. She was probably looking down from the top, phone in hand, ready to spew more promises that I knew meant nothing.

I brought my gaze back to the ground, nodding at my men and slipping into the car. Despite the pain piercing every orifice of my body, I knew for sure that I had made the right decision.

And Sienna meant nothing to me anymore.

I was free.

But who knew that freedom would sting this much?

***

Soft music played from the jazz band mounted in a corner, the private bar at the coast of Long Island, brimmed with men like myself, all wallowing in pain or celebrating some victory or milestone I had no care for.

The ice slinking in my cup dissolved as I stared ahead at nothing. I sat at the bar, my sleeves rolled to my arms, tie pulled to the extreme. The first thing I'd done since leaving Sienna was dive into work. I had no time to sleep, to be at home or to think properly. Everywhere I went reminded me of her. Her scent lingered in every room, in my office, my houses, my favorite spots.

This place though, Rubie's Palace, they called it, was new. I knew no one, though some recognized me from news or something. But the fact was, it was safe. My mind was not running haywire, I wasn't fighting the urge to take or return any of her calls. I was just... drinking.

The more whiskey I downed, the slower my brain moved. The music sounded better, made me want to dance or something.

Maybe I would. After another round or two.

I beckoned to the bartender just as someone slinked beside me, calling to him as well. "Vodka, neat please." She said.

The bartender smiled - no, more accurately, he beamed. "Coming right up, Makkie."

"Call me that again and I'm getting a drink for free," she laughed.

The man moved to make her drink, completely ignoring me as he said, "You act like you weren't planning to already!"

They laughed it out while I rolled my eyes. If I was in the best mind frame, I would have cursed him out for ignoring me. But frankly, I didn't care much. A woman's charm always got in the way of clear thinking.

"Are you waiting for your drink to get completely diluted before drinking?"

I quirked a brow and turned to her. Bright brown eyes stared back at me. With clear smooth caramel skin, plump lips that pulled into the most gorgeous smile, it was clear that this woman was beautiful.

They're all beautiful, aren't they? I thought, turning my attention back to the slinking ice. "And what if I am?"

She shrugged, her dark curls moving in accordance with her movement. "Nothing, it's just a question. Most people would return it with a cute or funny response back — you're intense."

"I'm intense just from one response?" I asked, feeling my interest ebb away with every second.

She nodded, "If I was a therapist, I would say you're projecting your anger for whatever situation you're going through by responding in a stand off-ish manner and attempting to be an asshole. But I'm not one, so I guess I'll settle for intense."

I blinked back at her as she smiled, turning her head away as the bartender placed her drink in front of her. He left a note underneath it, and when she picked it up, it had numbers written on it. "The cost of the free drink, huh?"

The man rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly and I thought for a minute that she'd give hers to him. But instead, she reached into her purse and brought out a hundred dollar bill, slipping it across the counter. "You can keep the change, I'll be back from more drinks tonight, and you," she picked her drink up, slowly sipping from it, "I think I'm drunk or just feeling overly confident— I'll probably regret it in the morning — but... I think you should work on your approach to things, to life, stop being so intense, and whatever's got you down, fight it or something and liven up! It's a Friday night at Rubie's, live a little."

I scoffed, ready to fire back when she spun in her heels and sauntered into the crowd. My eyes followed her for what felt like minutes, hours. I rubbed my fingers together, the need to one up her with a response filled my senses.

"What a bitch." The bartender mused, cleaning some cups as he maneuvered over to me finally. "Would you like another one?"

I didn't bother answering as I found the woman again. She made her way to the stage where the jazz band was and tapped the mic, her drink still in hand. "Testing, testing, how is everyone doing tonight?"

A howling roar of applause sounded from the growing crowd. I turned back to the bartender as she spoke. "Another scotch on the rocks." He nodded and prepared the drink. My eyes stayed glued to the woman as she smiled and giggled as she spoke.

"I'm Makua, for those of you who don't know me, I'm the first act for the Friday special at Rubie's, and tonight, I found an inspiration to perform a new song." More cheers from the crowd. "This song is aimed at relaxing the minds of intense minded individuals sitting in this room."

My eyes widened as I felt her stare. She had a wicked smile fixed on her lips as she raised her glass up and the band began to play. Her voice was like honey and milk, slithering together and ebbing away the stress of life. Every tune, melody and word she sang, made me want to cling to it, have it on replay forever.

I rubbed my temple as the song went on. That numb part in my chest that was just healing, was beginning to beat faster as I listened. Was she casting a spell on me with her voice? If so, why did it feel so relaxing, so inviting?

My phone vibrated in my pocket just before the song ended. I reached for it and felt the haze clear when I saw the caller ID. Leon. Great.

I brought the phone to my ear and heard the panic in my brother's voice. The pain. Oh God.... oh God... while I was here drinking away my sorrows, everything around us was falling apart.

When we ended the call, I quickly called Renzo to come pick me up, and called Dario. There was just so much we could do, but we needed to be there for Leon.

Just as I paid for the drinks, I turned to find another singer on the stage. The woman was gone but her effect lingered. For a long time I feared I had hallucinated her appearance but I wasn't wise enough the imagine those tunes and melodies that I heard that night. But I had her name at least.

Makua. Makua. Makua.

It was a unique name and despite the damage that had happened in my family that night... I knew that it would only be a matter of time before I found her again.

And I was sure, even in the midst of heartbreak, that I would make her mine. No matter how long it took.

***

NOW

• DAMIAN •

The beep of the EKG machine bounced off the walls of the hospital room. Lines, tubes, were all connected to her body. My hands were numb from how long I'd held hers. They were feeble, warm.

Dario had done everything he could to resuscitate her. Minutes almost dialed down to an hour and every effort he took, made me think back to the first time I'd met her and it terrified me. It felt like my mind was reminding me of the good times, telling me to cherish them in the case that she was lost.

But how could I accept that? How could she just be gone?

She'd fought hard to stay back. Dario had finally found a pulse as we wrapped her in our jackets, forcing every last drop of water out of her mouth. She was so cold, so pale. Even with the prospect of her being alive, my heart wasn't at peace.

Eight days and she hadn't woken up. No active brain activity they'd said. Dario had brought in the best of the best. All had advised on hope and time but we didn't have much of that. A few more days and she'd have to be removed from the machines helping her live. I'd have to use my own hands to rip her life away, and I couldn't stand it.

"Amore," I called, "Please, wake up. For me, for us, please."

The machine beeped with the response of her heartbeat. That was all I got when I spoke. I pressed my lips to the back of her hand, standing from my spot beside her to kiss her forehead.

I looked out of the window at the setting sun. Another day was going by and I missed the sound of her voice. I made it a ritual to listen to her songs, plug my ears in while I watched her and hear those melodies I'd become accustomed to.

A soft knock came at the door and I pulled my eyes away from the window to the door being opened. Dario closed the door behind him. Scrubs and lab coat on as he leveled me with the same concerned look that mother and everyone in the family had thrown my way.

"Hey."

"Hey." I said, rubbing at my sore eyes. I ran a hand through my hair and tried to pull my lips into a smile.

"Why don't I watch her for the time being while you freshen up?" He asked.

I quirked a brow, hoping it was as good natured as I hoped, "Is that your way of saying I stink?"

He shrugged with a small smile, "I mean if you put it like that, the nurses have been reporting a decaying smell."

The laugh lodged in my throat cut mid-way as I looked over at Makua. I bent forward and sniffed at her, relieved when nothing but baby powder scenting off her. When I met Dario's gaze, I could see the fear in them.

"D, I didn't mean it like—"

"No, I know, I just wanted to... I needed to check" Tears choked my words in their place and Dario made his way over, wrapping me in his arms.

"You don't have to explain anything to me, I know." He said, "Just take sometime to yourself, okay? Let me watch her. I'll call you if there's any improvement."

I nodded, patting his back slowly. "I love you, fratello, thank you."

He squeezed me tighter. "I love you too." When he pulled back, his small smile spread wider, "Now please go and take a freaking shower before I faint."

I laughed and reached for the duffel bag Renzo packed and entered the bathroom.

Turning the knob of the shower, I let the water get to a higher temperature as I prepped myself. I stared at my reflection in the mirror, my eyes were hollow with dark circles lining each one. My hair was unkempt, sticking out from every corner. I wouldn't want her to wake up and see me like this.

I brought out the products packed, brushing my teeth and getting into the shower. I let hot sizzling water cascade over my body.

Everything was a mess, God, everything was a mess.

Last night, my father came by the hospital, bid me his condolences and asked to speak with me in private.

He'd offered immediate help in exchange for the 'talk' so I was obligated to. But what he'd said.... God, the mere thought of it chilled my bones. Every single thing I'd been taught, all the hopes and love and aims I'd had.... He'd turned my whole world around.

My hands shook as I turned the dial on the shower to a lukewarm temperature. I savored the look on his face when I told him I'd quit. Everything. The famiglia, the entertainment business, everything.

I couldn't stand it. The lies, the secrets.... To think he withheld such information for so long. To think he made us loathe him and plan to end his life when the real killer was standing amongst us all this while.

God, Leon.... Shit.

I washed my body, scrubbing harder than I ever had. I hoped I could wash away every secret, every word, everything that could take me back to who I was a few weeks ago. There was too much going on. I couldn't face it.

I was done.

When Makua would wake up, I'd tell her. We'd forge a new life for ourselves. Relocate, get as far away from this hellhole as possible.

But it would mean being on the run from my father. And if that meant putting her in this position again...

The door to the bathroom burst open and I instinctively grabbed on to the knife I kept hidden by the shower stand, turning to meet Dario, whose hands shielded his eyes. "Shit, sorry, sorry, but you need to come out right now. She's waking up."

I dropped my hand down to my side and blinked at him, "Don't play with me right now."

"I'm serious," he deadpanned, looking back into the room, "I told you your stench was corrupting the place, I'm sure she finally had some space to breathe."

I didn't have it in me to laugh. I pushed past him, naked and dripping with water as I made my way into the room. I watched her as she stirred, slowly. Dario rushed to her side and removed the tube that was lodged in her throat.

He stepped back as she began to choke. I rushed to her side, cold air from the air conditioning bathing me in its wake as I reached for her. Her eyes fluttered open. And she flexed her hands, her neck, her body.

Those bright brown eyes found me, her lips parting. "I..." she coughed lightly, and I reached to get her some water but Dario shook his head. "Don't do it."

I wanted to argue but he was the doctor. He knew better, I had to remind myself that. So I waited as she cleared her throat, eyes blinking, clearly disoriented.

"Makua.... Amore. It's me."

Her eyes skimmed over my body and her lips pulled slightly. "I know." Her voice was cracked and scratchy but she carried on, "I remember you."

"If my memory serves me right, I remember you too." I said, blinking back tears as I brushed strands of her hair away from her face.

She shook her head, "No, I mean... I remember you. The first time we met, the very first time. It was long ago, I couldn't pinpoint where you knew me from—" she went into a coughing fit and turned to Dario who still gave his disapproval. When she calmed down, I let her words sink in.

"I was offended that you forgot in the first place." I laughed, a stray tear falling over my cheek.

"It's hard to remember intense people who want to bite your head off for asking a question."

The tears were falling shamelessly now, "Cut me some slack, I was going through a break up."

"I could tell." She muttered, bright eyes boring into mine. "Maybe that's why I sang for you."

"Or you wanted to taunt me."

"That too." She laughed but it slowly turned into tears. "God, I thought.... I thought I died."

"No, no, no, you're here. With me. You survived. No one is dying."

"And Kaden?" She asked, "is he okay?"

I pushed down the anger that bubbled in my heart at the mention of his name. I knew there was something wrong with that man from the moment I met him. Taking his life with my bare hands wouldn't have been enough to satiate this anger. But having him escape was even more unforgivable. If for anything, I would stay back in this business just to make sure he was found and taken care of.

"If he still is, then I'll—" her hand cupped my cheek and stole the words out of my mouth. Her face was still and calm as she spoke.

"Stop, please." Her thumb soothed the skin on my face. "No more. I can't do this with you if you keep on threatening to off anyone that offends me. Just... I got another chance at life, so please, let's do this differently. Better."

I nodded, despite not agreeing. It was interpreted in more of a sense that I shouldn't tell her who I want to take out. That made more sense.

"Any other requests?" I asked, a small smile pulling at my lips.

"I need to see my best friends soon, I miss them." She said, looking up. "I'm sure they're worried."

"They came every single day to check on you." I said, "Took a lot to convince them to leave."

She laughed at that, and frowned after. Her eyes roamed around the room and found Dario. He quickly rushed to her and hugged her, pushing me off. "If you ever try to die on me again, I'll stab you." He muttered, loud enough for me to hear. Once he pulled back, he held his hands up with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "I said what I said."

I rolled my eyes at him. "Can you leave us alone now?"

He shrugged, "I'm giving you three minutes and then the nurses are swarming this place to check her vitals, make it count."

When he left the room, I spent my time just running a hand over her face, her hands, her feet. They moved. She was moving them. She was alive, warm. The question that lodged in my throat for so long made its way out, the emotions too strong to contain.

"Is it a wrong time to ask you to marry me, dolcezza?"

She blinked once. Twice. Three times.

"Is that your idea of a proposal?" She snapped playfully, turning her head to the side.

I laughed, "No, it's a pre-proposal, to test if you'd say yes."

She shook her head. "It's a no, till you ask properly."

God, I missed her. I let myself go and pressed a soft unexpected kiss on her lips. "I love you, Makua Amadi, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you."

She smiled, "I love you too, but." A wicked grin pulled on her lips, "I'm not saying the rest till the proper proposal is done."

"Deal." I said and kissed her again. This time longer and more passionate than I ever had.

She was mine, and I was hers.

Finally.

AUTHOR'S NOTE

Babies! I'm free!! 😭😭😭 literally, I've been sitting on this chapter for weeks and finally got the vibe to write it!

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I have a lot of bonus scenes and chapters (they'll be available on my Patreon!):

- Damian & Makua's Wedding (Spicy Chapter)
- Damian & Makua's Honeymoon (Spicy Chapter)
- Damian & His Father's conversation (Read this after Leonelli's Obsession — Book 2)
- Kaden x Mattia's Book (it'll be available on Wattpad later heheheh)
- More scenes! (If you join my Patreon, you can request for certain scenes for characters!)

Thank you so much loves for reading this beautiful mess of a book! I'm going to edit this version and make it available for FREE! (EPUB & PDF) while I work on rewriting the story for publishing.

Please leave a comment, a vote and tell me any and everything you loved/hated about the book!

Your feedback means a lot and I hope you check out more of the stories in this series. For now, add Leonelli's Obsession to your reading list! i'll be updating constantly since I've been planning this one for a while now!

Don't hesitate to DM me or reach out! I'm always happy to just talk or listen! Thank you again!