La Santo's - You're Mine

By Tamia Saxton

About the book:
Do you know the La Santo’s? You’re about to very soon. After this you’ll never forget the name! When Tamia leaves London will she ever find happiness in Italy or will it bring pain and misery all over again? When Tamia and Lorenzo meet will they come together or will it ruin them? Will Tamia be able to save his heart and pull him out the dark? Will Lorenzo be able to save Tamia from the deepest parts of herself? Will there ever be a happy ending through the pain and suffering that they go through? I guess you're going to have to find out.
About the author:
I was born and raised most of life in Washington D.C. I have two sisters and one brother, one niece and nephew that I love all of them dearly and hold them close to my heart. I'm thankful to my sisters and brother for believing in me but I'm mostly grateful for my best friend that I've known since sixth grade Tyshia. I would also like to thank my other best friend Shaneya. I went to Thomas Stone High School, it was a rocky four years but I made it through. I've made good friends there that I'm very thankful for.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Pencil
• Release date: Apr 12, 2022
• ISBN: 9789356105652

Book preview

Chapter 1 - Meeting You

In Tamia’s head: FEAR! That’s what was all consuming, gut wrenching, breath feeling emotion that I came to know, so well. I live my life in FEAR. FEAR of my words, FEAR of my actions, FEAR of how I might pay for them. FEAR of people knowing this dirty little secret and knowing just how weak I was. But most of all I didn't FEAR DEATH. 

Darius: You know I only do this because I love you. Because YOU gave me no other choice. (Tamia crosses arms). Uncross your arms…NOW! This is all your fault isn’t it? ISN’T IT?

Tamia: Yes.

Darius: Ha! Look at you. You’re pathetic.

In Tamia’s head: He was right…I am. I mean look at me! I knew he was going to snap. I’ve been here before. His eyes always gave it away. It took me three years to work that out, three years of marks I desperately covered. Three years of lies to cover his wrongs. Three years that nobody can see both physically and mentally. Three years of watching the man I onced loved turn into the monster I now hate. But worst of all…three years of me wishing for it to be my end.

Tamia: Darius, please. (Darius punches Tamia)

In Tamia’s head: When I was little my Nana always told me ‘Throughout life people will make you mad, disrespect you and treat you badly. Let God deal with the things they do, if you let the hate in your heart it will consume you too.’ I tried. God how I tried not to let it take what little part of me was left. I lost that part of me that night. (Daruis beats Tamia to the ground)

Darius: Maybe now you’ll learn your lesson. (Darius walks away)

In Tamia’s head: I don’t know how long I was out for, it’s all still a blur. But waking up in blood I found what little strength I had left from that night and I swore I would never let anyone hurt me again. I was numb. Numb and alone. I once had light and meaning in my life. Now all that is left is pain and sadness. Do you ever feel like you’re a tiny fish in the big wide ocean, just struggling to swim? I did, everyday. I spent most of my nights saying prayers and hoping they got answered. But one night something switched in me. As terrified as I was, I knew I had to make a change once and for all. (Tamia makes a call) 

Tamia: Hey, it’s me.

In Tamia’s head: That night I left everything I had ever known behind. This was the beginning of my story. (Tamia takes a deep breathe/walks off)

Introducing The Santo’s

Armando Santo-The Capo Famiglia (the boss)-the oldest brother of The Santo’s. The years changed him and he had to adapt to survive. A calm and collected leader, his anger has mellowed and his brain is tactical. Don’t let that fool you…he is silently ruthless.

Luca Santo-The youngest of the Santo brothers. Young at heart but wise of the mind. Luca has a way with words and a way to a girl's heart. Keeping his brothers on their toes, Luca will bring a smile to anyone’s face. Don’t take that for granted…he will wipe it off just as fast. 

Lorenzo Santo-The middle Santo brother. ‘Cut-Throat.’ He brings a whole new meaning to the saying ‘as cold as ice.’ Not one to be crossed. With the eyes that can pierce your soul and an anger that can’t be tamed, he shows no mercy. And keeps none for himself.

In Tamia’s head: (Tamia on an airplane to Italy). So that was the insight into a fraction of my past. I don’t know if I'll ever face all the dark corners of it. Honestly, I don’t know if I want to. It may have only been two days ago but I was finally ready to try to put it behind me. From this point I had nothing to lose, there was no going back. I’ve lived in England all my life. Honestly I  never knew anything else. When I was five years old my mom died suddenly leaving me and my dad with nothing. I don’t remember much about her, if anything. Still I keep a picture of her in my purse, to in some way help me feel close to her. A few years later my dad left, ever since mom died he drank. It eventually got to the point where he didn’t care about life or about me. After that I spent most of my time in the care system being passed to a family and then straight back. ‘She’s not young enough. She’s too damaged.’ The reality was that people wanted babies, not teenagers with trust issues. As soon as I turned 18 I got my own flat, a new job and met Darius, for once in my life things were looking up. Well for the first 4 years but then I guess things changed. Well I will be damned if I waste anymore time. I have nothing to lose. There’s only one person in this whole world I can still trust she just happens to be 2,000 miles away in Italy.

Armando: Anna, she’s here.

Anna: One sec I’ll get it.

Armando: I can get the door, you know it won’t kill me.

Anna: I SAID I’LL GET IT!

Armando: Really Anna? She would be inside by no-

Anna: ARMANDO SANTO!!! Go near that door I promise you it’ll be the last thing those hands touch. (Armando rolls eyes/Anna runs to the door/opens it/hugs Tamia). I’m glad you’re here.

Tamia: I would’ve come sooner. (Anna gets mad). It’s just, well…you know.

Anna: I can’t believe he did that to you. I swear I’ll cut his balls off and feed them to him. You shouldn’t of had to deal with that, I’m so sorr-

Tamia: Don’t go soft on me. I just want to forget about it! I’m not ready to go there.

Anna: Well you’re here now. We’re going to make up for lost time.

Armando: God help us all! (Tamia/Armando laugh)

Anna: Oh you’re still here! (Anna rolls eyes. Tamia/Anna laugh). Tamia, this is Armando.

Tamia: It’s nice to finally meet you. I’m sorry to just show up last minute without warning (Anna rolls eyes/Armando laughs).

Armando: Any friend of Anna’s is a friend of mine. You have no need to worry, you can stay as long as you need. Now that you’re here I might finally get a little peace. (Tamia/Armando laugh)

In Armando’s head: I wonder if I’ll pay for that comment.

In Anna’s head: Yes, yes you will. (Armando phone rings)

Armando: Sorry it’s Enzo. I’ve got to take this. (Armando walks away)

Anna: TELL HIM DINNER IS AT 6.

Tamia: Dinner? I haven’t interrupted your night have I? (Anna laughs)

Anna: It’s more like feeding the zoo. (Tamia laughs). Armando’s brothers are coming over for dinner later. They say it’s a meeting.

Tamia: Oh, do they all work together? (Anna shakes her head yes)

Anna: Yea, they work in the family business, they practically live here. Anyway, enough about them. Come and sit down, let's catch up. So how are you? I know you, I’ve known you since we were ten and I can see you’re not okay.

Tamia: I won’t lie to you Anna, I’m not.

Anna: You’re safe here with me, he won’t hurt again. How bad was it?

Tamia: Bad…

In Tamia’s head: So I told her. Not the worst of it, I don’t think I could ever speak about that! But I shared part of my burden with her. I can’t tell you how much it helps to have Anna in my life again. I’ve been on my own for so long now that I didn’t know any different. She didn’t judge me, pity me or make me feel anything other than safe and being supportive. God how I missed her.

Anna: I fucking hate him! How can someone be so evil?

Tamia: I’ve asked myself that question a thousand times.

Anna: Well I’m here now and he will never get near you again.

In Tamia’s head: Although it feels good to be away, a part of me is so scared for the unknown. I need to get back to my old sassy self. I need to heal. After we caught up Anna showed me to my room, I unpacked and headed for the shower. I don’t know how long I stood there, just letting the water run down my body. If only it could wash away the pain. That I could be the person I was all those years ago. But it won’t and I’ll never be. I’ll be better. No more fear. I’m going to live every day for me. (Meanwhile in the kitchen)

Lorenzo: What’s that smell? (Anna turns around mad with her arms crossed). What?

Anna: Nevermind ‘WHAT!’ you’re an hour late.

Lorenzo: The job ran over. (Anna rolls her eye)

Armando: Did you finish it?

Lorenzo: No, in the end, I pulled out my gun and watched him for an hour. (Luca rolls his eye)

Luca: Doesn’t surprise me! (Armando/Luca laugh/Lorenzo pushes Luca off corner/Armando/Lorenzo laugh)

Luca: Really? (Luca rolls his eyes). I swear you need to learn how to take a joke.

Armando: You both need to grow up.

Luca: Dad texted me, he needs us at the club later.

Armando: We’ll go after the food.

Lorenzo: SERIOUSLY WHAT IS THAT SMELL?

Anna: I cooked. (everyone’s surprised but Armando)

Lorenzo: You cooked?

Luca: You cooked?

Armando: She cooked.

Lorenzo: Well then, I’m out! (Lorenzo gets ready to leave/everyone laughs). Who are you?

In Tamia’s head: I wanted to speak but the words wouldn’t come out. I stood there slowly taking in every inch of his body. My eyes fell upon his clothes that clung to his toned body. It was so perfectly defined, while his abs cut through the top that barely fit his muscular arms. His skin is flawless, his face is cold. His jawline clinched while he slowly stroked his lips. He showed no emotion, his expression was cold. My eyes slowly met his that were fixated upon me. Those eyes! So captivating yet so cold. It feels like they are burning through my soul. I wanted so much to fix it upon his two but under his stare I felt a total body consuming nerves. 

Lorenzo: Is she deaf?

In Tamia’s head: Oh hell NO! (Luca rolls his eyes/Anna gets mad)

Anna: LORENZO SANTO! I swear I’ll kick your ass! Ignore him, take a seat, dinner’s ready.

Lorenzo: Since when do we take in the homeless?

In Tamia’s head: Oh shit he did not just go there?

Tamia: Hey asshole. (Tamia laughs). The only one who looks homeless here is you in those nasty ass ripped jeans (Tamia walks away/everyone laughs)

Luca: "I like her. (At the dinner table) 

Anna: So do you have any plans while you’re here?

Tamia: Well, I was planning on looking for a place to rent, with the little savings I have left. Then maybe a job. (Lorenzo rolls his eyes). I’m not rushing to go back. (Armando laughs)

Armando: Well we have a house not far from here you could stay in there for the time being. If you prefer your own space?

Anna: That’s a great idea. How about we take your things around there tomorrow?

Tamia: Thanks guys, that's really kind of you.

Lorenzo: Don’t you have a family that wants you? (Anna’s shocked/Armando’s mad)

Armando: LORENZO!!!

In Anna's head: I’m going to kill him!

In Armando’s head: She’s going to kill him.

Lorenzo: What? (Tamia takes a deep breathe)

Tamia: I…I don’t have any family left.

Lorenzo: Shit happens. (Anna/Armando are pissed)

In Anna’s head: I should cut out his tongue that’ll shut him up once and for all. Nah, he would still find a way to piss me off somehow. I’ll cut off his balls, he’d definitely miss those. Your balls are MINE Lorenzo Santo. Why do I keep thinking of cutting off balls? (Anna laughs). Meh, who cares..snip snip.

Lorenzo: Why is she doing that creepy ass smile? (Tamia gets up from the table)

Tamia: I’m going to help Luca with the dishes and go to bed. (Lorenzo rolls eyes). Goodnight.

In Tamia’s head: It’s funny how numb I am to Darius' words but Lorenzo words, it hurts a little. He was right though, shit happens. I made my way to the kitchen to help Luca with the dishes.

Tamia: Hey, need a hand?

Luca: What did he do?

Tamia: Who?

Luca: My idiot brother, what did he do?

Tamia: I’m glad someone else thinks he’s an idiot. (Tamia/Luca laugh)

Luca: He makes it pretty easy.

Tamia: You can say that again. (Tamia laughs)

Luca: Coffee? (Tamia shakes her head yes). So what brings you all the way to sunny Sicily?

Tamia: "I needed a change, and let’s face it, it’s beautiful. I could wake up to this view every morning. I mean look out that window