Shattered Hearts: A New Adult Mafia Romance

By Vivi Paige and Bonnie Kennedy

I never believed love could happen to someone like me.
Until I met the man who taught me I was worthy.

I never thought I’d fall in love with my enemy, but Luca has stolen my heart.
If only high school was as easy to deal with as my mafia boyfriend.

But I soon realize that my problems extend outside the realm of teenage drama.
My mother’s absence has brought too much attention to me.
And her return catches the eye of, not one, but two crime bosses.

Soon I learn that I am going to pay the price for her mistakes—caught in the crosshairs of her past.
I pray no on pulls the trigger.

There’s only one man who can get me out, and I’ve put my trust in him.
But I may have misjudged Luca.
Because when it comes to his work for the family or me…

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bryant Street Publishing
• Release date: Oct 10, 2023
• ISBN: 9781094460185

Vivi Paige

Vivi Paige is the sekrit pen name of a New York Times and USA Today bestselling romance author who decided she wanted to play on the dark side of happily ever after… Join her in a sinister world of murder, mayhem, and marriage.

Book preview

1

Life really couldn’t get any better than it already was during the spring of my senior year. Luca and I had gotten settled into our loft over the past month, and living together with him has been more blissful than I even imagined it would be. We complemented each other so well, so it just naturally flowed as if we had been doing it for years.

It was so empowering to live our lives on our own terms, which was something we wouldn’t have changed for the world. Luca hadn’t heard from his mother since she bought an outrageous amount of furniture and supplies for our move and he was perfectly fine with that. He always said that the only way she knew how to express that she cared was through her money.

My mother had done a disappearing act of her own, which wasn’t exactly uncommon. When I texted her days after our move informing her that I had moved in with Luca, she replied with a heartless okay. She hadn’t contacted me since and I was beyond the point of reaching out to her first.

Marco had visited the Rossi residence recently and he had informed us that my mother had been moved out of the apartment since her arrangement with Tony was no longer relevant.

I’d already suspected she had moved in with my father, who was ready to take her back with open arms. Giovanni was checking in with me at least once a week, so she probably figured he had taken on the responsibility for both of them. Whatever the case, it didn’t really concern me too much. I was just focused on my relationship and graduating with a decent GPA.

I pulled up to our building in Luca’s truck after making a quick trip to the farmer’s market. I carried the large paper bag of vegetables in my left arm and unlocked the door to the building with my key, making sure nobody slid in behind me like Luca had ingrained into my mind. After taking the elevator to the top floor, I walked to our front door and then used my key again.

A smile instantly formed onto my face when I saw Luca in the kitchen. I thought you were gonna wait for me to get back. I placed the grocery bag down on the granite bar counter.

Luca smiled charmingly as he walked over and kissed me on the lips. I didn’t do much. I just rolled the dough and added the sauce. He looked especially handsome with the sleeves of his gray sweatshirt rolled up, revealing his muscular forearms that were covered in flour. I giggled as I wiped away some flour that had been smeared onto his right cheek. You’re completely hopeless.

Hopelessly in love with you. Luca pressed my body against his while being cautious not to get flour on my clothes.

I teased him with several kisses. Very smooth. Why aren’t you wearing that apron we made together?

He lowered his arms from around me while still holding my gaze. I completely forgot about it to be honest.

How typical. I smirked at him over my shoulder as I bent down to get our couples aprons out of the drawer.

If you keep messing with me like that, this dough isn’t gonna be the only thing that’s rising. Luca bit his bottom lip as he looked at me seductively.

Hmph. I might need to keep messing with you then. I flirted as I set the aprons onto the counter, unfolding them to show the picture of us from the spring fling. That was such a fun night. It was until it wasn’t. I froze up as I replayed the horror of being abducted by Tony Rossi’s goons in my mind. The way he glared at me threateningly, harassing me while I sat there tied up and defenseless still felt somewhat fresh.

Luca attempted to lighten the mood with his playful banter. Are we just going to stand here and admire them or wear them?

Oh. Right. I snapped out of my daze, placing one of the aprons around his neck and then tying it at his back securely.

Here. He turned on the faucet and started washing his hands. Come wash your hands so we can cook together.

I moved forward to the sink, repeating his actions as he placed the matching apron over my head and then tied it behind me. He then took my long, dark hair into his strong hands, smoothed the strands upward, and then placed it all in a high bun with a hair tie he already had on his wrist. What did you buy at the market?

Lots of cheeses, tomatoes, onions and pepperoni. I exhaled deeply, feeling a sense of comfort due to the way Luca was so attentive toward me.

Great. He brushed past me and then started unloading items from the bag. Did you remember the mushrooms?

Yeah. I leaned my back against the counter as I observed him closely. They probably rolled to the bottom.

Luca studied a head of lettuce before placing it onto the counter. Are you making a salad?

I am. I admired how chiseled his face and chin were, how defined his Adam’s apple was when he spoke and how the muscles in his arms flexed as he moved the remaining items from the bag. I was just as attracted to him as I was in our early days.

He picked up the three bags of shredded cheese and took them over to the homemade pizza he had started. Come here, baby. I walked over to him and he positioned me in between him and the counter before handing me the first bag of cheese.

I started sprinkling the mozzarella sparingly over the dough covered in tomato sauce when Luca reached into the opened bag from behind me. His arms covered my body tightly as he sprinkled a handful of cheese more generously, speaking softly near my ear. Don’t be so modest with the cheese.

I smiled widely while feeling the warmth of his embrace, being reminded of how much simple pleasures like this made me happy. Our cheese to sauce ratio is staggering.

That’s exactly how you like it, though. He amorously kissed the side of my neck as I applied the other cheeses. Afterward, we loaded on the pepperoni and then added the assortment of veggies we had cut up together. While the pizza baked in the oven, Luca watched me prepare the salad from one of the bar stools on the other side of the counter.

You’re always so good at remembering to take off your ring for tasks like this. He focused on my bare hand as I washed the lettuce in the sink.

Yeah. I turned off the filtered water from the faucet and returned to the cutting board. I don’t want to risk losing it.

How would you react when you get the next ring someday? His dark eyes watched me curiously as he awaited my response.

His question had taken me aback. I was surprised he had even thought about marriage when we had so much that already took up the majority of our attention. I would be happy because it would be coming from you. I avoided his gaze by focusing on the carrots that I thinly chopped.

I look forward to seeing what the future has in store for us. We’ll be hearing back from the colleges soon. Luca cracked open a beer and drank from it while he remained seated behind the bar.

It seemed like Luca thought more about the future than I did, and it made me feel slightly guilty. Something about it was so endearing, though. I loved when he casually included me in his plans, even though we didn’t know what the future had in store for us. As long as we were together, I knew we could weather any storm.

2

Ithought my load would be noticeably lighter now that the responsibilities of the spring fling dance committee were over. That, unfortunately, wasn’t the case. I still felt overwhelmed with keeping my grades up, studying for my AP exams, soccer, and the dance squad. I also didn’t want to neglect my relationship with Luca, so the pressure had been truly on for these last three months. I shouldn’t have put so many things on my plate, and now I was paying the price as I struggled to juggle them all.

My feelings won’t be hurt if you quit the dance squad. Devon shut her locker in the 400 hall and then covered the distance between us, standing to my right with her books in her arms. I’m the one who forced you into auditioning, so I take the blame one hundred percent. I was being selfish at the time by not wanting to try out by myself, and now you’re the one in distress.

I closed my locker and gave her my undivided attention. It’s not your fault, Devon. I’m responsible for my own choices. What would everyone think if I just quit before the season is over? It would be the equivalent of giving Madison the last word.

Hmph. Devon broke my gaze, mulling over my words. You’re absolutely right. Well on the bright side of things, there’s only a month left for soccer so that will free up some of your time soon.

Yeah. I rolled my eyes sarcastically while leaning my back against the lockers. If I survive this month.

You’ve got this, Angie. She gave me an encouraging smile. You’re the most capable person I know. I’ve gotta start heading to AP Spanish before Señora Reyes has an ataque de pánico. Adios, chica! I watched her walk off before heading in the opposite direction.

The first half of the day dragged while I still stressed about my overloaded schedule. At lunchtime I already felt like a zombie and I still had two classes left followed by soccer practice. I sat silently at our usual table, twirling the lettuce of my salad with my fork while James and Devon talked about their guys.

I think it’s safe to say that Cody is the spiciest love affair I’ve had in all of high school. James smirked while giving Devon a high five.

Ooh! Devon exclaimed while placing her hands at her cheeks. I guess you saved the best for last. When are you guys gonna make it official, though?

James raised a brow with a satisfied expression. He wants to, but I don’t want things to get super serious between us.

What? Devon banged her hands against the table in disbelief. You’re such a heartbreaker, James. Are you hearing this, Angie?

I finally snapped out of my daze, glancing at both of them. What?

Okay. You’ve been weird all day. James turned to face me. What’s the tea?

There is no tea. I’m just out of it, I guess. I set my fork down as I noticed Luca sitting down to my left. He kissed me on the cheek and then set his tray containing a cheeseburger and fries down on the table. Hey, Devon. Hey, James.

They both greeted Luca, and then Devon immediately brought up their concerns to him. Something’s wrong with your girlfriend. It’s like her check engine light is on or something.

Luca chuckled as he took a bite of his cheeseburger. He fully chewed his food and then changed his demeanor after gauging the serious looks on my friends’ faces. Oh. There really is a problem. He leaned closer to me, speaking in a softer tone. What’s wrong, baby?

It’s nothing, I whispered back. We’ll talk about it when we get home.

Okay. His face expressed some concern, but he respected my wishes. I’ll hang around and study in the library while you have soccer practice. Text me when you’re done.

I thought soccer practice would bring me out of my funk like it usually did but it didn’t work for the first time ever. That’s when I started getting really concerned. Even my favorite activity didn’t bring me joy anymore, and I wasn’t the only person who noticed it.

Coach Holden walked next to me after practice on my way to the locker room. You weren’t focused at all today, Angie. Is there anything you’d like to talk to me about? I’m always an ear whenever you need it.

I stopped in front of the locker room door, offering her a smile for her generosity. No. I’m fine, Coach. I appreciate the check-in, though.

Of course. She placed her hand on my shoulder, lightly squeezing it as a consoling gesture. Well, I’m always here. Have a good night.

I skipped the public showers just eager to get home more than ever. Devon trailed beside me, struggling to keep up with my large strides. Geez. Where’s the fire?

Sorry. I slowed down when I noticed she wasn’t keeping up. I’m just exhausted.

Well if that’s the walk of an exhausted person, I’d hate to see your hundred-meter dash. She giggled at her own joke, and I joined in with her shortly afterward.

I was grateful how she always lifted my spirits even on my most challenging days. I had been such a grouch to her and James all day, so the least I could do was carry a conversation with her. What are your plans for Davide tonight?

Oh, girl. Devon put her arm around my shoulder, happy to humor me with her response. I have been in heat. My period just went off so I’m attacking him like a lioness tonight. She imitated a playful, low growl.

I giggled at her fun-loving personality and then admired Luca as he casually sat on the hood of his truck. He effortlessly looked like a model and all this sex talk with Devon made me want to use him as my personal stress reliever.

Devon glanced at Luca before turning to face me with a suspicious grin. So has the sex been better or about the same since you’ve moved in together?

Hmmm. It’s always been amazing, but I’m definitely enjoying the easy access.

I hear that, girl! Devon gave me a high five and then briefly held my hand afterward before sending me on my way. You guys be safe. Bye, Luca!

Luca gave her a salute, making sure she got into her car safely before hopping off the hood. How was practice? He opened the passenger side door and assisted me inside.

The usual. I watched him as he shut my door and then did his usual jog around the front of the truck. Luca played some R&B music that he knew I liked, and we didn’t speak on the way home. He was very attentive to me as we made our way into the building and upstairs to our loft.

After locking the door and removing our coats, he rolled up the sleeves of his yellow sweatshirt. Why don’t you let me draw you a bubble bath? He kissed my forehead and walked to the bathroom before I had a chance to object. I was so tired that he could have said anything at that moment, and I would have gone along with it.

I collapsed forward onto the bed with my towel still wrapped around my body after the bath. My eyes closed instantly and I could have fallen asleep right then if Luca’s