Dark Angel - Mafia Romance

By Alice Hoffman

My name is Alek. They call me the boss, and for damn good reason. I rule over this city with an iron fist, and my crew fears and respects me in equal measure. I walk into a room, and the air shifts. I've lived a life drenched in power, money, and respect.  But even in my world of darkness and danger, nothing could have prepared me for the hurricane that was about to sweep into my life—Grace Morgan.

 

She had a spirit that couldn't be tamed, a stubbornness that refused to bow down to my authority. It intrigued me, captivated me, and I knew right then and there that she would be mine, body and soul.

 

I want to see that innocence shattered, to watch as she succumbs to me, to bring out her hidden desires and make her crave the darkness as much as I do.

Love and danger, they say, make for a lethal combination.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Alice Hoffman
• Release date: Jan 12, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224365593

Book preview

PROLOGUE

ALEK

The goddamn peace of our crib got blown to hell by the old man's scream, echoing through the walls like a warning from the depths of hell. Take cover! he barked, and the air turned as cold as the grave. The chaos hit like a freight train – bullets tearing through the air, windows shattering like brittle dreams. I ducked behind the kitchen wall, my heart banging against my ribs.

Attacking us! Nikolai's voice rang out, tension slicing through his usual calm. Adrenaline surged through me. Contingency plans flashed in my mind – hidden weapons stashed everywhere, ready for when shit hits the fan.

In the hailstorm of gunfire, Raúl, our loyal guard, moved like a shadow near the entrance. My fingers scrambled for a weapon in the kitchen cabinet, a stupid decision to think I could catch a break without my personal artillery. How naive.

Cold metal in my grip, I raced to the living room. Nikolai and Matteo were already locked in a deadly dance with the enemy. Our family's honor on the line, no compromises.

Where are the others? I yelled. On the other side. Dad's with Hailey, Matteo replied, his voice strained. Tightening my grip on the trigger, I joined the fight.

Dad emerged, gun in hand, from hiding Hailey. Bullets flew, guards fought. These bastards won't leave here breathing. Payback's a bitch.

Bullets filled the air, a symphony of destruction. The smell of gunpowder hung thick, sweat streaming down my face. I felt the weight of responsibility, no longer just a son but a guardian of our legacy.

Gun smoke filled the room, making it hard to see. My father retreated, taking cover. You okay? I shouted. Been hit, he grunted. I stopped firing, rushed to his side. Blood oozed from his chest. No, no, no, I muttered, trying to stem the bleeding.

Nikolai! I yelled. Dad's hit. Horror etched Nikolai and Matteo's faces. Sons of bitches, someone cursed. Matteo pressed a cloth against the wound. You'll be fine, Father, he said, his voice hiding desperation.

As Nikolai and I resumed the battle, my father's raspy voice cut through the chaos. Alek... he wheezed. Shit. Yes, Father? I said, hanging on his words. You're in charge now. Handle everything... promise me you'll carry on. His eyes barely open, and the world turned darker than ever..

Father, you're gonna pull through, I told him, squeezing his hand like I could squeeze the life back into him. But he wasn't having it. Say it, son. Promise me, he insisted. My eyes were damn near flooding, but I nodded like a stone-cold bastard. I swear, Father. You've got my word.

Then he dropped a bomb. Take care of your sister. Protect her. Keep the family blood flowing. Love you, my children, he whispered, eyes struggling to focus. I could only pull him into a hug, words failing me. Love you too, Dad, I whispered back, knowing it might be the last time he heard it.

Then Hailey called out, her voice breaking through the chaos like a siren. My ears barely registered the gunfire outside. I moved Dad to a safer spot, away from prying eyes, and the gang gathered, faces etched with pain.

Hailey busted in like a storm, knees hitting the floor as she realized something was royally screwed. Tears streamed down her face, and that sight punched a hole through my already shattered heart.

Alek... she whimpered, voice shattered. I didn't notice the silence that had fallen, everyone crying alongside us.

I met Hailey's tear-soaked gaze, and that wrecked me even more. Dad, she pleaded, reaching out to his lifeless form. No response. Talk to me, Dad! she choked, her voice desperate. I tried to comfort her, but she wasn't hearing a damn thing. Her world had just crumbled.

The chaos became a silent void. The invaders had vanished, leaving behind a world forever changed. The adrenaline high faded, replaced by exhaustion and grief.

Our nanny, María Elena, tried to shield Hailey from the horror, taking her away from the blood-stained scene. Dad's vitality was gone, leaving behind a body that was once alive, now just a shell. His legacy, though, that was etched in stone.

Grief overwhelmed me as I stumbled to the patio, the weight of loss crushing my chest. Our property, once a haven, now bore the scars of the battle we fought. I let out a guttural cry, the pain echoing in the desolation around me.

The sun dipped low, casting a haunting glow over the wreckage. Our mansion, once a symbol of opulence, stood battered and broken. Bullet holes pocked its walls, shattered glass painting a tragic picture. Gunshot echoes lingered, playing a twisted melody in my ears.

In the distance, a guard lay still, a silent sentinel who had given everything. His sacrifice weighed heavy on my shoulders, a testament to the loyalty in our ranks.

Nikolai and Matteo joined me, and together we stood in silence, surveying the wreckage. Sorrow thickened the air, the burden of responsibility almost suffocating. But I couldn't let despair win. I'd made a promise to my old man – a promise to protect, to carry on the legacy. No matter the cost, I'd see it through.

I'M LEAVING

ALEK

Today, we lay our old man to rest. The heaviness of his absence is a weight my brothers carry, leaving them numb as the damned. Hailey, though, takes the full brunt of it, crying her eyes out day and night. The loss has hit her so hard she's shut herself in, drowning in a sea of tears and pictures that scream memories of our father and the life we had.

Dead set on taking care of Hailey, I march up those stairs and rap on her door. No answer, but I hear a hush after my knock. Knock again, drop a line, Sis, I know you're in there. I want to be alone, get lost, she fires back.

I lean in, hands on the knob, Come on, sis, let me in, I plead, hoping to break through her fortress. Silence, but her grief echoes through the door.

No quitting in me, I knock a couple more times. This time, the door opens. She looks wrecked – red, puffy eyes, hair all over the damn place. With a soft grin, I reach out, gently wiping her tears away. I got no more tears left. Feels like I'm dead inside, she whispers, her voice heavy with sorrow, hands gripping mine like a lifeline.

Don't talk like that, little sis, I murmur, pulling her into a tender hug. I promise you, everything's gonna be okay. But she's drowning. First, Mom bailed. Now, Dad's gone. What else is left to take from us? she sobs. Understanding her pain, I hold her close, doing my best to comfort her. I know, I know. It's been hell for you, I say, gently caressing her face. She shakes her head, pushing away any blame. Not your fault, big brother, she whispers, words dripping with sadness.

I walk her into the room, sharing her silence. You gonna sign up? I ask softly, concern lacing my words. Don't wanna go. Wanna stay here, she replies, uncertainty dripping from her voice. Digging deeper, I ask, Sure about that? Giving her space to spill her guts. Yeah, she confirms, resolve firm. Alright, I concede, understanding her need for stability. Heavy heart, I leave her be, letting her have the room she needs.

Heading downstairs, my brothers are waiting, faces painted with shared sorrow. She's staying put, I tell them, a mix of sadness and understanding in my voice. María, our loyal nanny, steps up, steel in her eyes. I'll stick with her, she declares, offering her unyielding support. I nod, recognizing her selfless move, and together, we head to the graveyard.

Grief hangs thick as we stand at our old man's final spot. The world stops as we pay our respects, hearts heavy with the pain of losing him. In our shared sorrow, we find a shred of solace, knowing that, with time, we'll find the strength to push forward..

GRACE

Dad, you know that's not true. I'm not like that. I just went to talk to my friends, I tried to reason with him, desperately wanting him to understand. His words cut deep, and I couldn't hold back the emotions any longer. You never cared about me, you always saw me as a problem, something that ruined your life.

Because it is true... you are ungrateful! he shouted, his anger flaring, and my heart sank.

You know, Dad, I love you despite everything, I said, looking at him with tears welling up in my eyes. I turned away, retreating to my room while he looked at me in silence.

Inside my room, the weight of our argument pressed heavily on my chest, and tears streamed down my cheeks. I went to the window and sat down, gazing out at the night sky adorned with stars and the radiant moon. Each tear is a star in the sky... because I know that after the storm comes the calm, I whispered to myself, trying to find solace in the beauty of the night.

The pain of feeling unloved and unwanted by my parents gnawed at my heart, and I couldn't help but wonder why they didn't love me. I questioned if anyone would ever answer that haunting question. Exhausted from the emotional turmoil, I wiped my tears away but found no relief, as they continued to flow, a symbol of my anguish.

Tomorrow, I knew I would have to face the world again, just like today. I had to get up, look for work, and leave this place. It seemed my parents no longer wanted me around, always viewing me as a financial burden. Often, I would skip breakfast and stay locked in my room until they were gone, hoping to avoid any confrontation.

The next morning arrived, and as the sun's rays pierced through the window, I reluctantly opened my eyes. I took a moment to adjust to the brightness and then got up, heading to the shower for a brief respite. Once ready, I felt a glimmer of self-assurance, dressing in comfortable pants and a loose tank top, with a touch of mascara and lip color to brighten my spirit.

As I prepared to leave my room, I checked that no one was in the living room, thankful that they were probably still sleeping. I walked out of the house and headed towards downtown, carrying hope that today would bring an opportunity for work.

Along the way, I reached out to my two close friends, Anna and Lucy, through our WhatsApp group. They were my rock, the ones who supported and cared for me more than my own parents ever did.

Good morning my babies...❤ Wake up sleepyheads... Today, I'll be at downtown looking for work, you know how it's been these last two weeks... I love you both, wish me luck...😘 I texted them.

Anna replied promptly, Good morning, sweethearts. I'm already awake. It's fine. I'll see you in the same place as always, I have the day off today, so I'll accompany you. You'll see that everything will be fine... 😘 Take care, love you.

Feeling grateful for her support, I replied, Okay, thanks for everything, baby. I'll wait for you.

Anna mentioned that she would inform Lucy, who was likely still asleep, assuring me to stay calm. It's okay, baby, I responded with a sigh and put my phone back in my pockets.

At least I had them, even if my own parents didn't see my worth or value my presence in their lives. With a mix of hope and determination, I quickened my pace towards the center, carrying with me the love and support that my true family – Anna and Lucy – provided.

SALVATION

Igot to the spot where Anna and Lucy were waiting for me. As I looked around, out of nowhere, hands covered my eyes. Guess who? a familiar voice teased.

Lucy, I know that's you, I said, grinning.

There you go, I love you, she replied, hugging me from behind. We laughed and squeezed each other tight. We love you, silly, I said.

Yeah, we love you, Lucy added.

I love my babies too, but they're smothering me, Anna joked, and we let her go, giving her a playful look. Joking back, I said, So, where are you off to job hunt?

I don't know. I'll try some new spots. The ones I've been to didn't want me because I don’t have a recommendation letter, I admitted, feeling a bit down.

But you've got experience, Lucy pointed out.

I know, but maybe it's not enough, I replied.

Anna assured me, Well, we'll be right there with you, wherever you go.

Thank you, really, girls. I don't know how my life would be without you, I expressed my gratitude, hugging them once more.

You'd probably die, Lucy replied, shrugging.

Probably, I agreed with a chuckle.

With their encouragement, I strolled into a café and spotted a job opening for a waitress. The idea of being a waitress brought a spark of hope. Good morning, miss. I can help you, a guy behind the counter greeted me.

Good morning, I replied, looking at him. I'm here because of the ad about the waitress position.

Ah, of course. Wait a minute, he said, disappearing behind a door. Nervously, I waited, and soon, he returned with a notebook and pen. We need one urgently. We opened this place about a month ago, and our previous waitress had an accident and passed away, he explained with regret.

I smiled, feeling hopeful. Well, you don't have a recommendation letter, but we need staff. So, welcome to your new job, he said with a smile.

Overjoyed, I thanked him like a million times, couldn't believe my luck. This job meant I could finally leave my parents' house and find some independence.

I met my friends outside, bursting with the news. I've got a job! I exclaimed with tears of joy.

Congratulations! they said, hugging me.

I start literally today, I added, bubbling with happiness.

That's awesome, Anna praised.

If it's awesome, Lucy repeated.

As the excitement settled, Anna and Lucy dropped a surprise bomb. Grace, Lucy and I have talked about it, and we want you to live with us, Anna suggested.

For us, it would be great if that happens, Lucy added.

Really? I asked, blown away.

Yes, really, silly, they laughed.

I was overwhelmed with gratitude and love for my true family - Anna and Lucy. Have I told you that I love you both? I asked, my eyes brimming with tears.

All the time, Anna said while Lucy chuckled.

I thanked them once more, feeling truly blessed to have such caring and supportive friends. We agreed to discuss the living arrangements later, and I said my goodbyes before kicking off my first day at work.

I grabbed the broom and got to work, sweeping and cleaning the café, making sure everything was spotless. Time flew as I served customers, and my confidence grew with each interaction.

At the end of my first day, Tyler, my manager, called me to his office to explain my working hours, duties, and salary. Going through the details, I felt a sense of accomplishment and independence, knowing I was finally on the path to building my own life.

And honestly. It felt really good.

JUST ANOTHER DAY

Igot back home after a long day at work, a mix of relief and sorrow swirling within me. While my job brought a sense of accomplishment, the happenings at home left a heavy weight on my heart. As usual, no one bothered to greet me as I walked into the house, emphasizing the distance between my parents and me.

Heading to the kitchen for a glass of water, I was surprised by what I saw. My father was there with a woman who turned away from me as I approached. It didn't take long for me to recognize her face – my aunt, my mom's own sister, the last person I expected to find in such a situation.

What's going on? I shouted, my emotions in turmoil. My father tried to downplay the situation, but I couldn't ignore the betrayal playing out before me.

You know nothing, my father snapped angrily, attempting to control the situation.

Anger and sadness engulfed me as I confronted them. My mom might not have been perfect, but she didn't deserve this betrayal, especially from her own sister. I couldn't stand to watch them act like nothing had happened, as if they weren't hurting my mom and tearing our family apart.

Without a second thought, I decided to leave that night. I didn't want to witness any more of their madness. Furious, I dragged my aunt out of the house and walked until I found a taxi. It was already dark and chilly. Luckily, I spotted an empty taxi, hopped in, and gave the driver my friends' address.

When I reached my friends' apartment, I poured out the evening's events to them. They were shocked by what they heard, but I knew I could always rely on them.

As the night went on, I tried to