Cruel Monster: Monster's Heart, #1

By Rose Knight

Marco Amoretti is the former leader of the Inferno, the most dangerous mafia in Italy, exiled from the "Legion of the Phoenix," a secret association of mobsters. A cold and ruthless killer born and raised for the business.

 

He believes he has everything in life until his path crosses with the enigmatic Belle, a young novice who is the exact opposite of him. The definition of innocence.  A blank book perfect for him to write with blood on those pages.

 

In the blood painted world of the Calabrian mafia, only one man can emerge victorious, and someone always  must pay the ultimate price.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rose Knight
• Release date: Jan 20, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224392353

Book preview

PROLOGUE

\

"L ove me, because love doesn't exist, and I have tried everything that does." ―

Jonathan Safran Foer

Marco crawled with difficulty along the walls; he was wounded. One of his enemy's sons had shot him in the arm. At that moment, he was sure of two things: one, he had to heal his arm as soon as possible, or he would bleed to death; two, he would kill the bastard as soon as he was healed.

He glanced around to verify that no one was following him, took a few steps, and spotted a massive building. A convent. He had no other choice but to enter there; he had lost all his men, and there was nowhere else to flee. He managed to find a way through the back garden's door, picking the lock and entering without making the slightest noise.

Damn... there's so much blood, he complained while placing his hands over his wound.

Marco staggered a few more steps and finally fell to the ground. When the Italian man opened his eyes again, he found himself looking into the blue irises of a beautiful woman.

Are you alright? Clearly, you're not well. Holy Christ! Should I call the sister...

Shh... Marco covered the girl's mouth and dragged her along while pointing a gun at her. The girl trembled in his arms. I won't harm you, unless you can heal me. Do you know how?

She nodded, and he breathed a sigh of relief.

Very well, don't make any noise.

He dragged her into an empty room. The Italian man closed the door behind him as he sat her down on an old chair.

One scream, and I'll kill you, he pointed the gun at her again.

She blinked several times.

The first aid kit is in the next room, she said in a nervous voice. Bring it here immediately.

Yes, sir, she could barely utter a word, as panic had taken hold of her.

The girl crossed the door and quickly fetched the first aid kit, returning to where the mafioso was.

It's here, Marco discarded his shirt, revealing his bare torso to her gaze.

Good Lord, she crossed herself while saturating the cotton with alcohol.

What? Haven't you ever seen a shirtless man before?

The girl blushed.

Don't you see what I am? she said, averting her gaze.

Oh, right, you're a... nun?

A novice, she replied. I joined three months ago.

Why would a woman want to become a nun? he drew a smile that he later erased when she passed the cotton over his wound. Damn, it hurts!

Many reasons. One of them... so that men won't break her heart, she replied simply.

A good escape, the girl continued cleaning the wound until she managed to remove the bullet with a pair of scissors.

There, it's done. You should keep that cotton there; it wasn't very deep. But it's best if you go to a hospital.

Thank you, he replied as she searched for a bandage among the items.

He took a few seconds to observe her; she had delicate features, beautiful lips, and a cascade of chestnut hair falling over her shoulders. She was lovely, pretty. She appeared tender and feminine.

Here, it's to cover your wound. If you don't do it, it will get infected, her voice brought them back from their thoughts.

What's your name? he asked.

Why do you want to know?

I just want to know the name of the person who saved my life.

My name is Belle.

Belle...

Are you a criminal? A thief? she raised an eyebrow.

I am everything you describe and more, he leaned his head back. I need a whisky; it burns like hell.

A noise was heard, causing the mafioso to take the gun in his hands.

No... she whispered. It must be the Mother Superior.

I don't care if it's Mother Teresa herself. If she sees me, I'm done for; she'll call the police.

Don't do anything that could harm anyone here. I've helped you; I promise not to say anything about what I've seen. I'll even help you leave without anyone noticing.

Do you know how many people have given me that answer and are now dead?

Belle looked at him in horror as she stepped back.

Don't be scared, he took her wrist. You don't look like a bad person. I have something in mind.

What else do you want? I've already helped you.

I want you to come with me, Belle.

CHAPTER 1

Marco shattered the glass in his hands, and soon blood began to spill onto the desk. The man sitting across from him observed the scene without uttering a single word.

How the hell did this happen? the Italian said, gritting his teeth and loosening his tie.

The informants verified everything, sir, the man replied.

Less than a month ago, I was about to die in Rome. If it weren't for that girl, everything would have gone to shit. And now you're standing in front of me, spouting this nonsense, Marco massaged the bridge of his nose as he cursed under his breath.

There's no need to worry, sir. We'll send some of our men to Barcelona.

Are you fucking kidding me, Matteo? he shouted to the heavens. I'm in the middle of the association. If they vote against me, they'll exile me, and if they do, they'll kill me.

I know what leaving the order entails, sir. We're here for you and with you. We swear loyalty to you, Don Marco.

At this moment, the order is what matters most to me, so disappear from my sight and don't come back until you have good news. Do you understand? he raised an eyebrow as a command.

Things in the mansion were always the same, strict adherence to the rules, or else you earned a place in the cemetery.

The man nodded and left, leaving him alone. Marco chose to cover his hand with a white silk handkerchief before causing any more damage to the office. He was angry, and when he was angry, even the devil was afraid of him. He didn't hold back his actions with anyone.

Less than a month ago, he had been ambushed, closing a deal in Rome. Now they wanted to exclude him from the business and his position as the leader of the famiglia. He wouldn't allow it.

As if it were that simple, he said to himself.

I want that damn door opened! he heard those distinct shouts coming from one of the rooms. Open it!

Marco brought his hands to his temples; everything had piled up in just one day.

One of the men called the office before entering. When Marco gave him permission, he went through the door.

Sir, she has awakened, the security man articulated.

I'm coming, the mafioso responded.

Marco left the office and followed his steps until he stood in front of the room. Immediately, the men guarding it stepped aside. He walked through the door and found the girl sitting on the edge of the bed, crying.

Belle... he whispered as he placed a hand on her shoulder.

I want to leave here! she said furiously. Don't touch me!

I can't let you go, the mafioso replied. You're going to stay with me until I decide.

You kidnapped me! I don't even know where I am, she replied, running her hands through her hair.

You're in Calabria, my territory. As long as you live with me and follow the rules, there won't be any problems.

Belle scoffed and pushed him to the side of the bed.

You're not my owner, she growled in response, and he held her before she could hit him in the face with one of her hands.

Stay still, and don't raise your hand at me again, he looked at her furiously in the eyes. If there was something Marco couldn't stand, it was someone going against what he said. He was dominant. He had always been that way his entire life, and a girl couldn't change that now.

And what if I do? Belle raised an eyebrow as a challenge. Are you going to kill me? Because that's what criminals like you do.

Marco pushed her down onto the bed, positioning himself on top of her, pressing her against the sheets with his body..

You're sick, she replied.

No, I had never seen a woman like you before. You're someone I want to teach many things to, I want to prepare you for everything, I want you to go crazy with desire and scream in my face to take you hard and mercilessly. That's what I want, and only you can give it to me. You'll be my apprentice, he said with a smile.

That man had never had such a great obsession with a woman as he did with her. Belle was different, stubborn, the only one who challenged him, went against him, and didn't fear confronting him.

I was happy until you showed up, you damn fool, she shouted, still in his arms.

Please, Belle, were you going to deprive yourself of these things? Were you going to dedicate yourself to vows? With that face and figure, you would drive more than one man crazy.

I already drove one man crazy, and that's why I'm here.

You're mistaken, you're here because I want you to be. One day, far in the future, you won't want to leave my arms, and you'll be the one begging me not to leave your side, their lips were inches away from each other. Marco restrained himself from kissing her.

Not in your dreams, she replied, lifting her chin. I'm not afraid of you.

In my dreams, you scream my name and are mine over and over again, he said with a smile.

Are you holding back? Why haven't you done it? You brought me here and haven't done it. What's stopping you?

Don't play with me, because you won't come out unscathed, he pulled her closer to him so she could feel what she aroused in his body.

You're a...

What? he raised an eyebrow. Have you never felt a hard penis brushing against your groin? Do you know how many times I've had to pleasure myself imagining you beneath me?

That's disgusting, she limited herself to saying. Marco then released his grip on her.

That's what you do to me, he pointed to his erection. Until you're calm, you won't leave the room.

The girl looked at her trembling hands. Having him close confused her. He was crazy. She wanted to escape from there as soon as possible.

And what if I want to leave?

The Italian smiled.

You'll tell Matteo, he'll take you wherever you want, as long as I know about it.

I'm not a pet, she replied in response.

You'll be the only woman to set foot in my room. You deserve respect just as my men have it with me.

What respect would I have for you?! Don't expect respect when you brought me here against my will.

He ignored her words and continued on his way to the door.

You know, if you want something, tell it to Matteo, he replied before leaving the room.

The Italian made his way to his room. He needed to tend to the wound and take a cold shower. The encounter with Belle had left him with a painful erection.

Why do you have to be so difficult? He took a photograph of her while drinking a glass of brandy. At this rate, Marco knew everything about her, even her favorite shampoo.

He took off his clothes and walked naked to the bathroom, leaning his hands on the tiles as the water ran over his body. He thought over and over about the day she would be his; he knew he wouldn't be able to let her go after tasting her body. He couldn't let anyone else have her more than him. He would kill anyone who did.

After a few minutes, Marco left the shower when he heard his mobile phone ringing on the nightstand. He walked out naked and answered the call.

Tell me you have news, Matteo.

Unfortunately, sir.

Well?

This matter is better discussed at your mansion, Don.

Fine, don't delay, he replied, hanging up the call. He quickly pulled a white shirt and a black jacket from his wardrobe and was ready in less than ten minutes.

The Italian left the room followed by his men when he saw her in the garden. Belle was wearing a yellow dress that highlighted the tan color of her skin.

Sir, the office is ready, one of the men interrupted him.

Marco put his hands in his trouser pockets and headed to the office. After entering, he sat in the main chair, as all decisions within the family had to be made in the presence of those who worked for him.

I've found evidence of the person behind all this, sir.

Speak, Matteo, I don't have all damn day for you. What information do you have?

The man took an envelope from his jacket and handed it to him. Marco tore it open and found photographs of his cousin in Rome.

Fabrizio? he raised an eyebrow, unable to believe it.

He was in Rome on the day of the attack.

Are you sure about this? Fabrizio is like a brother to me," he said, annoyed.

I wouldn't bring false information, Don.

He still refused to believe that his cousin could be behind all of this. He couldn't bring himself to betray him. He had sworn loyalty to the family members. He had no reason to do such a thing.

I think there has been a mistake, investigate thoroughly," he said angrily.

But sir..., the man argued. The information has been verified."

Investigate properly, damn it! he shouted, throwing the envelope to the floor. You know me, Matteo, I can't stand inefficiency, he said, grabbing him by the shoulders. Double-check it."

Understood, sir. I'll conduct a better investigation.

You better. Let go of him and stormed out of the office, furious, heading towards the garden.

Belle was sitting on one of the chairs, looking at the pool. The place was beautiful, except for the fact that it belonged to a mobster.

Would you like to take a dip? he whispered in her ear. You can do it; no one will stop you. I'll gladly watch."

I'd like it if you left me alone," she replied.

That's never going to happen," he replied as he stood in front of her.

That strange obsession you have with me will soon be over. I know guys like you; sooner or later, you'll seek a prostitute to satisfy you.

You have no idea what kind of man I am. I'm not like the movies or series you watch on Netflix.

Are you worse? Marco..., she whispered as she stood up. What's your weakness? We all have one."

What do you think it is?" He brought his hand to her waist, causing her to fall against his chest.

Belle placed her hands on his chest. It was as hard as marble, and she couldn't escape from his arms.

Belle..., three weeks and you tremble like a rabbit," he mocked playfully.

She slapped him on the cheek, immediately reddening it.

You can't dispose of me whenever you feel like it!

And you can't hit me whenever you want! Fury filled his eyes. Let it be the last time you defy me, understand?" He gripped her hand tightly.

I'm not afraid of you. Animal.

You should be, because if you do it again, you'll stay in my room, and you won't leave until your legs tremble with just taking a step.

Rape is a crime.

I traffic, I sometimes do drugs, I kill people, but I have never touched a woman without her consent. The day you want it, I won't have to say anything because that day you'll ask for it.

Belle burst into laughter.

Don't mock me," she said, sounding annoyed.

Can you imagine it every night? he raised an eyebrow. I'm curious to know."

It's not just at night that I think about you; you're always on my mind, arousing my libido.

Belle moved away from him, not wanting to hear what he had to say. Meanwhile, Marco hadn't taken his eyes off her pink lips. Before she could escape, he forcefully grabbed her and kissed her.

Their lips met, and his tongue sought her mouth. Belle hit his chest, trying to free herself, but it didn't stop him. She let out a moan as the kiss continued, seemingly eternal.

See how you're falling, little by little?" he responded, observing her flushed face.

Idiot," she muttered.

You're perfect, Belle, he held her chin in his hands. Yellow looks beautiful on you," he said before retreating back into the mansion..

CHAPTER 2

Belle woke up to the noise coming from the mansion's main garden. Marco had gotten up early with his men for target practice.

That idiot is driving me crazy, she said, covering her ears with one of the pillows.

Within seconds, a woman entered the room with a table full of food.

Good morning, miss. This is your breakfast, she said.

Belle examined each dish. She had never eaten so much for just breakfast in her life. Usually, they only brought things like pancakes with honey and milk. This looked more like dinner than breakfast.

The boss asked me to tell you that once you finish breakfast, you should wear one of the dresses from the closet and join him at the pool. He suggested the color yellow.

And who does he think he is to come and give me orders? she thought to herself.

Thank you, but I'm not going down to see anyone, she replied.

The woman looked at her as if she were crazy and then left the room. Belle didn't even bother to taste any of the dishes; she just wanted to leave as soon as possible. She returned to bed and covered herself with the sheets.

After two hours of practice, Marco went up to his room to take a shower. He was sweaty from the intense training. Now more than ever, he had to stay alert for anything that might come against him.

Sir, the girl refused to come down to see you, his security man informed him.

What? he raised an incredulous eyebrow. Did you bring her breakfast?

Yes, sir, she didn't say anything else after that.

Marco walked away from the employee toward Belle's room. There was nothing in the world that angered him more than someone disobeying him.

I'm trying to be patient with her, and she keeps getting worse, he muttered under his breath.

He was about to open the door when his security man stopped him.

Don Marco, this is important. I have news from Barcelona.

Let's discuss it in my office, both men headed there.

Matteo explained everything to Marco once again. It was his cousin Fabrizio who was behind it all. Although it was hard for him to believe.

This... this is serious, Marco whispered, running his hands through his hair. It's about family.

I know, sir. Perhaps you can convince him that whatever he's trying to do is really risky.

No one is going to say anything about this. It will stay between you and me. Fabrizio is like a brother to me. It's best if I talk to him privately.

I support you in all your decisions, sir, but this is undoubtedly madness.

Matteo, I know what to do. As long as the Black Phoenix doesn't turn against me, everything will be fine. You know those guys won't show me any mercy. They didn't with my father.

I know, Don Marco.

You may leave now.

Matteo left the office while Marco approached the minibar, took out a bottle of whiskey, and poured it into a glass. Then he lit one of his cigarettes.

"What are you planning,