From Broken Innocence

PROLOGUE

LUCA D’AMORA

SEVEN YEARS OLD

“Papa, I don’t want to stay here,” I say for the fifth time. My father, Enzo D’Amora, ignores me and uses the elaborate door handle to announce our arrival at the manor. Green ivy climbs the brick walls of the massive structure, and I’m reminded of Mama’s favorite book The Secret Garden. I wonder if there is one hiding around here.

“You don’t have a choice, son. With your mama gone, this is the best place for you.” Enzo has explained this multiple times, but I still don’t understand why I must lose my papa and mama within the same week.

“I’m your son. I should live with you.” My arms stubbornly cross my chest as I glare at the huge oak door that swings open.

A man and a boy my age stand in the entry to greet us.

“Enzo,” the man clips, offering his hand to my father. They nod in greeting before Enzo tells me to go with the boy while he stays to discuss arrangements with Conrad, the manor owner.

“Hugo will show you to your new room. Remember to behave,” Papa warns.

“Listen to your father,” Conrad adds. “Blackchapel Manor is your home now. Don’t disrespect it or me.”

Hugo grabs my arm and tugs me toward the massive staircase while muttering under his breath, “Come on. I’ll introduce you to Mathias and Jonah.”

There are more boys?

Suddenly, this feels more like an orphanage for the unwanted than a safe haven while Papa figures out what to do with me.

I know he loves me.

He and Mama said so.

But he’s also part of the Italian mafia and is married to the don’s daughter. Papa can’t have a bastard son living with his wife and newborn son—my half-brother.

That’s what I overheard him tell Mama the day before she succumbed to her illness.

So, I need to live at Blackchapel Manor with his old friend Conrad Steele until he can figure out other arrangements.

But I’m starting to wonder if Papa will come back for me at all…

• Stalking
• Toxic Family
• Violence
• Explicit Sex
• Cursing/Offensive Language
• Dubious Consent
• Kidnapping

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