Reign of Pride
Dark Reign Book 1
by A.G. Kirkham
Genre: Contemporary Mafia Romance
Nero was born and raised to take over "La Famiglia". It is his destiny. Along with this power comes traditions, one being marrying a dutiful wife to have dutiful babies and raise them to respect the ways of the family. It is a severe handicap to fall in love. Enemies take those you love and use them to their advantage. Can Nero resist the youth and charm of Felicia or will she be the downfall of his destiny? Can he lose all he desires by letting his heart rule instead of his head?
Felicia always knew that she would be promised in marriage, but was assured by her father that her future husband would be a man that she could fall in love with and would love her in return. Instead, when an attack hits the school, Felicia grabs her friend's hand and they run for their lives. Her quick thinking saved them both and her reward, Nero. Felicia understands tradition and the ways of the Famiglia but was not prepared to marry the next Capo. How does she make a man made of ice fall in love with her?
“Felicia, we are aware that you could have run off and left Grazia behind. She told us how you wouldn’t give up and dragged her along all the way. My daughter has never been in a situation where she had cause to worry and she would have been taken, and God only knows what else would have happened had you not taken control,” the capo continued. “I understand that you have never been in such a situation either. You showed great ability. We are proud to have you in our famiglia. It is due to your great bravery that I would like to gift you with one of my greatest treasures.”
“Thank you, Mr. Moretti, but that’s not necessary. I was glad I was able to help.”
“A gift cannot be refused, my dear,” Marco eyes spoke louder than words.
I looked at my father for guidance.
My father nodded at me, then said, “Capo, it is with great respect that we accept your gift. Felicia just wants impress that she is not expecting one,” Dad took my hand reassuringly.
I nodded, hoping I wasn’t insulting him and causing problems for my father.
“Nero and I have discussed this at great length,” Marco said. He then turned his attention to me. “My gift to you is a strong, handsome, husband. Your future will be secure. I have given this considerable thought.”
I was stunned into silence. I blinked, not sure what to say. I was afraid to say anything. When I glanced in Dad's direction, I saw that he was as surprised as I was. I took a few deep breaths. I cleared my throat and uttered, “Who? Who do you have in mind?” My hands were clasped tightly in my lap and I could feel Dad tense beside me.
Nero cleared his throat then said the one word that decided my entire future.
“Me.”
I lead her to the altar where the priest commences the ceremony. Felicia’s gaze is fixed on the priest and listening attentively to the words being said, avoiding my eyes. We are asked to turn and face one another.
“Do you take this man to be your husband, to love, honor, and obey, until death do you part?” the priest asks.
She replies, her voice sweet, clear, and firm, “I do.”
When the same is asked of me, I respond, “I do.”
Felicia slides the band on my finger. Her shaking hands take a moment longer and her eyes peer up at me, as she bites her lower lip. I then take her hand firmly in mine and glide the ring onto her finger. I don’t let go, ensuring that she hears my words “Famiglia per sempre,” I utter for only her to hear me.
“Famiglia per sempre,” she whispers.
“You may now kiss your bride,” says the priest.
I take a step forward, keeping her hands in mine, and lower my mouth. Her eyes widen until I am a breath away, then they flit closed as my lips meet hers. In a simple kiss, I mold my lips to hers. I take in her scent and pull back before I lose control and pull her to me to ravage her mouth. I lead her down the aisle, accepting congratulations. My wife by my side, now and forever.
Their first disagreement:
There was so much food left over, I’d suggested that Dario and Livio have some. I was surprised that Nero had agreed and had called the guys in. As it turned out, he’d wanted to use the opportunity to make formal introductions.
“Felicia, Livio and Dario are your bodyguards. You will not go anywhere without them,” he announced.
I’d been shocked at his sudden change of demeanor and had gaped while the two men had looked at their shoes and had avoided my gaze.
“But—”
“Felicia, you are now my wife, and this makes you a target for our enemies. Dario and Livio have prepared themselves for years to protect my family. You won’t give them trouble and we don’t need to discuss this further.”
I’d been so angry, I wanted to kick him in the shin. He’d realized I was upset as well so he’d raised his hand to dismiss the men before I blew. I contained myself until the door clicked shut.
“I want Lorenzo. He’s been protecting me for years!” I yelled. “You said I could keep him and now you go behind my back and pick two guys I barely know?” My chest had been heaving and I’d waved my hands around because I’d been so angry.
“Stop, Felicia. I make those decisions. It is my job to ensure your safety. I have very good reasons for choosing these men. Not that I owe you an explanation. My word is law in this home,” he reminded me.
“Do you hear yourself? You’ve declared yourself a dictator,” I spurted out angrily.
“I would stop now unless you want to incite my rage,” he hissed through clenched teeth.
“Your rage? What about mine?” I asked. I’d stormed over to him to give a nice big piece of my mind, but as soon as I’d gotten close enough to him, he’d grabbed my upper arms and pulled me to my toes as he bent his head down so that our eyes met and his lips had been a mere whisper away from mine.
“I do not usually explain myself nor will you expect me to in the future, however, I will do this one last time. Lorenzo’s wife is expecting a child and his mindset is on his wife and child as well as his boys as they should be at this time. He will be divided in his thoughts. If he should not be up to this task and a critical mistake made while on watch, he would pay dearly. I took this option away from him so that he does not have to make that choice. Dario and Livio have no family to consider. They’re young and want to move up in the family. They’ve been trained by me and I have no doubt of their loyalty and abilities. I don’t take my role lightly and I won’t compromise on your safety. Is that understood?”
I’d listened to what he’d said although I was lost in the deepness of those eyes. All I’d been able to do was nod. Then his mouth closed over mine in a kiss that was deep, languorous… and panty-melting. I’d fisted his shirt to hold steady as his lips molded against mine.
“I think I have found an appropriate way to soothe my wife’s temper.” He’d tipped his lips upwards in a sly smile. Then he’d led me out of the room and up the spiral staircase to our bedroom.
I am rattled awake by the car jolting over potholes in the road. My head aches and when, I move my head, I feel something oozing down my face. My hands are bound. I force my eyes open. I must be dreaming. I blink to force the haze out of my mind and refocus. Zio Amate is in the front seat next to a husky man.
“She’s awake,” the guy says.
“Fuck, I was hoping we could drop her off without her seeing me,” he exclaims, not even acknowledging my presence.
“Doesn’t matter. When they’re done with her, she won’t be able to say your name,” says the slimeball.
I start looking around and make an attempt to open the door. I would prefer taking my chances rolling out of a moving car then what they have in store for me.
“Sorry, Felicia, that won’t work,” Zio Amate states, barely acknowledging my presence.
“Why? What did I do to you?” I probe, the throbbing in my head getting worse.
“You’re a casualty of war. It’s time for a change in La Famiglia. If Nero can’t control his men and they end up shooting each other, and then he loses his wife to a rival family, the men won’t follow him as a leader and Marco Moretti will be forced to give the title to someone else. Someone who’s capable. I will petition the underbosses and I will win,” Amate says. “I bet your Nero is losing his mind right about now. He’s going to lose his mind and his wife. He will not be able to control his emotions and they will see him as the immature and incapable man that he is. Not a chance he will be the Don our Famiglia needs.”
“He will come for me,” I vow.
“I hope he does. Then they will kill you both and I won’t have to endure any other problems.”
He turns his back to me while his sidekick sneers at me in the rear-view mirror. We drive for at least another hour before heading down a dirt road to a secluded building. It looks abandoned but that doesn’t stop the slimeball from hauling me out of the car. He grabs my hands and leads me like cattle to slaughter while Amate leads the way into the building.
We are met by three men. Three lethal, hard, gorgeous men. Two of them are blond with blue eyes. The one in the centre has wavy chestnut hair and smoke gray eyes. All extremely large, not fat, but very big. They could crush me in an instant, but I refuse to cower. I am a Moretti; I will not weep or beg for mercy.
I straighten my shoulders and walk with purpose. I keep my eyes forward and chin held high.
“I have delivered my part of the deal,” Amate declares. He pulls me forward by my hands and throws me toward them. I stumble into one on the big guys, who grabs me before I hit the ground.
“I can see that,” says one of the other guys.
“You remember our deal. You do whatever you want with her, then you send her to Nero in pieces. Fuck her, whore her out, whatever, just make sure that when she speaks her last words to Nero, he knows that she has suffered,” he says.
I cringe at his words. I have heard what happens to women caught between feuding families.
“Don’t tell me how to do my job, Amate. I’m the Don of the Viale family; I shall do what I want with her with no commands from you.” He looks me up and down. “You brought me battered goods. Is this how you present a gift?”
“She put up a fight. We had to restrain her,” the slimeball says.
The Don turns his attention to one of the men behind him. “Sebastian, take Mrs. Moretti to the waiting room.”
I don’t want to go with him, but my options are limited. I could make an attempt to fight, but that’s only going to make me—and, therefore, my family—weak. I’m no match for these guys and there are too many of them. I’m just going to have to brazen it out and hope Nero finds me before it’s too late. But I will make him proud no matter what my fate.
Book Trailer
Stuff about you:
Can you, for those who don't know you already, tell something about yourself and how you became an author?
I have been writing since I was a young 12 year old girl and always escaped into my imagination. Life gives you a voyage and you ride the sea, going through all the tempest storms and then one day I hit calm waters and I noticed that my writing just started feeling right.
What is something unique/quirky about you?
I love to kickbox!
Tell us something really interesting that's happened to you!
I have a tendency of attracting very interesting people to me. Grocery stores, vacations, funerals, really odd places. Each person I meet leaves me with a gift of learning. Pretty cool!
What are some of your pet peeves?
My worst pet peeve is false promises. I totally get that circumstances change but keep me informed! Long lines, rudeness for no apparent reason are a couple of others.
Where were you born/grew up at?
Born in a room my dad rented in a little town in Italy called Monte San Giovanni Capagna by a midwife.
If you knew you'd die tomorrow, how would you spend your last day?
I would spend my day writing letters to everyone who meant something to me. Yes, I could tell them all, but a letter in my handwriting will never be forgotten and they will always have it to look at and read when they needed me.
Who is your hero and why?
SO MANY. My parents for taking a risk and starting a life in another country, alone with a baby. They ate, fought, slept and loved. Always together.
What kind of world ruler would you be?
A Queen! With my amazing King! I want to be fair, just and give hope.
What are you passionate about these days?
My grandchildren. Bettering the world for those to follow.
What do you do to unwind and relax?
READ! LOL! and watch movies with my hubby.
How to find time to write as a parent?
Well I am in the grandparent stage, however I am also part of the sandwich generation where both my parents and kids and grandkids need me. How do I manage? I carve out time and that is my time.
Describe yourself in 5 words or less!
Relentless, driven, loving, loyal and adventurous
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
When I took my first paperback out of the box and held it.
Do you have a favorite movie?
Sixteen Candles with Molly Ringwald
Which of your novels can you imagine made into a movie?
Right now I would say Reign of Pride.
As a writer, what would you choose as your mascot/avatar/spirit animal?
An eagle would be my guide. Always looking from above leading me where I need to be.
Stuff about the Book:
What inspired you to write this book?
Reign of Pride came to me when I realized that you may feel like you are in a situation where you may not be allowed the choice you want. How can we make a life for ourselves in circumstances where we feel powerless.
What can we expect from you in the future?
I am currently writing my fourth book in my MC Biker romance, RISK. After that I have my second book in my romance mafia series.
Can you tell us a little bit about the characters in (Name of book)?
Reign of Pride is the Book. Nero was raised knowing that the he would one day take over for his father. He is the second most fear man in his "Famiglia", the first his father. When it's time to marry, he knows that he must marry a woman who could rise to the occasion of being a Don's wife. What he is expected to due vs. what he wants and he wants Felicia.
Felicia is a sweet young thing that has also been raised in the Famiglia and knows that one day she will be married to a good man chosen by her father. Her heart is big and her courage greater, leading her to an unexpected fate. Her reward for her bravery, Nero!
Where did you come up with the names in the story?
Nero is the color black and he is the dark side of the couple. Felicia is sweet and a happy woman. Her name is happy and festive.
What did you enjoy most about writing this book?
I loved writing the connection within the family and the struggle finding balance between the light and the dark sides of their lives.
If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
Not at all! I write with my heart and this is where it led.
If your book was made into a film, who would you like to play the lead?
In Reign of Pride - Henry Cavill
Anything specific you want to tell your readers?
Life is precious, lead it your way.
If you could spend time with a character from your book whom would it be? And what would you do during that day?
I would spend the day with the character from my first book Guard. He is still a very secretive man and I would be spending my day exploring his world.
Are your characters based off real people or did they all come entirely from your imagination?
Of course we are influenced by the people we know and there are certain traits I see in those around, however, mostly they are people I want to be with and get to know.
Have you written any other books that are not published?
Only the one I am currently writing.
If your book had a candle, what scent would it be?
White chocolate with caramel cream scents
Is there a writer whose brain you would love to pick for advice? Who would that be and why?
So many of them!
Stuff about Writing/ Reading:
How long have you been writing?
Since I was 12 years old
Do the characters all come to you at the same time or do some of them come to you as you write?
It's cool that I am in the midst of writing one book and all of a sudden a completely different character comes to mind and I have to stop and put my thoughts down before I can continue.
Do you see writing as a career?
Absolutely. This is where I belong. This is a dream turning into reality.
What do you think about the current publishing market?
It is precarious. Traditional publishing has changed so much and self-publishing is a maze to maneuver. Still it's all worth it!
Do you read yourself and if so what is your favorite genre?
I love Romance. It's just me.
Do you prefer to write in silence or with noise? Why?
I am guided by music and I have even started writing a playlist at the back of my books.
Do you write one book at a time or do you have several going at a time?
I have pieces of characters from many books but I only write one book at a time.
Pen or typewriter or computer?
Pen and computer. Sometimes I like to see the words flow from my hand and other times my mind is too fast for the pen.
Tell us about a favorite character from a book.
From the book Orion. He is strong and passionate. Facing his fear and learning love doesn't have to end in tragedy. Sexy, secure, passionate and super intelligent. Loyal and willing to fight for what he wants.
Advice they would give new authors?
There will be those who love your book and those who don't. Write for yourself and the rest will come.
What is your writing process? For instance do you do an outline first? Do you do the chapters first?
It's all in my head and then I let the hands just write until it start to feel right. I know my characters and they just find their way to me when I write.
Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?
I write to appeal to women like me. To women who have lived and been hurt but are willing to take a chance.
If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
You matter! Be your authentic self.
How long on average does it take you to write a book?
It depends on the book. Some take 6 weeks and another took 6 months.
I was born in a small town in Italy. My parents are loving people; and true traditionalists. I grew up being a chatterbox of a child and evolved into a quiet and shy teenager. I was definitely not the life of the party. As a matter of fact, I never wanted to go to any high school dances or any activities the school offered. I was good with being alone. I had to grow into my own and I eventually became the fun loving, open-minded and creative person I am now. I love the ‘me’ I have become and I am grateful that this is where I have landed.
Writing is my release and I have escaped in my imagination to some incredible places meeting the most awesome characters. I also wanted to be a rock star but anyone who has ever heard me sing kindly convinced me that I do not have any talent. (In other words, I suck at it.)
Although I have been writing since I was in grade school, and I am a hopeless romantic.
Why I write romance? I thrive on two individuals connecting in mind, body and soul. The understanding of wants and needs and placing them as a priority and not out of fear of losing them or because you feel you need to concede; you do it because it feels easy and right in your own heart.
My other passion is cooking! I enjoy making meals for my family and friends and bantering around the table. I have colourful people in my life and they all add to my rainbow. I love music! I like it all, depending on my mood.
And lastly, I love to travel. I want to enjoy all that life has to offer. I want to meet people, learn from them and create the most fantastic, sexy love stories. If I can do this overlooking the ocean and feeling the breeze wash over me then I have my heaven on earth.
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