Page 1 of Blackmailed to the Altar

CHAPTER ONE

Sebastian Caputo

Italy

I stoodin the shadowed entryway, barely breathing, as I watched the scene unfold in the bedroom. My brother’s wife, Eden, sat on the edge of the bed, her posture tense yet composed, like a statue carved from marble. Her voice was calm, measured, as she spoke to the woman on the laptop screen in front of her.

The psychiatrist was something else entirely. She was the smartest, hottest woman I’d ever laid eyes on. She had a voluptuous figure, with curves that spoke of confidence and power. Mya’s auburn hair cascaded in thick, wild curls down to her waist, catching the light and gleaming like fire. Freckles danced across her nose and cheeks, adding a youthful, almost innocent touch to her otherwise intense demeanor. Her skin was a warm, rich brown, and her full lips often curled into a knowing smile that hinted at both wisdom and warmth. Her eyes, though, those deep, intelligent green eyes, held a sharpness that could cut through steel.

I couldn’t take my eyes off her. Even through the laptop screen she exuded confidence, her every movement precise and purposeful. She leaned forward slightly, listening intently to Eden’s words, her expression a perfect balance of empathy and professional detachment. Her presence filled the virtual space, commanding attention without demanding it.

Eden was talking about the tragedy that had ripped through our family like a hurricane, leaving wreckage in its wake. The psychiatrist, Dr. Rivers, nodded slowly, her gaze never leaving Eden’s face on the screen. She whispered, her voice a low, soothing murmur that seemed to ease some of the tension in the room.

I felt a strange pull, a magnetic attraction that made it hard to stay hidden in the doorway. Mya’s aura was intoxicating, a blend of brilliance and beauty that was utterly captivating. She differed from anyone I’d ever met, her presence both calming and electrifying, even through a video call. I’d been sucked into viewing it after investigating this genius woman who wouldn’t give my baby brother Silas the time of day.

As I watched, a pang of jealousy twisted in my gut. It should’ve been me on that call, getting to know her, basking in her glow. But I knew better than to step into the light. This was Eden’s time, her moment of vulnerability, and Mya was here for her.

Still, I couldn’t tear myself away. The effortless grace with which she handled the delicate situation rooted me to the spot, captivated by the way Mya interacted with Eden. I felt a flicker of something deep inside me, something I hadn’t felt in a long time; a spark of hope, a glimmer of possibility.

I could steal her,his dark voice whispered in my mind.

I shook him off. I had no need for a woman.

She would be perfect for us.

I backed away from the room slowly, before Eden caught me checking out her session. It was ridiculous. A Don like myself, scampering through the corridors of my own home. However, my reign has been tenuous since my brother’s arrival. That hold had fractured since he’d knocked up his wife. My men were torn in their loyalty. Their faith was shaken by the loss in our ranks.

An older lady I called Nonna was pushing for marriage. She wasn’t our real grandmother, as both had perished when Silas made that deal that tore ourfamigliaapart.

Nonna pushed for a powerful alliance with a nice Italian woman, or even a Sicilian. Someone who would strengthen my foothold in Italy. Someone the men would accept as their queen. A woman who could give me many sons quickly.

Nonna just didn’t want to see me married off like Silas. She wouldn’t accept an American wife, another reason why Silas had been bypassed as the Don. Since they’d returned home, thefamigliawas trying to figure out where their loyalty lay, and I didn’t want to go on a killing spree just yet for unrest within our ranks. Nonna wasn’t a soldier, though. She didn’t approve of Eden. Nonna told me all the time what she really thought of Silas’ young bride. She was struggling through her education. Her family bloodlines were murky at best.

She wasn’t suited for a Caputo.

I wanted to help her cope. Maybe a friendly face, someone she knew well, could help her settle in this unfamiliar country. It was the only nicety I could afford her. Once I put Silas in his place, she would most likely break. Eden wasn’t as strong as an Italian woman, that was for sure. She needed someone to help her when I decided to punish my baby brother for setting foot in Italy in the first place.

Someone like that hot therapist?

My scars pulled as I straightened my gloves and I shook my head as I stalked to my office. No, not the psychiatrist. Surely,there was someone else. A friend? A family member? When I walked in and saw Eden’s file on my desk, I went through it again. Her parents sucked, and her friends were busy building their careers.

She had no one.

I knew this already. I was in denial. The only solution was to kidnap Dr. Rivers, since she couldn’t be bothered to answer her calls. I slid the article I’d found, of her accomplishments at Eden’s college, into my pocket, no longer needing to look at it. Recently, Dr. Mya Rivers had been helping the grief-stricken students from Eden’s old school. The serial killer, that was Eden’s uncle, wreaked havoc on the student body. Dr. Rivers was using new techniques she’d developed in high school.

The article talked about how she graduated at a young age, and got her PhD young as well. She was a genius, and she sounded like one, too. At least from what I’d seen. There was something weird in her records though, like pages had been ripped out. I’d have to figure out what was going on there later. The hair on the nape of my neck stood on its ends.

I felt as if his presence was in the room with me. Maybe Dr. Mya could be the answer to my own prayers. She could help me get rid of these urges. These violent thoughts.

Of course, leading the Italian Mafia daily brought on these things, but lately, I’d been struggling, and I had lost time, sometimes waking up next to a corpse or worse.

The memories haunt me. They make me believe I’m going crazy. After what happened to my fiancée and family… maybe I am. Dr. Mya could help. I whipped my phone out, unable to take my eyes off her as I dialed.

“Boss?” My underboss, Vito, answered after the first ring.

“Wheels up in thirty. I have a package to pick up in America.” I hung up after issuing my order, and gave my attention back to the young woman who intrigued me.

I stared into her eyes. She looked happy in this photo. Like a bright light that never had a flicker in all of its time. I was going to dim her light. I knew that already. Did it change anything?

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