Follow
Chapters
Share
They Gambled With My Body, My Papa Bet Their Lives Novel Cover

They Gambled With My Body, My Papa Bet Their Lives

Winona sacrificed everything to help Julian Vitale rise to power, even taking a blade for him. However, her loyalty is met with a horrific betrayal when Julian prints her private photos on casino chips to bring his men luck. Overhearing him dismiss her as a mere plaything compared to his god-sister, Milena, Winona realizes her devotion meant nothing. In this dark mafia romance, a woman’s heart dies as she faces the reality of being a pawn in a ruthless underworld game.
Chapters
Share

Chapter 2

I didn't stop.

The two bodyguards immediately rushed forward, grabbed my arms, and dragged me back. The force pulled at the wound on my abdomen, and it split open instantly.

I sucked in a sharp breath as cold sweat broke out across my forehead.

They forced me down beside the gambling table, leaving me utterly disheveled.

Julian strode over at an unhurried pace and looked down at me.

He reached out and brushed my cheek with his fingertips. Then, he suddenly pinched my chin hard enough that it felt like my bones might crack.

His voice was ice cold. "Milena's hands just slipped when she was dressing your wound, and you kicked her out for that? Winona Lombardi, where did you get the nerve?"

"She did it on purpose—"

I tried to explain, but he didn't listen.

He grabbed a stack of photos from the table and flung them straight at my face. They scattered across the floor. Every single one was an original image used for the chips.

There were intimate angles, even photos of me posed while unconscious.

"Since you're so precious, let everyone take a good look and see exactly how much your body is worth."

He pointed toward the dealer's seat and coldly ordered, "Go deal the cards."

I stared at him in disbelief. "You want me to personally deal cards to the men who are eyeing my body? With chips that have my photos printed on them?"

He smiled. "You should feel honored."

The bodyguards forced me into the dealer's seat. I personally handed out chips stamped with my own body, one by one, to the men at the table.

As they took them, they whispered filthy remarks and reached out, pretending to take cards while actually touching me.

Every time I pulled my hand back, it sparked a round of laughter.

I thought Julian would rein them in, or at least preserve the last shred of dignity I had as the Don's wife, but reality proved me wrong.

Milena walked over and tugged gently at Julian's sleeve. Her face was full of concern.

"Julian, this doesn't seem right. Winona will be upset."

For a moment, I thought she had found her conscience.

Then, she changed her tune. "But Winona always acts so aloof. We all thought she was above all these things, but seeing her in this state makes her feel much more approachable."

She even flashed me a sweet smile afterward.

I refused to let the tears burning in my eyes fall and continued dealing. My face was completely blank.

I couldn't understand why Julian was doing this to me.

We had known each other since he was still a Picciotto. When we were dating, he treated me with meticulous care, and everyone envied me.

After we got married, my Papa transferred several critical smuggling routes and casino operations in Triangolo d'Oro to him, in my name.

I gave him everything I had, turning him from a lowly Picciotto who could barely stand his ground into a man whose every move could shake the entire underworld.

I thought we were husband and wife and partners in battle.

Even when Julian said he wanted a child, even when it left me unconscious every time and led to multiple IVF attempts, I never complained.

I only forced my weakened body to keep responding to him under his disappointed gaze.

It wasn't until today that I realized he had been lying to me all along.

I lowered my head and looked at the wedding ring on my finger. Nausea rose in my throat.

Suddenly, Julian raised his glass and announced to the entire room, "Tonight, the biggest winner gets more than just the pot. They also get Winona's personal after-hours service for one night."

The room erupted in excitement.

I felt as if I had fallen into a pit of despair as I stared at him.

The smile on his face had never felt colder.

You may also like

A Vow Written in Blood Novel Cover
8.9
Born with a cursed tongue that makes every spoken word a reality, a woman remains silent for two decades to protect the world. However, when her cruel billionaire husband, Connor Grant, punishes their young son by locking him in a kennel with vicious dogs, the child is killed. Consumed by grief and horror, she finally speaks to invoke a deadly oath. This dark fantasy romance follows her mission to destroy the Grant household through the terrifying power of her voice.
After Rebirth, I Chose the Bastard Novel Cover
7.9
After dying at the hands of rogues while her mate, Alpha Kay, protected her stepsister, a betrayed Luna is reborn. Granted a wish by the Alpha King, she shocks the Stormfang Pack by rejecting Kay to claim his exiled half-brother, Eli, as her new mate. Choosing the illegitimate son is her path to reclaiming her destiny and avoiding her past execution. However, her defiance triggers an unexpected obsession in Kay, who spirals into madness as she turns her back on their fated bond.
Best Actor Reclaims His Throne Novel Cover
9.6
After a suspicious stabbing on set, stunt double Scott wakes in the hospital to a shocking revelation. Floating text reveals his girlfriend and manager have betrayed him, using supernatural systems to steal his attributes for a rival named Francis. His physical care boosts Francis’s appearance via a Beauty System, while his professional labor grants Francis accolades through an Achievement System. Realizing his own hard work only fuels another's rise, Scott is forced to reconsider his future.
Her Halo Was My Money Novel Cover
8.0
After being left to die by her own family, a billionaire wakes up on the day her downfall began. Her sponsored student, Lillian Pegg, has stolen her identity and wealth to play a saintly heiress, winning over her in-laws and turning her son against her. Now back in time, the protagonist immediately cuts off Lillian’s funding. She is determined to dismantle the lies, reclaim her company, and ensure her backstabbing son and the fraud face total ruin.
I'm Pregnant, And It Isn't My Husband's Novel Cover
7.7
Olivia Pearson is just a pawn – a wife bought to rescue her father's ailing business. Her husband, Sebastian, maintains his icy grip over her life and escape feels like a pipe dream. But when Olivia uncovers the secrets of his empire filled with lies and illicit dealings, she decides to take control. The more she tries to figure things out, the more she realizes that the only person who can assist her might be Ethan Blackwood, Sebastian's brother, and the man who has captured her heart. Now Olivia is sandwiched between two brothers. The choice to make is simple but painfully difficult; the husband who owns her or the difficult, yet enticing lover who comes with freedom. It remains to be seen what is more perilous: that decision, or the consequences that follow. THIS IS A SIZZLING NEW ROMANCE – NO HANDS!
Marked by fate Novel Cover
9.7
Blurb "I, Alpha Jackson Caesar of the Black moon Pack, reject you as my mate!" Rose, a poor and humble slave, enters into a world of power, betrayal and forbidden love. Her life takes a drastic turn when she's saved by the feared yet kind Lycan Prince Aiden, her second chance mate. As their love gets stronger, jealousy and lies threaten to destroy them. Poisoned, kidnapped, almost killed. She unveils shocking truths. She is the long lost daughter of an Alpha and the rightful heir to a very powerful Pack. With enemies exposed, and love prevailing, Rose rises from a servant to a Luna, uniting two great Packs and reclaiming her destiny. But there's always a price to pay. Rose must fight to protect everything she loves.