The room was thick with tension, a silent battle of wits playing out between Charles and the lawyer, Mr. Aldrin. The man in the well-tailored suit hadn’t lost his pleasant expression, but there was a distinct shift in his demeanor—a quiet, dangerous kind of authority that I hadn’t noticed before. His fingers skimmed over the polished wooden desk as he leaned forward slightly, his smile never faltering. "Mr. Vantorel," he said smoothly, "I must remind you that, as per the contract you have just signed, inquiries regarding the firm’s internal workings are not within your rights to request." Charles' smirk faltered. "Oh? And why is that?" Mr. Aldrin tilted his head slightly, amusement flashing behind his eyes. "Because you have already received full access to the funds, and, legally, your concerns should now be directed towards ensuring proper management of your newly compensated property." Marianne shifted beside Charles, her perfectly manicured nails tapping against the side
I took a deep breath before stepping outside, my heels clicking against the pavement. The black Rolls-Royce Phantom was just as intimidating up close—sleek, polished to perfection, and a statement of absolute power. The kind of car that turned heads wherever it went. Standing beside it was a man dressed in a sharp black suit. He had the posture of a trained soldier—straight-backed, hands clasped in front of him, his expression unreadable behind his dark sunglasses. The driver. Beside him stood a woman, her navy dress tailored to perfection, a clipboard tucked neatly under her arm. Her hair was pulled into a sleek bun, and she had that poised, no-nonsense aura of someone who got things done. The secretary. I put on my most polite, practiced smile—the one I used to fake my way through unwanted social interactions. “It’s a pleasure to meet you both.” The driver gave a respectful nod before moving toward the car, opening the door for me without a word. The secretary, howev
I forced a delighted expression onto my face as I turned to Carla. "Carla!" I said brightly, tilting my head as if her presence alone was a pleasant surprise. "What a coincidence. I didn't think I'd run into you here." From the corner of my eye, I subtly signaled to Mira, the briefest flick of my fingers, a warning to 'not blow my cover'. Mira’s expression remained unreadable, but I could feel her assessing the situation. Carla, ever the queen of condescension, smiled like a cat that had found an injured bird. "I was just so* surprised to see you here, Selene. In this mall, of all places." She glanced at Mira, her gaze sweeping over the clipboard in her hands before flicking back to me. "I assume she's the one in charge of making purchases. And you—what, tagging along as a good little maid?" My smile didn’t falter. "Oh, Carla. Always so thoughtful." I turned to Mira with a playful glint in my eyes. "Can you believe it? Carla’s so concerned about my career choices." Mira said nothin
The moment the saleswoman approached, her demeanor shifted. It was subtle, almost imperceptible, but I caught it. The slight widening of her eyes, the small intake of breath—she recognized something. Me.Not as Selene the barmaid or Selene the maid, but Selene, the Code White—the label reserved for those linked intimately to a Mafia business deal. More importantly, to Raphael Delano. She quickly masked her reaction, schooling her expression into one of smooth professionalism. “Miss,” she greeted, her tone laced with respect but not overt enough to draw attention. “Would you like to see our private collection?” I met her gaze, catching the silent message beneath her words. 'Do you wish to keep your status private?' “Yes, that would be lovely,” I said smoothly, keeping my voice even. Mira, as sharp as ever, picked up on the exchange instantly. She gave a single, approving nod before subtly positioning herself between me and Carla—effectively cutting off any further conversation
I sat stiffly in the grand study, my eyes trained on Madame Elara, who stood before me like a war general preparing to send me into battle."Conversation," she began in a clipped tone, "is not merely about exchanging words, Miss Selene. It is about power. Control. Influence." I barely suppressed an eye roll. She continued, completely ignoring my growing disinterest. "When you walk into that ballroom tonight, you will be surrounded by the most powerful figures in the underworld. Each of them will be analyzing your every move, every syllable that escapes your lips. One misstep, and you could tarnish Mr. Delano’s reputation." I perked up. "Oh? So, what you're saying is, I hold immense power here?" Mira let out a barely audible snicker. Madame Elara exhaled sharply through her nose. "Not in the way you’re thinking, Miss Selene." I shrugged. "Still sounds like I have some leverage." "You do not," she deadpanned. Raphael, who had been silently watching, smirked. "I don’t kno
The moment I slipped on the eye mask, I felt like I had stepped into the role of some undercover agent. The silk fabric molded against my skin, concealing half my face, adding a sense of mystery to the already dangerous game Raphael had thrown me into.The event center loomed ahead like a fortress hidden in the depths of the city. Grand. Secluded. Unreachable to anyone outside the world of crime and power. The car slowed to a smooth stop in front of towering iron gates, guarded by men in crisp black suits, their expressions blank, yet their sharp gazes scanning every car that approached.One of them stepped forward, peering into the tinted window. The moment he caught sight of Raphael, he stiffened and immediately signaled for the gates to open.A silent show of respect. Or fear.Mira and Xavier exited first, surveying the surroundings with trained precision before opening the door for Raphael and me.I exhaled slowly as I stepped out, my heels clicking against the marble driveway. Th
Raphael’s posture remained relaxed, his expression unreadable, but I could feel the tension rolling off him in quiet, dangerous waves. Dante, ever the troublemaker, leaned back slightly, a lazy grin stretching across his face. “Relax, cousin. I’m only making observations. No need to act like I just threatened your empire.” “You’re not a threat,” Raphael said flatly. Dante chuckled. “That’s what makes me dangerous.” Dante was pushing his buttons, testing the limits of his patience, enjoying every second of it. I had to admit—it was entertaining.Watching Raphael try to stay composed while his cousin poked at him like an annoying little brother made him feel... less perfect. Less like the untouchable Mafia king and more like a man who could be provoked. That was interesting. However, the atmosphere shifted the second a new voice interrupted their exchange. “Mr. Delano,” a smooth, measured voice called out. Both men turned at the same time, their silent battle of wills m
Raphael's grip on my hips tightened, his fingers pressing into the fabric of my gown like a silent warning. His breath was warm against my skin, controlled—too controlled.And I knew—I had him.I smirked, shifting slightly in his lap, feeling the heat radiating off him. "You always act so composed, Mr. Delano," I whispered, trailing my fingers up the line of his collar. "But I wonder… how long can you keep it up?" His jaw tensed, his blue eyes darkening into something dangerous, something possessive. "Careful, Little Rabbit," he murmured, his voice a low rasp against my ear. "You're playing with fire." I leaned closer, letting my lips hover just over his. "Then burn me." In a swift motion, he crushed his lips against mine. It wasn’t soft. It wasn’t sweet. It was raw, commanding—devouring. His fingers dug into my hips, pulling me flush against him as his tongue traced the seam of my lips, demanding entry. I gasped, and he took the opportunity to deepen the kiss, his dominanc
I stood in the dimly lit changing room, the cool metal of the locker pressing against my back as I tried to steady my breathing. The scent of stale sweat and faint perfume lingered in the air, grounding me in the present. My heart still raced from the encounter in the lounge, and a nagging feeling settled deep in my gut.That had been too close.Way too close.And something told me it wasn’t over.Not even close.I peeled the damp blouse from my skin, the fabric clinging stubbornly before finally letting go. The chill of the room prickled my exposed flesh, but I welcomed the sensation—it kept me alert. As I rummaged through my locker for a spare shirt, the door creaked open behind me."Selene," Victor's voice was low, cautious.I turned, clutching the fresh blouse to my chest. "Victor, you scared me.""Sorry," he said, stepping inside and letting the door close softly behind him. His eyes darted around the room before settling on me. "We need to talk."I nodded, sensing the urgency in
Victor caught my eye again. A flicker of a plan forming behind his brow.And then I felt it—Dante’s gaze settling back on me.I could feel it burning a hole into my cheek even before I turned.“Selene—”Shit.I cut him off with a gasp, deliberately tilting the tray in my hand.Liquid poured out.All over my chest.Down the center of my blouse.Over the curve of my breasts.The alcohol soaked through the thin fabric instantly, clinging to my skin, making the material almost transparent.I froze. Gasped.And then put on a little show.“Oh no,” I squeaked, high-pitched again. “Clumsy me.”Heads turned.Dante’s brows arched.Victor looked startled for half a second before catching on.I blinked innocently at Dante. “Sir… I’ll need to go change.”His eyes lingered.Too long.His gaze dipped down to where the soaked fabric clung to my nipples. His tongue flicked across his bottom lip before he caught himself and leaned back.He waved a hand. “Sure, sure. Do what you need.”I turned quickly,
The door knob rattled again, more insistently this time. The muffled sounds of the orgy faded into the background as a tense silence enveloped the room. All eyes were drawn to the entrance, anticipation and apprehension thick in the air.I stood frozen, the tray of drinks trembling slightly in my hands. My heart pounded against my ribcage, each beat echoing the dread pooling in my stomach. I knew that handle. I'd seen that sharp flick of movement before. And I already felt it in my gut.It was him.Victor.The door creaked open, revealing a tall, imposing figure silhouetted against the dim hallway light. Victor stepped into the room with the confidence of a man who owned every space he entered. His piercing blue eyes scanned the scene, narrowing slightly as they settled on me."Well," he drawled, his voice smooth yet laced with menace. "Is this how you spend your evenings, Selene?"A cold shiver ran down my spine. The room's occupants shifted uncomfortably, sensing the shift in atmosp
[Warning~Explicit content] ––––––––––– Victor stepped in with the sharpness of a man whose patience was a fraying thread. His jaw was tight, his shoulders squared like he’d been preparing for this. The light from the hallway cut behind him, casting a tall shadow that stretched across the polished floor. My lungs emptied. A subtle, silent exhale. Victor. Thank God. His eyes scanned the room, fast and clean. Calculating. And then, like a switch, his expression shifted—plastered on a lazy, disarming grin as he walked in with the pretense of someone who just happened to stroll into a casual Friday night. But I knew better. He’d been watching the cameras. Probably from the back office. Probably from the moment I stepped into the lounge. And he must’ve seen something he didn’t like. Across the room, one of Dante’s friends was still slapping his hips against the redhead’s bare ass, while another had his tongue halfway down a bartender’s throat. Gina refused to move beside me, her eye
I forced a smile that didn’t quite reach my eyes and tilted my head slightly, the way a harmless girl might do when caught off guard. My palms were sweating under the tray, and my heart hammered hard enough to bruise. I swallowed, letting my lips part slightly in a rehearsed smile. It felt like sugar melting on poison. My throat tightened, but I forced my voice up, lighter, higher, sweeter. “Oh… me?” I giggled—a sound I barely recognized as my own. “I think you must confuse me with someone else, sir. You’ve probably met dozens of beautiful women. I’m just… someone new.” Dante leaned back, head tilting slightly, the gold and crimson lights flickering across his sharp jawline. His eyes narrowed, lips curved in amusement. “Is that right?” he mused. “You don’t look like someone I’d forget.” I dropped my gaze. “That’s flattering, but I’m sure your list of unforgettable women is longer than this bar’s liquor shelf.” Dante tilted his head, amused, green eyes narrowing just slightly. “Th
The next hour spiraled into chaos.Something unprecedented.Soon, clothes began hitting the floor.Lingerie slipped down thighs. Shirts unbuttoned. Bras unclasped. The redhead let out a breathy moan as the blond suckled at her nipple in full view. Another friend had the braided girl moaning softly as his fingers worked between her legs. The guy who’d been kissed now had his mouth wrapped around his partner’s cock, bobbing enthusiastically while the others laughed and watched.The room stank of sex. Sweat. Cheap perfume. Expensive shame.Carla licked her lips as she watched, eyes glazed with a mixture of jealousy and arousal. I could feel it off her like heatwaves—she wanted to join them. She wanted to be the center of that depravity.She turned to Dante, biting her lip.But Dante’s eyes weren’t on her.They were on me.Every few minutes, he’d glance my way. Not subtle. Not embarrassed. Just…watching.Like he knew there was a puzzle here.And he liked puzzles.I felt exposed. Like he w
Dante’s green eyes didn’t leave mine, and I felt it—that slow crawl of recognition trying to settle in his gaze. My stomach dropped as he leaned back lazily on the velvet-lined couch, a smirk playing on his lips like he’d just stumbled on a memory he couldn’t place.He tilted his glass toward one of his friends beside him. "Tell me something, Enzo," he murmured, though his eyes stayed locked on me. "Have you ever met someone who looks too familiar… but you can’t quite remember if it was a good memory or a bad one?"My spine stiffened.Please don’t recognize me. Please don’t recognize me."Maybe a fling," Dante continued under his breath, just loud enough for me to catch. "Or the sister of one. You ever get that déjà vu?"Enzo chuckled, shrugging. “Sounds like every Friday night for you.”Dante laughed lightly, but it was hollow, distracted.I kept my gaze low, trained on the tray in my hands. The drinks, the cigarette holder, the snacks—all an excuse to stay silent. I stepped forward
The ride was silent—just the low hum of the engine and the occasional squeak of worn-out brakes as Charles took turns through the fading streets. I didn’t speak, didn’t offer him a look or a word. The last thing I needed was him sniffing around my business. He was too good at that. I needed a clean break before the night bled into chaos. "Selene," he began, his voice a strained attempt at calm, "are you sure about this? Going to the bar tonight?" I kept my eyes on the passing streets. "Yes." He sighed, a heavy exhale that spoke of frustration and unspoken words. "I just worry about you. That place... it's not safe." A bitter smile tugged at my lips. "Safety is relative, don't you think? Why are you showing care now?" Charles didn't respond. Instead, he pulled the car to a stop near the bus stop, the neon glow of the city casting shadows across his face. "At least let me drive you all the way." I shook my head, already reaching for the door handle. "No need. The bus will do." Bef
“Don’t flatter yourself, Cartwright.”I said it with enough edge to slice through his smirk, and for a moment, just a moment, he blinked. As if I’d scratched the surface of his pride. Then he recovered, tongue clicking against the roof of his mouth.“You wound me,” he said with a hand to his chest, all mock offense and smirking amusement. “But alright, I’ll behave… for now.”He turned as he heard approaching footsteps—slow, measured, familiar. My father. Just as expected.Charles had returned.“Selene?” His voice floated through the hedges, closer now. “James?”James met my eyes, silently asking for permission. I didn’t blink, just gave him the smallest tilt of my chin.Time to play our game.My father’s polished shoes crunched over the gravel path as he emerged into the clearing, eyes darting between James and me like a man desperate for good news. His face lit up, too quickly, too brightly.“There you are,” Charles said, voice almost oily with cheer. “Everything alright?”James turn