Nick’s POV ‘At such a crucial time, you didn’t wear the necklace I gifted you. At the very least finding you would’ve been easy. Do you despise me that much? So much that you’ll put away everything I’ve gotten you? I’ve only ever wanted to keep you safe but my life’s full of f*cked up events’.“The necklace tracker is useless now” My mumbles were swallowed by a gulp of red wine. It tasted like shit, like hell! Everything’s shitty tonight. I’m losing my composure faster than I’ve ever did in my life. The thought of putting her through this turmoil again was devastating. I stood and walked towards my training room. My emotions were complex, I needed a means to blow out steam. Juliet was crossing the line again and again but I couldn’t do anything because of Adam. Maybe I should hand over the clan to her, it has brought nothing but pain and misery! My shirt dropped to the ground and so did my last thread of self control.“Thud! Thud!”The punching bag took the hit and I didn’t bo
Nick’s POV A soft chuckle twitched my ears, she must find it amusing to be having such a conversation again but none of this felt funny to me. “Of course you were, why wouldn’t you? After all, I’ve got your little pet”My end of the call remained silence, is this what they called anger management? It was a hell load of bull. I’ve never considered Juliet a step-mother, not even once! That title was too goddamn dignified for her. A concubine is all that comes to mind when I think of her. “Cut to the chase” I’m not a fool, I knew exactly what she wanted and the thought of hearing her say it triggered an unspeakable surge within me. “Oh but you know, don’t you? What I want isn’t something anyone can give me”Her words caused my brows to furrow, what’s she aiming at? “But” she added “what you can give to me is the journal ledger. The golden one in exchange for your...pet”A sadistic smile stretched my lips causing the dangling drops of sweat on my jaw to vibrate. Only two people h
Nightfall has never seemed darker in Nicklaus broad-way structured room. His majestic but downcast figure stood before the heat strengthened glass and as he listened to Klaus words his eyes lost all trace of warmth. “R35 has no parents, no distance relations just a wife and a kid, they’ve been missing for some months but there hasn’t been news of such a report, I’m guessing he’s aware of wherever Juliet kept them”For a moment no one spoke, only Nicklaus shortened breathing hummed over the call and then he voiced “when I said bring them to me I didn’t mean pick them up from a yard...”His words dragged out making sure Klaus got the hidden meaning but for clarity he added “...I meant steal, capture, torture, blackmail. Whatever it would take to snatch them from Juliet’s grasps, do it! Leave no stone unturned, find them and bring them to me!”His low but dangerous growls displayed the depths of his intentions, he was done with being logical, heck! The shadows of these unprecedented h
Bella’s POV The ride began quiet and smooth, I knew Emily had a lot to say but the future uncertainties kept us at bay. Indeed it’s hard to believe that I’m on the road searching for Arya, by this exact time last night we were having a heartfelt conversation in bed. I glanced over and noticed Emily’s drifting, she was fighting hard to stay awake, I couldn’t help but feel her helplessness. She just landed and had no moment of rest, the stress on her face testified to that.My body slightly tensed behind the wheels, staring at the building before me gave me a shuddering feeling. “We’re here” My voice above a whisper shot up Emily’s groggy eyes. “Where’s this?” She yawned a response and I mentally fell silent. If I was asked what to call this place, what would I say? My emotions were too complex right now so I just blurted out “Nicklaus’ friend’s place, he should have some answers”.With this I got out first and approached the gates, Emily followed behind but then I noticed she reac
Bella’s POV The suffocating silence somehow brought solace to my heart, the last thing I wanted was to hear a word from him. I appeared as cool as a cucumber but my insides were twisting with discomfort. I had my suspicions but experiencing that scene first hand was too cruel for me. “Aren’t you gonna say anything?”Klaus voice stole my moment of peace, even my silent sober had to be taken away by him! I didn’t reply mostly because I was too torn to speak, I feared that my voice would crack into tears if I dared open my mouth and I’ll be damned if I let myself sink into such humiliation. After all it wasn’t as if I caught my boyfriend cheating, we’re nothing to each other so I kept my lips sealed.“Your being silent is more unsettling than confrontation”. As he spoke he’d tilt his head from the road to my direction but my gaze stayed plastered on the windshield. He let out a sigh and added.“It’s really not what it looks like-”.I didn’t know when my cool demeanor cracked because
Bella’s POV The temperature in the car dropped a notch, Klaus expression turned serious as he kicked the engines and made a U-turn at the intersection. I’m guessing our destination was Mega Casino Lounge. This wasn’t owned by my family but they were one of our major competitors. The owners were notorious for building Casinos that housed criminals and black market trading. It’s safe to say we’re driving towards a danger zone. Regardless, when Klaus told me to stay put in the car I was livid, “I can handle myself” I retorted but he didn’t respond and just shut the doors, circling the car to get to me. “You promised not to get in my way. Keep it and do as I say” I wanted to challenge him but remained quiet and folded my hands in displeasure. He didn’t mind and walked right into the bubbling Casino. The colorful lights displayed symbols that read all sorts of betting wins, it had the ability to make even a saint gamble, I had to give it to them, their marketing strategy was impressiv
Bella’s POV My gaze moved to the big boss and I caught his lecherous stares on me, he didn’t bother to hide it as he licked his lips provocatively. My instincts were to watch Klaus reaction but I didn’t, there’s no point in letting hope cloud my heart so I took my seat beside Klaus and not a moment too soon the big boss spoke.“Now here’s a deal I’d like to make. Give her to me and I’d consider your request”I almost coughed at how direct he was, I’ve dealt with a lot of similar cases but he was too straightforward! My only bet was to be direct as well, no good would come from beating around the bush. The proposal wasn’t directed to me but I took the initiative before Klaus would ruin the motion. In the not so formal dining with men stationed all around the room I locked eyes with Mr. big boss and scoffed a mocking laugh. “As if you could handle me”“Hah! Feisty I like, the bid just went up. I wouldn’t just consider, I’d give you the information you require. Deal?”With that quest
Bella’s POV ‘Rule number one, never aim low. If you’re gonna take a risk then make sure it’s worth it!’ The echoing sound of my father’s voice resounded in my depths unknowingly creeping a smile on my cheeks. I remembered asking what’s rule number two but he’s answer shocked me. ‘There’s no rule number two. This isn’t a game of luck or intentions, it’s s a game of wit and agility. Never forget, there’s only one rule’. I didn’t realize how zoned out I was until I noticed his boys closing in on us,“Take her” His commanded baffled me, I haven’t even revealed my cards, yet he assumed I had lost. My gaze moved to Klaus and I caught his hands coiling around his gun. Things were gonna get messy!“Wait” I gestured with my right hand lifted and the room instantly fell still, every movement paused. The choked air was suffocating but I found a way to breathe as I spoke.“Why’re you in such a hurry?”Even if I tried I couldn’t stop the coy smile from forming my lips, seeing his confused