Chapter 6 Part 2
“Seriously, Rine. I’m not in the mood for clubbing right now. Besides, I look awful.” I said while she dragged me to the kitchen to ask Daniel for permission to leave early.
I wasn’t kidding about looking awful. My eyes were puffy and red, my face was swollen and had traces of tears, and my nose was blocked. I was a walking mess.
“Actually, this is the perfect time for clubbing because you feel like shit, so we need to fix it.“ She chirped happily, still dragging me.
I huffed and cursed her in my head. She’s a stubborn bitch, I know it’s done, I’m going, like it or not.
“Not to mention that I don’t have any ‘ Dresses ‘ to wear, heck I don’t even have a simple sundress,” I said, annoyed, saying dress sarcastically.
“Don’t worry boo I got your back, and actually I bought you a sexy dress as a birthday gift, and girl, you are damn lucky to have me as a best friend because this is going to be perfect.” She squealed.
We entered the kitchen, and Daniel smiled, greeting us.
“What can I do for you girls?” he asked while coating some donuts with chocolate glaze.
“Danny, can I steal Ari for the rest of the night? I know she still has a couple of hours in her shift, but please, can we go now?” she asked, batting her eyelashes.
“Mmm, Ariel, are you ok honey? You weren’t at your best today. Is everything ok?” Danny asked, concerned.
I smiled softly to assure him that everything was fine even though I didn’t believe it myself, but I didn’t want to worry him.
“Yeah, I’m ok just a little bit exhausted. Thank god it’s Friday.”
“OK sweetie, you can go home early today. Jason will be here in a minute, so it’s cool.”
I thanked him and kissed his left cheek then l headed with the hyper friend of mine, who didn’t stop talking about how excited she was or how we were going to have so much fun.
The car ride didn’t take long. We made it in 20 minutes. I was super tired, but I decided to do it. What do I have to lose, right? And it was my first visit to the club, so I was a little bit excited I won’t lie.
“So go take a quick shower in my ensuite bathroom, I’ll use the other one outside. We have only one and a half hours, and we have a lot to do. So be quick, babe.”
I chuckled when I saw Rine's almost flying figure leave the room; the girl was seriously excited, like really excited. Even though she is a party girl, unlike me; I guess maybe she is excited on my behalf.
I adjusted the water, making it a little warmer to help me get rid of the tension that gripped my body. I used some of Rine’s body wash, strawberry shampoo, and conditioner, then brushed my teeth with my toothbrush. I have one left here.
After drying my hair, I wrapped myself with a towel and went out to find Rine is back holding things in her hands and looking so giddy.
“Ok now here’s a new black thong, you are not going to need a bra.....” she said wiggling her eyebrows “....... And here’s your sexy dress.”
I wore the thong without taking off the towel; I don’t like the concept of thongs. They make me uncomfortable. I rarely wear them, but I tried to ignore the feeling.
I checked the so-called dress she brought me and I wasn’t shocked by the fact that the material of it going to cling to my body like a second skin or the fact that 3/4 of my boobs will be out there for everyone to see, cause it’s Rine duh it must be looking like that.
“So you think I’m going to wear that?” I said, putting my hands on my waist.
“No, I’m sure you gonna wear it.” She replied with a smirk.
“And that’s because............ “ I asked, urging her to finish my sentence by raising my left eyebrow.
“Because I said so and if you won’t do it, I swear to god, I’m gonna shove you in it by force.”
I cursed under my breath and snatched the offending object while looking disgusted as if it was the dirtiest sock in the world.
I wiggled myself in it and I barely made it without tearing the damn thing to shreds.
“Oh my god, you look so sexy and it fits you perfectly,” she said clapping her hands.
“It has to fit; it is five sizes smaller than me.” I rolled my eyes at her.
“Just shut up and let me straighten your hair.”
I sat for a whole thirty minutes in agony while the monster I call my friend straightened my hair. And another thirty minutes of doing my makeup. While she started to get ready, I checked my reflection in the mirror.
I was wearing a burgundy dress that almost reached my knees; it has a big cleavage in the front and my boobs were right in your face. The back of the dress was cute. I liked it. It showed almost my back. My hair was straightened and put in a high classy ponytail. My makeup was simple, almost natural.
When I was about to wear my Cerberus necklace, Rine threw me some high heels with the same dress color.
“Hey don’t wear that thing. It’s going to ruin the look and besides, it will make people busy to appreciate that damn hot body of yours.” She said, pouting.
I rolled my eyes and used the necklace as a bracelet around my left wrist to hide the ugly bruise I had that day. I put on the heels and faced my friend.
I studied Catherine; she was a gorgeous redhead with the milkiest skin I’d ever seen and the most beautiful forest green eyes ever.
She wore a mid-thigh flaming red backless dress, her wavy hair was neatly styled on her left shoulder, and she was the epitome of perfection. I seriously have no clue why a girl like her wants to be my friend.
“Ready girlfriend? I called an Uber.” Rine squealed.
“Umm yeah, where are we going?”
“Oh, I forgot to tell you, we are going to the best club ever. Called ‘ RED ‘ you gonna have so much fun, trust me. “
I followed her out and hopped in the car. After 20 minutes, we were standing in front of the club doors. There were a lot of people out there. It felt like a metro station, but they all were dressed nicely.
I noticed that everyone was looking at us as we headed to the doors.
The bouncer studied us for a while.
“Hey, kid, how many this time?“ The huge bouncer asked Rine in his gruff voice.
“Hi Nick, it’s only me and my friend.”
“OK, come in, have fun, and stay out of trouble.”
“I’ll thank you, Nicky,” Rine replied in a sing-song voice.
Inside was a whole different world. I was stunned. The club was huge, with a big bar on the left, an enormous dance floor, and a big flat screen on the right with some sofas under it.
And tables scattered around. There were spiral stairs that led to the second floor, of which half of it was covered by a black glass wall.
The whole club was red; I think that’s why it was named red duh.
Again, I was dragged by my friend to the bar, still gawking at everything.
The people who were dancing, the flirty men, the giggling women, the cute bartenders, everything was new to me.
“So, what would you like to drink?” My best friend asked when we reached the bar.
“You know I don’t drink, maybe lemonade?” I looked at the cute bartender, who nodded as I sat on a little stool.
“Ugh I hate you, I’m gonna have Sangria please.” Rine purred.
The cute man winked and started to work.
I sipped my lemonade quietly, not looking anywhere while Rine enjoyed her Sangria. After a couple of minutes, she started to dance.
“Hey Ari, let’s dance.”
“No, you can go. I’ll stay here.”
“Please bae dance with me,” she said, pouting.
“Ugh, alright. If the next song was good, I’ll.” I said, annoyed.
Unfortunately, the next song was one of my favorites, Lady Gaga ‘ Judas ‘ I groaned when Rine screamed and dragged me to the dance floor.
“Ready? You know the choreography, 1, 2, 3 go....” my crazy friend shouted.
We started to dance. I was a little bit timid at the beginning, but after a while; I danced with confidence.
I laughed so hard when Catherine made some faces when people circled us cheering; it was only us dancing. Rine started to twerk and grind, then dance sexily, taunting me. I followed suit and copied her. In the end, we were grinding, twerking, and feeling each other.
I wanna love you
But something’s pulling me away from you
Jesus is my virtue,
Judas is the demon I cling to
I cling to.........
When this part came Rine spooned me from behind, put her left hand on my left hip, her right hand choking me, she started to kiss my jawline and softly down to my neck nibbling on my earlobe in the way, then licking all the way down to my shoulder Provocatively and sensually.
We were so into the dance we didn’t even notice that the song had ended; the clapping and whistles brought us back to reality.
I blushed furiously, and Rine smirked
“Damn baby, I’m turning lesbian for you.”
I didn’t reply, I just stuck my tongue teasing her.
We sat down and ordered the same drinks again, and I gulped the whole thing in one go. I was very thirsty.
A new song started,
It was Redfoo’s‘ new thang ‘, Catherine’s favorite song. I grabbed her hands and ran to the dance floor and we danced like crazy. By the end, I was laughing, giggling, and panting.
My body felt on fire, and I started to sweat cold sweat. After a couple of minutes, we were separated and found some guy grabbing my hips and started to grind against my ass and grope my flesh. I flinched and pushed him weakly.
All of a sudden I felt cold sweat on my forehead and dizziness attacked me and that man was making it worse.
I breathed harshly and pushed him with all my might; I tried to talk, but he snatched my wrist, tugging me to his side aggressively.
All of a sudden a voice roared above the music and everything, everyone froze but me. I started to giggle.
“What the fuck do you think you are doing?”
The sweet, husky voice growled, making me shiver.
“Kid, are you ok? What the fuck is wrong with you? “
The sexy voice said again, turning my body to face him.
“OH MY GOODNESS. It’s you, the sexy stranger, my gangster.” I giggled swaying and ended up hugging him, my hands around his neck.
“The fuck? You are drunk?” my sexy gangster husked, caressing my cheek.
“No, I don’t drink,” I mumbled hoarsely, standing on my tiptoes, and looking into his eyes.
“You’re high?” he sneered, startling me.
Holding me with his left hand, his right one circled the man who was groping my neck.
“You fuckin drugged her. You spiked her drink. I’m gonna fuckin kill you,” he said, squeezing the man’s throat making him chock.
“Dude, I just fixed you a week ago c’mon. I’m not your private nurse, you know.” I said, pouting at him.
He didn’t reply, he just glared at me.
“You look so hot when you are angry,” I said purring, hugging his torso and licking his neck.
“Yum, you taste so good, too. I want to lick all of you.” I licked his whole neck when I reached his ear. I nibbled on his earlobe and bit harshly.
“Mmm, so delicious.” I moaned in his ear.
“Fuckin hell, Theodore, take that fucker and that bartender. I’ll deal with them later. Come, kid, let’s go,” he said, scooping me up in his arms.
“Where? I want to eat you now please, you’re so yummy. Hey, why I’m so hot and bothered.“ I protested.
“Little kid, you don’t know what you’re talking about. You need to take a nap or something.”
“Hey, I’m not a little kid. I’m eighteen, an adult woman.” I slapped his arms, pouting.
He looked down at me and said, “In that dress, yes you are,” he said huskily
“So you gonna let me eat you?” I said, caressing his chest.
He just chuckled and shook his head.
I smiled and snuggled closer to him. The last thing I remembered was the sound of a car engine.
Chapter 7 I groaned and closed my eyes tighter to block the light; I tried to use my arm as a shield, but I couldn’t. There was something heavy preventing me from moving. I groaned again, annoyed, but then I felt the little movement of a warm body next to me. Opening my eyes slowly, I looked down at that warm body. It was her, Ariel. She was sleeping peacefully snuggled at my side. Half of her body was above mine, her right arm around my torso, her right leg between my long legs, my right arm holding her tightly closer to my body. I used my left hand to brush some curls away to be able to see her beautiful face; she sighed and snuggled even closer. I smiled and searched for my alarm clock to check the time. 09:00 Am! I slept more than 8 hours?! That’s a first. I looked back at Ariel’s serene face again and remembered yesterday’s events. It was a hectic day, no doubt. After coming back from the Vegas meeting, I was discussing the new security details with Theo and Leo, and all of
Chapter 8 I finished quickly and headed to the second floor to see what kind of information Leo got. I didn’t forget what happened yesterday, even though I looked composed and calm, but deep inside I was seething. I can’t believe something like that happened in my club, to my Ariel. My Ariel?! Since when did I consider her mine? Since you gave her your necklace and marked her as yours ... I still don’t get it. Why did I do that? It’s like another me did that. I snorted. It’s true. It’s the other you alright, the beast inside you wanted her and when it wants anything, it just gets it. But why her? She’s eighteen, for God’s sake! Does it matter? She’s your woman now. Your beast claimed her as his... as yours. My beast..... Cerberus....... My mother gave me that name when I was a little kid saying that I have the soul of a beast, a hellhound, Cerberus, the mythical dog that guards the underworld, Hell. When did I ask my father why Cerberus? She said because I am like him, strong
Chapter 9 I sat on the bed for a while after Mr. Stranger left, still trying to comprehend what was going on. I still don’t understand. What am I doing here? Or How did I come here? I groaned and fell back on the bed; it was soft and tender and so freaking big wow. I turned on my stomach and inhaled deeply, and sighed. Yes, this is his smell. I still remember it perfectly. Though it started to fade back home, his masculine scent, mixed with his cologne, surrounded me like a safe cocoon. I rolled on the bed like a happy cat having her first dose of catnap. His scent made me feel high. I knew it was weird. I should be panicking right now because hello I wake up in a stranger’s bed, a dangerous one at that. But all I felt was safe and protected. Besides, he’s my stranger, so bite me if you don’t like it. I walked to the door he just entered before he left and found his walk-in closet and what I saw made me gap like an idiot. It was huge, bigger than our house, and had everything a
Chapter 10 After I made sure that Ariel was safe at her home and there was no one lurking around it, I headed back to the mansion. I have some serious interrogation to do; I need to know who was that asshole harassing my Ariel and why he chose her from all the girls in the club. I mean, I get it; she was so beautiful in her innocent way, so vibrant and so alive. Every soul in that club noticed her even, me, the coldest asshole. There, her heat and light draw me like a moth to the flames, but still why, especially her? There were so many women there ready to go for a one-night stand. I pinched the bridge of my nose and got out of the car. Everyone was busy doing their job, and as usual, Theo and Leo were waiting for me in my office. “So your girl is safe at home?” the smugness of Leo’s face irritated me. I ignored him as usual and faced my third after sitting behind my desk. “He still refuses to talk.“ I asked with a calm voice, unlike the storm that was raging inside me. “Yes, s
Chapter 11 I was so happy today. My heart felt light and carefree. The old couple’s celebration was a joyful event and a hopeful one, too. It gave me hope that maybe one day I will be lucky to have that kind of love. The love that goes beyond age, time, and whatever life might throw at you. The two looked so much in love, even though it had been years and years. Even though one of them sometimes forgot the other, still their love didn’t change or fade away. And also today, for the first time, I sang in front of people I knew, yes we are not that acquainted, but still, I did something out of my comfort zone. I took the books that were left on the tables with a huff. Some people don’t have the decency to return them back to the shelves. We are not your slaves here. I sorted them out and put everything in the right place, but when I was about to return to the tables again, I was pushed back harshly towards one of the shelves. “Ouch, what the hell?” I didn’t finish my complaint. I wa
Chapter 12 When we arrived at the mansion, Ariel was a little calmer. I know she was shocked; she felt betrayed by her closest friends. But still, I can’t wipe the triumphant glow deep inside me; yes I was happy not because she got her heartbroken. But because now she knew the truth about that Jap bastard, the way he looked at her and how he treated her as if she belonged to him was getting under my skin. I was this close to losing control and then killing him and screw the consequences. Ariel is mine and I will be damned if I let that boy take her from me. It doesn’t matter if she loved him or not; it doesn’t matter if she wanted to be with him; it doesn’t fucking matter if she doesn’t love me. All that mattered was she belonged to me. At that moment I had only one thought: eliminate the threat, and protect what is yours, yes at that moment I was the beast everyone claimed........ No, everyone knew that I was. I helped her out of the car and into the mansion. Leo was there wait
Chapter 13 I threw my hands in the air, frustrated. “This is ridiculous; I just want to help you, nothing more.” I glared at her. She is really starting to get on my nerves, ugh. “Because I can do it.” That’s all what she said, and I was shaking with anger and she stood there waltzing around doesn’t give a shit at all. “Hey, I was here first. You found me in this kitchen making breakfast. You have no right to dispose of me like that. I didn’t even finish my waffles.” Yes, my voice was whiney, but this woman was already treating me like a little kid. So fuck it. She tried more than once to make me leave. And when I told her I was in the middle of something, she sniffed my perfect waffle mix and then threw it in the garbage. “Miss please, go sit and I will take care of everything. Breakfast will be ready in 20 minutes.” She looked down at me with her nose raised up in the air; yep, I will kill someone today. The kitchen was getting crowded and people were gathering around to check
Chapter 14 I sat in my office, deep in thought, trying to figure out what was happening around me. Alessio’s disappearance and word in the streets are that he and his boss are at odds right now. Basically, he is a solo player at the moment, and Giovanni isn’t responsible for his actions anymore. But is this really the truth, or is this a new scheme? I can’t shake the idea that there is something wrong is happening and all the answers are right in front of me. But I can’t grasp them. I closed my eyes and tried to relax, stressing that it won’t do me anything. All I need now is to be ready and wait in silence. The Italians have lost their touch, and this organization has been crumbling for years now. This chaos was expected, but what I really don’t understand is why they come after me and mine now. We have been cautious to stay away from each other feet, especially since we work in different fields, even after what happened with Lena. I gritted my teeth. I don’t want to go thro
Chapter 33 Epilogue Michael, They think that they can take her away. They think that they can take her from me. Do they think that I would sit still and allow it? Lola has been mine since the day she was born on this earth. She belongs only to me, and not even god can claim her. Not even death can take her away from me. I would follow her to the depth of hell and I would never care who will get hurt in the process. I have watched her since the day she opened her beautiful eyes. I watched her grow into this amazingly beautiful young woman. I was about to tell her that she was mine after her eighteenth birthday in a few weeks. But then this shit happened. Those bastards had taken my Lola away, thinking that I would stay still and watch. When people look at me and see my smiling, cheerful face, they think of me as weak and naïve. Unlike my brother, who is evil and ruthless, but they don’t know the truth. It was me who chose to forsake this life, not because I was afraid of it,
Chapter 32 Pregnant?! Ariel is pregnant with my child, and she is eight weeks already. How come I didn’t notice the signs? We have been together every day ever since her mother passed away. I had my doubts that she was sick, but I had never thought that she might be pregnant. But to think of it, we have never used protection before. And it is all my fault all over again. I have ruined her future by making her pregnant so young. And after what had happened, this would be too much to handle. She is fragile and weak emotionally and physically. What if she decided to have an abortion? Do I have the right to tell her no and I want to keep that baby? I don’t want to be selfish again. I looked at Ariel as she slept peacefully. The frown on her face looked permanent and her expressions were ones of pain. I caressed between her brows and she sighed softly, making me smile to myself. Then I looked at my brother as he breathed deeply. Michael patted her hand after making sure that her
Chapter 31 “Are you going to be like that all day long? They are out doing some business as usual. Nothing new here, trust me.” Lola huffed as she dropped onto her bed and closed her eyes. She yawned, and I rolled my eyes. I don’t know how she could be as cool as a cucumber even though she knew that her brother and Gabriel were out seeking blood. Yes, I knew about that even though he had been trying to hide it from me, but I could see the signs. His insomnia, him watching me all night, then hugging the shit out of me while I was sleeping. Then in the morning, he got out walking on his tiptoes, not wanting to wake me up. As if I have slept a wink that night. He wanted to leave quickly, so I wouldn’t ask about his plans. He didn’t know that I would pretend to be asleep and not disturb him. After he went down, I went to Lola, and she has been bitching around since. I wanted to slap her, but I refrained. I was frustrated and worried at the same time. Gabriel is doing what I have a
Chapter 30 “We found him. A tip said that he was in Queens. And he was close to Ariel’s house.” Leo shouted from outside my bathroom frantically, and I burst out to meet him. “Where is she now?” Leo handed me a towel and rummaged through my closet to get me something to wear. “She is at her house with Lola and the boys. Jason, Jacob, and Tyler. I tried to call them and no one answered me.” I cursed under my breath as I was putting the shirt on, then ran downstairs while wearing my pants in the process. The house was in an uproar. Everyone was shouting and screaming, it was hectic. Someone bumped into me while holding his bleeding abdomen. He looked up at me and shouted. “We are under attack, sir. They are everywhere in the mansion. Without warning, we were swarmed up.” Leo gave me a concerned look and ran to the front door. He called out to someone outside, and then he disappeared. I ran upstairs, ignoring my men’s shouts and cries. I needed to call Ariel and make sure that
Chapter 29 I held my drink in my hand tightly as I watched my men moving around me like a beehive. Leo has been giving me these worried glances as if he wanted to tell me that there is some time to change my mind. But I ignored my close friend and watched my men gather, then call the ones who were still out handling business. This needs to be done now. I can’t wait anymore. It is as important to me as it is to Ariel. This is my vow to her as her lover and protector. And I have been failing to keep that promise. I downed my whisky and cleared my throat as it burned while it slid through my throat. Leo stood up and sat beside me on the couch, but I ignored him. I already knew what he was going to do. “Please reconsider this. At least till Theo is back. I need to be sure that there is someone who has your back. I will be busy to do that, Gabriel.” I stood up and went to the small bar in the den and filled my glass to the brim again. This isn’t from nervousness or cowardice. I ju
Chapter 28 I yawned and then opened my eyes. The room was still dark but I knew that we were already morning. Last night has been emotional on so many levels. It didn’t just heal me and make me snap out of that trance; I think it made my bond with Gabriel stronger. I know no one would understand this and would think me sick, but him promising me that I will get the revenge I seek was like a balm to my aching heart. Would I regret that decision? Yeah, maybe one day but now I want this to happen. No, I need it to come true. At least my mom would rest in peace knowing that this asshole was dead, too. I closed my eyes again trying to go back to sleep but couldn’t, so I went to the bathroom to take a shower. Gabriel has left me one of his t-shirts, clean boxers, and a towel. My heart clenched at his thoughtful gesture. He knows that I like wearing his clothes. Gabriel had been so kind and patient with me. That moment when I put the knife against his throat I thought about doing it.
Chapter 27 I put my arm above my head and closed my eyes. I was exhausted and tired, but for the past few days, I didn’t sleep a wink. I couldn’t. After seeing Ariel fall apart right in front of my eyes, my heart broke and there was a big hole in my chest. With all the money and influence I have, I could do nothing. I can’t bring back the dead. I wish that she could wake up from this nightmare and tell me what to do. I miss her voice, her smile, and her warmth. I miss having her between my arms. I miss my little one, like air, and I’m terrified that I will never get her back. I gritted my teeth and suppressed a curse; the place was full and because today was a weekend everyone was here in the den. I knew I should have gone to my apartment and stayed away from all of this racket, but I didn’t want to be alone. I didn’t want to be in a place where Ariel wasn’t aware of me or this world. Michael has told me she was fine, and this is how she was processing the loss of her mother.
Chapter 26 I sat in the corner, my eyes seeing nothing. Sometimes I feel numb, other times I feel angry. But most of the time, I’m just paralyzed. I think I shed all of my tears by now. It doesn’t matter how hard I try, I can’t shed a single one. I hugged myself, trembling. The dark room wasn’t cold. Nevertheless, my body started to shake. I screamed when the pounding behind my eyelids intensified. “You left me, mom. You promised that you would be beside me when I graduate. You said you would help me choose my wedding dress. You said you would name my first baby.” I wailed. This is too much. Why did she have to leave? And like this! Someone knocked on the door, but as usual, I refused to acknowledge them. I have been here for almost two weeks now, or I think it has been more. I have lost count after the first ten days have passed. I stink, I’m hungry and I don’t feel well. But my mind chose to ignore all of that and had only one thought. “Why am I still alive? I should be the
Chapter 25 We stood in front of the morgue’s wide doors; Ariel’s smaller figure so close to mine, as if she wanted to disappear from all those prying eyes. Since we arrived at the hospital, every nurse and doctor who wasn’t busy with something came to console her and she was on autopilot. She nodded her head in acknowledgment; she hugged back and said a few thank you. I was way out of my element here, and couldn’t do anything to make this better. My brother said that she has to face her reality to move on or this would turn ugly. I knew that he was right, but it didn’t mean that I didn’t want to help her. Like right now, she stood beside me with one shaky hand stretched out to the door handle and not moving. “We can go back home and come tomorrow if you are not ready.” She raised her glazed eyes to me. “I…I want to do this now or I will never do it.” Michael gave me a look and opened the door for us. Her knees buckled, but I held her tighter and walked inside. My brother