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 15 I woke up this morning in a good mood. Unlike the other days that followed this incident with my best friend, or should I say, ex-best friend. I turned around and rubbed my face into my billow. Mmm, it smells like Gabriel. My chest warmed at the thought. I didn’t imagine in a million years that he would come to just talk about what is bothering him. Yes, he didn’t give me any details or specific information still; he came only to me. I stretched my body languidly before groaning. It is a school day and school now sucks. I have no one to hang with, there is no one to eat lunch with, and certainly, everyone is evading me like a plague. I’m sure it has something to do with what happened back in the cafe, but how? I have no clue. The noise from downstairs caught my attention. Rose must be here and, as usual, doing something in the kitchen. I told her so many times that she didn’t need to make me breakfast, but she refused to listen. I think she feels guilty for being busy
Chapter 16 I stood there eyeing the three teenagers in my office. My back was to my office’s desk, Theo in the corner glaring at me while Leo was sitting on the leather couch glaring at them. The kids were standing in the middle of the office room, fidgeting, their eyes cast down, afraid to look at me directly. I rubbed my face before speaking. “So you are telling me that there was a fight at your school today and it was between Ariel and some cheerleader?” Lola looked up. “Her name is Tracy Kennedy. She is a friend of Catherine.” She looked at me expectantly, as if this girl’s name should make me somehow understand the relationship. Tyler skimmed his sweaty hands on his jeans. “Catherine is, or…. was Ariel’s friend. She is Rick’s girlfriend, who is always with Blake Roberson.” Leo sighed. “His father works with the Crimson dragon Yakuza.” I hummed and gestured to them to keep going. Lola spoke again, her voice stronger now when I didn’t outburst. “Catherine made Tracy insult A
Chapter 17 part 1 The house felt cold and sad. My mom left the first thing in the morning. She was so giddy to start her new course. If I were someone petty, I would say she was happy to get rid of me and leave me here alone by myself, but I knew how much she loved me and how reluctant she was when she found that I couldn’t stay with Catherine. I think Dr. Michael used his charms and good looks to convince her that he would take care of me. I left the kitchen with a glass of water in my hand, not in the mood to eat anything. I need to start packing. I still don’t know what to take and honestly; it doesn’t matter. All my clothes looked the same, hoodies, jeans and leggings. So here is that, ok let’s start with the toiletries. This is easier and less depressing, right? The annoying noise of the doorbell startled me and I ran to answer it, but the moment I opened it, I was shoved aside and a beautiful goddess entered. “Don’t tell me that you are still sleeping?! It is almost noon.
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