Alissia POVStanding, I head to the fridge and pull out a bottle of water. I need the moment to think—compose myself. Demitri’s offer hangs in the air like a challenge, one I’m desperate to accept but terrified of at the same time. I want to know. I want to know what it feels like for a woman in his life who gets to see everything, who means more than just a casual fling. That’s the only way I can truly capture it for my book.I take a deep breath, then turn to face him, squaring my shoulders. “Yes,” I say, voice steadier than I feel inside. “That’s exactly what I want.”Behind me, Blake whistles, and Lucas snickers.Demitri steps forward, his presence commanding the room. “And you’ll follow my every order? Do everything I say?” His words are edged with something dark, and I feel my pulse quicken.God, I don’t give up control. But something in me—maybe that reckless, insatiable curiosity—makes me nod, even though it feels like I’m forcing it.“Then prove it,” Demitri says, his voice l
Lucas POVI sit next to Alissia, the tension in the room finally dissipating as the door closes behind Demitri and Blake. They’re gone, for now. I stretch out on the couch, letting myself relax for the first time tonight.She sits beside me, her eyes glancing toward me like she’s sizing me up—probably trying to figure out if she should really be doing this. I can practically feel the questions buzzing in her head.See, I never intended to get too deep with Alissia. Sure, there was a pull, something intriguing about her, but dating? Fucking? That wasn’t part of the plan. At least, not until I watched her stand up to Demitri without a hint of fear. That confidence, that fire—damn, it was sexy as hell.And now? Now it’s more than just her. It’s the fact that Demitri and Blake want her too, that competitive edge crawling under my skin. I want to be the one to win her over, to be the first to claim her, to fuck her. Am I crazy for it? Maybe. I never thought I’d get caught up in something l
Lucas POVGiving in to her now would be the easy part, but it’s not what I want—not yet. Alissia made it clear she plans to stay single, to keep her distance, and if I kissed her now, it would just be a kiss. Empty. A moment that fades before it really begins.That’s where Demitri and Blake got it wrong. They rushed in, chasing the instant satisfaction, but they missed the real game. Where was the longing, the slow burn that makes her want more? If either of them had pulled back at the last second, left her on the edge of it, she’d be craving it now. They could’ve had her thinking about it, wondering when it would happen again, wondering why it didn’t.Pulling away? It’s not rejection. It’s control. And it’s mine now, not hers.As I move back slightly, I see it. The flicker of confusion in her eyes, like she’s trying to figure me out, trying to understand why I didn’t close the distance between us. She’s used to being in control, to making the choices, deciding who she lets in. But I
Alissia POVI stay with my legs draped over Lucas, thinking I’m the one in control, but apparently, in his mind, it’s the opposite. Typical. Across the room, Jenni glances at me now and then, cooking dinner. I know she’s waiting for an explanation. Maybe later when I head to bed, I’ll sneak into her room and fill her in. At least there, I can speak without worrying about Lucas overhearing.“So, what made you move here?” Lucas asks, his eyes narrowing as if he’s trying to piece me together.I shrug, trying to keep it casual. “Honestly? It was kind of impulsive. One minute I’m scrolling through my feed, the next, I’m like, ‘Why not?’ So I started looking for roommates, found Jenni, and here I am.”It sounds like nothing, and to me, it really wasn’t a big deal. There’s a freedom here I couldn’t find back in the UK.“Just like that, huh?” He chuckles, not quite buying the simplicity of it. “So, a change of scenery?”I nod, grinning. I’d always wanted out of the UK, and downtown Chicago fe
Alissia POVI should pull away. I know I should. But I don’t. I'm always in control, I never give it up. Yet now? God, I'm weak.“Surrender,” he repeats, his voice a low, seductive murmur. His fingers pause at the base of my neck, lingering just above my collarbone, as if daring me to lean into his touch. “It’s not about losing control. It’s about choosing who you give it to.”The words hit me harder than I expect, like a punch to the gut. I feel my pulse quicken, heat rising in my cheeks. His fingers brush over my skin again, and this time, I can’t help it—my breath catches in my throat.I’ve been playing this game with him, with all of them—holding my ground, keeping my distance, convincing myself I’m in control. But right now? Right now, it feels like Lucas is the one holding the cards. And God, it’s intoxicating.I need to turn around. I want to turn around. But I can already feel the shift happening, like the moment I face him, everything changes. Everything. And once I do, I kno
Demitri POVLeaving Alissia with Lucas was hard. There was something in Lucas’s eyes, a glint of amusement, like he had a plan—something he wasn’t telling me. But I left, trusting she would be fine. Still, it didn’t sit right. Not with the way she looked at him, not with the way Lucas seemed to thrive on her attention. I should have stayed, but I didn’t.When I return, Axel is waiting for me, leaning casually against the wall, his arms crossed and an amused smirk on his face.“Finally decided to come back, huh?” he teases. “Thought maybe you got lost or something. You know you missed an important meeting this morning, right?”I shoot him a glare, but he’s not wrong. I completely forgot about the meeting. My mind’s been tangled up in Alissia. “I was… occupied,” I say, brushing past him toward the hallway.Axel follows, his smirk growing wider. “Occupied, huh? Didn’t know ‘occupied’ was code for spending the night with a certain writer. Seems like Lucas wasn’t the only one with a plan.”
Demitri POVWe stop and look around the warehouse.Axel leans in close, lowering his voice. “The shipment should arrive within the week, and the diamonds will be split for distribution in three different countries—France, Switzerland, and Dubai. Security’s tight on all ends, but you know how these things go. There’s always a risk of something slipping through the cracks.”I nod, watching as a crate is pried open nearby, revealing several small, velvet-lined boxes inside. Each contains diamonds—each sparkling like they hold secrets of their own. These stones could make or break the deal with Felipe tomorrow, but that’s not what worries me.No, what worries me is Alissia. Taking her to this meeting is playing with fire, and I’m not sure she understands just how quickly she could get burned.“Let’s get this over with,” I mutter, nodding toward the men in the office. “Then I’ll figure out how to handle tomorrow.”I push open the door to the office, the scent of stale cigars and whiskey hi
AlissiaI wake up to Demitri leaning over me, and I instantly hate him for it. The sleep was too good, too peaceful, and now it’s shattered by his presence. I roll out of Jenni’s bed, still half-asleep, and stumble into my room for a quick shower.Once I’m dressed—choosing a skirt and shirt that feel professional enough—I slip on my shoes and head out. As I walk into the living room, I catch Lucas and Demitri locked in a silent battle of glares. Fantastic. Not this again. I sigh, aiming for the kitchen, but Demitri’s hand shoots out, catching my arm before I can get far.“No time for that. We’ll grab you coffee on the way,” he says, his tone as smooth and controlled as ever. “Say goodbye to your serial killer friend.” His mockery is laced with amusement, but I can practically feel Lucas bristling behind me.I give Demitri a pointed look, then turn to Lucas. “Thanks for protecting me from all his... paranoia,” I quip, knowing it will get under Demitri’s skin.Lucas smirks, stepping for
Alissia POVWe stare at the masterpiece in front of us, both marveling at its presentation. When we finally cut into the crispy shell, the savory aroma that wafts out is heavenly. Each bite is a delightful mix of textures and flavors—the smoky salami, the tender meatballs, the melted cheese, and the rich, buttery pastry crust. We eat slowly, savoring each bite, occasionally exchanging looks of awe.“This is… amazing,” Jenni sighs, eyes closed in bliss.“Demitri was right about this place,” I say, thoroughly enjoying the meal. After a moment, I take a deep breath, and Jenni notices the thoughtful look on my face.“So,” she says, arching an eyebrow, “you look like there’s something else you want to share.”A small smile tugs at my lips. “I told them I love them,” I say, watching her eyes light up.“Wait, really? All three of them?”I nod, feeling
Alissia POVAs I step into the room, all three of them turn to face me, eyes sharp and expectant.“Where do you think you’re going?” Demitri’s voice is calm but curious.“To grab something to eat,” I say, unable to hold back a grin. “Jenni and I are going to have some food, maybe a few drinks, just to relax.”Demitri raises an eyebrow. “Go to La Dolce.” Demitri looks at me.“We will, so is that a yes?” I ask.“Fine. Just promise me you’re not getting wasted.” Demitri laughs.I hold up my pinky finger, giving him my most innocent smile. “Pinky promise. I’ll keep it classy.”He nods, though his gaze is still assessing. “Alright. Axel will drive you both there and pick you up. You don’t leave that restaurant, understood? If you need anything, call.”“I won’t leave. I promise,” I ass
Alissia POVJenni relaxes a bit more, then looks over at my laptop. “So, how’s the story coming along?” she asks, a hint of curiosity brightening her eyes. “Did you get much done today?”I glance at the screen and let out a small laugh. “It’s coming along, I think. A lot of it is inspired by what’s happened recently—though I’m definitely taking some liberties.” I tap the keys absentmindedly, thinking of the fictional twists I’ve added, but there’s a thread of reality that I know she can pick up on.“Is it still about that reckless author who dives into the criminal world to experience it for her book?” she teases. “Trying to understand those three mysterious men?”I chuckle. “Absolutely. She just keeps digging herself in deeper and deeper. It’s more complicated now, though. She’s starting to realize that it’s not just her career on
Alissia POVAfter a long soak in the bath, I slip into something comfortable, letting the warmth linger as I step into the main room. Demitri and Axel are seated, heads close together, clearly engrossed in some business matter. I grab my laptop, determined to finally make progress on my story. Writing has been an uphill climb lately, but with a deep breath, I settle in, knowing I can’t put it off any longer.About ten minutes in, I feel restless, my fingers drumming against the keyboard. I close the laptop, needing a small break. “Coffee?” I offer, needing one myself, Demitri’s eyes lift, a soft smile forming.“Sure,” he replies, nodding. I move to the kitchen, pulling out the cups and setting up the coffeemaker. A moment later, strong arms slide around my waist, pulling me back against a familiar chest. My body instantly relaxes, a smile tugging at my lips as Demitri’s hand traces a slow path up the inside of my top, hi
Blake POVOdell leans back in his cell, putting on an exaggerated pout. “Aw, come on, Lucas. I was really looking forward to having a new toy in here. You can’t just dangle the possibility and take it away. Can’t you work a little magic and get the cutie locked up anyway?”Lucas chuckles, shaking his head. “Who knows, Odell. If he slips up again, he just might end up right where you want him.” With that, he ends the call, slipping his phone back into his pocket.Jake is staring at Lucas with a sickened expression, the reality of what just happened settling heavily on his face. Lucas smirks, a glint of dark amusement in his eyes. “All the best underground men have connections, Jake. Consider this a guarantee—if you go back on the deal, you’ll find yourself kept nice and warm every night by Odell. And he’ll be waiting.”Jake swallows, his face pale as he nods, finally underst
Blake POVI’ve been at this for well over an hour, digging through every piece of information on Jake with Lucas by my side. We’ve uncovered bits and pieces, small incriminating details here and there, but nothing substantial enough to send him running from Jenni for good. Every promising lead fizzles out, and frustration gnaws at me. Without the option to kill him—since Jenni would inevitably blame Alissia for any “mysterious disappearance”—we’re left with blackmail or some other way to scare him off.Lucas mutters under his breath, frustration clearly getting to him as well. Then, out of nowhere, he chuckles, the sound low and amused. I look up from my screen, curious.“You found something?” I ask, hopeful.“No, but I’d bet anything that, based on how long they’ve been quiet, she’s probably got Demitri under her thumb,” he smirks, eyes glinting with amusement.I g
Alissia POVWith a playful smirk, I slip off his lap, stepping back to let his anticipation build, and turn to the wall where the riding crop hangs. I take my time reaching for it, letting him see exactly what’s coming next, his eyes narrowing as I turn back to him with the crop in hand."Alissia," he growls. I smile, the leather handle feels warm and familiar in my grip, and I run it slowly up his thigh, watching the way his muscles tense with each inch it travels. He’s trying to hide his reaction, but the light in his eyes betrays him.I stroke the crop up his chest, tracing a path along his abs, letting it dance over his collarbone, teasing him as he breathes a little faster. Without warning, I flick my wrist, letting the crop tap his shoulder lightly. He stiffens, but there’s a spark in his gaze, his lips pressing into a tight line as he suppresses the smirk I know is fighting to surface.I climb back onto his lap, feeling the heat r
Alissia POVTurning to my closet, I run my fingers over the rows of carefully chosen outfits, my eyes settling on a pair of towering black heels. I slip them on, the extra height adding a confidence that makes me grin. I glance across the shelves lined with lingerie, eyeing the sets, each more daring than the last.If I’m going to break him tonight, I’ll need to make it worth his while. A lap dance, perhaps? Slowly stripping, just to watch him squirm in that perfect combination of lust and restraint? The thought makes me smirk, and I reach for a set of black lace that leaves little to the imagination, with thin straps and delicate material that hugs in all the right places.I study myself in the mirror for a second. The reflection staring back at me is both fierce and playful, fully aware of the power she holds tonight. I give my hair a slight tousle, running a finger along my lower lip as I consider my next move. Then, slipping on a
Alissia POVI make my way down the hall and slip into the hidden room that Demitri calls his “sanctuary,” but I’ve taken to calling it what it truly is—his personal dungeon. Dark, luxurious walls lined with velvet and leather greet me, along with the faint scent of musk and rich wood. It’s a place where he’s always been in control, where every inch of it has been arranged to cater to his dominance. But today, I want to turn that on its head. I know when he's in this room, Axel knows not to try contact him. It's where he hides from things even if he's not using it.I let my fingers trail over the variety of implements he’s neatly arranged on a sideboard. There’s an artistry to how he’s laid them out, like they’re his favorite tools. The leather cuffs, the ropes, the paddle, each placed with deliberate care. I pick up one of the silk scarves, running the soft material between my fingers as a small grin plays on