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Chapter 124
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Claiming His Queen Chapter 126
Adler's ascent was a struggle, his head pounding, his vision blurred, and a sharp pain cutting through his skull.But the feeling of emptiness superseded them all—the perception that he had lost something important, a massive part of him, and was about to find out what. Heavy and crippling, it came with a fear that he wouldn't like what he'd find when he fully awakened.The clouds left his eyes, and he found himself staring at a glass cup on the drawer surface next to the bed he laid on. Yeah, that was familiar; what wasn't normal was waking up to sunlight. Something was wrong."I love you, Adler…."He jolted out of bed, ignoring the pounding ache in his head, swallowing hard as he stared at the empty bed. His heart sank, and reluctantly, he turned to the cup again. The white film on its surface and the weariness of his bones were enough to put it all together."I love you, Adler….don't look for me."Her voice echoed in his mind, the words giving meaning to the prevailing silence. It
Claiming His Queen Chapter 127
I ran so much that I forgot I could never outpace him. I believed I had learned not to betray him again, ensuring I was ahead of him whenever he required my presence.But with Adler, I had felt so secure that it was like my past never happened, but here I was before my nightmare, waiting for him to take revenge, or, as he would call it, repercussions."Where's Eva?" I murmured, and despite my slight, shaky tone, Antonio turned his head away in disapproval. "Where is my sister?"Legs crossed and enjoying my show, he scrutinized me with mock amusement, "Eva is alive and well and would remain so if you behave yourself.""I just want to see her," I whispered. "Do you have her?"He strolled towards me, holding up an object in his right hand. "Here, is this enough?"It was the gold mold we had gotten from Pa's pendant. Eva had carried it along with her, sometimes wrapping it around her wrist or, at others, around her neck.That he held it, meant...He dropped his hands down. "I would never
Claiming His Queen Chapter 128
LILYI applied gloss to my lips, then returned it to the drawer. Studying my reflection in the mirror, the corner of my lips curled in disdain.My brown strands, now a lustrous red, were pretty; the charming copper color turned me into another person, someone I hated being. It was this part of me that he had wounded—the glamorous and fiery part of me.Stomped down until it was quenched just the way he liked. I repaired the thin sleeve of my white evening dress. This was the aesthetic he wanted, and he turned me into it. The redhead without her fire—wasn't it just comfortable?I ran my fingers along my sides covered by the silk gown, then jerked around to a faint rap on the door. I waited, peeking at the clock overhead the door, even when I knew what I was being called for. I swallowed and walked over to the door.Slowly drawing it open with shaky fingers, I was met with a girl's frame, probably the same age as Eva; she genuflected and announced, "Master Vito calls you."I nodded; of c
Claiming His Queen Chapter 129
The gasp escaping my lips was loud and clear, catching their attention. In unison, I had four pairs of eyes in my direction. At that moment, I knew looking up was risky, for if I did, they might spell the truth in my disturbed pupils that the man whom they spoke about… well…“What's wrong?” Vito asked, and he raised my chin again. “You look flushed.”Knowing that opening my lips when his face was this close to mine would result in me stammering the words out, I said nothing, only holding his gaze and ensuring my pupils kept still. The mission wasn't possible.“Adler Domenico could be called a household name in the crime world, Vito,” Antonio broke the awkward silence, "a name heard but seen by few, and when you listen to the tales of his escapades, it's enough to make anyone gasp. I understand, Lily.”He used a lot of stumbling words to show he was solidly behind me, but that still wouldn't do if I didn't find a way to preserve myself, for in just two days of being here, I had gone of
Claiming His Queen Chapter 130
“Something wrong with the food? " I raised my face to meet Vito, sitting opposite me, spoon in hand and swallowing a mouth full. His attention was on his plate, and his hands still moved even when he glanced at me.I shook my head, grabbed my fork, and plunged it into my plate. "No," I uttered, then attempted a slight smile. "It's wonderful." Next, I took a slice of apple from my salad bowl and quickly popped it into my mouth to stave off further conversation.However, as soon as my lash dropped to my plate, I felt his gaze set on me again.This prolonged situation made me anxious. His intense gaze was fixed on me, and to compound my misery, he remained silent.We were alone outdoors eating dinner, the first we had together since I was brought to him, and something told me tonight had a reason. Besides, why were we outdoors? He cleared his throat, throwing me out of my trance and scrambling for my plate again."If you don't like the food, you can say that." He picked up a glass of w
Claiming His Queen Chapter 131
Kyra picked. That was what happened."...There was no need to storm off on me, Lily. All you had to do was say you wanted to leave, not ditch everyone,"She sounded calmer than the usual Kyra. I mean, the Kyra that I knew would swear into the phone and lay out a proper description of what she would do to my body, not sound too understanding, as if we were talking about the weather.Vito resumed his position across from me, his hawk-like eyes scrutinizing me as if his life hinged on it; I was aware that a mere stumble on my part could lead him to bring back Eva and put a bullet through her skull.We were alone, the table cleared, and the only voice apart from a cricket chirping nearby was my quiet one.Vito gestured for me to continue."Kyra, I need to speak to Adler.""You mean the same one that hasn't stepped foot in the Manor since you left?" She sounded flat, "Don't you watch the news where you are?""News?""Adler brought Lucid's down. You know what? Save yourself the trauma, and
Claiming His Queen Chapter 132
LILYWhen he wasn't back the next day, I found myself by my window staring into the compound, heart thudding at the expectation of his car cruising shortly.Once he was back, it would be over. It was here, in Italy, but somewhat close to Adler, it wasn't as gut-wrenching as being alone in a strange country with him.Curiosity about Eva's condition lingered within me, pondering whether she was awake, wrestling with the news of departure just as I was. I could vividly picture her silent struggle, envisioning her quivering at the mere utterance of his name.It was what he did to me, and it hurt to remember my sister would be going through the same.I heard a knock on my door, but instead of responding, I held my breath, staring out the window but seeing nothing. Even when I knew it couldn't be Vito, it was always the same reaction to a rap."Can I come in?" Antonio asked from outside the door.I released my breath and heard the door gently slide open, listening to his careful steps as he
Claiming His Queen Chapter 133
ADLEROne thing was fucking sure; He was about to get blood on his hands.He could feel the quick thud of her heartbeat against his arm, smell her fear in the room, and fuck damnit, did he want to bury a bullet in the writhing man's skull.It was agonizing climbing up the stairs that led to her, staring at the tracker, ignoring Kyra's call of being too careful as he raced the path the door slam came from...The blood smudges on the tiled floor that led him up to the room came from her feet, which he suspected were wounded by the broken glass on the floor in the mini bar, and now that he found her yet again, the alarm in his head was slowly becoming deep seethed hatred.She pressed her forehead against his chest, eyes shut and body rigid, waiting for the gunshot. Her anxiety was palpable as she gripped his shirt and held her breath.And that was when he remembered the oath he took of never allowing her to watch him kill, not after Enzo; she was traumatized enough. He buried his fingers
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Claiming His Queen Epilogue
ONE YEAR LATER**RUNE—KYRA**"...I'm just saying it's not fair Laron gets to spend the summer break with Luigi," Rune followed Kyra to Laron's wardrobe. "Luigi gets all of his weekends. What time do I get to have?"Kyra snatched Rune's equestrian leggings and walked back to the bed. "You're exaggerating again." She folded the leggings and tucked them into Laron's nearly overflowing box before turning to him. "You gave him the go-ahead, remember?""Yeah, but that was before I realized it was for a whole month. He's monopolizing all of Laron's free time," Rune sighed, flopping onto Laron's bed dramatically. "I just miss hanging out with my son, you know?"She stayed silent, and when he looked up, she was staring at him."Why?""Well," she zipped the bag close and walked up to him, "why does it seem like you haven't learned how to tell Laron no?"Rune frowned. "What are you saying? I tell him no all the time.""No, you don't." She straddled him, placing her hand flat on his chest. "Alri
Claiming His Queen Chapter 240
ADLERWhen he reached the Villa, the memories came hurling in. The last time he had been here, under that open shed, Larissa and Dimitri were having the time of their lives.He could still remember the lively evening, how he heard the chatters as soon as he parked, looking around him at the goons on every turn.Presently there was no single soul on this premises, but Adler knew better.Parking Kyra's motorcycle right in the center of the compound, he observed the house, its windows, all dark, except one of them, on the ground floor, the orange glow giving it an eerie touch.The gun firm in his left hand, Adler moved through the shadows, the moonlight his aid as he advanced headfirst through the entrance.Maneuvering his way through doors, following the orange glow, he placed his finger readily on the trigger, listening for a sound.But nothing came, just the faint silence.He felt it was coming to this, watching his opponent spiral down a rabbit hole as he struggled with the obsession
Claiming His Queen 239
ADLER**FOUR MONTHS AGO**He could hear the elevator go down and for the first time in his life since the afternoon his mother died, he wanted to drop to his knees and give it all up.It was over. The wet towel seemed to burn against his skin, the wet towel over his head was now hot lava, and the metal around his finger was rapidly heating up and cutting off his circulation.He couldn't make it, there was no use trying, for what he had done, this was well-deserved, two hells in one lifetime, he dared anyone to beat that?But Lily? His mind tugged. What about Lily? The thought that he was never going to see her again was too great a loss to take without trying.Adler rose.Then came the beam, whirling down and landing on where his lower legs were supposed to have been if he hadn't rolled over just in time, his palm flattened on the hot ground.Holy fuck! He snapped it back to himself and hastily yanked out the hot ring, hoping to save it but then kicked against the idea when the band s
Claiming His Queen Chapter 238
SALVATORESalvatore stirred, his lids opening as he gradually regained consciousness, eyes meeting the bright lights of the chandeliers above him.His head felt like a shattered egg, memories mangled and hitting him piece by piece, as the familiar aura registered. He was still in the manor, he could tell, but where exactly?The wails of a baby had his eyes snapping fully open, and Salvatore was sitting up in a jolt. The pain that went through him was like torrents, his head felt heavy, and the world around him seemed to spin."Hey look, our main guest is awake," Victor's taunts clouded his ears. "Christ, don't go back to sleep again, we've been waiting."Salvatore struggled to his feet, the sight before him sending his heart thudding.Victor sat on a settee, crossed-legged, with Eva beside him, hair stuck to her wet face, and her red-rimmed eyes staring forward, the hopelessness in them so obvious.If Constance's cries came from the crib, next to a goon, then where was Lily? He turne
Claiming His Queen 237
RUNERune could taste the blood that coated his mouth. Still, he gritted his teeth, refusing to let the cries out. With his hands held back, the old man pounded his fist into his abdomen unrelentingly.The pain was excruciating, each blow sending shockwaves through his body. Rune's vision blurred, but he forced himself to stay conscious, to keep thinking.There was no way out of this, he knew. They were behind closed doors, in a room that smelled like dust and cobwebs; no one could hear him here.Well, no one except Laron, whom he constantly ordered to shut his eyes. The boy stood before the second goon, eyes shut, yet tears still rolled down his face.Every sniffle he heard from Laron cut through like a knife, and he wished he could do something, be the super dad Laron believed in, but right now the only thing he could do was stare at the floor."Had enough?" the old man sneered, his knuckles smeared with Rune's blood. "I thought to make this easier on you, but..." He grabbed a handf
Claiming His Queen Chapter 236
SALVATORE"...What did you use this time?" Salvatore asked, slamming the booth shut. "Will they live?"Rune blinked, staring wide-eyed at him. "You wanted them to live?"Kyra's head shot up from the driver's seat. "What did you do?"Rune chuckled, raising both hands in mock surrender. "I'm kidding. The soldiers are alive. They'll feel some type of way tomorrow, but that's just Ketamine for ya."Salvatore fought the urge to pull out a pistol and aim at the fucker's right leg. This wasn't the time to be stupid; tension was high, and it was D-day.Just like Rune had promised, the compound had few goons, and they also seemed to be in panic. It would be this way until they got out of this godforsaken place."The back gate is empty," Rune whispered as he walked up to Kyra, cupping her face with both hands and kissing her full on the lips. "See you on the other side in a few minutes, Princess."But she drew him back in. Urgh, Salvatore groaned and turned away. Those two behaved like they wer
Claiming His Queen Chapter 235
SALVATORE"...There's been another attack." Victor inhaled the smoke from the lit end of his cigar. "It happened at the same time as the fire yesterday. Ruslan is finally convinced of my innocence."Salvatore shared a glance with Kyra and then back at Victor. Was he actually saying the fire he had started to disrupt the engagement and that had somehow gotten out of hand was connected with an attack?Quietly wincing as the cloth grazed his partially burnt arm, Salvatore returned his gaze to Victor, who was suddenly deep in thought."I'll be gone again," Victor waved away the smoke, "but this time for a few days. Again, Salvatore will stay behind. I wish it didn't have to be so, but I need someone I can trust to keep Eva safe."He resisted the urge to share another glance with his sister. Even though he couldn't read anything on her straight countenance, he knew she was still mad at him."Can you?" Victor asked. "I can easily put her under Kyra's care. Give my father's favorite princess
Claiming His Queen Chapter 234
EVASince Victor came back, he had been so busy he barely found time to see her. The days seemed even more void, the future gloomy. Hiding away in the confines of this room, she listened to the sound of the chapter of her life closing.Now she climbed down the bed, went to her wardrobe, and crouching to her knees, pulled open a compartment and brought out a small wooden box. It had been months since she last looked at its contents, afraid it would bring back unwanted memories and reignite her obsession with him, but here she was.Eva looked behind her at the door, then back at the box. Taking a deep breath, she flipped open the cover, staring absently at the contents inside a little beaded necklace that held a crucifix. His crucifix.She had sunk so low as to steal a part of him while he slept. She doubted he ever searched for it. If he did, he’d know it was missing and no longer in the pretty house that smelled of him.She struggled, praying for the embarrassment to wash over her so
Claiming His Queen Chapter 233
LILY"I was six when I discovered that the convent sisters who came once a week to take children from the orphanage were anything but angels," Ruslan said, rocking my daughter's cradle. "It became clear why the boys never came back, and the girls who did barely lived."Twenty minutes ago, I had laid my sleeping daughter in her crib and rushed into the bathroom for a quick soak, despite knowing she wouldn't stir.Two seconds ago, I stepped out of the bathroom with a towel around my chest and damp hair still dripping, only to see Ruslan standing over Constance's crib and staring at her.Even though he didn't touch her, my racing pulse refused to die down.But he paid no heed to my presence and continued, "They needed us in a coal mine in this little spot in Serbia." He paused, his gaze remote. "Our starved, wiry, agile bodies were the perfect fit for narrow spaces, running errands, and sometimes checking if the explosives had completed their work."My hawk-like eyes on Constance made it
