THE HUNT FOR KYLIE Ava jerked away, disgust and disappointment churning in her gut. "You're unbelievable," she spat. "Kylie could be hurt, or worse, and you're just gonna sit here and do nothing? What kind of mother are you?"The words hung in the air between them, sharp and cutting. Her mother's face crumpled, tears welling in her eyes. For a moment, Ava felt a pang of regret. But then she thought of Kylie, alone and afraid, and her resolve hardened."Fine," she said, her voice cold. "If you won't help, I'll do it myself."She stormed out of the kitchen, ignoring her mother's pleas to come back. In her room, she grabbed a backpack and started shoving clothes into it. Her mind raced, trying to form a plan. She had no idea where Miranda lived, but she knew people who might. The streets had eyes and ears everywhere, and Ava wasn't above using that to her advantage.As she zipped up the bag, her eyes fell on a photo of her and Kylie, taken just a few months ago. They were laughing, arms
THE GAME BEGINS I’m trapped in this nightmare of a house. The place stinks of rot and smoke, every breath burning my throat. It's cold — too cold— and the lanterns barely light up the room, leaving these creepy shadows crawling up the walls. Feels like the house itself is watching me.I’m tied up tight in this stupid metal chair, wrists bruised and raw from struggling. Blood's already starting to drip, but I can’t stop pulling at the chains. Not that it helps. My body’s screaming at me to give up, but I can’t. I won’t. Lysander will find me. He has to. He always does.Footsteps. Slow, deliberate. And then she walks in — Miranda. God, she looks like she stepped out of some gothic horror show, all black dress and heavy makeup, her lips blood-red against her pale skin. She’s twirling a knife in her hand like it’s some kind of toy. Sick bitch. I know she’s enjoying this.“Lysander’s precious bride,” she sneers, circling me like a predator playing with its food. She crouches in front of m
PAWN IN A DEADLY GAMEKylie povThe house loomed like a ghost, shrouded in darkness and smoke, its walls whispering secrets of pain and suffering. I was chained to a metal chair, my wrists raw from struggling. Every breath felt like a battle, the damp air heavy with the smell of decay. I couldn’t believe I was here, a pawn in a twisted game I didn’t want to play.Miranda waltzed in, her presence filling the room with an unsettling energy. She moved like a predator, confidence radiating from her. “Well, well, if it isn’t Lysander’s little bride again in her beautiful white and red wedding gown... tell me how that additional color feels,” she said, her voice dripping with malice. “I can’t wait to cut off your neck right in front of your so-called savior. How poetic, don’t you think?”I shot her a glare, my heart pounding with a mix of fear and anger. “You think you can intimidate me? You’re just a pathetic shadow of what you used to be.”She laughed, the sound chilling, and stepped clos
CLAMPDOWN AND KYLE'S RETRIEVAL Lysander was already inside the house, his hands all over Miranda. But his mind? That was somewhere else entirely, cooking up his next move."Damn, girl," Lysander whistled, his fingers dancing along Miranda's arm. "You're something else, you know that?"Miranda leaned in, her eyes sparkling like a cat that just spotted a mouse. "Oh yeah? Tell me more, hot stuff," she purred, but Lysander could feel the tension in her body. She was like a cobra, ready to strike at any moment."For real, though," Lysander murmured, his voice low and smooth as butter. "You've got guts. I dig that about you." His hand slid down to her waist, every touch part of his master plan.Miranda's eyes narrowed, not buying his act completely. "Cut the crap, Lysander," she hissed, her lips curling into a smirk. "You think sweet-talking me is going to get you what you want? I ain't no dummy."Shit, she's onto me... kinda, Lysander thought, keeping his face neutral. He was buying time,
AVA'S MEDICAL TRAGEDY AND WEDDING CONTROVERSIES I stand in the corner of the hospital room, feeling the weight of the tension pressing on my chest. My head throbs under the bandages, and every part of my body aches from the events that landed me here. But what hurts more than any bruise or cut is the look on my father’s face as he stares at me with disgust.“You’re nothing,” he spits, his voice dripping with venom as he glares at me from his bed. "Worthless. Letting Miranda get the upper hand. A pathetic little girl who couldn’t even protect herself. You’re a disgrace to this family, Kylie!"His words sting more than the slap that follows — sharp, quick, and all too familiar. I flinch, but I don’t move, don’t dare speak back. I’ve learned to keep quiet, to take it.The slap wasn’t even the worst part. It was the look he gave me right after, like I was beneath him. Like I was nothing.“You think you deserve anything?” he growls, his voice rising. “That Lysander will want to marry a fa
WEDDING BELLSAs we got closer to the entrance of the big white tent where my wedding was about to happen, I could feel my dad's grip on my arm getting tighter. He was glowing with joy and pride, excited that our families were finally coming together with the Vincenzos. If only he knew how scared I was. I felt like I might either throw up or run away at any second.When the fabric at the entrance was pulled back, I got my first look inside. There were so many people! Hundreds of guests lined the long aisle, all turning to stare at me. It felt like I couldn’t catch my breath with all those eyes on me, scrutinizing every little move I made.I forced myself to look straight ahead, and that’s when I spotted him game, Lysander. He was standing at the end of the aisle, tall and striking in his dark gray suit. His groomsmen were beside him in lighter gray vests and bow ties, but my eyes were glued to Lysander. He seemed to dominate the entire tent. My heart was racing so fast I thought it mi
THE GILDED CAGEThe reception was held in another big tent next to the one where we got married. It was beautifully decorated with white flowers and twinkling lights, but I barely noticed. My mind was still spinning from everything that had happened.Lysander kept me by his side as we made our way around the room, greeting guests and accepting congratulations. His arm was wrapped around my waist, holding me close.To anyone watching, it probably looked loving and protective. But I could feel how tightly he was gripping me. It was a reminder that I couldn't get away, even if I wanted to."You're doing well," Lysander murmured in my ear as we moved between groups of people. "Keep smiling. Everyone is watching."I nodded slightly, keeping the fake smile plastered on my face. My cheeks were starting to hurt from the effort, but I didn't dare let it slip. I had seen the consequences of disappointing Lysander before. I didn't want to find out what would happen if I embarrassed him at our wed
THE WEDDING PARTY AND NIGHT OF SUSPICIONSThe wedding party was in full swing. People were dancing and having a good time. I watched as my sister, Rosy, jumped up from her chair and ran over to Kim, Lysander’s second Loyal man after Dante."Dance with me, Kim?" Rosy asked, her eyes sparkling with mischief.Kim's lips curved into a smirk. "As if I could refuse you, little wildflower."I couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy as I watched Rosy dance. She always seemed so carefree, even at a formal event like this. Across the room, I saw Dorian. He was charming the other guests with his easy smile and quick wit.Soon, it was my turn to dance again. Lysander's father led me onto the dance floor. After that, I was passed from one man to another. Their faces all blurred together. I could feel Lysander's gaze burning into me the whole time, even when he was dancing with other women.When I was dancing with a man named Marcello, he leaned in close and murmured, "You wear the mask of a happy
LOVE CONFESSIONS BETWEEN KYLIE AND LYSANDER “It’s not a matter of wanting, Lysander. I couldn’t just decide to stop loving you if I tried.”He nodded, a shadow of understanding flickering across his face. “And you hate that you love me. You’ve said that before.”“No.” I shook my head slowly, feeling the weight of each word. “Not anymore. I know exactly who you are. You’re not a good man — never have been. I knew that from the start, and I don’t care. I should care. I should lose sleep over it, feel guilty for being okay with my husband running one of the most dangerous and ruthless crime syndicates in the country. But I don’t. What does that make me?” I looked down at my hands, the very hands that had gripped a gun just days ago, fingers that had pulled a trigger without hesitation, without even a shiver of regret. “I killed a man, Lysander. And I don’t feel sorry. Not even a little. I’d do it all over again.” My gaze lifted, meeting his. “What does that make me, Lysander? I’m like yo
KYLIE'S TREATMENT I woke up in an unfamiliar bed, its soft sheets a surprising contrast to the deep ache that pulsed through every inch of me. My head felt thick, as if stuffed with cotton, and each breath seemed to move through a fog of lingering pain. Blinking through the haze, my gaze drifted to the side, and I found Ava lying there, curled up and fast asleep. Light was spilling into the room, hinting that several hours had passed since the chaos of last night.Ava had a dark bruise swelling across her forehead, a stark reminder of the violence we’d both endured. But I was sure I looked worse. Attempting to sit up, I was rewarded with a fierce, tearing pain in my shoulder, a reminder of the bullet that had torn into my flesh. Looking down, I saw my upper arm and shoulder neatly wrapped in layers of bandages, evidence of Lysander’s insistence that I be taken care of.A soft murmur from Ava broke the silence, her eyes fluttering open. Upon seeing me, a look of relief washed over her
THE CAPTIVE KYLIE “As in, Kylie Vincenzo?” the man sneered, his smile as sharp as a knife.I nodded, resisting the impulse to look away. There was no use denying who I was; they’d only use it against me. The man barked something in Russian, and the others erupted into coarse laughter, their eyes leering over me with an intensity that made my skin crawl.“Where are the others?” His gaze slid over me with a lazy malice. “Your shadow and the children?”It took me a second to grasp who he meant by 'shadow' - my protector, always near. I cleared my throat, keeping my voice even. “I don’t know,” I replied.His answer was a brutal kick to Ava, who lay crumpled on the floor nearby. She screamed, the sound shredding through the thick tension. Her wide, pleading eyes met mine, silently begging me not to give them anything. But how could I just watch as they hurt her?The muffled echo of voices and gunfire grew louder, filtering in from outside. The Russian leader grabbed me, yanking me close u
THE SYNDICATE BLOODY ATTACK Ava’s words cut deep. “I’m not like you, Kylie. You’re eager to please him, to do anything he says. I’m not like that. I won’t submit to anyone.”I flinched, her bitterness hitting me like a slap. Ava had never spoken to me this way, her usual warmth replaced by a steely, almost furious glare that sent chills down my spine. Before I could respond, she stood up abruptly, her movements sharp and agitated. I reached out, hoping to calm her, but she yanked her arm out of my grasp, her body tense with barely restrained anger."Just leave me alone, Kylie,” she hissed. “I can’t talk to you right now." With a final look that was equal parts hurt and fury, she turned on her heel and stormed off, her silhouette disappearing towards the beach. I stood frozen, torn between following her and giving her the space she clearly wanted. But as I weighed my options, Chaol appeared from the shadows, watching her leave.“No, let her go,” I said softly, raising a hand to stop h
PETER VINCENZO'S FUNERAL The sky over New York was cloaked in thick, somber clouds, dark and heavy, almost as if in mourning. Yet, no rain fell. It was as though the heavens themselves were holding back, leaving a stifling stillness hanging over the cemetery. This weather suited the occasion too perfectly, as if nature itself paid homage to Peter Vincenzo, whose influence had been both feared and revered in New York's underworld. Today, a silent gathering of the city's elite, powerful Mafia families, and high-ranking members from the Chicago Outfit filled the cemetery, all drawn here by tradition, respect, or perhaps simple obligation.A tension hung in the air, barely masked by the solemnity of the occasion. The perimeter of the cemetery had been secured, a tight ring of soldiers ensuring the Syndicate didn't dare encroach upon this delicate moment. Both New York and Chicago had made a calculated risk in allowing so many high-ranking members to attend the funeral, a meeting of vulne
COLD MOMENTS BETWEEN KYLIE AND LYSANDER As I lay in bed, staring into the shadows, sleep eluded me entirely. The emptiness of the space beside me felt almost tangible. For the past three days, Lysander and I had barely spoken, a thick tension hanging between us since that last, heated argument. Despite that, each night, without fail, we’d drifted into sleep side by side, gravitating toward each other in the dark. It was a silent truce, one we both respected in the quiet hours of the night, but as soon as morning broke, the distance between us returned like an unyielding tide. Tonight, though, that warmth was gone, and the cool sheets seemed to press into me, reminding me of his absence. I missed his touch, his breath, the steady beat of his heart lulling me to sleep. I missed him even in ways I hated to admit — to myself, or to him. I could almost feel the weight of his hand on my waist, guiding me into a deep slumber. Yet, here I was, alone, my body yearning in a way that I didn’t
AVA AND DORIAN IMMINENT UNION: KYLIE'S DISAPPROVAL The elevator doors opened, and Lysander stepped into the penthouse. His gaze shifted from Kim to me, his brow furrowing as he took in my expression.“He’s here. I’ll call you tomorrow.” I ended the call, my heart racing with a mixture of anger and heartbreak. I hadn’t thought I could feel hatred for Lysander again, but in that moment, I wanted to make him hurt the way I was hurting.I stormed inside, my fists clenched as I advanced toward him. Lysander’s calm gaze tracked my movements, but he didn’t flinch, didn’t move to stop me. The lack of reaction fueled my rage, and before I knew it, my fists were pounding against his chest.Lysander’s expression shifted, his body tensing in shock. Behind him, I saw Kim rise from the sofa, unsure of whether he should intervene. But Lysander didn’t need help with me; he was far stronger, and in a moment, he had both my wrists locked in one hand.“Kylie, what the hell—”I didn’t let him finish, je
KYLIE AND LYSANDER BROMANCE CONTINUES TO GROW STRONG...Just when I thought I couldn’t take any more, he drew back, leaving me breathless and trembling. With a gentle but insistent motion, he shifted me beneath him, his gaze softening as he whispered, “Let me take care of you.” He guided himself against me, pausing to meet my eyes as he began to move slowly, allowing me to adjust to the fullness. His touch was unhurried, each movement careful as he eased me into a steady rhythm, coaxing the tension from my body.He murmured softly, his words both soothing and deeply possessive. "I need you close, principessa. Your warmth, your touch — it’s everything."Gradually, he picked up the pace, sensing my growing comfort, and his hand moved to stroke me gently, sending shivers through my body. The mix of pleasure and intensity left me breathless, and soon, I felt myself tipping over the edge once again, my fingers gripping his shoulders as I let go.When he finally released, he stayed close, h
KYLIE'S FIRST NIGHT WITH LYSANDER As their eyes met, Kylie felt her breath catch. "Please," she whispered, her voice laced with a mix of apprehension and need.Lysander traced a finger down her bare skin, moving unhurriedly, savoring each soft gasp she made. "You really want this, Kylie?" His voice held a rough, unyielding edge, yet beneath it, something gentle shimmered."Yes," she managed, her voice barely more than a murmur.He didn’t give in immediately. Instead, he leaned in, his warm breath tickling her as his lips pressed against her inner thigh, coaxing a shudder from deep within her. His mouth brushed over her, tantalizing, each touch sending sparks racing through her veins until she felt like she couldn’t take another second of his restraint."Patience," he growled softly, easing a finger into her slowly. His thumb circled, teased, and built a rhythm that matched the increasingly frantic beat of her heart. His mouth followed, tongue tracing patterns that drove her closer to