BEYOND THE FACADEI smoothed the fabric again, more out of nervous habit than necessity. "Thanks. I figured I should look presentable, you know, meeting yourfather and mine after... well, you know."A smirk played at the corner of his lips. "Ah yes, the morning-after parade. Are you ready for the scrutiny?"I laughed nervously. "As ready as I'll ever be. Though I suppose someone could always lift my skirt and check my thighs for bruises, just to be sure."The humor vanished from Lysander's face in an instant. He crossed the room in two long strides, his hand gripping my arm. "If anyone so much as thinks about touching you like that, they'll lose their fucking hand. Understood?"I nodded, my heart racing at his sudden intensity. Part of me was thrilled at his protectiveness, while another part screamed danger. I couldn't tell if this was genuine care or just another form of control."Come," he said, releasing my arm and offering his hand. "Let's not keep them waiting."As we descended
A POIGNANT FAREWELL AND NEW BEGINNINGS"Is everything alright?" Lysander asked, his eyes moving from me to Rosy.I felt Rosy shrink behind me, and I instinctively moved to shield her. "She's okay," I said, my voice quivering slightly. "Just... the sheets. It was a bit much for her."Kim's brow furrowed. "Christ, she shouldn't have had to see that. Girls of her age shouldn't be exposed to such things." He looked at Lysander, who nodded dismissively."It's an unfortunate necessity," Lysander said, his tone matter-of-fact.I felt a flash of anger at their casual dismissal of Rosy's distress, but I pushed it down. This wasn't the time or place to argue."She needs some tea," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "To settle her stomach."Kim immediately straightened. "I can get that for her. And I'll stay with her if you need to get back to the guests."I felt Rosy tensed behind me. "That's very kind," I said quickly, "but I think Rosy would prefer if I stayed with her. She's... not feel
TRAPPED IN THE LUXURIOUS PENTHOUSEThe drive to New York felt like the final nail in her coffin. As they crawled through the city, skyscrapers looming above, she stared out the window, trying to ignore the tight knot of anxiety in her stomach. The lights of the city blurred together, a shimmering contrast to the darkness in her heart. She glanced sideways at Lysander, his profile hard and unreadable.“So,” his voice broke the silence, casual but with an edge that made her skin prickle. “Thinking about running?”Her heart stuttered, but she kept her expression neutral. “Where would I go?” she muttered, knowing full well he’d find her wherever she ran. It wasn’t a real question; it was a reminder—a cruel one—that she was caught in his web, with no escape.He glanced at her, a shadow of a smirk playing on his lips. “Good. It’s better if you don’t even try.”They pulled into a private garage, the kind of place where only those with deep pockets and darker secrets could afford to park. As
A LIFE IN LIMBOThe honesty in his voice startled her. For a moment, she glimpsed something raw, almost vulnerable, in his eyes. It vanished as quickly as it appeared, replaced by that cool, confident mask he always wore.“I won’t jump,” she said, the words more for herself than him. “But I can’t live like this either.”“You will,” he murmured, stepping closer, his presence overwhelming in the darkened space. “You’ll adapt. I’ll help you.”“Help me?” she echoed, a bitter laugh escaping her. “You’re the reason I’m trapped here.”“Maybe,” he conceded, reaching out to touch her cheek. “But you’re not alone. You have me.”His fingers were warm against her skin, and despite everything, she leaned into the touch, desperate for some semblance of comfort. “What do you want from me, Lysander?”“Everything,” he whispered, his lips brushing against her temple. “I want everything.”She closed her eyes, his words sinking deep, making her chest ache. “I can’t give you that.”“Not yet,” he agreed, h
A GLIMPSE OF LYSANDER'S HUMANITYHe spoke to the hostess in low, confident tones, and within minutes we were seated in a small booth near the back. I looked around, still trying to process this new side of him. Lysander, the man who wielded power with a single word, who had made my life a carefully controlled nightmare, was now sitting across from me in a tiny, bustling restaurant, his presence seeming almost out of place.“You don’t like it?” he asked, his voice pulling my gaze back at him.I shook my head quickly. “No, it’s not that. I just didn’t expect…” I trailed off, feeling foolish for even trying to explain.A waitress appeared, her eyes lingering on Lysander a little longer than necessary as she handed us menus. I glanced at him as he studied the options, his face calm and collected, almost as if he did this sort of thing all the time.“What would you like?” he asked without looking up.I scanned the unfamiliar names on the menu, suddenly feeling very out of my depth. “I don’
THE HIGH-RISE CAGEThe place smelled like polished wood, leather, and a hint of floral perfume. It was modern, pristine, and almost... sterile. Glass banisters lined the staircase, and the open kitchen boasted shiny stainless steel appliances with sleek black countertops. A massive black dining table divided the space between the kitchen and the living room. Everything screamed luxury, but it felt cold and impersonal.I could feel Lysander's eyes on me as I took it all in. His gaze made me hyper-aware of every move I made, like I was some kind of exotic animal in a zoo exhibit. I tried to act casual, but my stomach was doing somersaults."So... this is home sweet home, huh?" I said, trying to keep my voice steady.Lysander nodded, his expression unreadable. "It is now. For both of us."I wandered over to the floor-to-ceiling windows, drawn by the breathtaking view of the city below. But as I stood there, all I could think about was how trapped I felt. Sure, it was a beautiful setting
MY NEW ROLES AS A WIFE AND HOSTAGE As I sat there, lost in thought, I heard a knock at the bedroom door. I jumped, half-expecting to see Lysander, but instead, it was a woman I didn't recognize."Mrs. Vincenzo?" she said hesitantly. "I'm Samantha, the housekeeper. Mr. Vincenzo asked me to help you settle in."I stared at her for a moment, taking in her appearance. She was older than I expected, probably in her fifties, with graying hair pulled back in a neat bun. Her kind eyes crinkled at the corners as she smiled at me."Oh, um, hi," I said, suddenly feeling awkward. "I'm Kylie. But I guess you already knew that."Samantha’s smile widened. "It's nice to meet you, Mrs. Vincenzo. Is there anything you need help with?"I shook my head, then paused. "Actually, could you show me around? This place is like a maze.""Of course," she said, gesturing for me to follow her. "Let's start with the essentials."For the next hour, Samantha gave me a tour of the apartment, showing me where everythi
AFTER DINNER I dabbed concealer under my eyes, trying to hide the redness. God, I've been crying again. With a sigh, I smoothed down my skirt and tugged at my sleeveless blouse. I was going for casual but put-together. As if I could hide the mess I felt inside with a cute outfit.The city buzzed outside my window, but here, it was so quiet I could hear my own heartbeat. I felt like I was waiting for a bomb to go off. In a way, I guess I was. Lysander was coming, and I never knew what version of him I'd get.When the door opened, I nearly jumped out of my skin. Lysander filled the doorway, big and intimidating as always. But something was off. His eyes, usually sharp enough to cut glass, looked tired. His shoulders, normally squared like he was ready for a fight, seemed to sag a bit.I watched his eyes scan the room, taking in every detail. When he spotted the family photo on the nightstand, I blurted out, "I wasn't sure which was your side. I can move it to the other nightstand if yo
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