My dear noble readers, Thank you all for your support all along to this significant point. If it weren't you, there would be no one else, y'all are an integral part of my work progress. However, I wish to inform you of my intention to take a very short break to attend to a very personal issue. This break will avail me the time I need to properly solve this personal issue without a diversion of my attention! I will be back next week with more chapters to update for y'all to coverup for my missed days. In the short time I will be unavailable, kindly keep supporting my work by recommending it, telling me what your opinion about the story is in the comment section, giving me gems, giving me higher star ratings. See y'all next week! Thank y'all for your support once again. Regards ~
GREATEST NIGHTMARE"I sank deeper into the comfy chaise lounge, loving the feel of the velvety cushions against my skin. The only sounds were the quiet rustle of pages and the tick-tock of the old grandfather clock in the corner. It was so peaceful in the library, almost like my own heartbeat.The reading lamp next to me creates lengthy shadows across the dark wooden furniture, enveloping my younger sister, Ava, in a personal cocoon of light. The walls were lined in rows of unspoiled volumes with leather-bound spines glinting in the faint light. I'd always connected the musty smell of old paper and polished wood - which permeated the air — with safety and comfort.Ava's head rested cozily on my lap; her eyes closed, and her breathing was regular. I looked down at her calm face and started to smile a little. Her long lashes created soft shadows on her cheeks, and some black hair strands had dropped across her forehead. Our home lacked these quiet times; hence, I valued every second.Run
UNWANTED ENGAGEMENTYou know that feeling when your stomach starts churning right before you're about to go on a rollercoaster? That's exactly how I felt outside Dad's study. I could barely even grab the doorknob because my hand was so sweaty. It was never a good sign to be called to the study, but this time? It felt different, like something was off.I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself down. "It's okay, Kylie," I muttered to myself. "You probably forgot to do something minor; no big deal." I pushed the door open and walked in, trying to pep talk myself into feeling better."Man, was this room always this stuffy?" I quizzed, Dad's cigar made the place smell like a truck, and I swear the walls were closing in on me. Dad looked all broody and serious behind his desk. He motioned toward the chair across from him and said, "Sit down, Kylie."As I perched on the edge of the seat, I felt like a little kid in the principal's office. "What's up, Dad?" I tried to sound casual, but I thi
A THREATThe café should provide a small haven from the whirlwind of the past several days, I hoped. Though the scent of new coffee and the gentle buzz of conversation were meant to be calming, they appeared to accentuate my thoughts instead. Trying to ignore the chill still clinging to my bones from the early morning drizzle, I put my hands around the steaming mug.My phone broke the silence on the table by buzzing on top of it, and I looked at the screen. Still another reminder of the engagement announcement from my dad. I sighed, unable to help, but it felt like every communication stacked on additional pressure, not like I would have forgotten.Letting my thoughts wander, I watched the rain-slicked streets out the window. The café was cozy, but outside the dark sky and consistent rain pattern reflected the uncertainty developing in my head. Was this exactly what I yearned for? Was I really about to wed a man I hardly knew, someone who lived a life of shadows and power?I observed s
THE COUNTDOWN TO ENGAGEMENTTwice a day. Just two meager days till my presence formally runs down the toilet. Like a gloomy cloud hovering over me, the engagement party loomed large and I couldn't get rid of the sense of approaching disaster. Who, at eighteen, has an engagement party? For loud screaming out, this was not the 1800s.Sitting on my bed, I watched the pale pink frock hanging on my closet door. Mom had picked it out naturally. Heaven forbid I show up for my own engagement party sporting something I truly like. I moaned and flopped back onto my cushions. Perhaps if I desired really hard, this would all simply vanish."kylie! Kylie! Join me at my pity party." The sound of small feet stomping down the hall burst through. My door opened to show my younger brother, Kael, his dark hair standing in every direction and his eyes glittering with mischief."I want to play!" he declared, throwing himself into my bed with the elegance of a young elephant.I started to grin and ruffle hi
MINEThe booming sound of the grandfather clock in the corridor echoed across the huge manor as midnight approached. I lay wide awake in bed, feeling as though my head was spinning with ideas and emotions. Instead of being comforting, the silk sheets now felt suffocating against my skin. The memory of dinner lingered in my mind, with the tension, loaded looks, and barely veiled threats hidden beneath polite conversation. It replayed in my thoughts, each iteration deepening the pit of fear in my stomach.I turned onto my side and looked at the elaborate vanity across the room. In the low moonlight streaming through the heavy draperies, I could just see my reflection — a pallid ghost with wide, troubled eyes. Looking back at me, I hardly recognized myself. Was I the cleaned-up daughter of a criminal lord? The future bride of an even more dangerous man?Muttering "Screw this," I slung my legs over the side of the bed. As I padded across the room in near-darkness, fumbling for my bathrobe,
SIX MONTHS LEFTLittle puffs of white vanished into the cold Chicago air as my breath coated her lips. Not even my big coat could shield me from the stinging winter cold that seemed to permeate my own bones. Perhaps then it was more than just the temperature. Perhaps the cold I experienced exceeded mere sensation.Crawling over the snow-covered streets, the sound of new snowfall under my boots gave my depressing thoughts a consistent cadence. Walking with me were my mother and sisters; our modest procession was completed by the always visible security. Only another family trip. Indeed.My stomach turned as we walked toward the opulent bridal store, its windows bursting with flowing white gowns and glittering accessories. Was not this meant to be thrilling? A passage of passage. A dream fulfilled.A few dreams.As we entered, the bell above the door chimed, and I was instantly hit by a flood of warm air and the stinging aroma of perfume. To welcome us, the small woman running the store
HIS ARRIVALI found myself in front of the big mirror in my suite, the golden light from the chandelier giving my face a cozy glow. My reflection looked back at me, but I wasn’t really feeling it. My dark hair was on point, but my hands kept messing with it, smoothing it down like that would somehow ease my nerves.The black skinny jeans felt like they were squeezing the life out of my legs, and the tight fabric wasn’t helping my anxiety at all. I kept pulling at my shirt, the soft material clinging to my skin and reminding me just how revealing this outfit was. “Why did I let Ava convince me to wear this? This outfit screams desperation. Lysander doesn’t care about my looks… does he?” I thought, trying to shake off the worry.“Stop fidgeting, Kylie. You look great. Actually, better than great,” Ava’s voice broke the silence as she lounged on the couch, flipping through a magazine with that annoyingly relaxed vibe she always had.“I really don’t think this outfit is a good choice. It’
A TRAPAs Lysander and I stepped into my bedroom, the air felt charged with tension. The door clicked shut behind us, and it was like the walls were closing in, isolating us from everything outside. The soft light from the lamps created long shadows that only added to the uneasy feeling churning in my stomach.I tried to calm my breathing, but it was tough with Lysander looming so close. He scanned the room with a detached curiosity, his eyes icy and calculating. I could sense his gaze even when he wasn’t looking directly at me, and it sent chills down my spine.“Why did you bring me here?” I asked, attempting to sound more self-assured than I actually felt. My voice trembled a bit, giving away my anxiety.Finally, Lysander’s eyes met mine, dark and intense. “I wanted to talk about a few things in private. Ava tends to downplay serious issues.”I let out a sigh, my shoulders drooping. “Ava wasn’t trying to downplay anything. She was just dealing with the situation in her own way.”For
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