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ADIRA

Author: Phy Duneiz
last update Huling Na-update: 2025-01-25 02:16:29

I think we should go clubbing later tonight,” Penny declared, her voice light and breezy.

I stared at her, fork hovering mid-air above my third plate of kleftiko, utterly dumbfounded.

“Clubbing?” I repeated, incredulous. “Are you serious?”

My cousin’s tiny frame belied the force of her personality. Her black hair shimmered under the soft light, and her brown eyes sparkled with barely contained mischief. Mischief, it seemed, was aimed directly at me today.

Having arrived at the family home in Mykonos from Athens a mere five hours ago, I had envisioned a serene afternoon by the pool. Catching up with Penny had been the plan—relaxing, low-effort, completely free of stress. Her idea was a sharp divergence from my completely chill plan.

Penny leaned forward, her determination practically radiating from her pores. “Yes. Clubbing. Why not?”

Good question. Why not?

I stuffed another piece of lamb into my mouth, hoping to evade her question. Should’ve known that’ll never work on her.

“Oh, no, no, no.” Penny rolled her eyes, undeterred. She slid closer, her gaze fixed on my plate.

Hell no.

“Touch my plate, and I’ll throw you into the pool. Eyeliner and all,” I warned, pointing my fork at her like a weapon.

She stopped mid-reach, smiled sweetly, and shook her head. “Addy, you can’t hide behind that plate forever. We’re going, and that’s final.”

According to my constitutional rights, I absolutely could refuse.

With a theatrical sigh, I handed over the plate, gazing longingly at my unfinished meal.

“I came here to escape the madness of New York, and you’re dragging me headfirst into its Mediterranean equivalent. My sanity is already hanging by a thread, Penny.” I retorted with a pout on my lips.

She smirked. “Oh, relax. It’s just a little fun. And isn’t it too early to complain?”

“It’s 2 p.m.,” I argued, gathering my things. “Isn’t it too early to prepare for a club?”

That’s when it hit me.

“Shit.”

“What?” Penny asked, her brows furrowing.

“I forgot to call Mama and Baba!” I bolted inside, racing toward my wing of the house.

Why was this house so unnecessarily huge?

After a sprint that felt like a marathon, I reached my room and grabbed my phone, dialing my dad. Despite the time difference, I knew he’d answer my call.

He answered on the second ring as expected, launching into a good-natured lecture about my forgetfulness. Mama was in the background, lamenting about how I almost gave her a heart-attack.

Dramatic much, I thought with an eye-roll.

By the time I’d finished chatting with both parents, I collapsed onto my bed, face-first into the pillows, utterly drained.

Penny appeared in the doorway, her brown eyes wide and pleading.

“Nope.” My muffled voice came from the depths of the pillow.

“I’ll buy you more of those flaming chips you like,” she offered slyly.

Damn it. My weakness.

Is she bribing me? Yes. Would I accept the bribe? Uh… Duh. We’re talking about the world’s best snack after chocolate, people.

Peeking out from behind the pillow, I gave her a reluctant nod. She squealed with delight, pouncing onto the bed with the energy of a golden retriever. Her excitement was contagious, and before long, I was laughing along with her.

“Ooooh, I’m going to have so much fun dressing you up!” she exclaimed, her enthusiasm palpable.

********************************

“Penny, if you keep plucking my eyebrows, I’ll have none left!” I protested, wincing as she wielded the tweezers like a weapon.

“Hush,” she scolded, swatting my hands away. “Beauty takes time.”

“You said that three hours ago!” I groaned, but one look at her withering glare shut me up.

“And... done!” she announced triumphantly.

Finally.

I glanced at the mirror and had to admit: she was good. “Okay, fine. You win this round.”

“I told you to trust the process,” Penny said smugly, tossing the tweezers onto the vanity.

Turning, I surveyed the stream of clothes strewn across my room—a battlefield from our quest for the perfect “I’m getting fucked tonight” outfits. Pen’s words, not mine.

Slipping into a cherry-red romper, accessorized with gold chains and sleek black boots, Pen let her hair fall in loose waves, adding bold red lipstick to complete the flawless makeup she’d applied prior.

She looked stunning.

“If we weren’t related, I’d totally sleep with you,” I quipped, earning a laugh from her.

“And you look like the cover of Vogue,” she shot back. My dress—a sleek black wrap that hugged my curves perfectly—was a hard find. I didn’t even know I had it. Paired with three-inch heels that made my legs looked impossibly long and gold jewelry, I did look pretty hot.

“You’re welcome,” Penny added, fluffing her hair.

After bidding farewell to her mom, we took an Uber to Nyx, an exclusive club known for its elite clientele. One look at us, and the bouncers ushered us inside without a second thought.

The interior was dazzling—golden lights, luxurious decor, and an air of effortless sophistication. A live DJ spun electrifying beats that blasted through the speakers placed at strategic points and the dance floor pulsed with energy.

“This place is gorgeous,” I murmured, taking it all in. Everything about Nyx screamed opulence.

“I think I’ve found my target,” Penny interrupted, her gaze locked on a distinguished salt-and-pepper gentleman at the bar.

“I’ll see you at home. Don’t wait up!” she teased, sauntering off with a seductive sway in her hips.

“Wait—what?” I called after her. She disappeared into the crowd, leaving me stranded.

Did she just leave me? The little bitch.

As I stood there, debating whether to follow her or make a run for it, a smooth voice interrupted my thoughts.

“You’ve been invited to the VIP lounge.”

I turned to find a man with an easy smile and sharp features. He gestured toward a handsome stranger watching me from across the room, his eyes warm with intrigue.

Throwing caution to the wind, I accepted the invitation. If Penny could have her fun, so could I.

After all, it would be a crime to waste such a beautiful dress.

With my hands clasped around the elbow of the man who had delivered the invitation, I followed him into the VIP area.

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  • KNIVES AND HEARTSTRINGS   ANDRONIKOS

    “How long will it take your men to acquire my shipment and bring it to me?” I asked, my voice sharp as the blade in my pocket as I brushed off yet another desperate woman who clung to my arm like a parasite.Where do they even get these women from?“A week,” the elder brother said, puffing out his chest like a peacock, his posturing almost laughable. He said it so casually, like it were a feat worthy of my applause. “With the challenges we’ll face—customs, particularly—it won’t be smooth, but a week should be enough to get everything in order.” He continued.I narrowed my gaze at the Aslan brothers, letting the silence hang heavy between us. The elder, Callan, fidgeted under my perusal, but Ajax, the younger of the two, maintained a stoic façade. It was obvious who the brains of this duo was—and who the dead-weight was.Callan’s haughtiness seeped into every word, every gesture. It was almost impressive how brazenly the fool lied.“What is it with people trying to swindle me today?” I

    Huling Na-update : 2025-01-25
  • KNIVES AND HEARTSTRINGS   ADIRA

    The audacity of this man!I mean, it’s not like I intentionally wanted to fall on him—though I might have entertained the thought once or twice. Or thrice. Sue me; the man is undeniably fine. If God had a favorite, it would be him.Even seated, I could tell he was big and the way all the other men in the room seemed to defer to him suggested he was the boss. I could barely see him under the dim lights, but his eyes shone like beacons—blue enough to rival the clearest ocean. And let’s not forget that midnight black hair, currently styled into a man bun that screamed, “I’m too handsome to care!”I was pretty sure the server hovering nearby was about to offer him her tits as a drink service, which is a new level of dedication I might consider for the next job at the company.But I should have known that someone as jaw-droppingly beautiful as him would also have a sour personality, hence my current position sprawled on the floor like a common rat after my heels chose this very moment to b

    Huling Na-update : 2025-01-25
  • KNIVES AND HEARTSTRINGS   ADIRA

    I awoke to a chorus of murmurings coming from a direction I couldn’t ascertain.Where on Earth am I? As I groggily surveyed my surroundings, I noticed that nearly everything was cloaked in shades of darkness—blacks, deep mahoganies, and a medley of colors that screamed “depressing.” It felt like I had stumbled into a gothic art exhibit gone wrong.I tried to hoist myself off the bed, which felt like an Olympic event, and made my way toward the door, only to be greeted by a heated argument coming from the other side.“Nónos, we cannot keep the girl. What if she figures out who we are? It’s too risky! We could expand through other means, and you know that.”Boss? That’s not ominous at all and why the hell would he want to keep me?“She’s our best option, and you know it.” A second voice chimed in—definitely the rude fool who had made a mockery of me earlier. Revenge simmered in my veins like molten lava, even as fear twisted my stomach into knots.“Andronikos, you’re my friend, but thi

    Huling Na-update : 2025-01-25
  • KNIVES AND HEARTSTRINGS   ANDRONIKOS

    As I strolled into my room, I began to peel off my dress shirt, attempting to massage the tension out of my neck. Today had been nothing short of shocking, that much was clear.I don’t know if it was sheer luck—or perhaps fate—that the daughter of my family’s sworn enemy had somehow ended up in my lap. Coincidence? Maybe. But I’ve never been one to believe in coincidences. This was clearly meant to happen, and I’d be damned if I didn’t milk this golden opportunity for all it was worth.Recalling how pretty she looked with those wide, terrified eyes, I chuckled to myself. I could’ve sworn I saw a glimmer of longing in there too.Ah, it seems my little captive is affected by me as well. How delightful!I’m going to have so much fun with her, I couldn’t help but think.As I prepared to head to the shower with my towel in hand, my phone rang, jolting me from my thoughts.It better be Iason with some good news, I thought as I answered the call.“It’s done boss,” he said, his voice devoid o

    Huling Na-update : 2025-01-25
  • KNIVES AND HEARTSTRINGS   ADIRA

    “AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!” I screamed into the plush fabric of the pillow, my muffled screams filled with unrestrained frustration. Screaming out loud was a moment of catharsis—one I desperately needed right now.As I raised my head, I glanced around the room, trying to process my new reality. The bright and airy ambiance of the room was a stark contrast to the dark, claustrophobic space I stayed in the previous night. When I woke up in this unfamiliar room, the sun had barely risen with soft light peeking through the gauzy cream curtains. As beautiful as the vibrant gold and blue décor looked, it still served as a cruel reminder of the freedom I’d just lost.“Well, at least he had the good sense to give me a room with windows,” I muttered sarcastically to myself with an eye roll.Not that it matters if you can’t go home, my brain reminded me.“Home,” I whispered, the word leaving a sour taste in my mouth. A pang of longing hit me as I thought of my family—the same ones I couldn’t wait to

    Huling Na-update : 2025-01-25
  • KNIVES AND HEARTSTRINGS   ANDRONIKOS

    As I stood in the room, brushing my fingers against the ornate floral patterns on the duvet covers, I felt an odd sense of nostalgia mixed with regret. The morning sun streamed through the delicate pink curtains, it's warm rays an unwanted reminder of the previous occupant of the lavish pink room– my dead sister.Selene loved this room very much. ‘My pink haven’, she called it. And while I didn't want to dwell in the past, it was hard to ignore the shadows it cast on my present. Walking away from her room, bittersweet memories flooded my mind, but I ignored them. Today, I had other things to deal with, namely, Adira. I had acted like an ass to her last night, something I’d never admit to her but I still felt a need to make up for it somehow.With a withdrawn sigh, I pulled a sleek black box from my pocket, my fingers playing over the cool face of the wickedly curved blade of Tuto. The ornate knife, though flashy, always seemed to accompany me wherever I go. There was just something so

    Huling Na-update : 2025-01-25
  • KNIVES AND HEARTSTRINGS   ADIRA

    When I woke up this morning, I was hit with the reminder of yesterday’s events. From the phone Andronikos gave me to our surprisingly civil conversation last night, everything still felt surreal. I couldn’t shake the weird rush of excitement that bubbled up at the thought of him, though I pushed it aside like an embarrassing diary entry.Focus, Adira. I had bigger things to deal with than thinking of that demon. Picking up the new phone, I quickly dialed Pen’s number.The phone barely rang once before I heard Pen’s familiar chirpy voice. “Pen speaking. Who’s this?”“It’s Adira, Pen.”“Adira! Oh God, I was so concerned. I thought the world’s hottest man might’ve taken you!”I snorted, unable to help myself. It seems Andronikos had gotten to her before me. “Thanks for your concern, Pen. I’m really having the time of my life,” I deadpanned with an eye roll.“Oh, come on. Living with an Adonis isn’t exactly a tragedy,” she eased.“Hold on. You’ve seen him?”“Nope. But he sounded fucking h

    Huling Na-update : 2025-01-25
  • KNIVES AND HEARTSTRINGS   ANDRONIKOS

    Sitting in the study, surrounded by sheets of paper and books, my attention couldn’t help but wander— not to the myriad problems we were solving, but to Adira. With dark braids that framed a sharp, expressive face and eyes that shone with a mix of brilliance and calculated fury, she was a vision I could spend the entirety of my life admiring. As she worked through the complexities of Abara Inc. with a precision that would make most CEOs weep, I came to the realization that my little captive wasn’t just beautiful but formidable also.But as she rattled on about distribution logistics, my thoughts were drawn back to this afternoon’s activities. The room dissolved into the sticky glow of the warehouse, and the phantom smell of blood and sweat clawed at my memory. If I thought hard enough, I could still hear the guttural, pleading cries of the Aslan brothers—screams that spurred me on as I tortured them mercilessly for their insolence. Removing their fingernails, one by one, was almost… p

    Huling Na-update : 2025-01-25

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  • KNIVES AND HEARTSTRINGS   ANDRONIKOS

    When Iason and I got back, one of the headguards called to inform me about custom issues. I assumed it was just a matter of slipping some money into their hands and having the problem disappear, but that wasn’t the case.They were adamant that the cars wouldn’t be released until they were thoroughly checked—an issue I really didn’t have the patience to fucking deal with right now.Adira and I finally arrived at the port, and as I had been since we got into the car, I continued to ignore her—just as it always should have been.I seemed to have forgotten that she was the enemy. That she probably knew about the vault all along and had been secretly laughing at my ignorance. Not again. I’d do well to keep my promise to protect her, but nothing more.First, we had to settle this nuisance of an issue, and then I will start looking into the vault my uncle mentioned. He was an enigma, but when he was lucid, he was never wrong.At the dock, I spotted Iason talking to one of the officers—the he

  • KNIVES AND HEARTSTRINGS   ADIRA

    As Baba had benevolently given me back my position, I was at the firm today still trying to investigate this debilitating fraud issue the company was currently facing. Despite our relentless efforts, we still hadn’t managed to track down the perpetrator. However, one silver lining was that since we had been closely monitoring the financial records, there have been no obvious traces of embezzlement.And it better remain that way.While I was still poring over the account books on my desktop, a sharp knock on my office door pulled me out of my thoughts. I immediately assumed it was Thea. I had sent her to fetch me a cup of coffee a while ago.“Come in, Thea,” I called out absentmindedly, my eyes still skimming through the endless rows of numbers on my screen.But instead of Thea, an entirely different person stepped into the room.Andronikos.I hadn’t seen him in two days.The moment I registered his presence, I instinctively stood from my chair, my body moving before my mind could full

  • KNIVES AND HEARTSTRINGS   ADIRA/ANDRONIKOS

    ADIRAWhen I arrived at the firm, I half-expected to see a lot of changes, especially since Dean had been made the COO. But weirdly enough, everything still looked the same.Kace and I stepped into the elevator that will take us to Baba’s office. As we rode up, I turned to him and said, “Just stay outside the room, please. I know you were ordered to protect me, but I don’t want my father more worked up than he already is.”I didn’t get a response from him right away. There was a brief silence before he finally spoke.“As much as my will to obey your command as the boss’s lady is there, Adira, my will to Nónos is stronger. So, no—I’ll be going with you. Your father will just have to deal with it.”I swallowed, already dreading the confrontation that was about to unfold in his office.Once we were granted entry, Kace and I strode into his office. Baba stood in front of his book shelf, reading a book in his hand. He turned toward us the moment we arrived.“And that is?” He gestured towar

  • KNIVES AND HEARTSTRINGS   ADIRA

    I was finally going to see Mama today. I doubted Baba had been telling her everything happening back at home, and for good reason too. Mama needed to be away from stress as much as possible, but still, I believed she need to know.I picked up the note Andronikos left me, blushing as I looked at it.At least this time, you saw the note.After taking a well-needed shower following yesterday’s crying marathon, I felt refreshed and ready to take on the day. As I was heading to my dresser, I got a text from Pen.PEN❣️‼️🙈: Hi, dear cousin of mine.Me: What do you want?PEN❣️‼️🙈: So, it’s a crime for your cousin to check up on you now?Yup. She definitely wanted something.I dropped the phone on the bedside table and went ahead to look for what to wear. A difficult task considering that all I’m seeing in this walk-in closet are just colors upon colors.My goodness! When did this man get me all these?I was still in the process of choosing an outfit when my phone started ringing. The loud t

  • KNIVES AND HEARTSTRINGS   ANDRONIKOS

    Contrary to what Adira thought, I wasn’t actually going to do anything to her father.But her cousin, Dean?Yeah, he was definitely going to be harmed.I knew that slimy bastard had a hand in the fraud at her company, but whoever he was working with—or for—had to be powerful, because nothing traced back to him.It didn’t make sense that I was willing to help Adira’s family when they had a hand in destroying mine, but it seemed even I don’t know the lengths I’d go for her.“I’m not going to do anything to your father, flogítsa mou,” I said, dropping the phone on the other side of the bed and pulling her onto my lap. “Okay? The only person something will be happening to is that cousin of yours. I’ll just a break a few bones of his for good measure.” I finished with a nonchalant shrug.She blinked.“Some bones?! That’s all you can manage?”Huh? Is she angry or pleased? I usually can’t tell with her. Women.“Umm… yes?” I replied hesitantly. As much as I am in control when it comes to her,

  • KNIVES AND HEARTSTRINGS   ADIRA

    I lay on my bed, surrounded by used tissues, a pint of Ben & Jerry’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough—my favorite—and my iPad which was currently playing How to get away with murder.Yes. I was feeling particularly murderous today.How could baba do this to me? Why? After everything I had put into that company? After sacrificing my life?He says it’s because I let a criminal into his company. But is he even aware that said criminal was five minutes away from blowing his and Mama’s head off if I hadn’t cooperated?Endless nights of insomnia. Waking up to the sound of gunshots ringing in my mind, convinced that my parents and close family members had been taken away from me. And for what? To be called ungrateful?I just couldn’t deal anymore. Honestly, I just wanted to melt into this bed and remain here for the rest of my miserable life.I was currently on Season 1, Episode 9—watching the gruesome murder and body disposal of Sam—when a soft knock echoed through my room.“Go away,” I called o

  • KNIVES AND HEARTSTRINGS   ANDRONIKOS

    “What the fuck, Andronikos?” Iason stormed in after me, slamming the door to my office shut behind him. His face was twisted in a mix of disbelief and frustration. “You didn’t think it important to tell me—your second-in-command—about a person as pivotal as a Yakuza princess?”“Onna Oyabun,” I corrected, settling into the leather chair behind my mahogany desk.“What?” he asked, more confusion flashing across his face.“She’s no longer a Yakuza princess. She’s the lady boss, which means she holds more power than a princess ever would.”“And that helps us… how?”I shrugged, letting the weight of his question hang between us.Iason pinched the bridge of his nose, muttering something in Greek about women and danger.“Nónos, I don’t know if you’ve forgotten, but the Yakuza known for their trustworthiness in our world. Their alliances are built on profit, not loyalty. And second, they’re literal rats in our line of business.”“Enough Iason,” I barked, my voice sharp enough to slice through

  • KNIVES AND HEARTSTRINGS   ADIRA

    Walking briskly to my office door, the CFO followed closely behind me. “Good morning, ma’am,” he greeted.“Morning,” I replied absentmindedly as I pushed open the door and made my way toward my seat.“What’s the update?” I asked, settling in.He shifted uncomfortably from foot to foot, a nervous tic of his that I’d noticed before. But today, I had no patience for hesitation. Time was slipping through my fingers and I needed answers.“Now, please. I don't have time for this,” I pressed.He swallowed, his Adam’s apple bobbing. “There’s no lead.”“What?” My voice came out sharper than I intended. I must have misheard him.“All the leads trace back to no one, ma’am. The offshore accounts, irregular withdrawals—everything. It's like a ghost defrauded the company. There are no footprints, digital or whatsoever.” My fingers curled into fists so tightly that my nails bit into my palm. “So what? We don't have hackers anymore?” “I’ve reached out to all the ones in my network. No results.” “

  • KNIVES AND HEARTSTRINGS   ANDRONIKOS

    I had come to the realization that I couldn't do this alone, so I called on the assistance of an old friend. We hadn't spoken since our fathers had tried to indoctrinate us into our dark world-a lifetime ago-but hopefully, there's no bad blood between us.Yuna Komori.That was her name the last time we met. As the only child of the Kumicho, the head of the Yakuza, she was set to inherit the crime syndicate-something her people resented.But now, she goes by the name Shizugai.A moniker earned through sheer ruthlessness. The silent killer. She leaves only corpses in her wake after dealing with her victims.My men stood behind me, armed to the teeth, their hands resting on their holsters, eyes scanning for the first signs of trouble. The gated loomed before us, a towering emblem of power, emblazoned with the insignia of a wyrm devouring a dragon-her mark.Moments later, the gates creaked opened.A group of guards stepped forward, weapons drawn, their gazes cold and unyielding."What's y

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