As I stood before the imposing structure I had erected in the Peloponnese, a swell of pride coursed through me. Towering above the surrounding mountains, the warehouse was the perfect fortress—an ideal venue for eliminating my enemies without interruptions or the chance of escape.
“Nónos, we’ve located him.” (Boss)
Took them long enough.
Striding in through the cold steel doors and into the dimly lit interior, the air damp and thick with the metallic tang of blood, I noticed my men had been busy in my absence, leaving the bastard dangling like a marionette from heavy chains bolted to the ceiling.
His arms stretched unnaturally high, the metal cuffs biting cruelly into his wrists, leaving raw, angry welts. Sweat clung to his bare skin—a testament to his struggles—mingling with streaks of blood that dripped rhythmically onto the stained concrete floor. Stripped of his dignity and clothes, he was laid bare—body trembling, spirit fractured— his vulnerability stark against the cold, unforgiving ambiance of the building.
The source of his bleeding was unclear—perhaps a recent confrontation or the relentless friction of the chains.
Probably both, I thought darkly as I circled him, letting the click of my polished shoes echo ominously through the cavernous space. My favorite knife, Tuto, glinted in my hand as I spun it with practiced ease.
“I don’t know whether to be proud or annoyed that you started the fun without me,” I remarked to my men, inspecting their handiwork.
A soft chuckle rippled through the room, but the tension remained thick—a suffocating blanket of dread that I relished.
Normally, I wouldn’t bother with situations as petty as theft, but this wasn’t just about money, though the idiot had cost me millions with his botched scheme. It was about principle. No one stole from me and walked away intact.
“Do you know how... irritable I get when someone tries to swindle me?” I asked, voice calm but laced with menace as I scrutinized the anóitos who thought it wise to steal from me. (idiot)
His breathing grew increasingly ragged in response, each strained inhale a painful reminder of his dire situation. Tears filled his eyes, but he remained silent.
“It wasn’t a rhetorical question, nóthos,” I snapped, closing the distance between us. Without warning, Tuto moved—a clean, merciless cut severing his manhood. (bastard)
His scream echoed through the warehouse, primal and raw. Blood spurted from his dismembered dick, painting the floor and my shoes red. His wild, panicked eyes darted around, in a desperate search for any glimmer of hope or escape. But the oppressive weight of the chains, coupled with the agony of his dismemberment, held him firmly in place—a stark reminder of his captivity.
“P-P-P...” he stammered.
“P-P-P what? I don’t speak gibberish boy. Spit it out or bleed out,” I taunted.
Laughter erupted from my men, a jarring contrast to his sobs. Annoyed by the noise, I gestured for silence and leaned in closer.
“You know, I’m feeling merciful today,” I began, a hint of amusement lacing my voice. “So, I’m going to offer you two options.” I gestured to two of my men, who promptly released the chains binding him, stepping back to give him some space as he crumpled to the floor, a broken shell of a man.
“If you can escape this warehouse in the next”—I glanced at my watch for dramatic effect— “say ten minutes, I’ll spare your life. If not, my men will bring you back to me, and I’ll skin you alive. Sound good?”
His body quivered with fear in response, as I felt my infamous maniacal grin creeping onto my face.
Oh well.
I checked my watch. “Time starts now.”
His feeble attempt to crawl toward the door was almost sad. He made it six paces before collapsing, his blood painting a pitiful trail.
Pathetic.
I signaled to my men, who dragged him back to me like a rag doll. He was too weak to fight, though his whimpers continued.
“You should’ve run when you had the chance,” I said, removing my suit jacket with deliberate slowness. “But I suppose you’re too... dickless for that now.”
Rolling up the sleeves of my dress shirt, I turn to my men, thrilled to finally put Tuto to good use.
“Bring the equipment, boys,” I ordered, my voice tinged with dark excitement. “We’ve got work to do.”
**************************************
The part I dreaded most about my job was the cleanup. It was tedious, but there was something satisfying about scrubbing blood from the concrete after a successful punishment had been delivered.
“Boss, your mother is on the phone,” one of my men said, his voice cutting through my concentration as I scrubbed the blood from my beard. Looks like I’d be sporting a gruesome accessory until I got home.
“Did she say why?” I asked without looking up, now focused on cleaning the crimson evidence from my hands.
“Not really,” he replied, his gaze fixed ahead. “Just that she needed to speak with you urgently.”
Damn it.
“Fine, hand it over.” I grabbed the phone and waved him off.
“When are you going to settle down, Andronikos?” my mother’s familiar voice demanded. Her tone was as sharp as the knife I’d just used. “I want grandchildren, gios, and I’m not getting any younger!”
For as long as I’ve known her, my mother has never been one to beat around the bush. With a severe demeanor, ice-blue eyes I had inherited, and platinum blonde hair, she radiated an intensity that was both relentless and caring. I have always admired her directness. Even now.
“Soon, Mama. Soon,” I lied smoothly, knowing full well she wouldn’t buy it.
“Don’t give me that nonsense!” she snapped. “Next time I see you, I’ll twist that overgrown ear of yours until you listen to reason. You’re not too old for it!”
As she launched into one of her infamous tirades, I muted the call and sighed. My mother had the stamina of a marathon runner when it came to berating me.
By the time she wound down, I had scrubbed the last of the blood from my beard and set up a meeting with the Aslan brothers at Nyx, my nightclub.
Twenty minutes! A new record. She usually ranted for longer.
“Nikos, are you there?”
“Yes, Mama. I heard everything,” I lied again. “I’ll do my best to honor your wishes, but duty calls.”
“Andronikos—”
“Love you, Mama!” I cut her off and ended the call.
With an exasperated sigh, I called for my second-in-command. “Iason, ready the convoy. We leave in five.”
If the meeting didn’t go smoothly, I was going to have more than one person on today’s kill tab.
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,
“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
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
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
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
“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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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,
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
“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
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.” “
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