Happiness...It's been years since I've felt truly happy. A feeling I only experience with my violin by my side.... Or driving wild with my bike... And of course, drugs.My mind begins to wander... And I'm transported back to my fifth birthday. The sweet smell of waffle cones and the sound of laughter filling my senses.Mum and Dad took Kiara and I to get ice cream, and for a brief moment, everything felt perfect.I recall Mum and Dad exchanging tired glances, but despite their forced smiles, they still managed to make that day special for me.And damn! The euphoria that coursed through my veins when I licked my cone. Vanilla...It's a feeling I've been chasing ever since.Well... Until now.As I steer the car onto the 405, the twinkling lights of the Los Angeles skyline stretch out before us like a canvas of diamonds. Rhys's strong arms envelop me, his warm hands resting on my hips as we glide through the twilight.This is our third practice drive, but I have to admit, I'm not just h
I've never been interested in men. I've never entertained the thought.That was until Luciano came out as gay at fifteen. He'd had a crush on Damon for as long as I could remember.Our families had been close-knit since our parents' school days. My father, Vadim Volkov, head of the Russian mafia, and Luciano's father, head of the Spanish mafia, shared an unbreakable bond and loyalty.Their friendship had blossomed into a lasting alliance, strengthened by the coincidence of their wives giving birth to sons in the same year.Luciani is a few months older than me, born in September, while I'm a December boy.When he didn't win Damon's heart, he set his sights on me at sixteen. He confessed his feelings, and we made a playful bet that he could make me fall for him.We even shared a kiss, but it didn't spark anything romantic between us. We never made a big deal about it, occasionally bringing it up to laugh.I've always identified as straight, drawn to girls. I've had numerous flings, but
I'm standing at the starting line of The Devil's Den, a 25-mile loop that begins and ends in Venice Beach. As I look out at the route ahead, I can see that it takes riders through the scenic Pacific Coast Highway, past the iconic Santa Monica Pier, and into the winding roads of the Santa Monica Mountains.Fuck! Looking up at the night sky, I sight a faint shooting star, and my chest feels fuzzy and light.I want to win.I really want to win.But Rhys's gray eyes are stuck in my head, distracting me. His voice echoes in my mind. 'Who am I to you?'The host's voice is a distant hum, the crowd's cheers a clamor of static noise. My heart is racing, and all I can hear is the scream of my own adrenaline as I rev up my engine alongside the other riders.The flag drops, and we're off, speeding down the road like a pack of wild animals.Rhys's question echoes in my mind. 'Who am I to you?' But I push it aside, focusing on the road ahead.I zip past the pier, taking sharp turns with precision,
"Are you just going to keep staring at him? Go to him, asshole." Luciano says, snatching the cigarette from my lips. I quickly retrieve it, my eyes narrowing warily."I'm... I'm going to do that, but not now," I say, trying to sound nonchalant.Luciano's face falls, his expression a picture of disappointment. "Not while everyone is looking."I'm not sure what comes over me, but I feel a sudden urge to laugh. It's a manic, unhinged sound, and it startles even me. But I quickly compose myself, take a long drag on my cigarette, and blow a stream of smoke directly into Luciano's face, my expression stern."I'm not ashamed or anything like that. I'm just... shy, I think," I admit, trying to downplay my feelings.Luciano's eyes widen in surprise. "You like him!" he exclaims, his voice a bit too loud for comfort.My body's immediate response is panic, and I find myself glancing over at Jasper, who's still engrossed in conversation with Keon. They're both staring at Jasper's phone, probably d
I kick at the sand with my boots, feeling an overwhelming sense of joy in my chest. The wind blows around me, and I feel carefree, like I'm five again. I skip along, laughing and swinging my arms as I gaze out at the ocean waves glinting under the full moonlight.But I'm not excited because of the beach. I'm excited because of the large, tattooed man walking behind me, his admiring gaze fixed on me. I walk backwards, cocking my head to the side as I stare at him."Do you like me, straight boy?" I ask, a playful smile spreading across my face."I hate you," he replies immediately, his expression stern.I shrug nonchalantly, feeling a sense of ease in my stomach. "That's reassuring."I twirl, walking ahead towards the ocean, but Rhys immediately yanks me back. "Nope. It's cold. You're not going in there." His arm wraps tightly around my waist, possessive and warm.I throw my head back to look at his chiseled, gorgeous face. "Well, promise me we'll come to the beach for a swim then."Rhy
Damon takes a drag of his cigarette, his eyes fixed on the bloodied mace clutched in my hand. "Makar had a run-in with the Ravens last night," he mutters. "Seems they've gone to the Italians for help."I gaze at my bloodied hand, a grim smile spreading across my face as my bloodlust begins to subside. "Smart move, crawling under the Italians' feet," I say. "Father's been trying to avoid an all-out war between us."Damon's calculated eyes narrow, studying me intently. I can sense his unspoken questions, his attempts to unravel the complexities of my thoughts and emotions.I sit in the chair, the lifeless body of the Ravens' leader beside me, a gruesome note to the brutality I've unleashed. The Ravens think they can hide behind the Italians. "The war is inevitable now," I growl, my voice low and menacing. "I'm wiping out the Ravens completely. I don't care if they're in hiding. They tried to hurt my family."The words feel like fire in my throat, and I realize, with a sense of unease,
I'm returning from the club at 12 pm, not exactly part of my plan, but the unwanted energy I've been receiving lately is pushing me away from this mansion.For an odd reason, I feel like Batman.I head to the kitchen, opening the fridge to find a large bowl of chocolate ice cream. And hell! Do I feel blessed!"Just gotta take this to my room, watch a movie, and ignore that asshole," I grumble to myself as I make my way upstairs, through the hall.But.. Before I know it, I'm standing in front of Rhys' door, staring at it like an obsessed freak.Damn.We had a good thing going at the beach the other night, but of course, from the next day on, he's been giving me that "you ruined my life" look.At first, I didn't want to believe it. But fuck it! We're back to square one."Open sesame," I pull the door handle, and to my surprise, it's unlocked."Oh?" I step into the dark room, and the moonlight illuminates Rhys, who's fast asleep, his chest rising and falling with each gentle breath.He l
It's Asael's birthday today, and the party is tonight. But I'm not really concerned about the preparations because Asael made it clear he wants to handle everything himself.Right now, I'm at the company, signing documents my dad told me to take care of. I'm exhausted and grumpy, dreading the fact that this will be my life soon.Makar is lounging on the couch, his eyes sealed on his phone. He looks more conflicted than usual. "What's wrong?" I ask, raising an eyebrow.He looks up at me, his eyes wide with surprise, like he didn't expect me to ask. "Well, erm... My father wants me to do something that will prevent a war between us and the Italians.""What?" My phone buzzes, and I glance at the screen to see a message from Dad. [Arrange marriage.]"Well, that's unexpected." I look up at Makar, who forces a weak smile."I'm guessing you know what I'm supposed to do," He rises from the couch, storms out of my office, and slams the door behind him, screaming, "I'm getting married to a fu
"Look at those wiggling fingers. Ya think he's awake?" Comes a distant voice, muffled by the darkness that surrounds me."Hey! You awake?" Another voice comes, echoing with laughter.I try to respond, but my lungs feel like they're on fire. I inhale deeply, the air burning my throat, and exhale sharply.The sensation is agonizing, but it's enough to spark my senses back to life."Bloody hell.." I try to move, but the familiar sensation of being tied to a chair stops me cold.Panic sets in, and I scream at the top of my lungs. "You fuckers don't know how to tie a rope tight?!"I thrash about, the tight ropes binding my hands to the armrests cutting into my skin. "Fuck!""We have a sharp mouth here, Brody," A gruff voice with a thick Irish accent growls in displeasure."He was screaming earlier. He's such a pretty face. Why don't we take more fun in this before we cut him open?" Another voice chimes in, sending a raw chill down my spine.Oh shit! What have I gotten myself into? I rememb
The seconds tick by with agonizing slowness as I wait ten minutes after Jasper's exit.My mind is screaming at me to act, to move, to do something.But I'm a bloody idiot! A moronic, brainless, self-sabotaging fool!I want to look at him, to drink in the sight of his beautiful face, to memorize every curve and contour. Again and again.I want to tell him what's going on with me, to confess my deepest fears and desires.I want to tell him I'm sorry, to beg for his forgiveness. On my fucking knees!I want to hug him and just... melt in his warmth.Oh my god!He deserves so much good, so much joy. And I really want to see joy linger in those beautiful sapphire eyes, to see him smile in a way that makes my heart skip a beat.I'm running back to the party. And as soon as I burst out of the building, desperate to catch up with Jasper, a quick grip on my arm brings me to a sudden stop. I spin around to face Asael, his eyes narrowed and his brow furrowed in concern."What's wrong?" My teeth c
"N..No. I can't do this." I break away from the kiss, tearing myself away from him. "Goddammit!"My heart is racing so fast I have to press my hand to it. "You have to stop messing with me, Rhys. If you want me, tell me and I'll stay with you. If you don't want me, I'll leave."Rhys yanks me forward, pressing my body against his as he wraps his arms around my waist, gripping my sweater tightly. I can feel his intensity, his desire to rip it off."Rhys." My body trembles, and I can feel his heart pounding against his chest, like it's trying to break free.I look up at him, his hair obscuring his eyes, but I can see them darkening in the dim light."Rhys," I whisper, my breath catching in my throat. "What do you want from me?"He leans in, his face inches from mine, our lips almost touching. Our breath mingles, and I can feel his heart beating in time with mine."Rhys." Tears prick at the corners of my eyes. Bloody hell! I just want to hear him say the words I desperately need to hear.
Riding my bike back home from violin practice, I'm met with a surprise. The mansion compound is packed with cars, and the sound of booming music, cheers, and screams fills the air. I park my bike, exhaustion washing over me as I remove my helmet. "I'm not in a party mood." It's Asael's birthday today, and I hadn't planned on returning to the mansion so late. My mind has been preoccupied with securing a solo spot. I'm so close! I make my way through the crowd, scanning the sea of faces for a glimpse of Rhys, but all I can see is Asael and Luciano dancing together, surrounded by cheering people. Luciano is laughing and spraying them money. I roll my eyes, a grumble escaping my lips. "Rich people." As I step up the stairs and into the hall, I find myself standing in front of Rhys' door. I stare hard at it, feeling the urge to open it, but it's probably locked – and he doesn't want to see me. Maybe he wants to. My phone buzzes in my pocket, breaking the spell. I pull it o
It's Asael's birthday today, and the party is tonight. But I'm not really concerned about the preparations because Asael made it clear he wants to handle everything himself.Right now, I'm at the company, signing documents my dad told me to take care of. I'm exhausted and grumpy, dreading the fact that this will be my life soon.Makar is lounging on the couch, his eyes sealed on his phone. He looks more conflicted than usual. "What's wrong?" I ask, raising an eyebrow.He looks up at me, his eyes wide with surprise, like he didn't expect me to ask. "Well, erm... My father wants me to do something that will prevent a war between us and the Italians.""What?" My phone buzzes, and I glance at the screen to see a message from Dad. [Arrange marriage.]"Well, that's unexpected." I look up at Makar, who forces a weak smile."I'm guessing you know what I'm supposed to do," He rises from the couch, storms out of my office, and slams the door behind him, screaming, "I'm getting married to a fu
I'm returning from the club at 12 pm, not exactly part of my plan, but the unwanted energy I've been receiving lately is pushing me away from this mansion.For an odd reason, I feel like Batman.I head to the kitchen, opening the fridge to find a large bowl of chocolate ice cream. And hell! Do I feel blessed!"Just gotta take this to my room, watch a movie, and ignore that asshole," I grumble to myself as I make my way upstairs, through the hall.But.. Before I know it, I'm standing in front of Rhys' door, staring at it like an obsessed freak.Damn.We had a good thing going at the beach the other night, but of course, from the next day on, he's been giving me that "you ruined my life" look.At first, I didn't want to believe it. But fuck it! We're back to square one."Open sesame," I pull the door handle, and to my surprise, it's unlocked."Oh?" I step into the dark room, and the moonlight illuminates Rhys, who's fast asleep, his chest rising and falling with each gentle breath.He l
Damon takes a drag of his cigarette, his eyes fixed on the bloodied mace clutched in my hand. "Makar had a run-in with the Ravens last night," he mutters. "Seems they've gone to the Italians for help."I gaze at my bloodied hand, a grim smile spreading across my face as my bloodlust begins to subside. "Smart move, crawling under the Italians' feet," I say. "Father's been trying to avoid an all-out war between us."Damon's calculated eyes narrow, studying me intently. I can sense his unspoken questions, his attempts to unravel the complexities of my thoughts and emotions.I sit in the chair, the lifeless body of the Ravens' leader beside me, a gruesome note to the brutality I've unleashed. The Ravens think they can hide behind the Italians. "The war is inevitable now," I growl, my voice low and menacing. "I'm wiping out the Ravens completely. I don't care if they're in hiding. They tried to hurt my family."The words feel like fire in my throat, and I realize, with a sense of unease,
I kick at the sand with my boots, feeling an overwhelming sense of joy in my chest. The wind blows around me, and I feel carefree, like I'm five again. I skip along, laughing and swinging my arms as I gaze out at the ocean waves glinting under the full moonlight.But I'm not excited because of the beach. I'm excited because of the large, tattooed man walking behind me, his admiring gaze fixed on me. I walk backwards, cocking my head to the side as I stare at him."Do you like me, straight boy?" I ask, a playful smile spreading across my face."I hate you," he replies immediately, his expression stern.I shrug nonchalantly, feeling a sense of ease in my stomach. "That's reassuring."I twirl, walking ahead towards the ocean, but Rhys immediately yanks me back. "Nope. It's cold. You're not going in there." His arm wraps tightly around my waist, possessive and warm.I throw my head back to look at his chiseled, gorgeous face. "Well, promise me we'll come to the beach for a swim then."Rhy
"Are you just going to keep staring at him? Go to him, asshole." Luciano says, snatching the cigarette from my lips. I quickly retrieve it, my eyes narrowing warily."I'm... I'm going to do that, but not now," I say, trying to sound nonchalant.Luciano's face falls, his expression a picture of disappointment. "Not while everyone is looking."I'm not sure what comes over me, but I feel a sudden urge to laugh. It's a manic, unhinged sound, and it startles even me. But I quickly compose myself, take a long drag on my cigarette, and blow a stream of smoke directly into Luciano's face, my expression stern."I'm not ashamed or anything like that. I'm just... shy, I think," I admit, trying to downplay my feelings.Luciano's eyes widen in surprise. "You like him!" he exclaims, his voice a bit too loud for comfort.My body's immediate response is panic, and I find myself glancing over at Jasper, who's still engrossed in conversation with Keon. They're both staring at Jasper's phone, probably d