Charlene.I opened my eyes and he had left. He left a note for me telling me he would be back soon.I waited hoping that he would arrive, he didn’t return and I began to panic,fear gripped me that maybe something had happen to him.I couldn’t sleep or eat, I just stood at the window waiting for him to arrive. Finally he arrived at about 10pm, I rushed out to him, I jumped at him , tighten my hand around his neck, he also wrapped his hand around me.“ Hey” he said to me while I was still in his embrace.“ I got scared that you are not coming back” I said.“ Ofcourse I will come back” he said and we walk into the house.We went into the bedroom, he sat down and pull me to his laps. He softly move his palms on my laps and look up to me, he kissed me.“Charlene, it’s dangerous around me” he said holding my hands.“ I know, you can teach me to be like our girls, I believe If to train me like your girls and men, I will be able to stay around you and also defend myself.“ I don’t want you to
ALFREDO.I opened my eyes and I realized I was tied to a chair and I try to recollect how I had gotten here then I remembered Charlene was taken away by God knows who.I began to struggle myself in the chair then the door open. There was a man standing in front of me with three men , he should be in his sixties.“Alfredo “ the man called,I looked up at him and I realized he was my father’s enemy before his death, he was one of those men I swore to kill if I ever get my chance to.He pulled a chair towards me.“ Where is Charlene? I asked.“ I was going to ask as well” he replied.“ Don’t even try to fuck with me! Ricardo! I yelled at him.“ Where is Charlene? I asked in a very hard tone this time.“ I was going to ask you as well where you have kept my daughter because as far as I know my information came from the right source that you were planning to take her far away from you” he said.“ I just heard you call Charlene your daughter or I didn’t hear correctly.“ You heard correctly
The following day.My men came to and tell me there is an auction the following day at the 24 bay on the ship.I told my men to keep investigating my enemies while some of my men should get ready to follow me to the Auction the following day.I picked my phone to alert Ricardo but then I change my mind because I had a different plan. I feel so restless not seeing my Charlene, I regret no listening to her that she doesn’t wanna leave me, I was only going to do what I thought was best for her protecting her, I should have just listen to her, I should have just think of looking out for her not push her away.This time I am not going to let go of her, I am going to let her stay with me. I couldn’t sleep all night , I couldn’t wait for the day to break. Immediately the to host day break we started preparing to go to the auction.RICARDO.I got information about an auction that was going to happen at Bay 24 on the ship.I called a meeting with my men , I told them to get ready to go to t
My men had their gun pointed at them while Charlene’s father men points their gun at my men.I walked to them and raise my hand up. We do not need to fight, we will come with you” I said.My men looked at me in surprise while I walk back into the car.I know my men were so surprised to see my reaction because they know I was supposed to revenge on Ricardo but me accepting to go with his men is risky.I will do anything for my wife. The convoy moves and it followed Charlene’s dad’s convoy.We drove into the compound and as Charlene looked out of the car she look back to me.“ Where is this? He asked.“We are here to have a talk with your dad” i said.“ My dad? You knew my dad died right ? She asked.“ Yes but he isn’t your father , he is your mom’s husband maybe if you meet with your father he will explain better to you” he said.“ Do you know the woman who kidnapped me was my sister?I asked.“ Martinez? Your adopted sister” he said .“ You know she told me and I never believed she an
He undressed me and took me to the bathroom, he bath me, I also bath him, he picked me up and took me to bed and we had sex.MATINEZ.I was so furious when my auction got disrupted by Alfredo, I was venting my anger at my men. I left and walk into my car angrily telling them to search for Charlene.I drove off in anger, I haven’t drove so far that a truck crossed me. Some men came out and they brought out gun. I also try to shoot but they over power me.They drag me into the car and deal a black cap over my head.After an hour they drag me out out of the car and the man yelled out.“ How dare you drag my daughter that way! The men became gentle with me.I was shocked when he said that. I was taken towards him, I could feel that I am in the presence of someone.“ remove the cap” he commanded.The men did as he was told, my eyes were blurr as the cap was remove from my head and I was surprised the man that had called me his daughter.“Matteo” I called out.If I can remember he used to be
“Your soft heart will be your downfall.” Rhoda returns to the man and holds the knife to his throat.I close my eyes and block out his screams for mercy.“Open your eyes, Charlene,” she commands. “If you don’t, I will cut him deeper. Youmustwatch.”“Will you let him live if I watch?”“This man burned down a house, and a boy died.” Talia looks from man to man as each one laughs. “He knew the boy was in the house, yet he did it anyway. The boy did nothing wrong. Should I let the innocent suffer while the wicked go free?”I don’t know what to say. If it’s true, the man should be punished, but not by Rhoda. “You should turn him over to the police.”They laugh even harder this time as I tremble on that cold floor with fear.“What do you think he is, Little Ms. Lucky?” Rhoda smirks as she raises the knife in her hand.I know what’s coming, and I am powerless to stop it. Her face turns into a cruel mask of rage. The blade strikes with precision, slicing through the man’s throat in one clean m
“I know who and what you are,” he wheezes. “And I don’t care what you do to me. Shoot me in the head and throw me in a ditch. I don’t care. Do you have a message for your father when I see him in hell?”“Don’t plan your trip so soon.” I watch the traffic out the car window as if I’m a tourist enjoying the ride. “You’ll be receiving medical attention where I’m taking you.”“I’ll refuse it. I want to die.”“If it was up to me, old man, I’d let you die. Hell, I’d even keep you around to witness your slow and painful decline. But your daughter Charlene would be devastated. So, you’ll be under a doctor’s care.”“How do you know what she wants?” he asks. “What have you done with my daughter?”“What have I done to your daughter?” I meet his gaze in the rearview mirror. “I married her.”“Liar.” He folds his arms over his chest and winces in pain.“I don’t lie,” I say as I turn to look him in the eyes. “That’s something thieves do.”A shadow of a recoil passes over his face at the mention of t
Because she was a whore that he couldn’t control, just like my wife,” he says. “Has dear Eva ever shown you the list of men she’s been with? I’m surprised Eduardo didn’t break her neck that night. How do you know you’re even Eduardo’s son? Maybe you’re a bastard, like your sister that I have raised as mine.”I was shocked know this same man had raised a girl my mom had given birth to as his child.I had always have hatred for Rhoda and I never knew she is my sister.“ You look shocked? Your mom slept with so many men that she left you for years and go with another man who happen to be my friend, he died and your mom returned to your father , I was surprised he still accepted her.I rush to the bed, but he smiles at my display of anger.He wants to die,I remind myself. Now he knows what to say, and I don’t know how to get under his skin.“I don’t believe you’re married to my daughter,” he continues. “She has the good sense not to get involved with filth. From what I have seen from my da
Despite my fear, I can’t bring myself to go too far. Tears are streaming down my face as I scream uncontrollably. But no one can hear me with the hallway door shut.I keep crawling, and in the dark, my hand touches something in Alfredo's jacket … his gun.And it’s enough for me to make a split-second decision. One that I hope will ultimately save our lives. I grab the gun and pull the trigger. An ear-splitting bang alerts the whole household. Suddenly, all the lights come on in every room of the house, and I hear footsteps running up the stairs. I scream again, and Vanya appears at the door, fully dressed though his brown hair is slightly ruffled.“Charlene, where is Alfredo?” he asks, wide-eyed.But before I can respond, another gunshot resounds through the bedroom, making me shriek in terror. Maya hurries toward the bedroom door and yanks his gun from his belt. His face contorts in fury as he disappears into the room. I turn back to follow him, but I’m swept up from behind by strong
“I prefer it,” I reply curtly. “Who shot the cop,Sara? Was it you or Lance?”“How do you know it wasn’t your sister?” A smirk tugs at her lips.I shake my head. “Sonya wouldn’t.” But as soon as the words leave my lips, I realize just how little I truly know my own sister.“An eye for an eye.” The sly smile widens across Sara’s lips. “One family for another. You know as well as I do that Sonya was never raised in the rules of the Bratva like you and I.”The private room is filled with an uncomfortable silence, and the waiter’s footsteps echo as he enters. He looks nervously at us and realizes no one has even picked up a menu. He hesitantly asks if we’re ready to place our orders. No one wants to eat, so I order a bottle of vodka.“No one will want to associate with someone wanted by the law,” I break the silence. “Not for this. And if you goaded Sonya into doing this—”“I didn’t.” She stops me before I can finish my accusation. “That’s why I want to talk about a truce.”The waiter ente
Charlene smiles shyly and then focuses on her salad, spearing a piece of avocado with her fork. Her gaze falls on the lone brass key in the box, and I know she’s dying to ask questions.“Technically, we don’t own it yet,” I reply. “We’re negotiating the price, and then there’s closing. The couple that owns it are excited to retire early. None of their children are interested in running the place. It’s a good location.”“What about security?” she asks, eyeing the few diners seated at random tables.“The river protects one side, and security can stay in the inn. You don’t have to open it to the public. You’ll be safe here as long as you don’t forget who you are.”Charlene puts down her fork and looks around the charming antique interior with exposed beams and wood plank floors. A large stone fireplace crackles and fills the room with warmth. The walls are a mix of wood paneling and stone accents. In the corner is a bar stocked with local craft beers. Old, framed prints and maps of the a
Just like Alfredo, these people will praise me for my brutality toward my family.Could Alfredo ever escape what was fated to happen?Could I?I don’t wait for the morning or for Regina to say come in.I unlock the door and enter her room. The couture dress is balled up and thrown on the floor while Regina lies on her bed in her old clothes that she took from Dad’s house. Her earbuds are in, and she ignores me as I pace alongside her bed. Her eyes stay trained on the laptop screen as if there’s actually something absorbing on streaming. I sit down on the bed near her and close the screen.“What do you want?” she asks crossly.I sit up straight. “I want to tell you that I’m sorry for slapping you.”“Is that it?” Regina asks, sitting up and crossing her legs.I watch my tone. “Yes, I’m sorry I slapped you, but we couldn’t risk it last night.”She rolls her eyes and replies, “Of course,My dear sister Charlene couldn’t risk something .”I look away and can’t think of what to say.“They do
Stefan frowns, and a nagging feeling descends like a chill down my ribs, letting me know that something might be wrong.“Excuse me.” I leave them and search for Alfredo.I don’t like the look on Stefan’s face, and if he’s up to something, I want it stopped now. All I want is a joyful night without drama and violence, and I’m not about to see it ruined by teenage hormones.“Charlene, good to see you.” A large hand grips my upper arm, and Ivo greets me with a hearty hug. “May we speak?”Distracted by his greeting, I nod as he leads me into the ballroom and almost outside through the French doors. “This is an impressive showing. You’ve done well for your first full event as Andrei’s wife. Any news?”My lips form a thin line. “I don’t know anything about Sonya Gregory. As far as I know, she’s gone underground.”“Of course.” He strokes his bushy beard with his overgrown fingernails. “But there was something else. An unfortunate shooting?”“I believe my husband. I wouldn’t be here talking t
“Maybe this friendship with Zara is not a bad thing,” Sean replies. “There is an advantage to your wife learning how to be a prop wife. Which means you can start treating her like one. You’ve allowed her too much freedom.”I chuckle as I pour another. “I kept her locked in a bedroom.”“A bedroom for a queen with endless luxuries and wealth,” replies Sean . “You’ve spoiled her. And she knows she can use sex to manipulate you. There’s a part of you that is holding onto her too tight. If you hold onto a butterfly’s wing, it will tear when it tries to fly away. Only when you let go will it want to return.” Sean continues with a smirk on his lips. “Make Charlene think she’s crazy for wanting to leave you. You must be like mu father”“Never.”“You have little choice,Alfredo.” Sean looks at his glass before taking a sip. “You need to turn Charlene into a Brotherhood wife. Your mom hated your father, but she wanted for nothing.”“Except love,” I reply flatly.“You loved your mother, Alfredo.
I remember what he said when Regina was first brought here.“A brotherhood wife sleeps with him unless he decides otherwise.”“I didn’t plan to … I fell asleep.” I stand and navigate my body carefully around his. “I’m going upstairs to pack.”I don’t dare look at him as I hurry out the door, past the guard.My foot lands on the step, and I immediately run the rest of the way to our bedroom. I know he won’t let me leave, and I must be crazy to think otherwise, but I’ll try anyway. I don’t have my own luggage, so I search in his closet. That’s not all I find. Behind a heavy wool dress coat, there’s a gun cabinet. I stare at them in rows shiny black and terrifyingly cold.I cover them up with the coat again.I drag the first empty suitcase out and toss it onto the bed when Alfredo enters the room. He walks slowly to the bed and watches me as I throw an armful of dresses into the case.Where am I going to wear these things?Evening gowns made of silk and satin are too fancy for me to hide i
“I don’t know much about being a wife to a husband in the brotherhood,” I blurt out clumsily.Her gaze rests on the small diamond pendant around my neck, and she frowns ever so slightly. “Is that a gift from your husband?”My hand rests on it, and I nod.“Is it real?” she asks.I nod again. “I’m pretty sure all the jewelry he has given me is real.”“Foolish girl.” She smiles thinly. “All your jewelry should be appraised and then duplicated. Youneverwear the originals. I will give you the name of a shop. Very discreet. They will pay for them, and your husband will never know. Never let your husband pick your jewelry.”My eyes widen as if she’s talking crazy. “Then how do I ask for it?”She tsks like I’m a child. “You admire a piece or find a picture of something you like in an auction catalog. Place the page on his desk. He will buy it for you. Don’t let him give you anything you can’t sell.”A chill descends my spine at her words. She’s not telling me how to be a wife.She’s telling m
Charlene shifts in her seat, sitting at the end of the couch away from Sean.“What do we need to do to get better families on this list?” I ask.Sean stares at the screen. “We can offer a gift?”Charlene stares daggers at me. “Are you talking about auctioning off my sister?”Sean glances at Charlene and then focuses on me. “Perhaps there are better ways than using marriage? You’ve had mixed luck with matrimony so far.”I scowl at Sean. “Names? What about Sammie or Taras?”“He’s married to Eva, and the Taras were no fans of Algredo’s father. A rushed marriage isn’t going to mend a blood feud. Especially a marriage to a sister-in-law,” he replies quickly.I have to restrain myself from shouting at him. “I need a better name, Sean”He looks at me coldly. “Perhaps the girl has plans for her own life.”Instantly, I remember the day when Alfredo mom said something similar about Charlene.What if that woman you brought here also made promises that you are making her break?My voice lowers. “I