Chapter 2: My Brother Is My Protector
Jessica
My father loved psychological terrorizing me and his favorite thing was to tell me I needed to be prettier, dressed well and apply makeup. He called me inferior all the time that you would think it was my middle name. When people say I am so beautiful these days, I cringe at the compliment because the little girl in me is telling me that they were lying.
Living in squalor since I was fresh out of high school felt like punishment meant for me. A shitty life for a shitty girl especially since I left my parents and cut them off. My father always felt like god and on hard nights, I swore it was him who swg all this in motion even without being in my life anymore. I have always felt like his hands were around my throat like a leash and the more I tug or try to run, the more I choke. I am pretty sure if my father found me, he would beat me to a pulp for leaving home. I know he had tried looking for me, though he disowned my brother a long ago. He said, Kelvin is a man and he should live his own life but he thinks he owns me just like he owns my mother. My mother is drop dead gorgeous and plain out stupid. She is obsessed with him and he is obsessed with himself.
If my father saw this building in this neighborhood and the penthouse I am about to go live in, he would throw a fit. He had always been jealous and out right deranged. He wants to be rich and important but he isn't. He works in a successful investment company but he isn't the CEO or anything. It is a middle tier position and he always surrounded himself with impressive people so in turn people will just assume that he was important and also would call us higher middle class. Whereas in reality, we weren't.
I won't lie and say the four year gap between Buguma and Urhobo wasn't scary for me. I managed to get away from my father because I was literally on the other side of the country. Kelvin has been in Buguma for years, though and hasn't heard a word from my parents so I think that was my own paranoia talking. I have gone to extreme measures to cut those people off, I had to block half of my family who would update and inform my father of things they saw in social media. Everything is set to private.
I had to cut off my best friend in Urhobo because her father and my father were also best friends so her father pressured her into telling my father things about me. I am not an easily accessible person, I have a new phone number and no listed address anywhere. I do have my school records but there are plenty of fashion design schools for them not to know which one I would even be in. Besides, I am not a minor and college wouldn't give my parents any information anyway. I have had plenty of daydreams and wishes that I will become a successful designer but the little voice in the back of my head tells me I am not good enough. But another little intrusive voice tells me that if I am good enough, my name will be public and my family will have access to me again. Buguma is the hub of fashion but how brave will I be? I used to have Kelvin, my big brother, as my protector. At ten years old, I had to learn how to be my own protector. Who do I need to be protected from now, thought and what's next?
Adriano's penthouse was immaculate, the first level had a twenty ceilinged living room with the city skylines as its window view. There was a black slate gas fireplace which brought a type of masculinity to the space and gracious separate kitchen and dining room. The second level apparently has a media room with a bar. The primary master suite with dual bathroom, dressing area and secondary rooms with en-suite bathroom. I didn't get to actually see it because Mark was very fidgety and kept speaking.
“Mr. Caputo is a particular man, he wouldn't like you viewing or touching any of his things.” He muttered and it felt like this Mark guy was my babysitter for the day.
The only place I was basically allowed to touch was the living room couch, where the two of us promptly sat down and watched several hours worth of fashion shows.
“It is to get me in the Buguma mood.” I told him.
I used to love Veeky James and the fashion she was known for. I wanted her life even though it wasn't always luxurious. As a child, being in my situation, I felt like I was made to be in that show. It was escapism but now I am here, I will be living in Buguma, it was not something I expected.
“What is your favorite character?” I asked him, he was sitting at the complete opposite end of a very long couch.
“Rebecca.” He said without a second thought.
“Why? Because she is a sex addict?” I asked and he blushed, it cracked me up.
“She is just strong willed and so felt assured.” He responded.
Self assured? I can't relate.
“Is that how you are? Self assured?” I asked.
“I am good at my job but I tend to hold a nervous disposition.” He gestured with his hand
When we heard the ding of the elevator, we both turned towards the foyer that it opened up to. My brother walked out who I haven't seen for so many years. He looked more mature, he is undoubtedly a handsome guy. Girls went crazy for him back at school and all my friends crushed on him and I hated it. Our hair was the same color, chestnut brown and ocean blue eyes. He had a deep set of eyes which made his face more masculine cut than my dainty face. He has some tattoos as well and a confident stance that he didn't have all those years ago before the military.
He wasn't a suit man but here he was exiting the elevator in one of the most drop dead gorgeous suits ever. I hopped to my feet before I even realized it and started rushing towards him. He was much taller than me but I still got my arms around his hard torsos.
“Hi, I missed you.” I gushed, his arms came around me and he gave my back a small rub.
“Hey, kiddo.” He used his childhood nickname for me. I am a dainty sized girl and he always called me kiddo. He pulled me at arm length to get a look at me.
“Shit, you are getting old.” He shook his head at my own matured look.
I snorted and called him old as well. He led me back to the living room and told Mark he was free to go. He sounded like a boss and it was so weird to me.
“So are we staying here for a month or did you just want me here until I got a job?” I tipped my head at him.
If Adriano Caputo is as particular as Mark said, I doubt he wants us here as roommates for a month.
“No, this is a safe and secure building. I would rather you stay here.” He replied.
“Safe?” I asked and he was silent for a moment.
“Yes, Buguma is a big city and it is not safe for young girls.” I rolled my eyes.
“I live all by myself in Enugu, Kelvin. Don't start treating me like a little girl just because you are stuck in time with me being ten years old.” I shook my head at him.
That was the time he took care of me and he often seems stuck in that time frame with me. He didn't like the subject so he changed it. Sticking his hands in his pocket, he stood confidently and looked down at me.
“Where are your bags? We will bring it up to your room.” I looked around and then frowned when he saw my crooked wheeled luggage behind the couch towards the kitchen.
Where is all my stuff from the moving truck?” I looked around like I had suddenly seen my belongings.
“I wasn't about to clutter Adriano’s house, I have it sorted for you. In a few weeks, we will have our own space.” He motioned to grab my bag but he didn't roll it, he just picked it up and started walking towards the elegant floating stairs and I followed him behind.
“You know, I do appreciate that you moved out of your old place.” I said from behind.
He barely glanced over his shoulder at me while reaching the platform to the second floor. The media room was sort of behind the staircase landing and then a hall brought us to several doors. The one on the very end was apparently Adriano's and I was brought to the first door on the left. When the door swung open, I couldn't see it right away because his big body was in the way.
“It is fine, I outgrew that place and I didn't want you living alone anymore. You belong here.” He surprised me with his words and it warmed my heart.
When he dropped the bag, he peeked at me but I didn't want to acknowledge that small awkward tension that arose when he mentioned leaving me alone. He holds guilt over being selfish and wanting to leave my parents but also leaving me behind with them. Things got worse for me while he was away but I didn't blame him for it. He went to the military and started this whole life and it made him grow up.
Both of us grew up under different circumstances and opposite wars. It was the first in eight years we will be living under the same roof.
Chapter 3: He Is Intimidating Jessica “Well?” Kelvin said, motioning towards the room.“It is beautiful and luxurious, is our place going to be like this? How can you afford it?” I had to ask.The room was done with soft hues of gold accent and lightning and the biggest bed I have ever seen.“Not this fancy but it is in this building.” He said.“Wait, what? I thought we were going to live…” I didn't get to finish before he shook his head.“Adriano made some good points about this being a safer neighborhood and with its high end art and all those stores. I can't see you hating it.” He narrowed his eyes on me.He suggested we live in this building? This is interesting.“So again I ask, how can you afford it?” I crossed my arms.We were both only a few steps into the room but I turned to get a good look at him. He narrowed his eyes on me again.“I am a successful businessman now, Jessica and I can take care of us.” He replied.“What kind of business?” I pushed further.“Caputo Group of
Chapter 4: He Is A Badass Jessica I watched Adriano rub his hand and down his dark five o'clock shadow, those tattoos and man rings were enough to make me clench my legs together. He is so attractive, just his hands alone made me dripping wet.“You can keep an eye on her.” Adriano said quietly but since his voice is deep, it comes off as a rumble.“I will figure out something.” My brother said and that was his way of closing the topic.Kelvin and I ended up getting into a light conversation while Adriano ignored us, especially me and when he finished his meal, he excused himself and disappeared.“Kiddo, I have been wanting to ask you but I am not sure how to bring it up. Have you talked to mother and father at all?” My stomach lurched even at the mention of them and he knows that.“No, not at all, not in years. Have you?” I was suddenly very uncomfortable with the idea.“No, but I was out of the country for so long and I was busy building my career, I just don't want to miss anythin
Chapter 5: I Have A Lot Of Dark Secrets Adriano I was at the office in The Emerald Lounge since it won't be open until later tonight. I can have some peace and quiet here, I have a meeting with some allies. They have proven themselves useful to my empire long ago back when my father was still running point on everything. My father loves running the casinos, he made me serve my time in the military, the same way his father made him serve time. Then he spent years slowly passing every responsibility onto my shoulders until I stepped up from underboss and became the Don and the youngest one yet.My father is more my consigliere, my council and advisor and one of the men who can challenge my decision and opinions. My father ended up with a son and two daughters so now I am the Don and my father's brother's son, Robort is my underboss and Kelvin is one of my Capo's but honestly he is more like my left hand man. He is usually with me doing something directly for me even though he isn't te
Chapter 6: Why Are You Stealing From Me?AdrianoAfter a successful meeting, I wasn't in a very good mood. I told Robort and Kelvin that we should go to the backroom at The Emerald Lounge for a card game. I run illegal games out of certain establishments but they are exclusive and they buy in his high. It was a lot of guys we know but also some we don't know. One usually has to be vouched for if you are showing up at one of my games and while there is nothing wrong with folding chairs and tables, this is not that type of underground poker room.There is a wet bar with the best cigarettes and brown liquors available, the design is made to be moody and elegant. Not everyone in the back room is always one of the ten players. Some are there for drinks and private conversat
Chapter 7: Who Vouched For You? Adriano “Stealing?” The mechanic played dumb. Kelvin grabbed the guy and shoved him back into his seat. “Now before we kill you for cheating in our establishment, I want you to show me how you did it.” I said and his eyes got even wider and he shook his head repeatedly, stuttering. “I don't know what you are talking about?” I pulled his buddy up who was bleeding from the nose and mouth and sat him down across from him, the whole room was at stand still, watching. “Do you want to be a cheater and a liar before I shoot you? Have some honor.” I mocked him without a smile. The guy who was bleeding tried cleaning his face. Kelvin slammed his hands down on the table, making him keep them there while Robort counted out his winning and pocketed them. “How many times have you guys been here? How much money do you owe us for the past games?” I asked and got no response. “Who vouched for you?” I looked around, sure enough, Costello's nephew hung his head l
Chapter 8: I Have A Job Now Jessica “Yes, all of that sounds fine, I am a hard worker.” I assured him, Chase smirked in a cute way and slapped his hands down on his thigh to rub them.“Oh, I bet, I am not worried at all.” He said.Upon closer inspection, he has a dainty hoop nose piercing and from his t-shirt and shorts I could see the start of a few tattoos on his arms and legs. He was actually very handsome the more I looked at him and he was being sweet too, though I am not sure if that was for my sake or my brother's.“My twin sister should be here any second.” He informed us and I was interested to meet her.All I heard about her was from Kelvin and he said that his future wife is sexy. Chase showed me around the shop and by the time we got back to the front room, Kelvin and Joyce were having a little flirtatious conversation.She is a hair dyed ash blonde with the same slightly upturned nose as her brother. She also has dark eyes and she lined it with black eyeliner wings. The
Chapter 9: An Attractive Dick Jessica “I am so sorry, I had no idea it cost that much, I…I am not used to this.” I stuttered and waved around at the luxury. Adriano slipped his hands in his slack pocket while making his shoulder to widen out and he used his height to look down at me on the sofa. “Did you enjoy it?” He surprised me by asking. I looked down at the mostly emptied glass in my hand and I nodded my head as a typical village girl I was. He liked his lips which sent heat through my body from my cheek down to my throbbing core. With a curt nod, he turned on his heel and went up his fancy floating staircase and I could only breathe once he was completely out of sight. Was he mad or did he not care? He doesn't react to things and it was incredibly disorienting for someone not to show any emotions, not even a hint. His face and voice are both serious and deep, I would have to see him angry. Drinking my last sip of the wine, I savored it before standing up to clean my mess.
Chapter 10: Should I Apologize?Jessica “Hey, kiddo. I was just checking on you.” Kelvin said without opening the door.“I made you a plate of food, it was on the counter downstairs.” He hummed in appreciation and I heard his heavy footsteps walking back downstairs.Was Adriano's door still open? Was he still doing that? I couldn't leave this room tonight, I can't own up to what I did. Maybe he didn't care or maybe he did but I was humiliated for how I acted and how I was still acting. My body was on fire, I was so turned on that I wanted nothing more than to run down that hall and jump on that hard body to see what he would do with me but I can't. Not only because he was my brother's best friend but also because he scares the crap out of me. He was all hard edge and mean frowns, I can't read him or understand what he is thinking. He didn't stop when he saw me watching, why? He might think I am a creep or a loser, I don't don'
Chapter 25: Sex Me Eyes Adriano I wasn't expecting a text from a random number tonight and when I saw it was Jessica, I expected it even less. She asked to come up or I offered I suppose. She said she was locked out so I figured that was that thing to do. For my best friend's little sister, not because I wanted the girl here. She looked like a fucking wesuper model in tbe classy outfit. The belt harness makes it a little less stuffy and more hot. She was good at dressing and I can see why she chose fashion.It was her passion, I see it in the glint in her eyes when she talks about it or the day she showed all her purchases with the money her brother and I gave her. Those muted green eyes that she plays up with her make-up and sweeping lashes. She had sex me eyes and I can't stop looking between them and her bee stung lips. They were natural too which makes it even hotter. I have been with girls in fillers and I liked the real thing much more. I was sitting beside an innocent tempta
Chapter 24: This Is Humiliating Jessica I smoothed myself over in the elevator and headed up. When the ping sounded, it let him know I was here and I stopped dead in my tracks when I realized he wasn't in his usual suit. Instead, he was in a black t-shirt under a leather jacket and blue jeans. He looked hot and amazingly attractive. As I entered, he ran a hand through his hair which looked softer like he hasn't styled it at all today.“Do you want the spare key or do you want to hang around until your brother gets home?” He gave me an option I wasn't expecting. Probably because he recognized the outfit that I showed them the day I bought it, I paused with my mouth slightly ajar.“Oh, you have a spare?” I felt awkward asking him to stay now.“You don't have to use it.” He picked up on my hesitant demeanor.“I heard about some criminals in this area, maybe I shouldn't stay alone tonight.” I cleared my throat and made a ridiculous excuse.“Criminals?” He seemed to smirk at me and I don
Chapter 23: You Know The CodeJessica “Nothing is wrong, I was space out?” I shoved my phone into my pocket and tried to smile.“I was going to run down the block and grab some coffee for everyone. You want to join and help me carry everything back?” Oliver asked and I nodded yes, telling Chase that I was leaving the register.When we got outside, I took the evening air into my lungs to settle me down. It was probably too late for coffee but whatever, I will probably get one anyway. I noticed right away how many people looked at her, some because she was hot and some because they were appalled by all her ink and how she dressed and with the dimple piercing in her.“Yes, people will always judge you, I bet they were judging the pair of us, Miss high fashionista model lady.” She teased me and tugged on my trousers. I chuckled, we couldn't look more opposite.“I think everyone who enters Bizzyaski Ink judges me, I don't look like I fit in but I liked working there.” I said, letting my
Chapter 22: Don't Tell My Brother Jessica “You left without reason, you got rid of the number I had for you and just fucking left me. You think I want something? Yes, I want you to explain yourself and then I want you to give yourself back over to me.” Weldon’s tone was angrier and I was astonished that this was really happening right now.“Please stop, just leave me alone.” I tried once more.“Just because you ran off doesn't make you any less mine. I will see you around, baby boo.” That was the last thing he said before hanging up and I quickly typed out a message to him to be sure he wouldn't text my brother.‘'Be a good girl and I won't.’I have no idea what his message means but I didn't like the fact that he said see you around. Is he coming here? No, he doesn't know where I live, he couldn't possibly. Two seconds with him back in my life and I was already spiraling again.I spent the rest of the day in bed, sick to my stomach about all this. I didn't leave my room until I hea
Chapter 21: Don't Text MeJessica Our apartment was finally ready and we were moving this weekend. It was a good thing that I have some off during the week because I have been busy preparing the house. It was a breath of fresh air to have some space, to be away from Adriano. He hasn't spoken a word to me since our tense moment in the kitchen the other night but that has only driven me even more crazy. I had finally bought myself a pair of sweatpants and I was wearing them now as I pushed boxes around and ordered the furniture. The apartment came mostly furnished but I was making it my own.The way the place looked was somewhat like Adriano's apartment, only without the second floor. You enter through the door, not the elevator to the large living room with a skyline view window which flooded the room with natural lights. The kitchen and dining area was in a similar location to Adriano's only a scale smaller. Our two bedrooms are opposite ends of the apartment which I kind of liked. I
Chapter 20: A Dangerous Temptation Adriano When I returned my attention to the men in front of me, my hands behind my back and walked up and down the line as I spoke calmly to them.“You are the SR also known as The Storm Riders, the street gang that started a few years back. Your activities include drug trafficking, assaults, murder and robbery. Your rivals include Fury Legion, Dark Elites and others. Your leader is Benjamin, a pretty stupid fucking name if you ask me.” I laid down everything I learned about them.They gasped for a moment but caught themselves.“Damn, right.” The leader of this little crew spoke up and I smirked.“You think you have the authority here? To mess with the Shadow Vanguard's business and members?” My voice was still calm for now.“We mess with who we want.” He said and it was the last thing I let him say.I withdrew my gun and cracked him in the face with the bottom of it. He dropped off the bar stool, writhing in pain and causing me. One of them stood
Chapter 19: I Like Getting My Hands DirtyAdriano I sat at the head of the table with the five heads of crime families waiting to see why they called this bullshit sit down. Mr. Vallant, the head of Vortex Cartel, cleared his throat and turned to me to begin speaking. I am friends with Vallant's son and I have fucked his daughter, not that he knows about it.“Shenice, my daughter wants to get married to an outsider.” He announced.“Who?” I asked.She wasn't obligated to marry inside the circle but it is preferred when people do. If he was calling a meeting there is more to this though.“The guy is a made-guy, just not for us.” He beat around the bush, I glanced down at my watch and back at him to make it known that I didn't have the fucking time for the dramatics.“A guy from Black Knight.” He pressed his lips together, knowing the reception of this news wouldn't be favorable to him.“ A fucking foreign man!” Jordan spat. He never liked foreigners, especially Spanish. I folded my arm
Chapter 18: You Are Adorable Jessica Mark was left the hook today and wasn't required to drive me to work. He was needed elsewhere apparently and he had sent me a text message to let me know. I am sure I ordered a ride to take me to work, there was traffic and it was just easier that way. I was paying attention to all the people who passed me because the sidewalks are busy with both locals and tourists. I was just enjoying the mild weather before I was stopped by the calling of my name.I looked around me, wondering if maybe someone from the tattoo shop spotted me. I didn't see any face I recognized until a head popped out from behind a small crowd and my eyes went wide in shock at seeing who it was. What is she doing here?“I thought that must be you.” She said as she approached me, hugging me when she got closer.“Ella.. wow, long time.” I swallowed.This girl is from my past that I don't want to revisit, she shows a part of my life that most people don't and her being here is mes
Chapter 17: A Sex Club?Jessica “Huh?” I stupidly muttered, Adriano's presence was anticipated.Instead of repeating himself, he walked to a cabinet and popped it open.“Your brother said you would complain if you didn't have snacks.” he moved away so I could see some of my favorite things already waiting for me. I smiled at the thought of my brother remembering.“Thanks,” I said quietly, waiting for him to move so I could reach for something but he didn't.He stood just in front of the counter and looked at me. Was he waiting for me to ask him to move? Does he want me near him while I try to reach for the snacks? Has he thought about our exchange when I watched him jerk off or has he already forgotten that completely? I licked my lips at the thought of his eyes seeming to narrow in on my lips. I know I have nice lips, I have been told many times.“Umm, can I…” I trailed off, figuring he understood that I was asking him to move.“Help yourself,” his deep sexy voice muttered but his b