I used to be my father’s most beloved daughter. His pride and joy, his shadow, the one he whispered his secrets to late at night when he thought the world was asleep. He’d ruffle my hair, call me his little warrior, and promise me the world. But promises mean nothing when they’re buried with the dead.After his death, my mother and I found ourselves trapped in a nightmare we couldn’t escape. My uncle—my father’s supposed right-hand man—took over everything. The house, the gang, the power. And us. He wasn’t content with just my father’s legacy; he wanted to break the pieces left behind. He wanted us to be obedient, silent.Bruises bloomed on my body like sinister flowers. My arms, my ribs, even my face on the worst days. He always made sure to strike in places I could hide with long sleeves and sunglasses, but I wore those bruises like armor. His public façade was one of benevolence, a grieving brother stepping in to hold things together. But behind closed doors, he was a monster.One
When the message from my father came through, I didn’t go home. I didn’t pack my things, didn’t pause to think it over. Instead, I pointed my bike toward the only place that ever felt close to home anymore: the bar.The Devil’s Forge wasn’t just a bar; it was the heartbeat of my motorcycle club, a chaotic mix of roaring laughter, clinking glasses, and the metallic hum of motorcycles lined up outside like sentinels. Inside, the air reeked of spilled beer, leather, and faintly of motor oil. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was real. The kind of place where lies didn’t last long, and loyalties were etched in blood and grease.I pushed through the door, the familiar creak of wood and the low murmur of voices grounding me. My uncle, Matteo, sat at his usual table in the corner. He leaned back in his chair, a cigarette dangling between his fingers, his graying beard scruffy but neatly trimmed. He saw me before I reached him, lifting his drink in a silent greeting.“You look like hell,” Matteo sa
Dante’s POVWalking back into the Marino mansion felt like stepping into a cage. The walls, the chandeliers, the gilded mirrors—they all radiated the same cold opulence that had suffocated me for years. But it wasn’t just the place; it was the man standing in the center of it all.My father.He barely glanced at me as I strode through the room, his dark gaze assessing me like I was an item on a checklist. His expression hardened when his eyes landed on my motorcycle boots, the worn leather jacket slung over my shoulder, and the tattoos peeking out from under the rolled-up sleeves of my shirt.“Still dressing like a drifter, I see,” he said, his voice low and disdainful.I shrugged, unbothered. “Still trying to dress like a king?”His jaw tightened, but he didn’t rise to the bait. Instead, he straightened his already perfect tie and gestured toward the two women standing a few feet away.“Your stepmother and stepsister,” he said, his tone perfunctory.I already knew who they were. Of c
The Devil’s Forge was more than just a bar; it was a sanctuary. A place where loyalty was currency, and trust wasn’t a luxury but a necessity. Tonight, the familiar hum of laughter, the clink of glasses, and the low growl of motorcycles outside did little to ease the storm brewing in my head.I slid onto a stool near the bar, signaling for a drink. Around me, the usual faces filled the room—men and women who’d ridden with me for years, who’d bled and fought beside me. This wasn’t just a club; it was my family.But even here, the weight of my father’s words clung to me like a second skin.Lorenzo wanted me back. Not as his son but as his asset. His tool. And the worst part? A small, insidious part of me wanted to take the bait—not for him, but for the answers he might hold.The bartender slid a glass of whiskey in front of me. I downed it in one go, the burn in my throat doing little to dull the edge of my frustration.From the corner of my eye, I saw Matteo watching me. My uncle had a
Dante’s POVFor the first time in years, I let myself entertain a dangerous thought.What if my mother was still alive?The possibility crept in like a thief in the night, stealing my focus and unraveling every belief I had cemented since her death. For years, her absence had been a void I couldn’t fill, a scar I didn’t let anyone touch. And now, with these offshore accounts moving money under her name, the thought of her alive and hiding somewhere felt both impossible and achingly real.“You look like you’ve seen a ghost,” Matteo said, his tone wary. He sat behind his desk, his sharp eyes fixed on me as if trying to read the chaos swirling in my head.I leaned forward, gripping the edge of the desk. “Could she be alive?” I asked, my voice low, almost desperate.Matteo’s expression softened briefly, but then he shook his head. “No, Dante. She’s gone. You and I both know that.”“How can you be so sure?” I demanded. “Those accounts—they’ve been active for 18 years. Money doesn’t just mo
ValentinaThe past few days had felt like walking a tightrope—one wrong step, and I’d plunge into a chaos I wasn’t sure I could escape. Between Lorenzo’s schemes and Dante’s unsettling presence, the walls of the Marino mansion seemed to close in on me.I needed a distraction.So when Sofia called to invite me out, I said yes without hesitation. Sofia was one of the few people I’d kept in touch with after moving here. She’d just passed the bar exam, and her excitement was contagious.“I’m celebrating tonight, Val,” she had said, practically squealing through the phone. “You better show up, or I’ll drag you out myself.”She knew me too well. Left to my own devices, I’d brood in my room until my thoughts turned to places they shouldn’t—like the memory of Dante’s lips brushing against my fingers.That wasn’t happening tonight.—-The bar was buzzing with energy when I arrived. Music pulsed from inside, the beat mingling with the chatter of patrons spilling onto the sidewalk. The neon sign
Dante’s POVReturning to the Marino mansion felt both foreign and familiar. The cold, calculated atmosphere hadn't changed, but the people inside it made it feel... different. The moment I walked through the door, I found her.Valentina.She was sitting on the edge of the grand staircase, her phone in hand. Her ash-blonde hair fell around her shoulders, and her face was set in a mask of concentration. She didn't look up as I approached, but I could tell by the slight tension in her posture that she knew I was there."You didn't even say hello," I said, leaning casually against the bannister.Her fingers paused briefly over the screen before resuming their movements. "Hello," she said flatly, not bothering to look at me.I smirked, taking another step closer. "That's it? No hug, no 'I missed you'? I'm hurt, kitten."Her head snapped up, her hazel eyes narrowing. "Don't call me that.""Why not? It suits you." I moved closer, deliberately encroaching on her space. The subtle scent of her
My heart raced as I stormed up the stairs, my footsteps echoing through the quiet halls of the mansion. My face was hot, a mix of anger and something I couldn't quite name burning under my skin.Dante.Even thinking his name made my stomach twist. The smirk, the teasing tone, the way his eyes seemed to strip me bare with just a glance—it was infuriating.And worse, it worked.I didn't understand how a man like him could get under my skin so easily. One moment I wanted to claw that smug grin off his face, and the next…I shook my head, slamming the door to my room behind me. The last thing I needed was to dwell on him. He was arrogant, reckless, and entirely too good-looking for his own good. The way his dark hair fell just so across his forehead, how his gray eyes pierced through every defense I tried to build, Especially when I see the very defined outline of his hard cock against his thigh—it sent an unwelcome heat coursing through my body."Stupid," I muttered under my breath, paci
Valentina's POVI slammed the door behind me as I entered the room, my heart hammering against my ribs. The smug look on Dante's face when he'd called me "little cat" made me want to both slap him and kiss him senseless. How dare he act so possessive when he'd clearly been with countless women?"Arrogant bastard," I muttered, pacing back and forth across the small guest room I'd been assigned.I felt agitated, restless, like my skin was too tight for my body. The hypocrisy of it all drove me crazy. He had so many sexual partners himself—that lingerie in his apartment was proof enough—so why should he control me? What gave him the right to dictate who I could or couldn't be with?The memory of that burgundy lace made jealousy flare hot and vicious in my chest again. I pictured Dante with some faceless woman, his hands on her body, his mouth on her skin, and the image made me want to scream. Or break something. Preferably over his perfect, arrogant head."It's not fair," I whispered, si
Dante's POVMy stepsister is too naive. In this club, no one dares to touch my woman. She has no idea how things work here, how respect and fear maintain the hierarchy. She doesn't understand that in this world, I'm king.For instance, just now, there was a guy—Miguel, one of our newer prospects—staring at my stepsister as we walked back toward the clubhouse. His eyes traveled down her body, lingering on places they had no business looking. With just a glance from me, he immediately lowered his head, suddenly finding the ground fascinating. Timid men like that don't deserve my stepsister's love. They'd never be able to handle a woman like Val."What are you smiling about?" Val asked, her eyes narrowed with suspicion.I hadn't realized I was smiling. "Just thinking about how little you understand about this place.""Enlighten me then," she challenged, crossing her arms in a way that pushed her breasts up, making my mouth go dry.I moved closer, crowding her space deliberately. "It's be
Valentina's POVThe next day, I decided I needed some fresh air. After spending the night tossing and turning in the unfamiliar bed at the clubhouse, my mind racing with thoughts of Dante and that burgundy lingerie, I needed to clear my head.As I pushed open the heavy door that led outside, the bright morning sunlight momentarily blinded me. I noticed several men lounging around the front of the club. Some worked on motorcycles, others smoked cigarettes, but all of them shared the same intimidating look – leather cuts, tattoos, hard eyes that had seen too much. A few of them turned to stare as I emerged, their gazes lingering on my ass and tits in a way that made me uncomfortable.One guy with a full sleeve of tattoos whistled low under his breath. Another one, tall with a shaved head, nudged his friend and muttered something that made them both laugh. I lifted my chin and started walking toward the street. I wasn't sure where I was going, but anywhere would be better than staying c
Dante's POVThe meeting had wrapped up, but Jax and I stayed behind, nursing our drinks while the others filtered out of the back room at The Devil's Forge. Matteo had just left, giving me one of those knowing looks he was so good at."You know, Dante loses his mind whenever Val is mentioned," Jax said with a smirk, leaning back in his chair. "I've never seen you this way over a woman before. Especially not your sister."I shot him a warning glare. "You better keep your mouth shut if you don't want Raine finding out about your little adventure with those twins in Vegas last year.""Low blow, man." Jax winced, but recovered quickly. "But Raine and I aren't officially together yet.""That's not what she thinks," I countered. "I've seen the way she looks at you."Jax swirled his drink, a flash of something genuine crossing his face before his usual carefree mask slipped back into place. "Do what you want. I think you should be more worried about yourself.""Why's that?" I asked, taking a
Dante's POVThe dimly lit back room of The Devil's Forge smelled like cigarettes and whiskey. Perfect for secrets. I leaned back in my chair, watching as my uncle Matteo tapped his fingers against the wooden table. Jax and two other trusted members of our motorcycle club sat around us, faces serious in the low light."So," I said, breaking the silence. "Let's talk about those two girls from earlier."Jax snorted, taking a swig of his beer. "What's there to talk about? They're in, aren't they?"I grinned, turning to my uncle. "Do you know why they agreed so easily to come back to the club with us? Especially Hilary's eagerness." I leaned forward, enjoying the way my uncle's expression shifted. "I suspect she might have a crush on you, which is absurd considering your age is old enough to be her father."Matteo's face hardened. "I see her as a daughter."I shrugged, not believing him for a second. The way he'd looked at Hilary wasn't paternal. Not even close. "Sure you do. Keep telling
Valentina's POVAs I stepped into the apartment, I froze. This wasn't some bachelor pad or crash site. This was a real home. The kitchen, living room, and dining area flowed together, open and spacious.I ran my fingers along the smooth countertop. Silver-grey walls, worn black furniture, blue accents everywhere. The same blue as Dante's eyes. Something about it made me feel safe. Like I belonged here.The kitchen surprised me with its fancy appliances. Everything spotless and organized. I remembered when Dante made me soup that time I was sick. The memory hit me out of nowhere - him standing over the stove, stirring carefully, checking if it was too hot before giving it to me.He'd mentioned learning to cook after moving in with his uncle. I realized how little I actually knew about his day-to-day life now. I'd researched him thoroughly before our parents' wedding, but that file was full of facts, not the little details that made him who he really was. Yet somehow, I felt like I unde
Valentina's POVThe rumble of Dante's motorcycle vibrated through me as we followed Matteo's car to The Devil's Forge. I held onto Dante's waist tightly, feeling every shift of his muscles through his leather jacket.When we finally arrived, my legs felt like jelly as I climbed off the bike."First time on a motorcycle?" Dante asked, steadying me with a hand on my arm."Is it that obvious?" I laughed nervously."You squeezed me so hard I could barely breathe," he said with a smirk."Sorry.""Don't be. I liked it."My cheeks heated at his words. Before I could respond, Sheila bounced over, Matteo close behind her."That was amazing!" she gushed. "Matteo, you drive so fast!"Matteo grinned, clearly enjoying her enthusiasm. "Wait till you see inside."We approached the entrance where two massive men stood guard. They straightened immediately when they saw Dante."Boss," one of them nodded."Rex," Dante acknowledged. "These two are under our protection. Make sure everyone knows.""Got it,
Valentina's POVMy brother Dante moved through the house with practiced precision, checking each room methodically. I found myself leaning against the doorframe of my bedroom, watching his broad shoulders as he inspected every corner, every shadow. "Clear in here," he said, his deep voice sending an involuntary shiver down my spine. His gray eyes scanned the room one final time before landing on me. "You sure you haven't noticed anything strange lately? Anyone watching the house?"I shook my head, trying to ignore the way my body responded to his proximity. "Nothing. It's been quiet."Sheila appeared behind me, her arms folded across her chest. "I told you, we're fine. This neighborhood is boring as hell."Dante raised an eyebrow, clearly not convinced. "Then explain why someone's been watching this place.""Maybe they're checking out Valentina's virtual boyfriend," Sheila said with a smirk."Some girls need a little help relaxing before bed."I froze. A deep crimson blush spread acr
Dante's POVThe drive to Sheila's house was quiet, but my mind was anything but. After confronting that bastard Leon—my sister's ex-boyfriend—I'd insisted on taking Val home myself. I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off about him, the way his eyes had lingered on her a second too long, filled with something that looked dangerously like obsession."You're quiet," Val said, breaking the silence. Her voice was soft in the darkness of the car, the passing streetlights casting shadows across her face. It was strange how comfortable I felt with her beside me, how quickly she'd become someone I actually *wanted* to talk to."Just thinking about that asshole back there," I replied, my hands tightening on the steering wheel. "Has he always been that possessive?"Val sighed. "Leon's always had issues with boundaries. It's part of why we broke up."I glanced at her, noticing how she'd drawn her knees up to her chest, making herself smaller. "You deserve better than that," I said b