Callum POVI sit on the edge of the bed, watching Lilly as she lies curled up, her breath soft and even as she sleeps. My hand moves instinctively, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. She stirs slightly, leaning into my touch, and a small smile plays on her lips even in sleep. I should lie down with her, should let my own exhaustion pull me under, but my mind refuses to quiet.Dante. Luna. Brian. Sasha.It all churns in my head like a storm. Every piece of this chaotic puzzle feels too fragile, too sharp-edged, and I can’t shake the feeling that something’s about to snap.I glance at the clock. The hours are ticking by, the night pressing on, but my instincts won’t let me rest. Carefully, I stand, slipping away from Lilly’s side. Her absence in my arms feels like a loss, but there’s too much to do, too many threats looming.I pull on a shirt and head out, the soft click of the door behind me barely audible. Moving down through the quiet
Callum POV“This is how Justin would’ve talked about Dante before he left. They were like brothers once. But when Justin came back, everything had changed.”“Tell me about it,” she says, her lips curving into a small, encouraging smile.I sigh deeply, leaning back as memories rush forward. “Justin wanted a man dead. He came to Dante for help. Back then, they were inseparable—always laughing, always having each other’s backs. But this man wasn’t just anyone. He was dating a woman Justin was obsessed with. Dante refused, said he wouldn’t kill someone just because Justin was jealous.”Her expression shifts, shock flashing across her face. Clearly, Justin never shared this part of his story.“Justin disappeared for a while after that,” I continue, my voice steady but tinged with regret. “When he came back, everything was different. Dante knew it too. He tried to act like
Callum POVThe door swings open abruptly, and Sasha strides in. I tense immediately as her sharp glare locks onto me. Groaning, I narrow my eyes at her, the tension between us crackling like a live wire. “You’re supposed to be gone. What the hell, Sasha?”Luna’s hand twitches on the armrest, her voice soft yet insistent. “It’s my fault, Callum. Don’t blame her. It’s on me.”I turn my glare back to Sasha, fury bubbling just beneath the surface. “No, it’s on her,” I snap, my voice rising. “She didn’t do it for you, Luna. She did it for herself. Didn’t you, Sasha? Tell her the truth. Then leave.”Sasha crosses her arms, her defiance palpable. “I hated how obsessed Dante became with you,” she admits coldly, her voice dripping with venom. “I tried to warn him to stop, but he wouldn’t listen. He spent more time with you, getting more obsessed, a
Dante’s POV1 year earlierI sit in the dark office, glaring at the phone. The silence feels suffocating, but I prefer it that way. I’m hiding, and I know it. Today, of all days, I’ve told everyone to handle things on their own. No one dares ask for my help—they know better than to cross me on this date.At least, I thought they did.The knock on the door makes me groan.“What?” I snap, my voice harsher than I intend.The door creaks open, and Callum steps in with his usual calm, carrying a small box.“I know what today is, Dante. But I also know you,” he says, placing the box on the desk between us.“I don’t need to see it,” I mutter, staring at the darkened room. “I trust he’s dead and handled.”Callum nods. “He’s done. As for the woman—Sasha’s looking after her. Doctor’s stitched her up, but she’s causing a scene. Refuses to work here.”Of course. I let out a deep sigh.“Tell Sasha to send her in,” I say, flicking on the light, the sudden brightness making me squint.Callum nods an
Luna’s POV1 year earlierI watch Justin from across the room, my thoughts swirling. This whole relationship came out of nowhere. We met just yesterday at the club—I was celebrating my birthday, and so was he. Today, we went on a real date, and I learned more about him. He’s sweet, thoughtful, and nothing like the men I usually fall for.My past is littered with bad boys—leather jackets, tattoos, men who practically wear their rebellion on their skin. But Justin? He’s the opposite of all that. His curly hair looks effortlessly messy, and his beard is short, neatly trimmed, giving him a relaxed, almost carefree vibe. His jawline is sharp, his deep brown eyes warm, inviting. He doesn’t have the sculpted body of someone who spends hours in the gym, but he’s not out of shape either. He’s just... normal. And normal is exactly what I need after being burned so many times.I smile softly and make my way toward the kitchen, my heels clicking against the floor. But then, my heel slips, and bef
Luna’s POVPresent TimeI throw the bag to the floor and collapse into the chair, but before I can even think about relaxing, my whole body goes rigid. There it is again. That smell. My nostrils flare as I sniff the air, searching for its source. It’s faint, but it lingers every time I come home. What the hell is that? It’s not foul, not exactly unpleasant, but the mystery of it unsettles me. There’s no reason for it to be here. No explanation.I lean back, trying to shake it off, but my eyes drift toward the window. A chill races up my spine. Standing up slowly, I walk over, each step heavier than the last. And then I see it.“What the actual fuck?”My hands tremble as I reach for my phone, my fingers fumbling over the screen until I hit his name.“Hey babes,” Justin mumbles casually, his voice dripping with nonchalance.“Justin, can you come over? There’s a weird fucking heart drawn on my window—outside!” My voice pitches, panic creeping in despite my efforts to sound calm.He laugh
Dante’s POVCall me crazy, but she’s mine. I’ve known that from the moment I saw her. Justin was just... quicker that night, but he doesn’t really understand what he has. Not like I do. She’s everything. Perfect. And soon, she’ll understand that she belongs to me—she just needs time. Time to come to terms with what’s inevitable.I let myself into her apartment, the key cold in my hand. I had it copied one night while she was fast asleep at Justin’s. That night had been perfect—watching her sleep so peacefully, so unaware that I was already laying the groundwork. Already taking what was mine. The thought of it makes my heart race. I remember every detail of the first time I laid eyes on her. If I had just gone out that night instead of Justin, things would be different. She’d already be mine. But I’m patient. I can wait.Stepping into her small apartment, I look around. It’s barely more than a studio. The kitchen, living room, bedroom, all crammed together in one open space. There’s a
Dante’s POVI watch with a smirk as Luna storms into the bathroom, the door slamming hard enough to rattle the cheap frame. A photo on the wall falls, shattering into a mess of glass shards on the floor. Justin doesn’t even flinch, barely acknowledging the chaos as he sprawls lazily on the chair.“Think you’re in deep shit now,” I chuckle, not bothering to hide the satisfaction in my voice. Every fight they have just inches me closer to her. The more she pulls away from him, the easier it’ll be to pull her into my arms where she belongs.Justin grins, unfazed, and walks over to the fridge, pulling out two beers. He tosses one to me, settling back down as though he hadn’t just pissed off the woman he’s supposed to care about. “It’s all good, man. Trust me, tonight’s gonna be even more fun,” he says with a cocky grin.His words send a cold wave of jealousy through me. Fun? Fun? The thought of him touching her again makes my blood boil. My grip tightens around the bottle, and I have to f
Callum POVThe door swings open abruptly, and Sasha strides in. I tense immediately as her sharp glare locks onto me. Groaning, I narrow my eyes at her, the tension between us crackling like a live wire. “You’re supposed to be gone. What the hell, Sasha?”Luna’s hand twitches on the armrest, her voice soft yet insistent. “It’s my fault, Callum. Don’t blame her. It’s on me.”I turn my glare back to Sasha, fury bubbling just beneath the surface. “No, it’s on her,” I snap, my voice rising. “She didn’t do it for you, Luna. She did it for herself. Didn’t you, Sasha? Tell her the truth. Then leave.”Sasha crosses her arms, her defiance palpable. “I hated how obsessed Dante became with you,” she admits coldly, her voice dripping with venom. “I tried to warn him to stop, but he wouldn’t listen. He spent more time with you, getting more obsessed, a
Callum POV“This is how Justin would’ve talked about Dante before he left. They were like brothers once. But when Justin came back, everything had changed.”“Tell me about it,” she says, her lips curving into a small, encouraging smile.I sigh deeply, leaning back as memories rush forward. “Justin wanted a man dead. He came to Dante for help. Back then, they were inseparable—always laughing, always having each other’s backs. But this man wasn’t just anyone. He was dating a woman Justin was obsessed with. Dante refused, said he wouldn’t kill someone just because Justin was jealous.”Her expression shifts, shock flashing across her face. Clearly, Justin never shared this part of his story.“Justin disappeared for a while after that,” I continue, my voice steady but tinged with regret. “When he came back, everything was different. Dante knew it too. He tried to act like
Callum POVI sit on the edge of the bed, watching Lilly as she lies curled up, her breath soft and even as she sleeps. My hand moves instinctively, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. She stirs slightly, leaning into my touch, and a small smile plays on her lips even in sleep. I should lie down with her, should let my own exhaustion pull me under, but my mind refuses to quiet.Dante. Luna. Brian. Sasha.It all churns in my head like a storm. Every piece of this chaotic puzzle feels too fragile, too sharp-edged, and I can’t shake the feeling that something’s about to snap.I glance at the clock. The hours are ticking by, the night pressing on, but my instincts won’t let me rest. Carefully, I stand, slipping away from Lilly’s side. Her absence in my arms feels like a loss, but there’s too much to do, too many threats looming.I pull on a shirt and head out, the soft click of the door behind me barely audible. Moving down through the quiet
Callum POV I cover her body with my own, settling between her spread thighs. We both groan as I rub my already hardening shaft through her slick folds.“Tell me who this sweet cunt belongs to,” I growl, teasing her entrance with shallow thrusts.“You, only you!” Lilly gasps, arching up to take me deeper. “Please, I need you...”Gripping her hips, I surge forward, burying myself to the hilt in one fluid stroke. Her tight walls clutch at me greedily. I set a slow, deep rhythm, savoring each drag of my heavy cock through her scorching heat.“That’s right,” I rasp. “This perfect pussy is mine. You’re mine. I’ll never let anyone else touch you, Lilly. You’re my beautiful fucktoy, and I’ll never get enough of ruining you.”My dirty promises drive her wild. She lets out a desperate mewl and digs her nails into my shoulders. “Yes, Callum! I’m yours, I’ll always be yours. Ruin me, wreck me, destroy me for anyone else.”I pull nearly all the way out before slamming back in, making Lilly cry ou
Callum POVRemoving my fingers from her spasming hole, I bring them to her lips. “Suck,” I command harshly. “Taste yourself on me. Show me how badly you want to please me.”Lilly parts her lips and takes my digits into her hot little mouth. Moaning around them, she laves her tongue over my skin, lapping up her own arousal.The erotic sight makes my painfully hard cock throb with need. I grind against the supple curves of her ass, letting her feel how much I want her.“Such an eager whore for me,” I groan. Yanking my hand from her mouth, I quickly replace my fingers with my shaft, rubbing the swollen head through her drenched folds. “Is this what you need, baby? You need my fat cock splitting you open?”“Yes!” Lilly nearly screams. “Fuck me, ruin me, wreck me. I’m yours, all yours!”I grip her hips bruisingly and notch the swollen head of my erection at her entrance. With one brutal snap of my hips, I bury myself to the hilt in her tight, scorching heat.Lilly screams in ecstasy, her
Callum's POVNavigating through the chaos, I make my way upstairs, the need to see Lilly driving me forward. When I finally step into my apartment, she’s there, lying on the bed with a soft, tired smile. Relief floods through me, washing away the tension of the night. Without a word, I move to her, needing her grounding presence more than ever.Reaching her side, I gently lift her head and my heart clenches at the sight of the stitches on her forehead. “You had stitches,” I whisper, my fingers tracing the raised skin.Lilly shrugs nonchalantly. “It’s fine,” she replies, but her expression betrays the pain she must have gone through.“It’s not fine! You were injured Lilly,” I say firmly, grasping her face in my hands. “I’m telling Dante about us, I know you don’t want anyone to know but he needs to be aware.” Maybe not right now as he’s busy dealing with Luna, but eventually I will tell him. “I hated that I couldn’t just hold you in the club, instead I had to act like you were just ano
Callum POVBy the time we find Luna, the scene is devastating. Her body is marked with bruises, her clothes torn off and in tatters on the floor. Her disheveled state tells a story of violence and desperation that makes my blood run cold. Dante stands over her, his rage barely restrained, the darkness in his eyes promising retribution. Without a word, he grabs her by the arm, his grip firm but not cruel, and shoves her toward me.“Take her out,” he growls, his voice a menacing edge that cuts through the tension like a knife. “And don’t fucking look at her body.”I catch her as she stumbles, my arms steadying her before she falls. The weight of his words hangs in the air, and I nod, my throat tight with unspoken anger and guilt. I lift Luna into my arms, cradling her battered form against me, and carry her toward the car one of our men had waiting nearby. Every step feels heavier as the reality of what she’s endured sinks in.Once outside, the cold night air hits us like a slap, and I
Callum POVThe once-glamorous club looks like a war zone. Tables are overturned, shattered glass litters the floor, and spilled drinks glisten under the strobing lights. High-pitched screams and furious shouts blend into a cacophony of sound, creating an almost surreal atmosphere.Women—dozens of them—are at each other’s throats. Fists flying, nails clawing, and hair being pulled as drinks are tossed in all directions. It’s a full-blown brawl, not some minor scuffle.“Jesus Christ,” I mutter, my eyes darting across the mayhem. “I thought the guys were the ones who fought hard,” I manage to laugh weakly, nudging Dante.“Not the time,” he growls, his jaw tightening as he surveys the wreckage. Then, in his commanding voice, he roars, “Shut off the music!”I rush to turn on the overhead lights, flooding the room with harsh brightness. But it doesn’t have the effect we hoped for. The fighting doesn’t even falter.Pushing through the chaos, Dante and I wade into the fray. Chairs scrape agai
Callum’s POVThe weight of the night settles heavily on my shoulders as I sit at my desk, forcing myself to focus on the work before me. The room is dimly lit, the glow from my screen casting shadows that flicker with every movement. I’m grateful for the small victories, like Lilly and Luna finding comfort in each other. That connection will help Lilly feel happier here.The door creaks open, breaking the heavy silence. Dante strides in, his expression hard, his steps purposeful. He’s searching for Luna. “Rich escorted her upstairs,” I inform him. “She’s getting ready for Ladies’ Night.”Dante gives a curt nod, setting a stack of papers down on the desk between us. “Good. We need to talk plans.”I glance down at the papers, recognizing the familiar, dreaded name: Brian. A shiver of unease ripples through me. Brian’s location, Ashley’s name—it’s all here. The pieces of this twisted puzzle are finally starting to come together.“What do you think?” I ask?I hand the papers back to him,