Callum POV
Today has been a disaster from the start, and tonight isn’t shaping up to be any better. Lilly left the office earlier, and I don’t blame her. Sasha’s temper is on a hair-trigger, and she’s been snapping demands and shouting at everyone. Her favorite complaint of the night? Dante isn’t here.
Never mind that the place is fine, that nothing catastrophic has happened—she just doesn’t want to deal with me. I can see it written all over her face every time she storms in. Dante promised he’d be back before the clubs opened or just after, but he’s not. And worse, he’s not answering my calls. I try to keep my frustration under control, but it’s wearing thin.
The door bangs open again, and Sasha strides in, her eyes fixed on Dante’s empty desk.
“There’s a guy downstairs who needs vetting,” she snaps, her tone sharp enough to cut glass. Without waiting for a respons
Callum POVJustin is still chained up, his cocky smirk intact despite his predicament. “Someone got the better of you,” he taunts, his gaze locked on Dante.“No, me and Luna were just having fun,” Dante counters, his voice laced with venom. Justin’s smirk falters, and his glare sharpens.I step forward, cracking my knuckles. “We can do this the easy way or the hard way, Justin. But you’re going to talk. It’s just a matter of how much pain you’re in when you do.”Justin spits on the floor, his laugh mocking. “Go to hell. You don’t scare me.”His defiance is infuriating. Without thinking, I slam my fist into his stomach.“That all you got?” he wheezes, still laughing.“Not even close,” Dante growls, his eyes dark with rage.I grab a pair of pliers from the table, holding them up for Justin to see. “Let’s see how long th
Callum POVI’ve been staring at the screens for what feels like hours, my eyes burning as I comb through footage, trying to piece together who killed Lucy. Every second that ticks by feels heavier, like a noose tightening around my neck. I’ve spoken to Dante, exchanged theories, but nothing feels solid. Now, I’m standing outside the office, waiting for a storm I know is about to hit.Sasha stormed in earlier, demanding to speak with Dante alone, and the way she looked at me as she passed? It was like a dagger aimed straight for my chest. I know her well enough to sense what’s coming. She’s telling him everything—or worse, twisting it to make me look like the villain. The shouting coming from inside isn’t reassuring.But the shouting isn’t about me. It’s about Luna.I can hear Dante’s voice, sharp and full of frustration, and I can’t help but wonder how the hell things got this far. Here I a
Callum POVMy fingers tighten in her hair, pulling her closer. She doesn’t resist, meeting my movements with a defiant smirk. The room feels electric, the tension crackling around us.She tries to pull away, but I tighten my grip, guiding her closer until she gags softly. The sound sends a bolt of desire through me, but I force myself to pause, to think. This wasn’t part of the plan, and I need to regain control.I pull her head up, watching as she gasps for air, her smirk still firmly in place. “I don’t have time right now,” I say, my voice rough with need. “I wish I did, Kitten.”She pouts, her bottom lip jutting out just enough to test my resolve. “Then when will you play with me properly?” she asks, her tone a perfect balance of teasing and innocence. She winks, and I can’t help but laugh.Wrapping my hand around her neck, I pull her onto my lap. The instant her body presses against mine
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,
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 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
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
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,
Callum POVMy fingers tighten in her hair, pulling her closer. She doesn’t resist, meeting my movements with a defiant smirk. The room feels electric, the tension crackling around us.She tries to pull away, but I tighten my grip, guiding her closer until she gags softly. The sound sends a bolt of desire through me, but I force myself to pause, to think. This wasn’t part of the plan, and I need to regain control.I pull her head up, watching as she gasps for air, her smirk still firmly in place. “I don’t have time right now,” I say, my voice rough with need. “I wish I did, Kitten.”She pouts, her bottom lip jutting out just enough to test my resolve. “Then when will you play with me properly?” she asks, her tone a perfect balance of teasing and innocence. She winks, and I can’t help but laugh.Wrapping my hand around her neck, I pull her onto my lap. The instant her body presses against mine
Callum POVI’ve been staring at the screens for what feels like hours, my eyes burning as I comb through footage, trying to piece together who killed Lucy. Every second that ticks by feels heavier, like a noose tightening around my neck. I’ve spoken to Dante, exchanged theories, but nothing feels solid. Now, I’m standing outside the office, waiting for a storm I know is about to hit.Sasha stormed in earlier, demanding to speak with Dante alone, and the way she looked at me as she passed? It was like a dagger aimed straight for my chest. I know her well enough to sense what’s coming. She’s telling him everything—or worse, twisting it to make me look like the villain. The shouting coming from inside isn’t reassuring.But the shouting isn’t about me. It’s about Luna.I can hear Dante’s voice, sharp and full of frustration, and I can’t help but wonder how the hell things got this far. Here I a
Callum POVJustin is still chained up, his cocky smirk intact despite his predicament. “Someone got the better of you,” he taunts, his gaze locked on Dante.“No, me and Luna were just having fun,” Dante counters, his voice laced with venom. Justin’s smirk falters, and his glare sharpens.I step forward, cracking my knuckles. “We can do this the easy way or the hard way, Justin. But you’re going to talk. It’s just a matter of how much pain you’re in when you do.”Justin spits on the floor, his laugh mocking. “Go to hell. You don’t scare me.”His defiance is infuriating. Without thinking, I slam my fist into his stomach.“That all you got?” he wheezes, still laughing.“Not even close,” Dante growls, his eyes dark with rage.I grab a pair of pliers from the table, holding them up for Justin to see. “Let’s see how long th
Callum POVToday has been a disaster from the start, and tonight isn’t shaping up to be any better. Lilly left the office earlier, and I don’t blame her. Sasha’s temper is on a hair-trigger, and she’s been snapping demands and shouting at everyone. Her favorite complaint of the night? Dante isn’t here.Never mind that the place is fine, that nothing catastrophic has happened—she just doesn’t want to deal with me. I can see it written all over her face every time she storms in. Dante promised he’d be back before the clubs opened or just after, but he’s not. And worse, he’s not answering my calls. I try to keep my frustration under control, but it’s wearing thin.The door bangs open again, and Sasha strides in, her eyes fixed on Dante’s empty desk.“There’s a guy downstairs who needs vetting,” she snaps, her tone sharp enough to cut glass. Without waiting for a respons
Lilly POVI press my forehead against his shoulder, feeling the tension in his muscles, the quiet storm of his anger simmering beneath the surface.“Thank you,” I whisper, my voice barely audible.Callum tilts my face up, forcing me to meet his gaze. “I love you, Lilly,” he says, his voice steady and sure. “I know there’s a part of you that doesn’t believe it’s possible, but I do. I love you, and I will do whatever it takes to keep you safe.”The sincerity in his voice stirs something deep within me. It’s terrifying to know someone cares for me this much, but it’s also the safest I’ve ever felt. His love is a double-edged sword—dangerous but comforting all at once.“How about we go out tonight?” he asks, a small smile tugging at his lips.I blink up at him, caught off guard. “It’s midnight, Callum. Where’s even open at this hour? And are
Lilly POVI don’t even have time to sit down before a sharp knock breaks the quiet. My stomach twists as I walk to the door, already dreading who might be on the other side.Opening it, I freeze. Sasha.Without a word, she pushes past me, her presence overwhelming the space as she strides into the apartment.“What are you doing?” My voice is barely above a whisper, my gaze flicking toward the elevator. Maybe Callum will be up soon. Maybe he’ll walk in and stop whatever this is.Sasha turns, her arms crossed, her expression sharp and unyielding. “I came to talk,” she snaps. Her tone leaves no room for argument. “Sit.”The command pulls at something deep in me, something small and afraid. My legs move before I can think, carrying me to the couch where I sit, my hands twisting nervously in my lap. The air feels heavier with every second that passes, my anxiety climbing higher and higher.Sash