Lilly POV
I 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
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
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
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
“Hey.” I cup his face in my hands, my thumbs brushing over his cheekbones. “You don’t have to do it all. You don’t have to carry everyone. We’re okay. I’m okay.”He looks at me, his eyes searching mine, and I can see the walls he usually keeps up start to lower. He doesn’t say anything, just holds me tighter, his fingers splayed against my back like he’s afraid to let go.“You’ve been my everything,” I whisper, my voice catching. “You saved me when I thought I couldn’t be saved. And I’ll never stop loving you for that.”He closes his eyes and leans his forehead against mine. “You’re the reason I keep going,” he murmurs. “You’re everything, firefly. You always have been.”The way he says it, the raw honesty in his voice, makes my throat tighten. I slide my hands down to his shoulders, holding him as close as I can. “I’ll always be here for you. No matter what.”For a long moment, we just sit there, holding each other in the middle of the noise and laughter of the party. It’s like the r
Serena POVThe music thumps lightly in the background as I sit on one of the plush couches in the corner of the reception hall, leaning back against the soft cushions. People are milling about, laughing, drinking, swaying to the music under the warm glow of fairy lights. It’s the end of the weekend, the final night of all the chaos and celebrations, and while I should be tired, I’m not. There’s a relaxed energy in the air, a sense of satisfaction that everything went off perfectly.Rich flops down beside me, a glass of something amber in his hand, and he’s grinning like a cat who just stole the cream. He stretches his legs out, looking entirely too pleased with himself, and I can’t help but laugh.“What’s that smug look for?” I nudge his arm.“Smug? Me? I don’t know what you’re talking about, sunshine.” He takes a long sip of his drink, his grin never fading. “I’m just happy. Look around, Dante’s hitched, Callum’s married, and no one set the place on fire. That’s what I call a win.”I
Jace POV“Oh, come on,” Dante presses, still grinning. “You don’t think it’s a little weird how you two always seem to know everything about each other? Like, everything.”Callum chimes in, shaking his head with a smirk. “I mean, it’s impressive, don’t get me wrong. But it’s also kinda suspicious. Like, how close are you two, really?”Rich leans back in his chair, spreading his arms. “What can I say? Jace and I just have that connection. Isn’t that right, Jace?”“Cut it out, Rich,” I snap, though I can feel the heat creeping into my face. It’s not that they’re serious, they’re just fucking with me, but the teasing is relentless.“Relax,” Dante says, raising his hands in mock surrender. “It’s not like we’re judging. We’re just saying… You two are close. Like, really close.”“Nothing wrong with that,” Callum adds, his grin widening. “In fact, it’s kind of sweet. You guys trust each other. You share things. Intimate things, apparently.”“Intimate my ass,” I grumble, grabbing a piece of t
Jace POVI watch her disappear into the bathroom, the sheet trailing behind her. As soon as the door closes, I lean back against the headboard, running a hand through my hair. “What the hell, Rich?” I grumble, turning my glare on him.He’s standing there with a coffee cup in one hand and a mischievous grin that I’m too tired to deal with. “You’re welcome for not barging in earlier,” he says, handing me the cup.I take it, wrapping both hands around it, and let the warmth sink in. “You could have waited a little longer. Or, I don’t know, knocked before coming back in.”“Where’s the fun in that?” He slumps into the armchair in the corner, watching me with that unshakable smirk. “You’re way too easy to mess with in the morning.”I take a long sip of coffee before responding. “I was already hungover. Now I’m just annoyed.”“Annoyed is better than dead, and I like living, so…” Rich trails off, still grinning. “Besides, you wouldn’t kill me. You like having me around too much.”I groan, but
Serena POVI nuzzle closer to Jace, his arm tightening around me as I try to relax again. The warmth of his body against mine is soothing, and for a moment, I think I might actually drift off. But then Rich lets out a soft mumble from the floor, his words indistinct but definitely audible.“Goddammit,” Jace mutters under his breath. “I knew it. I knew I wouldn’t be able to sleep with him here.”I tug him closer, resting my head on his chest. “Shh,” I whisper, pressing a soft kiss to his jaw. “He’s not that loud. Just try.”He sighs, his hand running down my back as if to settle me. “Firefly…”“Try,” I repeat, pulling him in even tighter.He doesn’t reply, but I can feel him relax, his breathing evening out against mine. After a moment, the room quiets again, except for Rich’s occasional muttering. But Jace doesn’t say anything else. Instead, he rests his chin against my head, holding me close. His steady breathing finally lulls me back into sleep, and soon I fall asleep again.Waking
Serena POVI’m maybe a little drunk, but not that drunk. Hugging Luna and Lilly, I walk out and head to the place I’m staying with Jace. As soon as I step inside, I throw myself onto the bed.Not long after, the door opens and Jace walks in. He gives me a lopsided smile and makes his way over, collapsing onto the bed beside me.I kiss him softly, smiling. “Have fun?”He mumbles something unintelligible, which just makes me laugh.“So much for not drinking much,” I say, nudging him with a smirk.“Blame Dante,” he groans. “He gave me the shots.”I raise a brow. “Dante? Wait, so this wasn’t Rich? I’m shocked. Did he actually behave for a change?”Jace rubs his face and lets out a long groan. “He’s probably more sober than I am. Don’t ask me how.”Yep, he’s wasted. Shaking my head, I climb off the bed and help him sit up so I can get his clothes off. His smile grows wider as I tug at his shirt.“No,” I warn, “don’t get any ideas. You need sleep or you’ll look like death at the wedding tom
Serena POVI can’t help but laugh, shaking my head as I think about it. I never thought a book like this would make me feel, well, anything beyond shock. “But still,” I say, flipping back to the scene where Dominic starts breaking down, “this guy spent his whole life preaching about purity. Then the devil shows up, and suddenly it’s all out the window.”“That’s the beauty of it,” Lilly says. “It’s not sudden at all. The cracks were always there. The devil just gave him a push.”The more we talk, the more I find myself leaning in. The details they’re pointing out, the way they’re pulling apart each character’s motives, I can’t look away. Even when the conversation shifts to the dark, twisted scenes I would’ve written off before, I’m still right there, asking questions, offering my own thoughts. I don’t even notice how much time has passed until Luna mentions needing another drink.By then, I’m not just listening. I’m in it, flipping pages, debating over whether Dominic had any real cho
Serena POVI walk into the room and my eyes immediately land on Lilly and Luna. We’ve done a few video calls together before, but seeing them in person is different. Luna is the first to react, springing up from her seat and coming straight over to pull me into a hug.Luna introduces me to the others, pointing out a few names as we walk further into the room. A small group of women sit in a circle of couches and chairs, chatting quietly. They each give a friendly wave or nod, and I offer a polite smile in return. Luna explains who’s who, though I’m not sure I’ll remember everyone’s name by the end of the night.Meanwhile, Lilly is still in her chair, completely absorbed in a book. She hasn’t even glanced up since I came in. It’s not until Luna calls her name that she finally looks over. Her face lights up when she sees me, and she closes her book carefully before coming over and giving me a warm hug.“Finally! You’re here,” Lilly says with a grin. “We were starting to think you’d gott
Jace POVRich leans back, shaking his head. “Man, it’s crazy to think how far we’ve come. From that cramped, shitty apartment to this. And through it all, you’ve still managed to put up with my crap.”“Barely,” I say with a smirk. “You’re not exactly easy to deal with, you know.”Rich grins, leaning forward again, resting his chin on his hand. “Yeah, but you’d be bored without me. Admit it.”I roll my eyes, but I’m laughing now. “Fine. Maybe a little.”“Damn right,” he says with a wink.Rich’s grin softens just slightly as he swirls the remaining whiskey in his glass. “You know, Jace,” he says, his voice lower now, almost contemplative. “You’ve always been the steady one. Even when we were broke, when everything felt like it was falling apart. You never lost your cool.”I huff out a laugh. “You sure about that? Because I remember a few nights where I definitely lost my shit. Especially when you kept betting more than we had.”“But you always kept us out of real trouble,” Rich counters