[Jewel’s POV]Her phone screen blackened. She looked up and caught her own reflection in the car window. A frown. Everything’s set: the invitations have been sent out—she had checked through every single one of them, and they were real—the addresses, the names—she made sure that they were stamped and sent out; the venue has been secured—VL Hotel—the grandest one in the U.R.T, and the dream spot for every woman and every girl’s dream wedding; the menu has been booked—specially crafted by the three star Michelin chef Alan Bamsey. She even went to the venue an hour earlier, just to make sure that the agreed set-up wasn’t a fluke.Indeed, when she came through the door, the decor—from the floor to the stage prop—were exactly as the hotel had promised. So why did she feel the jitters? Could it be that the ceremony was set in the afternoon? But Ralph had assured her that he would have a meeting to go to, so the timing is perfect. Moreover, this is just an engagement party. Not the real
[Randy’s POV]He didn’t think much about the Don’s sudden visit. Maybe the son of a whore wanted to have a drink with his father-in-law. Randy couldn’t stop smiling. The master is back. With the Don on his side, Randy can do anything; the Virtuses will be his circus, at his mercy, his slaves, monkeys jumping to his every whip and command. Never mind that his allowance is limited—those idiots would gladly give him theirs. And he could spend like a king again–his precious princess won’t give him that look again. Never mind his bitch wife—she could fuck any man her pussy wants. That slut. How dare she cut him loose once the Don moved in with his stupid plans. What kind of a plan is that anyway: work and get paid? Why work when you can get money for free? Goddamn it, that bastard. If the Demon knew what his chosen heir had done with the family business, he’d rise from his grave and slit the damn boy’s throat before he could whip out his fucking gun. The door to his study opened and
[Juliette's POV]I managed to grab his shirt. And then—’Urgh!’I was blown back, struck the kitchen floor, the thin flesh of my back barely cushioning my crash. Then a yelp of pain and fear burned the air, rolling and thrashing about. ‘Felix!’ I jumped onto my feet, my hands on my apron. Pat! Pat! Pat! The fabric fluttered in a frenzy. Get it! Come on! Come on, Juliette!Pat! Pat! Pat! It was out and I dashed forward, on my knees. ‘It’s out! It's out!’ I cried to the rolling and screaming man. ‘Fucking shit!’ He panted heavily as I checked the arm that had caught fire. It looked red. ‘Can you get up?’ I shouted through the winds of the roaring blaze. ‘We need to move. Now. It's getting bigger!’And I helped the big guy to his feet. ‘I haven't locked the front door!’ Felix cried, holding his arm. Smoke was stuffing my nose. My insides are melting like cheese on a torch. In a glimpse, the kitchen stove and the flicking flames from the storage door beside it sent a chill of dea
[Juliette’s POV]I swivelled around my waist to face that handsome face of darkness and danger, and all I saw was gentleness… and guilt. And everything that I wanted to say vanished instantly. He gave my cheek a light push and I was facing the bathtub tap again. ‘Stop distracting me.’ His voice was hoarse again, as though he was resisting the pain inside. I stared at the plastic wrapping around the sling—the added protection to my injured arm–and the tears swarmed up to my eyes again. ‘Fuck,’ he growled—his fingers paused. ‘Are you hurting again?’ The same fingers were about to lift from my scalp when I sniffed again and chuckled. ‘I’ve never felt better.’ I flipped around again to show him—a bright smile on my face. But it didn’t make the knit in his brows go away. He pushed the same cheek, turning my face away, and resumed massaging my foamy scalp. ‘You’re good at this,’ I whispered, trying hard to send a reassuring smile through my voice. And he replied in the same serious
[Juliette’s POV] ‘I used to think I’m good. I’ve got the Virtus’ gift afterall. The born strategist who’ll lead the family.’ A dry chuckle strangled the cool air around us, particularly him. ‘But I’ve done enough to be undeserving of…of an heir.’ Silence constricted the air. I turned to snuggle my cheek against his shoulder, wanting to refute him, but he wouldn’t let me. ‘So it’s not your fault, Juliette. It’s….’ The swell in his throat bobbed furiously against the back of my head. The muscles in his body tightened. ‘It’s all me.’ I finally got around to face him, my freed hand cradling his strong, righteous jaw. ‘We’ll keep trying then.’ His hand covered mine and pressed my palm deeper into the warm skin of his face, as though wanting me to feel the rush of blood beneath it, to tell me that he’s a person, not the devil he was made to be. ‘I don’t care what you are, Ralph Virtus,’ I whispered fiercely. ‘I love you too. I love you. Got it?’ I tilted my face a little to ma
[Ralph’s POV]She was trying hard to please me. Was it out of fear that I’d leave her?The revelation jolted upright and held her face to take a good look and a tear rolled down her steamed cheek. ‘Did you not hear what I said? I’d kill myself if you got hurt—.’ Two round purple eyes glistening like diamonds glared at me. ‘Did you not hear what I said? I said we’ll keep trying!’ More tears rushed down. ‘I want to have your baby. Do you not understand that? You fucking idiot!’ My throat thickened. Does she not understand that some things can’t be rushed? I want a child too. But even more, I want her by my side eternally. How the hell can that happen if she twisted her other arm?!Calm down. I brushed the hair from her face and held it more firmly. Then, I kissed her pouting lips. Her lashes battered in forgiveness. So I kissed her again and, immediately and eagerly, she kissed me back. When the kiss ended, I scrutinised her face, every curve and shape, as my thumb felt the plumpnes
[Juliette’s POV]A thick file slapped on the desk and the bird shit of chubby clasped hands dropped on it. The school principal sighed with the smirk of a landlord. “Miss Lux. This is the sixth time Dante took one of his school peers as his personal punching bag.”I gave a nod. “Yes. And this is the sixth time you allowed a bully roam the innocent corridors of this sacred institution. Seriously, I am deeply troubled by your incompetence, Principal Wayne.’ Those slimy eyes widened in shock. Fumes of accusation blew from the crocodile’s nose. “How dare you—.” I stood, pressed my palm on the desk and leaned over to shove my deadpan face in that surprised round face of sagging cheeks.“HOW DARE YOU,” I snarled. “What if it was Christopher? And they called him the ‘sons of town killer’?” I was boring a hole through his oily forehead. “Would you let it run up to six fucking times?”Yes, you piece of shit: I’m the ghost of your Christmas past. Think I won’t dig up on you before coming her
[Juliette’s POV]Skirt up, thighs widened, feet on the wooden top, I opened up nicely for him. The memory of his magical skills nearly busted my heart out of my ribcage. “Ralph… hurry….” Why isn’t he doing anything but… watching? God, it’s so erotic, I could just come with it. My knees felt weak so he grabbed them to keep them apart. Wide apart to continue the full view. And the longer he waited, the more nervous I got, the more soaked I was down there. “Are you going to train the kids too?” He asked out of nowhere. “To carry themselves better in the name of the Virtus. Yes—.” I swallowed a breath. “I’ll train them the same way we do—oh shit!” He kissed my aching desire—right in the middle. Then his fingers spread the lips and he started French kissing. “Oh mmph!” The pleasure was too much. Zapped the energy out of my limbs. He paused and muttered, “Keep talking, kitten. Your proposal.” Jesus…. I swallowed another breath, but another wave of euphoria swarmed up my throat, clog
[Juliette’s POV]”Jesus Christ….” Ralph stared in wide shock at the truth revealed in Elizabeth Lux’s handwriting. His shock was as good as mine. I realised my mouth was agape and closed it, my shock finally ingested in a gulp and an inhale. I found my voice and muttered, “She had his baby.” I turned to Ralph and swallowed again to maintain my voice. “Milo’s not the first.” I grabbed Ralph’s sleeves and shook him out of his daze. “Milo’s not the first to have the Lux and Virtus blood! Do you know what this means?” The swell in his throat finally came alive, bobbing nervously between the collar of his freshly put on shirt, and he murmured with heightened worry. “This means Milo is in grave danger.” I felt my face fall deadpan. That wasn’t what I had in mind. “No, silly! Milo isn’t the first. That means he’s safe! Daddy wouldn’t mind having him.” I pointed at the journal. “Daddy knows this all along—.” “And he hates it.” Ralph’s fierce gaze bore into mine, trying to make me see what
[Ralph’s POV]And I slid my fingers through hers. I pinned her hands above her wonderful expression of bliss to sink deeper into her. She wrapped around me unconditionally while I stroked her the way she wanted, stretching her desires beyond that cliff so she’d want—no—burn for that tip. I pushed in further, driving her body to the brink of madness as our lips almost touched, my nipples pressing hard against hers, grinding, yearning for her the same ways her blood boils for me. “How badly do you want me, kitten?” I licked her quivering, intoxicated upper lip. I knew the answer, but I couldn’t help but tease her. My damn, damn pride. Her insides were hot like lava, twitching fiercely with a need for me to move. But her slender thighs were wedged securely between our warm bodies so she was completely immobilised, afraid that the slightest touch would take away everything, and she didn’t want that. So she resorted to hiking that sweet voice of hers. “Ralph, please!” I seized her
[Juliette’s POV]“Don’t worry, Miss Julie!” Thomas’ voice rang as the car bolted forward. “No one will know a thing!” Outside the window was pitch darkness. Even the headlights were off so that they wouldn’t be spotted. “You’ll be killed if Papa finds out,” I murmured, my heart racing as fast as the car. Thomas chuckled. “I’ll be fine, Miss Julie. There’s one thing I know for sure about Master Lux: he doesn’t care about small fries like us.”I felt my lips curled up in a smile. That’s true. Papa wouldn’t even know of Thomas’ existence. “But he’ll know when a car’s missing.” I sighed. “We’re so fucked. We’ll be discovered. And we’ll both have to pay for it—.” God, I’m whiny. “This is a gift, Miss Julie. From Mr. Ralph!” Thomas proudly patted the steering wheel. “The old Master hasn't visited the garage since his return. I bet you a hundred dollars, he doesn't know about this baby. Besides, it’s mine. I don’t put it with the other cars he used. So he’ll never know.” So this is wh
[Juliette’s {POV]He raised a brow. “Was?” And I nodded. “Before my vacation.” I looked down at my feet, the way I always do when I regret my actions. “I was struggling… I’m sure you can tell–I mean, you know… I couldn’t tell what’s real. I was living a lie for so long that I had started to believe it.” “That’s why you asked for a vacation.” A statement that sounded like a question, Papa’s condescending way of telling someone that he knows better. And I ran along with it. “Yes.” “And your head is clear now.” “Never been clearer.’ I glanced at Agatha who’d been standing behind Papa, her knowing gaze told me she'd laid the groundwork. So I casually explained, “That’s why I got curious, Papa. Ralph had access to everything you owned, including this room. And I remember how much you treasure this place.” The scepticism was still locked in his gaze but my confidence didn’t falter like before. “That’s why you never let anyone in. Only Agatha cleans this place, and she’s always supervi
[Ralph’s POV]“A break in?” Robert gasped, and anxiety was banging against my skull, threatening to burst through. “Goddamn it, Ben!” I roared. “What the fuck is wrong with you? We use it, we throw it away. It’s just a fucking burn phone—you didn’t use one, did you? You kept a second phone.”“It was for Jewel.” There was regret in his voice. But I couldn’t let it go. “And you left it in the office? Can you be any dumber? Now two lives are in danger because of you!” “ME?!” He finally flew off the handle. “You let the love of my life take care of your stupid child! Do you know how dangerous that is? That child’s a fucking shooting target!” My eyes turned murderous. “What the fuck did you just say?” Suddenly, Ben was as calm as he’s ever been. “I was wrong. I apologise.” At my silence, he continued, “I know you can’t chill” “The fuck I can.” My voice was running on its own. “So I won’t ask. But listen, will you? A shadow’s already on his way.” My fingers raged through my hair, sh
[Harold’s POV] “So he was there.” The owner of Lux empire, known to all as the Business King, Harold Lux, was tapping his finger on the antique desk back in his office at Lux Corp, listening to the P.I. reporting on the voice speaker of his phone, when rage took over. “And my daughter was there.” His voice was unusually calm. But his best friend and veteran lawyer, Jerry, could detect the livid undertone, and a sigh of exasperation let out into the air. His old brows slowly gathered. “Did they meet?” What a question. Of course, they did. Of course, they would! Harold’s fingers gathered into a clutch—within it, is Ralph Virtus’ neck. After the flipping of pages, the P.I.’s voice was back on. “No.” Everything slid off those tensed shoulders. Harold leaned forward, interested for the first time. “Are you sure?” More pages flipped to highlight the professionalism and then the voice returned. “Positive. She stayed in her villa. He stayed in his.” “And you surveille
[Chatri’s POV]The EMERGENCY sign was still lit up. Chatri couldn’t tear his gaze away from it, making sure the light doesn’t go out Across him, seated on the row of plastic chairs, nestled safely between his wife and his mother, his precious fourteen-year-old daughter was praying hard for her saviour too. It was near his heart. Guilt burned the back of her eyes. Ralph-kun… I blamed you for destroying the peace that we’ve paid with our blood and sweat to get. Yet, you did not leave me alone. You fought by my side. You kept your word. With your life. Is this the root of your men’s loyalty? Three hours ago, when they got to the van, her daughter was a crying mess, her almost naked body would have been in full display if it weren’t for that bloodied jacket. Ralph Virtus was sprawled at the van’s entrance, hanging on by a thread. Chatri had to get in the chopper. Footsteps snapped him back to the silent hallway. The ex-mob leader turned to them and Ralph-kun’s right-hand man was mo
[Juliette’s POV]“My father has brought us to the next level—there’s no doubt about it. But as you can see, the charts do not lie. Lux Corp will not survive the casino’s first quarter if we sit back and do nothing.”I gazed firmly around the room. These so-called shareholders of Lux Corp. I need to break their resistance and knock some sense back into them. The oldest one of the group cleared his throat and muttered in a haughty slow pace, “So what you’re saying is: remove Harold Lux as Chairman and put you in charge.” Another guy quickly added, “We don’t do this sort of thing.” Then, the third man snorted in derision. “I’m actually surprised that you gathered all of us here today without the Chairman. If he gets wind of this—.” “He won’t if none of us talk about it,” I snapped, frustration in my throat. What’s with the surprised looks and frowns of disapproval? Aren’t they as much of a businessman as Papa? Can’t they see the signs? The fucking obvious signs! Suddenly, Papa’s de
[Sarah’s POV]She can’t believe it. The unbeatable, ever invincible Don Ralph—the monster in the devil skin; a heartless murderer with the killer sense of an Olympic shooter; king of the world’s most ferocious mafia groups—is completely useless against an infant that’s less than an hour’s old. If it weren’t for Sarah’s fierce insistence and fearsome glare, he wouldn’t even hold his own child. ‘What if I break his neck?’ whispered the poor man, his eyes unable to stray from the tiny creature in his frozen arms. ‘Stop it,’ snapped the caretaker. ‘Sway gently, and you’ll be fine.’ She glanced at the bed and Juliette, who was sleeping soundly, and then back at the man, who would probably feel as though he’s on top of the world right now. Is he going to cry? ‘So what’s his name?’ asked Sarah, swiftly diverting those tears from crystalising. Without looking up, he muttered, ‘Milo.’ Then, he glanced at his sleeping wife and a proud smile appeared. ‘Milo Virtus. The first of the many.’