After lunch, which was actually servings of sushi and a wine Chelsea hadn't heard of before, the duo headed to Dylan's jewelry store.
They alighted Dylan's Lamborghini Urus and walked into the appropriately named Cross Adornments. The entire staff paused and bowed the moment Dylan stepped in.
The interior was breathtaking. Even for a high-end bad bitch like Chelsea, this was money speaking.
From the several feet high glass ceiling down to the richly marbled floor, diamond, gold and silver watches, earrings, necklaces and other adornments rested, encased all over the store.
Other precious stones and pearls shone brightly as though in a contest to beat each other and manage whatever space the diamonds left for them to shine.
"Wow" escaped Chelsea's mouth subconsciously as her eyes scouted the enclosed Iceland.
Dylan smiled as he observed her from the corner of his eye. He was glad she was impressed. This piqued interest meant more meetings.
After taking a tour round the store, Dylan and Chelsea were back in Dylan's Urus.
"So... did you like it?" Dylan licked his lower lip slowly, his gaze fixed ahead.
Chelsea's body heaved slightly as she turned to him. If she were to be truthful, she was beyond captivated by what she saw. To own that amount of diamonds and precious stones, Dylan must be on serious brick cash.
Her craving for his money intensified and she decided to speed her game but still remain classy.
"You managed to impress me on a first date, Mr. Dylan, I'm not easily impressed" she said, her eyes hawking on his, seeking the slightest spark.
Dylan smirked and remained calm. This was a game he was good at. He maintained his composure and replied. "Then I deserve something, a drink maybe, don't I?" he asked her, tilting his head to look into her eyes as well.
"Golden Petals?" Chelsea asked, seeking his preference.
"I would have suggested a less popular spot but as it is, I'm already public knowledge in every corner of the city" Dylan spoke with an air of pride.
"Alright, Superman, Golden Petals it is" Chelsea replied and returned to her original position.
In no time they were at Golden Petals.
"I have a reservation in their lounge area. Let's order from there. I need to refresh and relax" Chelsea offered.
"I don't have the reputation of lodging with single ladies at hotels" Dylan made to decline.
"What? Saint doesn't wanna get into scandals? We've already been spotted by many. The speculations would still run wild" Chelsea replied, her eyes peering into his as she tilted her head slightly.
"Fine. It was a business meeting" Dylan replied and Chelsea smirked in acknowledgement. They both alighted the Urus.
They walked together into the hotel, passing by the screening gazes of onlookers. They got into the elevator together and set course for the floor Chelsea's lounge sat on.
As soon as the door slid close, the atmosphere got tense. They maintained composure though, both fighting hard to resist their urges.
Chelsea restrained herself from rubbing her hip on his while he desisted from grabbing those hips and twirling them to make her face him.
The elevator dinged and the door slid open. They stepped out, both of them heaving a sigh of relief. Chelsea led the way as they walked to her reserved lounge. She opened the door and took one wanting look at Dylan before going in.
Dylan exhaled as he paused a bit. He needed to keep his desired in check. Whatever would go down in that lounge, he needed to keep his focus on the goal, getting information out of this lady.
He took a long breath and went in. He met a neatly arranged lounge with elements of female accessories here and there. Taking in the delightful fragrance of vanilla and rose, he walked to a sofa and sat gently. He heard the sound of running water and concluded she was freshening up.
His eyes immediately scanned the room, looking for details or items that would aid his suspicions or provide helpful information to his guesses. He found nothing relating to gang, mafia or drugs in the room.
He stood up and walked around gently, not satisfied with what his eyes gave him while he sat. He walked to the dresser and noticed the chain which had the cross pendant. Memories flooded his head as he picked up the necklace and looked at it.
"Looking for something?" Chelsea's voice invaded his thoughts.
He turned and saw her looking at him with raised eyebrows. Her expression read surprise but he still found her hot and pleasing to look at. Why not? She was putting on a mini gown that did a good job revealing her cleavage. He recollected himself and gestured with the necklace.
"Just admiring the jewelry" he gave a halfsmile and returned it.
"Oh that" she smiled in return. "I got it in Atlanta before moving here" she replied.
"I see. You really have love for expensive jewelry" he complimented.
"Why not? A lil' bling lights up the party" she concurred and walked to the receiver sitting on a table by the door. She bent seductively as she grabbed the receiver. She made sure her rear faced Dylan as she wined her waist slowly to an imaginary song. She dialed the reception and placed an order for two bottles of bourbon.
"I don't remember requesting for bourbon" Dylan said with a sly smile as she dropped the receiver.
"Well, I made a guess and you didn't protest as I made the order, so" Chelsea spread her hands in the air, rolling her eyes with an equal smile. He must have noticed what she was doing.
"Let's discuss business while we wait for it then" Dylan leaned forward.
"Right. Businessman" Chelsea replied teasingly and hopped on an armchair beside her. She sat relaxedly, crossing both of her legs on the armchair as she grabbed a throwpillow.
"So, before going into the business, like every other business, you need to know your target audience" Dylan started.
Chelsea tried to pay attention as he spoke but she couldn't. Every aspect of him was just so hot that she felt the space between her thighs getting hotter each second.
The way his lips moved, the way his eyebrows arched, the way his eyes widened and squinted interchangeably as he explained, every damn thing about this young man was incinerating.
The bell rang and she got up to answer. She felt herself already getting moist. She opened the door for the attendant and he pushed a rolling tray that had two bottles of bourbon exquisitely wrapped and packaged with three glasses, an opener and some serviettes.
The tray was transferred to the lounge's center table and the attendant left. Chelsea helped herself to a bottle and poured Dylan a glass. After handing over the glass, she uncorked the other bottle and drank straight from it.
"Slow down ma'am" Dylan called after taking a sip from his own glass.
"Don't worry, daddy, I'm good" she winked and downed another long gulp.
"I don't think you are" Dylan said and got up to take the bottle from her. She struggled for a while before she finally let go.
He turned and placed the half-empty bottle on the tray. Then he turned to her. Her eyes were already spelling tipsy.
"What are you doing, Ms. Landore?" he asked calmly.
"Don't you play the good boy card with me" she said loosely. Hell yeah, she was tipsy.
"You know I called you here for more than just business" she said and stood up, wrapping her hands around his neck. Their bodies were so close they could feel each other's breaths and heat.
He smirked and looked at her for a while, taking in her innocent beauty and fragrance once more. As if on cue, he grabbed her hips and pulled her upwards. She responded by wrapping her legs around his waist.
"Let's make it more than just business then" he said in a soft alluring whisper.
Dylan woke up to a grey themed room that had some shades of white here and there. The room also carried the same rosy vanilla fragrance which pleased his nostrils. He looked to the side and saw Chelsea sleeping soundly.Even in this slumbering state, she still looked cute and innocently sweet to gaze upon. They had obviously enjoyed themselves the previous night. Due to their drunken state, he couldn't recall the details vividly but he could tell his little man was totally pleased.He also remembered asking her about Black Ceaza but all she gave was gibberish answers. He had finally discarded the discussion and put her mouth to good use. Yes, that wasn't gibberish.He got up and picked his underwear from where they lay haphazardly on the floor. After pulling up his pants, he heard Chelsea moan loudly in awakening. He immediately turned."Hello" he greeted with a smile. She was bare from her waist upwards but she didn't mind. He also liked the view of her firm sizable breasts as the mo
Dylan could see the smoke rising in the air from the distance. He tapped the space on the chair beside him and Hill got it. He accelerated the speed of the Urus instantly. The SUV sped along the highway till it stopped at the entrance of a warehouse by the side of the road. The gates had been blown off their hinges and suited men in all black stood in their place.They paved way for the vehicle as it drove into the premises. The Urus came to a halt in front of the burning building. Dylan alighted immediately and walked slowly to the blazing structure. A middle-aged man clad in a black suit and white shirt walked to him. "Pope" he bowed reverently. "Who did this, Bishop?" Dylan asked in a grave tone. This was one of his warehouses which was used as a reserve for storing luxury outfits and corporate wears for his clothing store. However, underneath, he ran one of Miami's biggest fentanyl production.Whether the person knew this was a fentanyl joint or not, he just burned down million
Flashback Two Years Ago Dylan adjusted his hat and caressed the spikes on the crown of his staff as he looked at the dark-skinned man chained before him, his head hanging. The man was stripped down, save for the underwear covering his privates. He observed the man's build, he was quite muscular. His biceps pumped as he strained against the binding force of the chains. They both were certain of one thing though; there was no getting out unless Dylan decided so.Three other men stood behind the chained man with their hands clasped behind them. The Vicar, Bishop and another of Dylan's top men, Luther, all dressed in black suits and white shirts."Why did you do it?" Dylan finally asked.The man spat out blood before raising his head to look at Dylan, revealing a bloodied face borne out of a series of beating from the 7 Daggers. He looked at Dylan for some seconds and sucked his bleeding lower lip before looking away."I asked a question, Ceaza" Dylan said calmly, further caressing his
Chelsea sat cross-legged on her bed, fiddling with a beaded bangle. She stared ahead but her gaze was fixed on nothing. She had stood agape in the lounge, wondering what went wrong. Unable to decipher the reason for Dylan's silent action, she had gone to her room.She checked her outline if there was anything wrong but she saw nothing wrong. Her shape was still curvy and well pronounced. The same body she had used to lay down men while swiping their assets off. What was the problem? She just couldn't place her finger on it. Then something hit her. Maybe he was married. No, she shook her head. These type of men aren't the faithful ones. If he wanted to stop, he would have stopped in the office and not follow her here. Besides, he didn't have a ring on."Ugh" she exhaled, resigning to her bed. Less than ten minutes later, she heard her doorbell ring. She didn't recall ordering any room service or food. Lazily, she got up from her bed and trudged to the door. She looked through the pee
"Dylan?" Chelsea called in confusion. She felt it was all a trance. Maybe her fear of Big Ceaza was making her have a nightmare about the person she saw last.But he didn't answer. He simply stretched his hand and a case was handed him. He opened it and retrieved a necklace. The necklace had a crafted cross pendant on it. Her necklace. He held the necklace up for her to see as he walked gently towards the bars between them. "Do you recognise this?" He asked calmly, his face void of expressions. "Dylan, what is this?" she asked, clearly oblivious to how serious the situation was. "Will you answer the damn question!" Dylan thundered calmly. Chelsea was shocked. This wasn't the Dylan she knew, definitely not the Dylan from the previous night either. She didn't know whether to nod or answer verbally. She was getting scared.She finally chose to speak. "Yes" she said softly, dejection lacing her tone."Now, we both know I won't buy that bullshit of you buying it in Atlanta" he continu
Dylan rushed in and saw Chelsea lying on the ground inside the cage. Two suited men squatted beside her, trying to revive her but their efforts proved to be futile. "What's going on?" He asked as he barged into the cage."She still hasn't responded, Boss" one of the suited men said, looking up at him.He stood for some seconds, staring at her body before finally speaking."Call the Doc" he said calmly. "Boss?" one of the men sought confirmation."You heard me, Hugo" Dylan bellowed.The man rushed out immediately. "Out" Dylan said to the second man and the latter exited the perimeter hurriedly. As soon as he was alone, he squatted beside Chelsea and ran his fingers along her hair, parting the strands that had covered her face."I really wish it didn't have to be this way" he said calmly as he took in her facial features."Me too" he heard Chelsea mutter and the next second found a pin heading for Dylan's neck. Thanks to his quick reflexes, he caught her hand in midair and restrained
"You can't be serious" Dylan refuted."Trust me, Pope. I verified this severally. I had my men do background checks on any and every one who was involved in selling or buying drugs. I even had to interrogate club owners and strippers but no one knew her" The Vicar explained. "What about Bishop?" Dylan asked."He scouted the east side and verified that she arrived Miami the same day you opened the second free mall. He was able to get the ticket that bore her name, from Atlanta" The Vicar replied. "The necklace?" Dylan asked."Yes, there were lots of receipts of jewelry at her lounge in Golden Petals. I think she must have really bought it. Maybe someone stole it from Ceaza and it made its way to the market" Dylan exhaled. "Meet me at the mansion" he said and dropped the call."Turn around, Hill"¤¤¤¤¤Chelsea cursed herself as she sat in the lonely craze-driving darkness. Why did she have to swindle again? The amount of money she had gotten from her last scam was enough to lay low a
Chelsea sat in front of the mirror, observing herself. Joyce stood behind her, smiling at their reflection. Chelsea turned her head from side to side, acknowledging the diamond earrings that hung on her ear lobes. Her hair had been neatly styled into a ponytail. She was equally made up elegantly. Hugo popped his head in from a door. "The Boss is waiting" he announced. Chelsea stood up and checked her outline. Clad in a black straight-cut gown, her features were mildly pronounced. She heaved in satisfaction and turned to Joyce. "Thanks" she muttered and Joyce nodded with a smile. She turned and exited the room. She walked gently, as elegantly as she could, across the hallway. She could see the stationed suited guards feeding their eyes off her body through her peripheral vision. She simply smirked and walked onwards. She got to the living room and saw Dylan sitting majestically on an armchair. A smirk curved at the corner of his lips and she saw a hint of desire flash across his ey
Dylan got to the mansion alighted the Urus. His entire clothing was roughed up and covered in blood. He looked around and noticed the Bentley Continental missing. He immediately had a bad feeling and dashed inside the mansion. None of the guards asked him any questions. This made him even more worried. He got to Chelsea's room and opened the door without knocking. It was empty. He found the safe open and empty as well. His heart began racing. He dashed to his room but he didn't see her in there either. He felt his knees getting weak. He checked the study and all then rooms on the down floor but he didn't find her inside any. He got upstairs and checked the accessible rooms and halls in the mansion but still nothing. "Chelsea!" he yelled. His voice echoed throughout the entire hallway, back and forth. There was no response. "Chelsea!" "Chelsea!!" "Chelsea!!!" Dylan slowly came down from the steps. He got to the base of the steps and sat down on the last step. His face was deje
Chelsea shuddered on hearing his name. Was this fate playing games with her? Just when she had finally gotten a shot at a happy life. Just when she had decided to start anew. Now her past had come to haunt her future. Why was life cruel? Dylan continued. "He just attacked one of my warehouses. He has challenged me to come face him or he'll destroy my name with the evidence and proof he has on me. I never expected him to stoop so low but I guess Ceaza has always been a scumbag. "I've already made arrangements for Joyce and Derek to be taken to a safehouse. You'll be safer here. I'll be going to face him off at the warehouse now" he added. "Why are you going? It's obvious he just wants to kill you. Why not send someone else? You have capable hands" Chelsea fired. Dylan smiled. "No. This is a personal battle that started years ago. I have to finish it myself" he replied. "I don't want anything happening to you, Dylan. Please don't go?" Chelsea begged. Her eyes became teary. She trul
Chelsea was dumbstruck. She had been expecting it but it still came as a shock to her. There he was, Dylan Cross, the King of Miami, the kingpin of the most notorious mafia cartel, the leading businessman in the city, on one of his knees, asking for her hand in marriage. It all seemed so surreal to her. She was stuck in a blur that she didn't know when time flew by. She returned to reality and saw Dylan still positioned on one knee, his hands holding out the box that contained the shiny diamond ring in it. He was patiently waiting for her answer. She was still contemplating. Was this what she really wanted? Was this really her way out from the life she had been living? To be a wife and mother now? Her life events flashed before her eyes. It was a big decision. One that would change her life forever. She had to make the right choice. As she was still thinking about it, she heard a familiar voice behind her and turned. "Aunty Chelsea!" It was Derek. He wore the same suit as his fath
Decorations were at their most glamorous. The lighting, the music and every aspect of the hall depicted a billionaire's taste. The guests had already started arriving. And true to Dylan's words, they were really the most prominent and powerful people in the society. Business tycoons, politicians, powerful billionaire families, and people of equal calibre were in attendance. In the garage, there were no cars less than the best of the best. Most cars there were even the only pieces ever produced. Customized and special editions. Chelsea stood from the balcony above as she observed the guests. She had her hair done at the last hour and put on her special dress that Dylan had imported without her even knowing. It was a white gown with designs of gold on it. She didn't even know when he planned and organized everything without her having a hint. What even surprised her more was the hall. She never knew the mansion had such an enormous hall within it. There were places she hadn't explored
Chapter 144 - An Introductory Party Two Months Later Dylan and Chelsea were now a public item. The news, social and other media carried it in droves. It was a blast. Different stories rose up. Several hypothesis were raised and conclusions drawn. It was a highlight for the city of Miami and Florida at large. Both the public society and the underground world were taken by surprise. They went to parties together. They shopped and dined together. They went on trips together. They practically did everything a couple did together. Always holding hands as they walked. They shared kisses in public. Even on interviews, Dylan always mentioned her name and called her his partner. There was never a shortage of pictures and clips on the media. The news also transcended the borders of Miami, Florida and America, reaching far across the globe. Dylan's cell and inboxes were flooded with calls and texts from both old acquaintances and new. Some were subtle with their questions while others went st
Inside The Hades Room Dylan held Clara's body as it gradually turned cold. Her eyes still stared at him with pure hate and intense resentment. He gradually dropped to his knees, his eyes fixed on the face of his ex-wife. She was beautiful, there wasn't a doubt about that. She had to be beautiful to be Dylan Cross's wife of course. But she also had a darkness in her that was too contaminating, it eroded her beauty. He couldn't quite understand why she hated him so much. People tend to accept society as it is and live with it. But she had to go out of her way to hate him and want him dead. Not that it was possible anymore. But still, she was once his wife. "But... you could have at least shot her in the leg. You could have rendered her immobile. You didn't have to kill her, Victor" Dylan said gently. It was plainly obvious he didn't didn't her dead. Maybe he still had a soft spot for her. "I'm sorry Pope. But I doubted that would have stopped her. I'd rather prefer you lose your ex-
Clara opened her eyes and met Dylan's cold stare. She could see the steam from the nose if the pistol. Her ears still whirred a little. She turned slowly and saw a hole in the space beside he head on the chair she sat on. A bullet was embedded in it. A real bullet! He had deliberately missed her head. Even so, this was unexpected. Did he really just shoot at her? "Is that supposed to scare me?" she mustered up the courage to say. Dylan smiled. "It wasn't meant to scare you. It was simply meant to warn you. My patience is simply a thread. And like all threads, it runs out. I'd hate for you to be the person who makes the last pull" he said calmly. He was so calm that it sounded too dark and evil. Clara knew it was best not to provoke him further. She was already aware that he didn't love her anymore. All he had for her was just out of regard for her being Derek's biological mother. That aside, she was just like any other lady in his eyes. She knew how bad he was when he snapped. Sh
"What did you say?" Dylan's pupils were dilated. Victor immediately turned around and saw Dylan already up from his sit. He had grabbed Nick by the neck, lifting him and shaking him vehemently. "What did you damn say, Nick?!" Dylan screamed. Nick was still dejected. His face still dropped downwards everytime Dylan shook him. He couldn't look Dylan in the eyes. He couldn't look the boss he had betrayed in the eyes. "It's the truth, Pope. Madam Clara was the one who hired us" he replied quietly. Dylan gritted his teeth. He couldn't believe his ears. The same woman he had once called his wife had sent an assassin to kill him. The same woman who had born his child. It sounded rather inconceivable to him. True, he was dark and bloody. He had done many despicable things to people. But this one outdid him. To think that Clara would go this far. And Nick just said "us". There were more? "Us?" he gently asked, his teeth still gritting against each other. "How many of you did she hire?"
Dylan and Chelsea laughed and discussed as they ate and drank, occasionally having their little disagreements and fights until one conceded to the other, of course always Dylan. He knew Chelsea would never accept defeat. So if he didn't, the argument would continue. He wasn't ready for that. After much pleasant talks and exchange of passionate words, Dylan felt it was time to do the deed. If he didn't do it now, the date would drag on for long and Chelsea would grow even more suspicious. He had to quell her curiosity now while still stalling for time so the assassin would make his move. Just as he reached into his inner coat pocket, they heard a loud sound. Bang! It was a gun shot. If Dylan heard well, it was a sniper. That was it! The assassin had taken the bait. He stood up abruptly, much to the confusion of Chelsea. His hand dropped the ring case and took hold of his phone instead. He brought it out and immediately dialed Victor. "Vic" he spoke into the phone. "Already on it,