Cross’ POV“What the fuck was wrong with you, Cross?” I spat to my reflection in the bathroom mirror. My reflection in the glass looked like a stranger—eyes darker than they should have been, jaw tight with frustration and regret.I couldn’t get her out of my head. Ariana.“Ariana…” I whispered her name. Cara. I leaned weakly against the glass as I reached for the switch lazily and turned the shower on, my dick hard against the ice cold water.The argument from the night before replayed over and over, her words slicing through my chest like shards of glass. “Stay away from me, Cross. Stay away from my life. I don’t need you.”Stay away from her? I grabbed my shaft and slid my arm through its thick girth back and forth.“No, Cara.” I grunted.She was wrong.She did need me, even if she couldn’t see it yet.I clenched my fists tighter around my toughening dick, groaning in agony, the frustration burning hotter. I wasn’t good at this—apologies, vulne
Ari’s POVI was still trying to get a hang of what was happening between me and this man. Even now as he stood before me apologetic, I could feel an attraction; a pull I couldn’t define and yet, as much as it fired up within me, I desperately wanted him out of my apartment and out of my house for good.For fuck’s sake, he was a psychopath! He fucking killed Bruno like he was a nobody.“Cross, you’re stupidly playing some dirty game.” I began. “I’m a cop. I see the need to remind you this again. It’s only a matter of time before your stupid game comes to an end and I will throw you right into jail without second thoughts.”The Cross I knew would have scoffed and saw me as someone stupid; someone he could control, but this time, he seemed different as he stared at me with his lips parted, his breathing rushed.“That’s my problem, Ari. I can’t do without you. I can’t live without you! You have to help me.” He replied as he pulled close to me.“Help you? I don’t get you, Cross. What is th
Cross’ POVThe bedroom was a mess. Books were scattered on the floor with some torn pages lying motionlessly, the lamp was lying on its side, and its table was nothing more than splinters of wood. Two bottles of wine that still had some red liquid in them lay on the bed with their contents spilling on the bed ever so slowly.I didn’t know Ari to be this messy but then it was obvious she had not had time to pack things up together after the aggressive time we shared together earlier. Perhaps, it wouldn’t be so bad to tell her I was sorry by helping with some little chores. For now, though, I laid her quietly on the bed and then, I checked her breathing.She was alive and stable. Of course, she was stronger than that. This wouldn’t be the first time I would have a lady pass out after an experience with me. What Ari was going through was nothing new to me, but she was even stronger than I had known most girls to be after handling me all so well during the previous encounters we’ve had
Cross’ POVAri was clearly weak from our previous round, she was fast asleep within some minutes, leaving me on hold. I had to cuddle close to her spooning her ass close up. I still couldn’t fall asleep and it was two hours already. I needed this badly, I was turned on so badly that my cock kept poking her. Suddenly I felt her and touching my dick, twisting slowly at it. Ari kept jerking my cock slowly, while she turned and whispered into my ears; “I want to drain you all out.” She was now wide awake now and seemingly energetic unlike before. I let out a low groan, feeling the sensations around my dick. It was of both pain and pleasure, here I am pushing myself to the limits after having an intense orgasm, still I was horny as hell. I closed my eyes trying to focus on Ari's hand as it went back and forth. The erection was still too weak to be inserted into her. Ari had noticed.She switched her position kneeling in front of me as I spread apart my legs fully revealing my nakedne
Ari’s POVI couldn’t help but feel a smug sense of a satisfaction. I had just reached orgasm with Cross. My body was still drained from the previous round, although Cross wanted more. I was starting to wonder if this was really a man or a sex demon as clearly he wasn’t satisfied. I gave him a nod, reassuring him that I was up for more. What was I doing? I really need a break.The thoughts of sleeping in bliss occupied my mind but that was not possible with Cross around me. There was something about him I could not get myself to understand. Something that was bringing out a craving monster in me. Even now as I watched him parade the sitting room as morning drew close, my thoughts ran wild, my heart racing.I wanted the mafia lord one more time. Even if it was just one more. How was I to escape the reality that I was falling deeply into his sexual grip?I should have known better. I found myself walking quietly to him. He smiled warmly, looking much unlike the devil that someone like
Ari’s POVThe sun rays woke me up. My body felt weightless as ever as my mind replayed flashes of the night before—his touch, his voice, the way his lips moved against mine. Cross. The name lingered in my thoughts like an intoxicating melody.I reached out from across me and just as I had imagined, he was gone.I stretched lazily, savoring the memory of the intensity we’d shared. My lips curled into a small smile despite myself. I hated how much I’d enjoyed it; how much I’d wanted it. But no matter how I tried to rationalize it, the truth was undeniable: I’d fallen deeper into his orbit, and I wasn’t sure I wanted to leave.The alarm on my phone blared, snapping me back to reality. I groaned, swinging my legs over the edge of the bed and standing on shaky feet. “Back to the real world, Ari,” I muttered to myself, dragging my tired body to the bathroom.As I slipped into the shower, I let out a deep sigh. Work was the last thing I wanted to think about right now. My job was built on r
Ari’s POVMy eyes moved from the wine glass to the candle, to his piercing eyes, and back to the glass. I was struggling with maintaining eye contact. Something told me this was not the moment to foolishly drool over him. I needed my head intact for this. My fingers toyed with the stem of the wine glass as I stared at Cross, waiting for him to speak. The weight of his earlier words hung in the air, heavy and unyielding.“You look nervous,” he said, breaking the silence.“Should I not be?” I shot back. “You said I’m in danger, and now you’re just… sitting there like we have all the time in the world.”He leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable. “Because we do, for now. I wanted you to hear it from me before it reaches you in other ways.”I folded my arms. “So talk.”Cross’s gaze held mine, steady and piercing. “The attack at the bar last week. Two men died.”I nodded. “I know. The reports came through the precinct. I mean, we both met at the mortuary when I tried to get my
Ari’s POVI woke up with a groan, staring at the ceiling. Last night’s “date” played over and over in my head. A date with Cross. Except it hadn’t been about romance—it was about deals, danger, and the undeniable fact that my life was teetering on the edge of chaos.What had I been expecting going on a date with one hell of a street gang leader?No kiss goodbye. No lingering touches. Just the cold, hard truth that Kouvu wanted him dead and me as collateral damage.But wait, I was the one who walked away right?Stay.Now here I was wishing I stayed as I tickled my pussy with my fingers, wishing I had his cold, manly hands doing the job.“Ari!” I yelled to myself, trying to call myself back to reality. Don’t be stupid. You can do without Cross. You must learn to do without Cross. The future wasn’t so sure and anything could happen anytime.“Fuck!” I groaned in frustration. I should have just let him fuck me that one time.I got out of bed and trudged to the shower, mumbling under my bre
Ari’s POVI woke up to an empty bed.For a second, I thought I was dreaming. My hand stretched across the mattress, fingers grazing nothing but cold sheets. My eyes fluttered open, adjusting to the dim morning light seeping through my curtains. I sat up, blinking away the haze of sleep, scanning the room.Derek was gone.A strange feeling crept up my spine. I wasn’t entirely sure what had happened the night before. We had gone out for drinks, talked about everything and nothing at all, but beyond that?Again, it began to come together bit by bit - the surprise date, the beautiful dinner and then…Then…Did it happen? My memory was a blur. Not in a drunken, irresponsible way, but in a… murky kind of way. Like something was intentionally misplaced in my mind. I couldn’t exactly tell if we had done anything the previous night. Yes, Derek and I had history, but then…Things were different now.Anyway, I shook the thought away and got up, heading for the shower. ***At work, everything c
Ari's Pov My days went back to normal. At least, as normal as they could be."Hey, Detective Walsh.""What are you doing after work today, Detective Walsh?""Have dinner with me, Detective Walsh."The guys from the station never gave up, and if I was being honest, their persistence was getting old.I shot them a tired smile. "Sorry. I have plans.""With Derek, I assume?" Turner said, his voice dripping with sarcasm."As a matter of fact, yes." I admitted, a small smile playing at the corner of my lips."Oooh, what do you guys have planned?" Gina perked up."He didn't say. Just that he wanted to see me." I shrugged. "And guys, no more questions okay? We've got work to do.""Whatever, Walsh." Turner chuckled. "Have fun on your date."I rolled my eyes. "It's not a date.""Whatever you say."I ignored him, focusing on the case file in front of me.As the day wore on, my curiosity grew even more. I wanted to know what Derek had planned? What surprised he was cooking this time, but as the
Ari’s POVI didn’t realize how much my life was coming back together.The precinct was buzzing with energy by the time I arrived the next day. Officers clapped my back, voices overlapping in praise, and for once, I allowed myself to soak in the moment. "Damn, Walsh. You really pulled off a show back there!" one of the officers, Turner, whistled. "It was like something out of a damn movie."Gina grinned beside me. "You should've seen yourself, Ari. Flipping tables, dodging bullets, taking down those men like a goddamn superhero."I chuckled, shaking my head. "It wasn’t that dramatic."Turner scoffed. "Oh, please. You literally saved that guy—what’s his name? Derek? The one who kissed you?"I froze mid-step. Gina smirked. "Oh, we all saw it."I didn’t realize they were still hanging around that night.I groaned. "Great. So now my hero moment is overshadowed by that."Before anyone could continue their teasing, Lady Smith stepped in, arms crossed, a rare smirk tugging at her lips. "Det
Ari’s POVI kept my breathing steady as I sat across from Derek, forcing a smile while my mind raced. Lady Smith’s voice had been firm in my earpiece—it’s time to move.I lifted my glass of wine, taking a slow sip, my heart pounding as I glanced at Derek. He was oblivious, still smiling, still thinking this was just another normal night. But I knew better.I had exactly one minute.Placing my glass down, I exhaled sharply. “I just need to use the restroom,” I said casually, already pushing my chair back.Derek raised an eyebrow. “You okay?”I nodded quickly. “Yeah. Just freshening up.”He didn’t seem convinced, but he nodded, returning his focus to his plate. I turned on my heels, making my way to the restroom, each step calculated. As soon as I stepped inside, I pressed my back against the door, inhaling sharply.Lady Smith’s voice came through my earpiece. “Five seconds.”I counted them down in my head.Then—chaos.Screams erupted. The unmistakable sound of tables being knocked over
Ari's POVI wasn’t sure what I was supposed to say.Hi? Hello?I was never really such a social person. With my mood all damaged and my entire life still gluing itself bit by bit, I guess I was in a much worse state to relate with anyone.So, this was doomed to get awkward.I never expected to run into him again. The one-night stand from that wild, reckless night with Kaelie. Yet, there he was—standing before me, looking all casual, like we weren’t tangled up in something that should’ve been left in the past.“Didn’t think I’d see you again,” I said, folding my arms nervously. I forgot – that was the first rule of sparking conversations: don’t fold your arms to create a sense of security and blockage.He grinned, his deep brown eyes twinkling with amusement. “I was thinking the same thing.”We stood there for a moment, an odd silence stretching between us. Then he finally chuckled, breaking the tension. “So… how’ve you been?”I raised a brow. “You mean since that night?”He smirked. “
Ari's POVThe walkie-talkie went static, then it glitched. I clicked the button, took it closer to my mouth, then I spoke. “This is Ari reporting. I’m proceeding into the tunnels already.”I waited until a signal came again. “Copy that. After you.”I proceeded inwards. The tunnels were damp, the air thick with the stench of rusted metal and stagnant water. Shadows stretched long against the curved walls, flickering under the dim beams of our flashlights. My grip tightened around my gun as I moved ahead, signaling the team to stay close. We had been tracking this deal for weeks, waiting for the right moment to strike, and now—Now was the time.A whispered command crackled through my earpiece. "Stay sharp, Detective Walsh. We move when you signal."I barely acknowledged the voice. My focus was on the figures up ahead. Three men stood beneath a single hanging light, exchanging words in hushed tones. A briefcase sat between them, slightly ajar, revealing stacks of money notes. The de
Cross' POV I was breathless. Spent even. My body was limp and tired as I lay on the bed. The amount of willpower needed to hold back the urge to give in was tasking and after I did, I was still feeling the effect. I felt Mira's mouth coat my cock as she sucked and slurped hungrily on my cum. It had been way over a minute since she made me beg and since I came, and she was still sucking hard on my cock. Even though I was weak and tired, I felt my strength returning and I wasted no time in picking her up and falling her on the bed. "You'll pay for making me beg." I whispered as I leaned down to kiss her breasts and suck on her nipple. I didn't need to do much as my fingers trailed down her body and found her pussy. Bare, wet and dripping for me. I pushed a finger into her, causing her to gasp. She was so tight, and so wet, and the thought of fucking her made my cock stir. I moved my fingers slowl
Mira's POVI stiffened for a moment when Cross uttered those words. My heart raced with mixed feelings, each one sending new sensation through my body.He needed me, at this moment, at this point. And I would be here for him.I kissed his back hungrily, my hands pulling off his shirt and kissing down his chest, trailing my tongue along the outline of his muscles.Cross watched as I undressed him, his eyes filled with want and desire, his breaths ragged.I continued to kiss him, kiss his muscles and leave marks on his firm body. My back curved as I buried myself in his scent, inhaling deeply and exhaling over his skin.Cross tried to push me onto the bed, but I refused, holding him down. I wanted this, wanted to be top now, I wanted to make him feel good.Hell, I needed his cock in me, and I needed to ride it hard and fast, make him beg me to stop.I looked up at him and saw his gaze fixed on me, hungry and needy. I smiled, my hands reaching down into his trouser and pulling it off alo
Cross' POVAfter that day, I avoided Mira at every opportunity.I busied myself in the house, waking up early and returning late, spending the entire day outside if possible. Sometimes I would interact with the guards, ask them for some spar to keep my body in shape, help around with one or two little chores just so I wouldn't have to cross paths with her.And on occasions when I had no choice but to be in the same room as her, I kept my responses short, simple and indifferent.But regardless of how much distance I put between us, I could always feel her presence like a shadow stalking me.I knew she was frustrated.Most of the time I saw it in the way she clenched her fists whenever I walked away from a conversation or heard it in the sharpness of her voice when she spoke my name.But what was I supposed to do?Pretend that night meant nothing? Pretend that the moment I kissed her, the moment I touched her and had sex with her something inside me hadn’t cracked?I wouldn’t.And I sur