Ari’s POV The sunlight streaming through my blinds was unforgiving, and my head throbbed as I sat up in bed. My body felt heavy, the events of last night replaying in my mind like a fragmented reel. The music, the laughter, the chaos, and then—the gunshots, the chase. I groaned, pushing the covers off and dragging myself to the bathroom. The cool tiles against my bare feet jolted me awake as I turned on the shower. The water rushed through me, washing away the physical remnants of the night, but my mind lingered. First, I could still feel the sensation of the men around my body – men, whose names I didn’t even know. I was sure I would not be able to recognize their faces. Well, not all of them though. The black dude with the throbbing cock still rang in my head like I was back in the night. Just a couple of minutes with him and damn… Then Kaelie’s laughter and carefree attitude surfaced, contrasting sharply with the suited men who had prowled the party, their cold intent etched in
Cross’ POVIt was as if with each day we met, Ari became more and more complex. Every moment was like unravelling another aspect of her that I never saw coming. The main question, though…What was the sudden change of mind?One moment, I was all she needed. I had my way in her bed as I wished, and she had opened up her heart and soul to me alone. Then I had called the date, and it seemed like realization just dawned on her.Now, I didn’t exist?As I walked away, choosing to tighten up my feelings as well, I knew within me that she was only trying to reinstate her dominion and make me understand that I wasn’t strong enough to overpower her. I knew how to play that part. I knew she needed me. So I was going to starve her as much as she starved me off her body. There was a part of me that wanted to go back to her, to pull her to me and devour her.But I didn’t.Instead, I turned and walked toward my car, my mind a storm of emotions I couldn’t control. She had this way of digging under m
Cross’ POV“Boss?” Gustav’s voice broke through the quiet as he stepped into the room.I looked up from the map spread across the table, my decision already made. “I’ve changed my mind.”Gustav stopped in his tracks, frowning. “About what?”“Dig into what happened at that party,” I said, standing straight. “I want every detail—who was there, what went down, and why there were gunshots.”Gustav hesitated. “I thought you said—”“I know what I said,” I interrupted sharply. “Just do it.”He nodded, not pushing further. “Consider it done.”As Gustav left, I leaned back in my chair, exhaling slowly. Something about last night didn’t sit right with me, and I wasn’t about to let it slide.The next step was Kouvu.I took a deep breath as the memories between I and Kouvu flooded into my head. We had history – true, and now, I will be selling him to the police like he was nothing to me. I sent out the message myself—no middlemen this time.Kouvu, It’s time we settle this. Face-to-face. Name the
Ari’s POVThe shrill ring of my phone pulled me out of my light sleep. I groaned, fumbling for it on the nightstand. Kaelie’s name flashed on the screen.“Kaelie,” I said groggily, rubbing my eyes.“Morning, sleepyhead,” she chirped. Her tone was lighter than it had been the past few days, but there was still a tinge of hesitation.“Feeling better?” I asked, swinging my legs off the bed.“Yeah, much better,” she said. Then, after a pause, “I’ve been thinking, Ari. Maybe you should tell Jonathan what happened at the party.”I stiffened. “No. Absolutely not.”“Come on, Ari,” she pressed. “You need someone who can protect you. And let’s face it, Jonathan might—”“Kaelie, stop,” I cut her off, my tone sharp. “We agreed no one would know. And Jonathan? Protect me? He’s a weakling who couldn’t protect a damn thing, let alone me.”There was a silence on the line before Kaelie sighed. “Alright. I just thought…”“I know,” I said, softening my tone. “But trust me on this. It’s better if we keep
Ari’s POVA week. A whole week of sitting idle while Jonathan was probably walking around acting like the victim.“Unbelievable,” I muttered, running a hand through my hair. This was the worst time for this to happen. I had a plan with Cross.I had a fucking plan!Of course, I couldn’t tell yet how it was going on Cross’ end. If he had not done anything about the move to bring Kouvu to a location, then it was better to even announce to him that I had been suspended and suspend the plans until further notice. I could not do anything when I was away from work.Fuck!I needed to reach out to Cross immediately. I was about to reach out for my phone when the chime of the phone broke through my spiralling thoughts. I picked it up, seeing a message from Cross.“Meet me. Usual spot. Tonight.”My lips pressed into a thin line. Speak of the devil.Of course, Cross would want to meet now. I considered ignoring it but knew that wasn’t an option. I threw on a hoodie, tugged it low over my face, a
Ari's POVThe kiss was soft, gentle, and for a moment, I melted into it, savoring the feeling of his lips against mine. But as soon as the warmth spread through my body, I jerked back, breaking the contact.My hand came up to touch my lips, my mind spinning.Cross stared down at me, his eyes searching mine. I was about to say something when Cross, pulled me back again, his hands on my waist.My eyes widened as his lips crushed against mine once more. This time, there was nothing gentle about it. His tongue slid across my bottom lip, demanding entrance. I gasped, and his tongue slid into my mouth, tasting me. The kiss was rough, passionate, and I couldn't help but give in, kissing him back. My hands slid up his chest, and to his neck before finding themselves tangling in his hair.His grip tightened, and he kissed me deeper, his body pressed against mine. I let out a soft moan, unable to resist the heat of his touch.We stayed like that for a long moment, our bodies pressed together,
Ari's POV I let out a moan as his length filled me, stretching me. It was blissful and satisfying all at once. The feeling of being properly stretched, even to my limits, could be done by one person and one person alone, Cross. It was pure heaven and hell, the way he filled me, and the way he moved inside me.I was a writhing mess, my legs wrapped tightly around his waist, my fingers tangled in his hair. I couldn't get enough of him."Fuck," I gasped as he picked up his pace, pounding into me.He growled, his teeth grazing my neck. "You feel so good, Ari."I moaned, arching against him.His hands moved from my hips, sliding up my body and cupping my breasts, teasing and tweaking my nipples."Ah!" I cried out, overwhelmed by the pleasure."That's right," he said, his voice low and husky. "Scream for me."I couldn't hold back anymore, my orgasm building, threatening to crash over me soon."Cross," I gasped, my eyes closing as I got more lost in the pleasure."Yes," he hissed, his hips
Cross' POV I looked down, watching as Ari worked her mouth up and down my cock, her tongue swirling over the tip before sliding down the shaft.It was an intoxicating sight, and the feel of her lips wrapped around my dick, her mouth warm and wet, was almost too much to bear.I groaned, my hips rocking involuntarily, matching the rhythm of her mouth."Fuck," I growled, my cock twitching.I was close, the pressure building in my core as she sucked harder, her fingers digging into my thighs.I felt myself losing control, the urge to bury myself deep inside her and claim her mouth taking over.With a growl, I pushed her head down on my cock, filling her throat with it as I released everything into her. Ari gasped, her eyes wide, and the look of surprise mixed with shock made it even better for me.Thick hot ropes of cum flooded her throat and I felt her throat muscles clench around me in an effort to swallow all I could give.My hands slid down her cheeks and neck as my body tensed up a
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