Lily's POVThe bomb explosion had much less effect than I thought it would.The impact of the bomb against the pool created a sky-high jet of water, but the result on Aiden's mansion had been minimal at best. The water had splashed against my window, and I had flinched almost instantaneously, as though I wasn't being protected by my windows.I flinched the way I used to flinch when my stepfather would take drunken swings at me.Now, several minutes after Aiden and Joe had walked away, I stood by the French windows, my gaze fixed on the calm surface of the swimming pool. It was night-time already, and the full moon was settled high in the sky, casting a pale light over the pool, its reflection shimmering in the depths of the pool.The vision from this afternoon was still vivid in my mind—the sudden splash of the box, followed by the explosive eruption of water. Aiden's actions had left me both shaken and curious, raising questions that clamored for answers.Whoever had placed the time
Lily's POVAiden's suggestion caught me off guard. "Move to Pennsylvania?" I exclaimed, my heart racing at the thought."Yes, just for a while. It's safer there," Aiden replied, his voice calm but resolute. "I have two houses in Pennsylvania. We'll stay in the more reclusive one until all this drama with Ricardo Gambino dies down.""But we cannot just....leave! What about Lucas and Mira?" I countered, my worry for them immediate and intense. "I can't leave them here. They're not safe! Ricardo could capture them and use them to torture me!""They can come with us. I'll arrange it," Aiden reassured, his determination unwavering.I shook my head, feeling torn. "No, Aiden. I need to be here for them, to protect them. I can't just leave them behind."Aiden placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. "Lily, I understand. But your safety matters too. We need to ensure you're secure before anything else.""I can't just think about myself when they're in danger," I insisted, my voice tinged with
CHAPTER 58Lily's POVThe chauffeur started the car and then pulled out of the Blackwood mansion.As the car cruised on the busy Manhattan road, I turned my gaze to the road. Houses and other cars flashed by me, and I kept my eyes fixated on the calm scenery. It still struck me that a place as familiar to me as New York had grown to be so dangerous to me.I heard Aiden let out a sigh, and I peeled my eyes from the scenery to glance at him. I watched as he fetched his phone from his pocket and dialed Joe's number, his voice steady yet urgent as he spoke into the phone."Hello, Joe." He greeted."Mr Blackwood, good morning!" Joe replied. "Do you need something?" He asked, his voice coming through the line with a hint of curiosity. "Good morning. Now, listen carefully," Aiden began."I need you to keep an eye on Mira and Lucas," Aiden instructed, concern lacing his words. "Make sure they're safe and secure while we're away. We will be in Pennsylvania for a few days until we can keep Ri
Lily's POVAs Aiden welcomed me into his second home, he led me through the expansive foyer adorned with striking art pieces and minimalist decor. The glass house really offered an open and airy atmosphere.Every single thing, from top to bottom, was either white, gray, or black!The sofas themselves were made of deep gray leather that shone like a thousand diamonds. The few walls that weren't made of glass were painted white at the top and a lighter gray at the bottom. The rest of the walls that were made of glass also shone so brightly that I could see my reflection in them.A state-of-the-art television adorned the far end of the living room—it was thrice as big as the one Mira, Lucas and I shared in our Brooklyn apartment, to say the least.I glanced down, catching my reflection on the glossy floor. Hell, everything looked so shiny and reflective!"I know this is not as impressive as my mansion in New York, but it's still something, yeah?" Aiden asked, his voice coming to me in ec
Lily's POVI stirred from slumber, greeted by the soft light that filtered into the room. A gentle, tranquil air enveloped me once more as I slowly became aware of the unfamiliar surroundings. Sitting up, I rubbed my eyes and looked around. For a moment, I was slightly startled by the transparent walls; it gave me the impression that I was floating on clouds. But soon, I got used to it and admired the serenity that seemed to seep through the walls.I stood from the bed and made my way to the glass walls, drawn by the promise of the peaceful landscape outside. Peering out, I couldn't help but feel a slight twinge of vertigo at the sheer openness and height of the glass-encased house. Still, the view was undeniably breathtaking, stretching across a landscape painted in morning hues.While immersed in the calming view, a gentle knock at the door interrupted my reverie. I turned, a smile playing on my lips as I remembered the promise of fun that Aiden had made the previous night."Come i
Lily's POVI wanted him there and then, but he kept me waiting, a new pleasure unfolding. He slid that rock-hard body up mine even with the chair arms between us, his hands caressing a path beneath my shirt, over my rib cage. He Kissed me. Seduced me. Ignited a burning-hot trail of fire deep inside my belly.Soon, the simple bralette I had on was gone as well, and I was naked to his eyes and his fingers. And surprisingly, I didn't feel abashed in any way. Even with the see-through walls and Aiden's eyes on my skin, I felt safe, secure, and protected."You're so beautiful, Lily. Your body is....magnificent." Aiden whispered, and even though he'd said these exact words several times before, it meant more to me now.I faded into a haze of desire that I didn’t want to ever leave. And in that haze, somehow my hoodie was gone, Aiden's hands over my breasts, and my back arching into his touch. His thumbs stroking my nipples, his tongue gliding along mine with hungry thrusts and deep, passio
Lily's POVWe stayed in that position for God knew how long—him in the movie seat, me between his legs with his erection in my right hand. I stared at his face, at the serene look that appeared as he recovered from his orgasm, and his dick relaxed beneath my fingers.Finally, I let go of his dick and stood to my feet, coming to sit beside him. Together, we sat in relative silence for minutes."Lily...." Aiden called finally, breathless."Yeah?" I answered."Do you have any idea what you do to me?" He asked, voice hoarse. "Do you have any idea just how aroused you make me? I could go crazy for your body beside mine."A violent red stained my cheeks, and I looked away. Words had failed me suddenly.“Do you have any idea how much I want to be inside you right now?” he asked.“Then why aren’t you?” I responded, loving the feel of him pressed so close to me on the seat, my back leaning against the rest, my shoulder touching his. But even still, in some far corner of my lust-fogged mind, I
Aiden's POVI stepped forward to her determinedly. "Lily, you cannot follow me. It defeats the whole point of keeping you safe!"But Lily wasn't about to back down. "You need an escort there. Do you know how strange it would seem if you went there on your own? I have to follow you," she declared with unwavering determination.Surprised by her sudden insistence, I shook my head. "Absolutely not, Lily. It's too risky. I can handle this on my own."Her brows furrowed in defiance. "I won't be a liability, Aiden, I promise. I'll stay by your side, and together, we can handle anything that comes our way."I sighed, knowing her argument held some truth. Yet, the thought of involving Lily in potential danger was something I couldn't easily accept. "Lily, it's not safe. I can't risk your safety."She crossed her arms, her expression resolute. "I won't let you face this alone. I'm going, Aiden.""I can't let you do this, Lily," I insisted, my voice firm. "The whole reason we came to Pennsylvani
EPILOGUEAiden's POVSeveral months later found me rushing down a corridor of Doctor Turner's hospital, my heart in my throat. Behind me, I could hear Lucas' hurried footsteps as well.We met Mira halfway down the corridor, and I stopped panting. "Where is she?" I asked. "Tell me!""I....she is....in the labor room right now!" Mira stammered. "Doctor Turner has assured us that she will be fine—""I don't bloody care!" I roared. "Take me to my wife now!"Mira nodded vigorously, then began to race down the corridor, Lucas and I closely behind her. She stopped before a door, from which I could hear labored wails and the soothing murmurs of the doctors.Without waiting, I pushed open the door and walked right in to see Lily on a bed with her knees up in the air. Her dress had been raised all the way up to her chest, and I could see about half a dozen doctors and nurses gather around her.Doctor Turner turned to me, and his eyes widened. "Mr Blackwood! What are you doing here?""What....wh
Aiden's POVAs I held the bullet in my hand, fury ignited within me like a blazing inferno. This was Ricardo's doing, I knew it in my bones. He was the only one brave enough to try to harm Lily so openly; the only one who was the thorn in my flesh.I turned to face Mira and Lucas, and I saw the curiosity in their eyes. Mira's voice cut through the tense silence, her concern evident. "What did the doctor say?" she asked.Without a word, I lifted the bullet, its engraved surface gleaming ominously in the dim light of the hospital. Their eyes widened in shock as they took in the sinister detail. "That bullet..." I began, my voice heavy. "It bears Lily's name. Ricardo's twisted way of sending a message. He wanted to kill her?""Why would he do that?" Lucas asked. "From what I know, he wanted her for himself.""I don't need to know why he wanted to kill her." I declared. "Because today, I will put an end to Ricardo's reign of terror. Once and for all.""You're not....going to Ricardo alon
Aiden's POVI turned away from Lily, walking to the corner beside the window of Lily's living room. I dialed Joe's number, my heart racing with urgency. The events of the evening replayed in my mind like a nightmare. Two beeps told me that Joe had picked up the phone. "Hello, boss." He called."Joe, listen carefully," I began, my voice urgent. "There's been a shooting at Lily's house. Mitch is dead, but there's a sniper outside. Send backup immediately!""Okay, wh...what?" Joe stammered; he sounded as though he was half asleep. "What's going on?""Wake the fuck up!" I snapped. "Come to Lily's house with six men. There's a body to clean up!"Before Joe could respond, a piercing scream cut through the air, freezing me in place. I whipped around just in time to witness another gunshot and a spray of blood. Lily crumpled to the ground, her body convulsing in agony.Time seemed to slow as I watched in horror. Lily lay bleeding before me, her body splayed on the ground. The phone slipped f
Lily's POVLucas nodded in agreement with my words. "You're all the family I need, Lily."A warmth spread through me, filling me with a sense of belonging and reassurance. He was all the family I needed too, especially in moments like these, when it seemed as though we were moving from problem to even bigger problem.With a wide smile, I stretched out my arms and pulled Lucas into a tight hug. At that moment, as we stood together in the dimly lit room, I felt a sense of peace settling on me like never before. Despite the scary things that had just happened, I felt calm and happy.But just as I began to relax into the embrace, the sound of banging on the door shattered the silence. My heart raced with fear as I ducked down, instinctively seeking cover from the unknown threat on the other side."Hey! Open the door!"Relief flooded through me when I heard Mira's familiar voice calling out from behind the door. With a shaky breath, I rose to my feet as Aiden crossed the room to open the d
Lily's POVAiden's eyes widened in shock, and for a moment, he seemed unable to speak. Then, a wide smile spread across his face, and he stepped forward, his arms outstretched as if to embrace me. "Lily, that's... that's incredible!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with joy and disbelief.I couldn't help but feel a surge of warmth at the sight of his genuine happiness. But beneath it all, a gnawing sense of uncertainty stayed inside me. "I... I know," I stammered, my voice barely above a whisper. "But Aiden, I don't know if I can do this. Not now, not in this... this situation. With Ricardo, and all. If he knows about this, he will—"Aiden's smile faltered, and he reached out to gently take my hands in his. "Lily, I understand that this isn't ideal," he said softly, his voice tinged with concern. "But we'll figure it out together. We'll make it work, I promise. To hell with Ricardo!"Tears welled up in my eyes as I looked into his earnest gaze. "I want to believe you, Aiden," I whispe
Lily's POVThe rest of my day—and week—seemed to go by in a blur. I couldn't recollect the meals I had or the conversations I endured. All I could think of was this baby. My baby.Before slipping into bed on the very last night, I closed the bedroom shades against the New York moon. In the day, I hated the sunshine because It reminded me too much of Aiden and the time we'd spent in Pennsylvania, but this moonlight was almost as bad. It was so cold. And felt so strange. As odd and unfamiliar as this house, these people living with me and my own skin.Finally, I rolled onto my side and rubbed my stomach. When I found that I was pregnant, I had tried and failed to find some outward sign of my condition. But in only the past few days, I had detected a slight rounding of my belly. This child was growing.This child. My baby. A stranger, like its father had grown to be. How I yearned to know how this child had been conceived. Was it when Aiden and I had survived the battle with Ricardo? Wa
Lily's POVIt was exactly two weeks after I met with Ricardo, when I woke up one morning feeling unusually bloated and disoriented. Later I would remember that day and think about how suspicious it had been, how I should have known something was terribly wrong.My head throbbed with a dull ache, and a wave of nausea washed over me as I struggled to sit up in bed. The room spun around me, and I clutched my stomach, willing the queasiness to pass.Just then, a gentle knock echoed through the room, and I mustered the energy to call out. "Come in!""Good morning!" Mira chirped. She stepped in with her characteristic cheerful smile, carrying in her arms a tray of breakfast.She closed the door with her foot. "I noticed that you slept in today, so I decided to wake you up with your favorite.""Thank you, babe," I murmured. My voice sounded as though a whole pond of frogs had decided to nest in my throat.Mira's smile faltered as she observed my lack of energy."Lily, you don't look so good,
Ricardo's POVI placed the telephone on the polished wooden table, its weight settling with a resounding thud. Sliding into the leather-upholstered chair, I reached for the crystal decanter, pouring a generous measure of brandy into a crystal glass. The amber liquid swirled, casting an enticing glow in the low-lit room.With a flick of my wrist, I lifted the glass to my lips, savoring the rich, smoky aroma before taking a sip. The fiery warmth spread through my chest, momentarily killing the cold reality of my surroundings.I turned in my chair, and my gaze fell upon the lifeless form of Liam sprawled across the floor, spread-eagled and looking stupid. He was stupid. He had always been. I couldn't forget the first day he strutted in here, acting as though he owned the place. I didn't do well with men who thought they were better than they really were.I despised men who talked too much and pretended to have a confidence that they didn't truly possess. Liam had been a loose end, a nu
Ricardo's POV"Boss! Good afternoon!"Liam strolled into my office, a sly grin playing on his lips. I couldn't shake the feeling that his visit was laced with ulterior motives. I leaned back on my chair, watching the man as he strode over to me. Everything about him simply set me on edge. His curly, blond head of hair, baby blue eyes, and dimpled smile made him look like some innocent kid, but I could see through that facade.I knew exactly what he was. A con. I'd known from the first time my men had led him into my office, some three or four days ago.However, I pushed my angry thoughts aside and plastered a smile on my face. I extended my hand for a handshake, a customary greeting. "Good morning, Mr. Liam." I greeted.Liam ignored my outstretched hand as though it was the nearby file cabinet. I watched with mounting annoyance as he breezed past it as if my office were his domain. He slumped into one of the chairs in front of me with a great groan of satisfaction."I cannot say th