Lily's POVAiden grinned and grabbed my hand, and together we walked out of the bathroom, returning to the lively pulse of the still-swinging party. I didn't miss the fact that Aiden didn't wash my wetness off his hands. The thought of it made me blush. It was as though he was wearing me branded against his skin, and being unapologetically brazen about it. It made me lick my lips in nervousness.As we stepped back into the hall, the music and laughter enveloped us again. The first thing I did as we stepped in was to search for Ricardo. My eyes darted around the dimly lit room, searching for the familiar scar on his face, or the buzzcut he always sported.Leaning down to me, Aiden's whisper brushed against my ear. "We need to find Frank Accardo and thank him before heading home, don't you think?"I nodded in agreement. "Yeah, you're right."Aiden paused and relaxed his fingers, obviously trying to let go of me. "Okay, wait for me here while I go and—""No, no!" I protested as fear gri
Lily's POVAiden's hand was firm around mine as we briskly walked towards the car, but my unease lingered like a shadow. The Accardo mansion loomed behind us like a large silhouette of a beast against the night.As we approached our car, a chill ran down my spine, intensifying the feeling that something was about to go horribly wrong. I glanced around nervously, my eyes scanning the shadows for any sign of trouble.I shivered involuntarily, and Aiden stopped me. "Perhaps you should have taken a jacket along with you when you wore this dress." He murmured as he shrugged off his own jacket. "You'll catch your death of cold this way.""Thanks," I whispered as he threw his jacket around my shoulders and tucked it around me. And for a fraction of a time, I felt warm, safe, and protected."Let's go." He whispered and continued leading me towards where the guests' cars were parked.Just as we reached the car, a loud voice cut through the air, stopping Aiden in his tracks."Mr. Blackwood!" Th
Lily's POVThe hooded man closest to me peered into the car. "Hey, you even have a gun. Smart girl. Bet you don't know how to use that, though."I squared my shoulders, as I felt a surge of defiance. "Well, I do know which pointy end of the gun causes damage, though."The four men laughed at me, and I felt my cheeks burn with embarrassment and anger. Who did they think they were?"Ricardo Gambino did warn us about this one." The man closest to my window, who appeared to be their leader, said. "You're a feisty little brunette, aren't you?""You try me first!" I clapped back, gripping on to the gun with sweaty hands."Alright, no more funny business!" The man growled. "Get out of the car, princess. Now.""Get lost," I retorted, my voice steady despite the adrenaline coursing through my veins. "I won't open the door for you."Their exchanged grins only fueled my determination. The one closest to my window on the right leaned in, warning, "This is your final warning. Open the door."A smi
Lily's POV"And what crucial role do you want me to play in your sick game?" I demanded, defiance laced with fear as I faced Ricardo Gambino in the dimly lit warehouse. "I am nobody. I know nobody in your sick, twisted mafia world. Why do you want to drag me into it?""Oh, you'd find out that you're as involved in my 'sick, twisted world' as any other person, cara mia," Ricardo replied in a whisper. He smiled again, revealing pearly white teeth with a golden one in the corner. "Especially....""Especially...." I echoed."Where it concerns your brother. See, your brother Lucas is in a lot more trouble than he knows what to do with, trust me."My heart did a nosedive to the bottom of my shoes and then spiraled back up again. Immediately, my throat dried up with fear."My.....brother?" I asked. Then, a wild idea occurred to me, and I spat out. "What are you saying, Ricardo? I don't have a brother. You must have been mistaken."Ricardo stared at me incredulously for a second. And then, he
Lily's POV"My father broke all his bones and died," Ricardo continued. "Heidi went on to marry Nathan, the love of her life. But due to that nasty hit on his head, Nathan was never the same mentally."A pause lingered before Ricardo continued. "As at this time, I was already a little child of three years. See, my mother was already betrothed to my father, and somehow he had gotten her pregnant as well. Sad to say my mother was quite.....devastated by the news that the love of her life was dead. She killed herself not long after."A horrified gasp slipped from my mouth. In shock, I didn't know what to feel. I was seeing sides of this repelling man that I never thought would be there.Ricardo glanced up at me, smiled, and took another long drag from the cigarette. "Oh, don't be sad for me. Trust me, I am not sad for myself." He murmured. "Even at three years old, I never liked my mother much. I would have killed her myself if she'd waited for me to grow older."Immediately, all the sym
Lily's POVTen thousand dollars echoed in my mind like a dreadful chant. I repeated the sum out loud, trying to grasp how my brother had become entangled in such a wicked web, and why I, his sister, remained oblivious to this debt.How had he done it? And, perhaps most importantly, why?I wanted to dismiss Ricardo's claim as blatant lies, but an unsettling truth lingered within me – a man like him had no reason to lie. He was Ricardo of the Gambino Italian family, after all. Why would he lie against my brother who was of no consequence to him?My disbelief morphed into aghast realization as I finally looked up and asked the question lingering in my mind."How did my brother end up owing you such an outrageous amount?" The words stumbled out of my mouth, a mix of disbelief and dread. "How, tell me? What business did you have with him?"Ricardo's sinister smile deepened, and he spoke as if unveiling a dark secret. "Oh, dear Lily. I thought you'd never ask."He pushed his chair forward,
Lily's POVI had no idea how long I was in that warehouse after Ricardo left. All I knew was that I wouldn't last any longer.Dizziness clouded my senses in that wretched warehouse. Exhaustion clung to my bones, even worse than the dark and stifling feeling that pressed against my face. I couldn't remember the last time I had water; my throat constricted and parched."Please, I need water," I croaked, my voice barely audible in the oppressive silence. The ropes bit into my hands, leaving angry marks as a painful reminder of my captivity. Panic set in as I struggled against the restraints. What would they do to me? Had they left me here to rot and die in silence?The air was thick with the stench of despair, and I felt a wave of nausea wash over me. My surroundings offered nothing but pitch blackness; the windows were shut tight, depriving me of any sense of day or night. The uncertainty was maddening."Is anyone there? Please, let me go," I pleaded, desperation lacing every word that
Lily's POVThroughout the short, two-minute ride up to Ricardo Gambino's suite, my head was riddled with question after question. Apprehension made me tap my bare feet against the ground, biting my lips and digging my nails into my palms. I was starting to feel my anger fade away now, and only the fear lingered inside of me.What would he do to me if I rejected his offer again? What would he do to Lucas?What would happen to Aiden as well?I was grateful when the elevator chimed softly, and the doors slid open; I was grateful for the opportunity to finally escape my thoughts in that claustrophobic elevator. As I stepped out, I found myself in an empty, circular foyer. The walls were adorned with intricately patterned wallpaper, and soft, golden light emanated from an elegant chandelier hanging above. Several doors lined the circumference of the space, each brown and carved with beautiful patterns.They all looked identical. Which was the door to Ricardo Gambino's famous suite?The id
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