Cassiel’s POVI placed my phone down on the desk, fingers tightening for a brief second before releasing. My gaze stayed fixed on the cityscape beyond the massive glass windows, but my mind wasn’t on the skyline.Julian had almost gotten inside.Too close.I exhaled through my nose, my jaw tightening. I should have anticipated this. Julian wasn’t a fool—he was stubborn, perceptive, and far too reckless for his own good. It had only been a matter of time before curiosity led him where it shouldn’t.But not yet.He wasn’t ready. Julian sure as hell wasn’t ready.The next time he gets that close…A muscle twitched in my jaw. I didn’t like dealing with threats — not when it came to Julian. But there were lines even I wouldn’t allow to be crossed.My fingers drummed against the desk. I’d have to handle it.And then the door flew open.Not violently. Not the way an enemy would enter.But with the kind of audacity that belonged to only one person.I didn’t move. I heard the sharp click of h
Third POVRenata walked away from Cassiel’s office and paused at the hallway before the secretary’s office. She pulled out her phone from her purse and dialed a familiar number then held her phone to her ear, her nails tapping against it in an impatient rhythm.The call connected and the voice on the other end spoke in a hushed, almost amused tone.“Your breathing sounds tense, Renata.”Her jaw tightened. “Tense? Tense would be an understatement.” She exhaled sharply, her eyes closed in an effort to stem the irritation she felt. “Do you know how long it’s been since I’ve seen him?”A pause.“Cassiel?”“Who the fuck else?” she snapped, her patience wearing thin.A chuckle. “Careful, querida. You don’t usually let a man rattle you.”Renata’s grip on her phone tightened. “Don’t be fucking stupid. This isn’t about him rattling me.” She leaned forward, pressing her elbow against the wall. “It’s about that little purchase of his. The one that was supposed to be a passing amusement.”“Ahhh,”
I glanced at the darkened skyline beyond my office window, loosened my tie and was about to pour myself a drink when my phone buzzed. I answered after noting the caller ID was from the penthouse and tensed. The maids only called me if there was an emergency. Julian I snatched it up. “Speak.” A hesitant female voice came through the receiver. “Sir, it’s Lucia.” I frowned. One of the maids. “What is it?” “It’s about Mr. Julian.” My grip on the phone tightened. “What about him?” Lucia hesitated. “He… hasn’t left the bedroom all day, sir. He refused lunch. We tried to coax him, even Mrs. Rojas spoke to him, but he won’t eat.” My eyes darkened. Mrs. Rojas was one of the older maids, a woman with a voice as warm as fresh bread and the patience of a saint. If Julian had refused even her— I exhaled slowly, my jaw ticking. “Prepare dinner,” I ordered. “I’ll be home soon.” “Yes, sir.” I hung up and immediately turned to Enzo, who was still lounging in the sofa across f
Third POVThe gunshot split the air like a thunderclap.Cassiel’s hand moved on instinct.In a single, fluid motion, he wrenched Julian by the collar and yanked him off the chair just as the windows behind them shattered. Glass rained down like a thousand jagged knives, sparkling under the chandelier’s glow.The maids screamed from the kitchen.Julian hit the floor with a grunt, but Cassiel didn’t let go. He flattened Julian beneath him, shielding him with his body as he pulled out his gun and aimed toward the broken window.Silence.Then—“Stay down.” Cassiel’s voice was ice-cold.Julian was breathing hard beneath him. “What the fuck—”Another shot.Cassiel rolled them both to the side, knocking over a chair just as a second bullet embedded itself in the mahogany dining table.His eyes snapped to the bullet’s trajectory.Rooftop. North side.“Fucking sniper.”Cassiel grabbed Julian by the back of the neck, hauling him to his feet. “Move.”Julian resisted. “Wait—”Cassiel shoved him t
Third POVThe club was alive.Heavy bass throbbed through the floors, shaking the air with a rhythm designed to make you forget the outside world. Strobe lights flickered, painting everything in flashes of electric blue and crimson. A den of indulgence. A place where power met pleasure.Cassiel Morelli sat in the VIP section, untouched by the chaos. He wasn’t exactly keen on facing Julian after the chaos that had erupted today because he would ask questions he wasn’t ready to answer.A glass of whiskey rested in his hand, but he barely sipped it. Across from him, Enzo lounged on the black leather couch, two women draped over him, their laughter nothing more than background noise.“You look miserable,” Enzo remarked, swirling his drink.Cassiel’s fingers tapped against his glass. “I’m fine.”Enzo smirked. “Liar.” He leaned back, stretching his arms. “We came here to unwind, but you look like you’re planning a massacre.”Cassiel finally took a sip. “Maybe I am.”Enzo chuckled, shaking h
Third POVThe estate was quiet.Not the eerie kind of quiet—the dangerous kind. The kind that came after chaos.Cassiel stepped inside, his movements smooth but purposeful, the weight of the night still lingering on his shoulders. His security detail gave subtle nods as he passed, but he barely acknowledged them.The night’s events still clung to his skin like smoke—Valerian’s threats, Renata’s confrontation, and the ever-growing sense that things were shifting, that the battle had begun.He needed a shower, maybe another drink, and then an hour of peace.His thoughts flickered to Julian.A muscle in Cassiel’s jaw twitched. Stubborn little thing. He exited the elevator and his footsteps were silent against the marble floors as he moved through the dimly lit halls, finally pushing open the bedroom door.He didn’t bother turning on the lights as his sharp gaze flicking to the bed. And there he was.Julian lay on the massive bed, curled slightly, chest rising and falling with even breath
Third POVSunlight bled through the heavy curtains, casting a golden glow over the room. The warmth should have been comforting, but to Julian, it was an unwelcome disturbance.He groaned, stretching lazily before his brain caught up with his body. His hand moved toward the bedside table, fingers brushing the cool surface as his eyes flickered open.The clock glared at him.11:24 AM.Julian froze.His sleep-fogged mind struggled to process it. He never slept in this late. Ever.A slow breath left his lips. His muscles tensed, that familiar unease creeping over him.And then—Cassiel.His head snapped toward the other side of the bed, only to find it empty.The sheets were undisturbed.The pillow was cool.The bastard had been gone for hours.Julian’s jaw clenched as realization struck.He left without explaining.His fingers tightened around the blanket. His pulse pounded in his ears, heat surging to his face.Then—A string of curses tore from his lips, sharp and livid.“You lying, m
Third POVCassiel stepped out of the blacked-out Maybach, adjusting the cuff of his tailored black shirt as his gaze swept over the upscale restaurant.From the outside, Élan Noir was just another high-end dining establishment—where the city’s elite indulged in overpriced delicacies under dim chandeliers.But Cassiel knew better.This was his.A front and a fortress.The restaurant served two purposes: a place for legitimate business and a hidden nerve center for matters that never made it to legal ledgers. Deals were sealed here, alliances forged, betrayals whispered between bites of steak.Cassiel walked in without a word, his presence immediately noticed.The hostess barely lifted her gaze before nodding toward the back. She knew who he was—what he was. No need for small talk.He moved past the main dining area, where powerful men clinked glasses and their companions laughed at jokes that weren’t funny. His path led to a private section, the lighting softer, the air heavier.A boot
Third POV“What the hell did you do to me?” Renata yelled as she struggled and made futile attempts to raise her right hand.“I only returned the favour you gave to Julian and consider yourself lucky that I’m not in the mood to spilling your blood yet.” Cassiel said smugly, opening a bottle of strong liquor placed on the table, drawing some of the content out with the needle and syringe in his hand.He moved closer to her struggling self to get back on her feet. Cassiel shook the content in the syringe together to blend properly before injecting the fluids into her system.She instantly became still, her heartbeat fell immediately. She was more like half dead.“If I were you, I'd consider this as a warning and tread carefully,” he said, dusting invisible dust off his pants before making his way out. He got to the door and opened it before looking back.“If you’re lucky enough to be taken to the hospital within three minutes, you will be rescued but if you aren't so lucky… well, your a
Third POV“You are not planning on killing me right?” Renata asked curiously, looking around for ways to escape but as it was at the moment, she had been cornered.“That would depend on your attitude.” Cassiel responded, his long finger trailing the soft, smooth skin of her jawline.“But I did nothing to warrant getting on your bad side,” she said, trying to find out how much information he had been able to get his hands on.Renata's voice was laced with a mixture of fear and curiosity, but she tried to keep her tone light and nonchalant. She didn't want to provoke Cassiel any further, not when she was trapped in this situation.Cassiel's finger continued to trail along her jawline, his touch sending shivers down her spine. Renata tried to remain still, but she couldn't help the slight tremble that ran through her body."Your attitude is what will determine your fate," Cassiel repeated, his eyes locked onto hers. "If you're cooperative and forthcoming, I might just let you live. But
Third POVCassiel pulled off at the exquisite club, bobbing with different vibes and life in it. He got down from his vehicle, mingling with the crowd. No one seemed to recognize him as they were so caught up in their own business.The club was a melting pot of people from all walks of life, each one lost in their own world of music and revelry. Cassiel blended in seamlessly, his tailored suit and confident stride allowing him to move through the crowds with ease.He navigated through the throngs of people, his eyes scanning the room for any sign of the person he was looking for. The music was pulsating, the beat infectious, and Cassiel found himself moving to the rhythm as he walked.The club was a labyrinth of dark corners and dimly lit areas, with flashes of bright lights illuminating the dance floor. Cassiel's eyes adjusted quickly, and he spotted a figure standing at the bar, sipping on a drink.He made his way over, his movements fluid and purposeful. As he approached, the figur
Third POV“So Renata and Marco aren't related?” Cassiel asked, the document in his hand slipped on to the table as he spoke.“I guess those men mistook their relationship as a sibling relationship.” Enzo said, passing some pictures to Cassiel which he brought out from his bag.“This means they are lovers,” Cassiel said, concluding as he passed the pictures back to Enzo who carefully placed them back in a brown envelope.“Should we set them both up?” Enzo asked curiously, a sly grin playing on his lips as he scribbled something down on the paper passing to Cassiel to see.“I still need to punish her,” Cassiel said.Soon enough, a maid knocked and announced through the door that their food had been served and said Miss Maria asked her to serve them tea if they were still busy.Enzo asked the lady to come in. A fragile, deathly pale looking lady entered, she looked so weak but something about her seemed different. She had a solid look on her face as she walked to the table, dropping the
Third POVEnzo pulled off at Cassiel's garage, rushing to the other side to help open the door for Cassiel and also help Julian out of the car.“Come carry this in,” Enzo called two of the standby guards, throwing the bag and the basket of fruits to them.“I will wait for you in your study while you attend to Julian.” Enzo said the moment they stepped into the house.“I am sure he can handle himself right?” Cassiel asled, directing the question to Julian who didn't look fazed.“A quiet time without you in it would really help me recover.” Julian said, his voice dripping with sarcasm as he walked away from their presence, heading to the room.“Won't you go over and help him settled in?” Enzo asked as he made his way towards the study.“His grown enough to help himself out and look after himself too.” Cassiel responded, trailing behind Enzo who opened the door wide for Cassiel to come in.Enzo chuckled and shook his head, gesturing for Cassiel to take a seat. "I guess you're right," Enz
Third POVThe hospital Cassiel walked into the ward with a basket of fruits in his hand, dropping it beside Julian's bed. As Cassiel stepped closer, Jylina closed his eyes pretending to be asleep.“Are we doing this right now?” Cassiel asked frustratedly as he rubbed his temples slowly.Julian faced the other side of the room keeping mute, not saying a word to Cassiel.Cassiel sighed, setting the basket of fruits down on the bedside table. He knew Julian was upset, and he didn't blame him. He had been distant lately, and Cassiel knew he needed to make amends."Julian, look at me," Cassiel said softly, his voice gentle. "I know you're upset, and I'm sorry. I know I've been busy, but that doesn't excuse my behavior."Julian slowly turned to face Cassiel, his eyes narrowed slightly. "You're sorry?" he repeated, his voice laced with skepticism. "You're always sorry, Cassiel. But actions speak louder than words."Cassiel nodded, feeling a pang of guilt. He knew Julian was right. He had be
Third POV"Let's get one thing straight, Marco," Enzo said slowly. "I'll help you, but I need to know the truth. What's really going on?"Marco's expression faltered for a moment, and Enzo saw a flicker of something in his eyes. But then, Marco's face smoothed out, and he launched into a detailed explanation of his supposed ordeal.Enzo listened intently, his mind racing with questions and doubts. He was determined to get to the bottom of Marco's story, no matter what it took.Enzo exhaled a long sigh, his face facing the floor. He had enough proof that showed Marco was lying but he needed to tread carefully.“I will speak with Cassiel tomorrow once I get to him but for now, let's get you a place to stay.” Enzo said standing to his feet as he walked over to his car, Marco trailing behind him slowly.Marco offered to drive Enzo who politely refused asking him not to treat him like a boss and just be himself, acting like he had believed his story.Enzo drove to a nearby hotel, booked a
Third POVJulian nodded slightly, his eyes already drifting shut. Enzo watched over him, feeling a sense of peace wash over him. He was just happy to see Julian. At least Cassiel would take his health seriously and he was more than happy to see him recovering.As Julian drifted off to sleep, Enzo sat beside him, holding his hand and watching over him. He knew he might have to cancel his meeting at the park, but he didn't care. Being here to support Cassiel and watch over Julian was all that mattered.The door creaked open, and a nurse entered the room, checking Julian's vital signs and adjusting his medication. Enzo watched her work, expressing his gratitude for her care and attention.After the nurse left, Enzo settled back into his chair, leaning forward to pick a bottle of water to help moisten his throat and watch over him. He sighted Cassel at the entrance of the ward. He let go of the bottle slowly, walking out of the ward.“Seems he places more trust in you than he does with me
Third POVEnzo dropped his phone on the couch, moving to his bedroom. Milo was giving him attitude because he didn't come home last night to feed him. He went to his bedroom to have a proper rest as there was little or nothing to do.As Enzo entered his bedroom, he was greeted by Milo's disapproving stare. The cat's tail was twitching, and its ears were folded back, clearly displeased about being neglected the night before. Enzo chuckled, feeling a mix of amusement and guilt."Sorry, buddy," Enzo said, scooping up Milo in his arms. "I know I didn't make it home last night, and I'm sorry about that."Milo meowed loudly, as if scolding Enzo for his absence. Enzo laughed, rubbing Milo's soft fur. "I know, I know. You're the real boss around here, and I should've been here to feed you on time."Enzo set Milo down on the bed and headed to the kitchen to feed him. As he poured the cat food into Milo's bowl, the cat followed him, rubbing against his legs. Enzo smiled, feeling a sense of comf