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Chapter 86

Penulis: Simone M.
last update Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-03-27 00:49:03

Sierra’s POV

When I slip into bed, Flint tugs me close, but for the first time since we've been together, he doesn't run his hands along me in ways to make me think of sex. Instead, he wedges me in so tight my face is practically squished against his bare chest, and he smooths my hair before kissing the top of my head.

Every bandage is gone, and sometimes I lie in bed tracing his scars, asking for their stories as my heart races at the danger and aches at the close calls. A world without him isn't a world at all.

"You okay?" he says. "You've been too fucking quiet since your mom left."

"I don't know," I whisper. Turning toward him, I'm comforted by the steady beat of his heart in my ear. "Anytime I hear someone gave up the chance to be a mom, it makes my heart hurt. I just-I would have done anything to have a baby, to be a mom."

He's silent as his hand strokes my back. "Sounds as though your sister had it rough after your mother left."

"Yeah. I can't process it. Being beaten by your
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  • The Enigmatic Mafia Boss   Chapter 87

    Flint’s POVWhile Sierra and I pack in our bedroom, I debate whether to let her come to Russia. There's so much we don't understand. I stuff more clothes into my duffel bag and glance at her as she wanders into the en suite to get her makeup.Curiosity is a powerful thing, and I'm definitely curious about what Eric has been doing. He didn't sound scared in his voicemail messages, or even full of his usual asshole bravado. No, he was excited. Why? I stop packing and lean against the dresser while Sierra continues to put things into her suitcase."Spit it out." She doesn't break her rhythm of sorting and discarding. "You're over there brooding about something.""Don't come to Russia."She laughs. "I'm going to Russia. He called me, not you, and he said you could come along for the show." She throws skincare products into her bag with a huff. "I don't care anymore about what he's doing. You're right. I'll fire him. I don't know why I haven't done it yet."She knows why. I understand why.

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-28
  • The Enigmatic Mafia Boss   Chapter 88

    Sierra’s POVIstare into my arms at the baby wrapped in a pale-blue blanket. He has dark hair, and his eyes are closed in sleep. His fingers have the tiniest nails, and I want to touch every one, count them, savor this moment. I'm so absorbed in the sight of a baby, it takes me a second to process Eric's words."What?" I glance up, a little dazed."Our son." Eric gives me an encouraging nod. "You weren't here for the birth, but I know you always wanted to name our boy Lucas after your brother."I laugh self-consciously and shift the baby to hand him to Eric. "This isn't my baby." When I try to pass the bundle, he steps out of reach. "He can't be my baby. It's impossible.""Not impossible," my father whispers. "You were searching for a surrogate when you two split.""Exactly," I agree. "Eric and I broke up, and we destroyed the embryos. I signed paperwork to have them destroyed."My father grimaces.Eric shifts his feet. "This isn't the reaction I was expecting.""I signed papers to ha

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-31
  • The Enigmatic Mafia Boss   Chapter 1

    Beatrice’s POVMy phone buzzes in my front pocket, and all I can think about is checking it. I shift in the metal chair, keeping my hands folded on the old aluminum conference table that’s definitely seen better days. The warehouse is empty except for the six of us. It’s a strange situation, but I’ve learned the right questions to ask and which ones to steer clear of. At least we have a table. This is a negotiation, not a fight. The table matters. My heart is racing, but I’ve gotten used to that feeling. The pounding in my chest is my tell, and I’m glad the others can’t hear it, even when it’s thumping in my ears. I’ve trained hard for this double life, at least on the surface. “Listen,” I let a bit of impatience creep into my tone. “Sierra is going to be furious when she finds out you’re messing with her.” The chill in the air should have been my first clue that this meeting wouldn’t go well. It’s so cold that I half-expect to see my breath. Fred’s too stingy to pay for the hea

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-02
  • The Enigmatic Mafia Boss   Chapter 2

    Beatrice’s POVJames prefers to meet at the same hotel, in the same room, every single time. It’s a mid-tier chain located in a medium-sized city. Everything about our meetings is set up to avoid the awkward encounters we both dread. Being undercover and running into someone from either side of our lives is one of those things that can wake people like me in a panic, drenched in sweat, wondering if there’s a bullet waiting for us. As I step into the hotel room, the smell of old cigarettes hits me right away. The place could really use a makeover, but I never question James’s choice of venue. This is his territory, not mine. He stops pacing when the door clicks shut behind me, and his dark features and eyes help ease my tension. He gives me a once-over, sizing me up. “I wasn’t sure you’d show.” “Your message came at a rough time. Sierra let me squeeze in another meeting today, but it was pointless.” “Just like the last one,” he replies, finishing my sentence. I shrug it off

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-02
  • The Enigmatic Mafia Boss   Chapter 3

    Beatrice’s POVHot pink isn’t really my go-to color, but it surprisingly complements the darker tones I got from my dad. Sierra was adamant about picking out my dress for this event. Getting her to join me wasn’t the hard part; it was more about steering her away from some of the outrageous outfit ideas she had in mind for me. “So, Native Barbie, are you enjoying the show?” Sierra asks, her champagne flute held delicately in her perfectly manicured hands. I shoot her a sideways look while taking a sip from my own drink. “Only you could pull that off.” I’ve got a bit of that lily-white vibe from my mom, too. People who try to label me often find it tricky because I don’t fit neatly into any box. My gaze wanders around the grand ballroom, landing on the stunning crystal chandelier that brightens our corner. I let my fingers brush against the gun strapped to my thigh. This event was supposed to be low-key, but it’s ballooned into something much larger since my meeting with James.

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-02
  • The Enigmatic Mafia Boss   Chapter 4

    Beatrice’s POVThe next day, as we pull up to the De Luca family estate, there is a noticeable chill in the air. Snow blankets parts of the ground, but you can still see some patches of grass peeking through. Before we can even step inside, we get thoroughly searched. The first time I went through this years ago, it felt invasive and gross. Now, it’s just routine. They manage to uncover every single one of my concealed weapons. I guess I’ll need to get a bit more inventive with my hiding spots. Their mansion is a stunning, sprawling bungalow nestled in the suburbs. It’s going to take me ages to comb through the entire place for any clues. The file I glanced at had some info, but being here really drives home a different reality. This estate used to be pretty secluded, but the city has expanded all around it. There’s still a huge stretch of land in the back that looks like an empty field, save for a shed tucked away in the corner. When the front door swings open, I don’t see No

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-02
  • The Enigmatic Mafia Boss   Chapter 5

    Beatrice’s POV“I do.” Her expression softens. “You’re not going to fight each other. Flint’s a jerk, but he’s still your brother.” “There are things you can’t possibly understand. People change. Flint’s mom and mine would be turning in their graves.” The hint of an accent returns, making me want to lean in closer to catch more. Despite her words, I think that accent might be genuine. Sierra isn’t a mom, but sometimes she gives off a nurturing vibe around certain people. Like that little hip sway, she doesn’t show that side of herself often. Her bond with Nolan and Flint runs deeper than I ever realized. “Can I help?” she asks. Nolan looks at me before turning to Sierra. “Maybe,” he replies. “I’m not looking for an arms deal, at least not right now. I wanted Flint to see I’m serious—my threats are real—which is why I brought you here.” She shifts in her seat. “I used to babysit you two when our parents were in meetings. I know how tight you and Flint are.” I try to keep my

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-02
  • The Enigmatic Mafia Boss   Chapter 6

    Beatrice’s POVNolan's face lights up with a smirk. "I appreciate your straightforwardness." "Why beat around the bush?" I stay standing. "I'm content with Sierra, so your offer better be impressive." "I’m looking for a female bodyguard—" "Not interested." I pivot on my heel, taking a calculated chance. The more I push back, the less he’ll suspect my true intentions later. He’ll think he’s won me over. "Hold on," he says as my hand reaches the doorknob. "I can offer more than just a title for the right candidate. I know you’ve been working closely with Sierra." His tone shifts again, and I feel my shoulders ease. There’s something in the way he speaks that could easily draw me in. It drains my resistance. "I have. I’ve earned my place by her side." "What would it take to bring you here to work for me?" He stands in front of me now, arms crossed, giving me a piercing look. "I want to feel valued," I confess. "Essential, like I matter." He nods. "What I need you to do wo

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-26

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  • The Enigmatic Mafia Boss   Chapter 88

    Sierra’s POVIstare into my arms at the baby wrapped in a pale-blue blanket. He has dark hair, and his eyes are closed in sleep. His fingers have the tiniest nails, and I want to touch every one, count them, savor this moment. I'm so absorbed in the sight of a baby, it takes me a second to process Eric's words."What?" I glance up, a little dazed."Our son." Eric gives me an encouraging nod. "You weren't here for the birth, but I know you always wanted to name our boy Lucas after your brother."I laugh self-consciously and shift the baby to hand him to Eric. "This isn't my baby." When I try to pass the bundle, he steps out of reach. "He can't be my baby. It's impossible.""Not impossible," my father whispers. "You were searching for a surrogate when you two split.""Exactly," I agree. "Eric and I broke up, and we destroyed the embryos. I signed paperwork to have them destroyed."My father grimaces.Eric shifts his feet. "This isn't the reaction I was expecting.""I signed papers to ha

  • The Enigmatic Mafia Boss   Chapter 87

    Flint’s POVWhile Sierra and I pack in our bedroom, I debate whether to let her come to Russia. There's so much we don't understand. I stuff more clothes into my duffel bag and glance at her as she wanders into the en suite to get her makeup.Curiosity is a powerful thing, and I'm definitely curious about what Eric has been doing. He didn't sound scared in his voicemail messages, or even full of his usual asshole bravado. No, he was excited. Why? I stop packing and lean against the dresser while Sierra continues to put things into her suitcase."Spit it out." She doesn't break her rhythm of sorting and discarding. "You're over there brooding about something.""Don't come to Russia."She laughs. "I'm going to Russia. He called me, not you, and he said you could come along for the show." She throws skincare products into her bag with a huff. "I don't care anymore about what he's doing. You're right. I'll fire him. I don't know why I haven't done it yet."She knows why. I understand why.

  • The Enigmatic Mafia Boss   Chapter 86

    Sierra’s POVWhen I slip into bed, Flint tugs me close, but for the first time since we've been together, he doesn't run his hands along me in ways to make me think of sex. Instead, he wedges me in so tight my face is practically squished against his bare chest, and he smooths my hair before kissing the top of my head. Every bandage is gone, and sometimes I lie in bed tracing his scars, asking for their stories as my heart races at the danger and aches at the close calls. A world without him isn't a world at all."You okay?" he says. "You've been too fucking quiet since your mom left.""I don't know," I whisper. Turning toward him, I'm comforted by the steady beat of his heart in my ear. "Anytime I hear someone gave up the chance to be a mom, it makes my heart hurt. I just-I would have done anything to have a baby, to be a mom."He's silent as his hand strokes my back. "Sounds as though your sister had it rough after your mother left.""Yeah. I can't process it. Being beaten by your

  • The Enigmatic Mafia Boss   Chapter 85

    Flint’s POVThe tension between Sierra and Opal is unmistakable. They're circling each other, current events, upcoming commitments, neither of them saying what they're thinking. Nothing has happened to Charles–was the first question Sierra asked-which is unfortunate. With him gone, I could eliminate Eric or have someone do it. She would forgive me. Having her father wrapped up in whatever bullshit scheme they've cooked up makes it too complicated to get rid of one without the other. Especially since I can't yet uncover what they're planning. I'm on the cusp of telling her to fire Eric just to see if that sets something in motion.With our sleuthing, there are no hints of secret deals. No more sinister connections Sierra doesn't already know. No paper trails. Unregistered or foreign bank accounts are noted somewhere. We haven't even come across more evidence of PLA involvement with Eric or her dad. What the fuck are they planning? Opal's here perched on Sierra's couch like a bird pois

  • The Enigmatic Mafia Boss   Chapter 84

    Sierra’s POVEkaterina answers my last few questions with ease and then says, "That was Flint De Luca.""It was." I gather my papers together into a neat pile."Rare for me to find a man intimidating."I glance up and a smile plays on my lips. "Was he a little intense?""A little? Were we in the same room? The guy is all coiled rage and X- ray vision." She drops her phone into her purse and rises from her seat."Are you-are you safe with him?"Before I can answer, Jay chuckles on the other side of the large wooden table. "You were the only person in this room who wasn't safe today." He frowns as he picks up his pen. "And maybe me." With a shrug, he says, "Point is, he's not a threat to her.""Why would he leave so abruptly?" Her expression is thoughtful. "He gave me that appraisal once-over before he left, which meant something.""Probably wondering how easy it would be to remove your head." Jay's voice is matter of fact, and if it wasn't for the horror on her face, I'd laugh."We do

  • The Enigmatic Mafia Boss   Chapter 83

    Flint’s POVSierra rises and steps around the chairs between us to roll my seat back and perch on my lap. "Tell me." Her fingers stroke my furrowed brow."He seems to believe that whatever he and your dad have cooked up, it'll bring you and him closer together." I clear my throat. "You'll pick him."She grins and wraps her arms around my neck. "Never in a million trillion years. There is nothing he could say or do to make me leave you and go to him.""He seemed very confident."Her lips quirk up in derision. "That's his thing-he's confident even when he's wrong. One of his worst qualities." Sierra's gaze focuses above my head. "Heisa win-at-all-cost sort of person, though." Her expression morphs into one of determination. "I wouldn't be with him even if he threatened to kill me."I tighten my arms around her at the suggestion. "He'd never get a chance. He'd be dead as soon as the idea entered his head."There's a sharp knock on the door. She tries to stand, but I increase my grip on h

  • The Enigmatic Mafia Boss   Chapter 82

    Flint’s POVWe've been in Switzerland for a week with no problems. Things have been so good between me and Sierra, but there's this weird heaviness in my chest. I've always been content. I'd never have labeled myself as happy, but I had the business, my brother, a shit-ton of income, and enough women to keep me from longing for the one I've got now.She travels around the office getting things organized to talk to Sean about my money. She's sure we can secure it without having to go to Boston and without the FBI catching on. I am less convinced. Broke is better than Sierra being in jail. I couldn't care less about what happens to Sean or anyone else from my old organization. That life is so far away.Even though I'm worried, I can't very well live off her wealth. For the rest of our time together, I'd be a kept man, or I'd slide into something illegal just to have control. I hate her solution, but I don't have an avenue around it. Cash equals independence.At the darkest corner of my

  • The Enigmatic Mafia Boss   Chapter 81

    Sierra’s POVSeveral places spring to mind without me trying hard, and none of them is a second-rate hotel in Ireland. There are few times I can remember my father putting his wants, his needs,aftermine.“And you?” I glance at Eric.He scoffs and shakes his head. “We were engaged once. Those feelings don’t just turn off.”“Well, I suppose that was the problem with our engagement. You couldn’t turn off those feelings for anyone.”Beside me, Jay snorts and then covers it up with his fist and a cough. When we get to the pub across the street advertising an Irish breakfast, Jay enters first, and the three of us stand outside the door for a minute.“This is the new protocol?” My father puts his hands on his hips. “He sweeps the place before you ever enter? Seems to be an overreaction to a CIA meeting.”I sigh and purse my lips. Impossible to win. “How about me almost being shot? How about Valeriya being murdered? How about the PLA doing business with my company behind my back? Any of that

  • The Enigmatic Mafia Boss   Chapter 80

    Sierra’s POVFlint’s hands cup my face, bringing my lips toward his. I meet his kiss, driving my fingers into his hair, pressing myself as tightly to him as I can manage with our clothes on. His tongue massages my mouth, and he skims the hem of my shirt, easing it up, circling my back. At the skin-to-skin contact, I shudder with pleasure. He grips my ass, molding me to his erection.God, I love the way he feels.When his mouth leaves mine to seek the most sensitive places along my neck, I moan and clutch onto him, afraid my legs might give out. My adrenaline spikes. His declaration of love is a drug coursing through me. Impossible to believe someone like him could love me.“Say it again,” I murmur.Flint chuckles against the curve of my shoulder. “You going to make me say it all the fucking time?”“Consider it the price of admission.” My voice is breathless, and I’m already reaching for the button on his jeans.He sucks on my earlobe and nibbles. “I fucking love you, Sierra. Just you.

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