Alicia’s POV:I was shivering still minutes later after Mikael left.How had I forgotten how scary he was? He was much taller than I was and unlike Acker, he never failed to make me appear smaller than him. I thought of the difference between Mikael’s and Acker. Apart from their clear physical differences, all my memories of Acker was of how safe be made me feel. Mikael… he was more terrifying to me and k thought he would end up hurting me one way or another.Even when he was being nice, i mused to myself as I finally approached the breakfast table, I always felt like he was more of a predator, and I could clearly believe he was a dangerous man.Acker never showed himself like that to me. I didn’t know whether that was a good thing or not but…I realized what I was thinking about - comparing the two men?! Weren’t they BOTH just bad people? - and stopped myself entirely, facepalming.Alicia, you’ve gone off the deep end.Don’t forget yourself. You can afford to fall for their tricks ag
Alicia’s POV My heart was pounding as the chaos began to unfold in the casino. All eyes were on us and suddenly the flashing lights and all the glitz and glamour of the casino shattered to reveal my anxiousness. The dream was gone.“What the hell are you doing?” The man that had been by my side at the table stumbled to his feet and was promptly forced to a kneeling position by Mikael’s men. “Who the fuck are you?”“I should be the one to ask you that, minga.”My back felt the reverberation of Mikael’s chest, and I cringed inwardly. This was my fault, i just knew it.“Mikael-“ i tried to speak but all thoughts of that ended when I felt a sharp pinch at my waist. He was angry, and he wasn’t afraid to show it.“Look, I don’t know who you are but you are way outta line!” The man’s voice increased and it was hoarse as he glared in my - and Mikael’s- direction. “I’m a paying customer! Ask around, you bastard!”Mikael laughed, loudly. His chuckles were dark and i barely restrained a shiver
Acker’s POV:She wasn’t supposed to be home so quickly.I expected that; Javier had reliably informed me she would be at the casino tonight. I had hoped the blonde mafia don would entertain her well enough. I didn’t care as long as she was safe.Therefore I took the opportunity, wanting to reacquaint myself with the apartment.I stood at the entrance of the apartment, the door barely making a sound as I entered. Despite it being equipped with the state of the art security cameras and alarm system, I wasn’t Acker Madden for nothing. I knew how to bypass it well, learned long ago during my mercenary days.What I did not expect was to find her entering the apartment only moments after, and I watched her posture carefully when she shut the door loudly. She wasn’t happy.She jumped when she heard me shift in me feet and was about to scream when I spoke, “Don’t.”I reached for the light switch and turned it on, enveloping the living room with white light. Her eyes widened and I saw surprise
Alicia’s POV:“Goddamn it,” I cursed loudly, not caring whomever would hear me. I already knew no one would - it was way too early for anyone sane to be up. The black exercise set that I was wearing was already soaked with sweat as I panted, feeling stitches in my sides.I was damn unfit.I made a mental note to do more about improving my exercise routine. I never had the time for these sorts of things when I was working but now… i had all the time I wanted and nothing to do with it.The thought of college entered my mind again and I sighed in frustration. It wasn’t the first time that going back to school entered my mind. Back then, when k had just left the orphanage, I was only able to take a couple of classes at a community college and earn myself a diploma. But now…The idea of asking Acker and Mikael for permission to go to school wasn’t what I wanted. They likely wouldn’t care and I didn’t want to force their hands.I leaned against the tree I had jogged all the way from my apar
Alicia’s POV: Finally, I thought with a relieved sigh, breakfast was done. I nodded in thanks as Farrah cleared the dishes away from the table, and the two men stood at the same time. I watched them, my hackles risen, as they both gave me glances that made me self conscious. “What?” I asked them both. What were they up to? It was quite suspicious. With the way both of them looked I would have thought they were about to abduct me a second time. “We have something for you,” Acker took the lead, speaking first. “More like a gift,” Mikael continued. “And an apology, of sorts.“ I met Mikael’s eyes and saw no hints of lies in them. It was… surprising. I looked away thoughtfully. He was… apologizing? No, I corrected myself, glancing at Acker briefly. They BOTH were. My heart twinged. Could I accept more gifts tying me to them? Remembering Magda’s words, I stopped myself from saying any words of refusal. Perhaps I could wait and see what it was first before coming to a conclusion.
Alicia’s POV “Ugh,” I groaned as I closed the book I had been reading for the second time.I had been trying to not give into the abject boredom that I felt but it was becoming harder and harder to do so.“Come on, what else can I do?” I wondered aloud, staring at the closing as I laid on the couch in the living room.Was this how life would become now?Because I had no work to revolve my life around, the days slowed into a dismal crawl.Maybe I could get my job back?Or actually entertain the idea of asking Acker and Mikael to go to college? They would support me right? They were not good men but… they couldn’t be that terrible.I felt I was beginning to lose it.Blinking slowly at the ceiling I decided I needed a change of environment.Sharply i got up and stretched my hands above my head with a wince. I should REALLY become more fit. Magda had commented once on how unfit I was but now I could feel it. Just a couple days of jogging and my body already ached fully from the workout.
Mikael’s POV THREE HOURS AGO “Where are they?” I all but growled Magda who bowed to me and directed me to down the hallway. Acker stood beside me as we walked, the sounds of pained grunts filling the air, as well as the distinct sound of fist hitting flesh.The sound reminded me that I hadn't yet gotten my workout in. Perhaps I'd do so with this subordinate of Castro's. I didn’t speak as I barged into the room. Nor did Acker, because the two of us were furious. Castro’s men had attacked us, in broad daylight. It was obvious whose side he was on, and who had sent him: Cross Serpenti.My bastard half-brother once more. Even now he was more trouble than he was worth. “Sir,” the men that were busy brutalizing the last member of the Castro’s that had attacked. He was the only one left alive after my men were done with them, and Acker had volunteered to come with me. After all, he had agreed to the deal, to combine our forces into dealing with Castro and my half-brother. “Leave him
Mikael’s POV:I huffed, raising my hand to cup my chin while still staring at the Madden Don.“What kind of a question is that, Madden?” I asked him. “Do you not trust my judgement?”His hands were clasped together and he gazed at me in silence before I sighed heavily and I crossed my legs, standing to walk towards the bar. Now that Castro had gone, I felt more relaxed, which meant a little drink.“Castro used to be one of my father’s most important men,” I began to explain, pouring some bourbon into the crystal cup I had picked out. “He handled more than anyone knew. Though he didn’t have many men to begin with in his faction, he was one of the few who knew my father closely. And that…”“That is what you’re afraid of,” Acker’s words reminded me of the memories of the last. Castro had firmly been against my father pushing Cross away, just like I had been at one point. I used to care for my half-brother as if we had no reason to compete. We were the same age, and even though my father
Alicia’s POV“Holy shiiiiit,” I hissed with pleasure, my eyes rolled back.My legs parted wider as Mik’s slick, thick manhood thrust in and out of me in a beautiful deep rhythm.It HAD been a long time; no one could blame me.I lost myself in another series of moans, feeling hands all over my body.“Be careful,” Acker warned, and I wasn’t sure who he was warning in my sex-addled brain until I realized Mik was chuckling as he moved his hips to mine.“You don’t want me to break her in for you, Madden? Don’t worry, I’m sure she’ll be the same by the time you’re up.”I heard something that sounded like a curse come from Acker but I didn’t care. Despite both men bickering, they were incredibly focused on one thing and one thing only: me.I had long lost track of where I was. We had moved from room to room like honey teenagers and now, I was in a chair, or a desk, or wherever.All I knew was that my hands and hair were held back by Acker as I took Mik’s cock like a good girl.Hands fondled
Alicia’s POV“She is right here.”I replied loudly to the man that was speaking to someone whom I neither knew nor cared to know, making my presence known at the party entrance. As if by a spell all eyes turned to me, and I took advantage of the spotlight. I knew exactly how I looked.I had taken my time all weekend to clean up my looks to make sure I wouldn’t appear too shabby as Ash’s and Dante’s mother. I was practically the most desired woman to be in terms of position, having the children of two of the most powerful Dons in the world.And I was going to enjoy it.The spotlight wasn’t usually what I searched for but I reveled in it now, a dark glee in my heart as Mikael and Acker’s eyes were like flames burning my skin.The glittering red gown I had chosen was fired to my body, held up only by spaghetti straps with pearls as an accent. My hair was up in a stylish updo and showed off my neck and décolletage, which spotted a lovely necklace I picked for myself with care.In all, I h
Acker’s POV“Make sure it is done. No excuses this time. And use another supplier if this one doesn’t make things according to our requirements,” I cut off one of my executives before he could go on another rant during our call. I was already fed up and late for a very important engagement - picking up my sons from the house to attend their birthday party.Unbuttoning my shirt with one hand while I walked into my home office to grab the box I had left there wrapped and ready for tonight, I noticed Javier was seated on the armchair close to my desk, and giving me a serious look.I ended the call and sighed heavily. I hated handling business sometimes. It was easy work in theory but human beings and bureaucracy could make every little thing difficult.“You clearly haven’t gone for a shower yet,” Javier helpfully pointed out, tutting in a manner that was exasperated. “You still have paint on your face.”My jaw ticked.“I’m well aware of that, Javier. Thanks for pointing out the obvious.”
Alicia’s POVThe party hadn’t occurred yet and it already gave me a headache. My scowl prominent, I listened to the chef and event planner - Duran, what an odd surname, I thought absently - as they discussed the event.“Whatever you have to decide, so it with their fathers," I stated when I could get a word in. I wanted nothing to do with this or them or this farce of a damn party that was forced on me.The pair glanced at each other wide-eyed and I didn’t wait for a response, instead storming off to my room for some much needed alone time. Slamming the door shut down othbeicj force that the walls shook, I let out an agonized yell.“I hate them both,” I hissed through my teeth. Why did it feel like the entire world was against me? I sat in the edge of the bed recalling Andy’s discussion with me earlier.2 hours ago:I was furious, seeing red. Hardly able to contain myself.“Alis, wait,” Andy called, her footsteps fast paced. I whirled about to face her.“You TOLD them about the boys’
Mikael’s POVMy hands clenched and unclenched, while my mind struggled to make sense of the report that the police commissioner gave me mere seconds ago. My blood was effectively boiling.How could this have happened right under our noses? For the girl, the only connection we had at this crucial time to my bastard half-brother, to escape like that… I couldn’t fatho it for the life of me.Madden turned to Alicia, his signature cool and collected veneer on full display as he replied, “This is not the time to discuss such things. You should focus on your breakfast love.”Endearment aside I thought he had the right idea. We shouldn’t talk about this when the children were around, no matter how urgent it seemed to be.“And the party,” Ashford piped up in the wake of Madden’s words which made his mother whip her head around to stare at him unblinkingly“What party exactly?” Alicia sounded confused, tired and— was that relief I heard in her voice?“Our birthday party!” Dante too the opportun
Alicia’s POV Two days later:Tonight was the night.10:47 pm. My room was dark but I could still spot the letters on the alarm clock, glowing distinctly.I sat up in the bed, checking my phone every couple of seconds as though that would make a difference. I had to be patient. Because tonight, Daya would escape police custody. Matt had been of more help than I had previously anticipated and he had sent one of his ‘good friends’ skilled at evading law enforcement to pick Daya up.While I wished I could be there myself to see it going on, I knew it would be next to impossible. Mikael, for one, would notice that I had left the house.The sound of footsteps drawing close to my door alerted me. Damn it. I was supposed to be asleep! Feigning a stomach ache in order to leave the dinner table early had its drawbacks.Swiftly I pulled the covers up, hiding my phone underneath the blanket and laid down, turning my head to the side and closing my eyes.The door opened, and multiple footsteps fo
Mikael’s POV“Whatever, it’s none of my business,” she had said.Yet even as she said that she appeared the opposite. Her posture was rigid, her lips drawn into a scowl that looked more appealing than it did intimidating.Honestly I’d never met a woman so stubborn in my life and perhaps that’s why I fell in love with her.I had no issues playing this game of hers.“Alright,” I responded lightly. “Just making it known. You should have your breakfast.”“I think I’ve lost my appetite,” Alicia’s words were just as cutting as I expected, and she huffed, her shoulders shrugging as she turned around to walk out of the living room.In a dizzying instant I saw her stumble, and I reached to grasp her by the waist and pulled her closer as her knees buckled under her.“Ugh,” she groaned, shutting her eyes tightly. “I really need to get some more sleep.”She hadn’t slept? That explained the worrying eye-bags under her eyes, and how pale she looked earlier.Why hadn’t she slept again?“Shall I call
Alicia’s POVA couple of minutes ago:I stood at the entrance of the dining hall, hesitating. Should I go in? Somehow I didn’t know if I could control myself, pull back from my anger enough to have breakfast with Mikael being right there.Could I fake a smile?My hands clenched into fists.Could I pretend like my father’s death wasn’t their fault?Could I? It felt like a betrayal to remain in this house, to live under Mikael’s roof and to accept them forming a relationship with our sons, knowing what they had done.“Everything okay?”Andy’s voice made me turn, pulling me back to reality. She looked gorgeous as always, reminding me of how much she was enjoying her time at this house once again, while I was suffering inside.“Uh, yeah, I’m alright,” I mumbled as she parted my shoulder. “Just feeling tired is all.”She smiled and nodded in such an understanding manner before moving past me to walk into the dining hall.“Ah, Andy,” I heard Mikael’s voice distantly, and my heart skipped at
Mikael’s POV“G’night daddy.”The tension buried in my spine bled out from me and it was all too easy to muster up a smile as Dante hugged me, and ran to Madden to do the same. Ashford followed in his brother’s footsteps and the nanny led them away from the living room.As soon as they were gone from sight I ordered the maid, “Bring me the Macallan on my desk.”“You should drink less, Serrano,” Madden’s tone was chiding and I showed him my middle finger.“Non me ne frega un cazzo,” i shot back with, rolling my eyes.Within minutes I was sipping slowly at a small shot of whiskey, thinking of how badly the day turned out.That bitch had stirred up trouble again. Cleo fucking Abrams.“I’ll kill her one day. She’s more trouble than she’s worth,” I mused aloud, my Italian accent thicker than usual. I was exhausted to say the least, a far cry from the relaxation I expected this day off work to be for me.Fuck my life, I thought, taking a large gulp of the whiskey, adding another kindling to