Alicia’s POV I waited a beat before continuing, noting the dark expression in her eyes. “I’m afraid I have no idea why you’re so combative with me, Cleo,” I sighed. “I have no intention of competing with you with regards to Acker or Mikael. They are my last and I am theirs.” “But you have the key to get them back through the twins, is that what you’re saying?” She seethed, a deadly aura about her. “You’re quite the plotter aren’t you, Alicia Stevens?” “I don’t care what you think I am but I’m going to say this once so listen carefully,” I stood, taking a step towards her. We were at the same height, and I stepped closer to her that our chests were almost touching. “Whatever problem you have with me, don’t even think about bringing it near my children. Since Mik and Acker seem to like you, I can’t stop that. But I won’t have you acting this way in front. My children, do you understand?” “Or what?” She smirked daringly, taunting in her words. “You’ll see. I’m no longer the p
Acker’s POVThe darkness of the streets was suitable cover enough for me to enter my house wi the out causing chaos. A sigh left my lips, and I then began the task of undressing while still walking to my bedroom.One glance at me would have told what I had been doing that night. Blood was splattered all over my shirt, pants and coat, and my gun was in the inner pocket of my jacket, the bullets in its chamber far spent.Dealing with Cross and his allies however was most satisfying, for at last we had the upper hand. With Serrano’s and my combined forces, we had forced most of Cross’ allies to retreat. Cross still had a warrant out for his arrest, and that meant the law enforcement in our pockets would turn a blind eye to the violence against his men.The stench of fresh blood, metallic and pungent, made my nose wrinkle. I tossed my clothes in the laundry hamper, sure that the maid would get to it in time. I needed a fucking shower.And I needed to get back to the US. I missed my family
Alicia’s POVThe breeze ruffled my hair as I chased Dante and Ashford at a sedate pace through the garden.My boys laughed, a tingling sound that brought me nothing but peace and content in the turbulent world.Meanwhile Andy watched from her spot on the patio. It was almost like nothing had changed, like we were still in the UK and living a quiet life without fear.“Got you!” I grabbed Ashford’s midsection and he let out an uncharacteristic squeal, wriggling about in my arms as I peppered his face with kisses.“Mom!” Ashford yelled, his face flush with joy and childlike excitement. “Let go!”“Not unless you say please,” I smirked down at him. “And that you love me very much.”The sound of the fence swinging made me turn around and my remaining words died in my lips as I saw Acker cross the small fence and enter the garden, his coat swinging.Suddenly my heart began to flutter and there was a quest feeling in my stomach as he approached.Why did he look so damn good?“Hello,” he stopp
Mikael’s POV“She said that?” Disbelief colored my voice as I turned around and looked at Acker who gave me a hard glare from where he sat. He didn’t look too happy about my statement. “I didn’t expect that of her.”We were at my casino, both of us nursing considerably high malignes of liquor in our glasses.“Did you expect her to suddenly change her mind? She doesn’t trust us, Serrano,” he sighed, looking still just as disgruntled.I felt kind of bad now, because even though we weren’t friends, we were both bound together by our love for Alicia, and the children we shared.Sighing, i sat across from him and crossed my legs, taking a sip of whiskey that made a hot trail down my throat a settled at the bottom of my stomach.“Are you telling me that means you give up? Because I for one am not. She’s our woman, Cazzo,” i stated. “And whether she likes it or not, that won’t change.”“Come pensi di farlo se non vuole avere niente a che fare con noi?”“E' il suo dannato problema. E LEI è la
Alicia’s POVA yawn left my lips and I covered my mouth, blinking slowly as I watched my two boys do the same.“Come on now, time for bed,” I gestured to Dante and Ashford who both nodded obediently and each took one of my outstretched hands. “Say Goodnight, Aunt Andy,” I singsonged and Andy chuckled as the well-fed, played out boys chorused their good nights to her.They were already exhausted, I could tell. I’d made sure to make up for the time I spent working (aka getting more information on Mikael and Acker to pin them for my dad’s death).As much as my mind was set on revenge I didn’t want my two boys to suffer for it.They shuffled beside me, leaning onto my body as we left the dining hall and moved towards the foyer where the stairs waited for us. I relished in the warmth of their presence beside me. They were on the cusp of five years old and had already grown so tall and become much more independent. It reminded me of a quote I saw to treasure the days, because children grow
Alicia’s POVMy lips parted in a moan the very moment I felt his hands slip under my shirt.The room was dark but I knew him by the scent of his cologne, the way his voice hummed as he continued his ministrations. I was under a spell and didn’t move.“M-Mik-“And before I could speak his name in its entirety, I was silenced by the taste of cigars on his lips, pressed onto mine. I gave into the kiss eagerly and moaned softly as his tongue drove me further down the depths of my lust.His touches were driving me crazy, the way his hands were everywhere on my breast, my torso, my thighs…I reached out to touch him as well, half-blind but desperate. I wanted him so bad. He had no idea what I would give to spend a lifetime touching him.Suddenly a different hand snakes around my wrist and pinned it down to the mattress. I writhed, hearing another familiar voice in my ear, whispering in the most seductive tones.“Don’t stop him, love. Let us take care of you.”Acker, my mind supplied in the
Acker’s POVWhen I was younger I wished for a time when my father would have breakfast with myself and my mother. He was a low level mobster who fell from grace when his boss was executed by a rival mob.For the first time in my life I was placed in a situation where I wished my father had been in when i was younger, a peaceful summer morning, having breakfast with my family.It reminded me of the many failings of my childhood, including my mother’s unhappy marriage with my father.That was another thing I didn’t want to copy from my father no matter what.I glanced briefly at Alicia, who ate silently without saying a word to me or anyone else. Even Andy, her best friend, looked concerned for her, casting furtive glanced at her from across the table.Serrano and I exchanged a brief glance, and mentally prepared ourselves for the aftermath. She wasn’t pleased and we had to rectify it. Neither of us wanted to lose her.As breakfast ended, the blonde Mafia Don cleared his throat, command
Alicia’s POV I hated this. I hated them both.Not even the excitement brimming in the air or the scent of pastries and sweets could bring my mood up.“Mommy, look! A Ferris wheel!” Ashford yelled whilst tugging at my sleeve. I nodded, barely able to hold a sneer back as I spoke.“Very nice, honey,” I replied, bland and unable to muster up a smile.The amusement park was quieter than I expected in such a sunny afternoon. But it was just as well, because the spectacle that was our party walking down the Main Street of the amusement park, was hard to miss.Bodyguards flanked us on all sides, gaining attention from some other families in the vicinity. I held my tongue as Acker gave orders to one of the men.At least they didn’t stand out TOO much, probably because they had all worn“Hey, you alright, Alis?” Andy was right beside me, and this question she whispered to me in concern.“Yeah,” I nodded with a sigh, even though my face showed exactly the opposite.“I know you’re scared for th