Alicia’s POV I let out a small sigh as I shifted, putting on the black heeled sandals I had worn before. My wet clothes had already been handed off to the staff here and I reckoned I might not see it again for a while.I sighed again as I tugged at the side hems of the dress which looked quite expensive. Was it Sasha’s or some dress that Mikael somehow had on hand to give to me? I didn’t want to know.Thinking about that girl made something unpleasant pool in my belly.The black dress fit a little snugly around my middle and I chanced a glance at my reflection once I adjusted the straps, which criss-crossed over my bust and emphasized the cleavage I always liked to cover up.I looked gorgeous… and a complete opposite from the way I had looked only a month back.My blue eyes shone under the lighting of the bathroom, and my hair was up in a stylish bun compared to the messy way I used to keep it earlier. I had gotten used to movi about without the glasses; even though it wasn’t medicat
Alicia’s POV“Alicia.”I inhaled sharply as I returned to reality, and whipped my head around to gaze at Acker. He was staring at me with a raised brow and I wondered why.“We’re here.”What? My brows furrowed in confusion, and I blinked slowly with the air of someone who had been dreaming deeply and had just been jerked awake. I had been so deep in my thoughts; i had sought to think of anything, something to keep me away from addressing the tense silence that I surely felt on my end with him. Then I realized, slower than I would have wanted to admit, that the car had stopped.“Oh,” I blurted out, and heat rushed to my face as I nodded rapidly. Making to get up, i opened the car door on the other side and I put one feet out to stand, only to have my breath caught as I stumbled, tripping over thin air.Am arm steadied me and I breathed shallowly for a few seconds before raising my gaze to see Acker’s eyes on me.How had he gotten out so fast? Dazedly I noticed that I was leaning on
Acker’s POVShe was smiling now.I didn’t notice it before but I liked it when she smiled.The dinner had been a planned event, one which I had been able to pull off without that bastard Serrano coming along. The restaurant was owned by a connection who was able to give me the best in the building without hesitation.“I can’t believe it!” She was laughing now, her head thrown back. “You really did that?”I hummed in agreement and signaled the host that was on standby close to the table for the bill.Alicia didn’t notice the interaction much between the host and I, for she was still chuckling over one of my stories, one which I never meant to tell her, but chose to. It was supposed to ease the strange tension I had noticed in her expression and body language.Reaching my arm out for her to take, I wondered what it was that made me so interested in her. Women weren’t a vice i usually indulged in, unlike Serrano. I was more prone to getting my frustrations out with the use of violence.J
Alicia’s POV In an instant everything went awry.I barely remembered the car stopping me; my heart was pounding too much to understand much of anything as the gunshots went on.“Alicia.”I closed my eyes and grit my teeth to the point that it became painful, thinking about e words that I had said to Daya about involving myself with men that were in this sort of business. I had warned her so why had I still…“Alicia.”I felt fingers wrapped around my chin and tug my face up to meet grey eyes.I was only faintly aware of Acker’s concern which showed in his expression, and yet.Behind those eyes were steel, one I had never seen before.“Listen to me,” He said, as gunshots poured in. “Nothing is going to happen to you. You’re safe. Stay in the car and don’t move unless you hear my voice.”I nodded rapidly as those words washed over me. I couldn’t say anything back, as my tongue was like lead in my mouth.Then there was a lull. The entire place went silent for a couple of seconds and it s
Mikael’s POVI was restless, and I was sure my body was thrumming with adrenaline still pumping through my veins.The doctor that Madden had brought to Alicia’s apartment cleared his throat and bowed towards the two of us before he replied in a soft, wavering voice.“Miss Stevens is perfectly alright. Her vitals show that she sustained a little shock but nothing else. Her blood pressure is a little raised… but not enough to warrant any concern,” Doctor Wayne finished.I felt something I click within me and my jaw relaxed instantaneously.Had I been that concerned for her?I glanced at her, seeing her expression blank and her eyes in our direction. She still had signs of shock and I for one didn’t blame her.I remembered the first time I had been in a gunfight, when I was 6, returning from Germany with my father. The car had been riddled with bullets from top to bottom and yet none had touched me. It took me by surprise even then, knowing what my family was involved in, and what I wou
Alicia’s POV:Bang!My heart skipped and I whipped around, wide eyed, to stare at the door.“Sorry Miss,” Farrah at least looked a little remorseful. She carried in the basket of freshly laundered sheets and towels and entered my bathroom, while I tried to calm my pounding heart down.It wasn’t my fault, I tried to console myself.I was just a little bit startled is all…The blurry, terrifying memories of last night flashes in my head and played over and over like a movie, and I couldn’t let it go no matter what.Knock, knock, knock.I looked up and saw to my surprise, a certain platinum blonde man standing by the open door.When had Farrah left? I was unsure of myself; had I somehow dreamed it happening, or had I lost track of time?“Mikael,” i said his name, filled with desire to know. I needed to know this was a dream, or something.His green eyes gaze was intense as he s ts red back at me and I could have sworn the corners of his lips tilted upward before I heard a chuckle.“Wow,
Alicia’s POV:And then came the words I didn’t expect to hear from Acker.“I will be leaving the country for a while, and so will Serrano,” he said as though he were concluding some business meeting.I blinked… slowly while my brain processed his words. As it did, there came a vastly unpleasant feeling crawling up my throat and threatening to choke me.“What?” I asked aloud as if it would change what I had just heard.Acker must have not heard me, because he continued, “In the meantime, our men will look after you. They are under orders to follow your commands-““No, wait wait.” I raised my two hands and he instantly quietened, but not before giving me a warning glare which I didn’t pay any attention to, of course. “You’re leaving?” My voice softened.Mikael stepped forward, still holding my picture frame in his hand. “There are some things that have to be done, marina. And they can’t be done here.”I could see the agreement in their postures, and knew that they had jointly decided th
Alicia’s POV:Damn it.My breathing was heavy and I leaned against the tree to steady it. Sweat rolled down my face as I took in deep breaths and exhaled them slowly as best as I could until my racing heart began to slow down.“This is so damn hard,” I mumbled to myself, right in the cusp of dawn.The trail I was in was close to my apartment and I had taken to jogging on it every day. Though I enjoyed it sometimes, there were times like this that reminded me of how long I spent being totally unfit.There was a chill in the air and I shivered as a breeze washed over me.Making a mental note to bring my jacket from now on, I began the slow walk back to my apartment.Though the sun had risen by then, there weren’t a lot of people on the streets, so I plugged in my headphones and Enjoyed a bit of music. I was going to make mental notes for today, thinking of the one college class I had to go to as well as a volunteering gig I got the previous day.My deal is looking up. I paid no attentio
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