"Do you, Allison Blackwell, take Dontrell Blade as your husband, in sickness and health, for richer or for poorer, to love and to cherish, till death do you part?"
“Yes, I do.” The words came out mechanically, a part of me still numb from everything that had happened. I had been kidnapped, tortured, and brought to this moment—standing before an altar, surrounded by people I barely knew, married to a man I hardly understood.
As the priest spoke, I turned my head slightly, scanning the crowd. I searched for him. ‘Clayton’. But he wasn’t there. Where was he? Was he angry? Did he wish it were him standing beside me, taking my hand in marriage instead of his brother?
A part of me wished he had been the one. But another part was relieved. Because Clayton, with his dark, unyielding eyes and the violent edge to his soul, was the one who had taken so much from me. ‘Dontrell’—his softer, quieter brother—had given me an escape, a way out of a life I feared would drown me. I had no choice in this marriage, but at least he wasn’t a monster like his brother.
And then, as though reading my thoughts, Dontrell smiled at me—soft, sincere—and said, "I do."
The words brought me back from the river of memories and confusion. My gaze snapped back to him, and in that moment, everything else faded. It was just us standing before the priest. The moment stretched, and I felt his presence, solid, anchoring me to the ground.
The priest stepped back with a smile. "You may kiss your bride."
As Dontrell leaned in to kiss me, the world felt like it paused. His lips met mine—warm and soft, but with an intensity that shook me to my core. The kiss felt like a slow burn—tender but with an edge of something sweet. The crowd cheered, their voices a distant echo. But it was the touch of his lips that consumed me.
I pulled away, blinking rapidly to refocus as I forced the butterflies in my tummy to die. I shifted my gaze from my groom's face to just over his shoulder, my pulse quickening as my eyes landed on Andrew, standing behind Dontrell. The same man who had been in bed with me, his dick in my mouth and my cunt in his face, just the night before the wedding. His smile looked a little too forced, yet there was still a glimmer of sincerity behind it. Had he been happy for me, or was it something else? I didn’t know.
I tried to hold my composure, but my body betrayed me, tingling at the thought of him, our bodies entangled in a moment neither of us had ever planned for.
Dontrell, sensing my absentmindedness, swirled me off my feet and into his arms, lifting me with ease as if I weighed nothing. The crowd clapped, and the lights of the hall danced around us. I forced myself to smile back at them from his arms, but the weight of my father's deal and this forced marriage pressed down on me.
Just as he took a few steps forward to exit the venue, Elias, one of his groomsmen and bodyguards, tapped him lightly on the shoulder. He lowered me gently to the floor, and our moment was broken. The air shifted. Embarrassment rose in my chest, but the crowd didn’t seem to notice.
The hall suddenly stretched out in front of us, and I began taking note of the sea of guests in tuxedos and gowns, the floor beneath us a sparkling marble, reflecting the chandeliers hanging above. My father sat in the front row with Nadeem, wiping away a tear. Seeing him emotional made my skin crawl. What was the point of pretending now? You sold me off, and now you're crying? Do better.
At that moment, Doris, my one and only bridesmaid and the only person who had supported me since the night I met her at Clayton's club, swooped in from where she stood beside the altar, her hand grabbing mine in a gesture of solidarity as if she sensed my embarrassment. She began to sway with me, pulling me into a dance.
"Thank you for stepping in," I whispered to her, grateful for her quick thinking.
She smiled, squeezing my hand. "What are bridesmaids for if not to save the bride from awkward moments?"
"Why does it feel like he cares more about his business than me?" I asked sadly.
"Don’t sweat it; everyone knows the Blades men don’t joke with money," Doris replied, rubbing my hand gently.
I knew that already; after all, Dontrell’s father had me kidnapped and married me off to him in his sick game of revenge and control over their dark world that my father had foolishly messed with. And now, here I am, a pawn in their twisted game of payback, trapped in a marriage I never wanted, with no way out.
I shot one look at Dontrell again, and he was still talking to his men, his back rigid as they stood around themselves, speaking in hushed tones. They quickly realized they looked out of place. To blend in, they began to sway their bodies in rhythm, making it seem like a coordinated dance between the groom, his men, and the bride with her bridesmaid. Elias and Andrew, despite tapping their feet gently, remained focused on their conversation with Dontrell, their lips still moving softly.
“He’s lost it if he ever thinks I’ll love him like he wants,” I muttered to Doris, facing her back.
“You have to; you’re his woman,” she responded.
“And he’s the son of my kidnapper." I choked out
"Shh, keep it down. Some men here are from rival gangs. If they catch wind of this, your husband could lose everything—and you could end up dead." She muttered, and I went quiet.
Their discussion went on for a few more minutes before Dontrell turned back to me. As if knowing how to play the crowd, he gently pulled me away from Doris, leaving the men behind, his arms coming around my waist possessively. Doris gracefully stepped aside as Dontrell kissed me deeply, a show meant for the watching eyes. Then, with that same smoothness, he led me toward the door, guiding me to the compound where his luxury convoy awaited—sleek, expensive cars gleaming in the soft light, ready to take us into a new chapter of my life.
The world became a blur as we made our way to the waiting cars. My mind spun with the weight of the new life. And as the car doors slammed shut behind us, I was already lost in the uncertainty of the journey ahead.
We drove for what felt like hours, the landscape flashing past, until finally, we arrived at our destination—a private airstrip, where a jet waited. The steps felt endless as we ascended into the sleek interior. The flight attendants greeted us with polite smiles, but my mind was elsewhere; all this while, Dontrell never let go of my hand. He was smiling sheepishly; he had just won a trophy by marrying me. If the circumstances surrounding our marriage weren’t that of a prey and a predator, I would have been ecstatic at the thought of having a husband who was happy to be with me. The hostess handed me a slim-fitted blue dress to change into, and I went into the Jets restroom to change.
When I got back, I sat back on the plush leather seats, trying to settle my racing thoughts, but fear kept gnawing at me. I was now Dontrell's lawfully wedded wife, and that meant he could take me wherever he wanted, even if it was here on this jet. It wasn’t my first time having sex—I’d done it a few times before my wedding. But my first experience had been a nightmare: a rape. And it wasn’t just anyone—it was Clayton, my husband’s brother. The first day he laid eyes on me, he violated me. I wasn’t sure if Dontrell knew, but back then, I wasn’t his wife yet, and I had come to learn that in the Blade family, it was common for the brothers to sleep with any woman their father abducts home. Yet I couldn’t help but wonder, if Dontrell ever found out the truth, would he fight for me? Or would he stay silent? And just as the weight of everything threatened to crush me, Dontrell’s voice broke through.
"Rest, for now, my love. We’ll be home soon, then I can show you all the peace and affection I promised you."
And so I let my eyes flutter shut, the gentle hum of the plane lulling me into a restless sleep. It wasn’t the wedding night I had ever dreamed of, but I was glad he wasn’t forcing me to have sex just yet.
When I woke, it was the loud announcement of our arrival by the pilot that pulled me from my dreams. I blinked, disoriented, and tired. I sat up and rubbed my eyes. Dontrell was seated on the couch opposite me, packing away his laptop. The hostess moved in to assist with our bags as we prepared for landing.
“You shouldn't wear that bangle again. You're mine now," Dontrell said, his gaze locked on the beaded bracelet around my wrist, the one with ‘Allison Blackwell’ woven in black beads.
“I’ve had it all my life,” I muttered angrily, barely finding my voice.
"When you have a new life, the old one doesn’t matter," he replied coldly, slipping on his dark shades with a slow, deliberate motion. His fingers brushed over the cold steel of his gun holstered at his side, a silent reminder of his authority before he flicked an invisible speck of dust off his sleeve.
"I’m not taking it off."
“We’ll see about that," he growled, changing his previous frown to a grin, and I couldn’t help but wonder what kind of psychotic man I had been given to.
The plane landed with a smooth bump, and as I stepped up to the boarding door, the cool San Diego midnight breeze ruffled my hair. Dontrell’s large hand was warm as he took mine, lifting it to place a peck on it.“Let me guide you, my lady,” he murmured, his voice low, close to my ear. “I don’t want you tripping.”Without any more words, Dontrell led me down the plane's stairs, his hand still holding mine. His steps were sure and confident, and his presence was strong as I carefully followed behind. The bright glow of runway lights pierced the night and cast long shadows across the ground. At the end of the step, I was met with the warm grins of a gathering of youthful ladies and men dressed in savvy, blue outfits that made it clear they were part of Dontrell's domestic staff. Their modest appearance was a simple indication of the kind of life I was venturing into—a life where the simplest detail was carefully curated. I adjusted my Chanel bag, holding it tightly against my side. On
I woke up with a start, the coldness of the room hitting me before the alarm even had a chance to screech. My body always seemed to know when it was time, jerking awake moments before the loud, obnoxious beeping could ring in my ears. I grunted, reaching for my phone on the nightstand, and snoozed the alarm as soon as it started its irritating noise.I rubbed my eyes with one hand and my feet together simultaneously to shake off the chill from the air conditioning. The sting of the cold was brief—better than the oppressive LA heat. I propped myself up, resting my back against the cushioned headboard. Turning to my left, there she was—my wife, curled up like a cat, her wavy blonde hair scattered across her back, almost covering her entirely. She clung to the pillow like it was her last lifeline. But that didn't last long. Her face shifted, turning toward me. I couldn't help but notice her slightly parted soft lips and the slight flush of her skin from sleep. She was more beautiful tha
Our car swerved sharply into the compound, the tires crunching over the gravel as it came to a halt. The car parked near the entrance, just next to the circular driveway, where a majestic lion statue stood in the center, its fierce gaze directed toward the grand steps leading into the mansion.I stepped out and immediately felt the icy chill settle over me—the kind that was more than just a breeze, the kind that sank into your bones. It was the same compound they had brought me when they first kidnapped me—those memories felt icy against my skin, clinging to me. Dontrell’s hand pressed gently on my back as we walked forward.“It’s okay if you want to go back,” he murmured beside me, his voice soft but concerned.“No, I’m good,” I lied; my heart was thumping. The truth was, I wanted to be here with him, despite the dark memories tied to this place.As we reached the entrance, Dontrell stopped to pull me closer into his arms. "You know I love you, right?" he whispered, his breath warm a
The sensation of ice water dumped on my head jolted me awake abruptly with a gasp and a sputter as it streamed down my face and mingled with the sweat on my skin already glued in place by the heat of the room.My body spasmed as I struggled to breathe. Panic constricted my chest, and I blinked furiously, trying to make sense of my surroundings. Slowly, the spinning world came into focus—a dim, suffocating room with walls that seemed to close in on me. A shadow loomed overhead. The man’s massive frame eclipsed the faint light, his presence radiating menace. He tossed the empty bucket aside with a loud clang that echoed in the confined space. I tried to move, but the ropes binding my wrists to the back of the chair bit into my skin, holding me firmly in place. My breaths came in shallow bursts as I craned my neck to look up at him. "Oh, our damsel in distress is awake. No, wait—it’s Sleeping Beauty," one of the guards quipped, his sneer pulling laughter from the others. I blinked ra
The pain radiated from my neck as Clayton’s grip tightened, his fingernails digging deep into my skin. The knife still hovered dangerously close to my face, and I gasped for air as his cold breath tickled my skin. “Don’t think for a second you’re getting out of this,” he hissed, his voice venomous.Then, without warning, the pressure eased. But it wasn’t mercy—it was a shift in position. I stifled a breath, the knife finally leaving my face. He crossed in front of me, bending over my shoulder, his body hovering close. His grip remained firm on my neck, and I could feel his heat, his body pressed into mine as he reached behind me. He cut the ropes binding my hands, but I could barely think as his presence loomed over me; the weight of his body on my shoulders held me in place.When the ropes finally gave way, my hands were free, and I gasped, moaning from the relief on my sore skin. My chest tightened, but it didn’t last long. In a split second, the tension in my body snapped into a fra
"Hours of talk, and the loverboy here still thinks peace will save us," Clayton growled, his eyes cold. He sat opposite me, alongside my father, his demeanour as sharp as a blade, and the way his eyes settled on me made it clear who the insult was aimed at."For every action, there’s an explanation. If the Regent infiltrated our warehouse, there must be a reason—perhaps he was threatened." I responded, leaning forward with a calm that I didn’t entirely feel.Clayton scoffed, his gaze deadly. “Or perhaps he wanted to use it to expand his arms trade and build his empire! The Circle wants us weak so they can name a new Godfather. If we don’t act, we lose everything.” His words hung heavy, and I couldn’t ignore the way his fists clenched with restrained fury.I glanced at my father, who sat still, his expression unreadable. He was always silent in moments like these—the calm before the storm. I knew better than to underestimate him. My father, the Godfather of Los Angeles, always had ruth
The smoke from Clayton’s gun lingered as the man crumpled to the ground. Clayton holstered his gun, his cold gaze fixed on the body. “Get rid of him,” he ordered, his tone like ice. The security men swiftly dragged the corpse out. He turned back to the council. “This is our time to act. Call the Graves’ second-in-command—no deals, no mercy.”The room was tight with tension as Clayton spoke. His words were sharp, cutting through the heavy air like a blade. I stiffened at his bluntness. Clayton had no patience for diplomacy.Simeon, the Graves Gang's representative, shot to his feet. His eyes burnt with anger, his voice booming across the room. "You can’t accuse us of killing our boss. Of robbing you." His words echoed, thick with indignation."No one mentioned robbery, Simeon. Yet you seem to know about it.” Clayton shot back.I turned my gaze toward Simeon, locking eyes with him. Every man in the room was watching him now, waiting for him to break, but he struggled for words, caught u
The lavender scent clung to the air as warm water cascaded over me, washing away exhaustion. The shower was my refuge—a brief escape from everything. Dontrell was still asleep in the bedroom, the house eerily quiet.My thoughts drifted to my father and Nadeem—it had been too long since I’d heard from them. My new phone, constantly under Dontrell’s surveillance, was only available to me on days he allowed it, and even then, I couldn’t text anyone without his permission. My father’s betrayal of my mother’s memory still haunted me; the news of the amount of trafficked women he had slept with was a dark reminder of the broken man he’d become. A faint sound outside the bathroom door broke the silence. I paused the shower and called, “Dontrell, is that you?”No answer. I peeked out from behind the tub’s curtain, a massive shower with frosted glass. My breath caught; the ensuite bathroom was luxurious—polished marble, gold fixtures—but it was empty.I shook off the unease and turned back t
Tires screeched on the rough pavement as I swerved, forcing the car to its limits. Dust choked the air as I sped toward the warehouse. The engine roared—a battle cry."Hold on!" I barked, gripping the wheel. My heart pounded with the engine's growl.Clayton and Dontrell braced behind me, jaws tight, fingers twitching on their guns. The eight men left in their convoy followed closely behind us. No turning back now.I pushed harder. VRRROOOMMM—swerved past a wrecked truck.The warehouse loomed, rusted doors towering like hell’s gates. I hit the brakes. Tires screamed as the car skidded into position.The moment I cut the engine, the doors flew open."Move! Move! Move!" I bellowed, shoving my door open.Everyone jumped out, weapons drawn. The air was thick with tension, the promise of war looming over us like a storm ready to break."Where the hell are our troops?" I barked at Dontell. “We need the damn backup now!" I stepped out, both guns in hand.He barely looked up from his phone. "
The moment I stepped out of the airport, the first thing I saw was Dontrell—he leaned against the bulletproof SUV, arms crossed, unreadable. Clayton sat in the front, scanning the surroundings.Immediately I got in, Clayton fired up the engine, jaw tight, steering through the busy street.Five armored cars flanked us—two ahead, three behind, like an iron wall. But inside our bulletproof ride, it was just us.Dontrell sat beside me, loading his gun with practiced ease. I did the same, checked my rounds, cocked my weapon, tightened my vest. The car smelled of gun oil and adrenaline."Trust’s a luxury I can’t afford," Dontrell muttered, reloading. "That’s why Clayton’s driving." He tossed me a gun. "This conversation stays between us."I nodded, my fingers tightening around the cold steel in my hands, fully loaded. No safety. No bullshit. “Talk to me.” Clayton pulled onto the road, leading the convoy as we sped out of the city. The silence was heavy. The kind before war.Dontrell unzip
Alone in the mansion, I curled up on the velvet couch, flipping through a book I wasn’t even reading. The television murmured in the background, its flickering images failing to distract me. Security was everywhere. They had been in here with me before, but I had asked them to stay outside —their presence was suffocating.In the past twenty-four hours, my life has been a whirlwind. Mr Blade had called, demanding to speak to me, but Dontrell refused to hand me the phone. Then my father called—cold as ever. He boasted about his bank’s new investor, thanks to me and our ties to the Blades. As if that wasn’t enough, he reminded me I was taking too long to have a child, asking, ‘What was my problem?’ I hung up without a word. I wouldn’t let his voice poison my thoughts.Despite the chaos, Dontrell had been genuinely worried about me. He continuously asked if my father’s call or Mr Blade’s demand had upset me. "I’m fine," I lied, and he also didn’t believe me.Paranoid, more than usual. He
I ran into her arms, breath hitching as I crushed myself against her. I buried my head in her lap. Her scent—warm. Familiar. Home.She yanked my hair. Pain flared, but I didn’t pull away. I let her. I deserved it. I buried my head in her lap, a boy again, clinging to comfort long lost.“Andrew.” Her voice wavered. “A son after my own heart.” Her grip loosened. Trembling, she wiped the tears I hadn’t noticed.My name left her lips like a ghost.My throat was thick, my voice hoarse. "Mom—"She slapped me.It didn’t hurt. What hurt was the look in her eyes.“Sixteen years.” Her voice cracked.I clenched my jaw, her words pressing down on me. “I had no choice.”Her breath shook. Her gaze was desperate. Accusing.She laughed, brittle. “That’s where you’re wrong, Andrew.” She turned away, whispering. “You always had a choice.”Silence stretched between us, thick and suffocating.I exhaled slowly, the words I had never been able to say finally escaping.I tensed. Years. Silence. Distance. Cr
The house was much smaller, its wooden planks warped by time. Each breeze made the walls groan, and beyond the backyard, only dry grass clung to life. Inside, the air held the scent of aged wood—and faint traces of my father, though he was gone.We had only the large soil he once dreamed would make him a wealthy farmer and gardener.I lay beside my mother, her body trembling as she clutched my six-year-old siblings, Elijah and Elsie, who tried to comfort her in their childish ways.“Don’t cry, Mama,” Elsie said, her little voice serious. “Maybe Papa will come back.”Elijah nodded, puffing out his small chest. “Big Brother, why did God take Daddy? When will he come back?”I exhaled shakily, pressing my forehead against my mother’s shoulder. I wanted to tell them the truth, that Dad wasn’t coming back, but instead, I found myself whispering, “Heaven needed him because the workers in the sky are very busy now. God asked him to help make more clouds so kids like you could be happy. He’ll
I stared out the jet window as Ireland’s city lights melted into the countryside’s darkness. The engine hummed, but my thoughts were louder. It had been years since I last set foot here—since my father’s death, since I left my mother and siblings behind.Her face came back to me. I remembered it like I had seen it just yesterday. Soft eyes, tired but kind. Would she recognise me? Would she even care that I was back?The wheels hit the tarmac. I exhaled. I was home.I stood outside the airport, staring at the land I swore I'd never return to—the soil that held my father’s bones, the city that spit on us when we were nothing.And now, I was back.Sixteen years. Since I left. Since I saw her.The drive from the airport to the compound was long, cutting through large cities and then to the quiet farmlands and open fields. My driver, Coleman, was silent most of the way until we finally reached the outskirts of my family's land.Ireland had changed, but its scent remained—earthy, raw, steep
Andrew’s words left a suffocating silence. His breath lingered, his whisper curling down my spine like a serpent. Water dripped down my frozen body, but inside, something writhed.“You don’t see it yet,” he murmured. “But you will.”I shivered, ice and fire colliding.“Soon, Allison…” He exhaled, slow and deliberate. “You’ll become worse than Clayton, your father, and Mr Blade.” His voice darkened, rough with something deadly. “You’ll be filthy, vile and cunning. A master in manipulating.”His voice was steady, but there was something beneath it—something like fear."Hell, you might be worse."The words sliced through me, sharper than any blade, cutting past flesh and bone, straight to something deeper. My heart.He shook his head. “I see it already, Allison. You’re on that treacherous path, and I—” His breath hitched. His grip tightened, then released. “I won’t be here to watch. I know the cost of this life—past, present, and future.”A sharp sob tore from me, but he looked unfazed.
I went still.Not from the cool night air or the water sliding down my skin, trailing rivulets. No. It was Andrew’s voice—flat, cold, final."I’m leaving. Tonight."I clutched the pool’s edge. A deep, ugly weight settled in my chest, pressing against my ribs like something was trying to crawl out.The guards were gone. The night stretched empty between us, but the silence wasn’t comforting. It was suffocating.Andrew’s gaze held me, unreadable—just like when he arrived. Indifferent. Cold. Distant.I swallowed, my throat tight. “Y-you’re going back — to L.A.?” My voice cracked before I could stop it. I cleared my throat, forced my shoulders straight, and tried to pull some of my usual confidence back—but my grip on it was slipping.His jaw ticked—barely. Then—“No.”The word cut through the night.I blinked, lips parting—but nothing came.Andrew shifted, weight rolling onto his heels, his posture still as sharp as before. His hands slipped into his pockets, but his forearms stayed rigid
A warm breeze brushed my skin as I sank into the pool’s lounger, back rested, wine glass in hand. The infinity pool stretched into the horizon, the moon’s silver reflection rippling across its smooth surface.The city lights flickered below, but I barely registered it. I stared at the water, thoughts too heavy to escape.The wine touched my lips again—rich, smooth—but my focus remained fractured. Luxury couldn’t chase away loneliness.Guards stood at every turn tonight, silent sentinels dressed in black, armed to the teeth, earpieces coiled around their ears like they were wired into something bigger. They were everywhere—doors, railings, even here with me. This wasn’t security. This was lockdown. It was like being in the White House, only I wasn’t the president—I was the prisoner.I sighed, tightening my robe.Dontrell was somewhere in this building. The moment we arrived, he planted a brief kiss on my forehead before disappearing with Andrew into the surveillance room on the 17th fl