The kitchen was a masterpiece of modern opulence—marble countertops gleamed under pendant lights that hung like crystals, the metallic sheen of state-of-the-art appliances reflecting the morning light spilling through massive floor-to-ceiling windows. A center island stretched long enough to host a royal feast. But none of it fazed me. My thoughts were elsewhere.Dontrell. Last night. The file. Where had he gone? Did Andrew know? Were they together? Questions swirled relentlessly in my mind, gnawing at me, refusing to let go.I absentmindedly took a bite of the toast, but it was dry in my mouth. First simple meal in ages. Ever since I married, my mornings were filled with extravagant meals prepared by chefs determined to "fatten me up," whether here or at his father’s mansion. It was excessive, like everything else about my life now.I set the teacup down with a soft clink and reached for my purse on the counter. Pulling out my lipstick, I opened my compact powder case, its large mirro
I scanned the document. My name is elegantly written. Below, a star circled in red on a map of the night sky.I blinked, breath catching. “You bought me a star?” I couldn’t believe it. My chest tightened with surprise.“Not just any star," Dontrell said, stepping closer, his heat enveloping me. "The brightest in the Scorpius constellation. Every night when you look up, you'll know a part of the universe is yours—and so am I." His fingers brushed my wrist gently. His words hit me like a wave, stealing my breath. It was so absurdly romantic, so painfully perfect. Overcome, I threw myself into his arms.He caught me mid-air, arms locking around me effortlessly, holding me against his chest like I belonged there. I stayed wrapped in him, fingers curling into the back of his shirt, breathing him in. My voice shook as I whispered against his skin, “I never knew a man like you was capable of loving me like this.” His hold on me tightened. “You don’t know one-tenth of what I’m capable of d
The heat inside me built like a raging storm, ready to shatter. My chest heaved, my breathing haggard and uneven as I stared at Dontrell. My hands clenched into fists, nails digging into my palms. Elias? He was coming to stay?The words rang in my ears like a cruel joke. A dizzying rush of fury and disbelief crashed through me, I began to boil. I pushed Dontrell—hard—my hands slamming into his chest. But the impact didn’t move him. He barely shifted. He just stood there, rigid, his towering frame unshaken. That only made me angrier. I jumped off the table, the wooden edge scraping against my thighs as I landed beside him. Hate brewing in me.I turned on my heel to leave, but his grip caught me fast.“Let me go,” I snapped, jerking against his grip, slapping at his hand with my free one. He didn’t budge. “Allison, calm down.” His voice was firm, but he didn’t release me. I struggled harder, wrestling against his grip, but he caught my other wrist too, spinning me to face him. “Y
I leaned back into the leather of the executive chair in my home office, the second-floor room sprawling in front of me, its polished wood floors reflecting the dim light from the chandelier above. The walls were adorned with dark, expensive art pieces, and shelves lined with books on strategy, business, and war. The heavy mahogany desk in front of me had papers scattered carelessly, evidence of a mind too occupied with thoughts to care for order. My shirt was ruined, paint dripping from my chest, but the discomfort of the mess on my body was nothing compared to the ache gnawing at my chest. The emptiness from Allison’s absence gnawing at my insides.Her words replayed in my mind, sharp as ever: "I need time away from you. From your face. From everything that has to do with you."I ran my hand over my face, trying to shove the storm of thoughts back. But they wouldn’t stop. I couldn’t shake the image of her walking away. That door slammed shut. It felt like she slammed it on everythi
Tension thickened the air Carter sat across from me, his overconfident stare grating on my nerves. I’d already told him no. Yet here we were, in this private VIP lounge, whiskey in hand, fingers drumming against it. I didn’t care about his offers or his money. I had a thousand things to handle and no time for the Circle’s policies, especially now when I needed to focus on how to keep Allison alive. But they’d forced my hand. If Carter played his cards right with this deal, he'd survive, but if not, my dad would bury him.Andrew sat to my right, unreadable as always. He'd checked Carter out but found nothing too—just another sick billionaire’s son trying to make a name. But I could see it in his eyes—he didn’t trust the guy, though he couldn’t pin down why.“I knew you’d come around once you saw what I had to offer,” Carter said smoothly, flashing a grin. His sky-blue suit was way too much, and of everything he could use, he chose a red bow tie. Ridiculous.I barely glanced at him, irr
Carter stared at the document in his hands, his grip tightening with every second. His gaze flicked to Andrew, searching for some sign that this was a joke. But Andrew wasn’t the joking type. “Why doesn’t Dontrell want them?” Carter asked, his voice betraying a hint of unease.Andrew scoffed, shaking his head as he leaned back in his seat. “Because merging them with his crew means bringing in men he doesn’t trust. Dontrell already has his empire running here. He’s got his cartel. But the Circle wants him to take over. They want him as the Regent." Andrew leaned in. "He won’t do it. He’s not interested in leading those men."Carter shifted, swallowing hard. He stared at the papers again, processing the weight of the matter. Andrew’s patience snapped. "You ask too many questions," he said, his voice edged with irritation. "You don’t want the deal? Say it now. You’re wasting my time. Dontrell could pick any trained bastards off the streets, and they’d take the position in a second."
Carter swallowed hard, nodding.I released his hand. "The next Confraternity meeting is soon. I could get you in." My gaze locked onto his. "Impress me by then, or you're out—no second chances. That document has everything—the Circle, the top dogs, their history. Read it. Fast."“Yes, Don,” Carter answered, swallowing hard.I leaned in, towering over him despite the table between us. “Andrew ran a background check on you. Says you’ve been here longer than you claim.” Carter stiffened. "Carter stiffened. 'Yeah, back then, I wasn’t in business. Just vacations, fun. But when I saw what this city offered—money, power, respect—I stayed."I chuckled, unimpressed. “I don’t care what you did before. What matters now is everything the Graves do—every deal, every mistake—gets reported to me. Every detail.”I laid it out. “60% of whatever they make goes to their upkeep, weapons, hideouts, and others. The rest is yours." I meant what I said—I don’t need your money. What I need is for the Circle
‘Is he with you? Because if he is, I won’t open that door.’I texted Andrew, ignoring his constant knocking. The staff had pleaded all day for me to forgive and stay, but I refused. Even as I moved my things away, they begged me to stop. But I couldn't, not after what Dontrell did.I wiped a tear from my cheek, my chest heaving with the remnants of my breakdown. My head pounded, my sinuses clogged, and my breath came in uneven sniffs—those after-crying gasps that burned the throat.My gaze flicked around the room. Smaller than the one I shared with Dontrell, but still luxurious—cream-colored walls, a grand bed, and a massive wardrobe. Comfortable, but not the same.My phone vibrated, and Andrew’s text glowed on the screen.‘Yes, he isn’t. And I don’t think he’s coming back anytime soon.’My fingers tightened around my phone before I dropped it on the bed.I stood, walked to the door, and yanked it open.Before Andrew could react, I yanked him inside by his shirt. I slammed the door an
Celine and I had been sparring for what felt like forever. Arms aching, chest burning. She moved like a trained warrior—stronger and faster. Her punches slammed heavily — overpowering me every time.I was just a rich girl with ballet training— completely out of my depth—while she looked like a soldier turned milk tart. She landed a blow, knocking me backward. But I wasn’t going to give up that easily.With a quick jump, I managed to land a blow to her chest. The impact made her stumble back, but it wasn’t enough to stop her. I used the opportunity to kick her, my heel driving into her soft spot. Celine shrieked, clutching her chest and crotch, face twisted in pain. She gasped and bent over.I sprinted toward the table, fumbling for the remote, my fingers trembling. I slammed the green button three times before the robotic voice said, ‘Door Open.’"Yes!’ I screamed, sprinting for the door… Before I touched the handle, the door slammed open from outside with brutal force. I staggere
The bass thumped under my heels as I slipped through the hallway, my heart pounding in warning. Guests danced below while something ugly twisted above. I shouldn’t have followed her, but pain and jealousy don’t ask permission.Clayton warned me to stay low. But jealousy cuts deeper, and pain drowns reason. I saw Celine slip into another corner. She walked like she wanted to be followed. She glanced back once, just enough to bait me. Her fake confidence infuriated me enough to follow.Fifth floor. Sixth. The party noise disappeared entirely. It felt like I’d stepped into another world. With each step up, the world grew quieter. Now it was just the two of us—she leading, I hunting.She turned into a hallway and entered a door, leaving it slightly ajar. I waited—five, ten seconds.She didn’t come back out.I walked up and pushed the heavy door open without knocking. No pretending.The room was cold, too bright. No sunlight—just chandeliers spilling light over velvet drapes, marble f
The car stopped, cameras flashing from all angles, their lenses like hungry eyes trying to pierce the tinted glass.I adjusted the slit of my dress, trembling more from rage than from concern for my appearance. My jaw tightened, teeth gritted. I hadn’t forgiven him. Not even close.Back in the penthouse, I had nearly ripped that burgundy suit off his body and set it on fire. But Dontrell didn’t flinch, didn’t even raise his voice as my fury crashed over him. He stood like a goddamn wall of storms and blood, letting me throw my tantrum.“You done?” he asked, his voice as cool as ice on fire.I blinked, stunned by his nonchalance. “Excuse me?”“You want to kill someone tonight?” he asked, calm as ever, when I threatened to end Celine. “Fine. Let me hand you the match, but why kill only her when you could burn them all out there?”I cursed, flung my purse at him, and told him I wasn’t a pawn to parade. He didn’t argue. He stepped closer, his breath fire on my skin, voice low.“I’m not
I opened the door and stepped into the room, every nerve in my body fried. I kicked off my heels and dropped my bag. Their thud against the marble barely registered. My chest tightened, my skin prickling. Shame coiled around me, dragging the weight of my guilt.‘What have I done?’I’d let that bastard touch me.My stomach twisted as I crashed onto the bed, face up, trying to process how I went from hating him to begging him to ruin me. I used to hate everything he stood for. He was filth, a reminder of every bad decision I vowed never to repeat. And still… I spread myself on that table for him. I let him into my body like he hadn’t violated my soul.I rubbed my arms like I could erase the feel of him. The way I let it happen.I groaned, disgusted with myself, but my body didn’t care—the heat still burnt between my thighs. I tossed on the bed, arm over my eyes, trying to drown the memory.CLICK. A door creaked open, snapping me back.My heart slammed as I sprang up, adrenaline slicing
I was pinned. His cock was inside me. Deep. Stretching. Filling. “Fuck,” I gasped, nails scraping the wall.Clayton’s hands gripped my thighs like he owned them, spreading me wider, fucking me harder. His cock slammed into me, brutal and thick, every thrust shaking my bones.“Don’t look at me like that. You know you don’t matter to me.” He growled into my ear, voice jagged with heat. “The moment I cum, I'll forget this ever happened. I’m not the type of man who stays around for aftercare sex. So don’t wait for one either.” He thrust again.I choked on a moan. “Fuck you.” He laughed.His mouth latched onto my neck, sucking hard as he drove deeper, faster. His body was fire against mine, sweat-slick between us, his abs tightening with every thrust.I was already trembling. He hadn’t even slowed.He reached down, grabbed my ass with one hand, and used it to bounce me harder onto him. My legs dangled. I couldn’t speak—only moan.“Clayton—fuck, keep going—”He heard.He shoved deeper. Th
The room was cold—or maybe it was just him. Arms folded, gaze sharp like a blade.My heart hammered, but I refused to back down.“How are you this calm? Someone just died.” His eyes locked on mine. Cold. Because he already knew.Of course, he did. Clayton didn’t just play the game—he built it, set the rules, and broke them when it suited him.I stared at him. He didn’t deny it, just watched me. But his silence said everything.“My contact told me a few hours ago. The official report says he touched a naked wire. But that’s not what happened. And we both know better. It was a hit. A clean one.”He went on, calm like he was reading a weather report.“Dontrell did it. He didn’t like that I left that cell untouched. And he’s trying to be extra careful since I’m out now. So, he tied the loose end.”My mouth went dry. “He had him killed?”Clayton nodded once. “Suffocated. With a pillow laced with carfentanil—the kind that stops your heart before you scream. Then they finished him with a w
“I didn’t do it to betray you,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper.Clayton didn’t flinch. He didn’t even blink. He just stared at me, cold and still, like my words were just noise blowing through a storm he had already survived.“Then why, Allison?” Clayton snapped. “Why pay some street rat to tail me, digging through my business like I’m just some suspect on a list?”My stomach twisted into a hard knot. “You weren’t giving me the truth. I needed answers.”He sighed and sat on the edge of the desk, his body so close to me. “So instead of asking me, you go behind my back like a coward?”I exhaled.“No,” he laughed bitterly. “Not a coward. A traitor.”“Don’t call me that,” I said quickly, but my voice broke.He tilted his head, his eyes burning into me. “Why shouldn't I? You went snooping where you had no business. You treated me like the enemy. Like I haven’t bled for you these past few days.”“I needed to protect myself,” I said, voice shaking. “You kept me in the dark.”“I told
I turned off the main road long before anyone could see me, slipping through the narrow, unmarked path that wound between tall hedges and rustling trees. The evening light cast everything in gold and shadow—perfect for disappearing.The compound was quiet. No guards in sight. No movement. Just high walls, iron gates, and a silence that buzzed like static in my ears.I killed the humming engine and parked in the corner where the cameras wouldn’t catch me—if there were even cameras at all. My heart thudded once, hard, as I stepped out, leaving the car behind. An unsettling calm that felt anything but safe came upon me.My heels crunched against the gravel, every step echoing louder than it should’ve.The house loomed ahead. I walked fast but careful, every footstep a risk. No one must know I was here.Before I could even lift a hand to knock, the door clicked open.He’d been watching.I stepped inside without hesitation. As soon as my heel touched the marble floor, the door clicked shut
“How could you even think that?” I whisper, my voice shaking. “After everything we’ve been through?” My back rested against the bedroom wall. Dontrell stood before me, chest heaving like a brewing storm, jaw ticking with fury.”“You think I’d trade your love for his lies? After all we'd survived?”He stepped closer. My breath hitched, but I didn’t flinch.”“Clayton’s a distraction. Don’t give him the relevance he craves —don’t let him win.” I touched his chest, letting the silence carry my words. “If you have to ask me that… then maybe he’s already won.”He still looked unconvinced.“You’re the only man I’ve ever needed,” I whispered, looking away, hurt. “If you don’t know that by now… Maybe you never really knew me.”He stood still, but I could see the tension start to fade from his shoulders. My tears spilt freely, on purpose.“I didn’t want the world to think I came between you two,” I whispered, trembling. “I didn’t want to be the reason the Blade bloodline went to war.”I reached