"Take her back to the house and ensure she remains confined. Deploy at least six soldiers to secure the premises. I don't care about the circumstances; you make damn sure she's under constant watch. Since those bastards knew where to find me, it's only a matter of time before they try again," I growled, my words infused with a sense of urgency as if Axel and his men lay in wait for my return. "When you get back, check in with Angelo. I've brought in a friend to oversee certain operations. That arrangement ends when I return. Ensure there's no trouble brewing, but if there is, contact me immediately. If there's any word regarding Axel, no matter how insignificant, track me down. Is that clear?" Dante exhaled, his response swallowed by a moment of hesitation. "What?" I demanded, my gruffness exceeding what he deserved. "It's nothing," he finally responded. I stepped in front of him, locking eyes, and asked firmly, "Is there something you need to tell me?" "I'm just surprised you bro
EMILY Deception.Concealment.Mortality. The haunting image of the lifeless bodies, their eyes vacant, lingered in my mind, ensnaring my thoughts. It was an experience that would haunt me for a long time to come. I had seen enough death, witnessed enough corpses, to last a lifetime. And with each passing moment, my fear continued to escalate, escalating to the point where our lives were in constant jeopardy, even in the safety of our sleep. A shudder coursed through me at the mere thought of it. The way Rafael had looked at me when he handed me over to Dante was etched in my memory, an expression that hinted at an imminent all-out war. It was as if he knew I was keeping something from him, as if he sensed my concealed vulnerability. Although my decision to leave Rafael had been the right one, it didn't mean I couldn't assist him in every possible way. I hadn't intended to keep secrets from him, yet it seemed inevitable. I could already imagine him labeling them as lies. How could I
"Wait here," Dante sternly instructed me, his gaze filled with suspicion as he opened the car door. As he circled around the SUV, I caught a glimpse of the firearm he carried, a visible sign that the situation had escalated. Even Dante, usually composed, seemed on edge. Perhaps confronting the circumstances head-on would offer some small measure of solace. But maybe it's just wishful thinking. Suppressing a groan, I steeled myself with newfound determination. Dante guided me out of the passenger seat, gripping my arm firmly as we made our way toward the store entrance. His watchful eyes scanned the parking lot, a clear indication that he remained vigilant. "I'll only be a few minutes," I assured him before stepping into the store. Taking deliberate, deep breaths, I walked slowly, ensuring that I disappeared from his sight. Once I reached the back of the store, my gaze fixed upon the emergency exit that led to a street where I could hail a taxi. It wasn't my first time evading payme
He raised an eyebrow and walked over to a cabinet, retrieving two glasses. As he reached for a bottle of bourbon, I felt a surge of anger. He believed he could control me, that much was evident. "Your father is a close friend of mine, but I couldn't risk informing him. He's not a good actor, and I couldn't be certain he wasn't involved with that damn murderer who killed my son. Your death had to appear real. When you disappeared, I truly had no way of knowing if you were still alive." The man trembled like a leaf. "Or whether the monster, Axel Movino, would hunt me down and kill me for witnessing the murder of your son, all because of something you did?" I shocked him again, his hand trembling. William seemed to regain his composure, pouring two glasses and approaching me. When I declined his offer, he simply placed them on the counter. "I'm not working for Axel Movino. I have no idea who gave you that idea." "You know exactly who suggested it. Maybe both you and my father were in o
"He expressed his anticipation for us to become better acquainted," he stated, inhaling deeply. "However, I must ensure that you comprehend one thing clearly. You are now under my ownership. I came close to claiming you. Very close." He had orchestrated the abduction of me and the assassination of Rafael. "I will never be your possession. Whoever you may be, your lifespan will not be long enough for you to touch me." To my astonishment, the individual chuckled as he approached, dragging his index finger along the side of my face. I had never felt so violated in my entire life. I flinched, stepping back until a solid figure prevented me from retreating any further. I swallowed hard as the leader lowered his head, taking a deep sniff. "I can detect the scent of your femininity from here, sweet Emily. I eagerly anticipate tasting you, savoring your delicate lips." Revolted, I spat in his face, refusing to back down. The burly thug behind me immediately seized both of my arms, restrain
I had to acknowledge the man's audacity if he believed he could dissuade me with his words. He cleared his throat, struggling with a series of coughs. When he spoke, there was a strong conviction in his voice. "There is much more to this situation than... you... understand." After taking several deep breaths, he continued. "Every family has obligations and secrets. The Reigo family is no exception. I hold your father in the highest regard and consider myself lucky to call him my friend." I was infuriated by his insolence. Who did he think he was fooling? Armando sighed, wiping the sweat from his brow, and daring to step closer to me. I was repulsed and indignant, but I stood my ground. "You need to talk to your father," he said, sounding far too casual for my liking. "Oh, trust me. I plan on it." "He'll tell you the truth, including about the blackmail." The words intrigued me, but I couldn't help but laugh. "That's your excuse?" "No excuse. It's the damn truth, Rafael." He pul
Another glance passed between the two men, exchanging unspoken understanding. "No," Aleksei growled. "Damn bastards." He pounded his chest and raised his middle finger. When I raised an eyebrow, he snarled. "Freaking assholes," he repeated. "Who are they?" My instincts told me exactly who they were, but I needed one or both of them to say the name. "Solntsevskaya," Victor said quietly. "The same jerks who threatened the East Coast a few months ago?" I heard the hollowness in my voice. This was the last thing Chicago needed. If it was true, they had some nerve. "Exactly, except now the prized member of the family is in charge. Konstantin Solntsevskaya. He's been groomed since he was a kid to take over from his father." Aleksei sneered as he spoke the words. "And he's been seen in several places in the United States," Victor added. "What the hell does he want with Chicago? Wouldn't New York or Philadelphia be more to his liking?" I asked, half-laughing until I noticed the third lo
The others looked on silently, aware that the day had come when we would have to reveal our secret meetings. There was no avoiding it any longer. "Then we work together until this is resolved, regardless of the consequences," I declared. Each person in the room nodded in agreement. We had received assistance and information, but what we faced was unprecedented. The fact that sworn enemies had formed an alliance meant someone knew we were working together, and they saw it as a weakness. But we knew better. We were a formidable force, and we had much to lose if we failed, especially the safety of our loved ones. After ending the call with Dante, I walked away from the others, dialing the number again to relay the necessary information to my father. It was a futile gesture, as I knew he would never forgive his impulsive son. "Dante, things are getting intense. We need to organize the soldiers immediately," I said urgently. "Rafael, we have a problem," Dante replied, his voice laced w