He emitted a deep sigh, as if my suggestion was utterly foolish and beneath his consideration. "Axel may be many things, but he's not a fool. He has people actively searching for you as we speak," he said dismissively, implying that I was naive for thinking otherwise. I couldn't bring myself to reveal that Axel already knew my identity. His words sent shivers down my spine, and I inquired with a tremor in my voice, "How do you know?" "Because I have numerous soldiers patrolling the streets and informants who keep me well-informed about the happenings in different neighborhoods. Word gets around. It's only a matter of time," he responded, his tone laced with a sense of authority. "It's just another way to keep me captive," I stated, voicing my suspicion. Rafael fell silent, but I could sense his restless energy, a constant state of vigilance ingrained in a man who always had to be prepared for rival gangs attempting assassinations or law enforcement turning his world upside down. My
"When I met Lucas, he provided me with some information about certain attorneys who turned a blind eye, allowing minor criminals to escape punishment. I wasn't interested in hearing about small-time offenders getting away with their actions, and Lucas knew that. I was upfront with him, expressing my need for more substantial leads, especially since he had enticed me with the promise of bigger players. He mentioned a few other names, but my investigations yielded no evidence, and my boss wasn't willing to pursue the matter. I pushed Lucas harder, and over time, he started sharing stories of behind-the-scenes activities involving local politicians, law enforcement officers, and even corporate moguls suspected of collaborating with organized crime." "Let me guess. Initially, you believed it involved my family." "You can't honestly deny that you haven't used your influence to sway certain individuals, granting yourself free reign in this town. I can only imagine the powerful men and wome
The conviction in his voice was undeniable, as if my mere presence was the very essence of his existence. He was consumed by an insatiable obsession. Barely able to catch my breath, he leaned in, our lips tantalizingly close, a mere fraction of an inch apart. He was the most captivating man I had ever encountered, a man who refused to accept "no" from anyone. But he wasn't seeking permission; he was claiming what he believed belonged to him. A guttural growl escaped his lips before he forcefully pressed his mouth against mine, pulling my body tightly against his own. The sensation of his pulsating arousal pressing against my abdomen left me dizzy, my heart pounding so loud that it drowned out all other sounds. I questioned whether I had any fight left in me, any strength to preserve the integrity of my heart. He had stripped away my innocence long ago, and now he was set to envelop me in his dark desires. The kiss transformed into a frenzied roar of shared passion, our tongues dan
"Yes, sir," I whispered, my voice filled with a desperate longing. In that moment, I would have given him anything he desired, just to achieve the release I craved. I struggled to keep my legs open as he pressed the tip of his thumb against the plug, a sensation that both thrilled and tested my limits. My breath caught in my throat as he pushed the toy inside me, his fingers working me with an intensity that bordered on savage. The rawness in his growls revealed the primal nature that lay beneath his refined exterior. And I reveled in it. I fought back a whimper, my head tossing from side to side as I desperately tried to hold back the impending climax. The plea for release echoed silently in my mind, begging for mercy. But his commanding voice shattered my resistance, demanding my obedience. "Hold it, Emily. Do not defy me." I gave it my all, but the intense pleasure proved too overwhelming. After a few more seconds of blissful torment, I knew there was no turning back. The orgasm
RAFAEL I despised gatherings labeled as "family meetings," even though most of the attendees had no actual blood relation to each other. My father had coined that term long ago, treating those who served him well as if they were close relatives. They received holiday pay, bonuses, dinners, and presents for their children. That is, until they betrayed him. My father's reputation for brutality was widely known, and he had a knack for coming up with creative punishments, resulting in unsightly stories that were shared around campfires. I couldn't help but smirk at the thought. I had earned a similar reputation, although I had only employed his methods once, and for a damn good reason. Theft. Men would lie, spinning tales about why they couldn't fulfill their obligations. I had come to expect that. But anyone who dared to steal from our organization faced the full force of my wrath. An eye for an eye. The restaurant bustled with a crowd larger than I had seen in a long time. As I ent
"You know how they say the past has a way of catching up with you," Stefan remarked, drawing my attention with his wry statement. I raised an eyebrow in response, curious to hear what he had to say next. "They say you can never escape it, that it has a way of pulling you back into the darkness." I chuckled softly, appreciating his dark humor. "I must have missed that proverb during my time in Catholic school," I replied, a hint of amusement in my voice. It was good to have him back home. Stefan's eyes gleamed mischievously as he continued, "Just something I picked up during my adventures in the jungle. I can't wait to meet this mysterious girl of yours." Carmine, our father, stood up, signaling that it was time for everyone to take their seats. His voice was commanding, carrying an air of authority that seemed stronger than usual. I exchanged a knowing glance with Stefan. This family meeting was shaping up to be an intriguing evening. Once everyone was settled, our father remained
The revelation hit me like a ton of bricks. My father had been plotting this scheme for weeks, and the sudden eruption of violence caught everyone off guard. Gunshots pierced the atmosphere, each resounding crack echoing through the restaurant, a haunting symphony of destruction. Panic erupted like a wildfire, engulfing the patrons in a maelstrom of fear. Desperate screams filled the air as people frantically sought refuge, their movements a frenzied dance of survival. The once-tranquil establishment transformed into a battlefield, its walls and furnishings bearing witness to the relentless barrage of bullets that tore through the air with ruthless precision. Amidst the tumult, amidst the swirling vortex of panic and despair, I heard the voice of my beloved brother pierce through the clamor, his words laced with a potent cocktail of disbelief, frustration, and mounting dread. "What the hell?" Stefan's voice rang out, his tone a desperate plea for comprehension in the face of unfathom
"You're not in a genuine relationship. Everything you've shared was a lie," my inner voice mercilessly declared once again, striking at the vulnerable core of my being. The past, with its illusions of innocence and bliss, was now an unattainable realm. Yet, despite the pain, I couldn't bear the thought of him being hurt. Finally, unable to bear the torment any longer, I made up my mind. I sprinted towards the front door, flinging it open with urgency. The two men stationed as guards reacted swiftly, their hands instinctively reaching for their weapons as they rushed inside. "Are you okay, miss?" one of them asked, poised to neutralize any potential threat. After securely closing the front door, the other guard swiftly swept through several rooms, his actions reflecting a well-honed training and a clear commitment to their security detail. "I'm fine, but something feels wrong with Rafael," I confessed, taking a few steps backward, my hands trembling with anxiety. The larger guard