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
"The police," he scoffed. "They're completely useless. They have no concern for what happens in certain parts of the city, especially when it involves gangs. The ruthless gangs control the streets, murdering anyone who gets in their way. They're nothing more than animals. Rafael is determined to eliminate them. He made a promise to me, and I believe he'll keep it. When we lost two soldiers a few months ago, he made sure to assist their families, just as he did for me." "This gang, do they have a name?" "They go by the name of the Blood Brothers. They're merely the hired guns for the Movino gang. I may be involved in criminal activities, ma'am, but we have a code of honor that we adhere to. It's important to the Reigo family. We don't terrorize women late at night, and we don't harm innocent children." I recoiled, absorbing the information. It was no wonder Rafael was so furious. "I wish I knew what to say. I apologize for questioning you. You have no connection to my predicament."
He turned his head to face me, his gaze locking onto mine. "Your car was nowhere to be found, and my soldiers searched everywhere. Why do I have this nagging feeling that Axel was waiting for both of you? Why are my instincts screaming that somehow that jerk knew who you were even before you set foot in that back alley? Are you still deceiving me, Emily? Because if you are, I won't hesitate to punish you severely." "I..." I swallowed hard, my throat dry with apprehension. "You better tell me the truth, or I swear to God, our agreement is shattered." "And then what? Are you going to abandon me on the streets?" Horror washed over me, for I knew all too well that was exactly what he would be compelled to do. "I do what needs to be done, and no one makes a fool out of me. Not even the woman I..." He trailed off, a derisive snort escaping him after a few words. "That you might unintentionally care for?" I finished his sentence, my anger flaring along with the overwhelming sense of inju
His intense gaze remained fixed on me as he removed his shirt, stained with blood, revealing his muscular frame. With a growl, he grasped my hair, pulling me close to him. Without hesitation, he forcefully kissed me. His body radiated heat, as if he were engulfed in flames. I wrapped my arm around his neck, tangling my fingers in his hair. The scent of destruction mingled with his exotic cologne, arousing me to the point where I couldn't help but whimper into the kiss. He exhibited a level of aggression I had never seen before, quickly removing my shirt and running his fingers along my back. Every aspect of this man exuded control as his tongue dominated mine in a savage and relentless kiss. His muscles tensed, his desperate hunger seemingly boundless. A hint of bourbon tantalized my taste buds as he forcefully brought us both to our knees, momentarily breaking the intimate connection to discard my shirt. A dark, powerful expression crossed his face, revealing an uncompromising and
I couldn't resist the temptation, engulfing his swollen tip with my mouth and caressing it with my tongue in deliberate motions. Throughout it all, I couldn't tear my gaze away from him, observing the way his face contorted and his chest rose and fell. "That's it, my baby girl. Take all of me," he whispered. I relished the sound, thrilled by the way he seemed to lose control in my presence. As I gradually took him deeper, I stroked the base of his shaft while relaxing my throat to accommodate his thrusts. I couldn't get enough, driven by an almost desperate thirst. He couldn't possibly satisfy my desires, but I knew I would be expected to please him day after day. The thought was both exhilarating and terrifying. He was dominant, powerful, and insatiable. He thrust his hips forward until the tip of his member reached the back of my throat. His eyes were wild as he moved his head back and forth, engaging in a practiced rhythm of face-fucking. "That's it. So good. I love your wet mou