“Oh, I was enjoying my peaceful days here already”, Arya whined and pouted her lips. “It’s just for a contract formality, it’s nothing serious”, Leonardo kissed her forehead. He received a deal earlier from one of his business partners in Jamaica and he had to attend the meeting in person. He hated business meetings but he was a businessman, he had no choice. “Ugh”, she said. “We’d be using our jet, love. I’ll see to it that you aren’t stressed”, he reassured her. There was no way in heaven, earth and hell that he’d leave her in Europe and travel to another continent entirely without her. “I know, I just love our peaceful days here”, she said. “It’s just for two days, three at most. Please princess, come with me”, he begged. “Of course I will. Do you think you can just dump me here?”, Arya teased. “I must be belong to a mental asylum to even think that”, Leonardo replied with a smirk. “And who says you don’t now?”, she asked. His smirk broadened into a fu
WARNING: THIS EPISODE CONTAINS SEXUAL CONTENT AND MAY BE TOO SENSITIVE FOR SOME READERS. SONG RECOMMENDATIONS: GET YOU BY DANIEL CAESAR AND KALI UCHIS Arya loved Jamaica. Leonardo had booked the most expensive resort for her pleasure. Not like she cared. All she wanted was alone time with her man. The Estate Homes exuded a blend of traditional Caribbean charm and contemporary luxury. The home was spacious, featuring expansive bedrooms, each elegantly furnished and with ensuite bathrooms that included both showers and bathtubs. Large, airy living spaces opened up to beautiful outdoor areas, where lush gardens and private pools invited relaxation under the sun. The architecture featured a high ceiling and large windows, maximizing natural light and views of the ocean or tropical gardens. The private terrace or balcony provided serene spots for morning coffee or evening cocktails along with a pool, while the state-of-the-art kitchens were a chef’s dream, fully equipped
BONUS CHAPTER Leonardo lost his cool. “You better get your men right, I am not spending more than three days here. I made a promise to my wife and I intend to keep it”, he growled. Kemar, Leonardo’s associate, swallowed audibly. “Mi ago do dat, Don. Jus gi wi likkle more minutes”, he said as he ran out of the room. “Kemar…. Your life depends on those few minutes”, he drawled casually, but there was no denying the temperature took a deep dive into frosty Kemar started to shake. “Yes, Don”. He scurried out. Leonardo checked the time on his watch. A soldier was standing behind him and the rest were standing outside but, he might as well just be alone. He missed Rob in these times. That being said, he’d rather swallow a scorching hot sword tip first before admitting that to Rob. He promised Arya that their trip would not last longer than two to three days and if he had to use Kemar as a scapegoat just to keep his promise, he’d do that with delight. Speak of the
The tension was evident. He didn’t have a good feeling about this Omar guy. “He’s not at fault here. If anything, he has been trying to get me to eat so bad”, Arya said with a low chuckle. Leonardo looked at Omar before leaning down so only Arya could hear what he was about to say. “Don’t you find it odd that he doesn’t talk?”, he asked. “Oh no, we’ve been talking for a while now”, she whispered back. And stopped in his presence, okay, that was something. “I don’t have a good feeling about him”. “Oh come on, he’s harmless”, she said. “I should know these things. My gut feelings when it comes to your safety is always right, mama”, he said in a hushed tone. If he was right, which he always was, letting Omar hear them will drive him off. “This isn’t the mafia. Can’t a girl enjoy a little vacation without having to deal with all this mafia bullshit?”, Arya lost her cool. Leonardo was dumbfounded. Arya lost her cool and it was nothing he’s seen before. “Ary
The security guards at the resort were useless sets of men. What did he expect? The resort was a cover up for money laundering which is a crime but it’s the mafia. Everything associated with it is a crime. “Don, this is the last building, he must be in here”, Rodolfo, one of the soldiers, said to him.. “What do you have?”, Leonardo asked. Rodolfo swallowed. “He is in the building, he’s armed but we don’t know…”. Leonardo punched him in the face. “He’s armed and we’re armed. March in there and bring out rat”. The men ran into the building and he led them. The building comprised of two rooms so sniffing out Omar wasn’t an issue. The issue however, was that Omar fired the gun the moment the door was pushed open. Leonardo winced at the pain in his chest from the bullet. From the not so long range and size of the bullet, it wasn’t a surprise. It was a good thing he wore a quality proof vest underneath his clothes every time. Regardless of that, a bad bruise was i
Her eyes tried to flutter open but she was too comfortable. She moved closer to the source of warmth wrapped around her body. “Hmmm…”, she moaned. “Are we awake?”, the sound of her husband’s voice caressed her ears and the rumble in his chest was like a mini massager. Wait! She flew out of his comfortable embrace and involuntarily moaned in disapproval as she lost his warmth. “Arya…”, he started. “Stop it”, she didn’t even spare him a glance. “At least let me look at you”, he said. “Nope”. “Baby, we need to talk”, he insisted. “I don’t want to”. “But we have to”. “And I said I don’t want to”, she snapped. “I’m sorry, but this is something we must do”, he said with a low voice. She sighed. “Okay, I’m listening”. Silence. “Arya, tell me what’s bothering you”. “I will. What bothers me is that fact that I never asked for any of this. My father is in the mafia and I had a traumatic childhood because of it. My only chance to escape was marriage but it tu
“Oh boy, I’m having mixed feelings”, Arya said. He chuckled lightly. “You asked for it”. “I know….”, she sighed. “I’m genuinely curious. Before you start, I’m sorry I’ve been holding you back”. “No, don’t be. Not everyone is cut out for violence. You were meant to be a princess and I won’t stop till I get us there. Especially now that you’re letting me”, he said and raised a brow. “Isn’t it ironic? Women never have a say in the mafia but here you are, the Don himself, taking permission from his wife”, she said and burst into a fit of laughter. He followed suit. “Rub it in all you want. I’m not ashamed” he said and put on a serious face. She burst into another fit of laughter. “Okay, let’s move on from that now”, he said. Her eyes watered from laughter and she pushed on his chest comically. Her smile faded as she saw him wince. “Are you okay?”, she asked. “Yeah, sure. I’m fine”, he answered. She was not buying it. He was wearing a casual T-shirt so she pulle
SEVENTEEN YEARS AGO Nine years old Leonardo just finished his training for the day with his instructor when a messenger from Don Vito approached him. “Buongiorno, Underboss”, Matteo greeted him. “Buongiorno.” “Your grand father, Don Vito, requested your presence”, Matteo said. “Am I in trouble?”, Leonardo asked. For the past four years he’s been undergoing basic training and self defense classes while still keeping up with school. He kept to the rules and as the only child in the villa, he was lonely. Loneliness was all he had for himself. “I can’t tell but to put your mind at ease, I don’t think so”, Matteo said and winked at him. Leonardo followed him to his grand father’s part of the villa. His mind ran through every scenario that could make his grand father summon him but nothing was sticking. He tried to get more information from Matteo again but to no avail. “You should count yourself lucky to be under Don Vito”, was all he said about the subject again.
Leonardo’s grip on her hand tightened as he felt the slightest movement. At first, he thought he imagined it, his exhaustion playing tricks on him. But then, Arya’s fingers twitched again, and a soft, strained breath escaped her lips. His heart pounded. “Arya?” His voice was hoarse, desperate. He leaned closer, brushing a damp strand of hair from her face. Her eyelids fluttered before barely opening, her dark eyes hazy with pain and confusion. She swallowed, her throat dry, and tried to speak, but only a weak whisper came out. “Leo…” Leonardo exhaled sharply, relief crashing into him like a wave. “Mia cara, I’m here,” he murmured, pressing a kiss to her knuckles. “You scared the hell out of me.” Arya’s lips parted slightly, as if she wanted to say more, but she winced instead. She tried to shift, but the pain hit her like a hammer, dragging a soft groan from her throat. “Shhh,” he soothed, gently pressing her back down. “Don’t move too much. The doctor said you need to res
Leonardo hadn’t moved from Arya’s side all night. Her breathing had evened out, but the pallor of her skin was a constant reminder of how close he had come to losing her. He didn’t dare close his eyes, as if staying awake could somehow anchor her to him, keep her safe.It was noon when a soft knock broke the stillness of the room. Leonardo didn’t bother answering. The door opened, and Ricardo stepped inside, his usually composed appearance in shambles. His beard was unkempt, his eyes hollowed by sleeplessness and something darker.“I got your message,” Ricardo said quietly, his voice rough. He glanced at Arya, lying motionless on the bed. “How’s she holding up?”Leonardo let out a slow breath. “Not great. Stable, but…” He shook his head. “This isn’t where she’s supposed to be.”Ricardo nodded, the lines on his face deepening. “I’m sorry, Don. This shouldn’t have happened. Let me help. Where did you last see the attackers?”“Rob and the others are already on it,” Leonardo replied, his
Leonardo sat slumped in the chair by Arya’s bed, his hand wrapped around hers as though holding on to her would tether her to life. His eyes burned from exhaustion, but he hadn’t dared to close them, not even once. The faint sound of the door creaking open drew his attention. He turned sharply, his face hard, ready to dismiss whoever it was. “Good afternoon, Don,” one of his forensic experts said, stepping into the room cautiously. He held a folder in one hand, his expression a mixture of urgency and hesitation. “The chip we retrieved from Andy’s neck contained encrypted files. My team decoded them late this morning.” Leonardo straightened, his gaze sharp. “What did you find?” The man hesitated briefly, glancing at Arya’s unconscious form before clearing his throat. “Documents and records of purchase. They include significant financial transactions and detailed logs of weapons bought under false identities. It appears to be tied directly to some operations.” Leonardo’s jaw t
As the doctor worked on Arya, Leonardo paced the length of the room, his fists clenched and his jaw tight. The sight of her pale face and the blood-streaked bandages made his stomach churn. Every shallow breath she took felt like a countdown he couldn’t stop.His phone buzzed in his pocket. He hesitated for a moment, reluctant to take his eyes off her, but he finally answered.“Talk,” he barked.“It’s Sergeant Diaz. We tracked the attackers. Sir, you need to see this,” the soldier said, his voice grim. “It’s not just about the ambush… there’s something bigger going on here.”Leonardo’s grip on the phone tightened. “Send me the details.”“It’s something you have to see in person, sir. A name came up—someone close. I don’t think you’ll believe it unless—”“Just tell me the name,” Leonardo interrupted.There was a pause, heavy with tension. “It’s…” The soldier’s voice dropped. “Adriana.”Leonardo froze. His mind raced, struggling to connect the dots. Adriana? His mother-in-law? The woman
“Instruct some men to follow them and gather any information we might need. We’ll head back to the hotel and decode the chip,” Leonardo commanded, his voice firm. Arya frowned, her fingers curling into a fist to steady herself. “Why? I thought we were going after them.” Leonardo’s sharp gaze softened, but his tone remained resolute. “We don’t have time to chase shadows, princess. We need to split up. Let them lead us to their base while we focus on the chip.” She shifted uncomfortably, the sharp sting in her side now impossible to ignore. Just as she straightened, the pain betrayed her, pulling a grimace onto her face before she could hide it. Leonardo caught it instantly. His eyes narrowed, his suspicion unmistakable. “Is something wrong?” “Just… shoulder tension,” Arya muttered, forcing a weak shrug. “Come here, princess.” His tone softened as he reached for her. “You shouldn’t have to bear this—” “Ah!” A sharp cry tore from Arya’s lips as Leonardo’s arm brushed her
With the gunfire subsiding, the world fell into an uneasy silence. Leonardo and Arya regrouped with Rob and the few soldiers who had made it through. The air smelled of burnt gunpowder and death, the metallic tang of blood clinging to their senses. The forensic expert approached Leonardo with careful steps, holding out a small bag. Inside was the chip, smeared with traces of Andy’s blood. Leonardo took it, his fingers brushing against the plastic as he studied it intently, his brow furrowed in thought. “This has to be important,” Arya said, her voice calm but sharp, cutting through the silence. She wiped at her face with a shaking hand, smearing dirt and blood across her cheek. “Andy was tortured for it. And whoever sent that ambush didn’t care about lives—they cared about this.” Leonardo slipped the chip into his pocket, his face unreadable. “If Andy died for it, then it’s worth something. We’ll find out what soon enough.” The group quickly retreated, the convoy of cars wea
Gunfire shattered the tense moment as bullets ricocheted off the metal surfaces of the dock. Leonardo immediately grabbed Arya and pulled her behind a steel container. Rob dove for cover beside them, drawing his weapon. “Where the fuck did that come from?” Rob hissed, scanning their surroundings. “Ambush,” Arya said through clenched teeth, already gripping her gun. “Stay down,” Leonardo barked, peeking around the corner. He spotted shadows moving near the crates stacked further down the dock. Whoever had come for them was prepared, and they weren’t leaving without a fight. Leonardo signaled to their men, and a firefight erupted. Arya darted out from cover, her movements fluid and precise as she shot at their attackers. Each shot was calculated, dropping one assailant after another. Leonardo felt his chest tighten as he watched her. She was fearless, but fearlessness could also get her killed. “Cover her!” he ordered. Rob laid down suppressing fire as Arya advanced, vau
As they prepared to leave, dissatisfied with the outcome, Arya noticed Andy’s body was badly battered and bruised. One of his fingers was missing, suggesting he had been tortured. But why? Why would they torture someone on their side? Unless… “They wanted something from him,” Arya muttered to herself, scanning his injuries. “Something they didn’t have.” Her eyes fell on the brutal gash on his head. It was deep and jagged, a wound inflicted with rage. Whoever killed him must have done it in an act of passion. Perhaps they hadn’t intended to kill him but, after all the torture, his body couldn’t take it anymore. Arya sighed, the weight of realization settling on her. If Andy had been killed by accident, it meant they never got what they were after. “Rob, we need to search his body,” Arya said. “There might be something they missed.” “Whoever tortured him would have searched him already,” Rob replied. “Except…” He trailed off and began removing Andy’s clothes. Leonardo a
The convoy arrived at the docks within minutes, the tension palpable in the air. The area was cloaked in eerie silence, save for the occasional raucous laughter of men huddled near a ship. Their beer bottles clinked as they exchanged crude jokes, lines of cocaine spread across the table between them. Cigarettes dangled from their lips, smoke curling into the night sky.Leonardo stepped out of the car, his eyes scanning the scene with cold precision. Rob flanked him, his hand hovering near his gun. “Should we go in now?” Rob asked, his voice low but steady.Leonardo nodded sharply, motioning for the others to fan out. From the car behind him, Arya emerged, her silhouette a lethal combination of grace and danger. Guns hung from her shoulders, nestled in her belt holsters, and rested in both hands. Her gaze met Leonardo’s for a fleeting second, and despite the danger ahead, the sight of her sent a surge of desire through him. She was magnetic, untouchable, and utterly lethal.Focus. Ther