THE PREVIOUS NIGHT Leonardo got off the phone call. It took him a while but he finally decided on what to do. “Everything is in place”, he said to Rob. “Okay, Don. What is your next line of action”, Rob asked. Leonardo stiffened. He hadn’t really thought that part through. Or he did but was deciding against it. There was no way he was letting her stay there but he also couldn’t be violent. He smacked his forehead. They were finally making progress but he ruined it. At this point, he considered letting her go because he didn’t deserve her but he knew he couldn’t live without her by his side. “Don, we have to know the next step”, Rob said. “I heard you the first time”. Leonard sighed. What was a man supposed to do? “We will do whatever we have to”. “And the guards?”, Rob asked. He smiled. “Discard the old ones, they are useless. I need new and well trained ones”. Rob nodded. He knew what the Don meant. Play time was over and it was time for the Don to
Arya’s eyes fluttered open. “Ouch”, she said as the sun hit her eyes. She sat upright and rubbed her eyes, her memory slowly becoming clearer. She jumped out of the bed when she realized she was in her room or more precisely, Leonardo’s room. What the fuck? She remembered struggling with that strange man but he wasn’t Leonardo. She searched all around the room for her phone but she couldn’t find it. The door was locked from the other side. Bastard! She couldn’t believe he had kidnapped her. She banged on the door repeatedly. “Open the door”, she screamed. “Let me out of here”. Almost immediately, she heard movements from the outside and the door opened, revealing Leonardo in all his glory. He locked the door behind him. “Are you okay, princess?”, he asked with a cold voice. She scoffed. “Am I okay? No, no I am not. Why did you kidnap me?”. “I planned to but I didn’t”, he said. “What do you mean? I’m currently standing in your bedroom”, she said. “
Arya thought she had seen every side of Leonardo but she was terribly mistaken. He raked his hands through his hair again. “For how long?”, it was a stupid question, she knew, but it was the only thing she could think of. “Jeez, I......the day I saw you for the first time. I knew you were mine from that moment, princess. So no, you won’t be getting that divorce, let alone leave the country. Let another man touch you and I’d show you how easy it is to take a life for you”. Something had to be wrong with her because at his words, she felt the familiar tingle between her legs and her panties were dampened. She racked her brain for a response but she couldn’t form words. “I never thought I would ever see you out of words, my feisty little kitten”, he teased and touch her bottom lips. He rubbed his thumb on it for a little while before pushing it inside her mouth, slowly, maintaining eye contact. “Open your mouth and suck on it like a good girl”, he said and she obeyed.
Maria threw her burner in the metal trash can and lit it up with a lighter and a paper. She picked up the cigarette from the ashtray and took a puff. No word from Fin by this time only meant one thing. He failed to kidnap the bitch. A wise person once said if you want something to be done right, you have to do it yourself. She couldn’t agree more at this point. She drank from the bottle of whiskey. Maria stood up and staggered a bit but, she persisted and she walked to the mirror hung on the wall. She looked at her appearance. Her blonde hair was in a messy bun and she was naked. She had never had a problem with carrying out her plans, what was with Arya that she couldn’t? “That bitch must have a big old truck of luck”, she said and took a swing from the bottle. “But you, you don’t. Your parents died on duty and you became an orphan”, she laughed at herself. She studied her body. “I sure do look hot today, maybe I….”. A knock was heard on the door. She lo
Arya’s sad expression turned happy. “Yes, we are going to have a baby. Do we tell the family?”, she said. “For now, we’ll keep it a secret. The doctor already knows to not tell anyone else about the pregnancy until I say so”, Leonardo replied. He laid on the bed next to her and cuddled her with her head on his chest. “But why?”, she asked. “Because we just got back together, the family will be all over you and I can’t share. Besides, you just got kidnapped, I don’t think it’d be wise”, he said. Arya understood his emotions. But wait! She was having a freaking baby. Months ago she was refusing to get married but now, she is. Not just that, she’s pregnant. She bit on her lower lip. Excitement and worry rippled through her body. “I know you’re thinking as well. Just know I’m going to be here for you, we’re in this together”, he said, caressing her arm. “I know. It’s just the thought of having a baby, what if I’m not going to be a good mum?”, she asked. “You are
“What the fuck do I do now?”, Maria asked no one in particular. She had to check on Fin before he rats her out. She called his office and someone else picked up. “Nathaniel here, who am I speaking with?”, the voice from the other side of the phone asked. “Oh…I’m Maria and I wanted to speak to a certain Mr. Fin. Can you put him on?”, she bit her lips as anxiousness grew in her voice. “Mr. Fin can’t come to the phone now, maybe next time. If that’s all I’d like to get back to work”. She rolled her eyes. A new pawn she had to get under her control. “Do you by any chance know what happened to Fin?”, she asked. “He got fired and he is in trouble. Turns out he hasn’t been doing his job properly for a long time, stupid man. I always knew the Don was preventing his incompetence by not making him his right hand man”. “He’s in trouble? Why?”, she asked. “Lady, can you not hear me? Is that all you picked from what I said?”, he asked. Maria was taken aback. It felt l
Bianca smiled evilly as her hands touched Rob’s neck. She managed to give him a little but rough squeeze and stomped his feet. Bitch ass man. That’s what you get for being the way you are. “What the fuck? Are you crazy? Who am I kidding of course you’re crazy. What is your problem?”, Rob asked as he got her off him. “I think we should go eat in our bedroom, princess”, Leonardo said. He would be more than happy to just be with his wife while these two kill themselves. Arya didn’t know what to do. “We can’t just leave them, let’s talk to them” she disagreed. Leonardo sighed and began to eat. “I told you not to mess with me”, Bianca spat. “You’re a psycho, a real psychopath”, Rob said. “Yeah, I agree. I’m crazy but at least I’m not a sociopath, like you and my brother”, she returned. Arya glanced at Leonardo to see if he was offended but she got no reaction. He was cold and indifferent as always. “Guys, it’s enough”, Arya said, trying to soothe them. “No it’s n
Leonardo placed Arya gently on the bed and laid beside her. “Babe, you’re getting thicker”, Leonardo said. Arya froze midway to bag of chips. “Are you body shaming me?”, she retorted. Leonardo almost fainted at the thought. “Of course not, babe. I love your body, you are a literal goddess”. “But you called me fat”, she said, tears forming in her eyes. Leonardo was lost for words or actions. “Babe, I only said you’re getting thicker, not fatter. It’s natural to be full and heavy while pregnant”. “I’m not only fatter, I’m also heavier?”, she asked, her sad expression turning into an angry one. She pulled his ears. “Huh?”, she asked. Leonardo slapped his forehead lightly. “Baby, I said you’re thicker. Your body is more curvaceous and ripe, you look and feel like a pregnant woman, not to say you look fat”, he said in a low and soothing voice. Arya squinted her eyes. “You’re sure?”. “Of course, love. You so sexy even with your fuller breast”, he said. She’s been
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