Mia's POV.The envelope felt heavier than it should have, even though it held just a single piece of paper. The audacity of the note had my blood boiling, the mocking tone of Dylan’s words ringing loud in my mind.“Had enough of this cat and mouse chase?”I crumpled the note in my fist, my jaw clenched so tight it hurt. Dylan Griffin wanted a confrontation, and I was going to give him one.“Marco,” I barked, my voice echoing through the war room.He was at my side in seconds. “Yes, boss?”“Get me a secure line. We’re contacting Dylan.”Victor tensed from across the table. “Mia, are you sure about this? You’re walking into his game. That’s exactly what he wants.”I turned to face him, my glare icy. “He already has the upper hand. The longer we play by his rules, the further away Mimi gets. If he wants me to meet him, then fine. I’ll meet him. But I’ll make sure he regrets it.”Marco didn’t waste any time, pulling out a satellite phone and setting it up on the table. Within moments, I w
Dylan's POV. The opera house was a masterpiece of decay, a perfect reflection of the chaos I planned to unleash tonight. I stood center stage, the crumbling grandeur around me illuminated by a single spotlight. My footsteps echoed against the dusty wooden floor as I paced, my thoughts sharp and focused.I had waited years for this moment. Watching her eagerly search the warehouses, her hope slowly slipping away was just worth the wait had been…. amusing. But Mia always knew this day would come. A storm doesn’t wait foreverWhen she pushed through the heavy doors and stepped inside, my heart skipped—not from sentiment, but from the sheer thrill of seeing her in person again. Mia. Fierce, unyielding, every step radiating that dangerous confidence she wore like armor. She hadn’t changed a bit, except now there was a feral edge to her, a sharpness that screamed she’d do anything to get her precious second-in-command back.“Right on time,” I called, my voice carrying through the empty hal
Mia's POV. “Are you out of your goddamn mind?” She shouted, rising to her feet so fast the chair nearly tripped backward. “You agreed to his conditions? You walked straight to his trap without a second thought.” I sighed, stepping forward into the room. “Mimi_” “Don't you ‘Mimi me’, Mia.” she snapped, her voice cutting through the room like a blade. It's hard to believe she was kidnapped for days and beaten almost to a pulp, yet she's still able to scream as loud as a chicken.The others stopped what they were doing, their eyes farting between us, but I raised a hand, signaling them to stay out of it. This was between us. “You think I didn't know it was a trap?” I said, my voice firm but calm. “ You think I didn't calculate every angle, every possible outcome? I did what I had to do to get you out of there.” Her hands balled into fists at her side. “ No, you did what he wanted you to do! You played right into his hands. Mia, Dylan's been Inside your head since day one, and you le
Mia's POV.Dylan’s smirk deepened, and his gaze sharpened as he leaned casually against the banister. “Oh, Mia. You misunderstand the nature of this visit. You don’t leave until I say so.”Mimi stiffened beside me, her fists clenching at her sides. “You son of a—”I placed a hand on her arm to stop her from lunging at him. “Enough, Mimi.” My voice was firm, steady, despite the anger boiling beneath my skin. “What’s your game this time, Dylan? You got what you wanted. We’re here. Now let us go.”Dylan descended the last step, his steps slow and deliberate, like a predator circling its prey. “Oh, I think you misunderstand the terms of our... arrangement. This isn’t just about a visit, Mia. This is about trust. And trust, my dear, takes time to build.”“We’re not here to play your sick games,” I said, my voice sharp as a blade. “If you think for a second we’re going to stay here willingly, you’re delusional.”He chuckled, the sound low and dark. “Oh, but you will. Because you don’t have
Dylan's POV. I leaned against the control panel, my gaze fixed on the flickering monitor. The grainy feed didn’t do her justice, but even now, Mia’s presence radiated through the screen. She was pacing again, her movements sharp and deliberate, like a tiger caged by its own instincts.Mia always had this way of holding herself—unyielding, fierce. Even when the odds weren’t in her favor, she refused to bow. It was… admirable. No, it was infuriating.“Stubborn as hell,” I muttered under my breath, though my lips twitched into a faint smirk.Forrest sat across the room, trying his best to blend into the background. His unease was palpable, but I didn’t bother to reassure him. He wasn’t important right now—she was.Mimi’s voice blared through the speakers, cutting through my thoughts. “Can’t you just fucking accept defeat like a normal human being?” she snapped, her words laced with frustration.I chuckled softly, the sound barely audible. Mimi had no idea who she was dealing with. Mia d
Dylan's POV. “Weird.” " What?” Liam asked, with a mouthful of popcorn, turning to look at me.“It's been three days since I took both Mia and Mimi hostage but I haven't heard anything from her clan or her father's, nor has she tried to escape. It's just so fucking weird and suspicious. Don't you think?” “What do you mean? Aren't things going the way you planned it? Both Mia and Mimi are trapped here; her clan got a crippled message that they had some business to handle with us, and Ray got a message that his daughter was with us but is quiet ....” Liam said, realization dawned on him. " Ohh, now I see it too. What should we do?” " Do what I originally planned,” I replied, standing up from the chair; I walked towards the balcony, letting the cool, even air blow on my face as I stared down at the clan I built from scratch. All the ups and downs I faced before finally getting to this level. “Dude, what the fuck do you mean by, ‘what you originally planned?’ if this wasn't the first
Chapter 18. Dylan.Mia's POV. “Dylan, you bastard. I hope you get hit by a truck and die so I don't have to do it myself!" I yelled as I felt another wip on my bare back. “I guess you have some energy left to curse at Dylan.” She said coldly as she whipped me a few more times until her hands felt numb. Dylan? I didn't know his clan members could call him by his name. How fascinating.The red-haired lady, with light brown eyes and a slender body. One could think she was too frugal to be part of the Mafia, but her grip on the wip end was strong, and every stroke she gave me stunned like I was bitten by fifty bees at once. I still couldn't understand why she was glaring at me like I stole her man, her eyes spitting daggers at me wishing they could kill me. Who in their right mind would tie a helpless—both my hands and feet are tied—young lady like myself tied like a circus clown on a fuckin wheel and start sipping them on their bloody back? Oh, wait, I know who—this red-haired bitch o
Mia's POV. Dylan’s words sent a chill down my spine, but I refused to show any reaction. He didn’t deserve the satisfaction. Instead, I kept my gaze locked on him, refusing to blink, refusing to flinch. If he wanted to intimidate me, he’d have to try harder.“You’re all talk, Dylan,” I said, my voice raspy but laced with venom. “If you wanted to break me, you would’ve done it by now.”His smile widened, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “Oh, Mia, breaking you isn’t the goal. It’s much more entertaining to watch you fight back, even when you know it’s futile.”I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palms. “What’s your endgame, huh? Keeping me here forever? Using me as leverage against my father? You think he’ll care? You don’t know him like I do.”Dylan straightened, towering over me again. “Your father is irrelevant,” he said, his tone as cold as his gaze. “This isn’t about him. This is about you.”“Me?” I let out a bitter laugh, though it came out as more of a croak. “You’re obse
Chapter 49. Unspoken emotions.I don’t know how long I wandered, only that by the time I stumbled upon the massive estate, my legs ached, and exhaustion had settled deep into my bones. The lights from the building glowed against the dark night, and the distant hum of music and laughter told me one thing—this wasn’t Dylan’s personal estate.I should’ve turned around right then and there.Instead, I stood at the edge of the tree line, watching. The place was alive with energy—people moving in and out, drinks in hand, voices carrying over the night air. It didn’t take long to realize what this was.A party.At midnight.Of course, it's Dylan's clan, he is the one to plan the party. I guess he was happy that I felt, he might not even be looking for me. What am I thinking? Why would he look for me? What for?I exhaled, tugging my cloak tighter around me. Dylan’s clan must’ve been celebrating something, though I had no idea what. Whatever it was, it made for a perfect distraction.And an o
Chapter 48. Lost.Dylan’s expression didn’t change, but I caught the slight flicker in his eyes. He knew this was coming—probably had from the moment I started asking questions.He turned back toward the window, his voice even. “Then go.”I clenched my jaw. That was it? No argument, no demand, no cryptic warning? Just… go?I should’ve been relieved. Instead, something inside me twisted in frustration.“That’s all you have to say?” I asked, folding my arms.Dylan didn’t answer right away. His fingers curled against the window frame, his posture stiff. “You don’t belong here, Mia. You never did.”The words stung more than I wanted to admit. I scoffed, shaking my head. “Right. Because everyone around you is just temporary, right? What about the whole I have to figure out who is after you before you can leave. Where'd Dylan go? One mention about your childhood and you're all locked up and distant.” Still, he didn’t turn to face me.I hated this. The distance, the coldness.“Fine,” I mutt
Chapter 47. Distance. Dylan didn't respond and kept reading. I rolled my eyes, stepping further in. “Had to get through Liam’s comedy routine first.”Dylan sighed, closing the book with a soft thud. “Of course, you did.”I crossed my arms, leaning against the nearest shelf. “So? What’s the big talk about?”He studied me for a moment before standing, his movements slow and deliberate. “Sit.”I arched a brow. “I’m good, thanks.”His eyes darkened slightly. “Mia.”Something about the way he said my name sent a shiver down my spine. Reluctantly, I dropped into one of the chairs across from him, my irritation barely masked.“You’ve been asking questions,” he said.I scoffed. “Yeah, that’s kind of what people do when they’re curious.”His jaw ticked, but he didn’t rise to the bait. “Sarah’s stories—about my past—they aren’t meant for entertainment.”I frowned. Nor is mine, but yet here we are” I said statistically. “I wasn’t looking for entertainment. I just wanted to know more about the
Chapter 46. Brooding MenaceI sighed, finally glancing up at him. He was standing a few feet away, arms crossed, watching me with that unreadable expression.“You weren’t in your room,” he continued. “Care to explain why?”I raised a brow. “Didn’t realize I needed permission to step outside.”He tilted his head slightly, eyes narrowing. “You do when people are trying to kill you.”I rolled my eyes. “Relax, I didn’t leave the estate. I just wanted to see the garden. Where I met Sarah. She's nicer and sweeter than you, I don't really understand why she's here with someone like you.”Dylan didn't respond and turned to face Sarah who was leaning on the table with her hands, a smile on her lips and eyes darting for Dylan to me."You let her call you 'Sarah?' I thought Liam and I were the only ones who could call you that?" Dylan asked his voice cold and flat but had a hit of childishness in it.”Sarah chuckled, unfazed by Dylan’s cold tone. “She’s got a sharp tongue. Reminds me of someone
Chapter 45. Little one. Sunlight streamed through the tall windows, warming the room despite the cool air that lingered. I blinked against the brightness, momentarily disoriented. The bed was ridiculously comfortable—too comfortable. It had been a long time since I’d slept without interruption.Stretching, I glanced at the clock on the nightstand. Late morning. I groaned, pushing myself up. I never slept in this late. The exhaustion from yesterday’s attack must have caught up with me.I ran a hand through my hair and stood, pacing toward the window. My gaze flicked to the landscape beyond the estate, where I caught sight of the garden I had noticed last night. It was tucked behind the main building, an expanse of green enclosed by high stone walls, with neatly arranged plants and a few benches scattered throughout. The place looked untouched, like something out of a different world compared to the fortress-like atmosphere of the estate.I wanted to see it.After freshening up and sli
Chapter 44. Lock up.I cleaned up quickly, wiping away the remnants of the fight before stepping back into the main room.Dylan was standing near the glass wall, his back to me, staring out at the night. He looked deep in thought, his posture tense despite the calm setting.“Feel better?” he asked without turning around.I hesitated. “A little.”He nodded once, then finally turned to face me.“We need to talk.”I swallowed hard. “About what?”His gaze darkened. “About why they were after you.”I scoffed, “What makes you so sure they weren't after you?" I asked, raising my head up and crossing my arms. Nodding his head, he opened his mouth to speak, "Sure, I do have a lot of enemies," Dylan admitted, his voice calm but firm. "But they knew you’d be here. They were waiting for you.”A chill ran down my spine, but I refused to let it show. “That doesn’t mean anything. Maybe they saw an opportunity and took it. And isn't this your woods?” I said, using both my hands to make a circle in t
Chapter 43. Unexpected outcome.My breath hitched.“Me?” I repeated, barely above a whisper. “Why?”Dylan didn’t slow down. If anything, his grip on my hand tightened, pulling me further into the thick shadows of the trees. His gaze flickered past me, scanning the darkness, his jaw locked tight.“I don’t know yet,” he admitted. “But they knew you’d be here.”A chill ran down my spine.“They?” I pressed. “Who the hell is ‘they’?”Dylan exhaled sharply, his pace quickening. “Not here,” he muttered. “We need to—”A twig snapped.I froze.Dylan did too, his body tensing, muscles coiled like a predator ready to strike. The sound had come from behind us, too close, too deliberate.We weren’t alone.Slowly, I reached for my knife, my fingers curling around the hilt. Dylan’s eyes met mine for a brief second—just enough time for me to see it.The shift.The cold, calculated edge slipping into place.He turned, stepping slightly in front of me, shielding me, his entire body wound tight like a l
Chapter 42. Danger. I pulled the nozzle from the tank, letting the final drops of gas drip before securing the cap. The attendant’s words lingered in my mind, uncomfortably accurate. But I wasn’t about to spill my story to a stranger in the middle of nowhere.“Maybe I am,” I said, offering him a tight smile. “Maybe I just like long drives.”He chuckled, not pressing further. “Well, good luck, kid. Hope you find what you’re looking for.”I gave him a nod before climbing back into the car. As I pulled onto the road, his words echoed in my head.Hope you find what you’re looking for.If only I knew what that was.The next stop on my search was the place Dylan’s clan had been last time—where Mimi and I had visited before. It was the only lead I had, the only real connection to his past that I could follow.But when I got there, my stomach dropped.The place was abandoned.Not just empty, but long abandoned. The buildings, once full of life and activity, were now overtaken by nature. Weed
Chapter 41. Little OneThree months. Ninety-two days. Over two thousand hours. That’s how long it had been since Dylan left. Since he walked out of my life without so much as a backward glance, leaving me with more questions than answers.And now, I was losing my mind.The mornings were the worst. I’d wake up expecting to hear his low voice rumbling through the apartment, teasing me with that infuriating smirk of his. But the silence that greeted me was deafening. I hated how my first thought every day was of him—wondering where he was, if he was alive, if he even remembered I existed.I sat on the couch, staring blankly at the TV that played some forgettable movie. My legs were curled beneath me, my fingers gripping a mug of coffee that had long gone cold.“Idiot,” I muttered to myself, taking a sip anyway.Dylan’s face filled my mind again, unbidden. His caramel skin catching the faintest hint of light, the sharp line of his jaw, the intensity in his eyes that made you feel like you