Chapter 27: The KidnappingAcross town, Forrest was meeting with an unexpected visitor. Billy Vagaz lounged in a chair, a glass of whiskey in his hand. “You know,” Billy said, swirling the amber liquid, “I can’t tell if you’re brilliant or suicidal.”Forrest’s smile was razor-sharp. “Why not both?”Billy chuckled, but his eyes were cold. “Don’t push your luck, Forrest. Playing both sides is a dangerous game.”Forrest’s gaze darkened. “Dangerous games are the only ones worth playing.”The two men stared at each other, the air between them thick with tension. Whatever alliances they forged, Mia knew, would be as fragile as glass. And just as likely to shatter.Mimi was gone.Mia’s world tilted the moment she entered the safehouse and saw the signs of struggle. A broken chair, a trail of blood, and Mimi’s laptop—its screen cracked and lifeless. Lydia crouched near the remnants of a shattered vase, her jaw set as she examined the scene.“They took her,” Lydia said grimly. “This was delibe
Chapter 28: The Vagaz BetrayalThe air in the headquarters was thick with tension. Mia sat at the head of the table, her team arrayed before her. Lydia’s sharp gaze darted between the map of Dylan’s operations and Billy, who leaned casually against the wall, his smirk firmly in place. Mimi, still bruised but resolute, worked at her laptop, her fingers flying over the keys as she decrypted yet another of Dylan’s communications.“We’ve cornered him,” Lydia said, her voice crisp. “This next move will cripple his supply chain. We hit here, here, and here.” She jabbed at the map with her finger. “He’ll have nothing left to fall back on.”“If we move too soon, we risk tipping our hand,” Billy interjected. “Dylan’s paranoid, but he’s not stupid. He’ll know something’s coming.”“And what do you suggest?” Lydia snapped, her patience wearing thin.Billy’s grin widened. “Let me handle it. I know how Dylan thinks.”Mia’s eyes narrowed. “We’ve let you handle plenty. I need results, Billy, not more
Chapter 29: Queens of ChaosBilly’s smirk faltered as paranoia set in. He stood in the dim warehouse, the echo of his own breathing filling the silence. The message was a warning, but from whom? Mia? Dylan? Or someone else entirely? Billy’s plans were unraveling faster than he anticipated, and for the first time, doubt crept into his mind.At the headquarters, Mia, Lydia, and Mimi regrouped. The battle had taken its toll on their team, but their resolve was unshaken. Dylan’s stronghold was vulnerable, and Billy’s betrayal had clarified one thing: they could no longer wait for the perfect moment.“We go now,” Mia declared, standing at the center of the strategy room. The map of Dylan’s compound was spread across the table, marked with points of entry and weaknesses. “We hit Dylan hard, cut off his last remaining resources, and end this once and for all.”Lydia nodded, her expression fierce. “No half-measures. This time, we finish it.”Mimi hesitated, her eyes darting to Mia. “And Billy
Chapter 30. Back to reality. Emilia De La Vega.End of flashback —-Dylan walked into his office, his head swirling about what he could do to Mia when a loud thud distracted him. He turned towards where the sound came from and saw Liam standing by the door, one hand on his bleeding nose and the other on the door frame. A chuckle escaped his lips, “What shit got up your pants?" He asked mockingly. " That Latina bitch.” he mumbled, walking towards a chair. " Latina?” he asked, confused at what he meant.“Mimi, Mimi Ray isn't her real name. Well, Ray isn't the real last name; she's…she's Latina.” He said, scrambling out the words, and he tried to catch his breath, checking the blood from his nose and wiping it off. Another chuckle escaped his chest. “I thought you liked Latina women." He said mockingly.“Dude, she broke my fucking nose!" Liam yelled.“What did you do or say to her for her to…you know, break your nose. By the way, how did she…do that?” Dylan asked, circling his right
Chapter 31: The Weight of Her DefianceMia’s body trembled as if the pain coursing through her veins was fighting to consume what little defiance she had left. Her breaths were shallow, her head hung forward, and her vision blurred. The room around her was suffocating, a prison of agony and silence.The sharp echo of footsteps in the corridor pierced the quiet, growing louder with each step. The door creaked open, revealing Dylan. His imposing figure stood framed by the dim light spilling in from the hallway. His expression was unreadable, though his sharp eyes immediately took in the state of the woman before him.“What the hell is this?” Dylan’s voice sliced through the stillness, laced with an edge of restrained anger.Mia barely managed to lift her head, her lips parting as she struggled to force words out. “What… do you want now?” Her voice was a faint whisper, almost lost in the air between them.His gaze swept over her battered form, lingering on the bruises and fresh cuts marr
Chapter 32. It is what it is. Dylan's words hung in the air, cold and sharp yet tinged with frustration that seemed to betray his usual unflappable demeanor. He rose from his seat, towering over her, his hands resting on his hips as he regarded her with a mix of exasperation and something else she couldn’t quite place.Mia forced her gaze to meet his, her defiance flickering despite the weight of her exhaustion. “I’m not thankful,” she murmured, her voice hoarse but steady. “Not for this… not for you.”Dylan let out a low, humorless laugh, shaking his head. “You’ve got more fight in you than sense, Mia. But fine—don’t be thankful. Be angry, hate me, whatever keeps you going. Just don’t give up.”His words struck a nerve, and for a moment, Mia wasn’t sure if she wanted to scream at him or let the tears she’d been holding back finally fall. She didn’t want his pity or his concern. She wanted answers—answers to questions she wasn’t even sure how to ask.“What do you want from me?” she c
Chapter 33: Fractured TruthsThree days had passed since Mia regained consciousness, and the absence of Dylan was beginning to gnaw at her nerves. The silence he left in his wake was deafening, and every moment without answers weighed heavier on her chest. Mimi, ever the doting presence, remained close, though her constant apologies had started to chip away at Mia’s patience.Mia sat upright in bed, her strength slowly returning, though the dull ache in her body was a constant reminder of her ordeal. Mimi hovered near the bedside table, fiddling with a tray of food she’d brought in earlier.“Are you ever going to stop apologizing?” Mia asked, her voice sharper than she intended.Mimi flinched, her fingers tightening around the edge of the tray. “I just… I feel terrible, Mia. I keep thinking about how this could’ve been avoided if I’d done things differently.”Mia narrowed her eyes, suspicion creeping into her tone. “You’ve been saying that for days now. Did you do something wrong whil
Chapter 34: An Uneasy AllianceMia sat stiffly in the dimly lit meeting hall, her arms crossed and her gaze locked on Dylan as he leaned against the opposite wall, a picture of effortless authority. The weight of the past days—secrets unearthed, betrayals revealed, and a future steeped in uncertainty—pressed down on her like a suffocating shroud.“You’re asking me to trust you,” she said, her tone cutting through the tense silence. “After everything I’ve just learned?”Dylan straightened, his expression unreadable. “I’m not asking for trust. I’m asking for a truce.”Mia narrowed her eyes, suspicion sharpening her features. “A truce? You mean you want something from me.”“Not just from you,” Dylan replied, his voice calm but laced with an undercurrent of urgency. “From both of us. Our clans. Together, we have a chance to stop the Vagaz twins. Alone, we’ll be picked off, one by one.”The mention of the twins sent a shiver down Mia’s spine. The Vagaz siblings—ruthless, cunning, and dange
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