LOGINShare
Chapter 6. Taking a breath.
Last Updated:
2024-12-26 23:08:04Mia's POV.
“Wow, I can't believe we built this in just four years," Mimi said, walking towards the balcony of my office. The doors were made of glass, bulletproof glass.
It's been four years since I escaped from Dylan Griffith. Mimi, and built my own empire with the help of Mimi and Victor. A sigh escaped my lips. This is the sixth time she has been repeating the same words; now I can recite it without missing a word. “Mimi, what do you want?" I asked, pushing my laptop to the side. I lean forward, place both my elbows on my table, my hands facing down as I rest my head on them, looking up at her like an injured puppy. Well, I wasn't physically injured, but mentally, I was with her constant blabbing that never seemed to end as soon as she walked in thirty minutes ago.
“What do you want?" I ask again.
She turned to look at me with a surprised look that obviously was fake, one arm crossed on her chest and the other pointing to herself. “Me?"
“No, I was talking to the handsome ghost behind you. Yes you, what do you want? You've been blabbering nonstop since you walked in here." I blotted out, clearly frustrated.
She instantly widened her eyes, terror evident in her eyes as a scream escaped her lip jumping towards my direction.
Unable to hold it any longer, I burst out laughing, throwing my head back as the laugh flowed freely from my throat.
Finally realizing I was joking, she glared at me, her green eyes filled with rage. “Why must you always do that? You know I'm scared of ghosts."
“They are not real," I replied nonchalantly. “Even if they were, they can't do anything to you, a living being. Only if you do something to them first and besides, you got me." I said my voice was laced with mockery.
She gave out a dry laugh, while still glaring at me. “Don't make me laugh."
“But you just did," I say, a mischievous smirk playing at the corner of my lips.
Unable to say anything and still glaring at me, she stomped her feet on the ground like a spoiled child and crossed her arms, walking towards the sofa in the middle of the room and falling onto it dramatically. Such a drama queen. I've always been like that since getting to know her, if it wasn't for her love for hacking and dangerous things, I'm sure she would have been a good actor and won awards.
I crossed my arms around my chest, leaning backward to relax on my chair as I turned to face her fully. “You got anything to say or should I go back to work?”
" Bitch. fuck you, I'm going out for a drink, and I suggest you come along,” she said, getting up from the chair and something like her black tank top and black mini skirt. I can never understand why she loves wearing short and revealing outfits all the time; she once said it was to show off the perfect figure that God gave her. I honestly don't mind her dressing like this as long as she's comfortable in it. Turning to face me, “We're going out for a drink."
" Why?”
" It's past ten in the night, and the whole clan is having a party for the successful mission we have been playing for a week. You're the badass Mafia boss who puts herself in danger first and is known for her beauty, cunning, and ruthlessness. Plus your clan members respect you. Don't spend the night working after all that went down tonight—come on bitch, feel alive, and let the party start. You should at least show your face a have a drink if you're not gonna stay long.”
" You're the second in command, so your being there is enough, right,” I replied, feeling lazy to get up.
Upon saying that, Mimi's eyes immediately turned cold and empty, stripped of all emotions, her face plastered with an unreadable expression, and she stood like she was frozen in time.
Knowing the outcome, I jumped up from the chair, a fearful chuckle escaping my throat. I rushed towards the door feeling all energetic. “Shall we?".
—-
The room pulsed with life as Mimi and I stepped into the heart of the party. It was one of those nights where the energy was palpable, and even I, with my reluctance to socialize, could feel the infectious thrill of celebration. The main hall of our villa had been transformed, lit up with neon lights that danced across the walls while music vibrated through the air. My crew was scattered across the space—laughing, drinking, and letting loose after weeks of grueling work.
Mimi nudged me playfully as we descended the marble staircase. “See? This is what I’m talking about. You’re a queen. People need to see you every now and then, not just hear about you behind a closed door. Or on the field as a ruthless Mafia boss or should I say Queen.” she said, rubbing her shoulders towards mine. “Be the lively boss tonight and let off some steam.”
I rolled my eyes but couldn’t stop the faint smile tugging at my lips. “I’m here, aren’t I?”
The bass of the music thrummed in my chest, the neon lights casting wild shadows as I spun around with Mimi. Her laughter, carefree and bright, echoed through the room, pulling me further into the moment. For once, I allowed myself to let go. It was rare, almost unheard of, but maybe she was right—I deserved this.
As the song shifted to something slower, I excused myself, retreating to a quieter corner of the room. The air was cooler here, away from the pulsating heat of the crowd. Leaning against the wall, I sipped the last of my whiskey, letting the burn anchor me back to reality.
“T
aking a breather?” Victor's voice cut through the noise.
Related chapters
The Valisteen Princess Chapter 7. Remember My Name.
Mia's POVI smirked faintly. “Something like that. Someone has to keep a clear head around here.”He tilted his glass toward me. “Don’t think I didn’t notice you actually dancing. A rare sight.”“Don’t get used to it,” I said, but there was no bite to my words.Victor chuckled lightly, his gaze scanning the room. His sharp eyes lingered on each corner as if he were silently calculating exit routes and assessing threats even in the middle of a celebration.“You know,” he said after a pause, “it’s moments like this that remind me why we do what we do. These people—your people—look at you like you’re invincible. Like you’ve given them something no one else could.”I stared into my glass, swirling the amber liquid. “And what’s that?”“Hope,” he said simply.I didn’t reply, the weight of his words settling heavily on me. Hope. It wasn’t something I’d set out to give anyone, but somehow, it had become part of what I represented.The moment was interrupted by Mimi, who came bounding over wit
Last Updated : 2024-12-26The Valisteen Princess Chapter 8. Dylan.
Dylan's POV. The echo of my footsteps was the only sound in the dimly lit corridor as I led the newcomer deeper into the clan's dungeon. The air was damp and thick with the metallic scent of blood, mixed with that faint hum of the fear that lingered like a permanent resident. The walls, lined with chains and archaic iron tools, bore the weight of history only whispered about. “This…" I said, my voice low and calculated, " is where we remind people of the consequences of betrayal.” my words were calm but the undertone carried the sharp edge of a knife. The man nodded rapidly, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he swallowed. His bravado from earlier had melted away the moment we descended those stairs. The dungeon had that effect—it stripped away masks, leaving people with nothing but their raw, trembling truths.Liam, my ever-annoying second-in-command, leaned against the rusted iron bars of one of the cells, a cigarette lazily hanging from his lips. “Really laying it on thick today, aren’
Last Updated : 2024-12-27The Valisteen Princess Chapter 9. Mia.
Dylan's POV. The private jet landed smoothly on the tarmac in Florence, Italy, the hum of its engines fading into the quiet night. This mission was critical—an opportunity to secure a deal that would expand our influence into Europe. A dangerous cartel had been encroaching on our territory, and tonight’s meeting was to remind them why crossing me was a mistake.Usually, I do this alone and not risk the lives of my clan members so recklessly, but they insisted, and I need them to be there in case shit goes sideways.“Ah, Italy,” Liam said, stepping out onto the runway with a dramatic stretch. “The land of wine, romance, and fucking crime. Think we’ll have time for sightseeing?”“Focus, you dickhead,” I muttered, scanning the surroundings. “This isn’t a vacation. After the mission, you can stick whatever is under your pants into whatever pussy you want.” “Harsh," he cries mockingly. “ But just thinking about it is making me a little excited." “Keep it in your pants.” I muttered not w
Last Updated : 2024-12-28The Valisteen Princess Chapter 10. Mimi.
Mia's POV. “Mia, you need to get laid.” In response, I wrap my lips around my straw and slurp my blueberry martini as deeply as my mouth would allow. Mimi, my best friend and second in command, eyes me, entirely unimpressed and impatient based on the quirk of her brow.I think I need a bigger mount. More alcohol would fit in better. I don’t say this out loud because I can bet my left ass cheek that her follow-up response would be to use it for a bigger dick instead.When I continue sucking on the straw, she reaches over and ripes the plastic from my lips. I've reached the bottom of the glass a solid fifteen seconds ago and have just been sucking through the straw. It's the most action my mouth has gotten in two years now. “Woah, personal space," I mumble, setting the glass down. I avoid Mimi's eyes, searching the bar stand for Danny to make another blueberry martini for me and maybe a glass of whiskey for Mimi to cool off. The faster I have the straw in my mouth again, the slower
Last Updated : 2024-12-29The Valisteen Princess Chapter 11. Cat and mouse chase.
Mia's POV The morning sun was shining through the window of my office, casting a faint golden glow on the polished wooden floor. I sat behind my desk, the remnants of last night’s work scattered in front of me—a half-empty glass of whiskey, crumpled maps, and notes detailing our upcoming plans.It had been hours since Mimi left for the café, and my gut told me something wasn’t right. She never took this long, not without checking in. My calls went unanswered, and her phone went straight to voicemail; I wanted to go in search of her but held myself back, thinking she might have hooked up with someone. I ran my hands through my hair, the tension in my body palpable. "Where the hell are you, Mimi?" I muttered under my breath.A sharp knock at the door broke my thoughts. One of my guards, Marco, stepped in, his expression tight with worry.“Ma’am,” he said cautiously, “we’ve got a situation.”My chest tightened. “What is it?”He hesitated before stepping fully inside and handing me a sm
Last Updated : 2024-12-29The Valisteen Princess Chapter 1: A World of Glitter and Shadows
Mia’s POVLife had always been simple. Predictable, even. Just me and my mom in our small apartment, surrounded by the familiar scent of her lavender candles and the comforting hum of her sewing machine. She worked tirelessly to keep us afloat, her delicate fingers stitching together our modest existence.Then he appeared.Ray Valisteen.The first time I saw him, he was sitting at our kitchen table, a place far too humble for someone who looked like he belonged on the cover of a luxury magazine. His suit was sharp enough to cut through steel, his smile easy, almost disarming. But it was his eyes that struck me—dark, calculating, and cold.I was only fourteen, but I wasn’t stupid. Men like him didn’t show up out of nowhere. He wasn’t here for a simple family dinner.“Call me Ray,” he said, his voice smooth like melted chocolate. He leaned back in the rickety chair, completely at ease, as if the peeling wallpaper and chipped plates didn’t bother him. “Your mother has told me so much abo
Last Updated : 2024-12-18The Valisteen Princess Chapter 2: The Fall And Rise Of a Griffin
Dylan’s POVThere was a time when my name carried weight—Dylan Griffin, son of the man who once stood as Ray Valisteen’s equal. Back then, power was our inheritance, influence our birthright. My father, Alexander Griffin, wasn’t just feared; he was respected. In every darkened corner of the city, his name echoed with reverence.I wanted to be just like him.As a kid, I followed him everywhere. Business meetings, late-night deals, even the dangerous ones he told me to stay away from. “Keep your eyes open and your mouth shut,” he’d say, his voice steady and commanding, like the crack of thunder.And I listened.I learned how to read people, how to spot lies beneath the surface of a polite smile. I saw how my father and Ray Valisteen ruled the city together, an unstoppable force that made even the most ambitious rivals think twice before crossing them.But power is a fragile thing. And trust? Even more so.The night everything fell apart is seared into my memory.I was seventeen, old eno
Last Updated : 2024-12-18The Valisteen Princess Chapter 3: The Abduction
Mia's POVThe party was loud, extravagant, and suffocating—just as I’d expected. Purple and silver decorations sparkled under the soft glow of the chandelier, and every corner of the room was filled with laughter, clinking glasses, and chatter about alliances and power plays. My eighteenth birthday was supposed to be a celebration, but I felt like a showpiece, trapped in a world I didn’t ask to be a part of.It was easier to fake a smile than explain how much I wanted to leave despite it being my eighteenth birthday party. Jess was rambling about some minor drama, but I could barely focus on her words. The weight of the crowd pressed down on me, and I needed air.“Excuse me,” I muttered, cutting Jess off mid-sentence. Without waiting for her reply, I slipped through the sea of people, heading for the balcony.The night air hit me like a cool balm. I leaned against the railing, staring out at the city lights that glittered like stars in the distance. For a moment, it felt like I could
Last Updated : 2024-12-18
Latest chapter
The Valisteen Princess Chapter 11. Cat and mouse chase.
Mia's POV The morning sun was shining through the window of my office, casting a faint golden glow on the polished wooden floor. I sat behind my desk, the remnants of last night’s work scattered in front of me—a half-empty glass of whiskey, crumpled maps, and notes detailing our upcoming plans.It had been hours since Mimi left for the café, and my gut told me something wasn’t right. She never took this long, not without checking in. My calls went unanswered, and her phone went straight to voicemail; I wanted to go in search of her but held myself back, thinking she might have hooked up with someone. I ran my hands through my hair, the tension in my body palpable. "Where the hell are you, Mimi?" I muttered under my breath.A sharp knock at the door broke my thoughts. One of my guards, Marco, stepped in, his expression tight with worry.“Ma’am,” he said cautiously, “we’ve got a situation.”My chest tightened. “What is it?”He hesitated before stepping fully inside and handing me a sm
The Valisteen Princess Chapter 10. Mimi.
Mia's POV. “Mia, you need to get laid.” In response, I wrap my lips around my straw and slurp my blueberry martini as deeply as my mouth would allow. Mimi, my best friend and second in command, eyes me, entirely unimpressed and impatient based on the quirk of her brow.I think I need a bigger mount. More alcohol would fit in better. I don’t say this out loud because I can bet my left ass cheek that her follow-up response would be to use it for a bigger dick instead.When I continue sucking on the straw, she reaches over and ripes the plastic from my lips. I've reached the bottom of the glass a solid fifteen seconds ago and have just been sucking through the straw. It's the most action my mouth has gotten in two years now. “Woah, personal space," I mumble, setting the glass down. I avoid Mimi's eyes, searching the bar stand for Danny to make another blueberry martini for me and maybe a glass of whiskey for Mimi to cool off. The faster I have the straw in my mouth again, the slower
The Valisteen Princess Chapter 9. Mia.
Dylan's POV. The private jet landed smoothly on the tarmac in Florence, Italy, the hum of its engines fading into the quiet night. This mission was critical—an opportunity to secure a deal that would expand our influence into Europe. A dangerous cartel had been encroaching on our territory, and tonight’s meeting was to remind them why crossing me was a mistake.Usually, I do this alone and not risk the lives of my clan members so recklessly, but they insisted, and I need them to be there in case shit goes sideways.“Ah, Italy,” Liam said, stepping out onto the runway with a dramatic stretch. “The land of wine, romance, and fucking crime. Think we’ll have time for sightseeing?”“Focus, you dickhead,” I muttered, scanning the surroundings. “This isn’t a vacation. After the mission, you can stick whatever is under your pants into whatever pussy you want.” “Harsh," he cries mockingly. “ But just thinking about it is making me a little excited." “Keep it in your pants.” I muttered not w
The Valisteen Princess Chapter 8. Dylan.
Dylan's POV. The echo of my footsteps was the only sound in the dimly lit corridor as I led the newcomer deeper into the clan's dungeon. The air was damp and thick with the metallic scent of blood, mixed with that faint hum of the fear that lingered like a permanent resident. The walls, lined with chains and archaic iron tools, bore the weight of history only whispered about. “This…" I said, my voice low and calculated, " is where we remind people of the consequences of betrayal.” my words were calm but the undertone carried the sharp edge of a knife. The man nodded rapidly, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he swallowed. His bravado from earlier had melted away the moment we descended those stairs. The dungeon had that effect—it stripped away masks, leaving people with nothing but their raw, trembling truths.Liam, my ever-annoying second-in-command, leaned against the rusted iron bars of one of the cells, a cigarette lazily hanging from his lips. “Really laying it on thick today, aren’
The Valisteen Princess Chapter 7. Remember My Name.
Mia's POVI smirked faintly. “Something like that. Someone has to keep a clear head around here.”He tilted his glass toward me. “Don’t think I didn’t notice you actually dancing. A rare sight.”“Don’t get used to it,” I said, but there was no bite to my words.Victor chuckled lightly, his gaze scanning the room. His sharp eyes lingered on each corner as if he were silently calculating exit routes and assessing threats even in the middle of a celebration.“You know,” he said after a pause, “it’s moments like this that remind me why we do what we do. These people—your people—look at you like you’re invincible. Like you’ve given them something no one else could.”I stared into my glass, swirling the amber liquid. “And what’s that?”“Hope,” he said simply.I didn’t reply, the weight of his words settling heavily on me. Hope. It wasn’t something I’d set out to give anyone, but somehow, it had become part of what I represented.The moment was interrupted by Mimi, who came bounding over wit
The Valisteen Princess Chapter 6. Taking a breath.
Mia's POV. “Wow, I can't believe we built this in just four years," Mimi said, walking towards the balcony of my office. The doors were made of glass, bulletproof glass. It's been four years since I escaped from Dylan Griffith. Mimi, and built my own empire with the help of Mimi and Victor. A sigh escaped my lips. This is the sixth time she has been repeating the same words; now I can recite it without missing a word. “Mimi, what do you want?" I asked, pushing my laptop to the side. I lean forward, place both my elbows on my table, my hands facing down as I rest my head on them, looking up at her like an injured puppy. Well, I wasn't physically injured, but mentally, I was with her constant blabbing that never seemed to end as soon as she walked in thirty minutes ago. “What do you want?" I ask again. She turned to look at me with a surprised look that obviously was fake, one arm crossed on her chest and the other pointing to herself. “Me?" “No, I was talking to the handsome ghost
The Valisteen Princess Chapter 5. The Birth Of An Empire.
Mia's POV. Italy smelled like freedom and fresh espresso. It was a stark contrast to the suffocating opulence of my past life. Here, I wasn’t the Valisteen Princess; I was just Mia. No bodyguards trailing my every move, no constant threats looming over my head. Or at least, that’s what I wanted to believe.But danger had a way of finding me. That bitch.It's been three weeks since I escaped the chaos Dylan Griffin left behind with the help of Victor, who I told to go back to Ray. I kept my head down, moving from town to town, never staying anywhere long enough to be noticed. The quiet anonymity was comforting at first, but I couldn’t ignore the itch in the back of my mind—the urge to reclaim what had been stolen from me.I had just stepped out of a cafe in Florence when the first shot rang out. Instinct kicked in before I even registered what was happening. I dove behind a parked Vespa, my heart pounding as bullets sprayed across the cobblestone street. Tourists screamed and scattere
The Valisteen Princess Chapter 4: The Captive
Mia's POV.I let out another groan, my head pounding like a war drum. My arms felt like lead, and my throat was dry enough to crack. I shifted on the cold, hard floor, realizing I couldn't move my wrists—zip-ties. The bite of the plastic around my skin made me grit my teeth as memories of the night slammed into me.Dylan Griffin.The son of the man Ray killed. The charming bastard had drugged my drink and dragged me into this mess."Shit," I muttered under my breath, forcing myself to sit up. The room was barely lit, the flickering bulb above casting more shadows than light. My eyes darted around, taking in the stark, empty space—four walls, no windows, and a single steel door.“How do I get out of here?” I whispered to myself, flexing my wrists against the restraints. The pain grounded me, and I welcomed it. I needed to focus, not panic.Footsteps echoed outside, sharp and deliberate. The heavy door creaked open, and Dylan stepped in.“Awake already?” he mused, his lips curling into
The Valisteen Princess Chapter 3: The Abduction
Mia's POVThe party was loud, extravagant, and suffocating—just as I’d expected. Purple and silver decorations sparkled under the soft glow of the chandelier, and every corner of the room was filled with laughter, clinking glasses, and chatter about alliances and power plays. My eighteenth birthday was supposed to be a celebration, but I felt like a showpiece, trapped in a world I didn’t ask to be a part of.It was easier to fake a smile than explain how much I wanted to leave despite it being my eighteenth birthday party. Jess was rambling about some minor drama, but I could barely focus on her words. The weight of the crowd pressed down on me, and I needed air.“Excuse me,” I muttered, cutting Jess off mid-sentence. Without waiting for her reply, I slipped through the sea of people, heading for the balcony.The night air hit me like a cool balm. I leaned against the railing, staring out at the city lights that glittered like stars in the distance. For a moment, it felt like I could
