Chapter Six – The Party
Cassie sat on the edge of her bed, absently twisting a loose thread on her dress as her mind raced. She had spent the last few days trying to figure out how to reach Bain, how to break through the thick walls he had built around himself.
That night, when he had let his guard slip, when he had shown her even the smallest crack in his armor—it had meant something. She was sure of it.
But then he had shut her out completely.
Now, all she heard was his voice booming from the hallway, cold and commanding, giving orders like he was preparing for war.
Her chest tightened.
She hesitated only for a moment before standing. She needed to see him. Even if he pretended not to care, even if he acted as if she was invisible—she missed him.
She stepped out of her room, following the sound of his voice. When she finally found him, her breath caught in her throat.
Bain stood in the center of the grand hallway, flanked by his men. His presence dominated the space. He looked sharp, dangerous, powerful.
Untouchable.
Cassie’s lips parted as she whispered, “Bain…”
For a brief second, he turned to her. His eyes locked onto hers. The moment stretched between them, thick with something unspoken. His expression softened—just for a heartbeat.
And then it was gone.
His gaze turned to ice.
“That’s Master to you,” he said, his voice cutting through her like a blade.
Cassie felt the sting of his words deep in her chest.
Without another glance, he turned and walked away.
⸻
Two Hours Later
A soft knock pulled her from her thoughts.
“Miss,” Linda, one of the maids, said hesitantly as she stepped inside. “The Master asked me to prepare you for the party tonight.”
Cassie frowned. “What party?”
“The Master always holds a party six weeks before Christmas,” Linda explained.
Cassie exhaled sharply. Of course he does.
She stood and ran a hand through her hair. “Fine. Let’s get this over with.”
⸻
The Party
The ballroom was grand, the chandeliers casting golden light over a sea of powerful men and elegantly dressed women. The scent of expensive cigars and fine whiskey lingered in the air.
Cassie knew she looked stunning—her deep red gown hugged her curves, the slit along her thigh revealing just enough to make men stare.
And they were staring.
She felt their eyes, the way they whispered about her, the way their gazes lingered too long.
But the only person she cared about wasn’t looking at her at all.
Bain stood across the room, dressed in a sleek black suit that made him look like a god among men. He exuded power, authority—he was the kind of man who could silence a room with a single glance.
Cassie’s heart pounded.
Would he even acknowledge her?
His gaze swept the crowd, passing over her—then stopping.
Their eyes met.
Her breath caught.
For a single, excruciating second, she thought he might come to her.
But then he turned away.
Her stomach twisted.
The rest of the night was a blur of unwanted attention—men trying to charm her, lingering touches on her arm, whispers in her ear.
Cassie hated it. She felt like a prize, a possession, something to be admired but never truly seen.
And Bain?
He ignored her completely.
By the time the party ended, she was exhausted.
But more than that… she was frustrated.
⸻
Later That Night – Cassie’s Room
Cassie sank into the warm bath, closing her eyes as she let the water soothe her.
But no matter how much she tried to clear her mind, Bain was there.
The way he looked tonight. The way his suit fit perfectly, the way his lips moved when he spoke.
She swallowed hard.
Damn him.
Her fingers trailed down her damp skin, her breath hitching as she imagined his hands instead of hers.
His strong hands gripping her waist.
His lips on her throat, his breath hot against her ear.
She gasped softly, her body reacting to the images flooding her mind.
A soft moan escaped her lips.
She didn’t even fight it.
She wanted him.
She had never wanted anyone the way she wanted Bain.
Her heart pounded as she reached the edge, her entire body trembling with pleasure.
And for just a moment, she let herself pretend it was him.
⸻
Cassie’s Room – Moments Later
Still breathless, Cassie slipped on a silk bathrobe and collapsed onto her bed.
Then—
The door burst open.
She gasped, sitting up.
Bain stood in the doorway.
His eyes were dark, unreadable, but something about the way he looked at her sent a shiver down her spine.
Her breath hitched.
Had he heard her?
Had he seen—?
Bain stepped forward, his gaze dragging over her.
She felt bare under his stare. Vulnerable.
He opened his mouth as if to say something—
But then, just as quickly, he shut it.
His jaw tightened.
“Sorry,” he muttered.
And then he turned and walked away.
The door clicked shut behind him.
Cassie sat there, stunned.
Her pulse roared in her ears.
What the hell just happened?
Unraveling ControlCassie woke to the soft glow of morning light filtering through her curtains. But the warmth of the sun did nothing to thaw the cold ache in her chest.She could still see him.Bain.Standing in her doorway last night, his gaze burning into her, his jaw clenched like he was fighting something deep inside him.She had felt his desire.But just like always, he had walked away.Cassie let out a slow breath, pushing the blankets aside. She wouldn’t let him shut her out anymore.She slipped into a silk robe and padded down the hall, her heart pounding as she searched for him.She found him in the dining room, dressed in a crisp black shirt, sleeves rolled up, exposing the veins in his forearms. His strong hands gripped a coffee mug, but his posture was tense, like he was barely holding himself together.She swallowed hard.“Good morning, Bain,” she murmured.His grip on the mug tightened.For a second, she thought he might actually acknowledge her.But instead, he stood,
The private lounge of La Notte Nera was dimly lit, the golden glow of the chandeliers casting long shadows over the polished mahogany table. Bain sat at the head, his fingers drumming lazily against a glass of whiskey, his expression unreadable. Across from him sat Lorenzo DeLuca, a rival who had been pushing into Bain’s territory for months.The air was thick with tension.Lorenzo leaned back, a smirk playing on his lips. “You’re losing your grip, Bain. Your men are getting sloppy. Your deals? Crumbling. Maybe it’s time you stepped aside before someone does it for you.”Bain’s jaw tightened, but he exhaled slowly, keeping his fury in check. “Is that a threat, Lorenzo? Because if it is, you’re more foolish than I thought.”Lorenzo chuckled, swirling his own drink. “Not a threat, just an observation. Maybe you should be more focused instead of distracted by that little pet of yours.”Bain’s grip on his glass tightened, his knuckles turning white. “Careful, DeLuca. The last man who under
The Past Comes Crawling BackCassie wasn’t expecting a visitor.When Linda, the maid, hesitantly informed her that someone was waiting in the lounge, she assumed it was one of Bain’s business associates. But when she stepped into the room, her blood ran cold.Ryder.Her stepbrother. The man who had betrayed her.He looked different—his face was more gaunt, his usual cocky demeanor muted.“Cassie,” he said, almost relieved. “You look… good.”Her arms folded across her chest. “What the hell are you doing here?”Ryder sighed, running a hand through his disheveled hair. “I made a mistake.”Cassie let out a bitter laugh. “A mistake? You sold me like property, Ryder! And now what—you’re here for redemption?”“I didn’t have a choice,” he muttered. “You don’t understand—”“I understand perfectly,” she snapped. “You chose yourself. And I choose to never forgive you.”She turned to leave, but he grabbed her wrist.Bain’s voice sliced through the room like a blade.“Let. Her. Go.”Ryder’s grip lo
Chapter Eleven: A Dangerous GameBain’s cousin, Luca blackwood, arrived unannounced.Unlike Bain, Luca was charismatic, effortlessly charming, and had a devilish grin that made women weak in the knees.Cassie noticed immediately.And so did Bain.At dinner, Luca sat beside her, his attention entirely on her. “So, tell me, Cassie, how does a beautiful woman like you end up tangled with my brooding cousin?”Cassie smirked, sensing Bain’s eyes burning into her. “I ask myself that every day.”Luca chuckled, leaning closer. “If he ever gets too boring, you know where to find me.”The tension was palpable.Cassie met Bain’s gaze and, for the first time, she saw something other than cold control.“You know,” Luca murmured, his voice teasing, “Bain never shares. But maybe he should.”Cassie’s pulse quickened. She glanced at Bain—his grip on his glass was iron-tight, his gaze dark and unreadable.She smiled.“Maybe he should.”Bain’s fork hit the plate with a sharp clink.The tension was suffoc
The AftermathBain returned to his estate, blood still staining his knuckles. The world had shifted in the span of a single night. He had made his statement. There was no more questioning who was the most feared man in the world.Even Viktor—who had seen and done it all—stood before Bain the next day, shaking his head in disbelief.“You’re a monster,” Viktor muttered. “And you know what’s worse? I think I’m afraid of you now.”Bain smirked. “Good.”He had always been dangerous. But now, he was untouchable.And the world would never forget it.The air inside Bain’s office was suffocating, thick with the scent of cigars and tension. Every man seated at the long mahogany table knew one thing—tonight would determine the future of the mafia underworld.THE MEETING Bain sat at the head of the table, exuding a deadly calm. His tailored black suit fit like armor, his piercing eyes scanning the room with a cold, calculating precision. Across from him, Lorenzo sat stiffly, barely masking the f
THE ENCOUNTERThey were stepping out of a boutique when the air shifted.Cassiopeia stopped mid-step. Her pulse spiked as she saw the man leaning against a sleek black car, arms crossed, eyes locked onto her like a predator.Elijah.Her stepfather. The man who had sold her to Bain.Luca noticed the change in her posture instantly. “What’s wrong?”But before she could answer, Elijah pushed off the car and approached, a sick smile on his lips. “Cassiopeia,” he drawled, eyes dark with something sinister. “Fancy seeing you here.”She clenched her fists, her breath uneven. “What do you want?”Elijah’s gaze flicked to Luca, his smirk deepening. “Looks like you’ve been making new friends.”Luca, sensing the tension, stepped in. “I don’t know who you are, but I’m guessing you’re not wanted here.”Elijah chuckled, unbothered. “You must be one of Bain’s little men. How cute.” Then, he turned back to Cassiopeia, his smile vanishing. “You think Bain’s protection makes you untouchable? You think yo
Chapter 13The scent of blood clung to Bain as he stepped inside the mansion, the dim glow of the chandelier casting long shadows across his face. His shirt was torn, soaked in sweat and streaked with red—none of it his. Every muscle in his body was tense, his knuckles raw from the brutal fight he had just endured.Cassiopeia stood at the top of the grand staircase, her breath catching at the sight of him. She had been pacing for hours, anxiety clawing at her stomach, but nothing prepared her for this. Bain looked like he had just walked out of hell.She hurried down the steps. “Bain…”He didn’t respond, just ran a hand through his blood-matted hair and strode toward the liquor cabinet. He poured himself a drink, his jaw tight, his movements stiff. Cassie followed, hovering just a few feet away.“You’re hurt.”Bain let out a low chuckle, though there was no humor in it. “This?” He gestured to himself. “This isn’t hurt.”Her eyes flicked to his torn shirt, to the bruises forming along h
Chapter 14The scent of cigar smoke hung heavy in the air, swirling through the dimly lit room like a ghostly warning. The long mahogany table was surrounded by men whose hands were stained with blood and whose names inspired fear across continents. At the head of the table sat Bain Blackwood, calm, composed, lethal.Across from him, Dmitry Moretti leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, an amused smirk playing on his lips. He was older than Bain by a few years, built like a man who had survived too many wars and thrived on every single one. His tailored suit did little to hide the scars beneath, and his dark eyes held the gleam of a man who thought he was untouchable.Bain studied him with the patience of a predator before a kill. The silence was thick, pressing, waiting to be broken.“You’ve been stepping on my territory,” Bain finally said, his voice quiet but cutting like a blade. “Making moves that don’t belong to you.”Dmitry’s smirk widened. “And you’ve been acting like you own
Valeria was losing patience.The black coin had already been delivered. Not just to a market. Not to a warehouse or a street-run crew. No—this time, she’d sent it straight to the gates of his fortress.Bain Blackwood’s compound.A bold move. A declaration of war.And yet… nothing.No retaliation. No reply. No counterstrike.She paced the dark loft of her hideout, the sharp clack of her heels against marble echoing like gunshots. Kain leaned against the wall behind her, arms crossed, expression blank. The assassin was a brutal storm in a quiet sky—always still before the kill. She trusted him more than most, which said very little. But even he looked slightly on edge now.“He’s waiting,” Valeria muttered, more to herself than anyone else. “Watching. Calculating. That’s what he does. But the longer he waits, the more dangerous he becomes.”Kain said nothing.Valeria spun toward one of her lieutenants, a wiry man with a split lip and trembling fingers. “What are the latest movements?”He
The SUV growled as it tore down the midnight streets of the city, its windows tinted, its driver silent. Bain Blackwood sat in the back seat, a storm barely contained beneath his skin. His eyes burned with fury, his hand resting on the pistol strapped to his thigh—not because he needed it, but because control was becoming a fragile thing.The massacre had happened less than an hour ago. One of his oldest markets—gone. Burned. Every man inside executed. It wasn’t just a message.It was a declaration.And left behind, in the middle of the bloodstained floor, was a single black coin.The same kind Bain once used as a symbol of finality.But this coin… wasn’t his.It bore no insignia. No carving. Just black, polished steel. Cold and silent.Valeria’s signature.She was playing his own game now.Viktor’s voice echoed in his mind from the call minutes earlier. “We cleared the scene. No witnesses. It was surgical, Bain. She didn’t just hit it to provoke you—she studied our rotation, our resp
The sky over New York bled gray as the first whispers of morning slithered through the city’s alleys. But in the heart of the Blackwood estate, there was no sunrise—only smoke.Bain stood in the center of the war room, eyes locked on the tablet in Viktor’s hands. The footage was grainy, taken from one of his security drones. What remained of one of his black market hubs looked like a warzone. Bodies scattered like discarded dolls. Fire licking the bones of steel scaffolding. Blood painted across concrete.And in the center, placed delicately atop a broken crate—A single obsidian coin.Unmarked. Untraceable. But he knew what it meant.Valeria.Viktor’s voice was like gravel. “They were tortured before they were killed. The cameras were disabled thirty seconds before the attack. Whoever did this knew the layout like the back of their hand.”Bain didn’t blink. “Someone gave her intel.”“They didn’t just hit the market, Bain. They destroyed it. This was a message.”Bain’s jaw clenched, h
The day broke with the scent of ash.Bain Blackwood stood on the balcony outside his office, the city sprawled out before him like a kingdom on the edge of a storm. A single call had shattered the early morning calm—a call from one of his lieutenants on the east side.The moment he answered, he felt it in his bones.“There’s been an attack.”The voice was tight, urgent. “Market district. One of ours. Ten men dead. Burned. And they left something behind.”Bain’s voice dropped, razor sharp. “What?”A beat.“A coin. Black. Right in the center of the carnage.”Bain didn’t speak. Didn’t blink. Just stared out at the skyline as the wind picked up around him.It wasn’t just an attack.It was a message.—Inside the mansion, the warmth of their new life still clung to the walls. Cassie padded through the hallway barefoot, their son tucked gently in her arms. She paused by the nursery window, catching the flicker of tension in Bain’s frame as he stood alone outside, the breeze ruffling his shi
Bain sat in the quiet of the nursery, his son cradled in his arms, his gaze softened as he watched the tiny life in his hands. The baby’s breath was even and gentle, completely unaware of the storm that was brewing just outside the walls of their peaceful sanctuary.He let out a breath, steadying himself. The weight of responsibility was different now. It wasn’t just power or violence that he had to protect—it was love. It was family. And the past, in all its ugly, blood-soaked glory, had returned to remind him just how fragile that could be.His phone buzzed again—an encrypted video call from Petrov and SokolovWithout hesitation, Bain swiped the screen, the familiar faces of his sworn brothers appearing on the screen. They both smiled when they saw him, a moment of genuine warmth breaking through the tension that had lingered in Bain’s chest since Viktor’s news.Petrov, as always, looked like a man who had stepped out of a warzone—and Sokolov, ever the strategist, gave a sharp nod as
The scent of blood and expensive perfume hung in the air like smoke.Valeria lounged on a velvet chaise in her private suite, the lighting dim, casting shadows that danced like old ghosts on the walls. A glass of red wine swirled in her hand, the liquid as dark as her thoughts. She wore silk—crimson, like fresh blood—and nothing else. The room around her looked like the den of a queen from some violent fairytale: gold-dusted mirrors, antique weapons mounted beside oil paintings, and a wall-length map of New York City dotted with pins and notes in sharp, angry handwriting.Her lips curved into a lazy smile as she lifted the glass to her mouth.“He’s scared,” she murmured. “I can feel it.”Across the room, her informant shifted uncomfortably. He wasn’t one of her usual playthings—too tense, too serious—but his intel was valuable. And she had a taste for useful men, even if they bored her.“You asked for a full report,” he said, straightening. “And you need to hear it before you make ano
The sun poured softly through the tall windows of the Blackwood estate, golden light draping over the polished marble floors and velvet curtains. For once, silence didn’t mean tension—it meant peace.Cassie sat curled up in the nursery, her newborn son nestled against her chest. He was small, warm, and impossibly perfect. His little fingers clutched at the lace of her robe as he slept, his breathing soft and steady.Bain stood in the doorway, leaning against the frame with his arms crossed over his broad chest, watching her with a look that no one else ever got to see—soft, reverent, protective. He didn’t say anything. He didn’t need to. Everything was right, at last.Luca wandered past behind him, cradling a mug of coffee, still shirtless, clearly making himself at home. Ryder trailed after him, yawning and muttering something about needing better espresso. They’d both moved in after the chaos had ended, claiming the guest wing. Family. Finally.For the first time in their violent, b
The night air was thick with smoke and the metallic scent of blood. The abandoned fortress outside Prague burned in the distance, casting a hellish glow over the field where it all came to an end.Bain stood at the center of the battlefield, his black coat soaked in blood—his and his enemies’. His breath came in ragged bursts. His knuckles were raw, his jaw bruised. But his eyes burned with vengeance.Volkov was still standing too, blood streaming from a gash over his eye, his lip split, one arm hanging limp from a dislocated shoulder. Around them, bodies littered the ground—Volkov’s men, torn apart by Bain’s soldiers and the loyal Bratva.Petrov and Sokolov had arrived like thunder, their forces crashing down in a synchronized assault. The Russians fought with brutal efficiency, honoring Bain’s loyalty with bloodshed and power. Gunfire echoed, men screamed, but Bain heard none of it.He saw only Volkov.“You came all this way,” Volkov spat, staggering to his feet, “for a girl.”Bain’s
The days passed in a blur for Cassie. Life in the farmhouse had become a strange sort of calm. The couple who had taken her in, Mary and George, treated her with nothing but kindness. They provided a safe refuge for her and her unborn child, but Cassie could never shake the feeling that the storm was still brewing, just waiting to crash down.Her belly had grown more prominent in the past few months. At seven months pregnant, every movement was a reminder of the life she carried inside her, a life that had kept her grounded, kept her going. She tried to stay positive, to focus on the moments of peace she found in the farmhouse, but her thoughts were constantly drawn to Bain.She missed him, more than she cared to admit. His absence left a hole in her chest, a constant ache that never quite went away. The uncertainty of what had happened to him—where he was, if he was okay—kept her awake at night, staring out at the horizon, hoping that one day he would come for her. She had faith. She