A man dressed in an all-black suit and tie strolled into a dimly lit room. Slowly he removed his suit jacket and eyed the other occupants. He placed his jacket on the back of the chair and sat down.
There were three other men. Two were standing on opposing walls to the left and right of the mysterious gentleman. The third sat in a chair before him, bound by every knot that could keep a man incapacitated.
Though he was in a less than imaginable position – one most would find extremely uncomfortable – the bound man seemed to be… unfazed by it.
“I’m trying to decide,” began the immaculately dressed fellow, “whether I want to slit your throat with a machete and watch you bleed and die a slow and painful death… or shoot you in the head and get it over with.” He tilted his head to the side. “I’m finding myself completely repulsed by the look of your face.”
No one spoke. The bound man sat silently, waiting for any idea of what would come next. Surely, this man would not just talk about killing him without a reason as to why! Right?
“Seeing as I am a sensible man, I will allow you to choose. Or… you can be a good boy and give me the answers to every fucking question I have for you.” He picked at a piece of lint on his slacks and dusted it away. “If you do that without fight, then maybe – and I mean maybe – I’ll let you walk away with only a bullet in your leg and an ugly limp.”
“What do you want to know?”
They both stared at one another, each with calm demeanors. Neither gave an ounce of emotion nor made a single move or sound.
“Multiple loads of my product have been sold, yet the money is not in my pockets. Care to explain?”
“I don’t know” said the man in ropes. “I am not in charge of the sales of finance. I just collect and deliver.”
He stared at him, not a crack in his face betraying him to portray his thoughts.
“You only collect the cash?”
“Correct.”
“When you collect the funds, where does it go?”
“I am… not sure. It is above my pay grade. I gave it to David as instructed. Anything else beyond that is also beyond me.”
Taking in the attitude of the man, he noticed he was too calm. He looked to be a man with nothing to hide. A man who spoke the truth.
“To David?”
“To David,” confirmed the man tied to a chair.
Interesting.
He stood and moved the chair to the side. The man standing guard on his right retrieved it and returned to his former position.
“I only have one remaining question for you, Roscoe.”
“Boss?”
“Last week, one of my men – no… actually, there were four – they were killed while doing business. Do you know who they were?”
Roscoe frowned and shifted in his restrictions. “Wasn’t that Jenkins, sir?”
“Yes, it was indeed,” he said turning his back to Roscoe. “It was Jenkins, Brent, Chase…” he turned back to face Roscoe and glared.
It was a shame.
Roscoe’s demeanor did represent an innocent and honest man, that he could tell. But it was truly a pity. It was a pity because it meant he would be losing a man with one hell of a poker face.
If he were smarter, it would not have to end this way.
Such a fucking shame!
“Sir?”
“It was Jenkins, Brent, Chase and David. Roscoe, the very man you claimed to have delivered my money to, somehow ended up dead right at the time you were supposed to make the transfer.”
Roscoe’s eyes widened a fraction. His throat expanded as he made a slow but hefty swallow. There it was, the crack in the foundation that was his calm.
His work was never fun unless there was fear.
“You know, Roscoe? I commend you. I really do. Your entire act would have gone right over my head had I not been smarter than you. You were calm and collected as if you had nothing to lose. It was almost believable that maybe – just maybe – you were clueless as to the reason I brought your dumbass here. But you see… I have been blessed.”
“Sir, I –
“I have been blessed with the power to spot bullshit a mile away. I could see through your lies so well they were indiscernible. What kind of fool do you take me for? How fucking idiotic do you think I am?”
“I-I can explain!”
“I don’t think you can explain anything to me,” he said calmly. “You no longer have the answers. Not when every single word that comes out of your mouth is and forever will be bullshit!”
He turned around and threw his head back. Releasing a sigh, he folded his arms.
“I trusted David. He was loyal. He was determined. Most importantly, he was dedicated. He is one of the few that have been by my side since day one. He both cared for and helped build the empire I have today. I would label him as one of my closest friends. How do you think he got a job so close to me?”
He faced Roscoe with great dismay.
"He told me that you were skipping out on me, but you knew that, of course. That had to of been the reason you killed him. Why else would you kill your mentor? The very man who took you in when you broke your ass out on the streets.”
The gentleman reached into his pocket and pulled out a hair tie. He pulled his long silk black locks back and tied it into a messy bun.
“He is the only reason you have seen my face today. His death by your hands is the reason I decided to kill you personally. I promised his wife that I would see to it that his life is avenged. If I am anything, I am a man of my word.”
One of the guards proceeded to hand him a gun, but he waved it away with a shake of his head.
“No” he said. “a bullet would be too easy of a death for this fucker. Far too swift. “He rolled up his sleeves above his elbows. “David would have wanted more from you, don’t you think?”
Before Roscoe could respond, the man in black began to beat him. He continued, ruthlessly, face contorted in anger as blood splattered across it.
“That man,” he began as he held Roscoe’s head still before planting several punches to his jaw. “He had a wife and three daughters. A wife that will never be held by him again. Three daughters that he will never watch grow up and walk down the aisle. And... it is all due to your greed!”
Tired, he took a few steps back. His chest was heaving heavily as his stamina was brought to its limits. Wiping his wrist across his chin, he looked over his handy work. Roscoe’s face was unidentifiable. His eyes swelled, his lips busted, his nose cracked to the side, and he was sure he broke the guy's jaw. It may need some wiring.
But he will never get it fixed.
You cannot operate on a dead man.
Just as he was about to torture the man some more, one of his guards placed a hand on his shoulder. He froze.
"Boss, you have asked me to remind you of your meeting before you got carried away. If you continue, you will be late."
Sighing out, he gave a curt nod. "Of course."
He held his hand out to one of the guards so they could place a pistol in his hand. When no one did, he turned to the men, annoyed.
"You said a bullet was to good for him", one of the guards said.
"Then what do you suggest I do, then", he said glancing at Roscoe from the corner of his eye.
"Axel, sir."
Raising his brows, the boss was intrigued. Why hadn't he thought of that to begin with?
"Very well. Clean this up,” he said. “Axel does not like a messy operating room. Have Roscoe cleaned up as well. Tell Axel that he can do whatever he pleases. We do not need this mistake of a man for anything else."
"W-wait", Roscoe coughed out. "Please! No! I am sorry! I will do anything you want. I will work to care for the family! Anything! Please don't! Anything but Axel!"
"I have to get ready for another meeting.” The man began to exit the room as Roscoe screamed behind him for mercy.
A man such as him didn't deserve to even think of the word mercy.
I... am drunk. Mel and I were on the dance floor with drinks in our hands, her chest to my back, grinding forward, coordinated. I was having the time of my life with my best friend. I was so glad I decided to let my hair down. “I’m going to get another drink, do you want one,” she asked. I quickly drank the remainder of my drink, now accustomed to the flares that the alcohol produced. I nodded and handed the empty glass to her. I continued dancing as she walked to the bar. Looking around to take in my surroundings - now that my second was not around - I tried to keep an eye on everything around me. That is something hard to do when your brain is fuzzy from copious amounts of liquor. I threw my head back, sighing. My eyes closed as my hands caressed the sides of my face. I swayed my hips as my fingers trailed down my neck and went behind and pushed up my hair. My eyes opened and met amber ones. From up above on the upper level – for those super important people – leaning aga
Dante offered his hand to me, and I looked down at it with new eyes. I took the offered hand and climbed over the rope. He led me to the dance floor and spun me, pulling me to his chest. “Wow,” I said. “I see you have some skill.” He raised his brows and chuckled. “Okay, so maybe you are not as shy as I thought. You speak!” I rolled my eyes and slapped his chest with a smile. He looked down at the assaulting hand and peered over to my breast. His eyes seemed to glaze over, and I frowned. I was beginning to wonder if he was a bit more hammered than I. “Like the view?” He blinked and looked me in the eye. “I’m sorry,” he apologized. “I just really like your outfit.” “No,” I gasped out sarcastically. “Really? I never got that.” “Am I that obvious?” “A tad bit,” I said with a smile. “I mean, I could be wrong, but I knew something was up when you stared at my tits like a nursing infant in need of feeding.” He laughed out, head falling back. “I am so sorry. I did not mea
Ambers. It was the man from the banister on the top floor! “Are you alright?” “I-I...” I could not speak. From a distance I could not see all his features but up close... the man was devastatingly gorgeous. I spun around to face him fully since I only craned my neck. He was tall with a strong and broad structure. He had long dark hair that passed his shoulders. He had two scars on his face, one on his left brow and the other on the right curve of his chin cutting through his perfectly groomed beard to the bottom of his jaw. He wore a black button down with the top two buttons undone and his sleeves expertly rolled up to his elbows. The skin of his exposed arms and chest were blessed with beautifully intricate tattoos. The way he stared down at me, in all his glory, sent shivers down my spine. It reminded me of the striking gaze of a wild wolf on the prowl. There are only two words I would use to sum up and describe this man. Sexy and dangerous. And the two words I would u
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Slowly sucking in air, I released a muffled sigh. I was warm but slightly uncomfortable. My eyes groggily opened to reveal the sight of a headboard. It was a cushioned upholstered headboard with a diamond tufting and traditional camelback shape made with a black denim like material. It was a nice headboard, but it was not my headboard. How peculiar... My heavy eyes blinked as I moved my arms from under the pillow that cushioned my head rather gently. Despite me sleeping atop it, the pillow was cool. It must have been one of those expensive cooling pillows. A line of drool had trickled down my jaw line during my slumber, so I slowly wiped it off. Odd. I only drool in my sleep if I have been knocked out cold by those drowsy cold medicines while being sick. I stretched my hands towards the board and released a small whine. Everything hurt. My mouth was dry and tasted horrible. My limbs felt heavy and extremely sluggish. My muscles ached as if I trained for the Olympics without pr
I could only imagine what I looked like. I had no idea how to attempt a walk of shame. I pulled my phone out of my pocket and saw that I had a few notifications. Some were just random things like social media, emails, and app reminders. I took notice of the texts and calls from Mel as I entered the elevator. She called me twice and texted me a few more times than that. She assured me that she made it to shelter fine. She told me that she and Chris went to his place and drank even more. There were some illegible texts that I could not translate proving just
He was in such a horrid mood that evening. Having to lose a close ally, putting an end to an idiot, and dealing with the riff raff of subordinate groups who could not hold a candle to his organization, he was far from in the mood to be in his club. But when he saw her, that all changed. He leaned over the railing to the executive area of his club and stared down at the crowd enjoying themselves. At first, he was staring blindly at the dance floor. He only needed a moment to clear his head before leaving for the evening. But the sensual movements of maroon caught his eye. And he caught hers a
A Month Later The sound of silence. It is my favorite. And within a dark room? Immaculate. A dark and silent room is my preferred environment. It is all I must picture to reach a certain level of concentration. If I can image an environment like that and block everything else out… I am sure there is nothing I cannot accomplish. My fingers dance across the velvet keys. My heart swelled as I leaned forward, lips kissing the vibrating waves of sound floating ind
The night was alive with the electric energy of the city, a backdrop of bustling streets and vibrant lights that set the stage for the unexpected convergence of four intriguing personalities. Jezebel, Melissa, Dexter, and Axel found themselves drawn together, united by the gravitational pull of curiosity and intrigue, their paths converging as they observed the unfolding scene before them. Jezebel leaned against the wall, her eyes veiled in amusement as she watched her brother, Abaddon, whisk Aurelia away in his arms. The playful glint in her eyes revealed a knowing smile—she was well aware of the dynamics at play between the two. Her gaze shifted to Melissa, the newest addition to the group, a woman of mystery whose aura was a blend of enigma and allure. Melissa's expression was a mix of fascination and assessment, her sharp eyes taking in every detail of the scene before her. She had been brought into this world unexpectedly, and now, her gaze locked onto Axel—his playful demeanor
The night unfolded like a dream, full of laughter and whispers of adventure. With Jezebel, Mel, and me, it was like stepping into a world of secrets and possibilities. Up on that rooftop bar, the music wrapped around us, and I danced like there was no tomorrow. We were a trio of unstoppable energy, united against anything that dared to intrude on our fun. But beneath the laughter and the music, something was different. I felt as if someone was there, lingering like shadows, keeping watch from a distance. It felt like they were guarding us, watching over us in their own mysterious way. The night held a sense of intrigue, like we were characters in a story just waiting to be discovered. As the hours passed, the mix of drinks and excitement blurred my senses. The night had an air of adventure, a whisper that urged me to step out of my comfort zone. And then she appeared. The carefree me, a new friend who felt strangely familiar, like a missing puzzle piece falling into place. And then
“Explain,” he hissed. “Now!” “It’s all their fault,” Axel snitched. “Jez and Dex cornered me after our meeting threatening me if I didn’t tell them about Aurelia. Then they forced me on this goose chase to find and follow to see if she were a threat!” Dexter's frustration grew, his features contorting with a mix of irritation and anger. “Ya have got to be kidding me! Ever heard the saying snitches get stitches? How many do ya want?” “Oh, go back to Britian”, Axel snapped. “Ye lickarse! One little look and you fall over ya self?” “I’ll deal with you both later.” Abaddon then turned and began to walk towards the three women before Dexter grabbed his arm. “You’re really going to confront them?” The trio of women, blissfully unaware of the looming confrontation, continued to enjoy their night out. As the hours passed, Aurelia's intoxication became evident, her laughter ringing through the air. Her new friend, a mysterious addition to the group, seemed equally jovial. Axel's gaze r
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The night had taken an unexpected turn, one that Aurelia and Melissa could not have foreseen as they embarked on their girls' night out. With Jezebel's presence added to the mix, the evening became an intriguing blend of newfound camaraderie and unspoken secrets. As they left the upscale clothing store, the trio walked side by side, the bustling city around them now carrying an air of mystery and anticipation. Jezebel's aura exuded both power and grace, a combination that was difficult to ignore. Aurelia couldn't help but feel a mix of admiration and curiosity as she stole glances at the enigmatic woman beside her. "So, Jezebel," Melissa began, her tone casual as she attempted to initiate conversation. "What brings you to our city? Are you here for business?" Jezebel's lips curved into a knowing smile, her gaze flickering between Aurelia and Melissa. "You could say that. I'm here to explore new opportunities and perhaps make some new connections." Aurelia exchanged a glance with M
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Under the twilight's golden embrace, the city streets bustled with life, each step bringing Aurelia and Melissa closer to their anticipated night of freedom. With an air of excitement, they embraced the rare opportunity to revel in each other's company, dressed in tasteful yet effortlessly stylish ensembles that radiated their personalities.Unbeknownst to them, Axel stood in the shadows, his usual jester demeanor replaced by a focused intensity. His gaze was fixed on the two women across the road, their laughter and shared moment captivating his attention. He twirled a six-inch silver Teishin needle in his left hand, its glint a reflection of his equally sharp mind.Dressed in a fitted black t-shirt and cargo pants, Axel's usual quirkiness seemed temporarily subdued. A more serious expression graced his features, one that rarely became exposed. He leaned against a building; his body language relaxed yet attentive. In his right hand, he held a cell phone, through which his voice carri
In the dimly lit chamber of Abaddon's opulent mansion, a clandestine meeting was underway. The trio had gathered to discuss the enigmatic woman who had captured Abaddon's attention. Jezebel leaned against a polished table, her alluring aura mixing with a hint of danger, while Dexter's imposing presence stood nearby, his emerald eyes gleaming with intrigue. Axel lounged with an air of nonchalance, his cynical grin playing across his lips. "Alright, Axel," Jezebel purred, her voice dripping with mischief. "It's time you spilled the beans. We know you have had a little tête-à-tête with our dear Abaddon. So, tell us, what is the deal with this woman who is captured his interest?" Axel chuckled, raising an eyebrow at their eager expressions. "Well, my dear friends, gather 'round, for I have a story to share." Jezebel's gaze held a challenge as she leaned in closer. "Axel, don't play games with us. We know you have talked to Abaddon about this woman. Now, spill the details." Axel's grin
In a room where shadows danced like ghosts, a table dominated the center, and five chairs surrounded the table, but only three figures gathered around it. At the head, Abaddon exuded an aura of cold authority, his dark gaze locked onto the files spread before him. To his left sat the towering figure of Dexter, a man of imposing strength and silent intensity. To his right lounged Axel, his cynical smirk contrasting the gravity of the situation. But this meeting was about to change. The air shifted with the entrance of a new presence. The door creaked open, and Jezebel Marcus glided in, her entrance commanding the room's attention. Her long black hair cascaded like midnight silk down her back, framing a face that held both beauty and danger. Her brown eyes bore into the room with an unwavering intensity, holding a depth that betrayed the secrets she concealed. Her figure was alluringly curvaceous yet emanated strength, a testament to her lethal grace. "Good of you to join us, Jezebel,