EARLIER The previous day, after Camilla left, she began heading toward Hector's location, armed with all the information she had gathered from Antonio. She had spent hours poring over the files, connecting the dots, and preparing herself mentally for what lay ahead. After studying every detail, she drove toward Hector's den, parking a safe distance away. The estate was an impenetrable fortress, surrounded by towering walls, electronic gates, and armed guards. Camilla knew better than to approach recklessly. She needed a plan. She waited, her patience a thin veil over her simmering anxiety. When the day slipped into night without any opening, she retreated to a nearby motel. The room was sparse, just a bed and a small bathroom, but it served its purpose. She showered, changed into fresh clothes, and went over her strategy until sleep claimed her for a few short hours. Before dawn, Camilla was back on the road. She parked near Hector's compound, her eyes sharp as she watched the
EARLIERafter Hector gave the order for his men to catch the intruder, he turned his face to Ruby, whose eyes were closed. As he stared at her, seeing the fear etched into every line of her expression, he swallowed. His eyes moved over her form, trailing down to her breasts, watching as they rose and fell with rapid, shallow breaths. His jaw tightened, a mix of emotions swirling within him—anger, confusion, and desire. Then, suddenly, her eyes opened, and their gazes locked. For a moment, neither of them moved. She was breathing so fast, and he could feel the weight of the situation pressing down on them both. The room seemed to shrink around them, every sound muffled, every movement slowed. Realizing how dire the situation was, he pulled back sharply, pushing himself off her. The floor met his back with a cold, hard jolt, and the distance between them stretched like a taut wire ready to snap. Ruby sat up, her movements quick and defensive. She crossed her arms tightly, coveri
Ruby's heart pounded so loudly that she feared even the walls could hear it. Camila moved ahead of her, the gun in her hand steady, her eyes sharp and unwavering. They slipped through the dimly lit hallways, every step measured and deliberate. Shadows moved along the walls as Hector’s men continued their search, their voices low and threatening. The house was a labyrinth, each corridor a trap. Ruby's hands shook as she clung to Camila’s shirt, her mind a chaotic swirl of prayers and fears. She could barely breathe, every gasp stifled as they ducked behind furniture, pressed against cold walls, and edged past open doorways. Her fear for Camila grew with every step. She knew Hector—his cruelty, his ruthlessness. If he caught them, he would make sure Camila paid for this intrusion. Ruby had seen the blood on his hand earlier, the evidence that Camila had wounded him. The realization that her friend had actually shot Hector filled her with equal parts hope and terror. There were so
Camila panted for breath as she sprinted through the corridors of Hector Morales' sprawling compound. The gun in her hand felt like an extension of her arm... heavy, cold, and ready. Shadows danced along the stone walls, and every corner held the promise of danger. She needed to buy enough time for her friend to escape, no matter the cost. Her mind raced with the image of Ruby, the terrified girl she had found in that filthy room. The wide, haunted eyes of her best friend had spoken volumes, and Camila knew she couldn’t leave without her. She had told Ruby to run, giving her directions to the gate. In a desperate bid for help, Camila managed to pull out her phone while still running. She dialed Antonio’s number, praying he would answer quickly. As soon as she heard his voice, she blurted out, “Listen, Antonio, I've found my best friend, Ruby. I'm at Hector's place. The information you gave me checked out. Antonio, you need to send backup as soon as possible.” “Where did you say
As Monroe hurried out of the room, Tara went into the bathroom and wet her hair. Meanwhile, Ruby remained in the same spot, listening to the shower rushing. Ruby’s mind whirred, each thought sharp and urgent. Tara’s plan had unfolded like a slow, venomous whisper. Betrayal, murder, and fire—each word etched a clearer picture of the danger she was in. She couldn’t let herself become a casualty of someone else’s scheme. Even if Hector deserved every bit of the hell coming his way, why did she have to die with him? Why did Camila have to pay the price too? Earlier, Hector had taunted her, dangling a cruel promise that she would die alongside Gray. She couldn’t let that be her fate. The only way out was to run. Ruby’s knuckles turned white as she gripped the edge of the bed frame. She had to move. After a while, the door creaked open, and Tara bolted out of the room, her wet hair plastered against her cheeks, playing the part of the oblivious sister. Ruby waited, every second stre
Ruby clung to Camila, her tears wetting the shoulder of her friend's dirt-streaked top. Her sobs echoed through the dimly lit room, a harsh contrast to the silence of the room. The only response came from Hector, his slow, deliberate clapping breaking through the grief-stricken embrace. “Wow, such a touching display of love, loyalty, and friendship,” Hector said, his voice dripping with mock admiration. His lips curled into a smirk, a predator savoring the distress of his prey. He turned to his men, all of whom stood at attention with expressions as blank as a fresh grave. “Aren't you guys impressed?” They nodded in unison, puppets on Hector’s strings. Their eyes remained cold, devoid of the humanity that Ruby had always believed resided in every person. But these weren’t men; they were shadows—extensions of Hector’s cruelty. Ruby’s wide eyes darted from face to face, searching for a glimmer of sympathy, but found none. Her gaze landed on Tara and Monroe, standing off to the s
“Please, please,” Ruby kept on crying, her voice desperate. “Please, I’m begging you. She just wanted to save me because we are like sisters. Please, do not hurt her.” Camila, still kneeling across the room, became silent. Her head hung low, a few strands of hair obscuring her face. The men surrounding her stood still, their eyes shifting between Ruby and Hector as if watching a game unfold. Hector allowed Ruby's pleas to fill the room. His fingers drummed lazily against his pants, a counterpoint to Ruby’s frantic sobs. He raised a hand, and the men holding Camila at the door nodded, their grips loosening just enough to keep her upright but not free. “Hold on,” Hector said, his voice a cold whisper that silenced the room. He studied Ruby, his head tilted as if she were an insect pinned under glass. “Are you truly ready to be my dog?” “Yes,” Ruby choked out. “I swear. I’ll do anything. Anything you want.” Hector straightened, his lips pulling into a slow, serpentine smile. “I
After chopping off Don Gray’s hand from his wrist, Ruby staggered backward, the weight of the axe slipping from her trembling hands. The metallic clang of the blade against the concrete floor echoed in the room. Blood splattered her face, neck, and hands, its warmth turning cold against her skin. Her stomach churned, and she felt a wave of nausea rising, but she swallowed it down, focusing on the only thing that mattered—Camila. Her body shivered uncontrollably as she moved toward her friend. Each step felt heavier, as if the blood on her skin had turned to chains, binding her to the horror she had just committed. Camila, who knew all too well how much Ruby despised the sight of blood, immediately rose from where she had been kneeling. “Ruby...” Camila whispered, her voice filled with concern. She hurried forward, steadying Ruby with gentle hands. Without hesitation, she turned Ruby around and tore off a strip of her T-shirt. The fabric ripped cleanly, and Camila began wiping the
THREE MONTHS AGO Maya Suarez sat cross-legged on the carpet, helping her 12-year-old sister, Star, with her homework. Laughter bubbled between them as they joked over math problems in Star’s brightly colored room. For a brief moment, everything felt normal and safe. Then came a knock on the door. “Maya,” her stepmother’s shrill voice called. “Come out here. Now.” Maya stood up, exchanged a glance with Star, and stepped outside. Her heart sank the moment she saw him. Standing beside her stepmother was a man nearly twice her age—big-bellied, sweat-stained, and grinning beneath a thick mess of unkempt gray beard. His eyes were beady, too close together, and he looked her up and down with undisguised hunger. “What is this?” Maya asked flatly. “Cat?” Cat, her stepmother, beamed. “Maya, you remember I told you about the handsome man you’re going to marry? This is Angel. He came to see his bride. We’re going to start planning the wedding.” Maya recoiled. “What marriage? Liste
After Ruby accepted Hector’s proposal, he stood up, taking her with him, and crashed his lips against hers, pouring every ounce of love, pride, and joy into that kiss. Around them, the room erupted in claps and cheers. Carlos whistled, Hunter grinned and clapped with both hands, while even Manuel gave a crooked smile and joined in. And to Ruby’s surprise, Anya clapped the loudest. The moment Hector pulled back from the kiss, Anya squealed in delight and rushed toward Ruby. “I’m so excited! Welcome to the family!” she said, throwing her arms around Ruby. Ruby blinked, caught off guard. She’d seen Anya earlier, tucked slightly behind Hunter, but now seeing her up close, she was stunned by how young she looked. She smiled as she gently pulled back and glanced at the ring on Anya’s finger. “Wait… you’re married?” Ruby asked with a surprised laugh. “But you look so young!” Anya giggled. “I am! Nineteen years old and married to Hunter Steele.” She said it with pride, like a girl
Ruby couldn’t stop smiling as she held Hector’s hand, their fingers intertwined like they’d been molded that way from the start. The past one month had felt like a fairytale—a soothing balm to every scar life had left on her. She had never known peace could feel like this. Being with Hector was like waking up to sunlight after years of cold storms. He treated her like the most precious gem in the world, never raising his voice, never letting her lift a finger when he was around. He always knew exactly what she needed—even before she said it. He was soft with her in ways no one else had ever been. The man the world feared—the cold, ruthless mafia boss known for his brutality—became someone entirely different when he was with her. He was gentle, warm and patient. Even Camilla, who had once pointed a gun at Hector’s head, eventually had to admit that Hector brought out the best in Ruby—and perhaps, Ruby brought out the best in him too. Her father had adjusted well to the ne
Ruby clung to Hector’s chest, holding him tightly as sleep slowly overtook her. With her arms wrapped around him and his steady heartbeat beneath her ear, she drifted into a deep, peaceful sleep. By the time she opened her eyes again, the morning sun had already begun streaming through the curtains. She blinked a few times and reached across the bed—only to find it empty. She sat up immediately, heart racing. “Hector?” she called out, glancing around the room. “Hector?” Her voice wavered. Was it all a dream? Her hand flew to her lips—the place he had kissed her the night before. The warmth of his touch, the passion, the softness of his voice... it had all felt so real. Her eyes welled up with tears. “No,” she whispered, “It felt too real to be a dream.” Just then, the bathroom door opened. Hector stepped out with a towel slung around his waist, his hair damp and messy from a shower, water glistening across his chest. His skin was golden under the light, his sharp jawline
When Camila arrived home, the last thing she expected to see was Antonio leaning casually against her front door, arms crossed and a soft smile playing on his lips. For a moment, her heart softened at the sight of him—tall, and familiar. She walked up to him with a smile of her own and pulled him into a warm, slow kiss. He leaned into it, surprised but pleased. When they parted, he raised an eyebrow. "Okay," he said. "What was that for? You’re unusually sweet today. Should I be worried?" Camila chuckled as she fished out her keys. “I don’t know,” she said. “Maybe I’m just catching some of Ruby’s happiness. It’s contagious, I guess.” Antonio followed her inside, closing the door behind them. “Hmm. Ruby… happy,” he repeated with a dry laugh. “That’s good. Really good. But sometimes I wonder if you two came out of the same womb, with how strongly you feel about her.” Camila snorted as she dropped her bag by the couch. “You wouldn’t understand,” she said, walking into the kitche
Seeing Camila standing there with a gun pointed straight at Hector, Ruby instinctively stepped in front of him. “What are you doing?” she asked, her voice sharp and protective. Without hesitation, she moved forward and snatched the gun from Camila, tossing it across the room. Camila’s eyes widened in disbelief. “I should be the one asking you that! Why is this monster in your room?” Hector smirked from behind Ruby. “Camila,” he said calmly, “you know, I never got the chance to say I admire your loyalty. It’s… impressive.” Camila glared at him, then turned to Ruby. “What the hell is going on here? Are you seriously sitting with a ghost?” Hector, unbothered, sat down and crossed his legs, silently watching the drama unfold. Ruby took a breath. “I’ll explain everything. Hector survived, Camila. He’s been alive… and he’s been protecting me. He’s not here to hurt me. He saved me.” “I still don’t get it.” “The bottom line is…” Ruby hesitated, then looked straight at Camila.
After the passion was spent, Hector pulled away and slowly reached for his clothes. The heat between them had cooled, leaving behind an echo of everything they’d shared—everything they’d lost and what still lingered in the air like a ghost. Without a word, he began to dress, his movements quiet, detached, as though what had just happened didn’t exist or had never meant anything. Ruby lay there for a moment, watching him. Her heart pounded against her chest—not from desire anymore, but fear. Fear that this would be the last time she'd see him. Fear that this was goodbye. She quickly got out of bed, wrapping the sheet around her as she rushed to him, throwing her arms around his torso from behind, pressing her face against his bare back. “Please, Hector,” she whispered, her voice already breaking. “Please… don’t go.” Hector froze. He didn’t move and said nothing. She clutched him tighter, her arms trembling. “Don’t walk away from me. Not like this.” He gently pried her hands
The house was quiet. The kind of silence that didn’t bring peace but stirred everything he was trying to bury. Hector stood by the window of his study, arms folded tightly across his chest, staring out into the vast backyard that once reminded him of freedom. Now, it only reminded him of Ruby. A knock came on the door. “Come in,” Hector said, his voice flat. The door creaked open, and one of his trusted men stepped inside. He looked hesitant, like he wasn’t sure if he should speak. “Well?” “She came, boss,” the underling said quietly. “Ruby.” Hector didn’t flinch, but inside, something shifted. “She said… she needs to see you. Just once. She said it’s important. That if she sees you one more time, she’ll never bother you again.” He turned away from the window and sat on the edge of his desk, one hand rubbing his jaw. “Did she say what it was about?” “No. Only that it was important. She seemed sincere. Sad.” Of course she did."I told her you were dead, just as yo
Hector gently pried Ruby’s trembling hands away from his body, even though every cell in him ached to do the opposite—to turn around, pull her into his arms, and hold her close like he used to. But he didn’t. His voice was clipped, and unreadable. “I need to get rid of these bodies,” he said flatly, without looking at her. The moment she heard his voice, Ruby gasped sharply. It was like the air had been knocked out of her lungs. Her knees weakened, and her heart thumped wildly in her chest. It was him. It was really Hector. Alive. Breathing. Standing just inches from her. And yet… he wouldn’t even look at her. While her thoughts spun out of control—memories, regrets, guilt crashing all at once—Hector raised his phone to his ear and gave a cold order. “Come in. Bring two body bags with you.” Ruby remained frozen where she stood, staring at the blood pooling near her feet and the lifeless bodies of Eduardo and Selena. But none of it moved her. The shock that Hector was still al