As I walked, each step causing me excruciating pain, the conflicting voices in my head reminded me that Adele was Mark's sister. They urged me to turn back, to stick to the plan. But I couldn't recall ever denying myself anything, and the desire to see Adele before I crashed overwhelmed any rational thinking. Yes, she was going to be my nurse, a terrible plan I had consciously orchestrated, knowing I was throwing her into a dangerous situation. But she was the enforcer's sister, and once she arrived at my house, there was no other role she could play but that of my nurse. I had to play my part and distance myself from her, for both our sakes. But before the mask came on, I had this one chance to speak with her, to connect.Clutching the key card in my hand, I stood in front of her suite's door. Common sense dictated that I didn't need to knock, but I did so anyway, a deliberate act to jolt myself back to reality. Minutes ticked by, and I contemplated turning back, leaving, and getting
Restless and unable to escape the tantalizing dreams of a tall, dark, brooding hunk who embodied Archer, I found solace in the temporary respite they provided from the previous day's ordeals. The blaring sound of the alarm shattered the lingering echoes of those dreams, jolting me awake. It was a relief in its own way, freeing me from the intense yearning they had awakened within me. But the reality of Archer's kiss still lingered, refusing to be dismissed. The memory of his fiery touch ignited tremors in my heart, while his sudden retreat filled me with a sense of embarrassment. "He was the one who kissed me!" I muttered to myself, frustration and defiance mingling in my voice. "There's nothing to be ashamed of!" I repeated, a glimmer of determination shining through. I let out a deflated sigh, my hands gently rubbing away the remnants of slumber from my face. "I shouldn't have hugged him! What possessed me to do that?" The image of him turning his back and striding away, leaving me
As I observed Archer’s guards assembling into a human shield, blocking my path to his residence, I couldn't help but feel a surge of annoyance at their disrespectful demeanor, and I made a mental note to have them all fired once I assumed my rightful place by Archer's side."Is Archer home?" I inquired, trying to maintain a composed tone despite my frustration."No, madam," one of the guards replied."Very well. Can I speak with his nurse? It must be quite lonely for her to be confined there all day," I suggested, attempting to feign sympathy. However, they remained unmoved, and instead, more guards gathered, reinforcing the blockade at the entrance. Anger simmered within me, though I concealed it beneath a facade of amusement."Boss said no one is allowed inside when he's not in the building," the first guard retorted."Is that so?" I scoffed. "Not even Victor?" I questioned, hoping to catch them off guard. However, they met my inquiry with blank stares."Very well then, gentlemen. I
Days later, my plan was set in motion. During dinner, when my mother was distracted by one of the maids, I surreptitiously dropped a couple of valium tablets into her wine. As she drank it, blissfully unaware, I settled back, pretending to be engrossed with my phone while I ate."I don't know what's wrong with me; I suddenly feel sleepy," she remarked."Hmm..." I replied nonchalantly, feigning disinterest. She hissed and knocked my phone from my hand. "What?!" I yelled in annoyance."You could at least pretend to care!" she hissed at me.Rolling my eyes, I picked up my phone and headed out, taking my plate with me. "You're just old, Mother. There's nothing wrong with you," I retorted, knowing that would hurt her, considering her superficial nature. Her appearance was her most prized possession."Little bitch!" she yelled, incensed. I chuckled, walking away, leaving her fuming. I went into the kitchen to finish my food before retreating to my room to wait.Two hours later, I adorned a
Kuklinski, a name that sent chills down the spines of both allies and enemies alike. Being involved with the Donovans had accorded me the front-seat role to be intimately familiar with the dark deeds and reputation of this infamous mafia boss. Kuklinski was a cunning and ruthless man, known for his calculated moves and deadly organization. He had built an empire based on fear, power, and a complete disregard for human life.Our paths had crossed most violently. Especially in the meetings, Archer had made me attend with him with a concealed identity, hiding our faces behind leather masks. Kuklinski had teased Archer about it. Taunted him and even tried to force him to have us all unmasked, but Archer was strong in his resolve. "Don't tell me, simple men in a mask are making you anxious, Kuklinski, Archer Donovan isn't wearing a mask, and I believe I am the only important piece on this chess board, or don’t you agree?" Archer had said with a mocking smirk which had made Kuklinski's dark
"I eliminated a child rapist and his accomplices," Mark replied. I halted my pacing, shut my eyes, and requested, "Tell me." "Hold on," Mark replied, his voice filled with urgency, and the sound of speed echoed through the line. "Give me a moment to speak with a friend," Mark's voice came through the phone, his tone suggesting he was conversing with someone else, causing my brows to furrow in curiosity. There was a loud bang as a car door slammed shut, followed by hurried footsteps. Then, Mark's words reached my ears, sending a disturbing revelation. "I was waiting as you instructed, but it turns out Kuklinski wasn't there for confession... He was there to engage in sexual acts with a minor..." "What?!" "His daughter…" "Oh, wow..." I murmured, astonished at how unfazed I was by such disturbing information. Mark's reaction to my lack of shock seemed to spark anger within him. "She is ten, Archer..." Mark's voice carried a low, forceful tone, emphasizing the gravity of the situati
"Since you already know that Bernard Kuklinski is dead, do you also know Mark is bringing in his love child?""Love child?" he repeated, sitting up, his thick eyebrows furrowed. A surge of pleasure rushed through me, knowing that even the all-powerful Victor Donovan had missed that piece of information."Bernard Kuklinski kept her in the convent," I said, leaving out the other details. "We need to protect her.""Ha, it's good that you acknowledge Jared as a ticking time bomb, ready to detonate and bring us all down. And yet, you eliminated his father, the only figure who had some semblance of control over him. His father may have been unstable, but he at least respected certain boundaries. Jared, on the other hand..." he paused, his voice filled with a mix of apprehension and concern."I understand that Jared needs to be dealt with, Father. And this new girl, we can groom her to assume control," I asserted, radiating confidence. Victor Donovan's eyebrows furrowed with intrigue."Berna
Emerging from the restroom, I glanced around and spotted Mark with a little girl, but Patricia was nowhere to be seen. A wave of relief washed over me, and I let out a sigh as I walked out, drying my face and hands with a towel. However, that lingering feeling of being the worst kind of person still haunted me, and I despised it. What was this feeling anyway? Was my conscience suddenly awakening, or was it because of Mark and Adele? Mark was a killer, just like me. Maybe he wasn't involved in incestuous affairs with his family, but he was as much a sinner as I was. So perhaps it was because of his captivating sister with her enchanting brown eyes. She was the one responsible for stirring up emotions I had no business feeling. Grinding my jaw, I tried to suppress the unsettling sensation, shaking my head in frustration as if that could somehow fix me."Dinner?" I asked Mark, who was fixing himself a drink."That would be nice, thanks," he replied, glancing at me. "Katie, meet my friend