I waited for him to leave before I let out a deep breath, feeling utterly deflated. Replaying the scene in the basement in my head, I wrapped my arms around myself as the whiff of his cologne lingered in my nostrils. I inhaled and held it in before releasing a shaky breath. The moment I saw him standing behind the monster that was trying to kill and violate me simultaneously, I thought I was hallucinating, a desperate figment of my imagination. But when he pulled the man away, I knew he was real, and I thought maybe he had followed me, still believing I was working with the people who had attacked him earlier. I tried not to dwell on the brutal way he had killed the man. There was a strange resolve in his eyes, devoid of emotion, almost inhuman. It shattered the illusion I had unconsciously crafted in my mind.And now, knowing that he was friends with Mark, all the nights Mark came home with bruises and wounds replayed in my head. I swallowed hard. And then Mark's warning not to trust
There were other options, like suggesting she go to one of our safe houses, but then I wouldn't have a valid reason to be there myself. Adele Rutherford was making me act and feel unnatural, both intrigued and irritated. I was intrigued because I was inexplicably drawn to her and irritated because of the confusion she caused in my head. She was just a random girl, and I shouldn't care about what happened to her, but for some reason, I did.It wasn't because of Mark, either. The thought of him and me being caught and assassinated didn't affect me the same way the thought of Adele suffering the same fate did. My heart constricted, my pulse raced, and rage consumed me, even just imagining it. I needed to unravel the reasons behind my inexplicable feelings, which led me to desire her proximity. A cynical voice in my mind scoffed at the logical reasoning, but I couldn't deny the truth—I found her breathtakingly beautiful. The image of her bare chest flashed in my mind, heightening my inne
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