"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
Several nights had passed since I took on the role of Archer's nurse, and every night I eagerly anticipated the firm knock on the door connecting our rooms. It signaled that he was ready for me to assist with his bath or change his wound dressings. It had become the highlight of my days, as the rest of my time was occupied with reading fiction, attending online lectures, and enjoying the luxurious meals offered in Archer's home. Occasionally, he would join me for a meal, albeit in silence, but I relished those moments nonetheless. Despite his aloof and obnoxious demeanor, I found myself drawn to him, sensing that beneath his cold facade, there was a yearning for companionship.As the familiar knock resounded in the room, I rose from my bed, dressed in a loose blouse and shorts. With bated breath, I approached the door and opened it, stepping into his dimly lit room. Archer sat at the foot of the bed, wearing only his boxers, and I couldn't help but stare at his magnificently sculpted
"Archer? Adele?" Mark called from the hallway, his voice filled with urgency.Archer stood up, his tall figure commanding and intimidating. He reached out his left hand towards me and spoke firmly, "Get dressed." I nodded, taking his hand as he helped me off the bed. His gaze shifted from my eyes to my body, and I noticed his breath catch before he stepped back."When you're ready, meet us through that door," he pointed to the main exit, "not through here," he gestured towards the adjoining door.Confusion filled me as I asked, "What's happening?""We're under attack. Don't worry, Mark, and I will keep you safe," he assured me before leaving through the adjoining door. "Now might be a good time to adopt a more inconspicuous look," he added, glancing back at me, before locking the door behind him.In a rush, I followed Archer's instructions, quickly finding a matching sweatshirt and pants in the closet. I slipped on my white sneakers, grabbed a face cap to hide my hair, and slid my pho
It was a tremendous relief to witness her departure. I couldn't bear the thought of her being entangled in all of this, in the madness that consumed my life. She was pure and innocent, and I marveled at how Mark had managed to preserve that innocence despite everything the two had experienced together. It wouldn't be fair to shatter that delicate bubble of purity. Perhaps it was also because I dreaded her witnessing this side of me, the mobster, the killer—a wretched soul. I yearned to maintain a semblance of honor in her eyes, even if it meant keeping her shielded from the darkest aspects of my life. I longed for her to continue looking at me the way she always did when we were alone, with that untainted adoration in her eyes, even though I had forced her into intimate situations. And my God, the sight of her when I found her under the sheet, naked and lost in innocent desire, while Mark had gone to secure Katie and I went for Adele—it nearly undid me. The memory of her touch, her t
A wave of relief washed over me as I caught sight of Mark returning, carrying my bag. He asked me to wait in his car while he quickly retrieved my belongings. At first, I didn't consider it urgent, thinking that one of Archer's staff could pack and send it to us later. But Mark had insisted, emphasizing the importance. He headed straight to the trunk of the car and stowed the bag away before joining me inside. Settling behind the wheel, he turned to me and asked, "Ready?""Absolutely. Despite being surrounded by luxury these past few days, there's something strangely enticing about sleeping in my own bed," I shared, my excitement masked beneath a composed demeanor. Mark chuckled warmly."Great. How about we order some takeout and watch that new movie you've been eager to see together?" he suggested."Yay! Movie night. Movie night," I chanted gleefully. His laughter filled the car as he playfully nudged my shoulder."You're such a baby," he teased affectionately."And you love indulgin
The dimly lit nightclub pulsed with energy as I sat alone in the VIP section, surrounded by scantily dressed females coming and going. The air was thick with the beats of the music and the scent of perfume, but my attention was elsewhere. I stared into my glass, swirling the vibrant red liquid that was my signature cocktail—a fruity concoction with a strong kick of alcohol. It was a combination of tropical juices, a splash of rum, and a hint of lime. The glass glistened as condensation formed on its surface, the ice cubes clinking softly with each swirl.Usually, I would have called upon a few of my favorite strippers to entertain me, but tonight my thoughts were consumed by Adele. Her face lingered in my mind, her eyes, her laughter, the taste of her coating my tongue, her intoxicating fragrance—it all twisted my heart. I drank more and more, hoping to drown my thoughts in the intoxicating elixir.Unbeknownst to me, the girls who served me noticed my distress. Concerned gazes were ex
I groaned as I slowly regained consciousness, my body aching all over. As I blinked my eyes open, the dim light of the room revealed rough, uneven walls that indicated we were carved out inside a mountain. The air was heavy and damp, making me feel confined and disoriented.Before I could fully grasp my surroundings, the memory of the car explosion flooded my mind like a violent wave. I saw it again—the moment I intercepted Adele's getaway car, her tossing a makeshift explosive against our windscreen, and the ensuing chaos. The explosion had been so sudden, that fire and shards of glass blasted towards me. Instinctively, I raised my arms to shield my face, feeling the searing heat and pain on the back of my forearms.The side of my face and chest were also slightly burnt from the blast, and the pain lingered as I woke up panting. I could still feel the shock of the explosion reverberating through me, and my breaths came in ragged gasps.But my disorientation was short-lived as I notic
"Ask me whatever you want, and I will tell you my truth," he said, his voice steady but filled with an undertone of vulnerability."Are you a drug lord?" I asked, my heart pounding with hope that he would deny it."I am not a drug lord, Adele, but I am involved with organized crime in the sense of dealing with illegal merchandise," he replied."Organized crime? Like..." I hesitated, trying to comprehend his words."A mafia. Yes," he answered matter-of-factly, causing my heart to skip a beat. I swallowed hard, trying to process the reality of his admission."What kind?" I forced myself to ask, needing to know the extent of his involvement."Arms dealing is the major part of it, then cheap alcohol importation and distribution, money laundering..." he listed, causing my anxiety to heighten."Human trafficking. Organ harvesting and trafficking?" I asked, fearing the worst.“No, I'm sorry, we are not that morally corrupt,” he replied in a cold tone."Did Mark know?" I inquired, my mind rac
Emotions and uncertainty clouded my judgment when I decided to call Chad, but the safety of my child was paramount. My heart yearned for someone to confide in, and I hoped Chad's association with my brother might offer some understanding. I hadn't planned to reveal the pregnancy, but the words spilled out uncontrollably. Maybe I needed to share this burden with someone before it overwhelmed me completely. I knew I had to be responsible for my child's well-being and protect them from any harm, especially considering Archer's dangerous lifestyle.In the secluded woods, I waited anxiously, giving Chad time to approach before risking exposure out in the open. The stress and tension were taking a toll on me, and the exhaustion settled in despite not physically exerting myself. Seeking some solace, I reclined the car seat and closed my eyes, hoping to find a moment of rest.When I eventually stirred from my unintended slumber, the sun was setting on the horizon, painting the sky with a mesm
Watching Adele from my hidden position was torture. So many times, I considered abandoning my spot and revealing myself to her. She might unleash her anger and give me the silent treatment for a while, but I knew she'd eventually forgive me. No matter how grown-up Adele had become, she would always be my little sister.Eliza tried to distract me by engaging in conversation. I pretended I was meeting a new client who needed a bodyguard to deal with a stalker problem. She asked if I'd consider a less volatile career, and I assured her I would, but only after I finished this current job."Mark?" Eliza's voice called out through the phone."Yes, beautiful?" I replied."Are you still interested in marrying me? I know this started as a fake relationship, but now... it's been close to two years..." she said."I am sorry, Eliza. Can we discuss this when I get back?" I said, deflecting the conversation."Is something wrong?" she asked with concern."I will call you back," I said, ending the ca
Nestled in the driver's seat, concealed within the woods, I wrapped blankets tightly around my body, and beside me sat the gifts Mark had given me. The brand-new gun, fully loaded and primed for action, lay within reach, while the cash he provided, along with a carving knife, was securely strapped under the seat. The trunk of my car held a carefully packed collection of weapons, including grenades, rifles, shotguns, and tasers, items I had acquired and added over the course of several months.Knowing my attackers would anticipate my escape, fleeing as far away as possible, I recalled Mark's advice to be daring and unpredictable. Hunger gnawed at me, an aspect I hadn't prepared for. In the past, Mark had always taken charge in situations like this, knowing exactly what to do. Tears blurred my vision, and I wiped them away in frustration.'This too shall pass,' I repeated silently, trying to find strength amidst the turmoil. My thoughts drifted to my brother, and an ache of longing for
The truth about the Donovans and their dangerous connections had finally dawned on me. Mark had always known, but I had been blind to it, following his teaching to only focus on what concerned us directly.My emotions were in turmoil. Deceived? No, I couldn't say that. Archer had been upfront about being a bad man, but the extent of his dealings remained a mystery.Henry's knowledge of my place didn't surprise me; we had spent the day before searching for the perfect building for my pharmaceutical company. After settling on one, we bought office furniture and lab supplies. I was supposed to be preparing for a celebratory dinner with Archer, not caught up in this chaotic situation.Feeling cold and shaken, I hugged myself as Henry parked his car in front of my house and opened the door for me. With a whispered "Thanks," I headed to the back of the house, Amidst the chaos, I had left my bag, phone, and house key in Archer's car. However, I had already changed the locks after losing my k
"What the hell is wrong with you? Calling the cops to intercept the DEA?!" Victor Donovan growled at me as soon as he laid eyes on me."They are not real DEA, Mr. Donovan," the head of the precinct spoke up, and my father gave him a single glance, which silenced the older man. Paul Anderson was not a stranger to my father; he had been on his payroll since the day he joined the force. Many law enforcement officers were in his pocket, but my father preferred not to get caught, maintaining a squeaky-clean record for years."They are not real DEA, you say?" Victor Donovan repeated, seemingly unconvinced."They are, Dad. What Paul meant was that they weren't working for the government in this case. They came after Adele, and planted coke in the car, but it is my car. I am responsible," I explained, trying to clarify the situation."Who are they? Who are they working for?" He asked, his expression intense."They go by the name 'Agent X.' I will handle it, Dad," I said, holding his gaze."I'
As we made our way back to my place, I quickly sent Archer a text, updating him on my whereabouts."Go home to my place, Adele. Must I have that little house of yours bulldozed before you move in permanently, Honey?" Archer's playful response made me giggle."I will go there only if you are coming home," I teased in my text."I am, love, okay?" His reply warmed my heart."Okay. I miss you," I typed, expressing my longing for him."I miss you more," he sweetly responded. Leaning back in the comfortable back seat of the car, I let out a sigh, contemplating the idea of moving in with him.The thought of it made me want to discuss it with Jade and Tiffany. It had been quite some time since we had all gotten together for lunch; lately, our interactions were limited to chat messages.Excitement bubbled inside me as I hastily typed and sent the message to our group chat with Jade and Tiffany. "He asked me again to move in with him!!""Again?!" Tiffany's response was quick, followed by a shoc
The insistent ringing of my phone roused me from my sleep, and I tried not to disturb Adele as I reached over her to grab it from the nightstand. Slipping out of bed, naked, I walked into the hallway leading to the living room. "Dad?" I answered the call. "Patricia has been found. She is dead," Victor Donovan's voice came through. "Damn it!" I cursed, running my hand over my face and through my hair. "Jessica?" "She's on the run. I had hoped she wasn't that far gone. She's completely unstable. Where's your girl?" he inquired. "She's with me," I replied. "Good. Keep her close," he advised. "She wouldn't dare!" I growled. "That's what I thought until I saw her mother's body. She killed her and a taxi driver. Watch your back, son. Let your men know to shoot her on sight," he warned. "I'm sorry about Patricia, Dad," I said, knowing that my father may not have genuinely cared for his late wife, but she was still his companion, albeit a short-lived one. "Thanks, son. I'm having her