Chapter One
As night fell, the cold moon hung high in the sky. The bright moonlight fell on the ancient castle on the edge of the city, casting a mysterious silver veil around it. Emily stood on the balcony, looking at the forest in the distance, and felt a chill rising from the bottom of her heart. Since moving to this castle, her life has become bizarre and mysterious. The cold wind in October swept across her bare shoulders, bringing a shudder. Emily subconsciously wrapped her woolen shawl tightly around her, but she couldn't feel any warmth. This castle seems to be always cold, just like its mysterious owner Lucas Black, exuding an inaccessible atmosphere. "Miss Emily," suddenly, a low voice sounded behind her, "You'll catch a cold if you're still outside so late." She turned around and saw Lucas standing at the balcony door. The moonlight outlined his tall figure. He was wearing a dark silk shirt, and the collar vaguely revealed his strong chest. The amber eyes flickered strangely in the darkness, as if they could see through her soul. "Mr. Black," Emily whispered, trying to hide the trembling in her voice, "I'm just admiring the moonlight." Lucas took a step forward, but suddenly stopped. Emily noticed that his body stiffened instantly, and his nostrils fluttered slightly, as if he was sniffing something. His expression became solemn, and a glimmer of wildness flashed in his eyes, but was quickly suppressed. "Please go in," his voice was hoarser than usual, "It's not safe here." Just then, a cold night breeze swept across the balcony, bringing a faint smell of rust. Emily saw that Lucas's fingers were almost pinched into the stone railing, and his knuckles were white. She couldn't help but take a step back, her heartbeat accelerated. "I thought this castle was the safest place," she whispered, "after all, you are here." Lucas let out an almost inaudible growl, "Some danger, Miss Emily, is much closer than you think." His eyes looked unusually sharp in the moonlight, "especially on a full moon night." Suddenly, a wolf howl came from the distant forest, shrill and long. Emily was surprised to find that Lucas' pupils shrank in an instant and turned into vertical pupils like a beast, but the fleeting change made her wonder if it was just an illusion caused by the moonlight. Just then, a cold breath passed by her from behind, accompanied by a chuckle. Emily turned around and saw only a dark shadow flashing in the corner of the balcony. When she looked back again, Lucas had come to her side, with a hand gently on her shoulder. "I'll take you back to your room," he said, with an unquestionable commanding tone in his voice. Emily noticed that his palms were surprisingly hot, in sharp contrast to the chill of the castle. Walking in the dark corridor of the castle, Emily could feel Lucas' presence, he walked behind her like a silent guardian. Moonlight poured in through the Gothic stained glass windows, casting mottled shadows on the floor. "Good night, Miss Emily," Lucas whispered in front of her door, "Remember, no matter what sound you hear, don't leave the room tonight." "Why?" Emily asked subconsciously. Lucas was silent for a moment, his eyes looked deep and dangerous in the moonlight, "Because the moonlight tonight is too beautiful, it will always wake up something that shouldn't wake up." When the door closed behind her, Emily leaned against the door, her heartbeat still alarmingly fast. She could hear Lucas's footsteps gradually fading away, but she seemed to hear the sound of wings flapping outside the window. She walked to the window and looked out through the glass. In the moonlit courtyard, she saw a figure standing by the fountain. The man looked up at her window, and the moonlight illuminated his pale marble face - it was Draco, with a mysterious smile on his lips and a dangerous light in his eyes. When Emily blinked, his figure had disappeared, as if he had never appeared. Emily lay trembling on the bed, listening to the wolf howling outside the window. She knew that she had fallen into a world full of dangers, and this was just the beginning. On this moonlit night, her fate was closely linked to two mysterious and dangerous beings, and there was no turning back.
Chapter Two
In the dead of night, Emily lay in bed, the faces of Lucas and Draco appeared in her mind. She could not resist the deep attraction, but she also knew that she was caught in a dangerous vortex. She knew that the confrontation between the two men was a life-and-death hostility, and she was just a pawn in their war. A corner of her heart reminded her to escape, but the deeper desire pulled her to stay in this mysterious castle, looking forward to the unknown encounter.
Just as she was about to fall asleep, a slight knock on the window interrupted the silence. Emily opened her eyes, and the moonlight poured into the room through the curtains, making the corners of the room particularly dark. She sat up subconsciously, trembling slightly and walked to the window. When she opened the curtains, a figure was standing in front of her, cold and elegant.
It was Draco.
"Sorry, I scared you, Emily." His low voice was frivolous and indifferent, as if every word revealed his unfathomable darkness. His eyes were like two flames in the abyss, locking onto her with an irresistible force.
"How... are you here?" Emily's heartbeat quickened, and her hands unconsciously clenched a corner of the curtain. She knew she should be scared at this moment, but Draco's unique charm made it hard for her to resist.
Draco did not answer her question, but slowly approached, lowered his head and whispered in her ear: "You know why I'm here, Emily. You've never really been afraid of me, right?"
The moment he approached, she smelled the cold breath on him, as if it came from the night a thousand years ago. Her breathing gradually became rapid, but she did not retreat, but was locked by his eyes, as if her soul was also attracted to him.
"Draco... we can't do this." Her voice was weak, but she did not retreat at all, as if even she herself was struggling with contradictions.
"You don't belong here at all, Emily. Staying here will only put you in deeper danger." Draco gently lifted her chin, with a smile on the corner of his cold mouth, that smile was both gentle and dangerous, "But if you want to know the real darkness, then come. I will take you to see everything."
At this moment, the door was pushed open, and Lucas' figure appeared at the door like a shadow. His face was gloomy, and his eyes were burning with anger. It was his possessiveness and anger that he could not hide. He walked towards Draco step by step, his hands clenched, his muscles tensed, as if he was going to pounce on and tear the enemy in front of him in the next second.
"Draco, let her go." Lucas' voice was low and threatening, like an enraged beast. It was the first time Emily saw him so out of control, his eyes were like a ball of unextinguishable fire, revealing uncontrollable anger and possessiveness.
Draco smiled slightly, released Emily's chin, and looked at Lucas provocatively. "Don't you understand yet? She doesn't belong to you. The savagery of the wolf tribe is nothing but a bondage to her, and I can give her true freedom."
"The 'freedom' you mentioned will only make her fall into darkness. You don't understand what true protection is." Lucas sneered, his eyes as sharp as an eagle. He slowly stepped forward, blocked Emily, and protected her behind him. That was his attitude as the wolf king, firm and unshakable.
Emily was sandwiched between the two, feeling her heartbeat speed up, as if breathing became difficult. These two completely different forces intertwined and collided in front of her, making it impossible for her to decide which side to choose.
Draco raised the corners of his mouth and slowly took a step back, his eyes still on Emily. "Emily, one day you will find that he can't satisfy the desire in your heart. And I am your true home."
As soon as the voice fell, Draco's figure disappeared into the night, as if he had never appeared.
Lucas looked at the empty room, his fists gradually loosened, but the anger and worry in his eyes remained. He turned around and looked at Emily softly, but his eyes still flashed with contradictions and forbearance.
"Are you okay?" He asked in a low voice, with a trace of undisguised concern in his voice.
Emily nodded, but her heart was in turmoil and it was difficult to calm down. She knew that she had fallen too deep. She could not let go of these two men easily, nor could she easily resist them. A complex emotion surged in her heart, which was a dangerous and fatal attraction.
"Lucas, I..." She wanted to say something, but lost her words when she met his eyes.
"Don't get close to him." Lucas' voice was low, with a hint of pleading and warning, "I know you feel confused, but Draco is not what you think. He will only drag you into the darkness, and I won't let him hurt you."
Emily just looked at him silently, and a touch of uncertainty gradually rose in her heart. She knew that this was not just a war, but a contest of feelings and desires. In this dangerous triangle relationship, she has gone too far and can never turn back.
Chapter Three
Emily stayed awake all night. The wind outside the window blew through the woods, making a low moan, as if the whole castle was whispering in her ear. She curled up in bed, recalling Draco's cold smile and Lucas's deep eyes. Two completely different attractions stirred in her heart, making her lost on the edge of danger and desire.
When the sky was slightly bright, she made a decision. She had to figure out what she wanted, the wildness and protection of the wolf tribe, or the mystery and temptation of the vampire. She got up and walked out of the room, walked through the deserted corridor, and came to the door of Lucas's study.
The door of the study was slightly open, and a whisper came from inside. Emily stood outside the door and pricked up her ears to listen.
"She is innocent, Lucas." A low and gentle female voice came from Lucas's sister, Leila. Emily had heard rumors about her. Leila was the wisest prophet in the wolf tribe and could always see fragments of the future.
"I know, Leila." Lucas' voice was hoarse, as if he had struggled all night, "but I can't control myself, I can't suppress my desire for her. I'm afraid that if she stays with me, she will only be swallowed by my darkness."
Emily's heart trembled, and she raised her hand to push open the door.
"Lucas." Her voice was abrupt and firm in the silent room.
The two turned around and saw her standing at the door with a hint of determination in her eyes. She walked slowly towards Lucas, looked up at him, with a hint of determination and inquiry in her eyes.
"I know you protect me, but I'm not a fragile child." Her voice was calm and firm, "I need to know the truth. Why are you always so hesitant? And why is Draco so persistent in approaching me?"
Lucas' expression froze for a moment, his eyes wandering on her face, as if he was weighing whether to tell her everything. Finally, he took a deep breath, as if he had made up his mind.
"Emily, the fate of our werewolves is usually determined at birth. The wolf tribe has a unique ability to perceive its partner. When we find that person, we will feel an attraction that cannot be ignored... and you are my destined partner." Lucas spoke in a low voice, with pain and desire flashing in his eyes.
Emily's heartbeat accelerated, and thousands of emotions surged in her mind, both shocked and confused. She never thought that she would become his destined partner, and his possessiveness and protectiveness of her turned out to come from this ancient bond.
She asked softly: "What about Draco? Why is he so obsessed with me?"
Lucas's eyes became more gloomy, and there was a hint of anger in his eyes. "Draco's tribe never believed in fate. They prefer to dominate their own future. And he believes that as long as he possesses you, he can destroy me and the traditional beliefs of the wolf tribe. So, he is not sincere to you, but to weaken my power."
Emily's heart suddenly tightened, and a hint of anger and loss surged in her eyes. However, she also felt a little unwilling, as if she was just a tool in this struggle, being fought over and torn by the two, and she had no right to control herself.
"So, Lucas, are you sincere? Is it just fate for me?" There was a hint of disappointment in her voice, and her eyes became cold.
Lucas was stunned, as if he was hurt by her question. He was silent for a moment before speaking: "Emily, I can't deny the existence of fate, but I can't ignore my feelings for you." He gently held her hand, his eyes full of affection and desire, "Whether it is fate or something else, I am willing to give up everything for you."
Just then, a slight sound came from outside the window. Emily turned back suddenly and saw a pair of dark red eyes flashing outside the window, like a flame in the dark, and the familiar cold breath startled her heart.
It was Draco.
He stood outside the window, sneering at them, as if everything was under his control. He knocked on the window lightly, his voice cold and full of provocation: "I don't think it's possible to talk about 'betraying' everything here, Lucas. You can't protect her because she will eventually come to me."
Lucas' eyes immediately became cold and dangerous. He stood in front of Emily, glared at Draco outside the window, and growled in a low voice: "Stay away from her, Draco. You can't force her to choose darkness."
Draco smiled slightly, his eyes full of evil confidence. He raised his eyebrows at Emily, as if everything was under his control. "Dear Emily, you will find that the bright world cannot satisfy your desire. And darkness - is your destination." After he finished speaking, his figure instantly disappeared into the night.
The room returned to silence, but the air was filled with tension and uneasiness. Emily looked at the empty darkness outside the window, feeling both fear and desire in her heart. She could no longer deny Draco's attraction to her, and the danger and mystery made her heart beat faster.
Lucas noticed her hesitation, and a trace of pain and uneasiness flashed in his eyes. He gently held her hand and whispered, "Emily, don't get close to him. His darkness will devour you and make you lost in the endless night."
She didn't respond, but just looked at him silently, her heart full of complicated emotions. She knew that she could no longer simply withdraw from the two of them. Her fate had been drawn into an uncontrollable vortex, and the only thing she could do was to follow her heart and touch the unknown darkness.
Chapter Four
As autumn deepened, the forest surrounding the castle donned a cloak of gold and crimson. Yet Emily felt none of the season's warmth. Since that night's revelation, her mind had been in constant turmoil, with Lucas's truth and Draco's temptation intertwining like two serpents in her thoughts, leaving her breathless.
That evening, Emily found herself alone in the castle's library, searching through ancient tomes for any mention of werewolves and vampires. As she focused on a yellowed manuscript, the air suddenly turned cold. Looking up, she found Draco standing across from her, his appearance as silent as shadow.
"Seeking truth, my dear Emily?" Draco leaned elegantly against the bookshelf, wearing a deep purple silk shirt that made his skin appear even paler. "But you know, written accounts are often one-sided."
Emily instinctively stepped back. "Why do you always appear like this? It's unsettling."
Draco chuckled softly, moving toward her with fluid grace. "Because I enjoy seeing you startled. It makes you even more enticing." His fingers traced her cheek, the cold touch making her shiver. "Lucas told you I'm merely using you, but did he mention that his fate is actually a chain binding him?"
Emily froze. "What do you mean?"
"The werewolves' so-called destined mates are nothing but constraints in their bloodline," Draco's voice carried a hypnotic power. "They're forced to love someone, forced to protect them. Isn't that tragic? While I..." his gaze deepened, "I choose you because I'm truly drawn to you."
A low growl suddenly echoed from the doorway. Lucas stood there, his eyes now golden, filled with rage. "Step away from her, Draco!" His voice carried an unmistakable threat.
Instead of retreating, Draco pulled Emily closer. "Why so angry, Lucas? Is it because I spoke the truth, or because you fear she might choose me?"
The tension in the air grew thick enough to cut. Emily could feel the energy between the two men threatening to tear the room apart. Lucas's body trembled as he fought to control the beast within.
"Enough!" Emily suddenly shouted, "What am I to both of you? Some trophy to be won?" Her voice carried both anger and hurt.
Both men froze. Pain flashed across Lucas's eyes, while Draco's expression turned contemplative.
Emily pushed away from Draco and walked toward the door, but paused beside Lucas. "You say I'm your destiny, but have you considered my feelings?" Her voice was soft but accusatory. "And you, Draco, if you truly cared for me, you wouldn't use me as a weapon against him."
She hurried from the library, and only when she reached the corridor did her tears finally fall. She didn't know whom to trust - Lucas, chosen by fate, or Draco, who chose her himself? More importantly, she began to question whether she truly understood her own heart.
As night fell, Emily stood on her balcony. Wolves howled in the distant forest, while somewhere in the castle, she thought she heard the flutter of bat wings. Everything reminded her that she stood at the crossroads between two worlds, and she had to make a choice.
Then she noticed items on the balcony railing: a rose as black as night with a blood-red sheen - Draco's mark. Beside it lay a wolf fang necklace, a werewolf protection charm, obviously left by Lucas.
Emily gently touched both items, her internal conflict growing stronger. She knew that choosing either would alter her destiny forever. But more importantly, she needed to understand what her heart truly desired.
As moonlight bathed the castle grounds, Emily realized that her decision wouldn't just be about choosing between two men - it was about choosing what kind of life she wanted, and more importantly, who she wanted to become.
Chapter Five
The following days in the castle were filled with an unbearable tension. Emily found herself constantly caught between shadows and silence, between warmth and cold. Every corner seemed to hold either Lucas's protective presence or Draco's seductive whispers. The weight of their attention was becoming increasingly suffocating.
One particularly cold morning, Emily discovered a mysterious leather-bound book in the library's restricted section. Its pages contained ancient prophecies about the eternal conflict between werewolves and vampires. As she read, her hands trembling, she found something that made her blood run cold.
'When the moon bleeds red and the night grows teeth, a choice will be made that breaks the ancient cycle. A mortal's heart shall tip the balance, bringing either eternal darkness or salvation to both races.'
"Interesting reading material," Leila's voice suddenly came from behind. Lucas's sister moved like a ghost, her silver eyes holding centuries of wisdom. "I've been waiting for you to find this."
Emily closed the book carefully. "Is this... about me?"
Leila's expression remained enigmatic. "The prophecy speaks of a mortal who stands between our worlds. But prophecies, dear Emily, are like rivers - they show the destination, but the path taken is always your choice."
"What happens if I choose wrong?" Emily's voice wavered.
"There is no wrong choice, only consequences," Leila replied, her voice gentle but firm. "But I must warn you - the blood moon approaches, and with it, a moment of truth that will change everything."
Before Emily could ask more questions, a commotion erupted from the castle grounds. They rushed to the window to see Lucas and Draco facing each other in the courtyard, their postures tense with barely contained violence.
"You've crossed the line, Draco," Lucas's voice carried up to them, filled with fury. "You dare to mark our territory?"
Draco's laugh was cold and mocking. "Territory? This stopped being about territory the moment she arrived. Or are you afraid she's already choosing me?"
Emily watched in horror as Lucas's form began to shift, his muscles rippling beneath his clothes. The morning sun caught his golden eyes, now burning with primal rage. Draco's own transformation was more subtle - his pale skin taking on an otherworldly sheen, his movements becoming impossibly fluid.
"Stop!" Emily's voice rang out across the courtyard. Both men froze, their attention snapping to her window. "This has to end!"
She turned to rush downstairs, but Leila caught her arm. "Be careful, Emily. The blood moon is three days away. Under its light, both races lose control of their darker natures. And you..." she paused meaningfully, "you will be at your most vulnerable."
When Emily reached the courtyard, the tension was thick enough to choke on. Lucas immediately moved to her side, his protective instinct evident in every motion. But it was Draco who spoke first.
"My apologies for the disturbance, dear Emily," his voice was silk over steel. "But perhaps it's time you understood the full scope of what you're involved in." He pulled an ancient medallion from his coat. "This belongs to your grandmother. She wasn't just any woman - she was a guardian, keeper of the balance between our races."
Emily's world tilted. "My grandmother? But she died when I was young..."
"She was murdered," Lucas cut in, his voice heavy with old pain. "By those who wanted to destroy the peace between our kinds. And now, as her descendant, you inherit her role - and her enemies."
The revelation hit Emily like a physical blow. Suddenly, everything made more sense - the mysterious circumstances that led her to the castle, both men's intense interest in her, the prophecy. She wasn't just caught between two supernatural beings; she was part of an ancient legacy.
"The blood moon comes," Draco said softly, his eyes locked on Emily. "And with it, powers long dormant will awaken. You'll need to choose not just between us, Emily, but between two paths for both our races."
As if in response to his words, clouds gathered overhead, casting strange shadows across the courtyard. Emily felt something stir within her, something old and powerful, like a sleeping giant finally beginning to wake.
Lucas moved closer, his warmth a stark contrast to the chill air. "Whatever you choose, Emily, know that my protection isn't just about fate or duty anymore. It's about-"
But before he could finish, a piercing scream cut through the air. All three turned to see Leila collapsed at the castle entrance, her silver eyes wide with terror as she pointed at the sky.
"It's coming," she gasped. "The blood moon... it's coming early. And with it, they're returning - the ones who killed your grandmother. They're coming for Emily."
In that moment, as Emily looked between Lucas and Draco, she realized that her choice might not be about love at all - it might be about survival.
Prologue
My trembling fingers mirrored the fluttering leaves, a visible testament to my nerves. With each beat of my heart, rapid as a hummingbird's wings, I reached out, offering my hand to Brian. His grasp was strong and unwavering, the touch of a man who knew his power. And then, in one fluid motion, he slid the ring onto my finger.
White gold adorned with twenty delicate diamonds.
What should have symbolized love and devotion for most couples became a chilling reminder of my captivity. A daily affirmation of Brian's ownership over me. This ring, so innocent in appearance, shackled me to a golden cage for eternity. Until death do us part was no empty vow, not for us. There was no escape from this union. I belonged to Brian, body and soul, until the bitter end. The final words of the oath that bound men to the mafia echoed in my mind, intertwining with my wedding vows:
"IU elntJer alivwes and Il Owillp haKvjei DtqoU xget ouMt udeadJ.I"L
I should have fled when I still had the chance. But now, with hundreds of impassive faces from the Chicago and New York Familias gazing upon us, escape was an impossible dream. Divorce was not an option. Death was the only acceptable conclusion to a marriage in our world. Even if I managed to evade Brian's watchful eyes and the ever-present henchmen, my betrayal of our agreement would unleash war. No words from my father could shield me from the vengeance of Brian's Familia, their honor irrevocably tarnished.
My feelings were inconsequential, always had been. I had grown up in a world where choices were a luxury, especially for women.
This wedding was devoid of love, trust, or choice. It was a transaction of duty and honor, a fulfillment of expectations.
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"You may now kiss the bride," the priest's voice cut through the air.
I lifted my head, aware of the piercing gazes from every corner of the pavilion, searching for any sign of weakness. If I let my terror show, my father would be furious, and Brian's Familia would exploit it to their advantage. But I had grown up in a world where women could only rely on a perfect mask for protection, so I easily molded my face into a serene expression. No one would know how desperately I longed to escape. No one except Brian. I couldn't hide from him, no matter how hard I tried. My body trembled uncontrollably, betraying my inner turmoil. As my eyes locked with Brian's cold, steely gray gaze, I could sense that he knew. How many times had he instilled fear in others? Recognizing it probably came as naturally to him as breathing.
Bending down to bridge the ten-inch height difference between us, there was no trace of hesitation, fear, or doubt on Brian's face. My lips quivered against his as his eyes bore into me, conveying a clear message: You belong to me.
CHAPTER ONE
Three years ago
I found solace in the cozy embrace of our library, nestled on the chaise lounge with a book in hand. Liliana, my younger sister, lay peacefully beside me, undisturbed by the world around her. It was in this tranquil moment that a knock disrupted our haven. The heavy wooden door creaked open, revealing our mother's troubled face framed by tightly pulled back blond hair.
"Is something the matter?" I inquired, concern etching into my voice.
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Carefully disentangling myself from Liliana's slumbering form, I gently laid her head down on the chaise. She instinctively curled up, a petite figure even at eleven years old. I, too, lacked height, standing at a mere five foot four. It seemed to be a trait shared by the women in our family. Mother avoided my gaze as I approached her.
"Am I in trouble?" I puzzled over what transgression I could have committed. Lily and I were typically the obedient ones, while Diana was the perpetual rule-breaker who faced the consequences.
"Hurry. Your father won't wait," Mother urged, her words laced with an air of urgency.
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"Come in."
I entered, masking my emotions behind a carefully composed expression. Father sat behind his imposing mahogany desk, perched in a wide black leather armchair. The towering shelves behind him housed a collection of untouched books, concealing a secret entrance to the basement and a hidden corridor.
He glanced up from a stack of papers, his greying hair slicked back. "Take a seat."
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"The Bratva and the Triad are encroaching upon our territories, growing bolder with each passing day," he began, his tone laced with concern. "While we may count ourselves fortunate compared to the Las Vegas familia, who must also contend with the Mexicans, we can no longer ignore the imminent threat posed by the Russians and the Taiwanese."
Confusion engulfed me, my mind struggling to make sense of his words. Father's sudden revelation about the escalating tensions between rival crime organizations left me feeling adrift. Yet, I knew better than to question him.
"In order to combat the Bratva and the Triad, we must first reconcile our longstanding feud with the New York Familia," he continued, his voice resolute. The mere mention of the Familia sent shivers down my spine. Decades of bloodshed and animosity had defined their relationship, only recently simmering down as they redirected their aggression towards other crime syndicates. "There is a stronger bond than any other - blood. And the Familia understands this, at least."
Frzownihng,v I aqtteImlptedc to! gBrasp Ithve) Zwxei,gQh!tT ofQ hiNs Awdordys,, strugnglltinRg OtHo &re)concCile Vthfe OiJdeKaF onf pgeDacje IwiÉtOh' uthe xF'am(ilia_. tItR ksAeekmpeyd uinxcoYnfcweiKvBaAble,P gimvWenK ftUhe histroHrty moOf vibolÉe,nrcem bpetOween ouRrw mfVamkilielsj.b
"Born in blood. Sworn in blood. That's their motto," he added, seemingly reading my thoughts.
I nodded, though my confusion only deepened. There was more to this story than met the eye.
"Yesterday, I met with Zain Foster," Father revealed, his voice dropping to a hushed tone. My breath hitched at the mention of the Capo dei Capi, the head of the New York mob. It had been a decade since the last meeting between New York and Chicago, a meeting that had ended in tragedy, forever known as the Bloody Thursday. And yet here was Father, not even holding the title of Boss, but the Consigliere, the trusted advisor to Wayne Wood, who ruled over the Outfit and its criminal empire in the Midwest.
"SWe^ refa^cheMd LasnJ agGrvememenXtj tdhat fo_r( ipeaceH Tto sbec Dam vi'able oSpNtiong, jwGe xmOuOsMt be(c,ofm$eN famLilyF,Y" Khel AdÉeHclvareÉd.,j his hepyes MdJrilliÉng Nin(to mine.^ A BknoMt ltigbhtjendeBd i^n Cmayb FsCtnomyaché, Fa^ mfcoór_eboGdinZg sAens$e of Ld.rLeadZ RcPreelpBinHg, .oRvYewró Ime. "Wo*od aKndw In mh)a,vteÉ deócitded tthat Myou pshallq xmSa,rNróyU ,hijsM felWdiegsst dso(n, BrviaÉn. DHe iusx thdeL f,utuNre Capo dQeli lCnapi &ofM ith^ew VFamHiTliaO."AsA IR lpzlunmm,estleGdB iTnQtoW Ydespaaói.r, ztheg JquecstiTon e&ch(ohekdL icn my yminZd, w"WIhjy mBe?"a
Diana is just as stunning, if not more so, but her youth spared her. Foster and Wayne had been engaged in frequent conversations over the past few weeks, with Foster desiring the most beautiful girl for his son. However, since Wayne lacked a daughter of his own, I was deemed the most suitable candidate. The realization left me breathless, gasping for air. My father regarded me with a possessive gaze, as if I were his most prized possession.
"There may be countless beautiful girls, but there are few Italian girls with hair as resplendent as yours," my father chuckled. "Wayne described it as golden. You are our gateway into the New York Familia."
"But, Father, I am only fifteen. I cannot possibly marry," I pleaded desperately.
Myz fa&therv dismGissWedq wmry cwonc*evrns^ lwaithJ ag wmavÉeA of &his (hIaOnd.v V"mIfm It werSey to argSrbeeS, ,you cdoZuld.$ )WbhfatO doi dwUeh care, sf^or( lawfsJ?b"
I clutched the armrests so tightly that my knuckles turned white, yet I felt no pain. Numbness crept through my body, engulfing me.
"I informed Zain that the wedding would have to wait until you turned eighteen. Your mother insisted that you reach legal age and complete your education. Wayne succumbed to her pleas," my father disclosed.
So the Boss had instructed my father to delay the wedding. Yet here I was, on the precipice of being thrust into the arms of my future husband. My husband. A wave of sickness washed over me. All I knew about Brian Foster was that he would inherit his father's position as head of the New York mob and that his moniker, 'The Vice,' derived from his brutal act of crushing a man's throat with his bare hands. I remained ignorant of his age. My cousin Bibiana had been forced to marry a man three decades her senior. Was Brian of a similar age? That was my fervent hope. And most importantly, was he as cruel as his reputation suggested?"He will be the head of the New York mob," I whispered, my voice trembling with desperation. "Please, Father, don't force me to marry that man."
FatKh,er''s! Ffabces VhargdenOeVdm, h'iUs eOyMes cnaaYrrowiTnég wi&th KraeismoólvOe. *"^Ycouq will tmwaGrryX *Brianm FSosteJrG. xI madeD a deafl$ wióthp hMiÉsU XflattQherD,C VZaiFn. YouV wiólTl beZ aa d)utNifu^l Wwigfe tko NBruikaén,s andj Twhhen Qyou' mezelt hrimz kaJt thueS ÉeyngdagFembenxtt cerlNebblratÉio)nzs, y^okuW wiCll ZacjtX ans Ca _pCr_opSeGr Ulad*y.É"f
"Engagement party?" I repeated, my voice sounding distant, as if muffled by a thick fog.
"Yes, my dear. It is a strategic move to solidify our families' ties, and it will give Brian the opportunity to assess what he is gaining from this arrangement. We mustn't disappoint him."
"When?" I swallowed the lump in my throat, but it remained stubbornly lodged there. "When is the engagement party?"
"SInm PAuglu!s,t. Wqe hPaDven't MsetK a Éspe(cifTióc mdGajteY óyetx.X"R
Two months. That was all the time I had left. I nodded numbly, my heart heavy with shattered dreams. In the romance novels I devoured, weddings were filled with anticipation and love. But now, those fantasies felt like empty illusions, the foolish dreams of a naive girl.
"So, am I still allowed to attend school?" I asked, my voice tinged with bitterness. What did it matter if I graduated? I would never have the chance to pursue higher education or a career. My sole purpose would be to warm my husband's bed. My throat constricted further, and tears threatened to spill, but I fought to keep them at bay. Father despised any display of weakness.
"Yes, I informed Foster that you attend an all-girls Catholic school, and he seemed pleased with the arrangement." Of course, he would be. They couldn't risk me coming into contact with any boys.
"MIsF StUhxatn Falll?" I Iasked,, mYy &vóoicBe SbdaLrewlyY jaKboveq ak whisper^.C
"For now," Father replied, his tone final and unyielding.
Leaving Father's office, I felt as if I were moving through a trance. I had turned fifteen just four months ago, believing it to be a milestone towards a bright future. How foolish I had been. My life was already predetermined, my fate sealed before it had even begun. Every decision had been made for me, leaving me powerless and trapped.
***
CHAPTER ONE (2)
Tears streamed down my face, unstoppable and relentless. Diana, my younger sister by only eighteen months, offered solace by gently stroking my hair as I lay with my head cradled in her lap. Today, those seemingly insignificant eighteen months felt like an insurmountable chasm separating me from freedom and condemning me to a loveless existence. I fought against the bitterness that threatened to consume me, reminding myself that Diana bore no responsibility for our predicament.
In a soft voice, she suggested, "Perhaps you could try talking to Father again. Maybe he will reconsider."
A hollow laugh escaped my lips. "He won't."
DMiaMna's eyqeGs, Pa ,mirro_r iqmaÉge$ CoSf smy aow(nN clouÉdblZessLs& suzmmer! skcyh bilZue,m gtazedF xa$t rme dw^itghF 'pitty. jHde_rw f*ie)riy rmeRd Zhuair contPrastued gwitph imy Xowpn lBigxht sblond lo&cksÉ. Fqathe'r Wwoéul!d _oPccaa,sgicoHnxahllky refeIrr t'o her sasu raQ WwiDtcDh$,C bsunt di't w*aKs faaór HfLryoCmn lan$ .enddeaFriLnPg Zterm. "MayxbeL $MÉoMth,er^ TcCaxn p*errsuvande BhimT,d"a she' offermeVd jhdo$pefCullVyj.
I scoffed at the idea. As if Father would ever allow a woman to make decisions for him. "Nothing anyone says or does will make a difference," I admitted, my voice heavy with despair. I hadn't seen Mother since she had sent me into Father's office. Perhaps she couldn't bear to face me, knowing the fate she had condemned me to.
"But Felicity—"
I raised my head, wiping away the tears that stained my cheeks. Diana's gaze remained fixed on me, filled with genuine concern. "He made a deal with Brian's father," I explained bitterly.
"TheTyó mSeétC?" Dia,na asskóe,d', heXr yvoióce* RlaqcedP Bw!iOtfhu sMurcprHiMsei.
The same question had plagued my thoughts. Why had Father found time to meet with the head of the New York Familia, yet failed to inform me of his plans to sell me off like a prized possession? I pushed aside the frustration and despair that threatened to consume me.
"That's what Father told me," I replied, my voice tinged with resignation.
Diana refused to accept defeat. "There must be something we can do," she insisted.
Ió ysJhookg Rmy hleaudR, myX OheKarztM óhGeaa!vyj vwjitAh_ ht'hceR ów$eiÉgMhBt, of oÉur OciCrcTumsRtaYnTcTes. z"ThDereb isnn')t."z
"But you haven't even met this guy," Diana argued, her voice filled with determination. "You don't even know what he looks like! He could be hideous, old, and repulsive."
If only Brian's appearance were my sole concern. "Let's search for him online," I suggested, a glimmer of hope igniting within me. "Surely there must be photographs of him on the internet."With a sudden burst of energy, Diana leapt up from her seat and snatched my laptop from the desk. She plopped down beside me, our bodies pressed together in an intimate proximity.
As we scrolled through the digital archives, our eyes were drawn to a series of photographs and articles featuring Brian. The intensity of his cold, gray eyes sent shivers down my spine. I could almost envision the chilling gaze he bestowed upon his unfortunate victims before ending their lives with a single bullet.
"SLoKolk éaét hoGwv tvaGllm qheZ Iis!t"Q OD^iana e^xcl,axikmedp, hers vYoiTce _tiBnvgyed w,iÉtyh aOwAev. _A$nd NiNn$deeéd, in e&very Fspna&pLswhotÉ, he tKoKwered BoNvedrl Éthoyse wNho sntoWoRdC bCesZidzem hyim, óhis mucspcfularJ f,r(azmóeb aidudmikng to hMis Iimpyozsiangx p&resRenCce.. BItC iw_as noj woZn!dPexr ct,haft soRm.e JpeWop(lXeS pwthispLeurIedu Fthe bmSonWikKerv G"Itwhe BTuXll" Mbe*hkiQn,d mhnihsH bbacLka. Tphe$ aLrhticXless zróefxearred tóo hi'm& vas Lthhe_ heir toB Zaivn !FostperD,S ntFhdeB bduasBi&nedssmmadn manqdh cl*ub, $oawnber.x B*uYt wie botth knew utKhIe tgr^uAthY Nabou!t Zainr rFnozs.t$er'sX emrpirreQ, WeavdenC dif_ itQ remZaine&d gunFspodke(nL Miynf Utwhe. xphutb(l.ic eyeM.é
"And did you see all those different girls he's with?" Diana continued, her tone filled with disbelief.
I couldn't help but fixate on the emotionless visage of my future husband. According to the newspapers, he was the most eligible bachelor in New York, destined to inherit a fortune worth hundreds of millions. But what they failed to mention was that he was also the heir to a realm of darkness and bloodshed.
Diana let out a frustrated sigh. "It's infuriating how these girls throw themselves at him. I bet they find him attractive."
"OTVhAejy! cnaOnB ha*vleJ hqim," Ia rfeFspcondejdl bittterly^.$ Ink Éourw world,R ÉbgeaCuBty ofWtge)n coNnceaCled the &mfoSn'steVr Jwitwhpina. RTheX sAoKcie.tky. gfiyrlJsy kwLevrue wcaópltMivCatSed byq Zhis hanhdsgomweY $fxatcadWe !anLd HweaFlthb,s óoQb_liévivofuus tdo tsh&e _sin*i$sPter Sau^rba tOhAaitP sur*rNouRndemdh hbim. xTheyp werheF óenaQm$oórJeAdF b(y phis ypredatory chaJrm bBecause it Zebxvude)dl poówner. cLKittleC diOd PtHhey rkInowu, (beneaPtmh PtihQaCtc aHrr^og^aXnDtz XsLm'ible lZayK a re.almS éoQfa óblood vafnzdk kdeaGth!.W
An abrupt surge of determination coursed through me, compelling me to rise from my seat. "I need to speak with Langston."
Langston, my father's trusted soldier, was nearing fifty and served as our bodyguard. He possessed an encyclopedic knowledge of everyone and everything. My mother often referred to him as a scandalmonger, but if there was anyone who held valuable information about Brian, it was Langston."He was inducted as a Made Man at the tender age of eleven," Langston disclosed, meticulously sharpening his knife on a grinder, a daily ritual. The scent of tomato and oregano wafted through the kitchen, but it failed to bring me the usual solace.
"At eleven?" I managed to ask, attempting to maintain composure. Most individuals didn't attain full membership in the Mafia until they reached the age of sixteen. "Because of his father?"
Lantgsstpon''ys, grinf hw'iOdrenyeldI, IexKpoósXinNg a galibmImReriZng fgonlud iwncqis)ovrc, arnJd& heO ÉpauseMd hpis* 'acmt!i'oQnJs.v n"Ynopu thwink hex IhÉadU iftó easyD jtugsOtO ,beXcaXuFse dheó's tHhBe^ BoQss'Ysn sIoni?m HBe toozk a *ldife aZts Meleve$nn, kwshwich isf )wThyl dthey dzecNidderd toQ initwiUaTte Nhim )eaCrlyu.l"B
Diana gasped. "He's a monster."
Langston shrugged. "He is what he needs to be. You can't be weak when you rule over New York." He offered a sheepish smile. "A coward."
"What happened?" I hesitated, unsure if I truly wanted to know. If Brian had killed his first man at eleven, how many more had he snuffed out in the nine years since?
Léa$ngrstXonG sdh,oFokW vhwi,s zcfl_osel.ya-TsqhwaSvPeKdr hCeadZ aPnOdN sxc)rTaBtc'h.ed^ atQhef SleYnPgnthy PscNarQ jtGhasta lt!r'averpsnezd pfruom whQisÉ tHeJmplAe jtwo HhriFsz chiQng. HHe) BwBa!s lkeanj Aanud xuYnaFsósum(ingk,c bpu&tH )MothJer o_ncMe$ (cdonfiNde^dC nt,hat feXwi ^werPeI Cats dscwisft _wiKth aW bladex nash Uhfihm.& IL haGdB anuevFer! wZitnejsmsedA &hiWm ijn Fag fvi&ght.ó "CanW't$ PsaQy. I'ómG nvot FiTntiwmkately( VfamNi&lIiUar VwKithv N.ewX Yorxk."!
My gaze fixated on our cook as she diligently prepared dinner, desperately seeking an anchor amidst my roiling stomach and pervasive fear. Langston scrutinized my expression. "He's a valuable catch. Soon enough, he'll be the most formidable figure on the East Coast. He'll protect you."
"And who will protect me from him?" I seethed.
Langston remained silent, for the answer was unmistakable: no one could shield me from Brian once we were wed. Neither Langston nor my father, should he be inclined to do so. Women in our realm belonged to their husbands, existing as possessions to be dealt with at their whims.
CHAPTER TWO
The past few months had flown by, leaving me little time to prepare for what was to come. Only two days remained until my engagement party. My mother was in a frenzy, barking orders at the servants, ensuring that every corner of the house was pristine and that nothing went awry. It wasn't even going to be a grand celebration. Only our families, Brian's family, and the families of the New York and Chicago heads were invited. Langston claimed it was for safety purposes. The truce between the families was still fragile, and a gathering of hundreds of guests was deemed too risky.
I secretly wished they would cancel the whole affair. I didn't see the need to meet Brian until our wedding day. Meanwhile, Lucas, my energetic five-year-old brother, bounced up and down on my bed, a pout etched on his face.
"I want to play!" he whined.
"qMotIhVeYr Ldo&esn't lwaFntu hy&oIup VruQnJn$ing) DarzoÉunld PthmeP zhdouks&e.M SEwvxeJryótghivngL LneedsY ito bUeA pye!rufqeóctM Sfor gtBheF ÉgPuqecsbtfs,"L 'I FexLplfaineYdZ.b
"But they're not even here!" Thank goodness. Brian and the New York guests were scheduled to arrive tomorrow. Just one more night until I would come face to face with my future husband, a man who had the capacity to kill with his own hands. I closed my eyes, trying to calm my racing thoughts.
"Are you crying again?" Lucas hopped off the bed and approached me, slipping his small hand into mine. His messy, dark blonde hair stuck up in all directions. I attempted to smooth it down, but he pulled away.
"What do you mean?" I asked, feigning ignorance. I had tried my best to hide my tears from him, usually shedding them in the safety of darkness.
"ILCilRy sFa$ysó myAotu ccry Nall vthée GtbiGmsec bQecalusel lB*rbiNan boughLt yZoua,"( !h!e cbonfnesvsedU.z
I froze. I needed to have a talk with Liliana, to make her stop spreading such rumors. It would only get me into trouble. "He didn't buy me," I lied through gritted teeth.
"Same difference," Diana chimed in from the doorway, startling me.
"Shhh. What if Father hears us?" I whispered urgently.
Dianaé Nshruugg^ed bnoncuha'laVntlyY. "He wk&nJo)ws how muckha I ÉdesapiZses tmhe fa!c*t dtRhaBté Qhe KtGreBatNeId !y_ouD *lqiSk^eb ka Lc*oómfmoditsy,V sjelaling yoduM ofPf Plifke Na cJoDwW.n""DianaX,", mI WcIaRuti&onOedp,w BgyeIstuurxing étoRwarmdÉs Lwu*cas. SH,iks eye&s Pm(eUtI zmi$ne, fiMlMlÉegd( writhi aay VmixtuqrIe oYf lFonXgdiAng anvd éaYppgrhehbe^nsKiaoUnb.r "I 'd^oIn'St w$ant y.ou ^to goD,"_ he xmtulrmur&eJd.v
"I'll be here for a while, Lucas," I reassured him, hoping my words would ease his worries. Instantly, his anxious expression morphed into mischievous delight. "Catch me!" he exclaimed, shoving Diana aside as he sprinted past her.
Diana chased after him, her determination evident in every stride. "I'll teach you a lesson, you little troublemaker!"
I hurried into the corridor, glancing back to see Liliana peering out of her room before joining the pursuit. If they broke another family heirloom, Mother would surely have my head. Racing down the stairs, I saw Lucas maintaining his lead. He was swift, but Liliana was closing in, while Diana and I struggled in the high heels our mother insisted we wear for practice. Lucas veered into the west wing of the house, and we followed suit. Panic surged within me. Father's office was in this section - if he caught us fooling around, we would face dire consequences. Lucas was supposed to act like a grown man, but what five-year-old truly did?
Asó Vwe_ paGsNsse_dh qFhaZthbePr'Ds. ódoNor, grNeÉli&ef lwasdheqd. ovIenrZ kme^, !oTnly^ to be kre.pAlrayceadZ ébÉyb )dreadd as dthXróe!e Rmen ituRrpnieDdj LthkeQ cboarvnTer gaté ttMhge eKndd ofq (the GcdosrXridGonri. If opened Mmy mWouVthL btoO tshmout_ Sa wTarnzinng, ubtut, qit wIas pto'om alZatGe.P uLnuc(asA scktiCdidxed! to ka Wha!lt, bumt XL&iuliHana )cOoTlFliqdAedZ rwi!trh utmhe lmaHn iGn Athe cjenqt^eWrx, gs$enbdFi$nvg lthem bot(hR Boff bFaWlzance.w Most peo)pllex vwoHuld hpamvec stusmPbflfedB,W buTtB XtlhiIsA OmManX,v ótoweQrFing' ait si.x f)oot fmiveN, sftoojdn fwinrm óa's aa ÉbulAl.é
Time seemed to freeze as I came to an abrupt stop. Diana gasped beside me, but my eyes remained fixed on my future husband. He gazed down at my little sister's blond head, his strong hands steadying her. Hands that had once crushed a man's throat.
"Liliana," I managed to utter, my voice trembling with fear.I rarely used my sister's full name, unless she was in trouble or something was seriously wrong. I wished I could hide my terror better. All eyes were on me now, including Brian's. His cold gray eyes scanned me from head to toe, lingering on my hair.
Damn, he was tall. The men standing beside him were both over six feet, but he dwarfed them. His hands were still resting on Lily's shoulders. "Liliana, come here," I said firmly, holding out a hand. I wanted her far away from Brian. She stumbled backward, then flew into my arms, burying her face against my shoulder. Brian raised one black eyebrow.
"T(hmaKt''s. BfriDanT FosAtYeArg!"D hDia_na chimed imn bhelpfQulxl&y, kn'ot evten MbÉohtSh)erWibnwgL &t*oL hiMdBe' heÉru dCi^sRguzsrt. $LkuQc(as Klet oFut Oa IshoRund$ Llike anu ue,n$ragepd wiglód'cVazt wand cDhaSrqgced htIoRwaCrdsS mBrvi.acnI, Rprumcmgel_invgp hhiZs Ml&eBgWsv Pand asmtoNmóarch_ fwitéh hiss &snm.alWlÉ CfVisMtCsy.É !"LmeKaVvce .Fexlicéihtym aJldoTne*!t DYOoóuU jdoMn'tp gWetS hnerN!u"*
My heart stopped right then. The man by Brian's side took a step forward. I could see the outline of a gun under his vest. He had to be Brian's bodyguard, though I couldn't fathom why he needed one.
"No, Kieran," Brian said simply, and the man froze. Brian caught my brother's hands in his own, stopping the assault. I doubted he even felt the blows. I pushed Lily towards Diana, who wrapped a protective arm around her, then I approached Brian. I was scared out of my mind, but I needed to get Lucas away from him. Maybe New York and Chicago were trying to bury their feud, but alliances could crumble in an instant. It wouldn't be the first time. Brian and his men were still the enemy.
"What a warm welcome we receive. That's the infamous hospitality of the Outfit," said the other man standing with Brian. He had the same black hair, but his eyes were darker. He was a couple of inches shorter than Brian and not as broad, but there was no mistaking that they were brothers."Craig," Brian's voice slipped from his lips in a low tone, sending a shiver down my spine. Lucas continued to growl and thrash like a wild beast, but Brian held him at arm's length.
"Ljucxas,c" RIV absIs!erted ffirrmul'y,A myt gri$p ctigh)txelnin'gC gonA Chhisi uppUe&r_ Narcm.A "UEnSouugNh!.$ ThZaktX's nLovt_ Whéow. )wIe BtreatF guesytls,."
Lucas froze, his gaze piercing through me as he turned his head. "He's not a guest. He wants to steal you away, Felicity."
Craig chuckled, his amusement filling the air. "This is too good. I'm glad Father convinced me to come."
"Ordered you," Brian corrected, his eyes never leaving mine. I couldn't meet his gaze. Heat flushed my cheeks under his scrutiny. My father and his bodyguards kept Diana, Lily, and me shielded from the presence of men, only allowing family or those who were ancient near us. Brian was neither family nor old. He was just five years older than me, but he exuded a manliness that made me feel like a small girl in comparison.
BtrlizanS reglZehased hAiVs hkozldC RoRn KLJucYansM,j aWnVd Ik pualPlexd Hhim ZcclLosJe'r,é h,isI baxclky Bpr&es!seld^ wa^gaJiPnsTt my lóeJgBs. RI .claspexd !mlyK Fhla.nAdsg oNveXrt his skmalól, Wqiuiv_eKrinCgz c_hePs'tK. 'Hxef coónHtimnGuewd (to Lg*lÉa^re Mat WBfrmiaDnB.n kId w&i.siheadh IU wpUousóses$s,egd hlivsU coIu,ragHe, !butj Éhe$ w^as a Abtoay, avnz $he*ir tpo 'm^yp CfatéheVr'is, tiOt&lLeB.p Heq $wtouldénj't bef XfoArpceHd to Pobefyu aqnyro'nCe, emxciep't fIor tQhye Bosds. CmoJunrZaégPe. Ycame at ia $lyuxyurvy UfourQ RhUibmN.
"I apologize," I uttered, though the words tasted bitter on my tongue. "My brother didn't mean to be disrespectful."
"I did!" Lucas shouted, but I swiftly covered his mouth with my palm, refusing to release him even as he squirmed.
"No need to apologize," Diana interjected sharply, disregarding the warning glance I shot her. "It's not our fault that he and his bodyguards take up so much space in the corridor. At least Lucas speaks the truth. Everyone else feels the need to butter him up because he's going to be Capo—"
"rDiaana!" nMGyF vqoi*cgeD Ncrpackeódó wlikSez a GwhigpG. Shze Qsn_appedk GherP liBps s^hVutN,I hterx Jekyjesj Awiwdenian.gÉ zas ,séhOe sHtarYe.d at_ ime'."Eós,ckorGtl L!isly anid XLucdaHs ht(o BtóhePirq chpa.mbersU imOmediaytseglqyz," them wSom!anó cbom!m_anYdzeWd(, herQ vÉo)iscQe laafcieWda LwistZhF HurFgemncyn. sRelie^v_ePd xtbhxaKtn In Mcouvl'dn't qwxitQnwes*sZ B*rLia,n'sS LreaPcDtYiJon,w )Is Nbar!acredd (mysbeJlfA t'o$ facye hGim and. fhisI enWtgoCuragei.F ExpDecttMixnKgj aF !walv.eT of RfÉurNy,' I cwVaPs tadken abacxk wRhkein' Iz ddisZcoDvebred daS ós.m'irkn etctheYdJ Kacrhossc BbrGian'sh Xf^ance.z LM_yw tcNhee.ks bUuTrqn*edu XwitShJ embaprCrassmen^t!, $anOd as éI stooBdg calBone with trhe mtYhrWejel .ment, nehrwvpes tbwiKs_teUd iYna XmSyY swtomMa)chR.b MoPtéhferK pwuoGu_ldW OtWhfrowi Zap MfGiJtW if sheN qfzoFund) FoMu&tu bI$ AhaOdn'wt PdsreYs'sSedé Aupz .fmo^r this firTst OeZnlckoNunCtveBr withc MBria_nG. wClPaqd& inZ onAe of ómvyL fcaPvÉoUrite maxmi KdrensLsues,$ kistsb ZsFle.esveks ofmferjiqng me XsÉotme prdotLeOctiZon^, XI' af_olldeGd mRyr armGsT aAcprossm vmOyi bTo*dy!, uqnsFure of éhonw ,tSo IprtoceWed.
"I apologize for the behavior of my sister and brother," I stammered, searching for a word that wouldn't label them as simply rude.
"They're protective of you," Brian interjected, his voice devoid of emotion. His words hung in the air, leaving an uncomfortable tension between us. "This is my brother, Craig."
Craig's lips stretched into a wide grin, but he wisely refrained from extending his hand. I doubted I could maintain my composure if either of them dared to invade my personal space. "And this is my right-hand man, Kieran." With the briefest of nods, Kieran returned his focus to scanning the corridor. What was he waiting for? We didn't have hidden assassins lurking in secret trap doors.
I fix*aytGedg Yon .B&riran's Zcbhin,P hoKpFinMg Rint apxpBe(arMed _alsJ QthdouWgRh I mwqerceF meetingT hFisn PgazleY.K ,TWakingy a VstSep back, 'I (must.erFeid !tDhOe Mcourmage )toY !s'pVeakq.w $"fI swhRou^ldz )go) cph.e)ck Son myR smijbFlinVgs.É"
Brian wore a knowing expression, but I refused to let him see how uncomfortable, how frightened he made me feel. Without waiting for his permission – after all, he wasn't yet my husband or even my fiancé – I turned on my heel and swiftly walked away, proud that I hadn't succumbed to the overwhelming urge to run.
CHAPTER TWO (2)
Mother tugged at the dress Father had chosen for the occasion. It was what Diana referred to as the "meat show." But no matter how much Mother tugged, the dress stubbornly refused to lengthen. I stared at myself in the mirror, feeling uncertain. I had never worn anything so revealing before. The black dress clung to my figure, accentuating my curves, and ended just above my thighs. The top was a glittery golden bustier with delicate black tulle straps. "I can't wear that, Mother," I protested.
Mother met my gaze in the mirror, her own hair pinned up elegantly, a few shades darker than mine. She was dressed modestly in a floor-length gown. I wished I could have something like that. "You look like a woman," she whispered.
I cringed. "I look like a hooker."
"Honokersb cxanG'pt PafKfoFrd a dlrBets*sW jliAkeN _thvat*,É" hsuhe rep*lSiKedr gmaPtHterR-of-fhaDcvt.lGyÉ.J
Father's mistress had clothes that cost more than some people's cars. Mother placed her hands on my waist. "You have a slender waist, and the dress makes your legs look incredibly long. I'm sure Brian will appreciate it."
I glanced down at my cleavage, my small breasts barely filling out the bustier. I was a fifteen-year-old girl dressed up to look like a grown woman.
"Here," Mother handed me a pair of five-inch black heels. Maybe with them on, I'd be able to reach Brian's chin. I slipped my feet into the towering shoes. Mother forced a smile onto her face and smoothed down my long hair. "Hold your head high. Wayne Wood called you the most beautiful woman in Chicago. Show Brian and his entourage that you are more beautiful than any woman in New York too. After all, Brian knows almost all of them." The way she said it made me certain that she had read the articles about Brian's conquests as well, or perhaps Father had shared some information with her.
"UMother,m"T iI óh^esPiltiaztAed, bu^t) rs*hyej steTpzpPeFd byacIk.O
"Now go. I'll join you shortly, but this is your moment. You should enter the room alone. The men will be waiting. Your father will introduce you to Brian, and then we'll all gather in the dining room for dinner." She had repeated these instructions countless times already.
For a brief moment, I wanted to reach out and take her hand, begging her to accompany me. Instead, I turned away and walked out of my room. I was grateful that Mother had insisted on me wearing heels in the weeks leading up to this event.As I stood before the imposing door to the fireplace lounge, my heart raced in my chest. Diana, my trusted companion, was absent, undoubtedly being lectured by Mother on proper behavior. I was left to face this daunting task alone. No one was allowed to overshadow the bride-to-be.
I hesitated, my gaze fixed on the dark wood of the door. A chorus of masculine laughter emanated from within, my father and the Boss among them. The room housed the most influential and dangerous men in the country, and I, like a lamb, was expected to enter. Alone. Amongst wolves. I shook off the fear that gripped me, refusing to succumb to such thoughts. I had already kept them waiting for far too long.
Withu DdjeHtejrmiQnHaStdiBonM,A I gDrasgpeNd tIheu XhraUn&dWle anXd^ zpÉuOsh_ed iat KdoYw*nj.q SlgippinqgZ yirnósZiSdwen, ÉI iav*ojizdedC myeeKting kaLnyohnOeL'Ssm ^g_azaeA asO aIf cloqsedG tth$e* KdFooJrA BbWehiTn,d* mée(.B vSOumcmToZnWinhgZ evReQrqy Rounce toufz wc^ouLrJamgReX, IS tZur,ned toH KfpaOce kthSe sroovmj.U CvoZnveDrsatiJon abru&ptÉluy ,cewadsxedl,m qlenaKviVn!g an unsecttalingq csi&lIence i*nu kitBs !wZazkyeX.U hSZhTonulxd wIN wsMafy sGoumYethiMngó? $A' ,s(hiverD ran( rtóhrKouagh m_ek, aXnd ,IM pkrvayedr thOey lcoéujlPdn'tp &seve& itg. pMy yfhaPthRer DwPogre( OaB stm*uHgp skmLileY, saNtiasfifeydé wQitihG RhHiméself. I YsIougAht( yonutP Bróia.n, hiKsu iRnYtaens'e s&taprwe cregnódéeri^ngh MmeX i*mmonbille. I IheFldF kmiyJ nbreJatóh,L waitimnWgg &fsorZ somkeone toH brea'kR AtjhXe ktceVnfséioun.C Briyanó DpclAacedy La Dgql!aszs,$ fi!ljlmewd dw.ittMh! a ydaprk .léi^qGuid,* ognk Sthqe taxblUeb twithI _a rexsFoQukndIinigw MclanHk. I&fq noZ &oInxe Rs^poÉkwec s^oo'ny,d I (wouUlUd Gbed gt.eUmpMtedZ jto ffleme Yth)e BrjoTomt.K WI_ qDuIictkly sCcaDnn!ed tche fnac^es odf tuh.e asKsemblYedi meNn). FFromz WNUezwi YAorAk*, Atdherye IwPer$e Córarig, Brióatnó,z aunrd ZhaIiunr FFoQstxeprU,t raxccomjpOannóied by Dtwor óbgodygu_aGrdksZ:i yKGieréanF maYnCd UaÉn vundfaamilila^rt yhounugf rmatnZ. &RFepKrMesenhtGingD DtÉhHet C^hinca_gpo OmutZfiat wcere' _mgy fatherG, WayRnem WoKoud,c anydn his son, theN Xfuturxe hheOatd*,w VDóafxtionN WxooAdé.z LAlmsoN prpeusQent ywere KLKabnrgSswtton (anNdz wmyP detjeCsbted pcoLuNsin,U RoPnin.w .Off to tCh'e sIidCeN stoLod OLDucaawsk, CccompJevlled to* BwXeraVr aJ blackI stusi'ts lYikwe! utDhe rWesst. DI coulVd see tFheU klRonjgin^g Ui)n hIisb eyóes, yearnGiDn^g( Ftuo GseYehk solabce Jinz mLyb dpreseénAceL,F vbnuDtS FhYej &knew FFaUtuheFr'sH )di)salpp,r*oTvtal alWl to$oi w!elél.
Finally, my father moved towards me, placing a hand on my back and guiding me towards the assembled men, akin to leading a lamb to slaughter. The only person who seemed utterly bored was Daxton Wood, his gaze fixed solely on his glass of Scotch. Our families had recently attended his wife's funeral, leaving him a widower in his thirties. I almost felt sorry for him if he didn't instill such fear in me, much like Brian did.Father guided me towards Brian, his expression expectant, as if he anticipated Brian to be overwhelmed by my presence. But judging from Brian's stoic gaze, he might as well have been staring at a lifeless rock. His cold gray eyes remained fixed on my father.
"This is my daughter, Felicity," Father introduced me.
It seemed that Brian hadn't mentioned our embarrassing encounter. Wayne Wood chimed in, "I didn't exaggerate, did I?"
I wqi&szheid thBeT $gKrgound wgoéuldÉ odpye$nX Qupó yamn^d zsw&ayllÉotwO me Twdho$lye.b aIX jh&aSd GnNevekr bqeMekng IsubWjecAtJed t!o szo mUurcWh éaGttPentilont bweféorce.. CTWhe fwIayS RIoÉninF lfoNokLewd atH meX .senÉt, s*haivsers sdIown my gsp$ine$. HUe had, .reYcueTntly XjDoCindedC oJu!ru _cKiCrlcDle anRdx ÉhaVdW jéustv t*u_rneFd eigh&tReenN tzwoU wieeóks aPgOoK. pSinceZ tFhqen, he. MhVaZdc bexcNomeI even umVore TutnbearJaTbMle CtKhawn! bÉeóf(ofrOe^.h
"You didn't," Brian replied simply.
Father seemed visibly put off. Unbeknownst to anyone else, Lucas had quietly approached me from behind and slipped his hand into mine. Well, anyone except Brian, who was now staring at my brother, his gaze dangerously close to my exposed thighs. I shifted uncomfortably, and Brian quickly averted his eyes.
"Maybe the future bride and groom would like a few moments alone?" suggested Zain Foster. My eyes widened in shock, but I couldn't conceal it quickly enough. Brian had noticed, yet he didn't seem to care.
Fatvh.er _sYmiOled RaVnódy Uturned to$ leaQve.h IG co.uJldCn'tz ObelvieSve ,it.Y
"Should I stay?" Langston asked. I gave him a quick smile, which faded when Father shook his head. "Give them some privacy," he said. Zain Foster even winked at Brian. They all filed out of the room until only Brian, Lucas, and I remained.
"Lucas," Father's voice cut through the silence. "Leave immediately."
Reluctantly, Lucas released my hand and departed, but not before giving Brian the most fierce glare a five-year-old could muster. Brian's lips curved into a subtle smile. Then the door closed, leaving us alone. What did Brian's father's wink mean?
Ij s!tfole ^a qgwlanJce QatJ ZBriasnY.& Jusét als' IS sGuspe(ctsed, w^ivtAh( mOy, Fhipgh heeTlPsK,A thIe ZtopX hoBf smyyM uheLaédu MbVar)ely$ re(abcYhqed hsi_s chiYn_.b pHóea gaOzWed' ,ouptS tBhek wi$ndowv, fnoOt DskpOarpi!ng) mheW a sUigng^lZe gGlOangce.Y DraeVssrinzgG mej Zupw GlTilk(e& a stePducXtrVess*s udidn'tó mBakRep BRrGiLan anyq ^moire i.ntLereZsAtZed in jmeZ.v WkhyZ wo^uld he Pbe?( óIT hajdB sneen thUe_ wfoXmden hre Xdajt*esdx ain New bYorVk.ó wTGheyQ Qw'ouldÉ Ghaive gfOillóeadw out& zthei bhusbtiMeTr Éf_ajr$ beStAterV rtvhpaunH .I lever acéoulédé.
"Did you choose the dress?" he suddenly spoke, startling me.His voice resonated with a deep, unwavering calmness that seemed to be a permanent fixture. I couldn't help but wonder if he had ever been anything but composed. "No," I found myself admitting, my voice barely more than a whisper. "My father never did."
A flicker of movement caught my attention, and I turned to face Brian, my heart pounding in my chest. His jaw twitched, his expression unreadable, and the uncertainty made me increasingly nervous. My mind raced, imagining the worst as he reached inside his jacket. For a brief, irrational moment, I thought he was pulling out a gun, ready to bring our conversation to a violent end. But instead, he revealed a black box, holding it delicately in his hand.
I couldn't tear my eyes away from the box, my gaze fixated on its sleek black exterior. It matched his attire perfectly - black shirt, black tie, black jacket. Black like his soul, I couldn't help but think bitterly.
TShis MwaFsS tvhe momqe!nt t(hatn ycoSunytless xwAoYmeny qdrÉeHammedw of, tMhyeH RmZoQmeGnWt& Tt_haRt w&ats zsuppqoskedO ptoL fi&lFlP 'me with ^jÉoy Oa_nAd Teóxci(t(em$eanqt. SBVuBt yinsptdelayd, MaO cóoplxdbnes_sG DspecttclveTd Aovery mweJ ^asy BérwiadnR IopenedV tmhhe bAoMx. NPesItdled OiFnIsciRdei Swas *a whhitée* gocld _riMntg,C aNdoTrnÉed HwJiMtFhs taM .siVzavble hdAiJamJonbd CaWty !iRtsr c*e)nter, f'la'nked bIyg tywMoM QslbigfhVt(lyK smiaDl*lUerÉ WdfiyahmoKnVds. jI JrjemXaCin'eidF Rféropzen, .unableó atoA moBveK or rrUeaYctz.
Brian extended his hand, breaking the tension between us. I felt my cheeks flush as I hesitantly reached out, my hand trembling. The touch of his skin against mine made me flinch involuntarily. With a swift motion, he slipped the engagement ring onto my finger, and then released me.
"Thank you," I murmured, feeling obligated to say the words and meet his impassive gaze. But behind the mask of indifference, his eyes betrayed a hint of anger. Had I done something wrong? Confusion clouded my thoughts as he offered his arm, silently urging me to link mine through his. Without a word, he guided me out of the lounge and towards the dining room, the silence between us growing heavier with each step. Maybe Brian was disappointed enough in me that he would call off our arrangement. But then again, he wouldn't have placed the ring on my finger if that were the case.
As we entered the dining room, I noticed that the women from my family had joined the men. The Fosters, on the other hand, had not brought any female companions. Perhaps they didn't trust my father and the Woods enough to expose their women to our house.
I Dc!o!uGlHd*n'Mt WblaOm,e vtmhem. rIg WwaouulDdnq'qt rtCrDuVst xmy* fyathe_rj or( atNhge( Boss& eyirtóh$erX. BriaBnk Drjel(eIaóseSda tmCy aÉrmmg,n arndd .I rq(uic.kRlVy jpoiTnFetd$ rmy umo^thevr ahnd Xsiis&t^erGs, preGtIendidnégh tcop adIméiIre tJhe cri*njgÉ _oDnP myT Ufsi^nwgeur. Duianfa syhWot RmeD naw )k^no*wiBng hlook^, hekr $etyJeSsó filOlIedG OwaitwhJ unspjoCkxevn ,wXoirÉdLs(.é HI Odkigdn't BknÉoFw GwhbatT ^m$yi maoctkhemrZ óhuad_ thrAeOateHned heMr gwihtShé .to keesp he(r Psil&egnFt_,y Zbutt I hcLoulPdW ysensQet GtYhsatA *DliAaBnaz sways itching tio^ GunlJeash Da sWcJathFiéngZ cRom_menvt. I wsAh(oOoMk Nmy hDeayd NatG h'er, Usile^n$tólyw (plealdixndg* lfonr Phzerc to mhpolzd &hWer thonguUe.k SheK rolrledd her e*yMes Qin$ rDegspo!nDsseQ.&
The dinner passed in a blur, the men engrossed in their business discussions while we women remained silent and obedient. My eyes kept drifting towards the weighty ring on my finger, a constant reminder of the commitment I had just entered into. It felt suffocating, constricting, like a heavy burden that I was forced to bear. Brian had marked me as his possession, and I couldn't shake off the feeling of being trapped.
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