His thick, dark brown curls were wild, falling effortlessly and messily in a way that was maddeningly irresistible, the kind of hair anyone would want to tangle their fingers in without thinking. And his face—
God, his face. Chiseled cheekbones, a jawline so strong it could carve stone, lips perpetually curled in a faint smirk, like he was always on the verge of either mocking you or threatening you—depending on the mood.
His body was built like a weapon, muscle after muscle sculpted from years of street fights, of surviving in this unforgiving world.
I could feel the heat of him radiating, and I couldn't tear my eyes away.
But then, my thoughts crashed back into place.
What the hell was I doing? Why was I even looking at him like that? What was wrong with me? I mentally slapped myself, but it was too late. He already knew.
His smirk grew, dark and knowing. "You've been a very disobedient pet," he whispered, his breath hot against my neck. "Now, it's time to face the consequences."
Before I could even react, his lips were on mine, pressing down with a ferocity that had me trying to push him away—futilely.
This time, though, he wasn't being rough. His touch was different, controlled, as his mouth moved from mine down my collarbone, finding a soft spot that made my breath hitch. Every muscle in me screamed not to give in, but it was hard. So damn hard.
I fought to keep quiet, to not give him the satisfaction of hearing me moan, even as his lips worshipped that spot on my skin.
His smirk deepened, clearly enjoying my struggle. His hands moved, and before I could stop him,
he unhooked my bra, all while kissing me—kissing me like he owned me.
And then it hit me like a punch to the gut—no. I wasn't ready for this.
I wasn't prepared for what he was about to take from me.
I struggled harder, thrashing beneath him, but his grip tightened. This time, there was no mercy. He was done playing.
"Lucien, we have a—" Hayden's voice cut through the air, interrupting us as he barged into the room.
I pulled away, my chest heaving, eyes wide with panic, but Lucien didn't even flinch. He looked at Hayden, his voice colder than ice. "Get out."
Hayden, unbothered by the situation, flashed a grin. "My apologies if I interrupted something," he said, the sarcasm thick in his voice, but Lucien only rolled his eyes.
"What's the problem?" Lucien asked, slipping a bag of cocaine open and tasting it, indifferent to the world around him.
"The Basilios arranged a dining party in your hometown. All the mafias will be there. Your father thinks it's a good opportunity to get more acquainted with them. Their status is high, Lucien. It's crucial."
"And when is this party?" Lucien muttered as he tested the cocaine, his eyes narrowing.
"Three days from now," Hayden said. "And you're meant to meet with the Carusos that same day. We've already postponed once, but they won't be as generous if we delay again."
Lucien's eyes darkened. "Then you'll leave without me," he said coldly, the words slipping from his lips as though he'd already decided. "Present them with the deal, collect the money, and then cheat them off. The Basilios are more important."
Hayden didn't hesitate, giving him a nod. "Sure."
---
Hayden's POV
I didn't need anyone to tell me what to do. I had been in this business as long as Lucien had. Making deals in the mafia world was never just about the deal—it was about making a deal without actually making a deal.
In the process of any trade, we cheated. We killed the other party, wiped out their men, took their money, and made off with the goods. That's how we got so many enemies. But they never succeeded. They never stood a chance.
"Prepare a flight for me and my pet. We'll leave first thing tomorrow."
"Why not?" Hayden said, rolling his eyes, but Lucien was already gone.
---
Lucien's POV
I came back earlier than expected. And as soon as I stepped into the house, I felt it—the tension in the air. Nicola had arrived. And I knew she would try to pester my little pet.
I saw the way she glared at Nicola. My pet wasn't weak, not by a long shot, and I liked that. I liked it a lot.
"What's going on here?" I asked, my voice low and menacing.
Nicola rushed to my side, clinging to me like the pathetic woman she was. I decided to indulge her, to play along. But as she opened her mouth to speak, I cut her off.
"She needs to learn a lesson," Nicola said, her eyes filled with arrogance.
I didn't need to hear any more. "Eat," I said, my voice dangerously calm. The shock on her face was delicious, but I didn't care about that.
I watched as she hesitated, standing there in disbelief. The only thing left was for her to bend down, pick up the food, and eat it. And that's exactly what she did, glaring at me and Nicola the entire time, probably cursing me with every bite.
she was smart. I knew she would eventually figure out the call line in my study. The one she didn't know about. I had already cut the one she would use, leaving it clear in sight—just waiting for her to make her move.
And she did.
I was already in my study, waiting, knowing she'd come for it eventually. She didn't even notice me at first, wandering around the room, clearly admiring the space as though it were some sort of treasure trove. She was too focused on finding the phone.
When she finally did, she picked it up and dialed the number. But the line was dead. I'd already cut it.
I stood from my chair, leaning against the table in the shadows, watching her try to make sense of it. Her confusion didn't last long before she realized she wasn't alone.
"Did you really think you could escape this place?" I asked, my voice cold, cutting through the silence.
Her eyes snapped to me, filled with surprise and fear. She stumbled back as I moved toward her, closing the distance in a heartbeat.
Without warning, I slammed her into the wall. She winced in pain, but I wasn't done yet. I trapped her there, my body pressed into hers, locking her against the cold surface.
Her breath caught as I raised her chin, forcing her to look me in the eyes. Her turquoise gaze was intoxicating, but I was in control. Always.
I kissed her—hard—without giving her a chance to react. She tried to push me away, but I didn't relent, not for a second.
I knew exactly how to break them, knew exactly where to kiss, how to touch, how to make them lose themselves. But something about her... something in the way she fought me made it all the more enticing.
Her lips tasted like fire, and I couldn't stop myself. I moved faster, unbuckling her bra, feeling her resistance grow, but I didn't care. She wasn't getting away from me. Not now.
But just as I reached for her skirt, as I was about to strip her bare, the door flew open.
Hayden.
"Get out," I growled, my patience already snapped.
She hurried out, her face flushed with embarrassment, and I cursed the interruption. Work. It always interfered with my personal life.
I glared at Hayden, the moment completely ruined, but he only smiled.
"Sorry," he said, unaffected by the tension in the air.
I couldn't believe it. Of all the damn timing…
I hated when work got in the way.