"Do you also have a place like Hotel Starlight?"Stone fell silent for a moment. When he finally answered, his voice sounded calm and slow as if he was carefully choosing his words."I know many mafia families involved in prostitution and trafficking of women. I've seen it many times even from the people I considered allies. I'm not a hypocrite, May. I admit that I could turn a blind eye to many things. I'm not what many would consider a good person, but I have never been a part of that world. I hate rapists and those who force women to do what they don't want. Yes, I do own some casinos and strip clubs because it's the easiest way to make money without too much hassle from the police, but I can tell you that the women working there, all choose to be there. I never force them to work for me, and they're free to leave and quit anytime they want."May thought about what Stone said, and although she felt that strip clubs were just one step below brothels, she knew there was a big differen
May didn’t dream at all this time. Her sleep was deep and peaceful. The first in a long time.The first thing she felt when she opened her eyes was Stone's steady heartbeat in her ears and something heavy pressing on her thigh.May was about to raise her head when Stone tightened his embrace and said, "That’s just Otis. He doesn't like sleeping alone."With sunlight beginning to seep in through the curtains, May suddenly remembered what she had done last night. She had just forced a complete stranger to hug her. Not just for a while, but until morning!With a blush of embarrassment, May lifted her head.Her face felt even hotter as she observed the face of the man she had just married.She was scared and panicked yesterday, so she hadn’t paid much attention to the man the night before, but now that the storm of dust had settled a bit, she couldn't ignore how handsome the man was.He had sharp blue eyes and black hair that made him look intimidating yet captivating. With a clean-shaven
"H-hello."Upon hearing May's greeting, everyone suddenly stopped talking and turned towards her.The woman behind the stove even immediately turned off the flame and smiled at May.Stone set down his coffee cup and stepped towards May with a smile.“Hello,” Stone replied while reaching May’s hand and guiding her inside. “Let me introduce you to everyone. You remember Angelo and Jet from last night, right?" Stone pointed to the two men who were now smiling at her."Yes," May forced herself to return their smiles while suppressing the pain in her lips. "Good morning.""Good morning, May," Jet replied, raising his fork while Angelo nodded.“That’s Molly,” Stone continued to the blonde woman next to Angelo.The woman placed her hand on Angelo’s shoulder before smiling and stepping closer."Hi, May," she greeted, extending her hand. " I keep this place clean and tidy. Nice to meet you.""Hi, Molly." May shook Molly's hand gently. "Nice to meet you too."As soon as May let go, the middle-a
The sound of the doorbell made both of them turn towards it."That must be the doctor I called," Stone said, leading May out of the bathroom. "I'll tell her to meet you here.""The doctor is a woman?" May asked, looking up."I thought you might be more comfortable with a female doctor."Before May could stop herself, she wrapped her arms around Stone's muscular body and hugged him."Thank you for thinking about everything, Stone," May whispered.Stone returned May's hug and kissed the woman's forehead before stepping back. He then extended his hand and brushed his thumb against May's cheek."Alright, I'll see you after the doctor finishes examining you," he said before turning and walking out.May waited in the room anxiously. When the sound of a knock finally came from the door, she had to force her lips to stop trembling to be able to answer."C-come in."The door opened, and a woman stepped in. She was tall and slender, with gray hair tied in a bun.The woman smiled at May before c
Stone said thank you and hung up the phone. As he put his phone back into his pocket, he walked towards the balcony."Sorry for taking so long," Stone said when he finally stood beside his wife. "My brother called."May turned and blinked, staring at Stone's face."I didn't know you had a brother.""He's my cousin, actually.""Oh?""His name is Shadow, but we all call him Zade.""Stone and Shadow?" May asked, raising her eyebrows. "Quite uncommon names.""Just wait until you hear Shadow's little brother's name. We call him Sev, but his real name is Savage. Savage Black."May laughed until her wide eyes narrowed, making it more difficult for Stone to look away."Stone, Shadow, and Savage," May repeated. "Truly a mafia family. Are you close to each other?""Yes. Zade and Sev are like my own brothers. Maybe I can invite them here sometime. I could introduce them to you.""Oh... you don't need to do that, Stone," May replied, shaking her head. "You can stop pretending this marriage is som
The crackling of wood and the sound of waves surrounded them as May finally turned to Stone and whispered, "Thank you, Stone.""You're welcome, Snow White."It was hard to see in the yellow light of the fire, but Stone swore he saw May's cheeks blush at the nickname he gave her.Even after what Sean had done, even after Hotel Starlight, there was still something incredibly sweet and innocent about her. Something that made Stone realize he was willing to walk through hot coals barefoot just to protect that innocence from being tarnished by others.Laughter from the people around them diverted Stone's attention from May. He turned and saw Molly handing out some whisky bottles to the others.Jet popped one open and approached Stone to hand him the bottle in his hand.Before Stone could accept the bottle, May snatched it and took a big gulp.Stone watched May chug the bottle before holding a laugh when she started coughing."Easy there, May," Stone said, taking the bottle from her hand an
Stone was watching May’s face when he saw her face change. From a joyful and carefree expression turned into one that said,I'm going to puke at any moment now.He immediately scooped May into his arms.
"Nikolai," Stone answered in a stiff voice."Stone," Nikolai began. "Jade told me what happened. She said you broke into the Starlight Hotel and threatened her because you wanted to take one of the women there with you. What the fuck, man. What were you thinking?""What was I thinking?" Stone growled back. "I should be asking you, Nikolai, what were you thinking, keeping a woman who belong to me in that place?""What are you talking about?""Sean Kettler made a deal with me about his wife," Stone replied. "May is mine. What did you think I'm going to do when I found out that the woman promised to me and whom I intended to marry was apparently in your hands and being raped every night?""Raped every night?" Nikolai repeated. "That house is a brothel, Stone. She's just a whore. Surely there are other women more worthy for you to marry than that cheap whore. She's not even a virgin anymore.""Watch your fucking mouth when you are talking about my wife, Nikolai," Stone growled harshly."A