4

This world belongs to people like me—the ones who aren’t afraid to do whatever it takes to get what they want.

And I’ll keep doing it.

Because at the end of the day, there’s nothing that feels better than being the one in control, knowing that no matter how far I go, there’s no one who can stop me.

And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

4

ARBEN

Women have always been easy for me.

They come and go, each one just a passing distraction, never more than a fleeting pleasure.

I never had to try too hard.

They were drawn to the power, to the money, to the thrill of being close to someone who controlled so much.

They liked the danger, even if they didn’t fully understand it.

They thought they could tame me, that maybe they were the ones who could change me.

But I didn’t need changing.

I didn’t want it.

I used them, they used me—it was a simple transaction.

One night, a few weeks, maybe longer if I felt like it.

But in the end, it was always the same.

They were disposable, temporary.

Nothing about them stuck with me.

I took what I wanted, and when I was done, I moved on.

No attachments, no complications.

Just physical satisfaction, with no strings attached.

That’s how I kept it.

I didn’t let anyone get close enough to see the real me—the parts of me that were forged in darkness, in violence.

They only ever saw the surface, and that was enough for them.

Growing up, I learned fast that love, softness, vulnerability—it made you weak.

My father made sure I understood that from day one.

He wasn’t a man who gave affection, not to me, not to anyone.

Instead, he gave orders, punishment, lessons that came with a heavy hand.

I was taught to take what I wanted, to never show weakness, and to never, ever trust anyone.

My mother left when I was young, and I didn’t blame her.

This life wasn’t meant for someone like her.

It wasn’t meant for anyone who couldn’t handle the bloodshed, the constant struggle for control.

But I thrived in it.

The more I fought, the stronger I became.

By the time I took over the family business, I was already hardened, ready to step into the role.

I didn’t hesitate, didn’t question it.

This life—the crime, the violence, the power—it was in my blood.

It was the only way I knew how to live.

I didn’t care about love or softness.

All I cared about was staying on top, making sure no one could ever challenge me.

That’s what mattered.

But Amina… she’s different.

The first time I saw her, she wasn’t like the other women who crossed my path.

She wasn’t looking for trouble.

She didn’t even realize she was standing at the edge of it.

Her father, that worthless fool, had no idea what he had gotten himself into, but I did.

I could see how much she meant to him.

The way he talked about her, the way he tried to protect her, even when he was drowning in debt and desperation.

She was his most prized possession, his one point of pride in a life full of failure.

He would do anything to keep her safe, to keep her out of this world.

And that’s exactly why I want her.

There’s something about taking what’s most valuable to a man, something about knowing you’ve claimed the one thing he cherishes above all else.

It’s not just about the debt anymore.

Sure, he owes me money, but that’s the easy part.

This is personal.

I’m going to take Amina, not just because I can, but because I want to.

She’s become more than just collateral—she’s become a challenge, a conquest.

And I’ve always thrived on the thrill of winning.

But with her, it’s more than that.

It’s not just about control, not just about making her father pay in the cruelest way possible.

There’s something about her that draws me in, something I can’t quite put my finger on.

 She’s not like the women I’ve used before.

She’s stronger, smarter.

She doesn’t even realize the power she has, and that makes it all the more dangerous.