One Hundred

The Silver Rose emblem was found at Renjiro’s crime scene. The same symbol she had seen at the accident site where her parents died years ago. Was Antonio really involved? Cassandra’s hands clenched tightly in her lap. She wanted to ask him outright, to demand the truth, but she knew that wouldn’t be easy. If Antonio had something to do with her parents’ deaths, what would she do?

Before she could think further, the bedroom door creaked open, pulling her out of her thoughts. Cassandra turned her head to see Antonio standing at the doorway, wearing nothing but loose sweatpants and a half-unbuttoned white shirt, revealing the toned muscles of his chest. His piercing gaze was locked onto hers with an intensity that sent shivers down her spine. He walked toward her, his expression unreadable, studying her face as if trying to decipher every thought running through her mind. Then, he leaned down, his fingers brushing against her cheek in a way that made her stomach tighten.

"You look… distant today, sweetheart."

His voice was low, deep, filled with a gentle yet commanding tone.

"What are you hiding from me?"

Cassandra held her breath, forcing herself to stay composed. She knew Antonio could read lies too easily. So, she faked a smile.

"I’m just tired. There’s nothing to worry about."

Antonio didn’t respond immediately. Instead, his dark eyes narrowed, his gaze scrutinizing, as if weighing the truth in her words. Then, suddenly, he tilted her chin up with his thumb, forcing her to meet his gaze.

"I always know when you’re lying, Cassandra."

Her heart pounded violently. Their faces were so close, his lips just inches away from hers.

"I’m not lying," she whispered, but even to her own ears, her voice sounded uncertain.

Antonio smirked, but there was something dangerous in it. He tilted his head, his lips grazing along her jawline before he whispered,

"You forget, sweetheart… I know every expression on your face. I know when you’re hiding something."

Cassandra swallowed hard. Her fingers curled tightly into the silk fabric of her nightgown. Antonio didn’t stop. His large hand slid down to her waist, pulling her closer until their bodies were pressed together.

"Don’t try to run from me." His voice was low, intoxicating, filled with a dangerous kind of seduction.

"What’s got you thinking so hard that you can’t focus on me?"

Cassandra clenched her jaw, trying to regain control of the situation. But Antonio wasn’t giving her a chance. His lips brushed against her shoulder, trailing slow, deliberate kisses, his tongue flicking against her skin just enough to make her shudder. She let out a shaky breath.

"Antonio… not now…" she whispered, her voice barely holding any resistance.

But Antonio only chuckled, his fingers sliding down to her thigh, teasing, stroking just enough to make her knees weaken.

"I don’t care what time it is. All I know is that I want you right now."

His lips trailed down her neck, leaving red marks of possession, while his hands moved dangerously lower, his fingers tugging the strap of her nightgown until it slid down her shoulder. With a soft whisper, the fabric fell to the floor, leaving her half-naked under the dim bedroom light. Antonio pulled back slightly, his eyes darkening as he devoured the sight of her.

"Look at you…" he murmured, his voice dripping with raw desire.

"So fucking perfect."

Cassandra tried to cover herself, but Antonio grabbed her wrists, holding her still.

"Don’t hide from me,"

he growled. His mouth found her collarbone, biting, sucking, marking her all over again.

"This body is mine, Cassandra. No one else gets to see you like this. No one else gets to touch you like I do."

Her breath came out in short gasps, her body betraying her mind as his fingers trailed lower, dipping between her legs.

"You’re already wet, Cass." His voice dripped amusement, but his touch was anything but gentle.

"Are you still going to lie to me?"

Cassandra whimpered, her legs trembling as she gripped his shoulders for support. Antonio smirked in satisfaction. He lifted her effortlessly, carrying her back to the bed and pinning her beneath him.

"You’re mine, Cassandra." His voice was hoarse, possessive, filled with a hunger that sent her mind spiraling.

"And tonight, I’ll remind you exactly why."

She barely had time to catch her breath before he consumed her completely—once again dragging her into his sinful world of pleasure and possession.

Meanwhile…

In the lavish conference room of Antonio’s mansion, the air was thick with tension. The smell of bourbon and cigars filled the space, while a detailed city map lay spread across the table, marked with red circles over key locations. Antonio sat at the head of the table, flipping through the latest report Marcus had handed him. A new mafia had emerged. They called themselves Nuovo Ordine. Marcus stood beside him, his tone sharp.

"They’re moving fast, Boss. This isn’t just some street gang. They know exactly what they’re doing."

Antonio took a calm sip of his wine before setting the glass down.

"You said they’ve been leaving the Silver Rose emblem at their crime scenes?" Marcus nodded.

"Yeah. And not just at one site, Antonio. They’ve been tagging it at every location they attack."

Antonio tapped his fingers against the table, his expression unreadable.

"So they want the world to think I’m behind this." Marcus exchanged looks with Ben, another one of Antonio’s trusted men. Ben leaned forward.

"Boss, this isn’t just about them interfering in our businesses. They’re moving into government affairs. Some of our transactions are getting blocked, customs and taxes are being raised for no reason. That means someone powerful is protecting them." Antonio’s jaw clenched.

"So they have politicians in their pocket." Marcus exhaled sharply.

"We have a few names under investigation, but I haven’t found the mastermind yet."

Antonio rubbed his temples.

"They’re not just trying to disrupt our business. They want to take over the entire underworld. They want to overthrow The Silver Thorn."

Meanwhile,

in several parts of the city, Antonio’s men were facing violent attacks. Whoever Nuovo Ordine was, they weren’t just playing for power. They were playing for the throne. And Antonio wasn’t about to let them take it.

New York Dock District –

Midnight Antonio's men were securing a shipment at the docks when two black vans suddenly skidded to a stop at the far end of the pier.

"Who the fuck are they?!"

one of Antonio’s men yelled, immediately raising his gun.

BANG! BANG! BANG!

A rain of bullets tore through the night, dropping three men instantly. The remaining guards scrambled for cover behind wooden crates, returning fire.

"Shit! There’s more of them than we thought!" Then—

BOOM!

An explosion ripped through the air, sending flames shooting into the sky. One of Antonio’s supply trucks had been blown up.

"Motherfuckers are burning our shipment!"

Elsewhere in the City

– Midnight A high-end nightclub, owned by Antonio’s network, was suddenly surrounded by armed Nuovo Ordine gang members. Inside, Lorenzo—the club’s manager—frantically ran to the back office, grabbing his phone.

"We're under attack! They’re shooting everyone! I need backup now!"

At Antonio’s headquarters,

Ben growled, gripping his gun.

"Hold them off as long as you can. We’re on our way!"

As he ended the call, Marcus turned to him with a grim expression.

"We can’t keep playing defense, Ben. They’re not just hitting random businesses. They’re going after every critical point we own."

Antonio sat in his leather chair, his fingers tapping the armrest, his expression unreadable.

"This means they have inside intelligence. Someone within our own ranks is feeding them information."

Then, he finally stood, his presence commanding the entire room.

"We’re not sitting back anymore." His voice was cold, final. Ben nodded, his jaw tightening.

"What’s the plan, Boss?"

Antonio’s dark eyes flicked toward Marcus, slipping a cigarette between his lips before lighting it effortlessly.

"We find out which politician is backing Nuovo Ordine."

Marcus pulled out a tablet, swiping through a list of suspicious financial transactions connected to the city’s lawmakers.

"We’ve been digging into sudden government changes," Marcus explained.

"Three names stand out." Antonio took the tablet, his gaze narrowing as he scanned the top name—

Senator Vincent Moretti.

A smirk tugged at Antonio’s lips as he exhaled a slow puff of smoke.

"Moretti… That dirty New York politician who's always playing both sides. I’ve been waiting for an excuse to ruin him."

Antonio tossed the tablet onto the table.

"Let’s make him an offer he can’t refuse." Ben chuckled darkly.

"And if he refuses?" Antonio’s gaze turned lethal.

"Then we make him fucking regret it."

Penthouse Balcony.

Cassandra’s Thoughts Cassandra sat alone on the balcony of Antonio’s penthouse, her mind racing as she stared at the city lights below. Everything Alexander told her earlier kept replaying in her head. The Silver Thorn existed long before Antonio took over. Did that mean Antonio wasn’t responsible for her parents’ deaths?

Or was he simply continuing a legacy of bloodshed that ran deeper than she ever imagined? She rubbed her temples, frustration bubbling in her chest. Nuovo Ordine was using the same emblem as The Silver Thorn.

Were they imitating Antonio?Challenging him? Or… Was Antonio playing a game so twisted that even she couldn’t see the truth? A heavy set of footsteps echoed from inside the bedroom. She sighed deeply before turning around. Antonio stood at the threshold of the balcony, dressed in an unbuttoned black shirt, exposing the chiseled lines of his chest. His gaze was sharp—too sharp, as if he could see right through her.

"Something wrong, sweetheart?"

His tone was smooth, almost gentle—but there was something dangerous hidden beneath it. Cassandra forced a small smile.

"No, I’m just tired."

Antonio’s eyes narrowed slightly. He stepped forward, closing the balcony doors behind him, and walked toward her with unhurried, measured steps.

"Don’t lie to me, Cassandra."

His voice was soft, almost teasing—but the warning was clear. Her heartbeat quickened. She couldn't let him know she had met Alexander, that she was investigating The Silver Thorn herself.

"I’m just… thinking about the case," she said finally, forcing her voice to stay calm.

Antonio’s lips curled into a smirk. Then, he reached forward and tilted her chin up with his thumb, forcing her to meet his gaze.

"The case about Nuovo Ordine?"

Her breath caught. He knew.

"Do you also think they work for me?"

His voice was low, dangerous—but far too calm. Cassandra swallowed hard.

"I just… saw the similarities. The emblem, their methods…" she admitted carefully. Antonio studied her for a long moment. Then— His thumb brushed against her lower lip, and he leaned in close, his breath hot against her skin.

"I don’t need another organization to rule the underworld, Cass."

His words sent a chill down her spine.

"I already own everything."

Cassandra's lungs tightened. Then, his lips brushed the corner of her mouth, his voice dropping to a low whisper that sent a shiver straight down her spine.

"But I do love seeing fear in your eyes."

Her fingers curled into fists, trying to regain control over herself. But Antonio wasn’t done. In one swift movement, he pulled her against him, their bodies colliding. His mouth traced the curve of her neck, teasing, tasting, leaving a trail of soft, possessive kisses.

"Antonio…"

Cassandra’s voice was shaky, her body already betraying her.

"Ssshh," he whispered, his hands sliding over the silk of her robe, pushing it off her shoulders.

"I want you to forget everything that’s clouding your mind tonight."

His fingers caressed the sensitive skin of her thigh, inching higher, igniting a slow burn inside her. Cassandra’s breath hitched, her mind screaming at her to stop—to demand the truth.

But then— Antonio captured her lips in a deep, consuming kiss, and all her resistance melted away. His hands explored, his touch slow and torturous, his mouth possessive as he pinned her against the balcony railing, completely devouring her. One kiss. And suddenly, the truth she was chasing didn’t matter anymore. The only thing that mattered was him. And the way he made her forget everything else. Cassandra tried to resist, but her traitorous body had already surrendered. Antonio knew every weak spot, every way to make her break beneath him. With one swift movement, he lifted her and threw her onto the bed. Cassandra gasped, feeling his strong body press her down, caging her in.

"Tonight, I want to see you completely mine."

His voice was low, smoldering, filled with dark, burning desire. With no effort at all, Antonio ripped her nightgown apart, exposing her bare skin to the cool air. Before she could even protest, his lips captured hers in a bruising kiss, demanding everything. Cassandra couldn't think anymore. She could only feel. The way his mouth dominated hers, the way his hands branded her, the way he drowned her in pure, raw heat. Her fingers dug into his thick, dark hair as he trailed down her neck, sucking, marking, owning her with every inch of his mouth.

"Say my name again, Cass,"

he murmured against her sensitive skin, his voice dripping with wicked pleasure. She couldn't hold it in anymore.

"Antonio!"

she cried out, her back arching, her body melting into his. Antonio smirked, his dark gaze smoldering with possession.

"Look at you, responding only to me. No other man will ever touch you the way I do."

Cassandra wanted to deny it—wanted to fight against the truth—but how could she?

He was already inside her, carved into her very soul. And as Antonio claimed her again, she knew— He would never let her go. Soft morning sunlight streamed through the cracks in the curtains, painting the bedroom in golden hues. Cassandra lay motionless, her body exhausted, her muscles sore from the relentless passion of the night before. She exhaled slowly, feeling the warmth still lingering on the sheets, the scent of Antonio’s skin embedded in her own. He conquered me again.

Cassandra tried to move, but a deep ache between her thighs reminded her just how ruthless Antonio had been when he took her. He didn’t just want her. He wanted to own her. Not just physically, but completely. And that was the real danger. Antonio wasn’t just watching over her—he was claiming her as his in every possible way.

"I need to get out of this…"

she thought. But as she tried to sit up, a strong arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her back down onto the bed. Cassandra gasped, her body stiffening. A deep masculine chuckle vibrated against her bare back.

"Where do you think you’re going, sweetheart?"

Antonio’s voice was husky, laced with leftover desire. Cassandra swallowed.

"I… I need to take a shower."

Antonio let out a low, amused laugh, then suddenly flipped her onto her back, pinning her beneath him. His dark, dangerous eyes studied her naked form, his smirk dripping with sinful satisfaction.

"After last night, you still have the strength to get up?"

he murmured, trailing his fingers down her thigh, sending heat pooling between her legs. Cassandra bit her lip, cursing her body for betraying her yet again. Antonio leaned in, his lips brushing against the shell of her ear, his breath hot and teasing.

"Do you know what I love most about you, Cass?"

Cassandra held her breath, her skin tingling where his fingers traced slow, torturous circles on her stomach. "What?" she whispered. Antonio’s grin darkened.

"The way you always try to deny that you want me… even though your body begs for me every damn time."

Cassandra closed her eyes, fighting the desire threatening to swallow her whole. But Antonio wasn’t done. His hand slid lower, his lips ghosting over hers, his voice thick with wicked pleasure—

"And now, I’m going to remind you again… exactly who you belong to."

"Antonio… stop,"

she whispered, but even she wasn’t sure if she truly wanted him to stop. The man didn’t care. He kissed down her neck, leaving fresh red marks over skin that was already claimed by him.

"Why should I stop?"

he murmured between kisses.

"Every time I touch you, you’re already soaking for me."

Cassandra gasped as Antonio’s fingers slid deeper, brushing over the most sensitive part of her body.

"Antonio!"

His wicked smirk deepened.

"See? I haven’t even done anything yet, and you’re already losing control."

Cassandra bit her lip, ashamed of herself. She should resist. She should fight back. But why, why did she always melt under Antonio’s touch? Antonio grabbed her chin, forcing her to meet his dark, dangerous gaze.

"You belong to me, Cassandra,"

he whispered, his voice thick with raw possession.

"And no one—no one—will ever take you from me."

Cassandra wanted to deny it. She wanted to tell him she belonged to no one. But when Antonio crushed his lips against hers, ravenous, scorching, devouring, she knew—

She had already lost. A while later, Antonio finally let her go. Cassandra sat at the edge of the bed, clutching the sheets around her bare body, her skin still covered in the remnants of Antonio’s touch. Across the room, Antonio sat on the sofa, lighting a cigarette, his eyes fixed on her with an unreadable expression.

"Why so quiet?"

he asked, exhaling a lazy cloud of smoke. Cassandra let out a shaky breath. How could she keep living like this? Trapped in the arms of a man who might have destroyed her family?

"I was just… thinking about something."

She finally spoke, her voice softer than she intended. Antonio raised an eyebrow.

"Is it about Nuovo Ordine?" Cassandra’s body tensed.

"What do you mean?"

she asked cautiously. Antonio’s lips curled into a knowing smirk.

"I know the police are still investigating them," he said, flicking ashes from his cigarette.

"And I know that you’re the one leading that investigation, Cass."

Her blood ran cold. How much did Antonio actually know? Antonio stood, walking toward her with slow, predatory steps.

"I don’t care who’s trying to take me down, Cass,"

he murmured, his fingers brushing against her cheek with deceptive gentleness.

"I just want you to stay by my side."

Cassandra stared at him, her mind a warzone of doubts. What if he really did kill my parents?

What if this is just a game to him? But before she could process her own fear, Antonio captured her lips again—

Not rough, not punishing this time. But soft. Like she was the most precious thing in the world to him. And that scared her more than anything else. Cassandra squeezed her eyes shut. She was already too deep. And she didn’t know if she could ever escape.