AVERY’S POV:I never knew my body could tremble with this kind of pleasure—this raw, unfiltered ecstasy that shattered every wall I’d ever built. Every touch, every gasp was a revelation, unearthing desires so deep they left me breathless. Axel Blackwood was unlike any man I’d ever known. Chase had never touched me like this—his caresses had been clinical, detached, as if I were something to be tolerated. But Axel… Axel was a storm, a wildfire, a force that consumed me whole. I felt every ounce of past pain burn away in the heat of him, replaced by something weightless, intoxicating—something that made me feel free. My limbs still trembled from the aftermath, but my mind—miraculously sharp despite the wine—knew exactly where I was. In his arms. In his bed. And for the first time in forever, I didn’t feel broken. When I finally managed to prop myself up, I searched for him. Through the dim glow of the room, I found his silhouette—lounging in the corner, his body still bare, his
AVERY’S POV:Every detail of him—his warmth, the sheen of sweat along his skin, the steady pulse of desire—held me captive.I parted my lips and welcomed him in, My tongue, wet and agile, traced every ridge, beginning its deliberate exploration along his sensitive tip. I swirled it in slow, circular motions, savoring the unique taste of him—a heady blend of salt, musk, and raw desire.Axel cradled my head, tilting it slightly as he explored. His touch was deliberate, as though teaching my body a new language of pleasure.With each flick of his tongue and tender press, he coaxed moans and gasps from deep within me. Though I was inexperienced, his guidance was as clear as his passion.With each slow thrust, it felt as though he was unlocking something deep within meEvery flick of my tongue was measured, teasing, and when I slid my lips further down, I could feel him twitch with anticipation.Axel’s eyes fluttered shut as he exhaled a slow breath.I gagged softly, breath hitching as Axe
AXEL’S POV:Avery saw it. She saw the circle around my heart—something only I had ever been able to see. How the hell was that even possible? Who was she? I stared at her sleeping face, my mind running through every insane possibility. The mysterious woman’s words echoed in my head, but there was no Orion. No grand destiny. Only Avery. Finding out who she truly was—who her biological parents were—was my priority now. Maybe then, I’d get some goddamn answers. But none of that mattered at this moment. Right now, she was in my arms, tangled up in me like she belonged there. Avery’s head rested on my chest, her soft breaths fanning against my skin. I lay face forward, my arms wrapped tightly around her, my hand moving up and down her back in slow, absent strokes. I told myself I wasn’t getting attached, but the way my grip instinctively tightened every time she shifted said otherwise. I didn’t sleep a wink. Not because I couldn’t, but because I didn’t want to. If I closed my e
AVERY’S POV:When I asked Axel for sex last night, I knew exactly how he shut me down—made me feel like a desperate, needy girl unworthy of his touch. Yet, desperate as I was, I craved him. The next morning, with the first rays of the sun warming my face and an aching reminder between my legs, I rolled over with a triumphant smile. I had decided then: today, I was going to get what I wanted.I reached out, expecting the warmth of the body I had grown used to. Instead, my fingers met nothing but cool sheets. My eyes snapped open. Axel was gone.I told myself he’d just stepped out—maybe to the bathroom, maybe for air. I laid back down, pretending nothing was amiss. But as minutes stretched into an hour and he still hadn’t returned, a cold, unfamiliar dread settled in my gut. Had he woken up disgusted? Had I crossed a line so deep he couldn't face me? I forced myself out of bed—the bed that wasn’t mine—and trudged to the small restroom. The cold water shocked me awake, but it couldn’t
AXEL’S POV:It had been two weeks. Two whole weeks of trying to exorcise her from my mind. I kept myself busy—hunting for the perfect virgin maid, tracking down the so-called Orion. I even went through five women who fit the description of the mystery girl that crazy woman had described, testing them in the only way that mattered to me. But none of them could get me off. No matter how tight they were, they weren’t her. And they sure as hell weren’t healing me either. In fact, it only got worse. I had convinced myself that my obsession was about control—about needing to reclaim whatever hold she had on me. But it wasn’t just that. It was the way she had changed. Avery was no longer the terrified woman I had brought into my world. She wasn’t cowering anymore, wasn’t swallowing her words just to avoid setting me off. She had learned to fight. Not just physically but in every way. She took care of Sea like she had been born to do it. She challenged me in training, standing her g
AXEL’S POV:"...and I'm Don Orlando of the Black Horse faction," a gruff voice said, pulling my attention back.I nodded politely, my eyes returning to the mysterious stranger.Finally, he stepped forward, his eyes locking onto mine with unnerving intensity. "Vaughan Zedar, Don of the Four Square faction," he said, his voice smooth as silk.I raised an eyebrow, intrigued by his confidence. His suit was pristine, his posture too at ease for a man who looked like he'd just stepped out of a boardroom. Something about him set my instincts on edge."Four Square's Don is Don Zak," I said, testing him.Vaughan's expression remained neutral, but a flicker of something – amusement? – danced in his eyes. "He passed away two years ago, and I took over."I nodded, my mind racing with questions. "I see."Vaughan's smile was a thin, mirthless line. "Welcome to my home. Let me know if you need anything.""I don't deserve that politeness, Don Axel," Vaughan said, his voice laced with sarcasm. "But I'
AXEL’S POV: Ryan’s request was clear as daylight now. The admiration, the silent nods, the stolen glances when he thought no one was watching—it had all been leading to this. Still, I never took it seriously. Ryan hated Avery down to his bones. Or at least, that’s what I thought. When did that change? And to the point where he wanted her as a damn birthday present? "Ryan, you’re not one to joke around, so I know you’re serious. Why do you want Avery?" His hands slid into his pockets as a smirk tugged at his lips. His entire posture shifted—light, almost boyish, like a kid about to confess to his first crush. I already knew what he was going to say, and I didn’t want to hear it. Keeping my expression blank, I tilted my head, my gaze cutting into him. "Ryan, ask for something else. I have a purpose for Avery. She’s out of reach." The smirk faded. "I figured you’d say that." His voice carried no disappointment, only a quiet determination. "But I know her main purpose is
AVERY’S POV:I forced myself to ignore whatever I was feeling, pushing down the anger that bubbled up every time I thought about him with another woman. It wasn’t like I had proof, but the whispers were there. Axel was looking for a new maid. Axel was sleeping around. Baron had been talking about it with the guys when I overheard them. Still, I focused on my training, harder than ever. The inked circle on his chest had faded into nothing, and no one spoke about it—not even Cedric when he came for a routine checkup. I was left in the dark, like always. This morning, even before the first streak of light broke through, everything felt different. The entire estate buzzed with activity. Extra security. People rushing in and out. But Axel and Ryan were nowhere to be seen. Whatever was happening, I wasn’t allowed to know. Even the girls wouldn’t talk. I tried to get them to slip up in the kitchen earlier, but Katie caught us, and the conversation ended before it began. Then they black
AXEL’S POV:“I would’ve followed you anywhere,” Avery whispered, her hands slipping around my neck, her body tightening beneath me. “I have died beside you, Axel. That should be enough proof.”I stilled inside her, the weight of her confession pressing down on my chest like a curse I couldn’t outrun.“Why now?” she asked, panting as she wrapped her arms tighter, pulling me toward her. “Why have this conversation now, Axel?”The urge to push myself all the way back in was infuriating, but I didn’t move an inch, savoring the way she begged with her eyes and her body.I tangled my hand in the back of her hair, holding her gaze. “Because it’s been eating at me.”Her eyes narrowed, suspicious. “What happened back there? Why did you miss the aim? One thing I know for certain—you’re a great shooter. If you wanted that man dead, he’d have dropped before I even arrived.”That was the thing. I was exceptional. Precise. Deadly.I slammed back inside her.“I don’t know,” I admitted, the words for
AXEL’S POV:As Baron left, the room finally settled into silence. I leaned back, the material creaking beneath me, shadows from the light stretching across the floor. My mind wandered—first to Sea, and how she’d surprised me. There was no tantrum, no cold stares. Just quiet acceptance. A daughter who’d been confused for years but chose love over resentment. She was more like Avery than I realized.Speaking of her—Avery sauntered into the living room like a flame in the dark, barefoot, legs bare, wrapped in a blood-red satin nightie that clung to her body like it had been painted on. Thin straps kissed her shoulders, the silk dipping low enough to tease the soft weight of her breasts. Every sway of her hips pulled me to her. Desire pooled low in my stomach, uncoiling like a fuse waiting to be lit.She walked over without a word and slipped onto my lap, her legs curling around me. Her lips found mine in a soft kiss.“Sea’s asleep,” she mumbled against my mouth.I wrapped an arm around
AXEL’S POV:As Baron left, the room finally settled into silence. I leaned back, the material creaking beneath me, shadows from the light stretching across the floor. My mind wandered—first to Sea, and how she’d surprised me. There was no tantrum, no cold stares. Just quiet acceptance. A daughter who’d been confused for years but chose love over resentment. She was more like Avery than I realized.Speaking of her—Avery sauntered into the living room like a flame in the dark, barefoot, legs bare, wrapped in a blood-red satin nightie that clung to her body like it had been painted on. Thin straps kissed her shoulders, the silk dipping low enough to tease the soft weight of her breasts. Every sway of her hips pulled me to her. Desire pooled low in my stomach, uncoiling like a fuse waiting to be lit.She walked over without a word and slipped onto my lap, her legs curling around me. Her lips found mine in a soft kiss.“Sea’s asleep,” she mumbled against my mouth.I wrapped an arm around
AXEL’S POV:Avery was bent over Sea, her brows tight with focus as she ran test after test to make sure our girl was okay. Her hands moved gently, like she was touching glass that might shatter. I stood close, arms crossed, jaw clenched, watching every emotion on Sea’s face.“Did anyone hurt you?” Avery asked softly, brushing a strand of hair from Sea’s forehead.“Did anyone ever touch you in a way you didn’t like?” I added, trying best to stay in control while waiting for her answer Sea looked up at us. Her eyes were bright but calm. She looked older than her years—seven years had done that.“No,” she said quietly. “Ryan never hurt me. He was always... kind. Protective. Present. He took care of me. Always made sure I had what I needed. He taught me things, helped me grow up. Like a father should.”I exchanged a glance with Avery. A bitter taste bloomed in the back of my throat.“And the marriage?” Avery asked gently. “Did he force you to marry that man?”Sea shook her head. “No. He
AVERY’S POV:All this time, Baron and the rest of the guards stood still—positioned with militant stillness, their eyes never drifting from Axel and Ryan. They weren’t statues, though. You could feel the readiness in their posture, in the way fingers hovered just near triggers, how Baron’s gaze scanned every shadow like he expected a war to break out.Me? I kept scanning too. Old habits. But I didn’t feel cornered. Not with Axel here—and not with the numbers we brought. He’d made sure we had enough men. If this turned bloody, it wouldn’t end well for Ryan.Still, something in the air told me we were far from done.Defensively, Ryan snapped, “Her father kept her a secret to shield her from attacks.”Axel’s brows narrowed. “If you found yourself a mafia princess, why couldn’t you stick with her? Build your alliances the right way instead of giving away my daughter?” His voice turned lethal. “If her father is truly who you claim, then why not use that leverage?”Ryan’s jaw flexed. “Becau
AVERY’S POV:“No peace is worth her dignity,” I snapped, my fists clenched so tightly they ached. “You sealed her fate to get yourself out of trouble.”Ryan shook his head violently. “Don’t twist this. You weren’t here. Enemies were striking from all sides. The Russians in Tampa. The East Coast Syndicates in Italy. Everyone thought Axel was dead and Miami was up for grabs. I was just a name. They smelled weakness.”“You were weak,” Axel snapped. “And stupid. You believed that dirty-bag wouldn't touch her? You believed some overweight, power-drunk animal wouldn’t lay hands on my daughter the second she was his?”Ryan’s lip curled. “You think I didn’t struggle with it? That I didn’t weigh every option? I was desperate, Axel. Desperate to hold together what was left of your kingdom while you were dead. I didn’t have the luxury of morals. I had to survive. We all did.”“And for that,” Axel said slowly, stepping toward him until they were nearly nose-to-nose, “you offered her like a gift o
AVERY’S POV:Thank God I didn’t listen.Something told me not to. The moment Axel walked out that door, tension still rolling off his back, I couldn’t sit still. My body wouldn’t let me. So I grabbed my bag, ignored the hesitant grumbles from his guards, and followed.Good thing I did.If I’d been a minute late—hell, a second—who knows what that fat slob would’ve done to our daughter or to Axel.As soon as I reached Axel, I caught him saving him from collapsing. He was trembling. The man who once bathed in the blood of enemies without flinching now couldn’t stomach the sight of one dead body. The irony was bitter.The place was chaos. Screams echoed from the hallway. People tripped over chairs, others bolted for the exits. The guards outside barked orders, trying to herd the crowd into some kind of formation, but it was like trying to sweep water uphill.I stayed inside, watching the mess unfold from behind the glass balcony window above. The moment was frozen in chaos—and then my eye
AXEL’S POVAs I leaned back in that leather chair, the scent of sandalwood and fresh polish settled into my nose. The office was polished. Immaculate. A clean display of taste, ambition, and new money. But my gaze wasn’t interested in decor—it anchored to the walls, to the shelves, to the little details most wouldn’t notice but I did.The picture frames.Dozens of them.Sea.Just Sea.Her tiny fingers wrapped around a paintbrush as she sat cross-legged in an art class. Sea grinning beside Ryan at a science museum, both wearing matching safety goggles. Her in a frilly tutu, mid-spin on a recital stage, wings on her back like some kind of seraphim. Ryan, lifting her on his shoulders as they fed a giraffe. Sea asleep on a couch with a book clutched in hand. Sea in a football jersey, cheering from the sidelines. And then Sea again—older—taller, her baby face giving way to teenage edges, beaming next to a golden trophy. Every phase of her life, etched in photographs, trapped behind glass.
AXEL’S POV:Clearing my throat, “Cedric,” I said, my tone shifting as I stood up, brushing invisible dust from my slacks, “we have more to talk about. But for now, I have somewhere to be. Some examples to set.”I nodded toward him in thanks. “Thaddeus will take you back. I appreciate your help.”Avery blinked as I moved, her joy giving way to confusion. She stood too. “Wait—we’re leaving already? I thought…”I turned toward her, placing both hands gently on her shoulders. “Avery, there’s no ‘we.’ You’re staying home. Rest. I’ve been careless with you—almost lost you one too many times. I won’t make that mistake again. Take care of my child.”She tilted her head, stubbornness rising behind her eyes. “Axel… we’re a team. It’s you and I against the world. You’re not going anywhere without me.” “Avery, remember what I told you the first time we met?” I leaned in slightly, my voice dropping. “I. Hate. Repeating. Myself. Stay home and relax. We’ve been through heaven and hell.”She exhaled