LOGINThe officiant began the ceremony, and we turned towards each other.Leonardo went first.“I promise to stand beside you through every season of our lives. I will respect your choices, listen when you need me and never make you question whether you belong with me. I will love you, protect you and choose you every single day. You are the woman I want beside me for the rest of my life, and I promise never to take the privilege of loving you for granted.”My eyes stung as I struggled to hold back my tears.When it was my turn, I took a breath.“I promise to love you, challenge you when you need it and remind you that you don't always have to carry everything alone. I promise to stand beside you, not because I have to, but because I want to. You're the person I want beside me through every tomorrow.”His fingers tightened around mine.We exchanged rings, and the officiant smiled“By the authority vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Leonardo, you may kiss your bride.”Leonar
RILEY'S POV Leonardo Blackwood had become shameless. There was no other word for it.The man who once commanded a room with nothing more than a look had apparently lost all interest in maintaining his intimidating reputation whenever I was around. He kissed me whenever he pleased, pulled me against him in front of his guards and interrupted my conversations simply because he wanted my attention.One afternoon, I was speaking with Damien in the garden when Leonardo approached from behind. His arms circled my waist, drawing me against his chest before he pressed a kiss to my cheek and turned my face towards his.I laughed against his lips. “Leonardo, we're not alone.”"I'm aware."When I glanced towards Damien, he was suddenly very interested in the flowers. “You're impossible.” I muttered.Leonardo brushed his thumb over my cheek. “You say that as though you want me to stop.”I rolled my eyes, but the smile tugging at my lips betrayed me.I rolled my eyes, unable to hide my smile.So
For a moment, he simply stared at me, his eyes moving from my face to the red lingerie I was wearing.“Are you sure?” he asked, his voice low.I smiled and stepped closer. “Do I look unsure?”A faint smile touched his lips. He moved to the edge of the bed, stood and drew me closer by the waist.His kiss began slowly, almost cautiously, before deepening as he turned us towards the bed. When the backs of my knees met the mattress, he guided me down, supporting his weight so he wouldn't overwhelm me. His mouth left mine only to trace my jaw, descend along my throat, linger over my collarbone, and over the warm skin of my stomach until he reached my navel.His fingers brushed the lace edge of my lingerie before he paused and looked into my eyes. “Are you sure you want me this? We can stop whenever you want.”“Yes,” I said, quiet but certain.He used his mouth to ease the red panties down my hips and thighs, then did the same with the matching bra. He cupped my breasts carefully, thumbs ci
LEONARDO'S POV I closed my eyes, waiting for the bullet to tear through my head.The gunshot rang through the hall, but I felt no pain.For a moment, I remained still, uncertain of what had happened. Then I opened my eyes and saw Adrian clutching his arm, blood running between his fingers. His gun lay several feet away.Before I could process what had happened, hurried footsteps echoed through the hall. Damien stormed in with the Blackwood guards. “Leonardo!”I turned towards him, relief washing over me. “Damien!”The remaining guards immediately opened fire, and the hall erupted into chaos.I moved away from the centre of the room, avoiding the bullets flying in my direction. Damien fired at the men advancing from the opposite side before throwing a gun towards me.I caught it and took cover behind one of the pillars before returning fire.The Blackwood guards spread across the hall, forcing Adrian's men to retreat. The fighting was brutal, and both sides suffered casualties, but
RILEY'S POV Avery, Austin and I had been trying to figure out a way to untie ourselves and escape.My wrists were beginning to ache from the ropes, but no matter how much I struggled, I couldn't loosen them.“Can you get your hands free?” I whispered to Avery.She shook her head. “No. I've tried everything.”I turned towards Austin. “What about you?”“Nothing. Whoever tied these ropes knew what they were doing.”I sighed and leaned back against the chair.“Even if we manage to untie ourselves, how are we supposed to get out of here without those guards noticing?”“Maybe we can wait until they change shifts,” Avery suggested.“And what if they don't?”She had no answer.We continued searching for a way out when a gunshot suddenly rang out from outside.All three of us froze.I looked towards the door.“Did you hear that?” Avery asked.“Maybe it came from somewhere else,” Austin replied, although he didn't sound convinced.Before I could respond, another gunshot rang out, followed by s
“We'll split into three groups. The first will remain here to secure the estate. The second will head to the warehouse where Riley is being held. I have someone there who can guide you to her. The third group will come with me to help Leonardo at the factory.”I paused, making sure I had everyone's attention.“We don't know how many men Sebastian has at the factory, and we cannot afford to rush in blindly. Follow your orders, protect one another, and don't fire unless you have a clear target.”The men exchanged determined looks.“Whatever it takes, we're ready,” one declared.“Whatever it takes!” the others echoed.I nodded. “Then get your equipment. We're leaving as soon as you're ready.”The guards dispersed to prepare, and within minutes, the three groups were organized and ready to move.I climbed into my vehicle with my shadow guards, and the others followed in the cars behind us.LEONARDO'S POVWe were approaching the abandoned Ironclad Industrial Works when I ordered the driver
was still looking at the ring that had rolled out of my bag, when the sound of footsteps echoed through the hallway. The corridor went silent the moment Leonardo arrived. Clarisse froze and the other maid straightened instantly, bowing their heads. Leornado stood there, his gaze sweeping over
The knock came again. I stood in the middle of the room, breath uneven and my palms damp, I stared at the door contemplating whether to open the door or not. I reached for the door knob, my fingers trembling, I twisted the door knob and the door swung open. Leonardo stood there, his expression u
I stood frozen on the porch, the envelope clenched so tight in my fist my knuckles burned. Leonardo Blackwood The name echoed in my head. My pulse roared in my ears, drowning out the distant hum of the city. Avery was slumped against the doorframe behind me, half awake and unconscious. My vi
RILEY’S POV “Third heist of the month,” I shouted, raising an invisible glass with my free hand. “Here’s to many more.” “To our gaddamn luck,” Avery fired back, unleashing that low, wicked laugh of hers— the kind that cut through the adrenaline and had me laughing right along with her, despite







