Maximus “As I said…he has mere months left,” the doctor murmured, glancing at weak-looking Drago sprawled out on the bed. Machines beeped around him, an IV attached to his vein, pouring some piss colored medicine into his veins.“It’s not looking good…” he finished, shaking his head. I exhaled deeply and nodded.“Thank you for caring for him so diligently,” I said. What else was I supposed to say anyway?“Let him rest then,” the doctor muttered. “And make sure that he isn’t too exhilarated or stressed.”“Sure, I will,” I nodded.The doctor gave me a nod and walked out, followed by his assistant. I glanced at the nurses taking care of Drago, and they took the cue and walked out too, leaving me alone with Drago, his nephew Massimo, whom I hated and wh
Nico“Oh…this is so good,” I turned my eyes from the dancing fire in the fireplace, and Gianna stood by the walk-in door, wearing just a knee-length black satin night robe. Her semi-wet golden hair fell all around her shoulders, and my heart pounded in my chest as she smiled at me.“This is cozy,” Gianna smiled, walking over to me. “I have always had a thing for fireplaces.” I watched as the golden flames warmed her face when she leaned closer and smiled in appreciation.We were both soaked to the bones when we got back, so after a quick warm shower, I decided to get the fire going. And it seems like that was a very, very good. Especially with the room bathed in darkness, lit only by the soft, flickering glow of the flames.“What are you wearing?” I finally managed to speak. Gianna turned to me and gave me a salacious grin, licking h
Song: Until I Found You (Stephen Sanchez, Em Beihold) NicoCaleb helped us gear up—thick jackets, gloves, skates. I didn’t even fight the process. I let them both walk me through it. My body was moving on instinct, but my mind was stuck back on Gianna’s words.Just be Nico.What does that even mean?The main lights dimmed further. The rink lit up gently with warm overhead spotlights. Then, a soft tune started to play through the speakers. Something slow. Piano maybe. I didn’t recognize it. But it calmed something inside me.Caleb gave Gianna a quick hug, nodded at me, and quietly left.Now it was just us.“Ready?” she asked, stepping onto the rink like she had done it a hundred times before. I followed cautiously. One foot at a time.The moment the blade of my skate touched the ice, I almost slipped.“Shit&
NicoThe possibility of having a Mole in the Baldocchi mansion meant things had gone too far. And it means no one was safe until we found out who the Mole was.My scalp prickled with rage as I stormed into my study. Before I could stop myself, I grabbed the glass paperweight off the desk and hurled it against the wall, watching it shatter. The sound echoed in the silence. Sharp fragments scattered across the floor, catching the light.I didn’t stop. I swiped everything off the desk—files, pens, a framed photo—sending it all crashing to the ground. The noise didn’t help. It only made the pressure in my chest worse.A mole. Inside my house. The fucking audacity.“Nico!” Gianna was at the door, her eyes wide as she took in the mess that was my study. “Wh…what happened? What is wrong?”“Leave me alone, Gianna…” I hissed, panting with rage as my fingers dug into the oakwood of my desk. “Go away…”“No…I…ouch…fuck…” I whirled around and blinked at the tiny drops of blood on the floor.For fuc
NicoI walked to the handgun wall and picked a Glock 19. Simple. Reliable. Nothing fancy. I checked the magazine, cleared the chamber, and then handed it to her. Gianna hesitated before wrapping her fingers around it. And as expected, her grip was all wrong.“Your stance is off,” I muttered. “Here.” I moved behind her and placed my hands over hers. My fingers closed over hers, adjusting the grip.“You’re holding it too tight. Keep it firm, but don’t choke it. This isn’t a bat.”I stepped in closer, guiding her arms up. “Feet shoulder width. Lean forward slightly. Elbows bent. Don’t lock them.”Gianna exhaled deeply.“Now sight down the barrel. Not at the ceiling. There. Align it with the target.” I let go but didn’t step back. She stayed focused. 
Nico“Didn’t you say you wanted to tell me something?” I demanded, watching as Gianna pulled on her athleisure, which was unnecessary. Today, I was only going to start by giving her a tour of the armory and getting her acquainted with weapons. She turned around, and her expression changed.She seemed…scared?“Yes,” she nodded, not meeting my gaze.“Then tell me,” She shuffled around, pulling out a pair of sports shoes. Was she biding her time for some reason?“Gianna…” I probed, stalking over to her. “What is it?” Gianna sighed and then gazed up at me. There was clearly something.“I will tell you tonight,” she said. “I promise.” I frowned at her. Why was she dodging this? What was it that she wanted to tell me?“No.