VICTOR "Are you sure you want to go through with this, boss?" Grinder inquired, his voice tinged with concern. I could sense the hesitation in his tone, the gravity of the situation weighing heavily on both of us if I were to extinguish Satori's life. But in that moment, I found myself questioning whether I still cared. "It's necessary. What did you find regarding the picture I sent you?" "I've been making inquiries. Don't worry, boss. We'll track down that bastard." Worry. This entire situation was spiraling out of control. "The information better come through. Did you make any progress on the contract in the streets?" "You're not going to like it." "Tell me." "The shooter goes by the name of the Slayer. Some sadistic lunatic. No one seems to know much about them. Even our own soldiers are scared. There's talk that the hit list is extensive, if you catch my drift, and, uh..." He stumbled over his words, something that never sat well with me. "Just say it." "You're on that lis

I walked away, sensing a newfound respect from my soldiers. Grinder's face displayed an expression of anxiety as he paced back and forth, gripping his phone tightly. "Damn it," he muttered quietly. I hadn't intended to fall deeply in love with Madeline. It was both irresponsible and dangerous. But there was little I could do about it, despite the nagging thoughts in my mind and the uneasiness in my stomach. I had never been a believer in love at first sight, nor was I a romantic. I also knew I wasn't good for her. However, deep down, I knew I could never allow her to slip away. "Answer the damn phone," Grinder whispered, wiping sweat from his face. I had never seen him so nervous and anxious. "Goddamn it." "What's wrong?" I asked. He took a deep breath and gestured towards me. "Neither of them is picking up." A surge of anger and hatred flooded through me. I should have known better than to leave her alone. Madeline had released the grip the demon had on me for so many years, al

Exhaling heavily, I made my way toward the exit. Madeline had vanished more than two hours ago. While I doubted that her abduction was intended to result in her death, the longer she remained missing, the slimmer the chances of finding her unharmed. Someone was trying to send a message. "Kelan, be careful. My father can be a real jerk. He's always wanted more control, even developed a hatred for your father. But he did respect him and wouldn't have gone against him if he hadn't been pressured. You might not believe me, but my father isn't a bad man, just a broken one. He warned me the same way. Stay away from the Massimo family at all costs." I paused for a moment, absorbing his words. "Noted," I responded quietly, making my way toward the open doors. "And it's Victor. Victor Racini." The night air was crisp, the breeze biting, but I felt a fire burning within me. I sensed that a war was on the verge of erupting, staining the city with blood. For the first time in years, the thought

For the time being, I had secured a hotel that offered a semblance of safety. However, I remained uncertain about whom I could trust. The puzzle pieces refused to fit together, leaving me in a state of disarray. To maintain anonymity, I had made the reservation under a pseudonym I frequently used. I met the hotel clerk in the parking lot to retrieve the key, ensuring his cooperation with a generous five-hundred-dollar tip. Against my better judgment, I decided to call in a favor, hoping to uncover the identity of the unfortunate girl who had become entangled in this dangerous web. It was crucial to inform her family of her demise. Dominick would handle the disposal of the other bodies. I couldn't afford to have an active investigation interfering at this critical juncture. We ascended the back stairs until the elevator became a necessity. Once inside our secure suite, I meticulously inspected the rooms, drawing the curtains and illuminating only a single light. Madeline observed my a

He moved his hand down my neck, deepening the kiss as his tongue explored my mouth. The sensations overwhelmed me, my focus solely on him and the intensity of the moment. I wrapped my leg around his hip, drawing him closer until his arousal slid between my legs. My entire body tingled, and I moved my hips, moaning in response to the pleasure coursing through me. I was captivated by the desire that consumed my thoughts, making it difficult to think clearly. I ran my nails down his back as he kissed me, taking his time to explore the depths of my mouth. His commanding presence was captivating, his desire for me growing stronger. He lifted my other leg, securing it beside him as he broke the kiss. The sensations intensified as he trailed his tongue along my jawline and down to my neck. When he bit down, a whimper escaped my lips, and I felt an overwhelming closeness. Shifting my position, I moved my hips, and in an instant, he entered me. I was wet with anticipation, and as his firmnes