All Chapters of OWNED IN THE DARK: Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

MATHEWThe underground gym in Bethnal Green smelled like faint dust. The fluorescent tubes overhead flashed like a nest of hornets, casting a flickering, yellow light over the rusted chain-link fence that served as our ring.I stood in the corner, my bare back pressed against the turnbuckle, slowly wrapping the black linen tape around my left knuckles. My three cracked ribs from the Shoreditch fight flared sharp every time I took a deep breath, but the physical sting was a dull, rhythmic reminder that I was still alive. It was predictable. It followed the rules of impact and recovery."You're not focused, mate," Louis’s voice muttered from the apron. He was leaning against the steel post, his crisp Mayfair suit completely out of place among the grease and the grease-monkeys. He was cutting a strip of adhesive tape with his teeth, his sharp eyes scanning my face. "Your alignment is off by two inches on the left stance. If you let this giant catch you on the liver, the Swiss trip is ca

MATHEWI had broken men's jaws for less than what this woman was doing to me at this very moment."Move."The woman standing in front of the private elevator didn't even blink."No."I stared at her.She stared right back.For a brief moment, I wondered if Ciara had secretly started hiring retired assassins.The woman folded her arms.I checked the plaque on the reception desk.Mary Thompson.The new secretary.Louis had mentioned her during the drive over.Apparently, Ciara had hired her less than an hour ago.That should have been my first warning."You're standing in front of my elevator," I said."No."My eye twitched."No?""No."She pointed toward the brass plaque beside the elevator."That elevator belongs to Horizon Holdings which is Miss Ciara’s property."I looked at the plaque.I looked back at her.Then I smiled."Correct.""Ciara belongs to me."Mary's expression didn't change.Not even slightly."That's not how ownership works."I laughed.The receptionist behind the des

CIARAThe underground garage was unusually quiet and altogether weird the next day.The elevator doors slid open, and I stepped out first, scanning the concrete levels with concern.I adjusted my blazer and followed."Where's Carlista?" I asked."She's somewhere around." Mary responded.Her phone was halfway to her ear when it rang.She frowned."Carlista."A pause.Then her expression hardened."Repeat that."I immediately stopped walking."What is it?"Mary listened for another few seconds.Then she lowered the phone."We have a problem."I laughed humorlessly."That's becoming the slogan of my life.""Maggie is somewhere here.""Why?"“I have no idea."My stomach tightened."Now?""Now."I hated the answer before she even finished speaking."We leave together maam just ignore her.""Let's hope she behaves.""Hopefully.""Ciara—""No."Before either of us could continue, another elevator opened.Carlista stepped out carrying three folders and a coffee she probably forgot existed.Sh

CIARA"The safehouse was burnt to the ground with people still in it."Louis's words echoed through the garage.I tightened my hold on Adam."No," I whispered.Adam immediately sensed my distress.His little arms wrapped around my neck."Mama?"My heart shattered.I kissed his forehead."It's okay, baby."It wasn't okay.Nothing was okay.Mathew's face had gone completely blank.That terrified me more than anger ever could.When Mathew got angry, he shouted.When Mathew got scared, he became silent and right now he looked terrifyingly silent."Who was inside?" he asked.Louis shook his head."We don't know yet.""Find out.""I'm already trying."Thomas looked pale.Even Maggie had stopped talking.The gravity of the situation had finally penetrated her drama-filled bubble.Then I heard it.A metallic clang somewhere behind us.Mary heard it too.Her entire body stiffened."Everybody down."The command came so suddenly that several people jumped."What?" Carlista asked.Mary was alread

CIARA"Mathew," I said softly, my voice losing every bit of its tone.He turned around slowly. The stoic, unreadable mask he wore for the guards, the staff, and the board members was entirely gone. His dark eyes were soft, completely exposed, and fixed on me with a fierce, quiet warmth that always made my chest ache. He rubbed my back softly."You're still shaking," he murmured, his voice dropping into that low, gravelly rasp that was reserved only for me when the doors were locked.He didn't grab me possessively this time. He reached up, his large, calloused thumbs gently wiping away a stray tear I hadn't even realized had escaped my eyes. His touch was incredibly tender, a complete contrast to the fighting champion the world saw."I'm just tired," I whispered, leaning my cheek into his palm, letting myself finally rest against his strength. "I spent the whole day dodging bullets.”"I know," he breathed, his forehead coming down to rest against mine. His breath was warm, smelling fa