All Chapters of BLACK SUN: From One Monster to Another: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

Taryn VescariThe reek of stale cigars and cheap gin clung to the air, thick and rank enough to turn my stomach. The soles of my heels stuck to the worn hardwood with a sickening squelching sound as I crossed the floor. In the dim daylight filtering through the grime-caked glass, I could see dark, rust-colored stains on the boards that were definitely blood. In a few hours, the velvet shadows of the Black Crown Lounge would hide the filth, but right now, it was a reminder of the gutter I was stuck in. Still, it was the highest-paying gig a nobody could land in the Vescari District.The Black Crown was a bruised, brutal dive in the heart of our territory, packed with scuffed leather booths, a battered mahogany bar, and a tiny stage. The Vescari District was the scrapyard of the city—a haven for hitmen, disgraced bagmen, and bottom-feeders who had nowhere else to crawl. I learned young not to ask questions. In our crew, survival meant keeping your eyes down and your mouth shut.Over by

Taryn VescariForcing myself to tear my gaze away from the massive frame of the rival caporegime, I went back to delivering drinks across the crowded room. It was harder to locate the soldiers who’d placed the orders since every enforcer in the basement had pushed up against the chain-link enclosure.I was down to my last two glasses when the crowd surged forward again. I moved with the momentum, barely keeping my metal tray balanced. I was right by the front of the cage now, where Sergio Costanzo had just stepped up to the microphone."Last call to place your bets," Sergio barked.I knew once the blood spilled, it would be impossible to trace the men who ordered these bourbons. I sighed, wondering if I should cut my losses and dump the tray before the fight started.Glancing over my shoulder, I checked the fighters in the ring. That’s when I caught his face under the overhead light for the first time.Vittorio Moretti’s eyes locked straight onto mine, and the world dropped out from u

Taryn VescariSuddenly, Rocco Falcone eased his grip just enough that I could wriggle my torso free. I stood up fast, pivoting on my heel, and swept my leg straight under his ankles. Rocco hit the concrete floor hard on his back, his jaw dropping in absolute shock. It took every ounce of self-control I had not to laugh in his face. I had actually caught the Falcone heir by surprise.I drove my knee hard into the center of his chest, leaning all my weight into him to pin his wrists against the mat.Rocco sneered up at me, his eyes dark. "You fight dirtier than you used to in high school.""Like I told your father, we never went head-to-head without your bodyguards around." The violent rage pulsing in my chest burned hot, demanding I break his jaw right here. I didn't even care where the sudden spike of power was coming from."I kind of like having you on top of me, Taryn," Rocco rasped, his eyes dropping down my shirt. "Maybe we should finish this up at Belladonna Flats, stripped down.

Mirella Santoro moved fast, her hard leather boot sweeping behind my knees. I crashed down, my elbows slamming against the gravel to break my fall. Pain shot up my arms like hot wire. Another boot landed square in my side, flipping me onto my back, and I instinctively covered my face. I was not getting out of this. I knew the rules of the Vescari District: there were times to fight back, and times to take the beating so you survived to see tomorrow. If I tried to run, I’d just trigger their bloodlust, and I wasn't in any condition to handle five syndicate hitmen.More kicks hammered into my stomach and spine. I squeezed my eyes shut and gritted my teeth, holding in every scream. Giving these rich mafia kids a reaction only made them hit harder. Suddenly, the assault stopped, and the heavy thud of leather boots grew quiet. I peeked through my blood-stained fingers.Mirella crouched over me, her designer jacket smelling like cold rain and expensive perfume. "You go near Rocco again and

All my muscles ached, and every breath pulled at my swollen ribcage. I didn't think I had a broken rib, but the cartilage was badly battered. Moving slowly, I sat up, taking care not to stretch the deep tissue cuts across my side. It was going to be a brutal week recovering from three rounds with Rocco Falcone and an alley jumping by Mirella's crew. Serving drinks at the Black Crown Lounge wasn't a job where a girl could sit down and rest.The rich scent of fresh coffee pulled me out of bed. I wanted to bury myself under the blankets all day, but I had a double shift waiting for me.At least there was caffeine. Hissing through my teeth, I carefully pulled my oversized shirt over my head. I blew out a rough breath as I inspected the blue and black discoloration along my ribs in the small wall mirror. Running my fingers gently over my bones, I checked for fractures. Last night’s beatings were vicious, but they weren't the worst I’d ever taken in the Vescari District. The thought was sup