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The Mafia Devil's Obsession - Chapter 34


Chapter 34

Leah

I imagined my hands wrapped around his throat, pressing hard until I had snuffed the fucking life out of him. 

Then again, he would wake before I even got a full grip. Maybe I should just stab him again.

He groaned in his sleep, strained, like something was haunting him. It's probably a nightmare again.

That's a sight I saw almost every night since after Liam's visit.

He turned on the bed, facing me, his brows furrowed, and his jaw clenched tight.

So, monsters have nightmares, too?

He shifted closer, trying to snuggle into me, seeking escape from whatever torment chased him.

I was the last person he should cling to. I would pay whatever was after him good money to catch him and make sure he never woke up again.

His arm slid around my waist, pulling me in, and I yanked it off, then rolled away from him.

He groaned again, lower this time. He sounded in pain. And he deserved it.

I climbed off the bed, ignoring the way he murmured my name.

The clock read 12:00 a.m.

I moved silently into the sitting room, holding the mini calendar I had Mira get me. Sinking into the couch, I flipped the calendar and crossed out the day.

One day closer to freedom.

I stared at the remaining days, then hugged myself.
There were still many to go. 

I wished I could blink, and they would all be gone.

Minutes later, his hoarse voice ripped through the house, making me jerk awake.

"Leah!"

Heavy footsteps descended the stairs fast.

He only ever called me by name when he was angry or when...

He stormed into the sitting room, his eyes wild with fear. When they landed on me, it shifted to relief.

I wasn't seeing clearly because Aiden didn't know fear.

He growled. "Why didn't you answer?"

I turned away from him.

His footsteps pounded against the floor, furious. Then he stood over me. "I asked you a fucking question."

I said nothing.

His gaze dropped to the calendar lying beside me and his jaw tightened. 

"The day hasn't even fucking started and you are already crossing it off, like its a sentence you're serving." he snapped, snatching it and flinging it.

My eyes followed it as it hit the floor, slidding to rest just before the kitchen entrance.

"If you are going to count days, Leah—"

He reached for me.

"You will earn every single one of them."

He yanked me off the couch so roughly my breath caught. Then he sank into the couch, legs spread. He took his cock out of his pants and started stroking himself, his eyes on me.

"On your knees," he ordered. "Let's put that mouth of yours to good use."

My stomach twisted, and heat crawled up my neck.

"Don't make me repeat myself, Leah. On your knees."

I opened my mouth to protest, but he cut me off.

"We are not crossing off any days I don't fuck you."

I stared at him not moving, my throat burning with a scream I couldn't release.

"I remember you saying you would do anything, or should I take it as you calling off the deal?"

I clenched my fists, nails digging into my palms. But I got on my knees.

"Good girl," he murmured. "Now come here."

I crawled the short distance.

His fingers tangled in my hair, yanking at it and pulling my face up to his.

"Is this your first time having a man's cock in your mouth?" 

I glared at him and that seemed to answer his question.

He grinned, amused, dragging his thumb along my lips.

"Open your mouth," he exhaled shakily.

And when I didn't, he did it for me. His fingers pried me open, thumb pressing down on my tongue.

"I am going to fuck this pretty mouth," he groaned, the vein in his cock pulsing with hunger. "And you are going to swallow every drop of me like you were made for it."

He moved his fingers, gathering spit. Then, rubbed it along his shaft slowly.

"Suck."

I hesistaed, bitting down on my lip.

He didn't give me a chance to prepare myself and shoved my head down, burying himself down my throat until there was no room for air.

I choked, gagged, and hit against his thighs.

But he groaned instead and kept going until he did what he promised he would do.

*********************************************

"Where are we going?" I asked as he led me outside the building.

"Shopping. We are attending a party tonight."

The moment his men who stood outside saw me, they looked away.

"I hate crowed places."

Mira opened the car door, and he gestured for me to get in.

"We won't be there for long."

I watched the city from the window as the car moved.

I should run away the moment he let his guard down.

His hot breath was suddenly on my neck as he whispered, "Don't even think about it."

So now he reads minds?

He laced his fingers with mine and dragged me through the boutique he had emptied out just for us, picking dresses without asking.

"Try the red one first."

He said, lounging on a sofa in the fitting room legs crossed.

I on the other hand stood in the center like a fucking doll.

"Put it on," he repeated when I didn't move.

I crossed my arms. "I am not going anywhere with you."

He stood and walked towards me calmly. The type of dangerous calmness I knew exactly what followed it.

"That's not for you to decide, doll."

He gripped the hem of the shirt and yanked it up over my head, fast and rough. Then his eyes raked my body.

I fought not to cover myself. He had seen my body dozen of times, but each time he looked at me like that, I felt embarrassed.

He lifted the dress by its thin strap, letting it dangle from a single finger.

"Put on the dress yourself—" he said. "Or we will do something else here instead."

His eye dragged down my body again, his eyes darkening. And I shivered from it.

He groaned from my reaction.

"Wear it willingly or not," he murmured. "I will still fuck you in it."

*****************************************

Every step I took beside him made me flinch. My thighs ached, my core still pulsing from what he had done to me minutes ago in the car. And to make it worse. He had made sure I wasn't wearing any panties. 

"Keep walking like that and everyone will know exactly what I did to you." He whispered, his breath brushing my ear.

I shot him a glare. "You already made that obvious." I hissed.

He smirked. "Did I?" His eyes dropped to the hickeys he had painted across my neck and chest.

Bastard.

He looped his arms with mine as we entered the ballroom. 

The ballroom glowed with golden lights. Music played softly in the room, laced with laughter, clinking gkasses and hushed conversation.

The moment we entered, the air shifted. Faces covered in masks turned to us.

People swarmed him, men and women, each one trying to be in his good grace. Even with a mask on he still stood out amongst the crowd. 

I noticed from the way they spoke to him that he was so powerful that no one would question him if I revealed I was kidnapped. They wouldn't care unless it was someone more powerful.

I stood beside him like a display piece, his grip on my waist possessive. His eyes threatened any man whose gaze lingered on my chest too long.

His hand slid to the small of my back, then lower. He pressed his fingers into the curve of my ass.

I jerked, whispering angrily, "Stop."

He leaned down. "I rather be inside you than here."

I rolled my eyes, slapping his hand away.

He moved his hand to the back of my head to hold me in place as his lips brushed mine.

"People are watching," I whispered. Even with the mask on, I still felt embarrassed.

"They aren't."

But they were, he just didn't care.

His tongue forced its way past my lips, tasting me. I was breathless by the time he let go. 

"Are you bored? We could leave now if you are."

His finger ran down my bare spine, slowly. He didn't care about me being bored. That was his cock talking again.

His hand slid lower again and cupped my ass.

I stiffened and shoved at his chest. "What is wrong with you?" I asked mortified. "Can't you keep your hands to yourself ?"

He chuckled. "You know how hard it is for me to keep my hands to myself when you are looking this beautiful."

I bit my lip, hating the heat crawling under my skin.

"Just don't touch me again."

His smirk disappeared, his fingers stilling midstroke against my spine.

I followed his gaze over my shoulder.

People were stepping aside for the only man without a mask on. They bowed their heads, offering greetings. 

He had a dangerous grin on his lips as he locked eyes with me.

Aiden cussed under his breath, and his grip on my waist tightened.









Chapter 35  

Leah

"Don't move," he hissed. "Don't say a fucking word. Just stand still."

The man reached us, his gaze crawling over me.

"Sir," Aiden said, his voice tight. "I wasn't expecting you here tonight."

The man I figured was the Don chuckled, his gaze flicking between Aiden's possessive grip on me and my neck.

"This one's new," he said.

"Just one of the girls from the club."

"Ah." He licked his lip, eyes still on me. "What's your name, princess?" 

"She is no one," Aiden cut in sharply, his nails digging into my side.

The Don chuckled again.

"If you keep acting like that, Aiden," he said. "I might start to think she is more than just a girl from the club."

A vein bulged in Aiden’s neck as his jaw clenched.

The Don offered his hand to me. "Dance with me." 

"She can't dance," Aiden snapped. "She—"

"Of course," I said sweetly, placing my hand in the Don’s.

"I told you to stay quiet," he hissed, low enough for only me to hear. His grip turned punishing.

I turned to him, beaming.

"If you will excuse me... master."

His expression shattered, the look of betrayal in his eyes. Seeing that pathetic look on his face thrilled me.

The Don led me to the dance floor, his hand settling on my waist and guiding my movements.

"You must be his boss," I said.

"I am."

"So you can get me away from him."

He spun me, amusement flickering in his eyes. "First time I have seen a woman try to leave him."

"Well, I am not other women."

He laughed. "He looks pissed."

I glanced over his shoulder and saw Aiden standing across the room, his dark eyes fixed on us. His was face red with anger. 

I leaned in a little closer than necessary, my eyes on Aiden and watched as the glass in his hand shattered.

My heart raced. 

The sight of him unravelling sent a confusing rush through me, and I felt in charge for the first time.

The Don's fingers brushed along my spine, and I shivered, not in a good way.

"How long have you known each other?" He asked.

"Not long."

His gaze dropped to my chest, lingering. "He is never the type to mark a woman. The marks on your chest are screaming mine."

"I don't belong to anyone."

He leaned in.

"Good," he murmured, his lips brushing my ear. "Because  I intend to fuck you while he watches every second."

My stomach turned.

I told Aiden I'd sleep with his boss just to get away from him. But I never meant it. And even though I knew the Don was after my body too, there was something about the way he said it that set my nerves on edge.

"I knew you were an asshole. But this is a new level."

"Careful, princess," his voice lowered into a dangerous tone. "I have a habit of ripping the tongues of women who don't know their place."

A cold sweat slid down my spine.

He leaned even closer, his lips grazing my cheek.

"Unlike Aiden, I like my whores covered in blood. It makes fucking them more pleasurable."

I swallowed hard, my heartbeat roaring in my ears.

They were both monsters.

I made to step away from him, but he yanked me forward. His hand gripping my ass. Without a second thought, my palm connected with his cheek in a resounding slap.

The music died, conversations stopped, and everyone turned to us.

His face twisted in fury. 

I took a step back, heart hammering against my ribs as I  searched the crowd for Aiden.

The Don raised his hand to slap me, but I was yanked backwards, a solid wall of muscle shielding me.

Aiden.

His hand locked around me, pulling me tight behind him. I could feel the anger in his grip. 

"What are you doing?" The Don asked. "Move." 

Aiden didn't budge.

"That fucking whore dared strike me!" His voice rose. "Give her to me. I will break every bone in her hands and feed them to her."

I clung to Aiden, terrified. My head lowered, breath stuck in my throat.

I had gone and done it now.

"No." Aiden said. 

His reply made my heart race faster. I looked up and stared at his back.

"No?" Julian repeated, stunned.

"She is mine," Aiden said coldly. "Only I get to punish what's mine."

"That's an order, Aiden Kingston." He barked. "Or you will get punished instead."

A beat.

"Okay."

I blinked, surprised.

The next thing I heard, a loud crack echoed in the room, and everyone gasped. His mask fell on the floor.

"On your knees."

He hesistated. His hand trembled where it still griped me, anger making his body shake.

Seconds passed before he let go of me. Then he knelt.

Julian stepped closer. "Who would have thought? Aiden Kingston, on his knees and for a woman."

Another slap, harder, then another and another.

He kept going, each slap brutal than the last, like he had been waiting for this moment. 

Aiden stayed still, hands behind his back as he took every one of them.

I looked away, my fists clenching. Telling myself he deserved it.

"Get out," Julian barked when he was done.

Aiden rose from his knees, blood smeared at the corner of his mouth. He took my wrist and pulled me along with him. The crowd parted, all of them looking away.

He didn't speak during the ride back, just sat there, staring out the window, his nails digging into his thigh, the vein in his neck pulsing harder. I knew humiliation was eating him alive. And he was probably holding back from choking me.

When we got back, he dragged me to the bathroom and scrubbed my skin like I was something filthy. His jaw locked the whole time.

"I am not going to thank you," I said. 

That didn't make him talk.

Even when he dried my hair, he said nothing.

Say something. Yell at me. Break something. Just do something. Goddamit.

"This was all your fault. If you hadn't taken me there, none of this would have happened."

He looked up, the first time, his eyes were meeting mine. They were unreadable and it made my heart stutter.

When he tried to put one of his shirts on me, I pushed his hands away. I expected him to make a remark on me being stubborn but nothing. He didn't fight me, he just let the shirt fall onto my lap and walked out to the balcony.

My fists clenched around the sheets. 

Bastard.

I tried to sleep. I really tried. But I could hear him out there. The click of his lighter, the faint smell of smoke drifting into the room.

He was punishing me, but not with his hands. And somehow, it was worse.

My chest ached like something had been ripped out of it. I didn't know if it was guilt or something far more dangerous. But I hated that feeling.

Before I could stop myself, I was walking toward the balcony. He was leaning against the railing, his tattooed back glaring at me. A half-burnt cigarette dangled from his fingers.

"You are really not going to talk to me?" I asked.

He took a drag from his cigarette and exhaled without turning around, acting like I wasn't even there.

I stepped out onto the balcony, the night air causing goosebumps to cover my skin. I moved closer to him and poked him. Nothing.

I tried again, pushing him harder this time.

"I am hungry," I whined.

He turned slowly, his eyes meeting mine.

My breath hitched. 

That worked?

I bit my lips and rubbed my arms, the air getting colder all of a sudden. He watched me for what felt like hours. 

I shifted on my legs, uncomfortable under his gaze.

"I didn't say to just stare at me."

The cigarette dropped from his fingers as he straightened, stepping towards me.

With each step he took towards me, I took two back until the glass door pressed against my back. He closed the space between us, his palm flat beside my head.

"You are stubborn," he said, his voice low. "So fucking disobedient."

His hand wrapped around my throat, not tight, but enough to make my heart skip.

"I told you," he said, "I don't fucking share."

His breath was hot against my cheek. 
 "And I told you, I don't belong to you," I whispered, heart pounding.

His grip tightened just slightly, his lips brushing the tip of my nose.

"You are mine, Leah," he growled. "Whether you like it or not."

Then he leaned in closer. "Do you know what was on my mind the entire ride home?"

I swallowed hard. "How to punish me."

"Yes. But I knew if I had done what I really wanted to do to you, you'd end up crying. And fall sick again."

I fell sick because of the cold, but whatever.

His fingers grazed my throat.

"So, what did you decide to do to me?"

He placed one arm above me, the other brushing along my jaw.

"What do you think?"










Chapter 36  

Leah

My lips parted as he pressed his body into mine, making me feel his hardness. He glanced down at them, then back at me, eyes darkening.

"You've messed up my life, doll," he said through clenched teeth.

"And you ruined mine."

Then he kissed me. 

It was a possessive kiss one that stole the damn air from my lungs and scrabbled every coherent thought. He kissed me until my knees buckled until I was soaked, my body betraying me and reacting in all the ways I swore it wouldn't.

He ripped the shirt from my body, his hands feverishly roaming every inch of me. He carried me back into the room without breaking the kiss. Then he tossed me onto the bed, and I landed with a gasp, staring up at him, chest heaving, lips swollen and tingling.

He stood at the edge, eyes dark and hooded, like a beast about to be let loose. 

I watched him climb the bed over me, hovering without touching as his eyes devoured me.

He brushed my hair aside, his fingertips grazing my neck, making every hair stand on end. 

"I'll only let him go once. The next time he touches you, I'll break his fucking hand."

He kissed me again, rougher, rubbing himself against me and I moaned into his mouth, breath hitching. His hand tangled in my hair, yanking my head back so he could drag his mouth down my throat, across my collarbone. His teeth grazing just enough to sting.

"I'll kill every fucking man you let close to this body," he growled his teeth sinking into my skin and I cried out.

His mouth trailed down until I felt his breath hot against me. My legs trembled.

"You are dripping wet, Leah," he growled.

I glanced down, meeting his eyes as his mouth lowered between my thighs. His tongue flicked over me, drawing a choked sound out of me as I tried to clench my legs shut, but his hands slid under my thighs, forcing them open and holding me firm.

"Fuck."

His mouth worked mercilessly, flicking, sucking, penetrating, driving me wild. I gasped, squirmed, hips bucking. My hands moved to push him away as the pleasure became unbearable, but his grip tightened.

"Stay still," he roared against my clit.

I whimpered.

He took his time, licking deeper, slower. My breath came in broken moans, eyes watering as I arched into him.

Then he moved faster, rougher, pushing me close to the edge. 

"Oh God... Aiden..." I fisted the sheets, my toes curling, legs shaking badly.

And just as the knot in my belly was ready to snap, he pulled away.

I gasped, disappointed as I stared down at him.

"You don't get to cum until I say so," he said. "This is your punishment."

He buried his face again, taking me to the brink over and over stopping each time I was about to cum, until I was begging him to let me cum.

****************************************

"... he sent two invitations. The wedding is in three days," I heard Storm say.

I blinked awake, confused for a moment, before my surroundings became clearer.

I was lying on the office couch, a blanket over my body. Storm stood across from Aiden's desk while Aiden sat behind it, staring down at a wedding card in his hands.

"Why two?" Aiden asked.

"He said to bring Leah," Storm replied.

I sat up. "No," my voice snapped the two men's heads to me. "I am not going to any other fucking party."

Storm's gaze fell on me, then away so fast I wondered what was wrong with him. 

Aiden's eyes turned lethal.

"Lie down," he ordered.

"No," I said. "Don't make me go anywhere near that psychopath."

"Leah!"

Storm said, "I don't see clearly in the day."

Aiden's voice was ice. "Better for you."

That was when I felt the cold air on my chest.

I looked down, horrified to find out the blanket had slipped down, baring my breast. My face flushed as I scrambled to pull it back up.

"Why the fuck am I naked?" I shot Aiden a murderous glare.

Storm cleared his throat, stepping back. "I'll, uh, be on my way now." He turned to go and slammed straight into the wall.

"I'm fine," he laughed awkwardly, groping for the door. "Like I said I don't see in the day."

"Just get out," Aiden sighed.

He hurried out shutting the door behind him.

"I'm not going to any wedding," I said again.

"Come here," he said.

I didn't move.

His brows furrowed. "Come here, Leah."

I stood up grudgingly, clutching the blanket tighter. My legs wobbled as I circled the desk and stopped just out of his reach.

"Closer," he said. "And drop the blanket."

I let it fall and took a step forward.

He grabbed me, pulling me down onto his lap. His hands settled on my hip.

"You're so damn stubborn," he muttered.

"And you are so fucking commanding," I bit back.

He chuckled, kissing the length of my arm. "You like it when I tell you what to do."

"I don't."

He ran his fingers down my back.

"I am not going. Don't make me."

"You think I want him anywhere near you again?" His jaw clenched. 

"If you hadn't..." he didn't finish. 

Better for him cause I was ready to argue whose fault it was until he gave in.

"He won't touch you."

He leaned in, brushing his nose along my neck, his voice dropping to a whisper.

"I'll make sure he doesn't."

He promised nothing would happen. But something did.

At the wedding...

Of all the seats available, we had to take the front row. Unlike the masquerade party everyone's attention was on me, curious and judging.

"Is she Aiden's new toy?" Someone whispered behind us.

My fingers curled into the silk of my dress. His toy. That's how they saw me. 

His hand slid over my knee, trailed up my thigh through the slit in my dress. Then he reached for my hand, lacing his fingers through mine. He brought it to his lips and kissed it softly.

"Do you want me to get rid of them?" He murmured against my skin. "Say the word and they will lose their heads."

My breath caught. He wouldn't. 

But when I looked at him, the calm in his eyes terrified me. He would.

I tried to pull away, but his grip tightened.

Freya walked in, her hand resting on Julian's arm as he led her down the aisle. His eyes flicked to me as they passed a smirk tugging at his lips. It made my skin prickle and I quickly looked away.

"Relax," Aiden whispered. "I'm here."

And strangely, I did. His presence was suffocating but I felt safe. 

He traced a finger along my cheek, pulling my gaze from the couple taking their vows.

He really can't keep his hands to himself.

"I can't decide if I like your hair up or down," he said.

I'd worn it up.

"I guess up is better," he murmured tracing the mole on my neck. "That way I get to see your neck."

He leaned closer, breathing me in.

I shifted, heat crawling up my neck. "Are you a dog?"

He chuckled. "We're getting your shampoo and bodywash today."

After the wedding ceremony the guests moved to the grand hall in Julian's estate.

"You're going to dance with me," he said as we walked towards the grand hall, his hand still laced with mine.

"No."

I have attracted more attention than I needed.

He stopped, turning to face me.

"You had no problem dancing with him," he said with a frown. "Your voice turned all sweet and seductive. And you were beaming like an idiot."

I laughed out loud. "I was wondering when you'd bring that up."

He froze.

"You just smiled at me," he said slowly, like he couldn't believe it himself. 

My smile vanished.

"That's the first time you have smiled at me before."

Why was he acting like it was an achievement?

His fingers titled my chin up. "Keep doing it. Only for me."

His lips brushed my nose, then my upper lip, my lower lip, my jaw.

A shiver ran down my spine, and my breath turned shallow.

He was doing it again. Disarming me with that gentleness that didn't match the monster he was.

For a second, I forgot we weren't alone and let him do as he pleased.

"Get a fucking room, you two," Freya yelled.

I jolted, pushing him away. His frown deepened as he turned to her. 

She smiled as she approached. "I am glad you came. This really means a lot to me," she said to me.

I blinked stunned. The last two times we'd met, she was hostile. Now she was acting like we were old gossip buddies.

I offered a polite smile. "Congratulations."

"Thank you. Unlike someone here—" she pouted at Aiden, "who didn't bother to get me a gift."

"What do you want?" Aiden said coldly.

Her smile faltered, but she hid it quickly.

Storm appeared, Mira behind him. He leaned in and whispered something in Aiden's ear, and he hissed.

He turned to me. "I'll be right back. Mira stays with you. Don't leave her sight." He stressed the last part.

"I won't," I said.

"Good."

He leaned in, kissed me, and then dragged his thumb slowly over my bottom lip, frowning again.

"I'll be right back," he repeated.

I nodded.

Something unreadable passed through his eyes before he brushed past me and walked away with Storm.









Chapter 37  

Leah

Freya chuckled beside me. "Why is he acting like someone might snatch you away?"

Well, your psychopath of a brother did threaten to feed my bones to me.

She draped a hand over my shoulders. "Come on," she said with a bright smile. "Let's have fun without controlling men."

Mira trailed behind us as she led the way into the grand hall.

"I disliked you the first time we met," she began.

No shit.

"But now... I think you're not so bad." She smiled at me.

Before I could reply, a waitress bumped into me, her tray tilting forward and spilling wine on my dress.

My mouth parted in shock as I looked down at the mess. Heads were already turning toward the commotion and whispering.

God, I hate this.

"Oh no," Freya gasped dramatically.

The waitress dropped to her knees, bowing low with her forehead touching the ground. "I am so sorry!"

"Someone," Freya snapped her fingers, and two men in a black suit appeared hurling her up. "Take her out and make sure she's punished."

"You don't need to do that. I am fine, really," I said quickly.

The whispers grew louder, and more people stared. 

"I will just get it cleaned."

Freya sighed and waved her hand, and they released the trembling waitress, who thanked me and picked the broken pieces hurriedly.

"I think we're the same size. I can lend you one of my dresses."

I hesitated.

She added with a small smile. "Your bodyguard can come with you if that makes you feel safer."

Yeah, and besides, Aiden went to see Julian, so there was no need to be anxious.

She led us through the large estate, farther and farther away from the music and from where Aiden had told me not to move.

Well, he did say not to leave Mira's sight, plus the wetness on the dress was too uncomfortable to ignore.

We reached a large black door at the end of a long hallway, and she pushed it open. She stepped inside first, and we followed. When the door clicked shut behind us, a chill swept over my skin.

The lights flickered on, and my breath hitched as I saw the figure sitting casually on a sofa in the bedroom, twirling a glass lazily between his fingers.

Julian.

I staggered back, turning back to run, but froze as I saw Mira was already on the ground, pinned down by two large men. She tried to get them off, but one struck her head with the end of a gun, and she slumped.

My heart thudded.

Freya looked anywhere but at me, muttering sorry.

It was a trap.

I heard him drop his glass on the table, then his footsteps. I turned to see him stalking toward me, and I backed away, struggling to breathe. 

He stopped right in front of me. "We meet again, princess," he said, hand gripping my chin harshly.

"I-I—"

The first slap came without warning, blurring my vision, and I stumbled back, my cheek burning. The second sent me crashing to the floor with a choked cry. I literally saw stars.

His hand clamped around my ankle before I could crawl away, dragging me across the cold floor. I kicked weakly, fingers trying to grab onto anything to break free. The moment he let me go, I scrambled backwards only for him to catch me again.

I cried out as he yanked my head back hard. My fingers clawed at his arm, but his grip only tightened. His hand met my cheek again, tears welling in my eyes.

He was grinning, maniacally as he sneered, "Did you think he would protect you from me forever?"

He picked the glass. "I prepared something special for you."

"Please," I whispered, my lips trembling.

He pressed it to my mouth, and I clamped my lips shut. Then he jerked my head back so far my throat ached.

"Open your fucking mouth," he roared.

When I refused, he growled, "Come here." 

Heels clicked on the floor.

He shoved the glass into Freya's hands and forced my mouth open, then she poured it in.

The bitter liquid hit my tongue, but I refused to swallow. He held me down, blocking my nose until I swallowed. I tried to spit it out, but it was too late.

"You'll feel that soon," he said.

I forced myself onto my knees, crawling towards the door.

A slow, dangerous warmth settled low in my belly, curling under my skin and sinking deeper with every breath. My thighs drew together, breath hitching as my body betrayed me with a slick, needy awareness I hadn't invited.

No. No. No.

"What did you do to me?" I gasped dizzy as my core aching for something it shouldn't.

"Aiden," I choked out. "Aiden..."

He kicked me from behind, and I fell face flat.

Suddenly, his hands were all over my body, the sensation making my skin crawl. 

"You wanted me to get you away from him, right?" He chuckled. "When I am done with you, he'll never touch you again."

"Don't touch me," I sobbed, trying to shove him back.

I didn't know when he picked up a bottle until he had shattered it on my head. 

My ears rang, my skull throbbed, and Blood trickled down my face. I tried to scream, but no sound came out.

He dragged me again and threw me onto a bed.

I wanted to move, fight. But I couldn't bring my arms to work.

Aiden. Please...

Then, darkness took me.

****************************** 

Leah. Leah. Leah.

I jolted awake with a gasp, chest heaving as I scooted back, pressing into the headboard as I screamed, "Stay away from me!"

"Easy," a voice said. "You're safe now."

I brought my hands down and turned slowly to see Storm standing beside the bed, a worried look on his face.

I glanced around the room, noticing I was back in Aiden’s room. My gaze landed on the large mirror on the wall. The one I hated. I saw myself in it, and a bandage was wrapped around my head.

That was when I felt the pounding in my skull, like someone was bashing my head with a steel pipe. My hand trembled as I brought it to my face. The memories came rushing back, and I fisted his shirt I was wearing.

"How... how did I get back?" 

Storm's voice was calm as he answered, "The boss found you."

He added quickly. "He said to tell you... nothing happened."

My eyes stung with tears. Thank God.

"Where is he?"

Storm's jaw clenched and my heart skipped.

He looked away for a beat, then back at me. "The enforcers took him an hour ago."

Enforcers?

He exhaled slowly. "He lost control when he found you. He hit the Don. No. He attempted to murder him," he said. "That's against the rules. They are probably discussing his punishment as we speak."

My heart pounded so hard it hurt. "What will they do to him?"

"I have no fucking clue." His eyes narrowed. "But it won't be good."

His eyes fell on me again, angry now. "I knew you'd be trouble the moment he started paying too much attention to you. I warned him, tried to stop it. Even back in the woods, when I pretended I didn't see you. But you still let him catch you."

My eyes widened. He saw me then?

"I promised him I'd kill you if you ever became a problem. And still..." he shook his head. "Still, he asked me to stay by your side until you woke up."

He ran a hand down his face and chuckled. "That fucking bastard."

**************************************

The estate was awfully quiet as if everyone was holding their breath.

Mira was locked up in the basement, awaiting Aiden's return to be punished for failing to protect me. It wasn't her fault, but there was nothing I could do for her until he came back.

Storm took her place, his expression making it hard for me to breathe. Each time his hand grazed the gun on his side, I tensed.

I found myself staring out the window too often, hoping to catch a glimpse of him when he returned. Every time the door creaked open, I sat up quickly, heart racing, only to be disappointed again.

I wanted to ask Storm about Aiden's condition, but he didn't look like he was going to say a word to me.

I didn't miss him. It's just... he said he wouldn't cross off the days he didn't touch me. I don't want to stay here longer than necessary.

During the day, I stayed in the kitchen watching Clare cook. Amanda had been allowed back into the house and she was great company.

But at night, when I was alone, Julian's face haunted me. His voice, his hands, and that twisted smile. I sometimes wished I could crawl out of my skin. 

Storm said he didn't touch me, but I still felt dirty.










Chapter 38  

Aiden

When Storm informed me that Mira wasn't answering her comm, my world tilted.

"What the fuck do you mean she's not answering?" I barked, already moving.

My heart pounded as I shoved open the door to Julian's office and found out he wasn't there. It was some random asshole humping a woman. 

He'd lured me away from her.

I dashed out, tearing down the hallway, down the stairs, into the grand hall, eyes wildly searching for her, but there was no sign of her.

I'd only been gone for ten minutes, ten fucking minutes and she was gone.

I grabbed the nearest person, slamming his head into the table, the wood cracking and splitting before silence fell across the hall.

"Where is she?" I demanded, glaring across the room.

They stared at me in shock.

I drew my gun fired into the man's head, blood pooled around his head between the split wood, and he slumped, gaps erupting across the hall.

"I— I saw her on the second floor of the east wing." The woman beside me said, her voice shaking as she avoided my eyes.

I didn't wait, I ran, my heartbeat echoing in my ears as I prayed I wasn't too late. That he hadn't touched her. If he did, I was going to kill him.

I'll fucking kill him.

Two men stood outside the door at the end of the hallway, sparing me the time to go through the rooms. 

Freya, who was standing outside, said, "Thank God you came. She—" 

I grabbed one of the men who moved to block me by the head and slammed his face into the wall, dragging it sideways as I kept moving. I shot the second in the head as he reached for his gun, then  kicked the door open and shoved the man aside.

There were shards of broken glass on the floor and a trail of blood.

I couldn't breathe as my eyes climbed to where she lay on the bed, her dress torn, Julian over her. His filthy hands on her body. 

Her body. My body.

His eyes met mine, and he smiled. He fucking smiled.

"Ah, we were just getting started, Aiden."

I saw red.

All I remembered was the look on his face when the first bullet tore into his shoulder. I fired again and he fell off her.

I crossed the room in three strides, grabbed him, and threw him off the bed, hard enough to send him crashing into a cabinet.

I drove my fist into his face before he could spill whatever garbage he had to say.

"How. Dare. You. Lay. Your. Hands. On. Her."

Blood splattered across my shirt, my face as I punched him repeatedly.

"Aiden!" Storm shouted my name. But I didn't stop. I was too far gone. 

I kept hitting him until his hands were too weak to fight me, until he was begging. Still, I didn't stop.

Storm grabbed my arm and tried to drag me off. "That's enough! You will kill him!"

I shoved him away and continued.

"You bastard! Shouldn't you be worried about Leah?" He shouted again, his voice cracking.

That stopped me. I turned to her unconscious body. Her face was bloodied, and her lips burst. 

Was she still breathing?

I let Julian drop, struggling to breathe as I walked toward her, hands shaking.

She was naked. 

He saw her body. 

I told him not to fucking touch her.

My jaw clenched and my gun rose again.

Strom stepped in front of him.

"Move."

"For fuck's sake think about what would happen if you killed him now, in front of everyone."

He was right. People were already gathering at the doorway. 

I ground my teeth. 

I had told her she'd be safe. All she had to do was stay close to me. Yet I left her and I'd let another man touch her.

My hands shook as I reached to touch her, scared that I would hurt her because I was barely keeping myself from destroying something. 

She flinched when I brushed the blood-matted hair off her face. And it broke my heart to a hundred pieces.

I whispered, "It's okay. I've got you."

I covered her with my coat, lifting her gently into my arms and feeling her burning skin.

She whimpered, snuggling into me. "Aiden... please."

"You're safe now."

*************************************************

The room was dark with no windows. The air reeked of old blood, and the walls echoed screams I remembered.

A place for traitors.

I had been here before, but as a punisher. Never thought I would be on the receiving end one day.

I sat with my legs crossed, back against the wall, eyes closed. The door creaked open, the hinges groaning. Four sets of footsteps walked in, and one cleared his throat.

"They are ready for you."

I stood, lifted my hands, and one of them stepped forward to cuff me. As we passed the hallway, I paused at the portrait of the former Don, hanging on the wall, and lifted my head.

Forgive me, sir, but I don't think I will be keeping that promise not to kill your son.

The two guards standing in front of the large oak door pulled it open, inside, the table waited.

Seven of the twelve chairs around the table were filled with Dominic, who looked too excited, shane, the stone-faced consigliere, two retired and current capos. Julian, at the end of the table, his face, a ruin of bruises and cuts.

That wasn't enough damage.

I promised her I would kill the next man who touched her body, and I let him go.

I clenched my fists, steadying myself.

Not now. But I will break those hands. Every fucking finger.

"Aiden Kingston, you stand before the table as a traitor," the head enforcer who stood beside Julian started. "You assaulted the Don, attempted to murder him. You have broken the family’s code of loyalty. The table must decide your fate."

Heavy silence followed.

"He should be killed," Dom said, the words spilling out like he had been holding them for hours. 

"He shot the Don! That's treason. We shouldn't even be having a meeting. The code's clear no one touches the Don. The punishment is death."

Raymond, one of the retired capos leaned back in his chair. "Easy, Dom. We all know how eager you are to get rid of him."

Dom's jaw tightened.

Stanley, the other retired capos, said calmly. "This is a delicate matter. We are not talking about just anyone. The man before the table is Aiden Kingston. That is why a meeting was called in the first place."

Dom scoffed. "Delicate matter? He is unstable. Clearly doesn't know his place and doesn't give a shit about ranks. If we don't put him down now, what do you think all those  people who witnessed him humiliate the Don will think?" He looked around the room, his voice rising.

"They'll think the boss is weak. That Aiden's the one really running things."

That hit the nerve he wanted. Julian's hand slammed down on the table, the wood rattling. His jaw locked tight.

The room fell silent again.

He turned to the two retired capos on his left, his voice cold. "Are you siding with him? Even after what he did to me? Tell me, where does your loyalty lie?"

They both bowed their heads slightly. "With you, sir," they answered.

Julian bit down on his lip, not buying it. "Yet, you're still against the death penalty?"

Raymond met his gaze. "Then do you want to kill him?"

Julian said nothing, but I saw his fists curl against the table.

That coward.

Raymond continued,  "I don't think you do, not when you're the one who called for this meeting."

Julian's face turned red with anger, and the tension in the room thickened.

Shane leaned forward in an attempt to diffuse it. "What if we demote him? Temporarily?"

One of the current capos nodded and added. "We can also put him away for a few days. Break him enough to he remembers who he answers to."

"I also agree with that," Stanley added.

Dom laughed bitterly, disbelief written across his face as he swept his gaze over the room. "Demotion? Breaking him? He put a bullet in the Don. Look at him. He doesn't even look sorry." He pointed at me. "His face screams, I am going to finish what I started later."

Julian's head snapped toward him. "Shut your fucking mouth," he growled.

Dom gritted but stayed quiet.

"Aiden Kingston is hereby stripped of his title and command, indefinitely," Julian declared, with a tone of finality.  "Effective immediately, he will surrender all businesses under his control and be held in isolation for seven days, no food, and no visitors. And each day, by this time, he will receive 5 lashes. 35 in total."

"Any objections?"

His eyes met mine for the first time since I entered the room, and I smirked. "You will regret not killing me, Julian."

"See that?" Dom said. "He is threatening the Don. Right before us!"

Julian's eyes twitched, his face twisting in rage. "Begin the punishment. Ten lashes. And today's lashes don't count."

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