by Lylah James
I had several underground fighting rings operating in several states. Several checkups were made through the year, and this month it was Florida.
It was time to recruit more members. Only the best fighters—killers—have the honor to work for me.
Now that Ayla was in my life, more protection was needed. I didn’t want to risk anything. I was going to protect her with everything I had.
As the car lurched to a stop, I was already pumped. I walked toward the door, Nikolay, Artur, and Phoenix closely behind me.
The men bowed their head as I entered. Walking further inside, I heard the screams from the crowd. People were cheering, pushing for more, chanting for death.
I walked upstairs to the VIP lounge, where we had the best view of the fight. My gaze stayed on the glass window when I sat down.
My blood roared as I watched the fight. The ring looked more like a dungeon. It was a cage, and only one person walked out after the fight. Only the winner. The fighters sliced, stabbed, bled, and fought to live. They were brutal, almost animalistic in their attacks.
After watching for several minutes, I already had my favorite, and I knew he was the one to win. He was, after all, ruthless. I watched him play with his opponent, turning him into a puppet with his moves.
“What’s his name?” I asked.
“He’s known as KILLER. He’s twenty-three years old and has been fighting since he was thirteen. He’s one of the best and never loses a fight. Makes about five million dollars for every fight,” Nikolay quickly reported.
“Hmm…hire him.”
“Boss, he also does Alberto’s dirty work. I guess you could say he’s a mercenary.”
“Hire him. I will give him thrice what Alberto is giving him.”
“And if he betrays you?” Phoenix asked behind me. “He can’t be trusted.”
“He won’t betray me. If he does, then simple—I’ll put a bullet between his eyes. If he is Alberto’s man, then having him on our side is important. He will lead us to the fucker. And also, he won’t refuse the money I’m giving him.”
In this world, when it came to business—it was only about the money. Whatever worked in your advantage, you went for it.
I didn’t have to go far to know that KILLER wasn’t a loyal man. He might have been working for Alberto, but there was no way he was loyal. Men like him didn’t bow down to others. Everyone feared killers like him.
I didn’t watch the rest of the fight. I didn’t have to. It was obvious who won. Getting up, the crowd exploded, the volume deafening as the winner was announced.
The screams still rang through my ears as I walked to the car. Alberto’s end was coming soon. I could taste my need for revenge. The Italians would bow to me. Every single one of them. I was going to make sure of it.
Chapter 25
When I arrived at the beach house, the sun was already disappearing behind the horizon. I went inside to see Viktor sitting on the couch, polishing his guns and knives. The bastard loved to keep his toys shiny.
“Ayla is upstairs,” he mumbled without taking his eyes off the dagger he was holding.
Our room was empty, but I could hear soft singing from the room next to ours. Of course, she was there. I should have known better.
Walking closer, I quietly pushed the door open, only to have my heart squeeze at the sight in front of me.
Ayla was moving around the room. A slow song played in the background as she twirled around, a smile present on her beautiful face.
She was oblivious to my presence, and I took the opportunity to admire her. Leaning against the door, I didn’t take my eyes off my Angel.
Ayla was wearing a light pink dress that came down to her knees. Her black hair hung loose at her back as she danced around barefooted. She looked angelic. Impossibly beautiful.
When she swiveled around and saw me, a small gasp escaped her plump red lips. Ayla froze and stared at me for a second.
I walked toward her until we were standing a foot away. She stared at me, her head tilted to the side, waiting for my next move, which surprised us both.
Extending my hand out to her, I uttered the words I never thought I would. “May I have this dance, Angel?”
Her mouth fell open and then snapped shut. I saw a hint of color rise in her cheeks as she ducked her head shyly, a small smile playing on her lips.
I found it absolutely endearing that after all the time we had been together and all the things we had done, she was still shy around me.
Oh, she was also definitely bold and had turned into a little minx under Maddie’s influence, but there were times when she was shy and nervous—the sweetness in her actions almost making my chest tight.
“I don’t know how to dance,” Ayla whispered.
Grabbing her waist, I placed a kiss on her forehead. “Neither do I.”
Ayla beamed, and when I chuckled low, she ducked her head again, hiding her face in my chest. My arms tightened around her hips as she placed hers around my waist.
And then we moved. Slowly, matching the rhythm on the song.
Ayla sighed in contentment as we held each other. I wouldn’t say we danced. We only moved in small circles, but it was enough for us. That silent moment spoke hundreds of words between us.
As our dance came to an end, I lifted Ayla up by the waist and twirled her around. Her laughter echoed around us. My heart squeezed as her face glowed with complete happiness. Ayla was precious.
The need to protect her was so overwhelming. I couldn’t imagine ever losing her.
Placing her down, we stared into each other’s eyes. “You are so beautiful,” I whispered.
Again. There it was. That shy and sweet smile.
When our lips made contact with each other, it was a sweet kiss. Light, soft, and so very sweet. We kissed until we were breathless.
We pulled apart only to catch our breath, and then our lips were on each other again. This time, our lips were firm and demanding, both of us slowly losing control. I had her against the wall in a matter of the seconds with her legs wrapped around my waist.
“What do you…like?” Ayla asked, her voice a little husky.
“Hmm…you,” I said against her neck, kissing my way down.
“No…I mean…eat. What do you like to eat?”
“You. I’m going to eat you.” I nipped on the skin at her collarbone and heard her moan.
“Food,” she gasped.
What the fuck? Why was she talking about food at a moment like this?
Ayla’s fingers wrapped around my hair and she pulled my head away. “What’s your favorite food? Like dessert?”
“Why?” I asked, completely confused at the sudden turn of events.
She shrugged. “I want to take care of you. Cook your favorite food and all. You do so much for me, Alessio, yet I give so little in return.”
Her smile was lost, her happiness replaced with sadness.
I placed a kiss on her lips before answering. “You already do take care of me, Angel. You do more than you think.”
“But…” she started to argue.
“No.” I cut her off.
“I still want to, though. What’s your favorite cake?” she asked again. Over the last few weeks, I had also found out that Ayla was very stubborn. There was no point arguing because she always won in the end. Although only because I let her win.
“Chocolate,” I answered. Actually, I didn’t care. I didn’t eat cake, but if she wanted to bake for me…if this brought back her sweet smile, then I wasn’t going to stop her.
And there it was. Her sweet breathtaking smile.
“Okay!” she announced excitedly. Her legs unwrapped around me, and she pushed at my chest. I didn’t have a choice but to let her go.
Ayla leaned up on her toes and gave me a kiss. “I’m going to make the best chocolate cake for you.”
Before I could say anything else, she was already running out of the room.
Shaking my head, I couldn’t help but
chuckle. I walked out behind her, but not before catching a glimpse of the piano in the corner of the room. I made sure to have one in before we arrived.
The piano was a part of us. I knew how much it meant to Ayla. Even though we weren’t at the estate, she was still going to play for us.
I walked into the kitchen to see Ayla talking animatedly on the phone as she placed the ingredients on the counter. “I have everything. Maddie, stop it. It’s not funny.”
She listened to Maddie talk for a second and then growled in frustration. “I’ll get it right this time. I’m going to make the best cake…you’re so mean.”
I didn’t know how long I stood there and watched Ayla talk while she tried to bake. I listened and watched and smiled.
And then her angelic voice snapped me out of the moment. “Alessio, can you taste it for me?”
Ayla showed me the spoon filled with chocolate batter. She dipped her finger in it and waved at me. Walking closer, I took her hand in mine and sucked on the finger. I heard Ayla gasp, and then she licked her lips.
“Hmm…sweet,” I mumbled, licking her finger clean. “Like you.”
“Umm…okay,” she replied in a daze.
“Oh hi, Alessio!” I heard Maddie’s voice from the speaker. Fucking cockblocker.
“Hi,” I mumbled, glaring at the stupid phone.
Ayla let out a small laugh before turning around again. I stepped up to her back and wrapped my arm around her waist, holding her to me as she continued baking.
Ayla looked over her shoulder, her green eyes meeting mine as they twinkled merrily.
I was right. She was too precious.
Chapter 26
Ayla
“Where are we going?” I asked for probably the tenth time as Alessio and I got into the car.
“Somewhere,” he muttered in reply.
“That’s not an answer.” I glared at him, but he just smirked, giving me that devilishly sexy look that I couldn’t resist.
“It’s a surprise, kitten. Retract your claws.”
“But I want to know.”
“It’s a surprise, woman. Give the lovesick puppy a break, baby girl,” Viktor said from the front. Phoenix let out a laugh.
I had to stop my own giggle from escaping when Alessio gave him a death glare.
“Fuck you,” Alessio snapped. “Drive.”
“Oh, he is snappy this morning. Did he not get some loving last night?”
Viktor really had a death wish.
“I will shoot you. Don’t test me,” Alessio warned in a deathly tone.
“Give Boss a break. If he shoots you, I will have to clean up the mess afterward,” Phoenix mumbled.
“Whatever. I’m only stopping for my baby girl. We don’t want to taint her innocent eyes.” Viktor winked at me through the rear-view mirror.
I saw Alessio’s hands tighten in fists, and I quickly placed my hands over his. Releasing my seat belt, I moved forward until I was sitting sideways on his lap.
With my lips next to his ear, I whispered my next words so only he could hear. “You have nothing to be jealous of, Alessio. I’m yours. Wholeheartedly. You have me. Mind, body, and soul. Nothing and no one is ever going to change that.”
His body instantly relaxed. “You always know when to say the right thing,” he mumbled back.
“It’s the truth, Alessio.”
“I know, Angel.” He placed a kiss on my forehead, and I laid my head on his shoulder. We stayed like that until the car came to a full stop.
“We’re here,” Alessio announced. “Close your eyes.”
I did as I was told, trusting him. The door opened, and then I was being pulled out. I was swept off my feet as Alessio held me to his chest.
“Can I open my eyes now?” I asked, feeling suddenly giddy, my heart jumping in excitement.
“No. I’ll tell you when,” he replied gruffly.
We walked for a few minutes, and then Alessio placed me down until I was standing next to him again. “Last night, you said you were going to miss the creek. Open your eyes, Angel.”
I did, and then my heart stuttered. Oh my God.
The beauty in front of me took my breath away. A field full with flowers. So many of them and all different colors.
“It’s not the creek. But close.”
“This is beautiful,” I breathed in complete astonishment. “I have no words, Alessio.”
Tears stung my eyes as I stared at the landscape in front of me. I was standing in the middle of a field, where thousands of colorful flowers bloomed.
The light breeze touched my face, and I smiled. So peaceful.
Turning around, I faced Alessio and ran into his arms, hugging him as tightly as I could. I covered his face with kisses before pulling away and laughed happily.
“Thank you for this. I love—” you. My lips snapped shut before I could utter the last word. The words were always on my lips, begging to be released.
But I still couldn’t bring myself to tell Alessio how I truly felt. Something in my heart was stopping me. Every time I wanted to tell him, my chest would feel tight and my heart would ache. So those three words stayed unsaid.
Swallowing nervously as Alessio stared at me, almost in anticipation, I mustered up the best smile I could.
“I love it,” I said instead.
He wrapped his arms around my waist, pulling me into his body again. We stared into each other’s eyes when he spoke. “I know, Angel. I know. I love it too.”
There it was. His affirmation. We didn’t need the words between us. It was there without it even being said. From our actions and through our eyes. I knew how he felt, and he knew where my heart belonged. That was enough for us.
He didn’t smile, but his soft eyes said it all. Oh, how I loved him. He was everything I needed and wanted. He was perfect…for me.
But I wasn’t…for him.
At the thought, my chest grew tight.
I couldn’t lie anymore.
This had gone on for too long, and I couldn’t betray him anymore. Every single day, I had to live with the knowledge that I was betraying the man I love. Not only him, but my newfound family.
Every single night, I prayed that I could find the courage to tell him, while every single day, I tortured myself with the knowledge that I was weak and a traitor. To him and his heart. I was a traitor to us. To our love.
I hurt…my heart and my soul. I felt empty. I was hollow inside.
I had to tell him the truth.
Even if it meant my death. I was ready to take any punishment Alessio had to give me. I would bear his wrath and let him take his revenge, but I was not going to lie any longer.
I saw Alessio frowning and I knew why. I had lost my smile. I palmed his cheek and said softly, “Can we go back to the beach house?”
I couldn’t tell him here. Not in the place filled with serenity. I wasn’t going to taint it with our harsh reality.
“I have to tell you something.”
Alessio’s face grew worried. “Ayla, what’s wrong?”
“Please, Alessio,” I murmured. I could even hear the defeat in my words. My bottom lip quivered as I tried to keep my tears at bay, and my stomach tightened in knots.
“It’s something important. But I don’t want to say it here,” I finally managed to get out through my labored breathing.
Don’t have a panic attack. Not now, Ayla. You have to do this.
Alessio’s gaze moved over my face, and as he saw the distress there, his body went tight in panic and fear flashed in his eyes, but it was quickly gone.
He wrapped his arms around me and pulled me to his chest. “Whatever it is, it’s going to be okay,” he whispered shakily.
I slightly stepped out of his embrace so I could see his face. My fingers traced his lips and nose until they laid softly on his cheeks. “My feelings for you are real, Alessio. Whatever is between us is real. Please don’t forget that.”
Alessio swallowed hard, his arms clenching aro
und me. He looked confused, worried, but he still nodded.
Pressing against his body, I brushed my lips against his. “You are my everything, Alessio. The reason why I’m still alive. The reason why I smile every day.”
“Ayla, why…” he started to ask but I cut him off with a bruising kiss. He growled and returned my kiss just as fiercely, possessively taking over.
“When I tell you my truth, please remember those words,” I whispered.
Alessio didn’t say anything, but he kissed me again. He kissed me until we were both gasping for breath. And I kissed him in return, as if it was my last kiss. Maybe it was. And I wanted to remember this.
We walked back to the car hand in hand, and the ride was wrapped with silence. No one said a word. My head was laid on Alessio’s shoulder as he played with my hair. The silence between us was always filled with peace. We loved the silence, and maybe this was the last time I would get to experience this.
My eyes filled with tears, and I quickly blinked them away.
I can’t—shouldn’t cry.
After all, for once I was about to do the right thing. Something I should have done way before, but now I was ready. After getting the little piece of happiness and being loved wholeheartedly by Alessio, I was ready to face whatever I had to.
My heart ached at the thought of breaking him, breaking us.
Alessio had given me everything. He gave me himself, a part of him that nobody else knew but me. He loved me, even though the words were never uttered.
He gave me peace and happiness. He was my happiness.
And now…I was about to take away his happiness.
I could take the pain, anything he would unleash on me, but I couldn’t watch Alessio in pain, knowing that I would be the cause of it. It would kill me…slowly and painfully.
But even when I was preparing to face his wrath, I still had hope. Maybe—just maybe, Alessio would forgive me. Maybe he would understand why I did it, why I lied to him.
Maybe he would still accept me as his Angel. Maybe we would live happily ever after. They were childish thoughts.
But I still hoped that his love was stronger than his anger and need for revenge.