Finally, he let out a guttural groan, and I could feel his cock twitching inside me as he reached the peak of his pleasure. He released my thighs and kissed me deeply as my legs flopped onto the bed, nipping at my lower lip before pulling away. “I need more of you.” He murmured, kneading my breasts roughly. He trailed kisses down my neck, nipping at the sensitive spots while his hands explored my body, caressing my curves as he moved toward my pussy.

  “Mateo,” I protested weakly. “I can’t.” There was no way I could keep going.

  "You can, and you will." He promised, his voice low and intense. “I’m far from done with you, beautiful.” He continued to kiss his way down my stomach, taking his time to explore every inch of my skin. His lips moved lower, and then he was there, spreading me apart and licking from top to bottom. I bit down on my lower lip and whimpered, crying out when he pushed his tongue inside me. Time seemed to lose all meaning as the cycle started all over again.

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  MATEO

  I glanced at the family, bound and helpless, covered faces pressed to the hard floor.

  My brother was a dark silhouette against the wall, his posture relaxed while some of our men prepared oil drums in the middle of the room. The stench of fear and sweat clung to the air, mixed with a hint of blood. It was all background noise to me, an annoyance I could have gone without. I would much rather have been with the beautiful woman who I’d left sleeping in my bed.

  The image of her naked body was a masterpiece, with its enticing curves and smooth skin, that consumed my thoughts. Her hair was a wild mess on the pillow, the strands tangled and begging to be pulled and wrapped around my fist. However, this current situation provided a brief respite for both of us. It had been a long day and an even longer night.

  I fucked Elena until my balls ached and she was damn near delirious from coming back-to-back on my fingers, tongue, and dick. The taste of her was still on my lips like an addictive drug I wanted to devour all over again. Her juices and blood still decorated my cock like a trophy. My back was a patchwork of angry red scratches--souvenirs from the fiery hellcat I pinned beneath me. When I fucked her again every thrust had been met with sharp claws digging into my flesh, leaving behind marks that would surely scar. I didn't mind. It was poetic in a sense, even as she begged me to stop, she’d claimed me too.

  “I'm guessing everything went smoothly with my soon-to-be sister-in-law?” Elias joked, breaking into my thoughts and accurately predicting where they were focused.

  “Everything is going according to plan.” I glanced at my watch and waited for the minute hand to complete one full cycle before continuing.

  “She’s completely different from Evie,” I confirmed what he really wanted to hear.

  “Thank fuck for small miracles.” He pushed himself off the wall and came to stand next to me with a grin on his face. I could hear the relief in his voice. He wanted me to have a partner who would be by my side forever, someone who could strengthen our family ties.

  And I wanted the same for him.

  Family was everything in our world, and despite the age gap between Elena and myself, and her family being new money while I came from a long line of wealth, the game of roulette was working exactly as it was always intended. I couldn't deny that her parents were skilled players, even if they ultimately lost. Elena had all the potential to be just as ruthless as they’d been. She was a canvas full of potential. The cracks and imperfections only made her more perfect for me, something I could manipulate and corrupt to my heart’s content.

  Our union would be even stronger because of it. I was fully aware of how people would perceive our relationship when the news broke that she was the only woman in my life. My plan was to let them speculate until I could reveal the whole truth. My family, a select few close friends, and I knew the real story. That's all that mattered to me. She was mine--to pleasure, to mold, to protect, and perhaps even to destroy if necessary. I wasn’t that concerned about that last bit.

  I trusted my instincts when it came to making decisions, big and small. With an endless wealth of knowledge and memories gained from watching over her for the past five years, I had a clear understanding of what to expect. I couldn't remember the last time I had been this excited about something.

  As the clock struck two in the morning, the heavy metal door slid open effortlessly, bringing in a warm breeze that I breathed in.

  My mind instantly switched into business mode, shutting out all other thoughts. Alfredo, my doorman, escorted the man of the hour inside and then quickly stepped back out, closing the door behind him. "Joshua, I hope you weren't too busy," I greeted him with a hint of sarcasm as I took in his disheveled hair, bare feet, striped boxers, and wrinkled white shirt. Elias chuckled under his breath and reached for his gun.

  Joshua paid no attention to my baby brother or me. His focus was fixed on the hooded figures in front of us.

  "I apologize for not introducing you earlier. Josh, this is Ryan, Denise, and their daughter who just turned twenty today. Congratulations are definitely in order." As I pointed to each person, their hoods were each removed by one of my men, but they remained gagged. I wanted Joshua to be aware that I knew he had a daughter around the same age.

  Another of my men began opening the drums behind us, causing Joshua's eyes to widen with understanding. My family was known for specific methods of execution, and this was one of them.

  "What is going on?" Joshua asked, his voice trembling.

  "Why don't you kneel down and I'll explain everything," I replied calmly.

  He hesitated, struggling between humiliation and potential physical harm if he refused. Finally, with a subtle nod, he lowered himself to the cold stone floor. Elias positioned himself behind Joshua and pressed the barrel of his gun against the back of his head, making it clear we were the ones in control.

  "You were supposed to deliver a shipment two days ago," I stated calmly, beckoning for Diablo to move closer with a flick of my finger. When Joshua caught sight of the ax in his hand, he stiffened. "Mr. Escuro, I-I..."

  "Don't bother lying to me," I cut him off before he could make excuses. "I saw the man who was supposed to be watching over you. He claimed to have no knowledge of how ten kilos mysteriously turned into eight. He's been loyal to me for years and is now recovering from a broken nose and shattered hands because of your incompetence."

  I gave a subtle nod, signaling to Diablo to take the daughter from the line. The girl's parents tried to scream through their gags, but they were helpless as they watched Diablo pull her away by the hair. He shoved her face-first onto the cold stone floor, causing her to cry out in pain. Her head bounced upon impact and before she could even recover, his ax made a swift whooshing sound as it sliced through the air and pierced her neck. The blade was sharp and precise, severing muscle, bone, and tissue with ease. As he pulled back, leaving a gaping hole in the young girl's neck, Joshua doubled over and vomited at the grotesque sight.

  But Diablo wasn't finished yet; with another powerful swing, the girl's head was completely severed from her body, rolling towards her horrified father. Blood pooled around the lifeless body as her parents cried out in anguish, struggling against their restraints.

  No one else in the room showed any reaction. The sound of flesh and bones being crushed and ripped apart was all too familiar. We had become desensitized to these kinds of atrocities. Growing up in Vice City, it was a survival tactic. Many of us had personal connections to similar tragedies caused by rivals before my father took full control of the city.

  Ryan and his wife watched in horror as Diablo effortlessly dismembered their daughter's remaining limbs. There was an almost artistic quality to his methodical precision that couldn't be replicated. He wielded his ax with the skill of a master painter, like Picasso with a brush.

  He could have chosen any weapon he wanted, a chainsaw, for example, but in times like these, he remained faithful to his ax, and I didn't mind one damn bit. After disposing of over two hundred bodies without fail, I trusted his method of choice completely.

  “My policy is straightforward. I give people a chance, followed by another one if they squander it. If they disappoint me again, I have no use for them in my city or my time.”

  Joshua trembled from head to toe. He shook his head from side to side and wept uncontrollably, refusing to face the truth. "Mr. Escuro, I swear I didn't touch your product. I know better. My life means everything to me!" His head jerked to the side when my fist connected with his face, leaving a small spot of blood on the floor with a broken tooth.

  “Don't. Lie." I warned, my fingers gripping his messy hair as I turned his head to face me. "You somehow lost two kilos. Now you owe me twenty-five grand for each one and an extra ten for the trouble my cousin had to go through to fix your mistake. Consider yourself lucky that I'm feeling charitable and not making you pay for the profit I lost because of this. And if you can't come up with the money, your family will suffer just like Ryan's is suffering because of his fuck-up."

  I pushed him away from me as Diablo began disposing of the severed limbs into one of the three drums, dropping the torso in last. A squelching noise filled the air as it sunk down to the bottom. The couple fought desperately to reach each other, but their attempts were futile as they were forcibly separated. Denise's muffled cries and tears betrayed her fear and anguish as she faced the inevitable demise of both her and her husband.

  They were about to be thrown into 'The Stew—the remaining fifty-five-gallon drums of oil. Joshua dropped to his knees, shutting his eyes tightly in a last moment of desperation before they were lifted up and placed inside.

  Diablo produced a long lighter from his pocket and lit the oil on fire, while my men kept a watchful eye to ensure their own safety.

  Diablo stood back, admiring his handiwork as the couple struggled against the flames. Their skin began to blister and peel off. The oil bubbled and sizzled around them, splashing up onto and then down to the concrete.

  The man's shirt was quickly reduced to ashes, leaving him naked and vulnerable. His muscles tensed as he tried to escape the agonizing pain. Denise’ screamed in terror as her hair caught fire, turning it into a torch that flickered wildly. As they were fully submerged, their bodies jerked violently. Bubbles of blood and foam rose to the surface, staining the oil a deep red.

  The smell of burning human flesh was overpowering, making it difficult to breathe no matter how accustomed to it you’d become. The lids were placed on top of the drums, sealing the couple away.

  The sound of popping and crackling could still be heard from beneath the lids, indicating that the couple was still alive, if only for a few more minutes. The warehouse fell silent once more, broken only by the sound of Joshua vomiting. Diablo turned to me with a satisfied grin on his face. "That," he said, "was truly magnificent.

  I laughed and turned my attention back to Joshua, delivering my ultimatum: he had one week to make payment or face consequences. “And clean that up.” I nodded at his pile of vomit that indicated he’d recently eaten spaghetti.

  My brother and I left the warehouse together, leaving our men to clean up the mess.

  "He's definitely going to make a run for it,” Elias remarked as soon as we were outside.

  "Yeah." I agreed with a nod. "And that's why his family is about to experience a tragic home invasion within the next fifteen minutes."

  “Should’ve sent Sergio with his camera.”

  “Who said I didn’t? Angel tagged along too.”

  My brother’s brow furrowed. “We won’t have much to look at it if you sent him. You know he only leaves the skin and Sergio can’t stomach that.”

  I laughed, thinking of our cousin losing his shit for precisely that reason. He and Angel were the perfect comedic duo, which was precisely why I was sending them along with the trainee. I had always known Joshua wouldn't be able to come up with the money. His greed consumed him, causing him to use most of the coke for himself and sell off the rest at a much lower price to other addicts.

  It didn't take much investigating to figure this all out. It was unfortunate that things had to end this way, but in this line of work, business was business. If I didn't make tough decisions, someone else would step in, undermining me.

  I couldn't let one person get away with stealing from me, or it would set a precedent for others to do the same. Rules were rules, and I expected them to be followed. As we walked, my thoughts drifted back to Elena. She was always on my mind, despite my attempts to convince myself otherwise. I could only hope she was able to withstand the challenges of being my wife.

  I was no fucking saint and had no desire to change who I was to appease others. What I would do, was give her a life many would envy, one that others had fought and died for. I wouldn’t let her suffer the same fate as her sister, no matter what it took, even if meant making her believe a nightmare was a delightful fantasy.

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  ELENA

  I woke up feeling disoriented, my entire body aching with the memory of his touch. The blackout curtains had been partially cracked, letting in a small stream of sunlight. He wasn’t in the room, and part of me was relieved by his absence.

  Last night had been unexpected and I wasn't sure how to face him. It wasn't my intention to sleep with Mateo when we went out, or at all for that matter. But to be fair to myself, I doubted many women resisted him once they were in his bedroom, so I couldn't really be held accountable for my actions.

  I sat up and looked around in search of my phone. I didn’t see it or the dress he took off me anywhere. What I did see, however, was an outfit folded on top of the ottoman that sat at the foot of the bed. It looked to be another dress—thankfully not as fancy.

  The heels were another story. There was a silk ivory robe placed alongside them. Reluctantly kicking the comforter off, I tossed my legs over the side of the bed, my bare feet dangling. I gathered up the dress and heels Mateo had left for me, my heart racing as I hurried toward the bathroom. The door creaked open to reveal a room that matched the opulence of the rest of his home.

  It was spacious, with dark marble flooring that shone under the gentle lighting. Deep, rich tones covered the walls, creating an atmosphere that felt both extravagant and intimate. Taking up one side of the room was a large walk-in shower with glass walls and polished gold fixtures. And on the other side was an equally impressive vanity, its long marble countertop adorned with neatly arranged toiletries. Above it hung an ornate mirror, its intricate designs reflecting the soft light from a chandelier suspended from the ceiling.

  I thought my family was wealthy, this house was the next level. I hurriedly undressed and stepped into the shower, reveling in the warm water cascading over my body. The scent of expensive soap and shampoo filled the air, offering some solace in this unfamiliar place. Once I was clean, I wrapped myself in a fluffy towel, its plush fabric gentle against my skin. At the vanity, I noticed that all of the toiletries were clearly meant for me.

  There was a new toothbrush, toothpaste, and even a selection of high-end skincare products laid out as if awaiting my arrival. I brushed my teeth, feeling slightly calmer with the minty freshness in my mouth, before getting dressed. Mateo's chosen dress was nice and soft, fitting me perfectly as if it were tailor-made. The floral pattern was vibrant, a stark contrast to the dark, moody ambiance of the bathroom and the rest of his home. I slipped into the black heels, taking a deep breath to steady myself.

  I stepped out into the hallway, the soft click of the door closing behind me echoing in the quiet. The quiet elegance of the space was overwhelming, the kind of luxury that made you feel both in awe and slightly out of place. I took a moment trying to get my bearings. The silence was almost palpable, broken only by the distant hum of activity somewhere within the house.

  Gathering my composure, I headed toward the grand staircase, my steps measured and cautious. As I descended slowly, my hand glided along the polished mahogany railing, the smooth surface cool beneath my fingertips. Before I reached the bottom, a figure emerged from a side corridor and approached the base of the stairs. It was an older man with dark blonde hair, neatly combed back, and dressed in simple yet impeccable formal wear. His posture was straight and respectful, exuding an air of quiet authority.

  "Miss Castello," he greeted politely, his voice smooth and professional.

  I paused on the last step, momentarily taken aback by his sudden appearance. My eyes took him in cautiously as I tried to discern his intentions.

  "Mr. Escuro is right this way," he continued, extending a hand in the direction of a long hallway.

  I hesitated for a fraction of a second before giving a small nod. "Thank you," I replied softly, my voice steady despite the nervous flutter in my chest.

  He waited patiently as I descended the final step and then turned to lead the way. Falling into step behind him, I couldn't help but notice the glint of metal peeking out from beneath his jacket. A gun was holstered at the back of his slacks, a stark reminder of the world I had stepped into. The sight made my stomach tighten, but I kept my expression neutral, unwilling to show any sign of unease.

  The sound of my heels echoed through the corridor, each click-clack against the shiny floor amplifying the silence around us. The hallway was adorned with exquisite artwork and antique furnishings, each piece likely holding its own story and worth more than I could imagine. As we walked, I glanced around, an unsettling feeling prickling at the back of my neck as if unseen eyes were tracking my every move.