~ COLTON's POV ~
* BANG! BANG! BANG! *
The sound of the bullets flying filled the air and Colton couldn’t help but smile. A single tear of sweat trickled down his face and down to his toned and tanned chest. In front of him, several hundred yards away was the practice target, a cutout in a shape of a man. Colton lowered the gun in his hand and saw that he had hit the target right in the heart with those three shots.
“Nice shot,” Jackson clapped in approval.
“Practicing for the D-Day, are we?” Levi chimed in.
Jackson and Levi Rhodes were Colton’s cousins from his dad’s side. Ever since they were born, the three of them were inseparable. They grew up together and attended St. Jude’s Prep School all the way until they graduated. They were a mischievous bunch, always looking for trouble, and Colton was the leader. Now at 21 years old, just one year shy of graduating college, Colton decided to drop out to continue his father’s legacy while his cousins continued school.
At just twenty-one years of age, Colton had become a celebrity in his own right. He hung out with Hollywood starlets and rock stars and flew in private jets to have trips in private islands and yachts. He was always surrounded by friends and followers, and girls were always lining up at the door. Colton, of course, didn’t let this go to waste. For the past five years, he dedicated his time to a life of sex, drugs, and rock and roll. He did whatever he wanted, wherever he wanted, and with whoever he wanted.
Unfortunately, all that came crashing down last year with the news of his father’s death. Although he wasn’t ready, Colton had no choice but to step up and take over his father’s multi-billion-dollar empire. It was a huge responsibility for someone who was barely legal to drink alcohol. A lot of people expected him to fail, but just like anything else in his life, Colton always found a way to get what he wanted.
Behind those icy blue eyes and boyish smile, Colton was a cunning and cold-hearted businessman. He learned everything he knew from his father and his grandfather before that. All the men of the Rhodes family left this earth with a formidable legacy, and Colton planned to do the same. He was going to start making his mark in the world through this first lethal mission: killing Henri Ascott and ending his empire.
Just several generations ago, the Ascotts and Rhodes were mortal enemies. They were two large families who were fighting over business territories in the state of New York. Both families were determined to become the most powerful family in the city. Political wars, billions of dollars, and even blood were shed through this fight.
After decades of fighting, the two families finally put aside their differences and called a truce during Colton’s father’s reign. His dad and Henri Ascott made a pact to keep the peace and divide their territories. This was New York City, after all. There was more than enough room for two powerful mafia families to live in.
During this peaceful time, everything seemed to be going great. The Rhodes family focused their attention on the business instead of the war, and they became even more wildly successful. Henri Ascott must’ve been unhappy about this because his empire’s growth didn’t peak as much as the Rhodes. Using Colton’s father’s trust against him, he must’ve figured out a sneaky way to kill Edward and made it look like an accident.
Colton’s jaw clenched instinctively every time he remembered this story. His father was his hero. He wasn’t going to let anyone get away with murdering his father and stealing his legacy. With a fire burning in his heart, Colton didn’t think twice about taking over leadership and leading this deadly mission.
An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *“How are you feeling about this week?” Jackson asked as Colton went to grab a towel. He was referring to the big party Henri was throwing for his daughter’s eighteenth birthday.
Colton let out a smirk as he wiped his sweat with the towel, running the fabric along his toned muscles and tattoos. He had been standing outside under the sun all day, wearing nothing but a pair of black slacks, practicing his shooting.
“Feels great,” Colton replied. “Can't wait until that’s really him,” he motioned to the cutout with holes in its chest.
“You’ll get him, Colt,” Levi said reassuringly.
“Yeah, he’s gonna pay for what he did,” Jackson agreed.
Colton’s face remained cold and stoic. He finished reloading his gun and took his position again, aiming the gun at the cutout figure. Jackson and Levi were standing close behind him. They were at an open space, on the outskirts of the woods in Long Island, but those two were standing so close to him, Colton could feel their breaths hitting the back of his neck.
“You know, I came out here so I could be alone,” he hissed. “What the hell are you two doing here?”
“We’re here to help you practice, of course,” Jackson shrugged.
“Yeah, we’re here for mental support,” Levi chuckled.
“It’s gonna be hard getting a clear shot of Henri Ascott, we just wanna make sure you won’t miss it,”
Colton’s blood boiled at the mention of that name. He gripped the gun on his hand tighter and took his shot.
* BANG! *
The bullet went flying and it hit the cutout straight in the head this time. Jackson and Levi responded with claps and hollers.
“See? I ain’t gonna miss it,” Colton shrugged.
“We know you won’t unless you’re distracted,” Jackson said.
“What the hell are you talking about? You two are the distraction here,” Colton rolled his eyes.
“But that’s the point!” Levi argued. “It’s gonna be a party, you’re gonna get lots of distraction, so you better get used to it,”
“Yeah, there’s gonna be of pretty girls in dresses, that’s your weakness, isn’t it? I heard his daughter is a good girl. A pretty and well protective doll....” Jackson added sportively.
“Shut up,” Colton shoved through the two of them and walked away.
“We just wanna make sure you’re fully focused, Colt,” Jackson followed quickly behind him.
“Everything’s resting on your shoulder,” Levi added, putting a hand on Colton’s shoulder.
Colton let out a scoff and a menacing smirk.
“Don’t worry about me,” he said. “I’ve been waiting a whole year for this. There’s no way I’m gonna miss this shot,”
With that, he turned around and aimed his gun at the cutout again. He took a moment to adjust his aim before pulling the trigger.
* BANG! *
The cutout burst into two with Colton’s final shot. Levi and Jackson roared in laughter and cheer as Colton turned around and walked away, fully focused and unfazed.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *- - - - - ONE WEEK LATER - - - - -Colton stepped out of the black SUV wearing a crisp black suit and tie. All the tattoos on his arm and chest were covered, and only the ones on his neck were peeking out. His jet-black hair was neatly slicked back and a smirk was playing on that sharp jawline. His icy blue eyes held a predatory glint as he stared up at the Plaza Hotel before him.
This is it, he said to himself. This is the end of the Ascott empire.
“Remember, don’t flirt with no girls,” Jackson whispered from behind him.
“And don’t talk to no one,” Levi added. The two of them were standing closely behind Colton in front of the back entrance of the hotel.
“Please, I know what I’m doing,” Colton chuckled drily.
Known as a notorious player, Colton always had a way with the ladies. Not only that he was a young billionaire in his prime, but he also looked like a mix between Ian Somerhalder and Paul Walker. He had to be inconspicuous for this mission to work, but it was hard not to notice someone like him walking into the room. Colton always had a certain presence about him, and girls just couldn’t stay away. Jackson was worried that this might derail their plan.
The grand plan was to have Colton enter the premises without anyone noticing and kill Henri when he was alone. Henri was a careful man, he had bodyguards everywhere, but if it was Colton who was approaching him, he wouldn’t have suspected anything. Colton would then leave with his cousins using their private jet, creating the perfect alibi that they were never there in the first place.
“Make sure no one recognizes you,” Jackson continued.
“Go in, get a clear shot, and get out,” Levi said. “We’ll be right over here,”
Colton let out a smirk. His cousins were clearly nervous, but not him. He was calm. Almost like he was enjoying this.“Relax, I got everything under control,”
Colton shoved the gun to his back pocket as his cousins nodded at him.
“Alright. You ready for this?” Jackson asked.
“I was born for this,” he smiled victoriously.
Levi went to pull the back door open and Colton strode inside. His cousins stayed behind as he walked down the long, dark corridor. His heart was beating steadily as he fixed his eyes on the light at the end of the hall. The closer he got to the light, the louder the party was heard. Colton’s lips twitched into a half-smirk as he pulled out a mask from his jacket pocket. It was a white mask from the phantom of the opera. With his mask on and ready, Colton entered the light of the party.
They won’t know what’s gonna hit them.
*
**To Be Continued.
~ SIERRA's POV ~“Oh my God! I’m not seriously walking out there in front of all those people, am I?”Sierra was freaking out behind the curtains as she watched the hundreds and thousands of people standing at her party. Everyone who was anyone was in attendance. There were politicians, celebrities, and prominent families from all over the state. Everyone was so beautifully and impeccably dressed, holding glasses of champagne, and talking about their last trip to the south of France. Sierra was definitely overwhelmed by all of this. Her cousin Rose’s coming out party wasn’t even half this extravagant. Her dad went completely extra with this one. Crystal chandeliers were hanging on the ceiling, beautiful flowers and linen adorned the room, and a full orchestra band was playing music on stage.“Don’t worry, sweetheart, it’s gonna be fine,” Sierra’s dad smiled reassuringly, holding onto her hand. “I’ll be walking right with you,”“But—““Smile, sweetie. It’s time,”Before Sierra could p
~ COLTON's POV ~Large and lavish parties were not an unfamiliar thing for Colton Rhodes. From the moment he was born, he was thrust into the spotlight of a luxurious lifestyle. Not only that he was blessed with such wealth, but he was also sharp, intelligent, and good-looking. This proved to be a deadly combo. He became the epitome of New York’s high society, the poster boy for the young one percent. At just twenty-one years of age, Colton had become a celebrity in his own right. He hung out with Hollywood starlets and rock stars and flew in private jets to have trips in private islands and yachts. He was always surrounded by friends and followers, and girls were always lining up at the door. Colton, of course, didn’t let this go to waste. For the past five years, he dedicated his time to a life of sex, drugs, and rock and roll. He did whatever he wanted, wherever he wanted, and with whoever he wanted.Unfortunately, all that came crashing down last year with the news of his father
~ SIERRA ~It took Sierra a moment to realize what was happening. One moment she was standing by the window, breathing in the fresh air, and the next moment she was lying on her stomach, face to face with a stranger. Sierra opened her eyes to see a pair of icy blue eyes looking back at her. She had fallen on top of a guy, who seemed young, maybe around her age. He had jet-black hair that was styled like Leonardo DiCaprio in Titanic. He also had strong features and a sharp jawline, and his body was all muscles and rock-hard.“Ehem,” the guy let out a dry cough, pulling Sierra from her train of thought.“Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry!” Sierra panicked in awkward embarrassment and quickly got up to her feet. “A-are you okay?”The guy propped himself up and Sierra heard a crack. It could be his bone popping out of its socket or something. Sierra grimaced in anticipation, but the guy didn’t look affected by it at all. “I might’ve broken a bone,” he laughed coolly. “But I guess that’s my faul
~ COLTON's POV ~“I just…” Sierra paused for a moment before answering, “I really don't wanna do this right now,”“Do what?” he pressed. “Your birthday party?”“That and being auctioned off like a show horse,” she blurted.“You’re being auctioned off like a show horse?”“Not literally, but yeah,” she shrugged.“How come?”Sierra paused again before answering. She was looking at him while debating whether or not she should tell this stranger about her life’s story. “Hey, you don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to,” he said nonchalantly. “It’s just that it’s not every day I get fell on and shoved into tight spaces—““My dad is throwing this party because he wants to marry me off to some rich billionaire asshole,” she blurted suddenly. “What?” he gaped.“Yeah. Because apparently, girls like me aren’t made for normal romance. Our marriages have to be board approved and I’ll probably end up with someone in there who is either boring as hell, has bad breath, or just weird and handsy,
~ COLTON's POV ~This was not part of the plan, but Colton was improvising. Somehow in his mind it made sense that he goes and ditch the party with Sierra. He figured Henri Ascott would always be there. He could always come back later and finish his mission. But in the meantime, his priority had shifted. Somehow it became important for him to help this girl avoid the guards and all the shitty guys in that second floor ballroom. “You’re kind of crazy, you know that?” Sierra laughed at his offer.“So I’m told,” he let out a smirk. “But I have a feeling that you are too,”Suddenly, there was a glint in her eyes and she was looking at him with a look he couldn’t decipher. That look made him feel kind of nervous. Colton swallowed hard and hung for her answer. She probably won’t do it, he thought to himself. I know her type. She’s too much of a goody-goody. She won’t have the guts.“Miss Sierra! Where are you?!”The guard’s voices were getting so louder. They were definitely nearby. Sierr
~ SIERRA's POV ~“Oh my God!” Sierra exclaimed. Her eyes were wide as saucers as she looked at the view before her.Colton had taken her to the Met Cloisters, a museum at Fort Tyron Park. It was a famous museum with a gothic-style building located on a steep hill. Sierra had been to this museum before, but she never knew there was a secret passageway that led to the rooftop of the castle. Once she got up there and saw the view, she was absolutely mesmerized. There was nobody else except the two of them there and with the dress she was wearing, she felt like she was transported to a French monastery in the 1900s.“This is pretty cool, right?” Colton was standing right behind her.“Pretty cool?” she gaped. “I can’t believe I’ve lived here all my life and I’ve never been here before!”“Yeah, not a lot of people know about this part of the museum,” he chuckled and grabbed something out of the white bag. “Beer?”Colton was holding onto a beer, offering it to her. Sierra paused for a moment
~ SIERRA ~Colton’s lips were pressed on hers, gently coaxing her into a kiss. His lips were soft and he tasted like beer. Sierra couldn’t do anything but stay completely still. Her heart was beating so fast, it felt like it was going to burst out of her chest.Colton’s hand then reached for her face and he deepened the kiss. For a split second, Sierra gave in to the temptation and closed her eyes. She had never kissed anyone before, she didn't know how it was supposed to feel. Kissing Colton felt kind of… nice. Her lips began moving instinctively, dancing with his, and somehow her stomach was twisting into knots. Wait, what’s happening!?Sierra’s eyes jerked open. She came to her senses and realized what was happening. She tried pulling away, but Colton’s hand was firm on her. He didn’t want to let her go, he only kissed her more. Sierra didn’t know what came into her, but all of a sudden, her hand reached up and flew across his face.* SMACK! *Colton froze like a statue. A red mar
~ COLTON ~“Colton!” Jackson yelled as soon as Colton entered the house. “Where the fuck have you been?”“We were waiting for hours!” Levi followed suit. “You never came out there!”It was past 1 AM by the time Colton arrived home. He just came back from dropping Sierra off back at the Plaza. By then, he realized that Jackson and Levi were nowhere to be found and he had about a hundred missed calls and messages from them.“Yeah, something came up, I had to leave the party,” Colton said simply. He was exhausted after a long night. Ignoring the confused look on Jackson and Levi’s faces, he shoved past the two guys and went up the stairs.“You left the party?!” Jackson gaped, quickly following him upstairs. “Did they figure you out?” Levi asked.“No,” Colton shook his head.“You couldn’t get a clear shot?”“No,”“Then what?”Jackson and Levi ran fast and blocked Colton’s way. They stood tall with their arms crossed and their faces waiting expectantly. Colton couldn’t get to the second f