Jean
“You ready?”
Am I?
I stare at my reflection in the mirror. The dark blue gown Dante had picked for me hugs my body in all the right places. It’s modest compared to the white gown I wore during the last party, but the slit riding up to the top of my right thigh makes it dangerous enough.
Like he had done for me before, Dante kneels in front of me to strap my thigh holster onto my left leg, exposing my legs to him.
“
The auction proceeds as scheduled, and for the first time since we came to Seoul, I feel at ease. The worry gnawing at me has been reduced to a light throb in the back of my mind. I watch the auction unfold uneventfully. I’ve been told to prepare myself, but so far things have been pretty mellow. Apart from the ridiculous bids and prices some of these items are getting sold at, nothing has seemed to surprise me. “How are you doing?” Dante asks as the bid caller closes another bid. “Okay,” I reply. “Just a little cold.”
I’ve been wringing my hands together for the past ten minutes, palms sweaty, and legs bouncing reflexively up and down. Catching myself before I start biting my nails, I wipe my hands on my pants. “You okay?” Luca says, bringing me out of my intrusive thoughts. “You seem nervous,” he adds, nodding towards my sweaty hands. “Sorry,” I reply with a sheepish smile. “It must have been super distracting.” Luca ignores that and spares a glance at me from the driver’s seat. “What’s going on?” “I don’t know,” I admit, voice barely audible. “It’s fine, Luca. I’ll b
That night, Natalie and I arrived together at one of Seoul’s trendiest restaurants. To be honest, this isn’t what I expected when I was introduced to this whole mafia gig. I’ve always thought of them as female counterparts to the ruthless Dons, but there must be a change in the times, noting how most of the women present tonight spend most of their time shopping, but here we are in a private booth, dining like regular people. Natalie introduces me to the rest of the circle and I’m greeted with warm smiles and bright eyes. “Oh goodie!” says one. “I’ve hear
“What’s this?” I ask Hana, dropping my bags on the floor just inside Dante and mine’s shared bedroom. We had just gotten back from Seoul and there’s nothing I want more than to sink into the bed and sleep off the fatigue, but there’s something about the way Hana’s looking at me that tells me not to. “It’s a letter, Miss,” she says, handing it to me. “It arrived about a few days ago. There’s no name or return address on it, but it’s addressed to you.” “Bianca?” I can’t help but choke out a sob, sinking to the floor cradling a postal envelope in my hands, careful not to crumple it. “Miss?” Hana drops ne
“War, Miss. We’re preparing for war.” What? “What do you mean? What’s going on, Adeline?” We stop just short of entering the yard, and we can already hear the rattle of heavy equipment and grunts from the men in training. Facing Adeline, I stare her down until she starts squirming where she stands. “It would be better if you hear the rest from the boss, Miss.” She won’t meet my eyes, and I start to feel guilty when she starts fidgeting. Sometimes, I wonder if Adeline is cut out for this job, but I don’t really know her background yet. I make a mental note
To be dismissed like that, made to feel useless and weak like how Serafino made me feel, I never thought I’d feel it from Dante. And I sure as hell don’t want to be put in this position again. I want to help, in any way that I can. I want to be able to do something for the people who had helped me. Adeline, Hana, Killian, Luca, Daveed, and even Dante. These people have been so kind to me, and I want to be able to protect them too. I try to swallow down the hurt and frustration, unshed tears burning my eyes. I only get as far as the yard’s entrance before the burning feeling returns. I can hear them. Every man in that training center, preparing themselves
“Stay here,” Dante says and I don’t argue. Besides his tone leaving no room for argument, I feel terrible. He had to practically carry me to the infirmary to get checked out. There’s no way I’m going anywhere for a while. And just like that, he disappears back into the woods. “Drink this,” a doctor says, her voice sweet and soothing. She’s pretty, but I don’t know her name yet. “What is it?” I ask, eyeing the brownish liquid in the cup. The doctor smiles sweetly before answering. “It’s just tea; to help you calm down. I checked you all over and apart from this big scratch on your right arm nothing else seems to be amiss.” Nodding n
The next morning, I awaken cold and alone. It’s still early, the sun hasn’t fully risen yet, and I’ve managed to kick the blankets off my body. “He’s gone,” I note as I run the sleep out of my eyes. Getting up from bed, I decided there was no use trying to fall back asleep now, so I start my day earlier than usual. After a hot shower, I dress in comfortable gym clothes. If I want to get stronger, I have to make a habit of training hard every single day. “Wait, I should…” I make my way to my office, finding it in the same condition as it has been since Ade