~Kai~Until the morning Benny ghosted me, I was convinced that what I did two years ago was for the best. Truth be told, I didn’t ponder much on the consequences of my actions back then, not for the long run, at least. I trusted Benny would go back to her life in Paris - pre-Tony, pre-mafia, pre-me - not delve deeper into this life.Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy she’s with her family, but everything I did ricochet in my face.“We’re here, Signore.” The cab driver met my gaze through the rearview mirror.My head was buzzing, but not drunk enough to get through whatever shit was waiting for me inside that mansion.I pulled out my wallet, counted a hefty bill, and handed it to the young cabby. His eyes went wide, staring at the money. “This is too much-” his voice was muffled when I slammed the door shut.When he picked me up from the bar, he hesitated in driving me to the Martinelli mansion. It didn’t come as a surprise; public vehicles rarely cross this side of town.I didn’t look back
~Benny~Klaus’ plan was simple, a game of cat and mouse, and I would be the bait.I have to trust he knew what he was doing. He wasn’t named as the scheming mafia prince for no reason, was he? Besides, he cared too much to put me in danger, hence assigning Kai as my babysitter again. I have very little understanding of this plan. My part in it was simple: live the life I used to have. Easy peasy? I thought so too, but the moment the cool Paris spring air smacked me in the face on the tarmac, nostalgia had my eyes stinging, and my chest tightened.To make this font believable, Kai and I will stay in my old place. Klaus sent a team to redecorate it to accommodate the two of us.My landlady Josephine rented me the second floor of her home while she resided on the first, managing her own bakery.It had only been a week since Melanie attempted to kill me, and Klaus’ team transformed my shabby one-bedroom apartment into a magazine-worthy two-bedroom flat. It now had two rooms, a shared ba
~Kai~ My nails dug crescents into my palms, taking in the distance growing between Benny and me. She dressed the part of being a bait - too fucking good. She was oblivious to the eyes she gathered, swaying those hips, sashaying towards the VIP lounge. Molars grinding, I pulled deep breaths and belched them out in succession. It took a fucking lot of restraints not to throw her over my shoulder, drive her back to our apartment, and lock her away from these hungry wolves. Benny exchanged a few words with the bouncer. The bulky, bearded guy recognized her and let her through. God fucking dammit. I bit my lip so hard I tasted blood as she ascended the stairs. Her dress was too short, her mile-long legs and perfectly round ass were a sight to behold; my cock knocked on the zipper of my jeans. I couldn’t even wrap my brain around this entire plan. Why the fuck would Klaus use Benny as bait? Did he lose a screw in the head? He cared for Benny too much that this plan surprised the team.
~Kai~ Amanda’s sultry and bold facade crumbled at the first sign of danger. Anyone with eyes would know that she’s merely a pawn, doing her master’s bidding, but I won’t let her off easy. “P-please.” she gasped, eyes misting, clawing at my hand around her throat, losing precious air by the second. “Name,” I growled. “Be… Benny,” she choked. My brows furrowed, my hold on her tightening. “D… danger.” I released her throat, looking over her shoulder. Benny was not in her seat. Fucking hell! I inwardly groaned. How the fuck did I fall for this trick? Like a rag doll, I tossed Amanda on the cushioned couch. She heaved and coughed, scrambling on her feet. Anger pulsed through my veins. I gripped Amanda’s wrist, panicking blue eyes glanced up at me. “Please. I don’t know anything. He said I just need to distract you.” Deep breath. I raked my hair, contemplating for two fucking seconds, and decided to pull out my phone, taking a picture of Blondie. Every second counts. Even if I ha
~Kai~My heart pounded in my head. A deafening silence hung in the air; you could hear a pin drop. Her confession froze me on the spot, and I watched helplessly as a lone tear rolled down Benny’s cheek.“Benny,” I whispered, lifting a hand to wipe her tears. She faced away from my touch, and I felt the pain of her rejection. She swallowed hard, clearing her throat. “I have to go back inside.” Her voice was as cold as winter, contrasting her warm hand against my chest as she pushed me away, evicting me from her personal space.She left the bathroom without another glance. The moment the door shut, my mind started to function correctly.I had to make things right with Benny. This cannot go on for long.I ran after her, catching her before she could round the corner back to the lounge. I gripped her wrist, tugging her backward. She stumbled on her heels and collided with my chest. She hissed, regaining her footing. The dimmed hallway light didn’t hide the annoyance she pinned on me. “Wh
~Kai~I meant to protest, tell her I can’t be her friend, not when every fiber in my body screams to make her mine. I was used to having things my way, taking what I wanted without a nip of regret or shame, or thinking twice about the consequences. And that’s precisely what brought me to this situation.“Okay,” I said.Benny gave me an unapologetic look and said with complete sincerity. “Thanks, Kai. You know I’ll always cherish our past, but that’s what it was. Past.”“Good.” Fucking liar.My gut twisted, objecting. I wanted to give her what she wanted and be content with what she could offer. But I can’t. My mind reeled with how I could turn this conversation so she’d change her mind.Her smile faltered. “Great.” And I knew right then that I wasn’t the only one lying in this conversation.The warm light from the cafe illuminated her face, clad with that sweet smile. I’m sure that veneer got through a few troubles and mishaps, but she forgot I could read her.I leaned in my seat, smi
~Benny~Huddled in one corner of my room, Kai held me as if I was made of glass; one mistake and I’d break. He wasn’t wrong.I woke up drenched in sweat, screaming. The darkness never bothered me, but tonight it did. I don’t remember how I ended up curled between my desk and my dresser. I just know I must keep quiet, or something bad will happen.The entire place was silent. My heart thumped in my ears as the seconds ticked by.“Can you at least try?” Kai’s gray eyes were gentle, his touch was soothing, and his presence eased my nerves.I swallowed hard to moisten my parched throat, considering all options on deck.Kai was being too kind, too understanding. This reminded me of our time back on the island. I appreciate he didn’t take advantage of my situation. It’s dumb as fuck, but sex numbed the fear, the pain, and the sadness. It had been my escape from everything I didn’t want to face. I was a druggie, and sex was my poison.“If… if I try, will you give me what I want?” I sounded t
~Benny~Waking up cocooned by Kai’s delicious scent was a great way to start my day. Granted, our relationship was hanging in the balance, but who was rushing?The fact of the matter was he didn’t sleep with me last night - not for the lack of opportunity. It proved there was truth in his ‘do things right’ claim, whatever that entails, and I sure as hell was going to savor these sweet little moments.He’s been awake for a while, judging from how his hold on me tightened; he knew I was too. It’s like we’ve fallen into a trance, wanting to stay in the safety of my room, spooning in my bed, sharing each other’s warmth.Kai was always so warm. He’s like a portable furnace.He started to draw little circles with his thumb; it rested over my tummy under the material of my cotton top. I sighed, melting against him. His rough stubble tickled the exposed skin of my shoulder as he drew me closer.“Good morning.” His breath caressed the shell of my ear, then I felt his lips nibbling my earlobes.