Valentino’s POV I opened the door, asking Sasha to come in. She sat with me as I asked my chauffeur to take us to the casino. Sasha was all smiles and happy. And I loved it. I looked at her with keen interest as I pulled out the tray in front of me. I gracefully opened the box and took out my Cuban cigar, placing it on my lips. I looked at Sasha and remembered how she looked just like Felicia. Felicia had been the last woman I shared intimacy with. The old triad had taken a hit on her trying to get back at me. Everyone thinks being rich is all pleasure, but the pain that comes with it isn't a walk in the pack. Still, I felt at peace, without the pain, I wouldn't have gotten this far. I'd known pain and felt it inside out. Left for dead by family, deserted and betrayed by friends and those I'd wrongly called friends over and again. I seemed like a bee hive having only leeches and those seeking to pech and suck what was of benefit to them. “Valentino,” I turned as Sasha call

Valentino’s POV I sat down, figuring out my next move. I had been here more times than the fingers in both of my hands multiplied by fifty.This was the pit of death and a grave of wealth. It wasn't just any game. It was all or nothing.Sasha sat bold next to me, looking all radiant, but I could feel her fears. I didn't want to bring her here but she seemed too adamant for herself.I had never played against this set of players but I knew my hand was good and my mind was sharp as always.The combination of skills to interpret and tell what the other two cards said was something not everyone knew how to do.I had a perfect system that was hidden and helped me tell which card from which. Watching the old geezer to my right, I knew he was some experienced fold. I had to wait for my round.“Participants reveal your pick,” the attendant said, standing and watching us all.A middle-aged lady who sat at the center was first to make her reveal the card the next participant played. She turned

Sasha’s POV“Come on, I’m not in danger, I’ll be fine,” I said as I made my move.I stepped into the restroom and went to ease myself. There I sat thinking of what would have been my fate if Valentino had lost out there tonight.As much as I liked to keep it as a contract and nothing else, I was feeling drawn to him. It seemed as though I cared about him. Maybe I loved him. I knew he had the look of bravery but for once, I could see fear in his eyes. Etched deeply as though he was afraid of failing. I could tell within me that he had something hiding deep within him. Like some childhood hurt. A feeling of inadequacy or something of sorts.I washed my face and looked in the mirror, thanking my stars that I wasn’t collateral damage in case things had gone south. Those men and women didn't seem to have a soul in them. They were a bit kill or be killed—willing to put even their family on the line.Although my dad wasn't always available due to the lifestyle he'd chosen, he taught me one

Valentino’s POV“There can’t be any light without darkness, and there can’t be success without struggle.” His voice recoiled in my head as I puffed the smoke into Sasha’s face.I had lived my whole life, hidden in plain sight. Like a lyricist, I had penned down my every move. Markos, my late mentor, had taught me the way of the streets, even the deeds of Wall Street elitist movers and shakers.I was well-versed in business dealings and knew how to seize opportunities when I saw them lurking around me. For a moment, I looked at Sasha and asked if I spotted an opportunity in her or if it was my emotions trying to drag me to a place I never wanted to be.As difficult as it was for me to understand, love was also hard for me to comprehend. “I don’t let people into my world. I’ve got to save something for myself. I can’t just let everybody know everything about me,” I muttered, looking her in the face.“Am I everyone, Val?” Sasha said as she turned, facing me with her mouth wide open.“Don

Valentino’s POVI knew who had done this. That stupid girl, Julie, had sent her marksmen against me. Maybe she was ill-informed; she could have done her background check before taking a hit on me.Commendable were the size and strength of her team, but they were no match for me. I would teach them a lesson and make her pay. She had made my woman cry, and for this, I will make her cry bloody tears; there is no way around this.I went back into the car to see how lucky Sasha was; she had sustained no injuries or hits, and that was pleasing to me. She had more in her than to stay down and be frightened. I was going to toughen her up; she must become a real queen—a dangerous one at that.“My love, take this and use it when necessary,” I said as I gave her a pistol, showing her how to get it ready and reload. Sometimes you cannot defend everyone and fight at the same time. That was how my father had died, saving my mum from the invasion that divided my home.His twin brother had ordered th