Summary

Everyone has demons, but for Lita, the demons wear flesh and destroy everything they touch. Sometimes, it takes darkness to defeat darkness and for Lita, that darkness has a name…Antoni Grecco. Maybe it takes a demon to destroy one.

Chapter 1

Lita

The warmth of the sun on my skin as I stand beneath the bright, blue, cloudless sky is the most refreshing sensation. Five years I spent locked away and while I suppose it could have been worse, it was still a form of living hell. I don’t know what life has in store for me now that I’m free, but I know I never want to go back to where I’ve been…I can’t.

I hear the agitated grunt of the guard and hesitantly make my way into the van that will be taking me to the bus station in town. The guards all treat me like I’m a monster…a criminal…but I guess they have a point. Not many people are charged with and convicted of murder by the age of sixteen. No one cares why I did it, only that I did it. I guess in the eyes of the law, the actions are more important than the reason behind them, but I don’t regret it.

As soon as I reach the bus station, I’m handed a ticket to Foster City and told I’m to check in at the halfway house by no later than four, one of the many stipulations of my early release. Since I was tried as a juvenile, I ‘got off easy’, or at least that’s what they liked to tell me. Now I have to try to build a life and the counselor at the jail said there are plenty of jobs out there, even for a convicted murderer. Murder…what a joke. I prefer to think of what I did as a public service, but I guess it’s hard for others to see it that way when the victim is a well-liked member of society. It’s hard to look at your hero and see that there’s a monster that lives inside them. Well, their desire to punish the victim only succeeded in creating another monster.

I arrive at the halfway house a little past three where I find out I’m sharing a room with two other girls, Lizzy who was arrested for drug trafficking at age fourteen and Ginny who has a juvenile rap sheet the length of my arm. They both insist that I should have no problem finding a job, but they don’t know my crimes, the ones I’ll have to disclose to any prospective employer.

“You can apply to work down at the club with us! They’re looking for a new server and a few dancers!” Lizzy has informed me that they work for a club called Onyx that’s only about a ten minute walk from the halfway house. They both have tall, athletic bodies with slight curves, but I’m not like them. I’m five foot four and yeah, I have curves, but I have thick thighs, wide hips and the other inmates in the detention center used to call me the vamp because my skin is pale white and my eyes are a pale icy blue.

“I don’t know, I’m not coordinated enough to dance. Maybe I could try for the server position. Do I need to pick up an application or do I apply online?” Lizzy squeals in excitement while Ginny gives me a faint smile, more of a reaction than she’s offered during our interaction so far.

“We both work tomorrow night, so you can come in with us and fill out the application there. I’ll let the club’s manager know and he should be able to interview you right away.” It sounds too good to be true, but for the first time in over five years, I allow myself to hope that things might get better.

After convincing Hannah, the residential reentry manager (RRM), that the girls already got me an interview, she clears for me to go to the club with them at five. Part of me is glad I only have to spend three months here, but part of me wonders how I’ll adjust to life outside with no one to manage my time and boss me around. I let Lizzy do my hair, makeup and pick out my outfit then before I know it, we’re walking the four blocks to Onyx.

I’ve never been to a club before, so this entire building is a mystery…a loud, dimly lit, alcohol and hormone filled mystery. I follow Lizzy to the far end of the club then down a barely lit hallway to a metal door with a sign that reads ‘Employees Only’. She knocks once then flings the door open and drags me in behind her.

“Carl, this is Lita. She’s here to apply for the server position.” Carl isn’t a bad looking guy and I would guess him to be around forty. He’s probably average height, around five ten, blonde hair, blue eyes and a lanky body.

“Hi, Lita. Why don’t you have a seat and I’ll get you an application. Liz, go ahead and clock in. I’ll finish up here then come check over the set list with you guys.” Lizzy gives me a quick hug, whispers ‘good luck’ in my ear and then leaves.

“So, I assume you’re at least twenty-one since you’re applying for a job at a club. I’ll need to make a copy of your ID.” I pull my ID out of the back pocket of the tight black satin pants Lizzy had me wear and set it on his desk in front of him as he slides an application toward me with a pen sitting on top. I quickly get to work filling it out and when I reach the part about felony charges in the last five years, I let out an involuntary sigh. I see Carl lean forward to see what elicited the reaction and he sits back with a soft smile on his face.

“Don’t worry, we won’t refuse to hire you because you made a mistake in your past.” I want to believe him, but it’s not like I got caught with a dime bag or some other small infraction.

“What if I did something worse than what Lizzy and Ginny were locked up for?” His brow furrows, but I don’t think he really understands. I get it…looking at me, no one is going to assume that I’m capable of doing what I did…the jury sure the hell struggled to.

“We can’t ask what you did and when we run your background check, it’ll only show your conviction as a felony or misdemeanor, but won’t give us details. You don’t have to tell us anything about it, just more or less give us warning that it’ll pop up. As long as you’re honest about having a criminal record, we can work with that.” I feel relief flood me and quickly finish filling in the blanks, sign the bottom and slide the application back over to him.

“I should warn you, I’ve never had a job, but I did take the employment jump start classes at the detention center. I’m a fast learner and hard worker.” He takes a few minutes to look over my application before grabbing my ID off his desk and using the copier behind him to make a copy that he paperclips to my application before sliding it into a file.

“Alright, so this is how it’s going to work. The owner is out of town for the next two weeks, but tonight I’ll have you shadow Maggie and you can work Wednesday through Saturday, five to two. These two weeks will be a chance for you to prove yourself. I want the boss to come back and see that you’re too good to not keep around.” His playful smile has me smiling back at him and I nod my understanding.

“Sounds good. Is there a uniform or anything?” He eyes me from head to toe then chuckles loudly.

“Dress like you are now and you’ll be fine. The sexier the clothes, the bigger the tips.” He winks then stands up and leads me out of the small office. After introducing me to Maggie, I’m left to follow her around and get a feel for the job, though an hour in, I’m taking orders and delivering drinks on my own. Carl sees it when he comes out to bring paperwork to the bartender, but instead of commenting, he gives me a bright smile then heads back to his office. By the end of my first night, I’ve made almost $200 in tips and can’t help but feel like maybe there will be a future for me where the darkness of my past doesn’t destroy everything.

It’s been two weeks since I started at the club and everything has been going really well. I average $250 in tips per night and have only had to deal with one guy trying to get handsy so far. Tonight is the night the ‘boss’ is supposed to be back and I’ve heard a lot of conflicting opinions about him. Lizzy seems to think he’s god reincarnate while Ginny thinks he’s more of the ‘devil in the flesh’ type. Tonight, I opt to wear a new outfit that I bought, hoping to make a good first impression on the big man while still looking good enough to rake in the tips.

Walking into the club in my black leather pants, crimson satin halter top and black strappy heels, I see my outfit choice was a good one. I have eyes on me from half the men in the building and even get a nod of approval from Billy, one of the bouncers who seems to look at and acknowledge nothing yet manages to see everything. I quickly clock in then dive right into work, tending to each customer with a practiced smile. Everything is going as smoothly as every night before it until a few minutes before nine, when the energy of the entire club seems to shift.

I notice the men in suits walking through the doors, looking like they’re ready for a business meeting. My eyes follow them through the club and up the stairs that lead to the VIP rooms, a place I have yet to see, though I haven’t really had the desire to either. I shake off my sudden fascination with the well-dressed men and get back to work, not missing how most of the girls are still staring, only now their attention is on the balcony of the VIP suites, likely where the men are sitting now, watching over the club like kings staring down on their kingdom.

“Damn, you are one fine piece of ass!” I hear the voice behind me mere seconds before I feel his hands grabbing my waist and pulling me against his chest, his soft flesh revealing the lack of muscle beneath it.

“I’ll say this once and only once…get your fucking hands off of me.” My voice is low and threatening, but the bastard is either dense or drunk…maybe both, because his grip tightens.

“Don’t tell me you don’t want me, baby.” One of his hands slowly slides from my waist and travels lower, but my reflexes are a lot faster than his. I slam my elbow back, hitting him with enough force to get his hands to drop away then I turn, grip his shoulders tightly and bring my knee up, connecting with his nose that makes a satisfying crunching noise.

“I said… GET YOUR FUCKING HANDS OFF OF ME!” I stand over him and barely register the large hand brushing the hair off my forehead and tucking it behind my ear, his touch should alarm me after this ordeal, but for some reason I know it’s Billy.

“Hey, come with me.” He cautiously places an arm around my shoulders, but when I don’t pull away, he guides me away from the crumpled man on the floor and leads me to the hall by the bar and into Carl’s office.

“Are you okay?” Carl walks around his desk to stand beside Billy, quietly listening to what’s happening while helping me feel like I’m in a safe place.

“I’m fine. I told him to get his hands off of me, but he wouldn’t listen.” Carl chuckles and Billy places a hand on my shoulder.

“I bet he’ll never make that mistake again.” Billy’s playful tone makes me smile and Carl goes from chuckling to laughter in a flash.

“Do you want to finish your shift, or would you like me to have Billy drive you home?” I’m touched by the fact that Carl is concerned enough to let me go home, but I’m not about to let some handsy jerk cost me money.

“I’m fine. I’d rather finish out the night.” He nods and Billy looks like a proud dad.

“I’ll escort you out.” Just as we stand up, Carl’s phone rings and he answers it with a serious expression on his face.

“Yes, sir. I’ll send her right up.” He ends the call just as I’m about to step through the door.

“Billy, take Lita to VIP two. The boss wants to meet his new server.” Maybe it’s the remaining adrenaline, or maybe I’m just fucking crazy, but the thought of meeting the big boss doesn’t make me feel as worried as I would’ve expected it to. Billy responds with a nod then leads me down the hall, through the club and up the stairs. When we reach the door, it’s being guarded by two guys in suits that, judging by the bulges under their jackets near their ribs, they’re carrying.

“Go in, he’s waiting for you.” One of them opens the door and waits until I’m inside to pull it closed. I scan the room and notice two more men standing on either side of the opening to the balcony and one man sits in a chair at the table just past them, larger than the other four men not only in height, but his muscular build is more pronounced, or maybe his suit just fits tighter.

“Come, have a seat.” He gestures to the empty chair beside him without turning to look at me. His medium length shaggy dark brown hair is longer on top and cropped on the side, but looks like he’s been running his hand through it a lot. His black tailored suit hugs every muscle perfectly and I can’t quit staring as I walk toward him and lower myself into the chair. His honey brown eyes finally meet mine and I have to fight to keep my eyes from widening in surprise. This man is gorgeous, absolutely mouth wateringly delicious.

“You asked to see me?” I finally find my voice after a moment of awkward silence.

“I did. I find it useful to meet all of my new employees. I looked over your application and I wanted to clarify something. You listed that you were charged with a juvenile felony. What crime did you commit and will it be something we should worry about you repeating in the future?” I should’ve known someone would ask sooner or later, but for some reason it offends me. Maybe it’s his cold, accusatory tone, or maybe it’s that I had two weeks where I was almost able to see a life beyond my past only to have someone bring the darkness right back to my doorstep.

“I’m pretty sure you can’t ask me that, but I can assure you I don’t presently have plans to re-offend any time in the near future.” I get up and don’t give him a chance to drag this on any further before storming out of the VIP room.

Chapter 2

Antoni

I stand on the balcony, leaning on the railing as I watch the little mix storm over to the bar, pour a shot of whiskey, toss it back and then return to working the tables like nothing ever happened. I already know that she lives in a halfway house and was referred for the job by Liz and Ginny thanks to Carl, but I need to know more. I don’t turn away prospective employees based on their criminal history, but I do need to know if that history is likely to repeat itself, or if it could cause problems for us because I can’t have it bringing heat to the club. My own criminal empire has to be protected at all times.

“Boss? I got that information on the new girl.” I look up to see my cousin Luca standing in the threshold to the balcony with a folder in his hand.

“That was fast.” He chuckles and slides into the seat Lita had been sitting in just minutes ago.

“It wasn’t hard to find. A basic internet search brought up all the information on her charges and trial.” I turn and stare at him with a raised brow.

“She listed her charge as a juvenile felony.” He nods and sets the file in front of me.

“That’s correct. It wasn’t some bullshit drug or shoplifting charge though. It’s pretty serious shit.” I open the file and I’m fairly certain my jaw drops with the first news article my eyes find.

Fifteen year old charged in double homicide

Fifteen year old Lita Cordova was arrested and charged in connection to the double homicide that claimed the lives of Victor Cordova and his business associate Lyle Mendoza. On September 17th, 2019 officers reported to the residence of Victor Cordova after receiving reports of gunshots coming from the home. Police arrived to find that both men had suffered from multiple gunshot wounds. At this time, no motive has been given for the crime.

“She was convicted of murder…” Luca nods and folds his arms over his chest, but his eyes are now staring at Lita as she tends to the customers below.

“None of the articles listed a motive, but if you look at the mugshots and the medical report from her examination before she was booked, something clearly happened. Her injuries could be from the victims defending themselves or maybe she was defending herself.” Luca has always liked to believe that women are meek, kind creatures who are incapable of such violence, but I know better.

“Keep digging. Look into Victor and Lyle too.” Luca nods and grabs the file before leaving the room. As I look down at the raven haired beauty with icy blue eyes, I really can’t imagine her shooting two full grown men when she was only fifteen. I finally decide to call it a night and head home so I can try to rest up before I have to deal with some disobedient clients tomorrow morning.

My whole morning was spent straightening out arrogant pricks who thought they could pull one over on me. By the time I walk into the club around nine, I’m in desperate need of a drink, but it’s like my eyes are automatically drawn to the petite, raven haired woman who’s decided to tempt every man in the room with the tight black bodycon dress she’s wearing with a pair of fuck me heels that have me and every other hot blooded man here wanting to do just that.

“I want the new girl sent up to serve in the VIP room.” Luca’s brow furrows as he tries to understand why I’m suddenly requesting such a change, but I don’t have an answer since I’m wondering the same damn thing.

“You want Candy too, or just the new girl?” Candy has been my server for almost a year and as of about five months ago, she began performing other services that left her with bigger tips than all the other employees, including the dancers. While I used to feel a small surge of excitement over seeing her, right now I feel absolutely nothing.

“Just the new girl.” I’m hoping Luca doesn’t read too much into things because I really don’t want to hear it from him.

“Sure thing, boss.” He heads over to inform Carl of the change while I head up to my private VIP room with my men and make myself comfortable. It takes only five minutes for Luca to get things squared away with Carl and get to my suite with Lita in tow.

“What can I get you to drink, sir?” I can see the question in her eyes, but she doesn’t ask for my reason for requesting her. She stands as tall as her five foot four frame will allow with her head held high, ensuring she shows no weakness.

“Three fingers of Whiskey, neat.” She walks over to the bar and waits for the bartender to pour the drink before bringing it to me.

“Anything else, sir?” I take a drink of the amber liquid and savor the burn as it slides smoothly down my throat.

“Just make sure my glass is never empty. My associates will be here in about ten minutes, so serve their drinks, but remain quiet and stay by the bar when you aren’t serving.” She nods and walks over to the bar. Tonight, we’re having a poker game in my suite and one of the reasons they always want to come to my club is for its impeccable service. Should I have stuck with a server who’s familiar with what’s expected here? Yes. Will I keep Lita here anyway? Most definitely.

“They’re here, boss.” Luca announces while looking at the text message on his screen. A few minutes later, the door opens and six of my associates walk in and begin shaking hands and greeting my men and I. Once everyone is sitting, Lita jumps right into taking drink orders and tending to my guests. Just as I instructed, she serves their drinks then returns to her place next to the bar. She watches closely, refilling everyone’s drinks before their glasses run empty and getting tipped generously for every single one. More than once I catch a confused look on her face as she watches the table, her spot giving her a clear view of Marco Falcone and Elias Brandt’s hands.

She notices my glass is nearly empty and I watch as she grabs a napkin, bends over the bar then grabs my drink, placing the napkin under it and carries it over to me. She makes sure to set the glass on the napkin, the first time she’s done it which tells me something’s up. I casually slide the glass toward me, allowing the napkin to fall into my lap, then look down to see her neat writing.

‘Grey suit slipped ace under table from 2 hands ago. Just slipped it into the hand that he used to beat you.’

I try to school my expression and watch him closely for the next several hands and, sure enough, while it’s very cleverly done, I catch him doing it again. Fucking Marco Falcone. I watch Lita step forward with a new drink for him and though she’s subtle about it, she ‘trips’ and spills the drink down his back and the man flies out of his chair, several cards falling to the floor, almost enough for two hands.

“Shit! I’m so sorry! I’m still trying to get used to wearing heels!” Her apology sounds sincere enough, but I see the glint of satisfaction in her eyes. Before I can react, Marco raises his hand and it collides with the side of her face. Luca has Marco pinned to the ground in the time it takes me to reach her. She should be upset, scared, something, but the look in her eyes is pure rage. When Luca stands him up, she takes a step forward, draws back her arm and thrusts her fist straight into his face.

“You hit like a bitch.” Her voice is a sexy growl as she stares at a thoroughly stunned Marco then spits in his face.

“Get him out of here and make sure he’s dealt with!” Luca nods and shoves Marco toward Nico and Alec to deal with.

“Lita, are you okay?” Luca’s tone is one of concern, yet here I am looking down at her feeling impressed and in awe of her.

“I’m fine. I’ve met teenage girls who hit harder than him.” She goes back to the bar and starts grabbing the drinks that are ready and passes them out as if nothing ever happened. Either she’s really good at compartmentalizing, or she’s got some darkness in her.

The game wraps up around one in the morning and at the end, all of the men leave several hundred dollars each for Lita as a tip, but I find myself more intrigued by her than ever when I see her hand the bartender half of it even though he tries to protest. She helps clean up the glasses then wipes the table down before approaching me on the balcony.

“Is there anything else you need, sir?” I stare at her for a moment longer than I should before answering.

“No, go ahead and clock out. You did really well tonight.” She gives me a smile that almost reaches her eyes…almost.

“Thanks.” She turns and walks out the door without another word spoken between us. I watch from my perch as she heads to the employee’s locker room then comes back out a few minutes later with a backpack slung over her shoulder and her heels have been replaced with a pair of trainers that she somehow makes look good with her dress.

“She’s pretty badass, a wicked little spitfire. She even got tipped better than Candy.” He’s not wrong, but it’s because the men respect a woman who doesn’t hover and throw themselves at everyone while they’re playing. If they wanted that kind of attention, they would go down and ogle the dancers and many of them do just that after our games end.

“I want her serving for all the games.” He nods and gives me a smirk, the kind of smirk that tells me he wants to say something, though he’s not stupid enough to try. He joins me on the balcony and we both watch as she says goodbye to each of the employees one at a time before walking out the doors.

“She’s already made a place for herself here. The other girls and all the bouncers love her, well, maybe not Candy though.” He points to where Candy is standing on the stage with an angry glare pointed right at the doors Lita just exited through.

“If she tries to fuck with Lita, she’ll lose her job faster than she can blink.” He nods in agreement then pats my shoulder.

“I had them bring the car around.” I follow him to the doors and as soon as we step outside, I hear yelling, and see my driver, Tony, charging over to the side of the building. I feel my blood boil when I see Daniel, one of my associates, caging Lita against the wall with his arms that are as big around as her delicious thighs.

“You think no one was going to figure out who you are? Did you even realize that one of the men you killed was my cousin?! I’ve been waiting to get my hands on the little bitch who slaughtered him!” Just as we all get within a few feet of them, we all seem to notice the sudden shift in him as his body tenses and his arms drop. He looks down with a shocked expression and I follow his gaze to see her hand gripping the handle of a knife tightly with the tip of the blade resting on his crotch.

“I didn’t slaughter the sick fuck, but I gave him a death that was much better than what he deserved. If you come near me again, I’ll give you the slow, painful and agonizing death that your cousin should’ve received.” Daniel takes a nervous step back, but she takes a step closer, keeping him from putting distance between them.

“You’re playing a dangerous game, little girl.” The most wicked and sinister laugh bubbles out of her as her head tilts to the side.

“You really don’t get it, do you? I’m not playing a game because I’ve already won.” Daniel’s eyes meet mine and his panic intensifies.

“Antoni, I…” I raise my hand and like the obedient little lap dog he is, he shuts his mouth.

“If you ever threaten one of my girls again, I’ll send you back to your wife in pieces.” He swallows loudly and nods his head before hurrying to his car that’s parked in the alley.

“You good, Lita?” She gives a stiff nod to Luca, but her eyes follow Daniel’s car until it turns out of sight.

“Did that bastard hurt you?” She gives me an inquisitive look as she casually closes the knife and slides it into her cleavage.

“Didn’t give him a chance to. You boys have a good night.” She turns and starts walking away while Luca and I are both left standing there on the sidewalk, speechless. After what we just witnessed, it’s almost more believable that she committed the crimes she was charged with, but the bigger question now is why.

Chapter 3

Lita

I should’ve been scared. Hell, I should’ve felt a number of things, but after my run in with that asshole outside the club, all I feel is numb. Holding that knife to Daniel, I could’ve sunk it in, felt it parting his flesh as I bury it into him and I would’ve done so with a sadistic smile on my face while feeling absolutely nothing. I had expected to be flooded with memories of that night, but the more I waited for them to come, the more I realized they wouldn’t.

I reach the halfway house just before two thirty and head straight to my room where Lizzy and Ginny are already getting settled for the night. When I hear Lizzy gasp, I remember the bastard who hit me at the club and realize it probably left a bruise, so I wave her off and force a smile before heading to the bathroom to take a quick shower. By the time I come out, the girls are already asleep and within minutes, I join them.

It’s been just over a week since the incident outside the club and I haven’t failed to notice the dark sedan with tinted windows that follows me to and from work every day. It would be wise to be cautious, but the fact that they do nothing but follow me has me convinced the boss is having me followed to protect me. If only he knew who it was that he’s protecting, he might not think me worth the effort. I know who he is, though I haven’t said anything to him to indicate such. Antoni Grecco, current Don of the Italian mafia family that runs this city.

Antoni has been more talkative lately and there have been a few times where I thought he might be flirting in his own dominant male, weird way. Every one of my shifts are spent in the VIP suite and I’m getting far too comfortable around him. I know what he is, what he does, and yet I’m still letting it happen. It’s like I can’t stop myself, or maybe I just don’t want to.

Today is nine days after the mess with the last poker game and as with the days before now, I feel far too eager to get to work. I barely have time to get clocked in for my shift before Carl is flagging me down to let me know that I’ll be working the VIP room tonight for another one of their poker games. I slip on my heels and head upstairs to help make sure everything is set up before they arrive, but I find myself surprised when I get there and see Candy, one of the dancers, giving a man I don’t recognize a lap dance on the black leather couch. Luca and Antoni are on the balcony, but as soon as Luca spots me, he hurries over to greet me.

“Hey, Lita! So, tonight’s going to be a little different. The guys coming in aren’t our usual crowd, as you can see.” He speaks low enough that only I can hear him then gestures with his head to the man who’s pawing at Candy’s ass.

“Okay, so do I have the same job, or…?” I leave the question hanging, but he easily catches my meaning.

“Oh yeah, just serving drinks. Toni would be pissed if anyone even suggested for you to do anything more than that.” I frown as I try to understand what he means, but I don’t get a chance to ask because the door opens and more men walk into the room, men that are the pure essence of danger.

Over the next few hours, I serve drinks while Candy handles their ‘other’ needs, doing things I would really prefer not to witness under the table. I do catch her trying to flirt with Antoni, touching him, trying to grope him under the table, but he pushes her away every time. Just when I think things might be about to wrap up, the door opens and another man walks in, a man I recognize…a man who holds the ability to turn my world upside down with the snap of his deadly fingers. It’s bad enough that I notice him, but when his eyes find mine and that sickeningly sinister and oh-so familiar smirk curls his thin lips, I feel the first real emotion I’ve felt in a long time…fear. This man holds the power to set my new life a blaze, turning everything I’m working for to ash.

“Hello, hermosa. It’s been too long.” He takes my hand and presses his lips to my knuckles, but his hazel eyes never leave mine and Antoni definitely notices.

“Hector, I wish I could say it’s good to see you again, but we both know that our previous meetings ended in a less than favorable way.” His smirk turns into a full-blown smile while I hear several gasps from the men at the table.

“Please excuse us for a moment, gentlemen.” He grabs my arm firm enough to let me know I don’t have a choice, but not enough to hurt. Hector guides me out of the room, down the hall and into one of the vacant VIP rooms then shoves me in and closes the door behind him.

“Hector…” He raises his hand to silence me and, as it always has, it works.

“No, I talk, you listen. I know what you did and I even know why you did it. I don’t blame you and you have no reason to fear me, hermosa. Does Antoni know who you are? Who you really are?” I shake my head and lower my gaze out of respect.

“No, sir. No one does, not even the courts figured it out. If they had, I doubt I’d be standing here now.” He nods and places a hand on my shoulder.

“Mi dulce angel, are you certain no one knows?” I nod, fairly certain I’ve covered my tracks well enough. The door crashes open with such force it slams into the wall and I have no doubt that Antoni is the one standing in the door, something Hector quickly confirms.

“Antoni, I was just having a word with this young lady.” I glance over my shoulder and lock eyes with Antoni, silently telling him I’m okay, but he doesn’t seem to catch the meaning because he steps in and slams the door shut.

“What business do you have with my employee?” His deep voice carries a threatening tone, the edge impossible to miss.

“We’re…acquaintances. Isn’t that right, Adalita? Silly girl. You were granted freedom, a new life, and then you land yourself behind bars only to run straight into the lion’s den the moment you’re released.” I lower my eyes and nod.

“Adalita…? And how do you two know each other?” I don’t like where this is going, but it’s too late to stop it from coming out, especially when Hector just used my birth name.

“My name…I had it changed when I moved here. My birth name is Adalita Volkova.” I glance up at him and notice the warring emotions in his eyes. He looks at me as if I’m a complete stranger, studying me for any sign that I might be lying, but I know he won’t find any.

“I helped her uncle change her name when she first came here fifteen years ago. Victor Cordova, or should I say Dimitri Volkova, snuck her out of the country when the Russian mafia king fell. He knew he had to protect her, especially when the attack on her home also killed her mother and both of her brothers. I kept an eye on her as much as I could, but Dimitri was a very paranoid man and he trusted no one.

“When I heard that Adalita was arrested and that she had killed Dimitri and his friend, I wished there was more I could do. I pulled many strings to ensure they tried her as a minor, though they were quite eager to push for her being tried as an adult and I made sure people were in place to ensure her safety while she was locked away. I wish I had known that bastard only saved you for his own benefit, that he had plans to use you, angel.” I feel like the breath was knocked out of me as he explains how much he played a part in my sentencing. It seems there’s still so much I don’t know.

“Do you realize what will happen if others find out who she is? The kind of hell that will bring down on all of us?!” Antoni has apparently settled on anger for now.

“No one is going to find out.” Hector’s words have no effect on Antoni’s current state and I venture to guess that not much would right now.

“I can’t afford to take that risk!” I take a deep breath and decide to do what’s best for both Antoni and myself at this point. I like Antoni and am not willing to put him or his men at risk.

“Hector, can you help me with finding a job to satisfy my probation requirements?” Hector seems to get where I’m going with this and quickly responds.

“Yes, I can take care of that.” I turn to face Antoni who looks like he’s on the verge of a rage episode.

“I didn’t mean to put you and your family in a bad position. I’ll leave with Hector and I won’t come back here. I would never intentionally cause problems for you and I’m sorry if this has.” He stares at me like I’m a stranger, nothing more than a random face on the street.

“You lied to me.” I cut him off there, I won’t allow him to accuse me of something I haven’t done.

“No, I never lied to you. Adelita Volkova died a long time ago. I’m Lita Cordova, I have been for as long as I can remember. I’ve done a lot of things in my life, but lying to you isn’t one of them.” I feel Hector’s hand on my shoulder, squeezing gently in a show of support.

“Go, hermosa, grab your things.” Antoni steps to the side and allows me to walk past him without sparing me another glance. I go to the locker room, change into my black trainers then grab my backpack before heading out to where Hector is waiting at the bottom of the stairs. The life of death and violence that I was born into is like a pit of quicksand, the harder I try to escape it, the more it pulls me under. As soon as we walk out the door, it swings open and arms wrap around me from behind.

“Lita, I’m sorry he’s such an ass sometimes.” Luca’s voice is like a balm, calming my tormented soul, even if only for the moment.

“It’s okay, really. He has to protect his people. I get it.” He grabs my shoulders and spins me around to face him then grabs my phone out of my hands and shows me the screen as he enters his number.

“You call or text me anytime. I don’t care if you need help or just need to talk, you keep in touch with me, got it?” He sends a text to his phone so he has my number then hands it back.

“I will, I promise. Just…don’t be too hard on Antoni. He’s trying to keep you all safe and I respect that…so should you.” I have no doubt that this will be one of the easiest promises for me to keep because in my short time here, Luca has been like a brother to me. He’s protected me, laughed with me, supported me and even with this revelation of my true identity, he’s wanting to be there for me. He pulls me closer and kisses my forehead before turning and walking back inside.

“Let’s get you back to that shithole. I’ll make sure to handle everything in the morning because this will be the last time you sleep there.” I won’t bother arguing with him because I can’t stand the idea of spending another two months there.

Chapter 4

Lita

As promised, Hector got the judge to sign off on my probation and got me out of the halfway house and into a three bedroom apartment a few blocks away from the club and only seven blocks from his main office for his one legitimate business venture, real estate. It’s been almost two weeks since I last set foot in the club, but most nights I have Lizzy and Ginny over to keep me company and Luca is always texting me and calling when I’m alone. Tonight, he’s asked me to meet him at the club for a drink and even though I told him it’s probably best if I don’t, I caved when he said Antoni was the one to suggest it. I should’ve listened to my gut. I should’ve stayed home.

I walk into the club at five till eight and Billy escorts me up to the VIP room where Antoni and Luca always stay when they come in. Luca is the first to greet me, but tries to guide me out of the room quickly, just not quickly enough. Sitting on the couch is Antoni with Candy grinding on his lap, but while that’s a disturbing image I’ll forever wish I could unsee, the man next to him is the real issue. Sitting beside him is Mateo Rivera, the man who got away…the demon in my nightmares and he’s looking right the fuck at me.

“Come on, we’ll go in the other room.” I realize Luca is only speaking because I stopped and he tries to guide me out of the room. I have no doubt he can sense the tension in my body, not that I’d be able to hide it if I tried. My eyes finally meet his and it’s taking every ounce of my control to not rip that sick bastards throat out, but then he speaks and my only reaction is to run.

“Adalita, what an unexpected surprise.” Antoni’s eyes look up, suddenly realizing I’m standing there, witnessing him finding pleasure from the club’s personal whore while he sits beside the man who broke me in ways that can never be repaired. I block out Luca’s voice, Antoni’s face, the sick and twisted smile on Mateo’s face and I run.

I should’ve run home, somewhere with security that could keep the demons at bay, but instead I find myself in an unlikely sanctuary, a tattoo parlor. An older man with a kind face and ink covering almost every inch of exposed skin walks out of the back room and greets me with a warm smile.

“Hey, sweetheart. Are you alright?” I nod and scan the images on the wall.

“I need something…something to clear my head. I need to forget for a while. Can you just pick something and put it somewhere?” I feel like nothing I’m saying makes any sense, but he seems to understand anyway. He grabs a book from under the counter, removes one of the pages then asks me to wait while be prints the stencil.

After about ten minutes pass, he comes out and guides me into the room on the side where several workstations are set up then asks me to lift my shirt so he can see my back. Seemingly satisfied with his canvas, he has me lie down on my stomach then sets the stencil and gets to work. Each prick of the needle drives the memories further away, banishing the darkness back into its cage even though I know it’s a temporary solution to a very not so temporary problem.

During my four hour session, I find out my savior’s name is Chris and he’s no stranger to my method of dealing with problems, as is evident by the countless tattoos that adorn his body. He doesn’t tell me what design he settled on for me and I don’t ask, but he does ask me about the dozens of scars that cover my back, scars I usually try to keep hidden from the world. I give him a vague answer and, because he’s my damn savior tonight, he accepts it.

When he’s finished cleaning the excess ink off, he has me look in the mirror where I’m met with two beautifully detailed black angel wings with a reaper scythe running up my spine between them. I don’t know why, but the piece feels perfect, like it was meant to be mine. I pay him and leave a generous tip before walking out of the shop and finally checking my messages to see I have fifty-three unread text messages and sixteen missed calls from Luca. I dial his number and place the phone to my ear, waiting for his angry voice to come on the other end.

“Lita?! Where the fuck are you?! Are you okay?! Are you hurt?!”

“I’m okay. I was just out clearing my head.”

“For over four fucking hours?!”

“What can I say? There’s a lot of shit up there.”

“Meet me at the club so we can talk. I need to see for myself that you’re alright.”

“No! I mean…I’m not going back there, Luca. He…I can’t.”

“What if I meet you down at the bar? I’ll keep Antoni away from you if that’s what you want.”

“It has nothing to do with Antoni! It’s that fucking monster he was sitting next to while Candy helped him get his rocks off!”

“Mateo? Lita, please let me see you. Please tell me what the fuck is going on.”

“I can’t go back there, Luca.”

“Okay, then let me come to you.”

Antoni

I hadn’t planned for Mateo to stop by and I certainly hadn’t planned for Candy to make a move. Mateo is Daniel’s brother and he heard about the little mess with Lita and his brother outside the club, so he came to get my side of everything. I didn’t want Candy to touch me, but if Mateo is focused on what she’s doing, maybe he won’t pick up on the fact that I’ve developed an unhealthy obsession with Lita, the girl who apparently murdered his cousin.

I shouldn’t have let Candy touch me, but I did and that would have to be the time when Lita walks in. I was trying to keep my repulsion for Candy locked away and didn’t notice Lita standing there until Mateo said her name…and then she ran. I couldn’t figure out why she was even here, but that was answered once Mateo left and Luca quickly admitted to inviting Lita to have a drink with him. Their easy and uncomplicated friendship is something I’m finding myself envious of.

Luca spends hours, literally, trying to call and text her, but she doesn’t answer. We both tuck into the couch and start calling the hospitals, the halfway house that informed us she’s no longer a resident there, the police station, anything we can think of to find her, but we come up empty-handed until just after one in the morning when his phone rings. He puts it on speaker and I listen, keeping my mouth shut because I’m worried she’s angry with me after seeing me with Candy, worried that it’s the reason she bolted.

“Lita?! Where the fuck are you?! Are you okay?! Are you hurt?!”

“I’m okay. I was just out clearing my head.”

“For over four fucking hours?!”

“What can I say? There’s a lot of shit up there.”

“Meet me at the club so we can talk. I need to see for myself that you’re alright.”

“No! I mean…I’m not going back there, Luca. He…I can’t.”

“What if I meet you down at the bar? I’ll keep Antoni away from you if that’s what you want.”

“It has nothing to do with Antoni! It’s that fucking monster he was sitting next to while Candy helped him get his rocks off!”

“Mateo? Lita, please let me see you. Please tell me what the fuck is going on.”

“I can’t go back there, Luca.”

“Okay, then let me come to you.”

“Um…okay. I’ll text you the address to my apartment.”

“Thank you, Lita. I’ll see you soon.”

As soon as he hangs up, we’re both off the couch and slipping on our suit jackets, more to hide our gun holsters than anything, and head out the door. Should we have told her I would be coming with Luca? Probably, but it’s often better to ask forgiveness rather than ask permission. We pull up in front of a newer apartment complex that’s only a few blocks away from the club and just as we’re getting out of the car, we see Lita coming around the corner toward us. Luca takes off running to her and lifts her into his arms, spinning her like a mad man, but I notice her wince even from here. I’m instantly on edge, wondering who hurt her when Luca beats me to asking.

“Hey, what’s wrong?” She forces a smile and shakes her head.

“Nothing, just the aftermath of four hours of ink therapy.” She got a tattoo? One that took four hours?! I’ve never wanted to see something more in my life. She glances up at me with an unreadable expression and a strange mixture of emotions in her eyes before heading to the door and typing in a code on the keypad to unlock the doors to the building.

“I thought staying at the halfway house was part of the terms of your probation?” Luca asks as he scans the lobby before we step into the elevator. I hate that he knows such details about her life when I know only what the file I had him compose states.

“It was, but Hector pulled some strings and got the judge to sign off on my probation.” Luca chuckles and nods.

“I see, so he paid off the judge.” She offers a casual shrug and smirks at him.

“Most likely, yeah.” We get off on the fifth floor and follow her to the second door on the left where she inserts a keycard then pushes the door open. Her apartment is immaculate, not a thing out of place, and is decorated much like my own home with natural wood and shades of gray.

“Alright, so I’ve got a long ass list of questions. First, how well do you know Hector?” She goes into the kitchen and grabs three glasses then pulls out a chilled bottle of Jameson before taking a seat at the dining table where we both quickly join her. She pours us each a glass, but she downs her first one then quickly pours another before answering.

“Hector and my father were close and he was around a lot before everything happened back in Russia. He helped my uncle bring me here, but he didn’t realize that my uncle was just another monster disguised as a friendly face.” She gets up and walks over to a painting on the wall then removes it to reveal a safe. She types in the pin and opens it then pulls out a thick manilla folder. She brings it to the table and sits down with one leg curled underneath her.

“Dimitri was an evil piece of shit, but so were his partners, the two men who planned to help him take down Hector and force a takeover of Hector’s entire empire.” She pulls out a stack of papers that show emails and text message printouts of conversations between Dimitri and Daniel Mendoza.

“I never saw Daniel before, so it wasn’t until he confronted me that I realized who he was. I did, however, see one face that I couldn’t forget if I tried.” She pulls out a photograph and slides it over, a very clear picture of Dimitri Volkova and Mateo Mendoza with a very badly beaten little raven haired girl with ice blue eyes. Lita is bound and gagged in the picture and has cuts covering her torso and upper thighs while Mateo’s hand tightly grips her thigh in a far too intimate way, his hand covered in blood.

Chapter 5

Antoni

“This is the picture they sent my father. This is why he agreed to meet them without any backup. That picture is why my father died. When I was locked in that room, I never saw my uncle. I never even heard his voice. It was always Mateo who was with me. It wasn’t until I found that picture in Dimitri’s safe when I was fifteen that I put it all together.” She tosses back the contents in her glass and refills it while she lets us process what we heard.

“That’s why you killed them? It was because you discovered the truth?” She nods, but her eyes are clouded with anger.

“It’s why I killed Dimitri. Lyle was unexpected…killing him wasn’t part of the plan…not at first. He came in after I had shot Dimitri, while he was bleeding out in the foyer. I didn’t recognize his face, but his voice…his fucking smell…I could never forget them. I had wanted to kill Mateo, but I decided that Lyle deserved death just as much. Mateo left physical scars, but Lyle was the monster who specialized in unique forms of torture. He didn’t just try to break my body…he tried to break my mind and my spirit. Had I been a weaker girl, one not raised by the devil in human form…by the butcher himself, he might’ve succeeded.” She grabs a half inch stack of papers and tosses them on the table…medical reports for a six year old Adalita Volkova. I read over the top page and my stomach churns as the words begin to swim on the page.

Severe dehydration, malnourishment, evidence of sexual assault, thirty-seven lacerations, fractured clavicle, fractured wrist…

I’m a monster, I would never claim otherwise, but the things that were done to her, even the devil himself would be outraged. How could anyone ever do something so awful to a child? How did she even survive what they put her through? She was right, the death they received was far too good for them. They deserved to suffer…to feel the full fury of her wrath. I set the papers on the table and down the entire glass in front of me then grab the bottle, taking a large mouthful straight from the source.

“Lita, Mateo knows you’re alive now, but how did you convince them you were dead to begin with?” Luca asks his question with a soft tone while I set the bottle on the table and listen for her answer.

“That was all Hector’s doing. I never asked, so I’m not sure, but they did believe it.” Luca is about to say something, but is cut off by a loud knock on the door. Before Luca and I can even reach for our guns, Lita reaches under the table and pulls out a glock, looking sexy as fuck while she does it too. She walks over to the door with the gun ready to fire with the safety off as she looks through the peephole then lets out a sigh of relief. She sets the gun on the side table by the door and opens it for the unknown visitor.

“Abuelo? What are you doing here so late?” She steps aside and lets in an older man who looks like Hector, only his hair is graying and he has wrinkles on his forehead and at the corners of his eyes.

“Security called and said two unknown men entered the building with you. I needed to make sure you were alright, querida.” She hugs him and for the first time since I’ve met her, she has a genuine smile on her face, one that lights up her eyes.

“I’m fine, abuelo. These are my friends Luca and Antoni.” He gives a polite nod then places a hand on her cheek. His cold expression becoming softer the second his eyes meet hers.

“I’ll go then, but you come see your abuela soon or she’ll be knocking down your door. Bring Hector with you. The fool has been too busy to see his family.” She quickly agrees and we watch as the man makes his exit and she closes the door behind him.

“That was Hector’s father!” Luca’s excited tone makes Lita chuckle and nod.

“Yes, that was Dialito, or abuelo as I’ve always known him.” Luca seems impressed, but I can understand. Dialito Ramirez is a legend, a leader who was both feared and respected in equal measure and a man who always had more allies than enemies. While he was leading, his family faced little to no conflict which is unheard of in our world.

“What are you going to do now that Mateo knows?” I’m thankful for Luca being here because he’s asking all the questions that my mind is conjuring, but my mouth refuses to speak.

“Hector is working on that right now. He’s hoping to wrap things up quickly and with as little mess as possible. I already asked that he do everything he can to keep you and your family out of it. I really am sorry I brought all this down on your heads, but I’m going to help clean up my mess.” I feel like she’s blaming herself for this and I know that if she is, it’s my fault.

“Lita, don’t you dare apologize. After what they did…I want to kill them, every fucking one of them.” I nod in agreement, an action that has her confused eyes locking with mine.

“It’s not your fight. You have the girls to protect and I know how much they mean to you.” She may be responding to Luca, but I have no doubt that each word is meant for me.

“You’re one of our girls too, Lita.” She turns her gaze to Luca and gives him one of her practiced smiles, the ones you wouldn’t know are fake unless you really look closely.

“You’re such an anomaly, Luca. I never thought I’d see the day where I met a friendly mobster.” Luca bursts out laughing and even I chuckle because she’s really not wrong, at least not when it comes to how he treats her. I’ve seen Luca skin a man alive for stealing money, but when it comes to Lita, he would never harm a hair on her head, of that I have no doubt. Hell, he’d murder anyone who dared try.

“So, you going to show this friendly mobster your new artwork?” He wiggles his eyebrows at her which earns him an eye roll.

“Nope. Not happening.” Luca sticks out his lower lip and pouts like a petulant child, but she doesn’t even offer him a reaction.

“Well, I guess we should get going. We have a few meetings in the morning. You should come by the club and have a drink this week. I think even Toni will agree that Mateo won’t be there. He won’t be stepping foot in any of our businesses again.” I nod, not even hesitating to agree.

“I’ll be busy tomorrow, but I can come by Wednesday.” Luca quickly agrees and gives her a hug before she leads us to the door. We exit her apartment then stand by her door until we hear the sound of her locking all three locks.

Two weeks…she’s avoided coming to the club for two weeks. She’s given Luca the excuse that she’s working with Hector and is too busy or too tired to come. I figured tonight would be no different, but I get a pleasant surprise when I hear several squeals from the girls down below. I stand up and scan the crowd where I find the raven haired beauty talking to two of the dancers, but my eyes are drawn to the backless crimson velvet dress that reveals her creamy skin and almost all of the tattoo on her back that looks like black wings with what looks like a scythe resting between them.

I watch her every move as Luca spots her from the bar and walks up to her then guides her up the stairs to the VIP rooms. I try not to look when I hear the door open, not wanting to seem as desperate to see her as I actually am. I’ve never been so attracted to a woman before and with her, I’m not just attracted to her beauty, but her strength and her intelligence as well. I’ve read about what she survived through, seen her stand up to a vicious criminal who was easily three times her size and I’ve watched her take a hit without showing an ounce of fear. She’s strong as hell and I don’t even think she realizes it.

“Toni, you want to have a drink with us?” Luca finally got me to confess that I’m attracted to Lita and he’s been threatening to play matchmaker ever since, though now it seems he plans to make good on that threat. I swear, the man lives to test my limited patience.

“I see you finally got some free time.” I know I sound childish, but as much as I hate it, every day she didn’t show up left me feeling agitated and disappointed. With her back to me, I get a better view of her beautiful ink, but I don’t miss the scars that litter her back, though they’re barely lighter than her creamy skin so I doubt anyone who isn’t focusing would notice them. When she turns around, I’m left speechless when I notice the bruise that’s barely visible beneath her makeup, but it’s definitely there and Luca must have seen it too because now he looks pissed.

“I’ve been pretty busy, so I’m sorry it took me longer than planned to stop by. Things have just been so…chaotic and Hector has had me running non-stop.” She doesn’t even need to apologize because the second I saw that bruise, she was already forgiven and my disappointment immediately shifts to worry and anger, worry for her and anger for whoever dared touch her. I’d burn the whole damn city to the ground to destroy anyone who dares harm her.

“Who did that to you?” Luca’s voice is more of a growl and I nod to let her know I want to fucking know too. I don’t know what it is about this woman, but I’ve never had anyone affect me so severely before. Half the time I can’t think around her and far too often, I can barely manage to speak.

“Calm down. I dealt with it. The asshole won’t be laying a hand on me, or anyone else, ever again.” She says this so casually, as if it’s just a normal conclusion to a conversation, but I see the darkness in her eyes…a darkness that mirrors and calls to my own. This woman is a damn addiction and even if I could, I don’t think I want to shake it.

Chapter 6

Lita

Seeing Luca and Antoni after a few weeks away is more comforting than it should be, it feels like coming home. I knew they’d see the bruises I tried to hide, but they really don’t have to worry about the asshole who gave them to me. Hector has been helping train me and also has been helping to track down informants to get information on the Mendoza’s shipments, but one of those pricks got the drop on me. He got a few good hits in, but by the end of the night, I got my revenge in the form of a bullet to his brain.

Luca has been sitting here joking and laughing, trying to lighten the mood after they both nearly raged out over my black eye, but I keep noticing the weird looks Antoni keeps giving me and I can’t make sense of it. Luca is in the middle of telling some ridiculous story about when he was caught sneaking into his girlfriend’s bedroom when he was a teenager, but a knock on the door cuts his story short and his shit eating grin has me nervous about what this mobster teddy bear has planned.

I cautiously watch him walk over and open the door, but my jaw almost drops to the floor when I see Lizzy and Ginny there. I haven’t seen them in more than two weeks and they were both backstage when I arrived, so I didn’t get to see them then either. Both girls rush in and tackle me, thankfully I’m already sitting or I’d be ass up on the bottom of a stripper pile.

“Lita! Oh, my god! We’ve missed you SO much!” Lizzy is always the most obnoxious of the two, but I can’t lie, I’ve missed them too.

“You owe us for ignoring us for two fucking weeks!” Ginny adds with her usual sass.

“Okay, and what do I owe you guys?” They both look at each other then Ginny’s lips curl into a wicked grin.

“You have to get on the stage and dance to a song we choose.” Sadly, I’ve had just enough alcohol to make this sound like a pretty damn good idea, so I easily nod, agreeing to their ridiculous terms while Luca and Antoni both look more than a little shocked. I down the rest of the whiskey in my glass and get up, following the girls down to the main floor then backstage to the dressing rooms. With Lizzy and Ginny’s help, I’m quickly changed into a black and crimson corset with a black lace thong and black thigh high stocking connected by garter straps then topped off with my black stilettos.

Standing behind the curtain, I feel calm, something I hadn’t expected to feel when preparing to step out on stage in lingerie so I can dance in front of a bunch of hormone crazed men. Mikey, the DJ, gives me a thumbs up then starts the track for Chokehold by Sleep Token, a perfect song to get me in the mood. I step out on stage and I feel like my body is possessed as it moves with the rhythm, swaying, twisting and moving in ways that have my body heat rising. I reach the pole at the center of the stage, hook my leg around it and with only one spin, I feel empowered. The men in the audience are driving my excitement with their shouts, whistles and cheers. As I skim my hands over the sides of my breasts, down my waist then over my thighs, I slide down the pole into a full squat with my knees parted and my lace covered core on full display, they eat it up.

By the time the song ends, I could have an orgasm if a breeze hit me just right, I’m so heated and it’s a euphoric feeling. I wish I could say that the heat coursing through me was just from the seductive dance I just performed, but what really got my blood flowing was the feeling of Antoni’s eyes on me from the second I stepped on stage. I’ve tried to ignore his lingering gaze, the way his voice drops an octave every time he speaks to me or even the way I can see the thrumming of his pulse in his neck kick up whenever I get close to him. I’ve tried, but god, if I don’t notice every little detail.

I make my way back to the dressing room and barely have time to open the door before I’m shoved inside then the door slams closed. I find myself being pressed against it and only get a glimpse of Antoni’s face before his lips come crashing down on mine. Even with my inexperience in consensual and passionate intimacy, there’s not a single doubt in my mind that this is the best kiss I could ever experience. I can feel his passion, heat and the raw need that match my own. His body presses firmly against mine and I gasp when I feel the large, hard bulge in his pants pressing firmly against my stomach and he takes advantage by slipping his tongue past my lips, exploring every inch of my mouth as if mapping it out, memorizing it.

When he finally breaks our kiss, he rests his forehead against mine as we both struggle to catch our breath while the world feels like it’s spinning around us. He leans in and his lips gently graze mine, leaving behind an impossibly gentle kiss. He places his hands on the sides of my neck and his thumbs gently stroke my cheeks while his chocolate colored eyes stare deeply into my own.

“You’re fucking intoxicating, Lita. I’ve been trying to hold back, to resist you.” His words snap me out of my momentary daze as I realize what it is he’s saying.

“Why?” I can see the tortured look in his eyes, as if the answer causes him physical pain.

“I’m no good for you, Lita. Once Mateo is dealt with, you’ll have the chance at living a life away from all of this and you deserve that. You’ll be able to live the life you choose, not the one that was forced on you. You deserve someone who can give you that life, someone better than me.” A whole new kind of heat begins to fill me, my anger taking over where passion had reigned supreme.

“Are you fucking kidding me right now? What makes you think I don’t want this life? When Mateo’s gone, what makes you think I won’t choose this life? I was born into a life of death and violence. There’s no normal life for people like me and you, of all people, should know that! Fuck you for thinking you can decide what I need, what I deserve!” I shove him off of me and quickly slip on my dress, which probably looks ridiculous with the corset I’m still wearing then march toward the door, but he’s leaning against the damn thing so I can’t get past him.

“I’m not trying to upset you, Lita. I’m trying to do the right thing. I don’t want to drag you down with me. This life brings nothing but pain and suffering.” I scoff at this big bad mafia boss who’s making excuses as if I’m too naïve to understand the truth.

“No, you’re trying to do the easy thing, not the right thing. All life brings pain and suffering, not just this life! At the end of the day, it’s not about doing the right or wrong thing, it’s about deciding that the thing you have is something worth fighting for and I’m clearly not. Don’t worry, I don’t need anyone to fight for me. I will fight for myself because I know what I want and what I deserve.” He flinches away from me as if my words burned him, but it gives me just enough room to slip through the door. I don’t waste any time before hauling ass out of the club and running home as fast as my heel clad feet can carry me.

Insane…that’s the only word for it. Hector just went over his plan and while I’m not opposed to most of the plan, I want to end this, but I feel like this is too good to be true. Maybe it’s just because I’ve been waiting for this for so long and can’t believe I’m finally getting to tie up this loose end, or maybe my gut feeling is right…there’s only one way to find out. It’s been three days since Antoni kissed me, so between the fog in my mind from that mess and the insanity I’m facing with Hector’s plans, my brain is thoroughly fried. Thankfully, I told Luca about everything that happened and he reassured me that Antoni has been a wreck too, so at least I’m not the only one suffering.

“We have a perfect window, Mateo will be there and I’ve reviewed a month’s worth of surveillance footage from the location. He shows up three times a week, only brings three of his men with him and always gets a private dance in one of the backrooms from the same woman every time. When he goes in the back room, his men don’t follow. He’ll be alone and that’s when you strike. You’ll take the place of his usual girl and I’ll deal with his men.” Well, it sounds like a solid plan on the outside. I guess we just have to hope Mateo doesn’t change things up last minute.

Hector and I go over everything one more time before he finally takes off, leaving me alone in my apartment while I focus on what’s to come. Since we’re doing this whole thing in a club that will be crowded, I decide to take my knives with me because a gun would be too loud and even with a silencer, it would make one hell of a mess, not to mention the fact that I have nowhere to put the damn thing! While polishing my favorite throwing knives, I pull out my phone and dial Luca, placing the call on speaker and setting the phone on the table in front of me.

“Hey, Lita!”

“Hi, Luca. You got a minute?”

“Yeah, everything okay?”

“Everything’s fine, but I have a favor to ask of you.”

“Okay, shoot.”

“Hector and I will be setting things in motion tonight. I need for you to make sure that if something goes wrong, you get to my apartment. I’ve left instructions in my safe, you know the code. I need you to follow those instructions down to the very last detail. Can you do that for me?”

“Lita, I…god damn it, woman. You better make sure nothing goes wrong because I’ll kick your ass.”

“I need you to promise me, Luca.”

“Fine, I promise. Just…be careful, Lita.”

“I’ll tell you what, if everything goes the way we planned it, I’ll come in tonight and we can celebrate my newfound freedom with a few drinks.”

“I’ll hold you to that. So, when does this all kick off?”

“Nine. Should be over fairly quickly too.”

“Fuck, okay…be safe and I’ll have a drink waiting for you.”

“Thanks, Luca.”

Chapter 7

Lita

I end the call and then it’s time to get to work. I make sure I’m showered, shaved, my hair and makeup are done perfectly and my barely there outfit with my stilettos have me looking like a slutty goddess…exactly the look this plan requires. Hector got me access to the employee entrance at the back of the club and it doesn’t take much to bribe Mateo’s regular girl to let me take her place, only $200 and she was more than happy to bow out and keep her mouth shut.

At eight thirty, Mateo and his men roll in with Hector watching their every move. I stay close enough that I can hear his discussion, the blonde wig I’m wearing allowing me to blend into the background more easily. As soon as I hear him tell his girl, Laura, to meet him in his usual room, I get moving. Laura told me that Mateo always enters the room first and she’s to follow exactly five minutes later. She told me the things he likes to do to her and it made it easy to see why buying her off was so easy. Too bad for him, he won’t get the chance to do any of those things to me. This dress only gave me room for two of my knives, but that’s one more than I need to end this sick bastard.

I make my way to the room exactly five minutes after he enters, finding him standing near the hideous pink velvet couch with his back to me as he strips off his shirt. His gun holster is already laying on the couch, just out of his reach, so while he’s focusing on his pants, I strike. The first knife is thrown into the back of his neck, the length just enough to pierce through his windpipe in the front. He drops to his knees then tries reaching for his gun when the second knife hits its mark, straight through his hand and into the fabric of the couch.

I take my time approaching him then grab the wrist of his right arm, the knife still fully embedded in his hand, grab the hilt of the knife and, with his hand still impaled and only three inches of blade sticking out the other side, I slam the blade into his neck, right through his carotid artery. The blood spray splatters across my exposed skin and the white corset and matching lace thong. I wait until his body falls lifelessly on the ground then remove the blades from him, using his own discarded shirt to wipe them clean and stashing them back in their hiding places.

I wrap myself in his suit jacket then make my exit, rushing out the backdoor before anyone can spot me. Once I’m in the car I used to get here, I send a text to Hector, letting him know it’s done and that I’m stopping for a drink on the way home. I make it to the club just before ten thirty and send Luca a text to ask him to have Billy meet me in the back. As soon as I see Billy peek out the back door, I get out and head over to him, noticing the worried expression as he likely spots the blood that isn’t covered by the jacket.

“Thanks, Billy. Could you find Ginny and see if she has a change of clothes I can use? I’ll be up in the VIP suite with Luca.” He nods and escorts me to the stairs before disappearing to do as I asked. Luca is already standing at the open door to the VIP suite and his eyes widen when he takes in the state of me. He rushes me into the suite and closes the door before prying the suit jacket open and looking me over.

“What the fuck, Lita?! Is…are you hurt?” His hands are gripping my shoulders and I feel the slight tremble he’s trying to hide, so I place my hands on his forearms and give him a sincere smile.

“It’s not mine. I’m fine. I would really like to get cleaned up…oh, and can I get that drink now?” Luca lets go of my shoulders as his lips curl into an adorable smile. I notice Antoni isn’t in the room, but right now I’m just happy to be here, safe and to know I did what I needed to do. Luca and I both down two glasses of whiskey before Billy returns with a change of clothes for me.

“You can use the other VIP room to get cleaned up. There’s a bathroom in there with a shower. Just…lock the doors please. I don’t need someone walking in and getting an eye full of the woman I consider a sister. I’d have to beat some asses.” I nod then take the clothes from Billy before making my way next door. I had expected the room to be empty since the lights are off, but when I walk in and see the silhouette of a man in the shadows on the balcony with the curtains drawn almost completely closed with what is clearly a woman wrapping herself around him, I slip in quietly and slide into the bathroom without making much noise. As soon as I turn the lights on, I have to roll my eyes when I realize there aren’t any towels.

Without thinking, and because I’m honestly annoyed at having my ability to clean this shit off of me further delayed, I pull open the bathroom door, causing light to spill out into the darkened suite and, unfortunately, alerting the people on the balcony to my presence. Without looking their way I head toward the door only to have a voice, a too damn familiar voice, stop me.

“What are you doing in here? This area is only to be accessed by employees and VIPs!” It’s in that moment that I remember what I’m wearing and that I still have that ugly ass blonde wig on. I reach up, remove the cursed wig and then pull off the cover to allow my black tresses to fall freely then turn to face him. Antoni’s face is a picture of complete and utter shock. I don’t know if he’s shocked by the sight of me, or because I just caught him with Candy hanging off of him in a dark room, but right now…I don’t even care.

“Yeah, no worries. I’ll get changed in Carl’s office and leave you to it.” I hurry into the bathroom and grab the clothes, not bothering to turn off the light as I stomp straight to the door. I didn’t miss the triumphant look on the face of the woman who had been embracing him…fucking Candy.

“Lita! What the hell happened to you?!” I don’t answer, just keep moving out of the room, down the back stairs and straight into Carl’s office where a stunned Carl is now staring at me with wide eyes and his mouth hanging open.

“Shit! Are you hurt? Where are you bleeding from?!” He takes a step toward me and I hold up my hand to stop him.

“It’s not mine, don’t ask. Can I change and clean up in your bathroom?” He doesn’t speak, but extends his hand toward the door to his private bathroom. I clean myself up the best that I can then throw on the clothes Billy had brought me before exiting the bathroom with the bloodied outfit and suit jacket in a trash bag.

“Are you okay, Lita?” I walk up and warp my arms around his waist, Hugging the hell out of him.

“I’m fine. Thank you, Carl. I need to get out of here and say goodbye to Luca. You take care.” He squeezes me back then reluctantly lets me go. I retrace my steps to the VIP suites, minus stopping at the one where I left Antoni, and slip back into the one where I had left Luca.

“Thank god, you make a terrible blonde. Hey…what’s wrong?” I knew I was doing a shit job of hiding my emotions, but this isn’t his problem and I don’t want to cause issues between him and his brother.

“Nothing, just everything’s hitting me I guess.” He pulls me in for a hug then places a kiss on the top of my head.

“Antoni should be back any minute now. He said he had some business to take care of.” I swear, I didn’t want to say anything, but that just sets me the hell off.

“Yeah, business, like hiding out in the suite next door with Candy.” Luca’s eyes widen and I almost feel bad until I see the shock shifting to anger. That embrace I witnessed was far more intimate than just a boss offering an employee comfort…Antoni had no problem screwing a club whore, but pushed me away? Screw him!

“I’ll fucking…” He doesn’t get to finish that sentence because in walks the man himself, but he’s not walking in alone. I watch with narrowed eyes as Hector walks in behind him.

“Adalita, you did well. My men are handling the clean up of Mateo and his men. We have one other issue to resolve before we close this chapter for good.” Luca is glaring at Antoni while I’m staring at Hector, trying to figure out what other lose end could possibly remain.

“I don’t understand.” He wraps an arm around my shoulder then leads me to the couch in the corner before handing me his phone with a video file on the screen.

“I know, hermosa. You’ll want to use headphones when you view this. I found it on Mateo’s laptop and…I don’t think it’s something you would want others to see.” He pulls a case with Bluetooth headphones out of his pocket then hands them to me. I take the case and phone to the table in the corner, away from the others, then slip the headphones in and press play.

The video is so familiar and yet not at the same time. I assume it’s where they got the photos that were sent to my father…but then I see him. For years I had nightmares about a man who was more monster than man…my own personal boogie man, if you will. I was so sure he was just a combination of all my tormentors rolled into one, something my mind conjured up in it’s attempt to cope with the hell I was forced to suffer through, but here he is, on the screen in front of me. The monster is actually a living breathing being…though I’ll be remedying him of both of those things soon enough.

“What’s his name?” My voice, practically a growl, shatters the tense silence in the suite.

“Silvio Mendoza, father of Daniel Mendoza. He was the ringleader of their operation from what I can tell.” I remove the headphones, unable to handle the sounds of my own torture, but my eyes don’t leave the screen.

“How many others are there?” I hear Hector’s heavy sigh which has my eyes snapping up to meet his gaze.

“Thee others altogether. Silvio, Daniel and Riccardo.” I press the button to black out the screen, not wanting and completely unwilling to continue reliving my nightmare.

“So, three more and then it’s over?” Hector stands up and walks over to me, the concern in his eyes impossible to ignore.

“No, Adalita. Let me handle this for you. You’ve been through enough. Let me carry this burden for you, hermosa. I can send you to the cabin until I’ve handled the situation.” And I know he would, without question, without judgement. He would bear this burden for me if only I’d let him, but I can’t…I won’t.

“I need some time…to think.” I look up at Luca who’s standing next to Antoni now and I can see how worried he is about what might be going through my head. Hell, he probably should be worried. I get up and make my way to the door, but Antoni stops me with a gentle yet firm hand wrapped around my arm.

“Lita, we should talk.” My eyes trail from his honey brown eyes down to where his hand is wrapped around my arm and I feel instantly angry.

“We have nothing to talk about, Antoni. Remember, I deserve better than you. I deserve better than someone who would toss me aside only to turn around and jump into the arms of some two bit whore. You were right about me deserving more, but you were wrong about one thing, Antoni. I don’t deserve better than this life because I am this life. I was born into it and I’ll die as a result of it. I’ve accepted that fact and who knows, maybe that death will come sooner than I realized. Don’t worry, I’m going. Wouldn’t want you to keep Candy waiting.” His dilated eyes tell me he’s not clear headed right now, but the pain in his expression tells me he won’t forget this moment and, honestly, neither will I.

Chapter 8

Lita

It’s been nearly a week since I last went to the club, the night Hector informed me that I still have three demons to fight. Luca has been even more insistent about keeping in touch with me and, because he’s smarter than anyone seems to give him credit for, he hasn’t once mentioned Antoni. His incessant worrying has me feeling guilty for not responding and reaching out as often as I had been, but I truly have been busy.

One thing I’ve learned over the past week is that news of me being alive has spread and, according to Hector, I’ve gained a lot of support that I never even asked for. That unrequested support is actually what’s led me to this moment, riding in Hector’s car as we travel to a secured location to meet with the heads of several of the families running the criminal organizations in the country, not just the state.

“Hermosa, are you ready for this?” I shake my head, knowing I feel a lot of things right now, but ‘ready’ isn’t one of them. I mean, who the hell is ever ready to waltz into a room filled with angry mob bosses?!

“Not in the slightest. How many did you say will be there?” He gives me a reassuring smile, one that doesn’t reassure me of a damn thing.

“Twenty-seven, their heirs and a few of their highest ranked members.” The car slows as it pulls into a parking garage then heads down to a basement level before coming to a stop. We both climb out and he leads me to the doors right in front of where the car stopped and opens the door for me then waves me inside. The brightly lit hallway is well guarded by two men by the doors to the parking garage, two more at the end of the hall and I spot four security cameras that seem to cover every angle.

“I see you weren’t taking any risks with this meeting.” I look up at him with a playful smirk which earns me a deep laugh that echoes through the hall. Hector has more than proven his loyalty to me since reappearing in my life and I honestly look at him as a father figure, though he’s not quite as bloodthirsty as my own father was…not that I’d say that to his face.

“No, I certainly wasn’t willing to take a single risk where your safely is concerned. The only armed men in the conference room are mine.” We reach the doors at the end and the two burly ass apes open them for us, allowing us to simply waltz into the room like we own the place.

There are definitely more than twenty-seven men here, but I can easily identify which are the bosses and which are their heirs and guards, though they all seem pretty tense. I guess this is what happens when you disarm a bunch of criminals and throw them together in a room. Hector leads us right to the front of the room which has every eye in the room on us both. I should probably feel nervous, but seeing all these men watching me, every single one of them looking at me with mixtures of surprise and respect, it leaves me feeling powerful.

“Alright, you all know why we’re here, so let’s get right down to it. After discussing it at great length, Adalita has no desire to pursue her birthright. You have all read the file that we sent you and all she’s requesting is the right to face those who have harmed her and her family. She seeks justice, not vengeance.” As Hector speaks, my eyes scan the crowd until they land on the familiar honey brown eyes of Antoni and sitting right beside him is Luca. As I begin to shift my gaze, I see an older man stand which snaps my attention to him at lightning speed.

“Yes, I think this is the least she’s owed. My name is Emilio Vererro. Once I was informed of the fact that your death had been…highly exaggerated, I had my men get to work. We would like to present you with a gift, if you’ll allow it.” I turn my attention to Hector with my brow quirked in question and he gives a firm nod of approval.

“Sure. I mean, who doesn’t like a good gift?” Most of the men fall into a fit of laughter, but it dies down the minute the doors open and two men walk in dragging Daniel by his arms. I’ll admit, seeing the bastard squirm as his eyes scan the crowd of men far more powerful than he could ever hope to be, it brings me a sick kind of satisfaction.

“This is a very generous gift, Emilio!” Hector’s tone is laced with a lethal dose of amusement and danger that has an involuntary smile forming on my face.

“I’d hate to get blood all over these hardwood floors.” I keep my tone even, but only to hide my excitement. Truthfully, I could care less about the damn floors and every man in this room knows it.

“Nonsense! Show them what your justice looks like.” Hector holds his hand out to one of his men, Tao, and I watch as Tao places his gun in Hector’s hand. I don’t hesitate to take it from him, but if these men are eager for a swift execution, they’ll be sorely disappointed.

“You all know who my father was. I was born in blood and tested by fire, I was taught many lessons by the man so many feared, but one lesson is one we all abide by. Blood for blood. So, Daniel, I’m owed a debt of blood and you can either pay your part of that debt quickly…or very…very slowly. Tell me where I can find Silvio and Riccardo.” They continue to hold Daniel before me, his feet barely touching the ground.

“Do your worst because I’m not telling you shit, you fucking bitch.” I flip off the safety and fire the first shot into his left foot.

“Don’t worry, I have a feeling you’ll definitely be seeing my worst, Daniel. Same question.” I already know he won’t speak, but even the dumb ones can surprise you once in a while…though apparently not Daniel.

“Fuck you, bitch!” Without hesitating, I fire a shot into his right foot.

“Same question.” Daniel growls, but it trails off into a whine. I honestly thought a hardened criminal with a penchant for torturing women and children would be a little stronger than this.

“He’s going to fucking kill you!” The third shot hits his left knee and I immediately fire the fourth into his right knee.

“Damn, this is kind of cathartic. Now, there’s no point in asking again, but I’m getting bored. Anyone have a knife?” I watch as the instant flash of realization hits him. My father was an amazing, loving father, but when it came to running his empire, he was merciless where his enemies were concerned. He was most known for his wicked torture methods which primarily consisted of using a hunting knife to skin his enemies alive. It was his calling card and there’s not a man who exists in our world who hasn’t heard of his methods.

“Ah, hermosa, your father would be proud.” I don’t even look at the face of the man who hands me the blade, but now that the two men holding Daniel are strapping him to a chair, I have a perfect view of Antoni and Luca. I look down at the blade in my hand and can’t fight my smile when I see my father’s blade, the black steel hilt wrapped in black leather and the silver blade with the words ‘Sanguis pro sanguine’ engraved in old English script. To test the sharpness of the blade, I drag it across Daniel’s cheek, loving how easily it parts the flesh.

“Yes, this will do nicely. I assume you still aren’t interested in talking?” I arch my brow at Daniel who simply spits at my feet. I carefully cut away his clothes and let the fun begin. I managed to fillet the skin from both arms and half his chest before he loses consciousness and that’s when I finally end him by slitting his throat.

“Emilio, I believe Adelita thoroughly enjoyed her gift.” I flash Emilio a smile and nod to confirm Hector’s statement. I can feel the blood soaking into my black jeans and my hands are coated in it, but I don’t even care.

“I certainly did, thank you. Now, I’m not the only one who suffered at the hands of these bastards. I want to end this and while I can do it without your help, I know there are some of you who deserve justice too. If you wish to help, we welcome you. If not, we won’t hold it against you. Hector will remain here to speak with any of you who are wishing to help, but unfortunately, I need to go wash this filth off of me and I can use one hell of a strong drink.” The last earns me laughter from most of the men as I make my way to the doors with Tao following behind me.

“You’re ruthless, Adelita.” Tao’s voice is dripping with amusement.

“Well, they were monsters, so dying at the hands of a monster is the very least they deserve.” I hear the doors fly open behind us just as we reach the doors to the garage followed by heavy footsteps moving quickly toward us.

“Lita!” It’s Luca’s voice that stops me and were it anyone else, I would’ve let them deal with Tao. I turn around and am unsurprised to find that not only is Luca standing there with Tao standing between us, but so is Antoni.

“Hey, Luca. Sorry we haven’t talked in the last couple days.” I give him a sheepish smile, but I’m well aware of the fact that he knows how busy I’ve been.

“Lita, we need to talk to you.” I’ll admit, his use of ‘we’ has me curious…and a little annoyed.

“Tao, can you have them bring the car around, please?” He looks down at me and gives me a firm nod before stepping around me and exiting through the door to the parking garage.

“Alright, make it quick. I smell like blood and it’s a bit much.” Luca takes a step closer and I can tell he’s fighting back his smile.

“Actually, I was hoping we could talk somewhere more private. The information we have isn’t something we want getting out just yet.” I trust Luca, it may be foolish of me, but I do.

“Fine. You can meet me at my place in an hour. You remember the code to get in?” Luca nods and I can tell he’s relieved that I agreed.

“Yeah, I remember. We’ll see you there.” I flash him a smile before turning and heading out the doors to the car where Tao is waiting for me.

Chapter 9

Antoni

The last six days have been pure hell. It all started with finding out one of the girls here had been feeding information to Riccardo about Adelita and after spending the entire morning weeding through everything, we found out it was Candy. I decided to pull her aside and see if I could get her to slip up and tell me something that might be useful, which of course meant tolerating her pawing at me while we talked. The universe, the bitch that she is, decided that would be a perfect time for Adelita to walk in.

I wanted to tell her what was going on, but when I walked into the VIP room where she was standing with Luca, I was stunned into silence by the look of hurt and betrayal in her eyes. The second I saw her walls come up and her anger replaced the hurt, I didn’t doubt that I made a mistake by pushing her away. I thought I was doing the right thing, but it turns out that she’s right, I was doing the easy thing.

I have to admit that I was surprised when Hector reached out to call us to a meeting with the heads of more than twenty-five crime families from all over the country, but nothing could surprise me more than seeing Adelita torture the demon from her past and she did that shit with a smile on her face. The woman is, in a single word, perfection.

“Let’s get our asses over there before she comes to her senses.” Luca rushes me out of the hall and straight to our car. I know he’s pissed off at me because if I had just told Adelita what was going on instead of hiding it from her, she never would’ve shut us out. Sure, she still texts him all the time and they talk on the phone when they can, but it’s not the same and I get that. The drive to her apartment building takes us just over an hour and Luca wastes no time using the door code to get us into the building then surprises me when he knows the code to get in her apartment door too.

“Lita! Are you decent?” Luca shouts loudly into the apartment, but gets no response. I follow him as he leads the way down the hall where he carefully peeks into the room at the end with the door that’s partially open.

“Lita?” His voice echoes in the room, but when he pushes the door open the rest of the way, we both scan the room, our eyes landing on the door on the left just as it opens and she steps out wearing only a towel and an amused smirk.

“Uh, hi?” She continues past us to what appears to be a walk-in closet then disappears inside.

“So, you skinned the bastard…” Luca’s amused tone has her peeking her head out as she quirks a brow at him.

“Yeah, I did, but then the worthless prick went and passed out on me.” She rolls her eyes then slips back into the closet, not emerging again until she’s walking out in leggings and a sports bra that reveals two of the bullet hole scars on her abdomen before she pulls a baggy t-shirt on.

“Let’s go into the dining room and pour everyone a drink before we get into this. Trust me, you’re going to need it.” Luca’s words have her brow furrowing, but she gives a stiff nod before pulling her damp, black hair into a messy knot on top of her head. We follow her out to the dining room and Luca, who clearly knows his way around her apartment too well for my liking, gets to work grabbing glasses and a bottle of Jameson. Once he’s poured us all a drink, he waves for me to get started.

“We found out that someone from the club had been relaying information to Daniel and Riccardo…information about you. It took a while to track down the source, but it turns out it was Candy.” I see the look of shock, betrayal and amusement fall over her and I know what she’s thinking, but she still voices it.

“So, your little plaything was the one handing these pricks information? How nice.” She doesn’t know that what she walked in on was a set up for me to get information and she thinks I turned to someone else after pushing her away. That’s my fault, but I refuse to let her believe a lie.

“She’s not my plaything or anything else of mine for that matter. When you walked into that room, I had been pushing her for information and I had gotten quite a bit before you showed up. I wasn’t doing anything with her, Lita.” Luca, thankfully, nods to confirm I’m telling the truth.

“It doesn’t matter if you were or weren’t doing anything. You pushed me away and made the choice for me, so clearly it’s none of my damn business what or who you do. You said I could live the life I choose and that’s exactly what I’m going to do. If you had stopped to ask me what life I wanted, you would’ve realized that it’s this life, the one I’m living right now. This is the only life I’ve known and even while I’m being hunted, it’s still the life I would choose. Now, what information did the little club whore have for you?” Strangely, her tone isn’t cold or angry, she just sounds…exhausted.

“She confessed to having the VIP room bugged. She was suspicious of you from the minute I had you replace her as my personal server in the VIP room and was telling him about you, not that she knew much at that point. She informed him the minute Hector IDed you though. She was told to get close to you, but that obviously wasn’t something she could do since you couldn’t stand her.

I don’t know what he had hoped to get from her, but she did somehow get the address to the halfway house, but she didn’t seem to have any information about where you went to after you left there.” I hate that I don’t have more information, but what can any of us expect when Riccardo chose the worst possible woman to help him? Candy had always been at the bottom of the totem pole and that was something she could never change. Maybe it would’ve helped if she hadn’t worked so hard to make Lita hate her.

“So…basically…she knew nothing of use to him or to us?” I nod, but Luca speaks up, clearly disagreeing.

“Not quite. If we can feed her information, use her to lure him out. We can give her false information, make it seem like we’re hunting Lita, like we feel she betrayed us…once she passes the information on, we just sit and wait for him to make an appearance.” Luca isn’t one to make plans, suggestions or to plot anything beyond his next meal, so the fact that it isn’t an awful idea is more than impressive.

“Oh, I get to be bait?! Hell yes!” I look at Lita who has a genuine smile on her face and while I love seeing it, I’m not thrilled to see it as a result of her being dangled like a damn carrot on a stick.

“Well, not literal bait. You’ll be verbal bait, word of your supposed betrayal will work fine and that way we don’t endanger you. You need to be alive and well if you want to kill the stupid prick.” Luca’s right and, thankfully, we all know it. He downs the rest of his drink then stands up and gives me a mischievous grin.

“Well, I covered everything I needed to for tonight. I do believe you both have some things to discuss, so I’ll take off and leave you to it.” He claps me on the shoulder then quickly gives Lita a hug before rushing out of the apartment like the damn thing is on fire.

“He’s as subtle as a category five hurricane.” I can’t help but chuckle at her very accurate statement.

“He really is…but he wasn’t wrong. I owe you an apology. I made a decision for you that wasn’t mine to make. I may have thought I was doing the right thing, but like you said…I simply chose the easy way. I don’t deserve to be forgiven, but I think you deserved to hear my apology anyway.” She sits back in her chair, the amber liquid in her glass swirling as she stares down at it.

“Okay. We’re good. So, now that you’ve apologized, where does that leave us, Antoni?” I won’t lie, I hadn’t thought beyond my apology since I honestly hadn’t believed she’d forgive me.

“Instead of making assumptions, tell me what you want, Lita.” She tosses back the entire contents in her glass then gently sets it on the table and locks those ice blue eyes with mine.

“I want you to be honest with me. I want you to tell me what I am to you, Antoni.” She speaks so calmly, as if she didn’t just ask a damn mob boss to bear his soul to her, yet…

“You’re fire…vengeance in human form. You’re an angel shroud in darkness and everything about you calls to every part of me. I’ve never craved anyone in my life…not until you. I’ve never wanted someone the way I want you and it terrifies me.” I see the satisfied smirk she gives me as she leans forward and rests her elbows on the table with her hands clasped in front of her.

“So…you want me?” If only it were so simple, but when it comes to her…nothing is simple.

“It’s so much more than that, Lita. It’s not that I simply want you…I need you. I crave you like a fucking drug. I want nothing more than to drown in you.” When she stand, my body mimics hers, both of us stepping around the table until she’s standing right in front of me.

“Then what’s stopping you, Antoni?” Five words is all it takes for her to snap the last thread of restraint. I don’t kiss her…I claim her and she claims me in return. Every touch, every kiss, every moan, thrust and ragged breath is pure possession…she possess every part of me and I…I possess every part of her. When we’re left, tangled in sheets and wrapped up in each other’s arms, there’s only one thing left of hers that I wish to possess…

“Adelita, I’ve fallen in love with you.” I watch her closely, her expression guarded for a moment that feels like it stretches for an eternity until her lips slowly curl into a stunning smile that lights up her beautiful eyes.

“The big, bad, mafia boss fell in love with little old me? Well, I’ll let you in on a little secret, Antoni Grecco…I love you too.” She barely gets the last word out before my lips are on hers as we ravage each other again…and again before finally succumbing to our exhaustion, wrapped in each other and thoroughly sated.

Chapter 10

Lita

After spending the night, and most of the morning, drowning in lust and desire with Antoni, we had Hector and Luca come over to explain Luca’s plan to him. I’m quite proud of Luca for coming up with it and Hector was quick to agree that it was the perfect way to lure out Riccardo and Silvio without directly putting me in danger. To top it all off, I told Hector that I’m in love with Antoni and, aside from threatening to destroy him if he hurts me, he seems happy for us.

With everything in place, Antoni and Luca head for the club at seven to put the plan in motion. Neither of us were particularly thrilled with him leaving, but we know it’s necessary if I want to put an end to the bastards so I can live my life without the guilt and anger that constantly hover over me. The bugs that Candy placed were left there, ensuring she captures every detail for the plan they’re laying out to supposedly capture me and kill me.

Antoni was smart though, suggesting that Luca act resistant to the plan since everyone knows that Luca and I have a close friendship. Rather than sit around my apartment and wait for word from them, I meet up with Hector at a gym he owns to work out my frustration, which almost works. I’m in the middle of assaulting the punching bag when two large arms wrap around me and warm lips press against my neck.

“You look beautifully lethal, my dark angel. Why don’t we go to my place and put your frustration to better use?” His devilish voice paired with the warmth of his body has me nodding me head as I work to regulate my breathing.

“I think I could be persuaded. Where are Hector and Luca?” He turns me so that I’m facing him and gently grabs my neck, his thumbs gently stroking my cheeks.

“Luca is giving Hector a run down of how things went tonight, but the only thing I could think about was getting back to you.” Yeah, so he’s smooth…and hot…and we’re in Hector’s gym…damn it!

“Good, let’s go while they’re distracted.” He needs no further prompting before taking my hand and all but dragging me out of the gym and to his SUV that’s waiting right out front. It turns out that neither of us could wait till we got to his place, our need for each other resulting in me riding him during the drive there, then we barely make it to his room before he’s stripping me down and taking me on his bed…then in the shower and one last time on the bed before we both are too exhausted to keep our eyes open.

Antoni and I were violently pulled from our blissful sleep from the sound of someone pounding on his bedroom door. Antoni manages to pull on a pair of boxers and reach the door at near inhuman speed and the second I catch the shift in his expression, I know things are about to go to shit. I wrap the sheet tightly around my chest and sit up, listening to Luca’s voice as he delivers news that definitely puts a kink in our plan.

“Candy was found in the alley behind the club. They beat the shit out of her then slit her throat. They carved the words ‘no mercy for traitors’ on her back.” And just like that, the pawn in our game has been removed from the board.

“I want all of the shit she planted removed, up the security and have Julian check to make sure no one’s hacking the video feed at the club.” Luca doesn’t speak, he doesn’t need to. The second Antoni closes the door, I know his orders are being carried out.

“Well, so much for plan A.” While he manages a smile, it’s not the one I’ve come to love on him. This smile is a mask for his anger and disappointment.

“We need to get you somewhere safe, somewhere those bastards can’t find you.” Oh, hell no! He’s lost his damn mind!

“I’m not running, Antoni. I’ve spent too long hiding in the shadows, but no more. I know you want to keep me safe, but I can’t hide myself away again, I won’t.” I know he can see the determination in my eyes and when I see that gorgeous smile take hold of him, I know he understands and even respects my position.

“Alright. I guess we should let Hector know and figure out what plan B is.” After taking a shower together, we get dressed and head to Hector’s real estate office to discuss our options. We’re there for over four hours before Antoni gets a call about an issue at the club and while he makes it clear he doesn’t want to leave me, I make sure to remind him that he can’t shirk his responsibilities just because shit is a mess. Once he leaves to deal with the club issue, Hector has his driver meet me downstairs to take me back to my apartment.

Do you know what one of the downfalls of coming out of hiding is? The lack of anonymity. Before I came out of hiding, I was invisible and could exists freely without anyone so much as batting an eyelash. Now, I can’t even ride in a blackout SUV without being targeted…something made evident by the car that comes out of nowhere and t-bones us then back up only to ram into the SUV again. Without even thinking, I pull out my phone and dial Antoni’s number just as the driver of the car gets out with his gun drawn.

“Hey, I’ll be about another hour…”

“Antoni! We just got hit, driver has a gun. He’s got a tattoo on his neck of Anima Sola. Silver Mercedes, two door.”

“Lita! Where are you?!”

“Fifth and Wells. I love you, Antoni. Make these bastards pay.” I barely get the last words out before the window beside me shatters and the door is ripped open. I’m pulled from the car and while this bastard probably thought he’d get off easy, he gave me enough time between when he hit us to when he came for me that I was able to pull out my knife which I quickly slam into his neck. By the time he releases me, his friend that was in the passenger seat is out and I turn just as he slams his fist into the side of my head, making the whole world fall into darkness.

Antoni

They took her…in broad daylight…in the middle of my city! It took me and my men less than fifteen minutes to reach the scene, arriving even before the police do, where we find Hector’s driver and the man with the neck tattoo, both dead. I call Hector, knowing I need not only his help right now, but also his rage. It takes him only ten minutes to arrive, since the accident occurred only four blocks from his office.

“They didn’t expect her to put up a fight. They underestimated her. Good. Tao, get Julio and Julian. I want her found!” Tao, the giant beast of a man, looks absolutely enraged, but manages a stiff nod before taking off to follow his orders.

“She was on the phone with me. She described the car, a silver Mercedes with two doors. She also described this bastard.” I kick the dead body with the neck tattoo, wishing it would dull the anger and fear I’m feeling, but it doesn’t. Hector grabs my shoulder and gives me a firm squeeze.

“We’ll find her, Antoni, and when we do, we’ll rain hellfire down on them all. I assume you intend to claim her as the queen of your empire?” I appreciate that Hector doesn’t mix words, always cutting to the point.

“Yes, She already owns me, Hector.” He nods his head then pulls his phone out of his pocket.

“Well, that changes things. None of the families will take kindly to the fact that they took your queen. It’s time to call in reinforcements.” We leave the scene of the crime and head to Hector’s home with my men following behind us. By the time we arrive, Hector has a total of eleven families looking for Adalita, my Lita, all of them determined to find her. I had expected Luca to take it hard, but rather than panic, the man is determined.

“Boss! We’ve got something!” It’s Toa’s voice that shatters the quiet chatter and clicking of keys on keyboards as everyone turns their attention to him.

“What have you found, Tao?” I reach Tao’s side at the same time as Hector with Luca joining seconds later as we all stare at his screen.

“The leader of the Black Serpents messaged and said he saw a car fitting the description we gave entering this warehouse on the pier. He said it had some heavy damage to the front end.” Before an order can even be given, I’m grabbing my keys, my phone and heading to the door with Luca, Hector and more than half our men following behind me. Hold on, Lita, we’re coming for you.

Lita

I swear to all that’s holy, I was abducted by amateurs. When I came to, the idiots had me tossed into an empty room with only a single light overhead, but they didn’t even restrain me! I know I need to conserve energy and my head’s still throbbing from that bastard sucker punching me, so I sit in the corner to the right of the door, waiting for someone to come. It doesn’t take long and they quickly make it clear that they don’t consider me a threat.

The man who walks into the room is far from impressive, both in height and weight, but it only gets better when I trip him with little to no effort. The bastard doesn’t even try to catch himself! He falls face first into the cement floor! I don’t know where they found these morons, but they really should send them the hell back. I check his pockets, finding a set of keys that I take as well as a knife and a gun slid into the waistband of his pants, because that’s so original!

Armed and ready to face the demons of my past, I make my way out the door. I’m more than halfway down the hall and haven’t encountered anyone yet, which means these people are either really stupid, or it’s a trap…I’m hoping for the first, but leaning toward the later. Silvio and Riccardo are assholes, but they’re more organized than this.

Just as I see the end of the hall, I hear the sound of gunfire erupt from outside the building which has men rushing toward a large steel door, none of them aware of my presence with their attention being drawn to the chaos unfolding beyond the door. I raise the gun, ready to open fire when a familiar figure moves into position behind the wall of men at the door…Riccardo. I wait, patiently awaiting the perfect moment which comes the second the door is blasted open and the first row of men at the door are flung into the second row, knocking them all to the ground as I squeeze the trigger, hitting Riccardo right in the temple then I watch his lifeless body collapse onto the concrete floor.

Chapter 11

Antoni

I’ve always known that Hector Ramirez is a man who’s not to be messed with. He’s the devil in his own right and he’s more than proved it a hundred times over. Even knowing what I do about the man, seeing him and his men tear through the more than fifty guards outside the warehouse then blowing the doors open, it amazes me. Our people work together, fighting side by side as we eliminate each wave of Silvio’s men. Seconds after the blast, I heard a single gunshot from inside the building and just as the dust settled, I saw her…my dark angel…lowering a gun as she stares ahead at the lifeless body of a man I know too well…Riccardo.

“Lita!” Her ice blue eyes raise up to meet mine and a soft smile curls her lips, but then another gunshot sounds off at the same moment as her body jerks and falls back onto the ground. I run forward, half in shock and half in desperation to get to her. Thankfully, Hector is more level headed than I am in this moment because I hear a gunshot and turn my head in time to see Silvio Mendoza drop to his knees, both hand clutching his side.

“Lita! Hey, look at me, angel. Just focus on me.” She’s laying on the cold, dirty, cement floor with blood pooling beneath her. With her all black clothes, it takes me a second to realize that she’s been shot in the shoulder, which still pisses me off, but it’s better than if it had been a more fatal shot.

“Did we get the prick? Please tell me we got the prick.” Her voice is raspy, but the fact that she’s even speaking brings me so much relief.

“Good god woman, you scared the life out of me! Don’t worry, hector dropped him, but I think he’s still breathing. Let’s go deal with him so I can get you patched up.” I help her to her feet and guide her over to Silvio, the man is on his knees with more than a dozen guns trained on him.

“You worthless, weak, pathetic bitch! I should’ve killed you when I killed your whore mother!” When Lita steps forward, I step with her, remaining faithfully at her side. She may not need me to support her, but I want to support her, even if it’s just standing here, watching her deliver the justice that’s long overdue.

“You’re right…you should’ve killed me…but you didn’t and now…you’re going to pay for your sins. Do me a favor, will you? Tell my dad I said hi.” Without another word, she pulls a knife from her pocket, flips the blade out and slices Silvio’s throat then stand over him and watches as the light fades out in his eyes. I wrap my arms around her, holding her like the precious creature she is.

“It’s over, my dark angel. You’ve made your family proud…you’ve made me so very proud. Now, let’s go get you patched up so I can take you home.”

Epilogue – Antoni

It’s been two years since I watched my dark angel slay her demons. When I had told her I was bringing her home, I did just that. I proposed only a month later and only four months after that, we were married with all of our friends and family present. This woman, this goddess, is my queen and she’s never shied away from helping me run our kingdom.

As a result of our hunt for Silvio and his men, we created alliances with more than a dozen other families around the country and with Hector on our side, no one would dare mess with us. We still have the usual situations arise with people who think they can get away with shorting us money or the occasional drug dealer who strays onto our territory, but with Hector, Lita and I running the show, they never get away with it.

Last year, Luca started dating Lita’s friend Lizzy and a month ago, they were married in a small ceremony. Tao, the big bastard, is currently engaged to Ginny and even Hector has finally found himself a woman, though we were all surprised to find that she’s not a woman from our criminal world, yet they’ve managed to make things between them work for close to a year now and we’re all quite happy for them.

I have to admit that I never saw the life I live now as a possibility before, but I know it’s because I had never met someone like Lita before. We share a darkness, we’re a violent harmony and through our darkness, we’ve become each other’s light. All it took was facing her demons to give my dark angel her wings and set her free.