Aiden

I sat at the back of the car, the window rolled down as I took a long drag from the half-burnt cigar between my lips, then puffed a cloud of smoke that curled lazily around me. I turned as two men stumbled out of the abandoned building across from where the car was parked, throwing wild punches at each other.

I watched disinterestedly as one of them was pushed down, and the other mounted him and continued with the assault.

"What time is it?" I asked, my eyes still on the men outside.

"Half past 4." The driver replied.

I leaned back against the seat, closing my eyes as I took another drag and exhaled slowly. "Goddamit," I grunted under my breath, opening my eyes.

If they keep this up, we will end up attracting the police, not that they will do anything, but it was too much hassle having to find something every dime time for those roaches.

The driver sensing my irritation offered, "Should I go check it out, boss?"

I drummed my fingers against the door, contemplating. I didn't want to ruin my suit, not when I was supposed to meet someone at 9. If it was any other day, I wouldn't mind joining in on the fun. I cursed under my breath as I made a decision. One I might regret later. I swung the door open and stepped out of the car.

I brushed my hair back, tucked my hand into my coat pocket, and started walking towards the building, my eyes locked on the men outside. I pulled my gun from its holster as I got close, I shoved the man on top with my foot, he toppled off, and I fired twice before he could move, the gunshot echoing through the quiet street. The man lay lifeless as I turned my attention to the other man still lying on the floor, his shirt soaked in his blood.

"I am one of your men, boss!" He screamed before I could pull the trigger.

I narrowed my eyes, my gun still pointing directly at him. He struggled to sit up, lifting his shirt to reveal a tattoo, a skull impaled with a sword. The symbol of the Kingston family. My eyes trailed down to the bloody stab wound on his side that seemed to be breathing.

"Do I need to keep you alive if you are going to end up dead anyway?" I eyed him.

"This won't kill me, boss," he smiled weakly.

Yeah, right.

A man suddenly charged at me with a steel pipe from nowhere, swinging it to land a hit. I dodged the attack, swiftly kicking his back and sending him crashing to the ground and a bullet through his skull.

I stepped into the building, the clang of metal on metal, grunts, and screams growing louder as I approached. Turning a corner, my eyes fell on a chaotic mess of men swinging steel pipes, wooden planks, and hammers with vicious intent at each other.

"Fuck," I sighed, running my fingers through my hair. I let the cigar fall to the ground, then crushed it under my shoe.

I raised my gun and fired at two men who were pinning down a man I recognized as part of my men, landing a clean shot. The gunshot shattered the tumult, and the men froze, their attention turning towards the source of the noise.

"Hi," I waved casually when their eyes were now on me. "I think it is time to wrap this up. We have all burnt enough fat this morning."

"Shit, isn't that Aiden Kingston?"

Murmurs started spreading among the men from the rival family, and I grinned as I watched them step back, trembling in fear.

My grin widened. "Don't worry, as long as you all behave you will die painlessly," I assured. "All I need is the leader of this shit crew. Just raise your hand so I can see."

They all stayed quiet stealing glances at each other. "Come on guys, the day will soon break! We don't have any fucking time to waste!"

"Aiden Kingston!" I heard a man scream my name.

I turned to see a huge bald man with an eyepatch, his face twisted in anger. "Great, are you their leader?". I smiled, pointing the gun in his direction.

"Do you remember me?" He gritted.

I raised an eyebrow, studying his face. Was he someone I was supposed to know?

"I don't usually remember every unimportant person I run into?"

He clenched his jaw, pointing at his eyepatch. "You took my eye three years ago! How dare you forget me!" He yelled, marching towards me.

I chuckled. "Ah, you must have caught me in a good mood. I let you off easily, and you have the balls to show up again?"

"If you are man enough, let's settle this in hand-to-hand combat." He said. "I will have your two eyes gouged!"

"In as much as I will enjoy beating the shit out of you, I have an appointment today, and the last thing I want is to ruin my suit."

I shot his legs, and he crumpled to the ground grunting. I approached him slowly, pressing the barrel of the gun against his forehead. He glared up at me. "You bastard," he spat. "I won't beg for my life."

"You don't need to, buddy."

"The Kingston family will fall soon, and you will be the first, Aiden Kingston. The other families..."

I pulled the trigger, ending his life and interrupting whatever garbage he was planning on spewing.

I saw a shadow move behind me, and someone yelled, "Boss, behind you!"

I spun around quickly, my gun raised as I fired, the bullet hitting his chest. I stared down in horror as a spray of blood splattered across my coat and shirt.

Another man came forward, his hammer raised high, I grabbed his wrist, twisting it as I pressed the gun to his stomach and fired, shoving him.

A muscle twitched on my cheek as I closed my eyes, throwing my head back. My fists were clenched tightly as I tried to suppress my anger. A twisted smile curled up my lips as I inhaled the smell of gunpowder and blood that filled the air as the fight continued.

Who was I kidding?

"Fuck it," I opened my eyes, tucking my gun away.

I reached into my coat pocket pulled out a pair of leather gloves and slid them on. I picked up a bloodied steel pipe lying next to a lifeless body.

I moved through the room, my grip on the steel pipe tight as I swung it, the pipe connecting brutally with the skulls and ribs of anyone that was in my way. The smile never left my face, my eyes glinting with excitement from the dark pleasure I derived from the chaos.

I clipped the cap of a cigar as I stepped outside as the first light of the day broke. The early morning air was free from the tainted smell of gunpowder and blood. I placed the cigar between my lips, my fingers searching my pocket for my lighter.

"Here," Storm said, offering a lighter.

I smiled as I looked up at him. "Why do you carry a lighter if you don't smoke?" I chuckled, holding the tip of the cigar over the flame.

"Beats me," he chuckled.

"You look like shit," I murmured, my gaze lingering on a deep cut on his arm.

"I won't die from it. It's not my time yet."

I laughed, my eyes flickering to the lifeless body of the man from earlier who said the same thing.

I drew air through the cigar, allowing the tobacco to smoulder evenly. "It seems the other families are planning something big," Storm said as I took a drag.

I smirked, "I am hoping they do. I am looking forward to it."

This city has been awfully quiet for a long time.

...ΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩ...

I stepped out of the car, flicking an ash from my new shirt. As I adjusted my tie, my eyes casually scanning the car park, a blonde woman closing the door of her car caught my attention.

"No fucking way," her phone was pressed to her ear as she laughed.

The sound of her laughter was warm and light, stirring something deep inside me. It was a strange sensation, but it was her eyes. Those fucking emerald green eyes that locked with mine briefly as she walked past me making my pulse quicken.

My eyes followed her back. Long blonde hair that tumbled down her back, stopping just above her firm, round ass. The red dress she wore clung to her body in all the right places. The seductive curve of her hips demanded my full attention with each step she took.

I found myself curious about a woman I just met and without thinking I followed behind her, in long strides. Trying to catch up with her. I was about to say something when she stumbled, a gasp escaping her lips when my arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her against me.

My desire for her only deepened when she turned around, her beautiful eyes blazing with anger. I was sure of one thing at that moment. I wanted her. It doesn't matter how. She would be mine, and I would make her realise that.

Leah

I climbed down from my car, closing the door with one hand, and my phone pressed to my ear with the other as I listened to Sam's one-night stand escapade.

"... I woke up the next morning, and he was gone," Sam emphasised the last word. "And do you know what else was gone? My car key, purse, and my fucking dress!"

I laughed, "No fucking way,"

I walked away from my car adjusting the strap of my purse on my shoulders, my eyes drifting to the side, catching sight of a man too imposing to ignore. His dark eyes locked onto mine for a beat as he adjusted his tie and I looked away quickly, my heart skipping a beat.

"I mean, why did he take my dress too? Is he planning on wearing it?" Sam laughed. "I almost walked home naked if not for the hotel cleaning lady."

I chuckled, the man I just locked eyes with distracting me now. There was something about him. Something dark and dangerous that sent a cold shiver down my spine. It was brief but I could tell does eyes were trying to devour me. "That would've made the headlines."

"My dad would have my head rolling off my body," she giggled. "He hasn't gotten over the last scandal."

Sam is my best friend. We have known each other since we were little, and she was a wild woman. Probably too wild for a doctor. She had a thing for sexy dangerous men, just like the man earlier.

"Hey, I will come over during your break," Sam said, pulling me out of my weird thoughts. "Let's have lunch together."

"Sure, let's do that."

I stumbled all of a sudden, nearly hitting the ground when a strong arm snaked around my waist, pulling me back with ease.

"Oh my God," I gasped, my phone slipping from my fingers.

"Another moment, and you will be kissing the ground, doll." A deep rough voice whispered, his breath warm against my ear, and I shivered involuntarily from it.

My breath hitched as I stammered, "T-thank you."

He chuckled, the sound deep and low vibrating through my body as he pulled me closer, my back pressing against his solid body. I could feel the warmth from him, seeping through the thin fabric of my dress, his scent wrapping around me. A musky scent mixed with tobacco and something else, something I couldn't quite place. Something I was better off not knowing.

I tried to move away from him, realizing how intensely aware I was of him, but his grip was tight around me.

"I-I am fine now,"

He didn't let go. Instead, he leaned in his nose, brushing against the shell of my ear, an action that made me jerk in surprise. "You smell nice," he murmured, his voice smooth, like a caress, spreading goosebumps all over my skin. "Like lavender."

"Thank you, it's my, uh, shampoo." I regretted my words the moment they left my lips.

Why was I even replying to him?

He brushed my hair aside, his finger drawing a lazy circle on the sensitive skin at the back of my neck, causing every hair on my body to stand on end as he whispered, "You have a mole here. A beautiful one."

My pulse quickened. "Get your hands off me!" I demanded in a firm voice, trying to pull his hand from around me, but he wouldn't budge. "You are being rude!"

"Am I?" He chuckled, clearly amused with my discomfort.

"Let go," I yelled, and he released me.

I turned around to face him, my nose flaring and eyes promising hell, but my words caught in my throat as I lifted my head to meet his gaze. Damn, he was tall... and hot.

His black hair was tied in a man bun, with few strands framing his face. There was a scar on the left side of his face, running from his eyebrow down to his cheek. You would think a scar like that would look ugly on any man, but it only made him hotter than he had any right to be.

There was something about him that scared me, yet stirred feelings, feelings that were wrong in every aspect. He was the kind of danger you know you should avoid, but you can't help wanting to get closer.

I trembled slightly under his piercing dark gaze that held mine captive. Eyes that promised nothing but trouble. Real trouble. I felt like a fucking prey, and he was my predator, patiently waiting to devour me. He was bad news. The type of man I steered clear of. Yet, I stood frozen in place as I watched him take a step forward, closing the distance between us, my heart pounding in my chest threatening to burst free.

His fingers grazed my skin as he brushed a strand of hair aside. I knew I should run. I should step away from this man, but I couldn't move. My body had a mind of its own at that moment.

He traced a circle beside my eye, his lips curling into a wicked smile. "Found another one," he said, his eyes glinting with amusement.

I slapped his hand away, irritated, not just at him for his blatant disregard of boundaries, but at myself for letting him touch me so easily as if he had the right. "Keep your damn hands to yourself!"

He chuckled, the dark, low sound sending a tremor through me. "Sorry, doll," he apologized. An apology he didn't mean. If anything, his smile made it clear he would do it again. "I tend to get a bit handsy when I see something beautiful I want to keep."

"Something?" I glared at him.

"What's your name?"

"I don't think I need to tell you."

Not when you have been nothing but an asshole.

He leaned down, his face so fucking close that I could smell the mint in his breath and feel the warmth on my face. "Your name, doll,"

I made to take a step back and he gripped my jaw gently yet firmly, forcing me to meet his eyes again. His face was now closer, the tips of our noses brushing against each other.

"Your name."

"Leah. It's Leah," my heart raced as I whispered.

"Leah," he repeated.

The way he said it, like an intimate secret, made my knees feel weak. There were so many things wrong with this situation. The fact that I was reacting this strongly to him being on top of the list. "That's a beautiful name... Just like your eyes."

"They are beautiful." He added, his eyes falling on my lips, lingering there a beat too long. "Beautiful," he whispered, his eyes returning to mine.

"Aiden. Call me Aiden."

"I don't give a dime about your name!"

"Say it," he commanded.

"Go to..." His grip on my jaw tightened, cutting off my words, and I whimpered, "Aiden."

He sucked in a sharp breath, closing his eyes and resting his forehead against mine. "Fuck," he muttered under his breath as if his name on my lips affected him.

"Boss!"

A man called from behind him. He leaned away, his thumb now brushing roughly against my lips. "What is it?"

"We have to go. Something happened to the goods," the man informed.

He paused, his face morphing into a scowl as he turned to the man, "The fuck happened?"

"We were robbed."

He cursed under his breath, running a hand through his hair and pushing back the loose strands. He turned back to me, my breath hitching as he stared hard and long as if contemplating what to do next. What to do with me.

His lips curled into a dark smile. "I'll see you around, doll." And with that, he turned and walked away.

I stood there, my legs threatening to give out beneath me.

My legs threatened to give up beneath me as I caught my breath, watching his car drive past.

I had no idea then how much this encounter would ruin my life. How much he was planning on breaking me.

Leah

"...we dominated the market not only in this city but several other cities surpassing last year's sales over the past quarter," I concluded as the room erupted into applause, the board members nodding in approval. I stood at the head of the table, a proud smile on my face as I watched my hard work pay off.

The loudest claps came from the chairman, who winked at me, and my smile only grew bigger. I was happy he was proud of me.

The meeting ended, and people began gathering their things and leaving in groups. I made my way over to where the chairman sat, just as he was rising from his chair. "A 15% increase in revenue compared to last year this same period is wild, Leah," he said, patting my shoulder. "I am so proud of you."

"I think I am taking too much credit. Everyone contributed," I replied.

He chuckled. "You are right." He paused, then added, "Lunch is on me."

"I'd love to, Mr. Chairman, but I made plans for lunch with a friend today." I apologized.

He feigned hurt, placing his hand over his chest. "Do I now need to make an appointment to have lunch with my daughter?"

"Stop being dramatic, Dad." I giggled, stepping forward to hug him.

He returned the hug, planting a kiss on my forehead. "How is tomorrow?" I asked when I pulled back.

"I have a meeting tomorrow. There is someone I was supposed to meet today, but he didn't show up. That brat," he sighed, a more serious look crossing his face.

"Must be someone important."

"Trust me, he is trouble," he shook his head. "Let's have dinner on Friday."

"Perfect, I'll invite Mom and Ivy," I said with a grin.

He grabbed my hands gently and squeezed them, a wide smile on his lips. "Make sure... make sure she comes," he whispered. "I haven't seen her in two months, and it's killing me."

I laughed, "I will."

...ΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩ...

I pushed the café door open as I stepped inside, my eyes scanning the place for any sign of my crazy brunette friend.

"Yo, Bitch!" A loud, overly excited voice screamed and I turned to Sam who was waving at me.

"Shhh," I pressed my finger to my lips as I hurried over to the window side where she sat, the eyes of annoyed customers on us.

"I missed you," she cried standing up and pulling me into a tight hug.

"I missed you too," I replied as we pecked each other's cheeks before settling into our chairs.

"So, tell me what happened this morning!" She asked, tapping the table.

My face turned sour at the thought of the asshole I met in the morning. "Ugh, don't get me started on that asshole," I said. "Rude bastard!"

He will see me around? In his fucking dreams!

"Seeing as your face is all scrunched up just talking about him he got under your skin."

"Let's not ruin the mood, please," I rolled my eyes.

"Welcome Ladies," the waitress greeted with a smile. "Ready to order?"

"The usual," Sam waved her off. "How's Liam?"

"He's fine," I replied.

Sam raised her eyebrow. "That's not what I meant."

I bit my bottom lip, my eyes flickering to the window, then back at her. "He hasn't," I swallowed hard.

"Have you guys talked about it?"

So many times, and he gets angry each time I bring it up I am beginning to think I am the weird one.

"Is it that bad?" She asked, and I nodded.

She reached down beside her chair, picked up a brown shopping bag and dropped it onto the table, a mischievous smile on her lips.

"What is this?" I asked, eyeing the bag.

She pushed it across the table towards me, wiggling her eyebrows suggestively. "Just something I got you while I was shopping," she giggled. "Something to spice up your sex life. You are welcome."

I peeked inside the bag. "I am not sure about this, Sam."

"Just give it a try, babe," she persuaded.

"Alright," I said, reluctantly, concluding in my mind that I wasn't going to put it on!

Never!

Contrary to what I said I did put it on. In my defence, I was just checking it out.

I stood in front of the mirror, staring at my reflection in the closet. Eyeing the black lace nightdress Sam gave me. My eyes shifted to the bag on the floor, which I had pulled the dress from. There were some toys in it. Some I was seeing for the first time.

"What was I think taking it from her?" I bit my bottom lip, my cheeks burning.

We had never used toys before, and I wasn't sure this see-through dress or the toys were what I needed, especially when he didn't react seeing my naked body.

I stared at a mole on my breast, my fingers absentmindedly tracing it, a shiver running down my spine at the memory of him.

"Beautiful," he had whispered while tracing the mole behind my neck.

My hand slipped from the mole to my side quickly.

What are you doing, Leah? I shook my head, clenching my fist.

"The fuck are you wearing?" Liam's voice boomed behind me and I jerked spinning around, my heart skipping a beat.

"Shit, you scared me," I laughed nervously looking at him.

He stood at the doorway, his eyes narrowing as his eyes travelled down my body, and not in the way I had imagined they would. I wasn't expecting a reaction, but that look. The clear sign of disgust and anger broke my heart.

I tugged at the hem of the dress nervously. "I was just about to change it."

"Why did you wear it in the first place?"

"I was just testing it. Sam..." My chest tightened as I bit my lip harder, blinking back tears. "Ignore me," I mumbled, turning away from him.

I pulled the dress over my head, throwing it into the bag. I was about to grab my night dress from the chair when he grabbed my arm and spun me around to face him. His expression darkened as his grip tightened around me, and I winced. "You're hurting me, Liam."

"You haven't answered me."

"I thought you would like it," I murmured. "But clearly, you don't. " I pulled my arm from his grip, hissing as his nails scrapped against my skin mistakenly.

"You thought I'd like it?" He scoffed, stepping back, as he ran his hand through his hair. "Is that all you think about, Leah? Sex?" He spat. "You keep demanding it like you are starved of it. Pressuring me to fuck you."

My heart sank at his words. Was it what it had come to, pressuring him to fuck me? Did I give him the impression that all I cared about was sex?

I bit my inner cheek but the tears that welled in my eyes were so close to falling. "When was the last time you touched me?" I yelled, my voice breaking. "I've tried to understand you. I swear I've tried, Liam. You're always tired, or you can't get it up!"

"And you think that thing is going to change anything?" He mocked, pointing at the discarded dress.

I clenched my fists, nails digging into my palms. "No," I replied.

"I can't believe we are having this conversation," he shook his head. "It must be nice coming from a wealthy family. You don't have to think of anything else but sex."

"Liam!" The tears fell.

"Fuck," he cussed under his breath, looking away from me. "I didn't come home after a long day to deal with your shit," he murmured as he turned on his heel, and walked away.

I watched him leave, and when the door slammed shut behind him, I hugged myself, sinking to the floor, my body trembling as I sobbed.

When had things started to go wrong with my marriage?