It was already 4 PM when I came downstairs.
Astrid was waiting, standing alone,her friend must have left. She looked devastatingly beautiful in a white floral dress that hugged every curve like it was custom-made for her. Her hair spilled over her shoulders in soft curls, and her black heels added height and elegance. A delicate white purse hung from her hand.
God, she was alluring. I couldn't keep avoiding her any longer.
We got into the car, and I drove off alone,I'd sent Luca on an assignment. The silence between us stretched, heavy with unspoken things. After an hour on the road, we pulled up to a massive wrought-iron gate. The security guard greeted me with a nod of respect.
"Welcome, sir."
I returned the nod, and the gate opened without delay.
Ten minutes later, we arrived at an enormous estate ,grand and stately. Astrid's expression turned to one of awe and confusion.
"Get out," I ordered firmly.
She didn't hesitate.
I walked around the car, pulled her close by the waist, and whispered, "Act like we're in love. Or you won't like what happens next."
She nodded quickly, wide eyes flicking up to mine.
We entered the house hand-in-hand, like the perfect power couple. The grand double doors opened, revealing a palace of architectural splendor—vaulted ceilings, intricate moldings, marble floors polished like mirrors. Her breath caught. If I didn't grow up here, I'd be just as stunned.
"This is Grandpa's mansion in Milan," I murmured. "Where Rafael and I were raised by Madam Pat. When we were old enough, I left and took her with me. Coming here brings back memories I'd rather forget."
We stepped into the lavish sitting room where Grandpa sat, dressed in black as always, a drink in hand, eyes sharp.
Astrid greeted him politely, bowing slightly.
"Grandpa, this is Astrid, my fiancée."
He stared at her coldly at first, assessing, until a surprising smile softened his features.
"I like her," he said.
I blinked. He doesn't like anyone.
"She reminds me of your mother," he added. "Beautiful and quiet."
I chuckled, glancing at Astrid. "Quiet?" I echoed.
He nodded, amused. "There's stillness in her. She listens before speaking. That's rare."
I left them to talk and wandered the halls, haunted by the ghosts of my childhood. This place was always overstaffed, dozens of maids, security, cooks, and more.
"Why so many people?" I once asked Grandpa.
"That's my way of helping them," he replied. Ruthless as he was, Dante Lupino had his twisted version of kindness.
We left by 8 PM. Astrid was glowing. I wondered what they talked about.
"What did you two discuss?" I asked as I drove.
She glanced up at me, smiling. "It's our little secret."
The rest of the ride was quiet, a silence that settled deep and awkward between us.
An hour later, we reached the penthouse. Astrid was fast asleep. Luca offered to carry her to her room.
"I've got her," I said, scooping her into my arms.
I carried her in and gently laid her on the bed. As I turned to leave, she grabbed my hand.
"Will you lay down with me?" she asked softly, half-asleep.
I froze. Her eyes were open just enough to show vulnerability.
"Umm, nope," I replied.
The flicker of hurt in her eyes made my chest tighten, but I pushed it down. I couldn't afford softness tonight.
"Good night, Astrid," I said, turning away.
Luca was waiting outside. Together, we drove to The Den, my private clubhouse, my sanctuary of power and sin.
I went straight to my office. Luca followed. Minutes later, Shumel Croward slithered in. I hated that rat and Rafael both,for what they did to Aveline, for what they stood for.
"What do you want, Shumel?" I asked, voice thick with venom.
"I got word that some of your shipments have gone missing," he said, puffed up like he mattered. "I know who's behind it."
I smirked. "Easy, wolf boy," he added.
I stepped closer. "Watch your mouth."
He held up his hands. "I'm just here to make a deal."
"With me?" I scoffed. "Aren't you Rafael's lapdog?"
"I want to switch sides. You share vital info with me, I'll get you your narcotics—cocaine, marijuana, maybe even fentanyl. Clean and untraceable."
I laughed bitterly. Did this fool think I was stupid?
I lunged, pinning him against the wall.
"You're working with the Ramona family. You, Rafael, and that inbred circus he calls a crew. I'm letting you live only because I need you to deliver a message."
I leaned in, voice low and cold.
"Tell Ramona this: the Lupino family rules this empire, underground and out. Touch my shipments again, and you'll vanish. Your bones will feed my dogs. I don't make empty threats."
Then I added, " tell Rafael,You'd be six feet under before Grandpa if you're not careful."
I snapped one of his fingers with a clean, brutal twist.
His scream echoed through the office.
"Luca, escort him out."
As the doors shut behind the groaning coward, I called in the redhead. I never bothered to remember her name. Apart from Melissa, she was just another toy.
She walked in with purpose, eyes gleaming with desire. She kissed me, and I kissed back,hard, dominant.
"On your knees," I ordered, pulling out my cock.
She obeyed instantly, mouth working expertly. She licked, sucked, took me in deep. Her tongue swirled around the head, her throat tight and warm.
I groaned. "Good girl."
When I came, she swallowed every drop, her eyes locked on mine.
"Get on the table."
She climbed up, breasts bouncing, legs spreading. I grabbed one tit, mouth on the other, fingers already working her soaked pussy.
"Fuck, Jaxon," she moaned, writhing.
I slid two fingers inside, working her up until she begged.
I handed her a condom from the drawer.
She rolled it on, and I slammed into her.
She grabbed me, and I snarled, pinning her wrists. "Keep your damn hands to yourself."
She cried out, "Oh my God, Jaxon! Fuck me harder!"
I did. I fucked her into the table, her moans filling the room, her body tightening as she came.
"Get down and work your magic."
"Yes, Daddy," she purred, sinking to her knees again, sucking me with renewed hunger.
I groaned, gripping her head, thrusting deep.
I exploded in her mouth, and she swallowed it all.
Shaky, she stood.
I kissed her again, fingers sliding between her thighs. She gasped as I fingered her rough and fast, then pulled out and slapped her ass.
"Thank you, Daddy," she whispered, breathless.
She dressed quickly and left without a word.
Obedient. Submissive. Just how I liked them.
Outside, Luca was already in the car. I got in, silent and cold.
He drove me home.