Consumed by darkness

Aiden

Dom hit the floor after I put a bullet through his mouth.

If you ask me, it was mercy letting him off easy after he dared touch what was mine.

Then I saw Leah with a gun in her hand.

"Stay right there, Aiden," she said, voice shaking as she gripped it tighter.

I stopped.

"Leah."

She bit her bottom lip. "Did I ever tell you how much I hate the way you say my name?"

"There are many things you hate about me," I replied quietly. "That isn't one of them."

"Do you think I wouldn't shoot you? Is that why you kicked the gun to me?"

"If you wanted me dead, you would've used the knife you hid under your pillow."

Her eyes widened briefly, and then a sad smile replaced it.

I was aware of the nights she watched me sleep with a knife hovering over my throat. The nights her fingers dared curl around my neck while she cried.

I never stopped her because some part of me wanted to know if she'd do it. But my Leah never did.

She laughed bitterly, tears welling in her eyes. And it broke something in me, watching her hurting.

"I tried to forgive you," she said, voice breaking. "God, I tried. But you..." she shook her head, "...you just keep taking and taking."

"Let's talk at home."

"Home?" She chuckled. "Are you fucking with me right now? There is no 'home' between us. That place is a fucking prison!"

Even saying the word left a bitter taste. But Leah... you are my home. Everywhere you are is home to me. And even if you don't know it yet, you will.

I took a step closer.

"Stay where you are, Aiden! I swear I'll fucking shoot you!" She yelled, tears trailing down her cheeks now.

I didn't stop.

Bang.

Three months earlier...

Smoke curled from my lips as I sat in the back seat, watching two men stumble out of an abandoned building across the street, swinging at each other like amateurs.

"What time is it?"

"Half past four," the driver replied.

I exhaled slowly.

There was a meeting scheduled for nine, and ruining my suit wasn't on the agenda. If it had been any other day, I'd handle this myself.

And if they keep this up, the police will come sniffing around again, and I'm sick of having to find something to keep them quiet every damn time.

The driver sensing my irritation offered, "want me to handle it, boss?"

But I was already opening the door.

I stepped out with my gun in hand and kicked one bastard off the other. Two shots to his chest and he dropped without a fight.

The second man scrambled back. "Boss! I am one of your boys!"

I narrowed my eyes, my gun still pointed at him. He lifted his shirt, revealing the Kingston insignia tattooed on his skin.

Eyeing his stab wounds, I asked, "Do I need to keep you alive if you're going to bleed out?"

"This won't kill me, boss," he breathed with a weak smile.

Yeah, right.

I took a long drag from my cigar, then offered it to him. He looked confused but took it anyway.

"Rest in peace."

The clang of metal on metal and grunts grew louder as I entered the building. Turning a corner, my eyes fell on a chaotic mess of men swinging steel pipes, wooden planks, and hammers with the intent to kill at each other.

I fired once, silence following before everyone's attention turned towards me.

"Time to wrap this up."

"Shit. Isn't that Aiden Kingston?" Someone said.

Murmurs started spreading among the men from the rival family as they stepped back, eyes wide.

"Don't worry, as long as you all behave, you will die painlessly," I assured. "Now, who's the leader of this shit crew?"

They all stayed quiet, stealing glances at each other.

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

A huge bald man with an eyepatch and face twisted in anger stepped out from among the crowd.

"Remember me?" He gritted.

I raised an eyebrow. "I don't usually remember every insignificant person I've met."

He clenched his jaw and jabbed at his eyepatch. "You took my eye three years ago! How dare you forget me!" He yelled spit flying from his mouth as he marched towards me.

I chuckled. "You were lucky I left you breathing."

"I'll gouge your eyes out!"

I shot both his legs, and he crumpled to the ground, screaming. Then I stepped forward and pressed the barrel to his forehead.

He glared up at me. "You bastard," he croaked. "The Kingston family will fall soon. The other families-"

I pulled the trigger cutting off whatever bullshit he was about to spew.

"Round 'em up," I ordered.

Without a leader, they folded quickly. They always did. It's amazing how quickly a gun made things easier.

I stepped outside into the early morning air away from the tainted smell of gunpowder and blood.

I placed a cigar between my lips, my fingers searching my pocket for my lighter.

"Here." Storm handed me a lighter.

"You look like shit," I told him, noticing the deep cut on his arm.

"I'll live."

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

"It seems the other families are planning," he said.

Not the first time. And like always they'd fail.

I exhaled smoke and smirked. "Good. I am looking forward to it."

The city had been too quiet for a long time.

8:55 a.m.

When we pulled into the parking lot of Carter Holdings, I stepped out, adjusting my cufflinks.

That's when I see her. Blonde hair caught in the wind and phone pressed to her ear as she laughed at whatever was said on the other end.

It was a soft, careless sound, completely out of olace in my world. But it wasn't just her laugh that brought the strange sensation I felt.

It was her eyes. Those damn emerald green eyes that locked with mine, stealing the air from my lungs. They were sharp, daring. Eyes that could glare while fighting back tears.

My heart skipped.

It fucking skipped.

I knew she felt it too, that shift in the air because I caught the discomfort that flickered across her face before she turned away quickly.

For a moment, I forget the blood on my hands and the violence I had stepped away from hours ago. Curiosity took over reasoning, and my legs started to move.

She wasn't dressed seductively, but she had seduced me. Every detail pulled me in; the sway of he hips, the length of her silk hair, the subtle scent of her perfume mingling in the city air.

She continued talking into her phone, unaware of the creep following behind her, until she stumbled over a crack in the pavement.

My hand caught her before she hit the ground.

"Oh my God," she gasped, her phone slipping from her hand as I pulled her back into my chest.

"Another moment," I murmured against her ear, my voice low, and rough vibrating through her, "and you will be kissing the ground, doll."

The scent of her, the soft press of her warmth against me, the tremble that ran through her when she realised how close we were, it made my heart pound with excitement.

I knew with absolute certainty. I wanted her. And it didn't matter how.

Leah

I climbed out of my car, closing the door with one hand while pressing my phone to my ear with the other, listening to Sam rant about her one-night stand.

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

I laughed, "No fucking way."

Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a man too imposing to ignore. His dark eyes caught mine for a heartbeat before I tore my gaze away, my heart racing.

What the hell was that?

Sam went on, oblivious. "I mean, why take my dress too? Is he planning on wearing it?"

I chuckled, distracted now.

There was something dark and dangerous about the man that sent a cold shiver down my spine. It was brief but I could tell those eyes were trying to devour me.

"So... did you walk home naked?"

"Fuck no. My dad would have me killed," she giggled. "He still hasn't forgiven me for the last scandal."

Sam was my best friend. We've known each other since diapers. She was wild, reckless, a complete opposite of me.

"Hey, I'll come over during your break," she said. "I got something for you."

I could imagine the mischievous glint in her eyes as she said that. I swear if it's another sex toy, I'll end our friendship.

I didn't notice the uneven patch of pavement until I stumbled, nearly hitting the ground when a strong arm wrapped around my waist, steadying me before I could fall.

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

My brain scrambled when a low rough voice murmured against my ear, the only words I caught were kissing and Doll.

My breath caught in my throat as I stammered, "th-thank you."

He chuckled darkly, the sound vibrating through me. Heat seeped through the thin fabric of my dress and his musky scent wrapped around me mixed with tobacco and something darker I couldn't quite place. Something I was better off, not knowing.

I tried to wriggle free, realizing how intensely aware I was of him.

"I-I'm fine now."

He didn't let go. Instead, his nose brushed against the shell of my ear, making me jerk. "You smell nice," he murmured, his voice a caress that prickled goosebumps down my skin. "Like lavender."

"Thank you, it's uh, my shampoo," I replied stupidly.

Why do you sound like that, Leah?!

"Get your hands off me!" I demanded in a firm voice when I tried to break free again and he didn't let me. "You are being rude."

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

"Let go," I yelled.

This time, he released me.

I turned around to face him, my nose flaring and eyes promising hell, only to have my breath catch again.

Damn. He was tall... and hot.

His black hair was pulled into a loose man bun, strands framing a face carved sharp. A scar cut from his brow down across 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.

I trembled slightly under his piercing dark eyes. Eyes that promised nothing but trouble.

He stepped closer and my heart hammered like it wanted to break free.

My brain screamed at me to run, but I couldn't bring my legs to move.

He reached for my face. "You have a mole here," he said, tracing the corner of my eyes. "It's beautiful."

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. "Keep your damn hands to yourself."

He smirked. "Sorry, doll," he said, unapologetic. "I get a little handsy when I see something beautiful I want to keep."

"Something?" I glared.

He ignored me.

"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 so close I could taste the mint on his breath. "Your name, doll."

I tried to step back, but his hand caught my jaw, tilting my face to his until our noses brushed.

His voice dropped to a command. "Your name."

"Leah," I whispered, my heart racing.

"Leah," he repeated, the way he said it intimately making my knees 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." His eyes fell on my lips, lingering there a beat too long. "Beautiful," he whispered, his eyes returning to mine.

"Aiden," he said suddenly.

"I don't give a damn about your name."

"Say it."

"Go to..." His grip tightened, cutting me off. I whimpered, "Aiden."

He sucked in a sharp breath, closing his eyes. "Fuck," he muttered, as if my voice saying his name undid him.

"Boss!" A man called from behind.

He released me just enough to turn, jaw right. "What is it?"

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

He scowled. "The fuck happened?"

The man didn't reply and he cursed under his breath.

His dark eyes returned to me, staring hard as if contemplating what to do next with me. Then his lips curled into a dark smile.

"I'll see you around, doll."

And just like that, he walked away.

My legs nearly gave out as I struggled to breathe.

I had no idea then how much that bastard was planning on breaking me.

And the worst part... I'd let him.

***********************************

"...we dominated the market not only in this city but several others, surpassing last year's sales over the past quarter," I concluded.

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.

The loudest claps came from the chairman who winked at me, and my smile grew wider.

When the meeting ended and people began leaving in groups, I crossed over to him just as he was rising from his chair.

"A fifty percent increase in revenue compared to last year this same period is wild, Leah," he said, patting my shoulder. "I am 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."

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

Leah

"Stop being dramatic, Dad." I giggled, huggging him.

He kissed my forehead before I pulled back. "How is tomorrow?" I asked.

"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 then."

"Perfect, I'll invite Mom, Ivy, and Liam."

It has been a long time since we had a family meal together.

He squezzed my hands. "Make sure your mother comes. I haven't seen her in two months, and it's killing me."

I laughed, "I will."

**********************************

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

"Yo, bitch!" A loud, overly excited voice yelled.

I cringed as Sam waved wildly from the window.

For fuck's sake, Sam!

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

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

It's only been two weeks, but whatever.

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

"I want the tea on what happened this morning!" She pressed, hitting the table lightly.

My face turned sour at the thought of him. "Ugh. Don't get me started on that asshole," I said.

He will see me around? In his fucking dreams.

"Sounds like someone made an impression," she teased.

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

She leaned in, eyes sparkling. "Okay, but you can't deny his voice was hot. I bet he's as gorgeous as he sounds. God, when I heard him over the phone, I swear I almost..." She purred, clamping her knees together and fanning herself.

"Ew, Sam. You need help."

"I need a dick. A big one."

I scrunched my nose, and she burst out laughing.

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

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

"He's fine," I replied.

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

I bit my bottom lip, my eyes flicking to the window, then back to her. "He hasn't." My voice was low.

"Have you talked about it?"

So many times.

He gets angry each time I bring it up that I was starting to think I was the weird one.

"Is it that bad?" She asked.

I nodded.

She reached down beside her chair, grabbed a brown shopping bag, and dropped it on the table.

"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, my cheeks burning. A black lace nightdress.

"I am not sure about this, Sam."

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

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

Never.

Contrary to what I swore, 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 clinging to my body. 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. I can't believe she was serious about getting these for me.

"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.

My gaze caught a mole on my breast. My fingers absentmindedly traced it, and a shiver ran down my spine at the memory of a different touch.

"Beautiful," he had whispered.

My hand dropped 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.

I spun to face him, my heart skipping a beat.

"Shit, you scared me." I forced a nervous laugh.

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. I..." My chest tightened. I bit my lip harder, blinking back tears. "Ignore me."

I pulled the dress over my head, throwing it into the bag, and reaching for my night dress. He grabbed my arm and spun me around to face him. His expression darkened as his grip tightened around me. I winced, "You're hurting me."

"You haven't answered me."

"I thought you would like it," I snapped. "But clearly, you don't. " I yanked my arm free, hissing when his nails scrapped my skin mistakenly.

"You thought I'd like it?" He scoffed. "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. "You look like a fucking whore in that."

"Liam!" The tears fell.

"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."

"I didn't come home after a long day to deal with your shit," he murmured as he turned from me.

I watched him leave, and when the door slammed shut behind him, I hugged myself, sinking to the floor. My body trembled with sobs.

When had everything gone so wrong?

When I woke up the next morning, liam had already left for work. He didn't even sleep in our room last night. Typical Liam, avoiding me after a fight like that, would solve anything.

We needed to talk, and I would make sure we didn't sweep this under the rug like we do whenever we fought.

***************************************

I stepped into the elevator and pressed the button for the fourth floor. The doors were almost closing when they slid open again. Then, someone stepped in.

The first thing that caught my eye was his black coat. My gaze trailed slowly upward, over his broad shoulders, sharp jaw shadowed by a well-groomed beard, and thin red lips.

A jolt of electricity shot through me when our eyes finally met. I took a step back, my heart thudding in my chest.

It was him.

The stranger with a scar from yesterday who knew nothing about boundaries.

The doors shut, sealing me inside with him.