THE BILLIONAIRE'S FORBIDDEN OBSESSION

ALEXANDER'S POV

Maybe I had waited too long to bring the whole thing up. The truth was, I wanted to keep them out of it for as long as possible, my closest friends, my greatest allies. I knew they wouldn't take it well that someone was trying to kill me.

Especially when that someone was Vincent Graves, the most notorious hitman in the business.

But I was sure now, and there was no more time to waste.

The five of us were having brunch at a little downtown cafe, the kind that you couldn't find unless you knew it was there. The waiters here were like family, and so it felt like the safest place to begin to plan things-out on the patio under a large, sun-bleached umbrella.

"There's something I need to tell you, the reason I brought you all here today," I said, my serious tone.

The conversation around the table fell silent and they all turned to look at me.

Caleb's face, as usual, was hard as a rock and difficult to read. I trusted the Russian man's judgment though, and I knew he would be the first to protect me.

"What? You mean you don't just want to spend time with us?" Elias jokes, earning him a stern look from Jonah. At thirty he was the youngest of the group, and this tended to show through his playful demeanor.

Jonah, on the other hand, was always serious. Not unreadable like Caleb, but instead like a calm and sturdy boulder that I always knew I could count on.

"Now is not the time, Elias," Luca said, pushing his glasses back up the bridge of his nose. He was the only one who I had told beforehand. I needed him to be able to gather intel so we could properly plan things out. The information we had been able to find on Vicent was scarce, but it was better than nothing.

"What is it?" Jonah asked, leaning towards me looking expectant. He probably had some idea of what was going on, he was intuitive like that.He had known me for the longest, too, and I was sure that had something to do with it.

After all, I didn't think of myself as a man that's easy to read, even if I am more emotive than Caleb.

"I just got it confirmed yesterday, so we still have time," I began, looking at each of them individually.

"But I'm definitely being targeted."

"By who?" Caleb asked, his voice gruff and deep.

"Vincent Graves."

There was a collective groan all around the table.

"Shit, that sucks," Elias said.

"Nathan, that dirty bastard."

"Let's not jump to conclusions yet," Luca said. He always liked to reason things through, and not cause unnecessary conflict.

"We don't know for sure if Nathan is the one who sent him."

"But who else would?"

"It's true that Nathan has the means and the motive to send Vincent after Alex," Jonah said. He looked deep in thought, his forehead wrinkling with lines of determination and contemplation.

Nathan Kane could be called my rival in the business. There were two large gangs that ran the streets of Los Angeles when it came to drugs. He led one of them, and I led the other.

I had known for a while that Nathan was tired of the competition, and of the ways that I kept his gang in check, but I hadn't thought he would resort to hiring a hitman this quickly.

After all, I had my Four, the friends that were with me now, and they wouldn't just let the gang go to ruins if I was shot and killed.

No, I'd reckon if I was, Nathan would have more to contend with than he had bargained for.

"The issue right now is not if it's Nathan sending Vincent after me," I said.

"The issue is that Vincent is going to try to kill me. Unfortunately for him, we know what's going on, so we have the advantage. So right now, we need to figure out what we want to do about it."

"Now, we don't have much information about him," Luca said.

"We know he started as a hitman to provide for his family. He had a wife, dead now, and still has a daughter. As far as I know, she has no idea what her father does for a living."

"Let's keep her out of it then," Jonah said. "I would hate to drag an innocent person into this, even if she is his daughter."

"Agreed," I said.

"Can we kill him?" Caleb asked.

"That would seem like the most logical solution," Jonah responded.

"Or we could get him shipped out somewhere overseas," Elias suggested.

"How in the hell would you make that happen?" Jonah asked.

Elias shrugged in response. "I don't know. That's for you to figure out."

"So we kill him." Caleb took a long drink of his coffee.

I nodded. "It seems like our only option."

"Hey!" Elias said at the same time that Luca tapped my arm, fear in his dark brown eyes.

"Luca, what is it?" I asked in a whisper.

"He's here, right now," he said, pointing to a pair of figures walking up the street towards us.It was Vincent , and his daughter, Natalya.

They were talking together and laughing. The two of them were clearly close, from the way Natalya leaned in. The trusting look in her eyes killed me. She had no idea how bad of a man her father was. It made me want to tell her the truth.

F**k.

I hadn't been counting on this. I was terribly attracted to her. She was the kind of beautiful that people wrote poems and songs about.

She had dark wavy hair that went to her collar bone, and the most enchanting green eyes I had ever seen. Her figure was short and curvy, and she was built in a way that reminded me of the muses of ancient Rome.

Truly a woman to inspire art. Or war.

"We should take care of it now, while we have the chance," Caleb said, interrupting my thoughts as the pair were seated by one of the wait staff.

They hadn't seemed to notice us, and I couldn't help but agree that now could very well be the most opportune time.

"I can make it quick, quiet, just like you like it," Caleb added, eyeing the pair as if he was already calculating the shot he would take to finish it.

"No, we can't do this now," Jonah said.

"Not with his daughter here. She's innocent."

"I'm not going to shoot her," Caleb said with a shrug as if that was the problem.

Jonah glared at him. "That's not what I'm worried about. Can you imagine how traumatizing it would be, to have her father die in front of her?"

"He will die either way." Caleb wasn't getting it, but I could see where he was coming from. Now was our chance, and we had ourselves to worry about first.

"She's getting up," Luca said. If we want to do it now, we should do it while she's away.

Jonah looked visibly torn. I knew he wanted to protect me, but it was likely he was thinking of his own trauma right now. I knew he didn't want to inflict that on anyone else either.

"You guys can do what you want, just do it soon," Elias said. "There'll be more people on this street the later it gets, and you guys know how much I hate damage control."

Thoughts were spinning around in my mind as I took one last look at Vincent Graves, sitting there alone, waiting for his daughter to come back.

"Want me to do it now?" Caleb asked, as serious as ever.

"No," I said, knowing my answer would surprise all of them.

I was a fan of getting things done quick and tidy-like, but in this situation, I knew that there was another way, a better way in fact.

"We're not doing anything yet," I said. "But don't worry, I'm not going to let Graves get the better of me. I have an idea, one that will stop him from killing me without any bloodshed."

"And how do you intend to do that?" Luca asked.

"You'll see, in time," I said, watching as Natalya took her place back at the table with her father.

NATALYA'S POV

"And then this guy has the audacity to ask if I'd 'help him out real quick.' Can you believe that?"

"No, not at all."

I sat in the front room of my workplace-The Haven Animal Shelter-listening to my best friend rant about her latest dating disaster.

I adored Mia, with her short brunette bob that was currently twisted into two spiky buns. She had a knack for filling silence when I didn't feel like talking, which was often. We were supposed to swap dating stories, but she knew I didn't have much to share.

I was perpetually single, and I liked it that way. Trusting men wasn't exactly in my wheelhouse anymore-not after my boyfriend of six years cheated on me. We'd started dating in high school, and I'd thought he was the one, right up until I walked in on him with another girl.

That was the end of that. And I hadn't exactly been eager to jump back into the dating pool since.

Still, I loved hearing Mia's stories, especially on slow days like this. It was the middle of the workweek, and we hadn't had many visitors today. Mia worked the front desk, and she always complained of boredom until I agreed to sit with her for a bit. I usually spent my mornings handling shelter tasks, then brought out some of the younger animals for socialization.

Kittens were my favorite. I'd let several of them roam around at once, gently playing with their paws so they'd get used to being handled. Sometimes I'd train puppies to walk on a leash to make them more adoptable.

Right now, my focus was on a little sheepdog mix named Luna. She was a bundle of fluff and affection, though currently, she was tripping over herself as she tried to walk in a harness. I steadied her, listening as Mia continued.

"So obviously that was a hard pass," she said, rolling her eyes. "But I was drunk, and I needed a ride home, so he offered. But guess where he takes me instead?"

"Where?" I asked, gently prying Luna's leash from her mouth.

"To his apartment. And guess who his roommate is?"

I looked up. "Who?"

Mia grinned. "That hot guy I matched with but who never texted me back. So we just kinda stare at each other awkwardly until he glares at the first guy and goes, 'I'll take you home.' And guess what happened next?"

I smirked. "You hooked up with him?"

"Damn right we did. And he was good." She winked. "We've been texting, too."

I laughed. "I'm happy for you, Mia. Just be careful."

She hummed. "You know me, always careful." Then she frowned slightly. "Hey, are you okay?"

"Huh?" I looked up, realizing I'd been spacing out.

"You seem like something's on your mind. You know you can tell me anything, right?"

I hesitated. Nothing had really happened. Just a weird feeling. But still...

"I was at brunch with my dad a couple of days ago," I admitted, feeling an odd sense of relief at saying it out loud. "And I got the sense someone was watching me."

Mia snorted. "Kinda hot, kinda creepy."

"I turned around and saw... probably the most handsome man I've ever laid eyes on," I admitted. "Older than I usually go for, but he had these intense grey-blue eyes, and his hair was this perfect silver-not old silver, more like steel. You know, the kind people try to dye their hair but never quite get right?"

Mia raised a brow. "You actually noticed a guy? That's a first."

I buried my face in Luna's fur. "Shut up."

"Did you talk to him?"

I sighed. "No."

Mia groaned. "Come on! You haven't liked anyone in ages!"

"If it's meant to be, I'll see him again."

Mia crossed her arms. "You are hopeless."

I was spared from answering by the sound of the front doorbell ringing. Mia immediately shifted into professional mode, plastering on a bright smile.

"Welcome to The Haven! What can I do for you today?"

The man who entered didn't answer right away. Instead, he slowly scanned the room, his gaze lingering on the high ceilings and exposed brick walls. Then, his eyes landed on me.

Cold, deep blue eyes.

My stomach twisted in familiarity, though I couldn't quite place why.

"Uh, sir?" Mia tried again.

The man smiled-polite, but almost amused. "Just looking."

"For adoption?"

"We'll see." His gaze slid down, tracing the leash in my hand until it landed on Luna. "Is she yours?"

I shook my head. "No, my apartment doesn't allow pets. And if I brought her home, I'd never stop at just one."

He knelt, running a hand through Luna's fur. "She's sweet. I don't know how you can resist her."

"Maybe you should adopt her," I suggested.

He smiled up at me. "I wouldn't have enough time to give her what she needs. If I adopted, I'd want to do it right."

The way he said it, like it was meant to impress me, made something in my stomach flutter. His tone was flirtatious-but not in the sleazy way I was used to.

"Maybe a cat, then?" I mused. "They need less attention. If you get a bonded pair, they keep each other entertained."

"A bonded pair?"

"Yes. Like best friends." I glanced at Mia and grinned. "Or sometimes lovers."

The man's gaze darkened, something unreadable in his expression. "How lucky they must be."

I swallowed, suddenly feeling warm.

"Only if they're a good lover," I countered, deciding to match his teasing tone. "Most cats are known for being lazy."

He smirked. "Or they just know where to spend their energy." His gaze flickered down my body and back up again. "In that way, they're very smart creatures."

I smiled. "Whatever helps you sleep at night."

"Oh, plenty of things help me sleep," he murmured. Then, as if shifting gears, he pulled out a checkbook and turned to Mia. "I'd like to make a donation. Who do I write it out to?"

Mia, stunned, blinked at him.

I answered for her. "The Haven Animal Shelter."

He jotted it down, then handed her the check. "Hope to see you again soon."

With one last glance at me, he walked out.

Mia, still gaping, finally came to her senses. "Did you just let that man walk out without getting his number?"

"I never promised you anything."

She scoffed. "Girl, he was into you. And did you see that suit? The man practically oozes money."

"If he really cares, he knows where to find me."

Mia shook her head in disbelief. "Unbelievable."

I exhaled. "I'm taking my break."

Before she could protest, I put Luna back in her kennel and stepped outside.

Spring air greeted me, crisp and refreshing. I leaned against the brick wall, inhaling deeply.

And then I felt it again.

That prickling sensation at the back of my neck.

Before I could react, a strong arm wrapped around my waist. A cloth pressed over my nose and mouth, the chemical scent overpowering.

I struggled.

But my world quickly faded to black.

ALEXANDER'S POV

It was so hard to hold off when she was right there. I insisted that Caleb drive while Elias and I sat in the back seat.

I had more chloroform at the ready in case she woke up, but the truth was I just wanted to be near her.

She looked so innocent in that unconscious state. Her mouth was slightly open, and I couldn't help but fixate on her soft, plump lips. I knew that they would feel so good against my own, and I could only imagine what she would taste like.

I clenched my hands into fists as I forced myself to look away. I didn't want to touch her, not when she was so vulnerable. I couldn't bring myself to violate her like that, not even just to run a finger across the surface of her lips.

I might have been kidnapping her, but I wasn't a monster. I had my reasons, and this was a solution that would hopefully mean no one had to die.

"You doing okay boss?" Elias teased, looking between me and Natalya's sleeping form. "If she's too much of a temptation for you, you could always sit up front."

"Not with a player like you in the back seat," I retorted. "Who knows what you'd do."

"Nothing you wouldn't." He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively and I felt the heat of anger surge through my core.

"Shut it, before I throw you out of the car."

"Jeez, didn't know it was that sensitive." Elias raised his hands in surrender.

"Then don't talk about it," I snapped.

"Okay, no worries, I can be silent too," he said, then settled into a quiet vigilance.

I knew that I shouldn't be snapping at him like that, especially when he had so readily agreed to my plan. He had been the first to volunteer to help me too. But still, it never felt like I could trust him with women. He complained about having to do damage control for most of our missions and ended up creating an even bigger mess with the ladies.

Besides, there was something special about Natalya. Normally I wouldn't be this angry, or this drawn to someone. Sure, I had been with plenty of women before, but none of it had ever felt meaningful.

Their faces blurred together in my memory, but something about Natalya stood out.She was special, that was for sure.Who knows, perhaps it was just some latent primal instinct to create children kicking in.

We got her to the house without any more issues, and I had Jonah and Elias take her down to one of the lower rooms and ensure she was secure.

I couldn't trust myself to be around her any longer, and I knew that Jonah would make sure the job was done right.

Instead, I headed to my favorite lounge in the large mansion we all lived in together and settled into my favorite chair. It had the vibes of one of those villain chairs from a Bond movie, and I found I did my best business deals while in it. And now, I needed all the mastermind energy I could muster.

The phone rang a few times before he picked up. "Alexander Mortteni, I should have known you would call."

I could practically hear the sneer that had taken permanent residence on his face.

"Nathan Kane, a pleasure as always," I said. "How are you doing on this fine day?"

"Cut to the chase, Mortteni. What do you want?"

"If you knew I would call, shouldn't you know what I'm calling about?"

"I don't have time for your games today. I'll only say it one more time, what do you want?"

Talking with Nathan was like a dance. Or an intricate game of chess. I bantered and skirted around the subject at hand to assert power, but I had to be sure I didn't go too far lest I lost the ability to play entirely.

"I want to come to an arrangement."

"Oh yeah? You know I don't do business with your scum, Mortteni," He spat as he said my name, disgust coating every syllable.

"I think we can come to an arrangement. Call off Graves, Kane and I'll see what I can do about my men."

"Call off Graves?" He emitted a belly-deep laugh.

"And what makes you think I would ever do that?"

"So you admit."

"Of course I admit. You know I want you dead, why hide it?"

"Who knows, perhaps I may use this call against you."

"You wouldn't dare, Mortteni. You have a lot more to hide from the police than I do, and you know it."

"Perhaps I do, but the point stands, call off Graves. His daughter is currently in my possession, and you know he won't dare to make a move on me while I hold her."

"Fucking shit, you bloody asshole." He took a moment to compose himself. "Unfortunately, you don't know Graves like I do, he's a cold-blooded killer. I don't think he cares whether or not you have his daughter. What he cares about is cash, and I can certainly compensate for her measly life with that. Enjoy the rest of your short existence, Mortteni." He hung up, leaving me no chance to say anything further.

I felt extremely uneasy at his words, even though I knew he had to be bluffing, or just being an idiot. There was no way Graves would endanger the life of his daughter.

Even so, I knew I should probably do something about it. With a sigh, I rose from my seat and began to wander through the house in search of Caleb.

The Four lived with me in my mansion in Beverly Hills. The neighborhood was quiet, gated, and didn't ask questions. The neighbors knew not to be nosy, and tourists didn't come so far into this area.

I had been able to purchase a fairly large property with funds from my inheritance. My family had been in the oil business for a long time, and it was enough to sustain me. I could probably live as extravagantly as I wanted, and I wouldn't ever run into any problems.

There were other people to run the company and take care of the money. But I wouldn't be satisfied with that. I wanted to leave my footprint on the world, to make a real impact if I could.I just couldn't stand by and see the world stay in the state it was.

Poverty was rampant, and drugs were a large reason for it. The poor were often targeted by sellers, and it kept the class system in check. I wouldn't stand for it any longer.

So we used the house as a base of our operations. There were training and weapons rooms, and we had secret places to plan out how to act. On the surface I was a wealthy benefactor, supplying money to causes that would help clean up the inner city and get addicts into rehab programs.

But beneath? I was in the drug business to destroy it, from the inside out.

Eventually, I found Caleb , exactly where I expected him to be, drinking a cup of tea and overlooking the extensive gardens from one of our balconies.

On the outside, he seemed like a hard man, and he was. He had escaped from a Russian work camp when he was young, and I personally made sure that he got citizenship in the US. He could fight, and he could command the guard staff on my estate like no other.

But he also liked the simpler things in life. Cats, tea, and poetry books. Once you got to know him he was a real softie.

I hoped that at one point he would find a woman who shared his interests, and realized how wonderful he was. I wanted to see him happy in all aspects of his life.

"Good tea?" I asked, taking a seat next to him.

"Imported from Japan," he replied. "Best I've had in a while." He took another sip and continued to stare out.

"I have some bad news."

"Figured."

"I called Kane, and he doesn't want to negotiate."

"Man's a fool, of course, he wouldn't."

"But it gets worse, he seems to think that Graves will act whether or not we have his daughter."

Caleb took a moment to think, likely considering all the options he had, considering this new information. He didn't like to speak unless he knew exactly what he was going to say. It was in that way that he was a man of few words.

"I'll put more guards on rotation. More on her door too. You really should accept a bodyguard." He tried to pull this on me several times before, but I wouldn't have it. I couldn't handle someone following me around all the time. I needed my privacy, my space.

"You know what my answer is going to be Caleb . I can take care of myself."

"Not saying you can't." He sighed, then looked at me with his heavy blue eyes.

"I just want you to be safe."

"Nothing's ever safe in this business, Caleb . And at this point? I've accepted that, through and through."