The Mafia's Wanted Desires.

~ASHLEY~

Coffee.

That was the only thing keeping me sane right now. If it weren't for this black coffee, I wouldn't survive the series of mental breakdowns that were breathing down on my neck. I stuck my pen into my hair that was tied in its signature ponytail, my eyes skimming through the mail I had been trying to correct since I got to work this morning.

I yawned, struggling to keep my eyes open. My eyes left the computer in front of me, darting over to the sealed cup of coffee beside the stack of books on my table. I picked it up and opened it, chugging a generous amount down my throat. The black liquid rolled down my throat and I shuddered at its bitter taste.

I shook my head and groaned, dropping my head into my palms.

I was exhausted.

I barely had the chance to shut my eyes all night. I was so busy filing the paperwork that Genevieve ordered me to work on yesterday. I couldn't finish it at work. I had to take it home and doing that occupied most of my time.

I couldn't even remember the last time I had a proper meal. My work was so demanding. It took nearly all my time, leaving me to have none for myself. It was all work, work, work for me. Sure, the pay was okay, but I didn't want something that left me drained each passing day. I honestly wouldn't mind a job with a small payment that allowed me to have quality time for myself.

But then, who was I kidding? I had bills to pay! A girl can only dream, right?

A soft exhale exited my lips as I did a final double-check on the mail before clicking on my mouse to send it in.

Thank God!

I sunk into my swivel chair, heavily, squeezing my eyes shut. I barely had the chance to breathe twice when the shrill familiar sound that belonged to the desk phone invaded my thoughts abruptly, causing me to jolt upwards.

I let out a low hiss and grabbed the phone, placing it on my ears.

"ASHLEY!" She screeched and I winced internally, my face scrunching in a frown. I removed the phone from my ear, taking a deep breath to calm myself down.

"Yes, Gen., I responded, keeping my voice as subtle as it could get. Genevieve was one to interpret your sentences into something else. She'd twist the whole thing and spin the table around in a blink of an eye.

"My office. Now." She said sternly and hung up on me. I got off my seat and smoothened the crease on my short skirt. My feet wobbled as I struggled to keep myself in place, a wave of dizziness washing over me.

I sauntered out of my office and took the elevator that led to the last floor upstairs, muttering profanities under my breath. I knocked gently on the large mahogany door that led into her office. The action elicited a gruff 'come in' from her.

I exhaled and stepped into the cold office.

It was almost freezing here. When I started this job, I was puzzled as to why someone would want to stay inside an office that was this cold. But then, as time went on, I began to realize that everything in this office aligned with her austere personality.

Genevieve, often referred to as Gen, by her workers, had the largest office in this company. The massive space was coated in light grey paint, coupled with the see-through glass at the rear end of the room on my left. The glass aided the beauty of the office, holding an impressive view of the whole building.

There was a large shelf at the right side of the room that housed various important files and a black couch and bean bags with a round glass table in the middle of it, forming a circular shape.

Her black mahogany desk had files stacked up against each other, alongside her computer and other necessities. There were two empty chairs, tucked in properly, opposite the table.

The bright chandelier hanging in the middle of the room, gave life to the dullness of the room, emitting a much brighter allure.

"What the hell is this?!" She queried, her voice rising an octave higher with every word she uttered. I swallowed, keeping my eyes trained on her tall frame that sat gracefully on her black swivel chair. Her obsidian black eyes beheld mine in intense eye contact, her signature bold red lips curled in a sneer.

Genevieve was the acting CEO of Allure, the clothing brand where I worked as a secretary. She wasn't exactly the CEO. I have never met the owner of the company, for the past two years that I had been working here. Rumour has it that she was based in Australia.

I moved forward, picking up the files she had dropped on her table earlier. My eyes skimmed through it and my confused ones met her glaring ones.

"I...I don't understand, Gen," I told her quietly, resorting to choosing my next words carefully.

"You don't understand? Were you hard of hearing when I told you to sort these files out according to their dates?!" She bellowed, slamming her palms harshly on her table, causing me to flinch backwards. The action sent the paper flying out of my hands.

"You told me to sort it out according to how important they were!" I cried out and my eyes widened in shock when the realization of what I just said dawned on me.

"How dare you?" Her voice was low, her words coming out through gritted teeth. Her dark eyes shot lava and laser beams at me from where she sat. She narrowed her eyes at me, peeking at me through her faux lashes.

I swallowed the spit that was starting to build up in my mouth.

"How dare you, a commoner, yell at me in my own office?" She scoffed. I opened my mouth to speak but she shut me up with a glare.

"

Have you forgotten who the boss is?" She queried, arching her brow at me. I shook my head sideways.

"I'm sorry, Gen." I apologized, looking down at my nude stiletto heels.

"Start over," She said curtly. I heard the rigorous tapping of her manicured fingers on the screen of her phone, signaling the end of this conversation.

"What?!" I cried out in shock, snapping my head in her direction. She stopped typing, her fingers hung in the air and she turned to me, cocking her brow.

"You heard me, Miss Miller. Start over. I want it on my desk in the next two hours." She said in a tone of finality.

My mouth hung open in shock, unable to process what I had just heard. A night's work in two hours? How was I supposed to do that?

"Get out of my office." She spat out venomously. I squatted to the floor and felt a teardrop on my arm. I gathered the papers as fast as I could and turned on my heels, heading out of the office.

"Two hours. Tick Tock." That was the last thing she said to me before I shut the door.

I hate this job.

✰✰✰✰✰✰

I glanced through the rearranged paperwork on my desk and sighed. I couldn't even comprehend how I had finished it on time, all I knew was that I could barely keep my eyes open by the time I was done.

Genevieve left for a meeting two hours ago. And yes, she expected the files to be on her desk by the time she gets back. I was done working on it, but I had no strength in me to get up from my chair, to go and drop it in her office.

"Ugh, I wish I had superpowers," I whined. My phone rang out sharply, the shrill ringtone resonating through my office. I grabbed my bag and unzipped it, easing out my phone.

Ivana was face-timing me.

I rolled my eyes before picking up.

"Hey," I muttered grouchy.

The pale-skinned twenty-four-year-old came into view. Her blonde hair was tied atop her head in a messy bun. She looked like she just had a bath. Her skin was spotless and glowing. Ivana was never one to joke with her skincare routine.

I'm pretty sure I looked like a bag of potatoes right now.

"Hey, girl! You look like shit." She responded, her scrutinizing gaze roaming every inch of my face.

"Yeah, tell that to Gen," I muttered sarcastically, earning a chuckle and a pout from her.

"Aww, I'm so sorry, girl. Have you had any meal?" She asked, peering at me with a motherly look with concern etched all over her face.

"I haven't moved my butt from this chair for the past three hours. I have been so busy sorting out this paperwork." I rolled my eyes at the end of my statement.

A worried look married her features.

"You didn't go to work today?" I questioned and she nodded, waving her hand dismissively in the air.

"Yeah, I'm on a break." She mumbled.

"Ugh, lucky you!" I whined, pouting my lips.

"Dawnie will be back from her trip tomorrow. I decided to inform you ahead of our girls' day out." She announced, grinning from ear to ear. My ears perked up at her revelation, a warm smile creeping onto my face.

"I miss her so much!" I was elated. I hadn't seen Dawn in months. She was on a work trip.

"Me too!"

"You should get some rest, baby girl." She said, smiling softly at me. I nodded my head at her.

"I have to go, Ivie. We'll talk later. I love you." I said softly.

"Love you too," She hung up and I sighed.

I arranged the papers and stood up from my seat, heading to Gen's office. I was lucky there was nothing left to do for the rest of the day. It's almost nightfall. I was going home to get some rest.

✰✰✰✰✰✰

The quietness of this area has always scared me. But then, the serenity and total concentration I got to have whenever I wanted to work, was worth it. There weren't many houses in this neighborhood. I could even count them, with how few they were.

I pulled over in the driveway and picked up my bag and the grocery bags in the backseat, stepping out of the car and slamming the door shut. I inputted the password and the automatic door that led into the penthouse opened, paving the way for me to step in.

I kicked my heels off my feet and moaned in relief, setting the grocery bags on the kitchen counter. I freed my hair from its ponytail and took out a bottle of water from the fridge.

Shutting it close, I felt firm hands come around my waist, eliciting a warm smile from me. He chuckled against the skin of my neck, leaving goosebumps to sprout all over my skin. His cold lips dropped on the hollow of my neck. I tilted my head to the side, giving him more access to my neck.

He assaulted my neck with his sinful feathery kisses.

"You are late." He stopped kissing me, twirling me around by the waist. My eyes settled on his melted chocolate orbs that gave away the littlest emotions. His copper-brown hair looked wet like he just stepped out of the bathroom. The smell of his body wash and aftershave invaded my nostrils, driving me to the edge.

The black vest he wore clung to his frame, hugging his mouth-watering muscles firmly.

We have been together for almost two years now and frankly, I didn't see myself getting married to someone else. He was an endgame for me. He loves me so much, as I did him. Irrevocably.

"Yeah, work was stressful. I had to stay back and help with some paperwork." I answered softly, running my arms across his back in a soothing manner.

"We have talked about this, Ash. I don't want you staying out late at work." He said gruffly and I sighed.

"I still don't see any reason for you to be working. I can take care of us. Just stay at home and let me work for us. Let me provide for us." His voice was low, breathy even.

This conversation.

Again.

"Adam, as much as I don't like my Job. I don't want to resign yet. Until I get another paying job, at least." I said in a bid to convince him. His face scrunched in a deep frown, a look akin to disgust clouded his features.

"Another Job where you have to work your ass off like a slave every day?"

"Can you hear how dumb you sound right now?" He asked me. He wasn't raising his voice yet, his words stung badly. I felt my eyes water at his stinging words. I sighed and got out of his grip.

I was going to walk away. I didn't have the energy to deal with this right now.

"Ashley, do not walk out on me!" He growled and I flinched at the harshness of his tone. I stood, frozen in my spot, staring at him.

I was only a few feet away from him.

"Get back here," He beckoned, audaciously, waving me over with his index finger. I blinked and walked over to meet him. He grabbed me a little roughly by the waist, hoisting me onto the kitchen counter.

He pressed a kiss to my forehead and his fingers grazed my neck, down to my cleavage. I squirmed at his touch. Then, he leaned in, whispering into my ear, while keeping me in place with his arms around my waist.

I swallowed.

"Have I ever told you how gorgeous you look in red?" He whispered into my ear and I felt the air on my nape erecting, strand by strand. I bit my lip softly. His lips met my neck again, eliciting a moan from me.

My knees buckled and my toes curled.

"It makes me want to bend you over this counter and fuck you so hard till you can't walk properly." His voice was hoarse as he squeezed my waist roughly. I felt a searing heat pool between my legs.

"Babe," I called slowly and he chuckled.

"I just want to touch you, Ash." He responded. I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. For some weird reason I couldn't decipher, I have been holding back from having sex with Adam. I wasn't just ready. Yet.

His lips didn't leave my ear. He wouldn't stop whispering dirty words into my ears, placing feathery kisses across my neck.

"Spread your legs," He instructed. I chewed on my lips, obeying his instructions. His fingers grazed my thigh and I shivered in anticipation of what he was about to do to me. He grabbed the fleshy part of my thigh and I moaned.

I was dripping wet.

"Good girl. You aren't wearing panties." He chuckled and before I could bring myself to respond, he slid a finger into my warm opening and I threw my head backwards in pleasure.

"Adam!" I cried out.

I could feel my eyes roll back in their sockets, my knees wobbled and my eyes brimmed with tears, unable to contain the pleasure that threatened to overwhelm me.

"Have you been thinking about me all day? You dirty, dirty girl, look how wet you are." He breathed into my ears. He captured my lips, suppressing my moans.

He added one more finger into my opening, occasionally grazing my clitoris as his fingers pumped in and out of me.

I kissed him back, matching his pace and writhing in pleasure. His large arm that was wrapped around my waist to keep me in place, left my waist and his fingers worked their way to the button of my blazers, popping a few buttons open.

I whimpered.

He shrugged the blazer off my body, pulling the strap of my bra downwards. My nipples strained against the soft material of my brassiere, aching to be touched.

His hands brushed my nipples and I moaned. He tugged at one of my aching buds, leaving an overwhelming wave of pure ecstasy to watch over me.

"Fuck! Adam!" I moaned, my eyes were wet with tears that streamed down my face.

I squirmed in his arms, rocking my hips to get more of what he was offering. His fingers tormented my clitoris endlessly and I could feel myself getting closer with each searing touch.

"Adam," I moaned.

"Cum for me, my darling." He instructed, twirling my aching bud between his fingers.

My body grew tense and my breathing took a faster pace, my knees wobbled and my hips buckled. I convulsed with pleasure in his arms, throwing my head backwards as I felt my orgasm build up. My arms tightened around his strong back.

"Fuck!" I screamed.

My tummy knotted and clenched and I screamed out in pleasure, releasing all over his fingers.

"That was amazing," He told me, pressing a long kiss to my forehead. I chuckled in his arms, burying my face into his chest.

I loved this man. To bits.

He wasn't perfect, but he was the only person I wanted to be with.

ASHLEY

A sharp pain tore through the bones that surrounded my brain, resonating through it with a pounding headache that threatened to split my head into it. I groaned softly and my eyes fluttered open. I had to squint my eyes, due to the sensitivity of the ray of light that shot through the windows, settling directly into my eyes.

A loud grumble exited my lips, the minute I remembered that I had to go to work. Again. I rolled to my side, my eyes dropping to the masterpiece snoring away softly on my chest. His reddish-brown hair looked so messy, his mouth was a little ajar as he breathed softly. He looked so peaceful.

I giggled at the sight of him. I could look at him all day. But then, that meant not getting up from this bed. I shifted in his embrace, gently prying myself out of his strong grip, so I wouldn't wake him up. I rose to my feet, clutching the satin sheets to my naked body. My eyes landed on my black nightie, lying a few feet away from me.

My cheeks turned crimson in embarrassment. Adam found it so difficult to keep his hands off me whenever I was around and last night wasn't an exemption.

More like he's obsessed with your body. That tiny voice in my head taunted me and I shut it out. I glanced at the wall clock and sighed. I had roughly an hour to get to work. I sauntered into the bathroom and took a quick shower.

Adam was already awake by the time I got back into the room. His fingers moved swiftly on the buttons of the laptop that was on his lap, with his reading glasses perched on the bridge of his nose. His eyes darted over to my towel-clad figure, his gaze lingering on my exposed thighs.

I watched as a naughty smirk crawled up to his lips, leaving me a blushing mess.

"Hey, beautiful." He drawled, his voice gravelly and husky, housing a searing, sexy undertone to it.

"Good morning!" I chirped. I walked towards him, crouching to his level, and dropped a chaste kiss on his lips. His hands dropped to the small of my back, crawling downwards and into my towel, grabbing a fistful of my ass.

"

You smell so good," He told me and I giggled, threading my fingers through his hair.

"I used your body wash. Just the way you like it." I whispered, biting my lip. Adam has always been one to love it whenever I got all bold with him. He didn't like me being weak. He hummed softly and kissed my forehead.

I left him to concentrate on his work and went into the closet to pick out a dress for work. I applied my body lotion and slipped my undies on, then wore my dress.

"Ashley," Adam called me, his voice was dangerously low. I furrowed my brows and turned to him. He took off his glasses and dropped them on his laptop. His head jerked in my direction, a look of disdain marrying his face.

"Yes?" I arched my brow at him.

"You are wearing that?" He ran his eyes over my frame, gesturing to my black dress unable to contain the disgust he felt. I was even more puzzled, I didn't understand what he was saying. The dress was perfectly fine and it was comfortable.

"Babe, what's wrong with it?" I asked him.

"You look fat. It's disgusting, Ashley. Geez, are you going to wear that to work? What do you expect your colleagues to say about you?" He scrunched his face in a frown, peering at me like I disgusted him.

My mouth hung open in shock, I tilted my head backwards like I couldn't believe what he just said to my face. I didn't understand how he could say something insensitive about my weight! He knew how sensitive I was about how I looked.

"Adam!" I called out to him in shock. My eyes soon got itchy, burning with tears that threatened to spill from my eyes. I blinked and scoffed.

"Go and change into something that doesn't make you look like a bag of potatoes, Ash." He deadpanned, sounding so indifferent. The tears I was struggling to hold back eventually spilled. Adam didn't look moved in the least. He glanced wryly at me and arched his brow. He was expecting me to do as he just said.

"Adam, I'm running late." My voice was quivering so badly.

"Ashley," He called my name through gritted teeth.

"Go and change the dress, Goddamit! For once in your life, do as you are told!" He yelled at me and I reeled backwards at the sharpness of his tone, blinking softly and struggling to control the tears that streamed down my cheeks.

"Okay," I whispered.

I knew he didn't mean to yell at me. He didn't mean to say those hurtful words to me, but it didn't make it hurt any less. I couldn't ignore the pang of pain that hung in my chest, leaving a lump in my throat. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.

"And, please, do not use that red lipstick. It makes you look like a whore." He called out to me and I wheezed lightly, my feet turned wobbly, and my eyes burned with tears, rendering my vision overly blurry.

His words felt like a searing knife that was plunged into my chest, shattering me into pieces.

He didn't mean it, Ashley.

He didn't mean it.

He didn't mean it.

I chanted over and over like a mantra as I changed into a chiffon blouse and a black pencil skirt, then I slid my feet into my cream six-inch heels, grabbing my handbag from the compartment that housed my bags.

I puffed out some air through my mouth and wiped my tears. I plastered a smile on my face. Like the good girlfriend, I was and sauntered out of the closet.

"How about this?" I asked him, twirling for him. I heard him sigh under his breath.

"Not as bad as the one you wore earlier," He shrugged casually and gave a slight nod in approval.

I swallowed.

"You have added so much weight, babe. It doesn't suit you. You should hit the gym soon. That means we wouldn't be going out to have dinner with my friends anymore." He said with a sullen look and I squeezed my eyes shut.

"I..." I paused, comforted myself, and kept my frustration in check. He didn't like me raising my voice at him. I dropped my bag on the nearest couch and took a seat beside him on the bed, grabbing his hands and squeezing them gently with a light smile playing on my lips.

"I didn't mean to make you mad, babe. I'm so sorry. I promise I will go to the Gym." I assured him.

"For you, babe," I said quietly.

"And, we can still go to dinner with your friends. A new round of shopping would fix this. I could get some girdles if you want. It's been long since I saw your friends." My lips stretched in a faux smile, against my will.

And I watched as his face lit up when he heard that I was going to get a girdle. I blinked back the tears that threatened to drop.

"That's my girl," He told me and pressed a kiss on my forehead. A shaky breath escaped me and my eyes shut close on their own accord.

For how long will you keep compromising for someone who isn't worth it? My subconscious asked.

For as long as it takes.

He loves me and that was all that mattered.

"Here, have my card and get anything you want." He handed me his card and I pressed my lips against his, he opened up to me, pulling me closer by the waist and deepening the kiss.

A soft moan exited my lips.

"I love you," I said to him once he pulled away.

"I love you too, Ashley." He whispered with a smile playing on his lips.

"I should get going now." I ruffled his hair and he chuckled. I rose to my feet and strutted over to the couch, picking up my bag.

"Don't be late," He said sternly, his tone firm and hard. I gulped and nodded.

"I'll be home early," I gave him a reassuring smile and walked out of the room. The moment I was out of the room, I released a breath I had no idea I was holding.

What more could I possibly want?

✰✰✰✰✰✰✰

I shut down my computer, grinning from ear to ear as I arranged my messy table. I was excited. I hadn't seen my girls in a very long time and we were meeting up at Gray's lounge for drinks. It was a good thing that Genevieve wasn't on my case today, else, I wouldn't have survived her brutal treatments and remarks for one more second.

Although, it did seem like she was in a good mood today because the reaction I expected wasn't the one I got when I informed her that I wasn't going to be having lunch in the Company's cafeteria. To my utmost surprise, she didn't seem to mind. She only waved me off and told me to do whatever it is I wanted.

Yay me!

I got up from my seat and grabbed my handbag, stepping out of my office and bolting the door behind me.

Gray's Lounge was just roughly fifteen minutes drive from where I worked and I got there in no time. I found a suitable spot in the lot and pulled over, then I turned to my rearview mirror and assessed myself.

Aside from the fact that my brown hair looked a little dry, there wasn't anything else wrong with my appearance. I unzipped my bag and took out my cosmetic bag, in the hopes of fixing myself up a bit. I didn't want to appear gloomy to my friends.

Ivana had the most scrutinizing gaze. She was always one glance away from figuring out whatever it is that was going on with us, even though the pale honey-brown orbs that stared back at me through the mirror seemed to disagree with me.

I fixed myself up by applying a little foundation on my face, some powder and mascara, alongside my eyeliner to make my eyes appear brighter. My eyes settled on my red lipstick and I stiffened in my seat.

"Do not use that red lipstick. It makes you look like a whore."

His loud voice echoed in my head, producing a throbbing ache that jammed against my temples, now and then. I breathed out softly and hurriedly shoved it into the glove compartment of my car.

Adam would never lie to me. I shouldn't use red lipstick. It'd make me look like a whore. I dabbed a little clear gloss onto my lips and plastered my signature fake smile on my face before stepping out of my car.

Ivana would figure it out. She always does. That tiny voice gnawed at me again and I did what I have always done. I ignored it.

Using the word beautiful for Gray's lounge was an understatement. Hell, enthralling doesn't even cut it. I have been here with the girls countless times, but I still found myself unable to get enough of how breathtaking it was. I don't think I ever will. Dawn discovered this place and since then, it has been our spot.

The perfect spot.

It didn't matter if it were day or night, Gray's lounge has always possessed this dark allure to it. Yes, the owner understood the assignment and delivered it perfectly. The dusty rose-gold color and the golden hue of the lights made it look so captivating.

The floor was covered in glass-like tiles, coupled with fluffy beige sofas that looked like furniture in a royal hall. The sofas were designed with beige and dark-green throw pillows, blending perfectly with the brown glass table that had a lantern-like object on it, alongside flower vases.

The bar was the core of the energy in this lounge. It was always beaming all shades of light over there. It stood proudly with a spiral pole in its center that housed the exotic drinks. The lounge was buzzing with activities, people going about their various businesses, and soft music booming from the speakers.

I spotted the girls at the far end of the lounge and they broke into loud squeals, once they saw me coming their way. I was giggling and twirling like a little kid, directing the attention of the people in the lounge at myself, but I could care less.

I was excited to see my girls!

"Ash, sweetheart!" Dawn's melodic voice flowed into my ears as she engulfed me in one of her numerous hugs that were always so tight, her fruity scent wafting into my nose. I didn't mind. I was so happy to see her.

"I miss you!" I cooed, patting her gently on the back. I pulled away from the hug, tilting my head backwards to give her a once-over.

As the absolute badass she was, Dawn was clad in a Fuschia-pink blazer dress that stopped right after her mid-thigh, giving off her long legs that were adorned by black stiletto heels. Her straight ginger-red hair was pulled to the back in a low sleek ponytail, framing her doe-like makeup with her blue eyes twinkling with mischief.

Dawn was gorgeous. She knew she was and used it to her advantage. She pulled off the whole boss chic look effortlessly. I wasn't surprised though. I mean, she worked at one of the biggest oil firms in the country as a top executive.

"Aw, you look so good!" I complimented her and she flipped her hair sassily, eliciting a giggle from me.

"Look at all those curves, girl!" She squealed, gesturing at my body. I rolled my eyes till they landed on Ivana, who looked like she had been staring at me before I looked her way.

My lips stretched in a smile and I walked towards her, enveloping her in a hug. Her soft hands came around me in a mild embrace. Ivana gave the softest hugs.

"How are you?" She whispered into my ears and I mumbled a 'fine'. She loved casual clothes. A whole lot. In anything, she sought comfort in whatever it is she wore. She donned skinny blue jeans with her flowery chiffon shirt tucked neatly into it and on her feet was a pair of Jordans.

Sure, she looked simple, but none of her accessories came cheap. Ivana rocked her bare face with her wavy hair unpacked, a black Louis Vuitton sunglasses stuck in it. For someone that recently got engaged to the love of her life, she was glowing!

"It's so good to see you girls again!" I pouted, squeezing their hands in mine. Dawn plopped on the sofa, waving a waiter over to take our orders.

My eyes wandered around the lounge, taking in every detail.

"Ash?" Dawn called out to me in a questioning

tone and I jerked my head in her direction.

"Huh?"

"You are not wearing the dress you made me pick out for you before I went to bed last night," She divulged and I found myself swallowing some spit.

Crap!

Dawn and I did a quick facetime before I went to bed last night. I probed her to help me pick out a dress I was going to wear to work today because I was at a loss for options. I didn't even know she'd remember.

I was quiet, wanting to pick out my next words carefully.

"Oh, It felt tighter than before," I lied, not sparing so much as a glance in Ivana's direction.

"Or he told you not to?" Ivana deadpanned and I turned to her. She had one of her brows arched at me, a daunting look marrying her features.

"I swear to God, Ashley, if he made you change the dress before you left for work this morning, I'm fucking that asshole up!" Dawn barked and I sighed.

"Adam didn't do anything!" I snapped at the duo, lying through my teeth. My voice came out harsher than I intended. I was defending him. Again.

"You are lying, Ashley," Dawn said, point blank. Her unwavering gaze was stern.

"You are really going to marry a guy who treats you like this?" Ivana asked incredulously, her voice dangerously calm. I turned to her, dazed.

"I love him," I told them and Ivana snorted.

"Yeah, you do." She mumbled with an eye roll and I glared at her.

"Ashley__" Ivana was going to say something but I cut her off.

"Do not cut her short, Ash. If anyone is going to tell you the truth, it's us! Adam isn't worth it! He's not worth your attention or even half of your time and the most infuriating part is that, deep down, you know this too!" Dawn yelled at me and my expression morphed into a deep frown.

"I don't know why you are hell-bent on wasting your entire life with this guy! He doesn't love you___" I couldn't take it anymore. I had to cut her off. Her words did nothing but rile me up so badly, keeping me on edge.

"I won't sit down here and have you two tear down my boyfriend! I know you girls don't like him, but can't you just try to tolerate him for my sake?" I choked out a sob.

"I love him," My voice was drawn into a whisper. I heard Ivana sigh and a scoff escaped Dawn's lips.

"Ash___" Ivana cut Dawn short.

"That's enough, Dawn. We came here to have fun. Let's just do that. We haven't hung out in months, due to how tight our schedule has been. Let's not spend the day arguing about our love interests, sisters." Ivana chided us.

I watched as Dawn rolled her eyes.

"Whatever," She mumbled, crossing her arms on her chest.

"Dawn, apologize. Now." Ivana ordered.

"Ash, sweetheart, I am sorry." Dawn sighed, reaching over the table to squeeze my hands. I chuckled and sniffed, nodding my head.

"I'm sorry too. I love you, girls." I pouted and the girls giggled.

"We love you too!" They chuckled.

"Now, let's drink!" Ivana squealed. She beckoned the waiter, for the second time to come take our orders.

JAXON

"I don't care whether it's possible or not. Get it done, Eric. Find him and bring him to me," I paused, dabbing my cigarette onto the ashtray. I could hear his heavy breathing from the other end of the phone, scorched and shredded. I could feel the fear radiating off him in waves through the phone.

Just the way it should be.

"If you fail to do this, Eric." I paused, a mirthless chuckle escaped my lips. The pause I left in between my words was solely for one purpose, it was so my words could sink properly into his skull.

I wanted him to know I meant every word.

"I'll find you, Eric..."

"I'll find you and drain every ounce of blood that courses through your veins. I'll set you on fire and watch you burn until there's nothing left other than your ashes," I growled into the phone, pounding my fists into my table for the umpteenth time.

I heard his breathing pick up at a faster pace.

"You can call my bluff, but as you know, I'm a man of my word," I said into the phone, my gaze traveling through the large glass windows in my study, settling on the sparkling blue water of the swimming pool.

"Do you hear me, Eric?" I asked him.

"Yes, boss." He answered, hoarsely, his voice quivering.

"Now, get to work." That was the last thing I said to him before hanging up. I lifted the phone off my ears and spun around in my swivel chair, setting it on the table. I opened a pack of cigarettes, took out one, and lit it. I took a long drag and puffed out some smoke, dropping my head backwards with my eyes closed.

A soft knock interrupted my thoughts and my eyes fluttered open instinctively.

"Come in," I instructed gruffly.

The door creaked open, and a tall figure stepped in. She had a tray in her hands, containing a glass of water. I furrowed my brows, mentally picking my brains and trying to remember when I requested water.

Oh.

About five minutes ago or so.

"Good evening, boss." She greeted me politely and dropped the tray on the table. Her hands lingered on the tray, her non-existence cleavage coming into view. The white shirt she wore pressed firmly against her slim frame, the buttons threatening to pop, due to how tight the shirt was.

I knew what she was trying to do.

I chuckled, tapping my fingers on my table.

"What's your name?" I inquired, my gaze trained on her. I watched as her face lit up at my question. She twirled her black hair between her fingers, passing a flirty smile onto me.

"Cassandra," She answered, purring seductively. My lower lips twitched in a smirk at this action. I held up my index finger, waving her over.

"Come here," I instructed her, keeping my voice as husky as it could get. Without hesitation, she strutted over to me and I grabbed her by the waist, pulling her onto my lap, earning a light squeal from her.

Her palms dropped to my chest and she seductively bit her lower lip. I shot her a cold smirk and grabbed her by the neck, applying pressure onto my grip. I watched as her eyes widened in fear, and muffled screams exited her lips as I tightened my grip around her neck, making it so difficult for her to breathe.

"The next time you try this again, I'll put a gun through your head," I growled, choking her. She was coughing violently in my hands, but I didn't stop.

"Taken?" I asked her and she nodded vigorously. I threw her to the floor by her neck and she landed with a loud thud, wincing and coughing violently. She shifted backwards on her butt, her eyes as wide as the size of saucers, fear crippling her.

"Get out," I uttered coldly. She didn't waste a second in the office. It was as though she was on fire. She rose to her feet and bolted out of the room. I undid my cuffs and popped a few buttons open, threading my fingers through my already messy hair and a sigh exited my lips.

My phone beeped and I picked it up. It was a text from Maria.

Baby sis

I'm skyping you. Now!

Just now.

Before I could even breathe, her call came in. I rolled my eyes and picked it up. Messy black hair was the first thing that greeted my screen and then, a little bit of rustling. Her green eyes shone brightly, crinkling with utter softness and warmth.

"Hey, Grumpypants!" She grinned cheekily at me.

"Hey," I smiled lazily at her, leaning into my seat.

"Have you been sleeping?!" She cried out, obviously alarmed at the bags that adorned the skin under my eyes. I rolled my eyes at how extreme she was getting.

"I'm alright, Maria," I told her, subtly. She huffed, pouting softly at me. For a girl of Twenty-three, she acted like she was twelve. It was so hard to believe that she just had her first child, roughly three months ago. Maria got married to Andrew when she was still in college. That was about two years ago.

She had said she didn't see any reason to wait since she had found the person she wanted to spend the rest of her life with. They have practically been best friends their whole lives. Andrew was a good guy and I trusted him with my little sister. I saw no reason not to allow the lovebirds to do what they wanted.

"You look so lean!" She whined dramatically and I couldn't suppress my chuckles.

She was such a drama queen.

"I'm fine, Maria. You don't have to worry about me." I assured her in a much gentler tone. Her face which had morphed in worry lit up, which had me furrowing my brows at her in confusion. I watched as the nanny dropped Xyra in her arms.

"Is she alright?" I asked, softly and she giggled.

"She's fine. She's just asleep. Awww, are you worried about your niece?" She teased me and I scowled at her. She was so small, clad in a pink onesie and a matching hair band to secure her curly hair in place.

The sight of her was enough to tug at my heartstrings. She was so beautiful.

Maria rocked her gently in her arms.

"Ugh, you'd do anything for her! You should see the way you are looking at her right now!" Maria gushed and I felt my cheeks turn red in embarrassment. She wasn't lying. Xyra had me wrapped around her pinkie.

"You are a handful, Maria." I sighed.

"I just wanted to check up on you. Are you okay, though?" She asked, her voice filled with concern.

"Of course," I answered curtly. She watched me with a calculative gaze for a while before nodding her head. Not because she believed me. She didn't. But, she didn't want to press further.

"Take care of yourself, Jax. I love you." She smiled at me and I hung up. I threw my phone carelessly on a stack of papers, sinking into my chair afterwards.

I love you too, Maria.