CAELIN.
The beautiful girl resembled a deer in headlights as she struggled to reply. It was a shame she was injured, but I don't think I would have noticed her otherwise.
She was so attractive that I found myself watching her ever since she was cleaned up. For two days, while she lay unconscious, I couldn't stop myself from observing the gentle rise and fall of her chest, her straight brows, long lashes, and the tiny freckles scattered across her cute, pointed nose.
Now she stood awake in front of me, and a possessive urge to lock her in my bedroom and never let her out overwhelmed me.
Jet‑black hair, hazel doe eyes, a perfect heart‑shaped face, smooth porcelain skin. She looked every bit like her name, beautiful and soft like rose petals. So petite and small, she stood a few inches shorter than me, her head resting right in the middle of my chest.
She looked dangerously good in my shirt. I wanted to tear it off her and see what was underneath.
Her lips were driving me insane, just like her enchanting eyes. I wanted to trace my tongue along her deep cupid's bow, feel those soft, plump pink lips against mine. I bet they tasted just as sweet as they looked. Then I'd wrap my fist in her shiny hair while I pound—
"I thought it smelled weird, and my instincts told me it was poisoned," she replied.
A perfect lie.
I cupped her chin, brushing my thumb over her bottom lip while holding her gaze. She looked away, stepping out of my reach.
"I don't think I should still be here," she remarked, looking everywhere but at me.
It was irritating and intriguing at the same time.
"What if I want you here?" I stepped closer. When she tried to escape again, I grabbed her arm and pulled her back, ignoring how she tensed when I wrapped my arms around her.
"What if I want you on my bed, Rose?"
A flash of anger crossed her eyes before disappearing. Disgust replaced it as she closed her eyes, then opened them again, her expression carefully neutral.
I found it amusing that she wasn't as interested in me as I was in her. I'm Caelin Marcelo. I can have any woman I want. I don't even need to ask before they spread themselves wide open for me.
But this dizzy little angel…
"That wasn't what I signed up for, sir. I'm sure you can find someone else to sate your desires. I need to get back to work before Madame Tovia cuts off my neck," she exaggerated, wincing as I played with her hair, sinking my fingers into the soft strands.
"She doesn't call the shots here. I'm your boss, remember?" I watched her closely. "I saw the footage. I know you saw the maid put something in my coffee. She was working for someone. They tried to weaken me so the assassin could finish the job, but you—"
She sucked in a sharp breath as I massaged her scalp, her eyes narrowing when I leaned closer.
"You saved my life. Twice. I must say, I'm impressed you managed to stay alive."
I released her, and she immediately put distance between us.
Something fierce stirred in my chest.
"Is she dead?" she asked, looking at me like she wanted me to say no.
"Not yet, Hermosa. You can go back to work now. I told your Madame not to bother you anymore."
I had threatened her, but Rose didn't need to know that.
She headed for the door.
"Rose," I called.
She stopped. "Yes, boss?"
"You can keep the shirt. It suits you."
She slammed the door shut behind her with more force than necessary. I chuckled, pulling my phone from my pocket.
"I want a background check on Rose Walters," I ordered.
"On it," John replied.
*
*
*
The warehouse was silent when I arrived. My men stood waiting while the traitors dangled upside down from a metal pole, blood pooling beneath them.
Judging by the cuts and bruises, my men had enjoyed themselves. Too bad it was only going to get worse.
"Two days ago, I was attacked. And almost poisoned." I motioned for Zack to bring the girl forward.
The frail little thing trembled as he dropped her at my feet. I had told them not to manhandle her, but someone had been stupid enough to choke her. The red handprint on her neck made my blood boil, but I ignored it.
"Tell us who sent you." I crouched to her level. Tears streamed down her chin as she glanced at the men tied to the pole.
"No… no one," she hiccupped.
"Don't lie to me. Those men can't hurt you, but I can, and I will if you don't tell me the truth." I pulled out my Glock.
Her eyes drifted back to the men, terror written all over her face.
"The clock's ticking. Either you give me an answer, or I take it out of you."
Two of my men stepped forward, cracking their knuckles. I'd rather not have her beaten.
"My uncle… my uncles," she whispered, pointing at the men on the pole.
So Hugh and Carl were related to her.
"Is that true?" I asked.
"No, boss," Hugh whimpered.
"I don't know that bitch. She's lying, you stupid slut!" Carl shouted before one of my men smashed his jaw. Blood poured from his nose as he screamed.
"I see." I stood.
"Take her away."
When Zack pulled her up roughly, I glared at him.
"Nobody touches her again, or there will be consequences."
She couldn't be more than seventeen. Those fuckers had dragged her into this mess to spy for them.
"Throw them into the swamp."
It had been a while since I fed the crocodiles.
Outside, my men unloaded crates filled with coke hidden inside frozen turkeys. Fabio approached and bowed.
"Speak."
"We were attacked by the Albanians on our way back. They're getting bolder, coming into our turf."
Rage simmered beneath my skin.
If the Albanians knew about the shipment, someone had tipped them off.
I stayed out of their business. They stayed out of mine. If they wanted war, they'd get it.
"Burn down every one of their businesses in this city. Find who's in charge and kill them. Do whatever it takes, even if it means taking their families. I want them gone."
"Yes, Don."
They should have known better than to fuck with me. Silence doesn't mean weakness. I own this city, and I'll remind them.
My thoughts drifted back to a certain beautiful woman with hazel eyes.
I needed to know more about Rose Walters. Everyone has a weakness.
She just didn't know it yet.
I always get what I want.