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 THIS IS A WORK OF FICTION. NAMES, CHARACTERS,
PLACES AND INCIDENTS ARE EITHER THE PRODUCT OF THE
AUTHOR’S IMAGINATION OR USED FICTITIOUSLY, AND ANY
RESEMBLANCE TO ACTUAL PERSONS, LIVING OR DEAD,
BUSINESS ESTABLISHMENTS, EVENTS OR LOCALES IS
ENTIRELY COINCIDENTAL.

CHASING MOON
COPYRIGHT 2023 © HJ STALLARD

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS BOOK CONTAINS MATERIAL

PROTECTED UNDER INTERNATIONAL AND FEDERAL
COPYRIGHT LAWS AND TREATIES. ANY UNAUTHORIZED
REPRINT OR USE OF THIS MATERIAL IS PROHIBITED. NO PART
OF THIS BOOK MAY BE REPRODUCED OR TRANSMITTED IN ANY
FORM OR BY ANY MEANS, ELECTRONIC OR MECHANICAL,
INCLUDING PHOTOCOPYING, RECORDING, OR BY ANY
INFORMATION STORAGE AND RETRIEVAL SYSTEM WITHOUT
EXPRESS WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM THE AUTHOR /
PUBLISHER.

[Link]
 I’m not even sure where to begin with the whole “viewer discretion”
for this novel. How should I devise a proper list without automatically
setting off bot warnings? It’s just not possible. If you’ve read some of my
other books, you’ll get an idea of what – or who – is to cum. If not, you
might want to check out the trigger warning list in my Facebook group,
[Link]/groups/hjstallard.

This book is dedicated to everyone who got the dick so good, it

turned them into a killer. Or, at least, made you feel like you could be one.
Sometimes, you just have to let a man chase you a bit, to understand their
obsession.

[Link]
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Chapter 42
Chapter 43
Chapter 44

[Link]
 Chapter 1
Saturday
April 2, 2022
My heart sank, tears burning my eyes. Sniffling, I sat cross legged in

the middle of my bed, my chin bowing to my chest. My hair falling over my

shoulders, heat engulfed me, sheening me with perspiration. Why did this

hurt so much? By now, shouldn’t I be used to it? No one ever stayed. They

always left, eventually.

“I’m sorry, Evie.”
I snorted, letting a stream trickle down my cheeks. Coughing and

swiping them away, I clutched my cellphone tighter, my voice croaking

with my words. “They always say that.”

“I’m different, though—”

“Are you?” I wheezed, narrowing my lids to stare across my room.

“Yes.”

Clearing my throat, I tipped my head back and closed my eyelids.

“And yet, you’re still breaking up with me, aren’t you?”

He cursed but didn’t answer.

“Yeah, I thought you were different, too.”

“Evie.”
 He sounded devastated, but that was just hopeful thinking on my

part. If he truly cared, he wouldn’t be leaving. They always left. No one

stuck around for more than a month. This was my longest relationship, at

six weeks. I honestly thought he could be the one.

But, like with everyone else since my first boyfriend, it wasn’t

meant to be. No matter how hard I tried, what I said or did, every single one

ended things without warning.

“Evie—”

“Gotta go.”

“C’mon, don’t—”
“Goodbye.”

I hung up, wringing the phone in my lap. Covering my face, I

grimaced with a painful sob. It wasn’t even that I loved him, because that

wasn’t the case. None of my relationships ever lasted long enough for love

to develop. He stuck around longer than anyone else, however, which made

me have hope that something could lead to love one day.

Tossing the phone to the nightstand, I swung my legs and stood,

going to the dresser to change into pajamas since the date wasn’t

happening. I yanked open the top drawer, digging around the clothes. My

nails clicked on something hard, and all my emotions came to a screeching

halt. With one hand, I picked up the bracelet, with the other, a nightgown.
My pulse slowing, I backed to the foot of my bed and sat down, my thumb

brushing over the small, onyx circle with the gold sun in the center.

A whole new wave of sorrow washed over, twisting my heart in a

different direction. The memory of it being gifted to me surfaced from the

closet I’d locked it in, years ago. So vivid, I could almost feel him sitting

next to me, his fist in the mattress behind.

He’d held his hand out, offering the leather strap. This is for you, sis.

I had grinned, eagerly taking it. What’s this for?

He had gazed at me so damn sadly, his brows lifted. I have one

similar, see? He had shrugged his arm out, the sleeve of his suit rising to

expose a matching one. Mine has a moon. Touch yours.

My thumb pad had pressed on the sun, and his moon lit up. Oh,

that’s so cool!

One day, there might come a time when we can’t see each other—

Horrified, I had gawked, my sight searching his chiseled features

with the dark brown eyes and hair, a few locks falling over his brow. Don’t
say that. That’ll never happen. You’re my best friend.

A small chuckle pushed through his long, thin nose, his lips tugging

in a half-smile. Yeah, well, every time you think of me, whenever you miss

me, just touch it, and I’ll know. He sat up and rubbed the onyx disc on his,

so mine glowed. See? Same for me.

 Tipping my head, some of my amusement waned at his expression.

What’s wrong?

Forcing a smile, he shook his head. Nothing. What are you to me?
I giggled and blushed, laying my temple on his shoulder. You’re

moonbeam. And you’re my shining sun.

His lips in my hair, his voice hitched. Always. Nothing will ever

change that. Even when I can’t be around, all you have to do is touch your

sun, and I’ll be there.

That was the last time my brother and I saw one another without

hatred involved. Turned out he was nothing but a liar, and I never, truly

knew him. Had I known then, what I know now…

My heart skipped a beat, realizing I touched the sun. Shaking, I

tossed it next to my phone, praying I hadn’t accidentally activated it. That

was the last thing I needed right now. Surely, after all these years, it

wouldn’t still work. Didn’t those things run on batteries? It had to be dead

by now.

Dead, just like our bond. I could never forgive him.

A light tapping on my door drew my attention. “Yeah?”

My mom poked her head in with a bright smile. “Hey, sweet pea. I

just wanted to let you know, Daddy and I might be a little late tonight, so
when you get home, don’t be surprised if we aren’t here yet.”
 Scoffing, my eyes rolled as I hastily yanked off my shirt and tossed

it to the floor while turning my back to her. “Not a problem,” I grumbled,

shimmying the nightgown over my shoulders. Unfastening my jeans, I

wiggled them down my legs and kicked them aside.

“What…I thought you had a date tonight.”

“Yeah, well, so did I.”

She clucked her teeth and stepped into my room, tucking my hair

behind my ear. “Oh, honey. Did y’all break up?”

It was sad that this was such a normal occurrence, that was her first

assumption. Most people would think something had just come up, but no,
she knew. She knew because it was such a normal pattern in my life.

Twenty-five years old, and I had nearly two dozen ex-boyfriends because

no one wanted me longer than two or three weeks. Why did I bother to keep

trying?

Heaving a sigh, I slumped to the mattress, my hands tucking

between my knees. Batting my lashes, my head tipped to gaze up at her.

“What’s wrong with me, Momma?”

She deflated, sitting next to me. Her arm across my shoulders, she

tugged me closer, kissing all over my forehead. “Nothing, Evelyn. Don’t

ever think that.”

“Then why do they always leave?”

 “That is not a reflection of you, honey. You’re still young.”

I gazed at her, the tears welling once more. “But you met and

married Luciano when you were younger than me.”

Turning her profile, she heaved a sigh and pinched the bridge of her

nose. “And look how that ended up.”

“Yeah, but…” I leaned forward a bit to see her better, arching my

brows. “You two loved each other.”

Sadness twisting her features, she stared somberly, her eyes misting.

“Very much,” she whispered.

“So, it’s not my age. What’s wrong with me, Momma?”

Scooching further on the bed and turning toward me, she pulled me

against her chest, petting my hair. “Nothing, Evie. Nothing is wrong with

you. It’ll all make sense one day. One day, the right guy is going to swoop

in out of nowhere and never leave your side.”

I sagged into her embrace and closed my eyelids, savoring the

comfort and security of her hold. I was a grown woman, but craved this

affection like I was still a helpless little girl.

“You know what?” She shrugged to force me upright. Smiling and

petting my cheek, she planted a tiny kiss to the tip of my nose. “Me and

Daddy are going to cancel our plans and stay home with you tonight.”
 Whimpering, I gently pushed her hands away. “That’s not necessary

—”

“Nonsense. You think there’s somewhere more important than here

with our precious little girl?”

Even though I felt a tinge of guilt, I was relieved at her gesture.

Smiling, I gave a faint nod, grateful for her unyielding love and support.

“Thank you.”

She patted my thigh, stood, and left the room, calling out to my
father. Groaning, I covered my face for a moment before raking my fingers

through my hair. As much as I prayed for her words of encouragement to be

true, deep in my gut, I was beginning to doubt and lose all hope. I may be

young, but, so far, it looked like I was facing a future alone.

Pushing all the grief aside, I exhaled loudly and reached for my cell.

A gasp caught my throat when I saw the golden sun glowing. Chills ran
down my spine, my stomach bottoming out. so much for it being dead.

Somewhat trembling, I started to reach for the bracelet, but stopped.

Instead, I snatched my phone and quickly left.

No time for that. I had enough drama in my life.

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 Chapter 2
Tuesday
April 5, 2022
An elbow propped on the arm of my chair, I was slouched low

behind my desk, a finger curled under my bottom lip to rub back and forth.
Tuning out the chatter around me, I stared at the far wall, my mind

anywhere but on work. Even the petite blonde on her knees, sucking my

dick, was barely holding my attention.

My head resting on the back of the chair, my chin rolled to gaze at
the gold frame on my desk. Tracing my vision over shoulder length, dark

auburn hair, almond shaped, brown eyes, full lips, and rounded cheeks, my

cock stirred, lust heating my veins. Instead of looking down at the woman, I
imagined those features, pretending it was her lips spread wide, her throat

expanding to fit my dick.

My upper lip twitched, pressure tightening my gut.

“Still having problems with the suppliers from the south side, Boss.”

Closing my eyelids, I shifted my focus to be staring at my right hand

man when my lashes lifted. “What?” I rasped, my balls tightening.

His middle finger tapped on a piece of paper on the desk, his dark

features scrunched with disapproval. “Miguel. His shipment was bad

again.”
 The woman was gurgling and coughing, her fist pumping faster the

more I swelled.

“What do you mean, bad?”

“The drugs, they were low quality.”

The release hitting, I fisted her hair with both hands, forced her
down, and gritted my teeth. Ignoring her protests and flailing arms, I

whispered, “Kill him.”

“Boss?”

Cum shot down her throat, making her retch, her teeth nicking my

flesh. “Unh.” I thrust, a shiver running down my spine. “Kill the bastard,” I
muttered while she squealed, desperately shoving on my thighs. The last of

the cum emptied, I exhaled loudly and nudged her to the floor.

“Goddammit, Maximus,” she whimpered, wiping at her mouth. “I

hate it when you do that.”

Scowling, I tucked myself into my trousers and jutted my chin.

“Then get the fuck out, and don’t come back.”

Her thin brows shot up, fear glistening her irises. Darting her
attention around the other men, she scrambled to her feet, fixing her dress.

“You…y-you…don’t mean that, baby. You don’t.”

Yanking the zipper, I turned my chair and rolled up to the desk. “Of

course, I do.” Picking up the piece of paper Amos was trying to show me, I
scanned the report. “Get out.”

She sniveled, wringing her fingers in front of her stomach, her

shoulders curling around her ears. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.”

“Too late. Out.”

“Please!”

My palms slapped to the surface, and I huffed, pinching the bridge

of my nose. “Amos? Do you mind?”

He stomped around the desk, grabbed her elbow, and tugged her

across the room.

“Baby, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it. Please don’t,” she whined, full on

sobbing.

Drumming my thumb, I glanced at the framed image, her pleas

falling on deaf ears. She knew what this meant for her, and was afraid, as

she should be. She knew too much to just be cut loose now that I was done

with her, there was no other way.

“Max!” she screeched as he tossed her to the hallway and slammed

the door.

“Frank?”

“Yeah, boss?”

Picking up my pen, I twirled it around my fingers and began jotting

notes next to the writing. “Get rid of her.”

 “Yes, sir.”

He bounced to his feet and quickly left, as well. A moment later, a

gunshot went off somewhere else in the penthouse.

Amos returned to the chair on the other side of me, plopping down

with an exaggerated groan. “What’s with you today, Boss?”

“Nothing. Why’s something gotta be wrong?”

“Because I’ve known you since you were eight?”

My chin on my chest, my elbow banged to the surface, my finger

rubbing my temple. Staring through my lashes at the others, I waved toward

the door. “Everyone out.”

Just as swiftly as Frank, they filed into the hallway where they

would hover until I told them to come back in. Alone, I gazed at Amos.

His lids narrowed, one corner of his mouth lifting with disapproval.

“Goddammit, Maximus. It’s Evelyn, isn’t it?”

Yet again, my attention fixated on the framed picture.

Scooting to the edge of the seat, his ankles crossing and tucking

beneath, his hands splayed out. “Why won’t you just make a move,

already? Huh? It’s been seven goddamn years. Do something, man.”

Exasperated, I sat upright and shrugged. “You know I can’t.”

“Okay, at first, it was her age. She’s twenty-five years old now,
Boss. What’s the hold up?”
 “Her parents.”

Leaning forward, pounding his middle finger to the surface, he

hissed, “Then get rid of them. You’re driving me nuts with this shit. Get rid

of them, get the girl, and be done with it. It’s what your father would want.”

Returning to my previous stature of slouching, I spun the pen

between both indexes, tipping my head with thoughts. My tongue tapping

my teeth, I sighed and tossed it on the desk.

“Yeah, all right. Before you get rid of Miguel, have him get rid of

the folks. Let him think it’s penance for fucking up again. Then take him

out.”
He groaned, spreading his arms wide. “Thank you! Jesus fuck, Max.

It’s about goddamn time.”

I snorted and flipped my wrist. “Yeah, yeah. Bring the boys back in.

We got work to discuss.”

Rising, he strode for the dark, double doors, opened one, and

motioned everyone inside. The office filling, I pushed Evelyn to the back of

my thoughts to focus on priorities. If I thought getting rid of the parents was

going to solve all my problems, I was deluding myself. With or without

them, she wasn’t going to submit willingly. I would have to force the hand,

no matter what. She would have to be broken in.

 Blood rushed down to my cock with one last glance at her picture.

Just the way I liked things. Oh, she was going to be fun. My best conquest.

Breaking Evelyn would be my finest.

[Link]
 Chapter 3
Friday
April 8, 2022
“See ya, Evie.”

Tugging off my mask, I flashed a smile to my classmates as I

bounded down the steps. “Bye, guys. See you Monday.”

They went right and I went left, jogging toward the parking lot.

Since I only needed one course this semester to pass, my day was over,
while they still had a few hours left. All those endless hours of whining to
me over the summer about how they wanted to go off and party, have fun,

and let loose were paying off. While they were drinking away the days, I

had been buried in summer classes, and would now be finishing an entire
year ahead of them. This summer, I would graduate while they headed back

to classes in fall.
The warm sun on my skin, the slight breeze through my hair, and a

sense of serenity in my soul, I practically glided across campus, a smile

fixated in place. Days like this were what I looked forward to. Everything

was right with the world, and all my plans were coming together. Hard
work, dedication, and tenacity were paying off. I’d been busting my ass

since I was sixteen and soon, it would all be worth it.

 Of course, after graduation, there wouldn’t be any time to slow

down or take a break, for I had to stay ahead of the game and get a job.

Otherwise, what would have been the point if I planned to just sit around,

relax, and let everyone catch up? Go, go, go, that’s all I knew.

Focusing on my feet, I bounded down the steep steps to the parking

lot, clutching my bookbag on my shoulder. An elongated sigh collapsing

my lungs, I rounded the first couple rows of vehicles and came to an abrupt

halt. Like a needle scratching a record, everything came to a halt. My

stomach sank, the coldness of dread sinking my soul.

Amos Barone was slouching on the hood of my car. His profile to

me, dark sunglasses covered his eyes. Wearing a button up shirt, the top few

undone, the sleeves were rolled to his elbows. Designer trousers and shiny,

black shoes made of, probably, imported leather were on his feet. His short,

dark hair was brushed away from his face, his jaw clenched tightly.

I groaned and deflated, rubbing the spot between my eyes.

Reluctantly approaching, he finally looked my way when I was near. A

small, dimpled smile spread across his lips as he pushed the glasses to the
top of his head.

“Morning, Ms. Rothery.”

“What do you want?”

“Boss wants to see you.”

 Rolling my eyes, I continued to the driver’s door. Opening it, I

tossed my bookbag to the backseat before giving him my full attention.

“You can tell that man, I am not interested. Why won’t he get a clue? How

many different ways do I need to tell him to leave me alone?”

The grin wavered just a bit, his hands deep in his pockets. “You

know better than that, miss. When have you ever known him to take no for
an answer? We both know, he always gets what he wants. The man made a

deal with the devil years ago to always win.”

“There’s a big difference between me and everyone else.”

“Yeah? That would be?”

Setting my forearms on the top of the door, the keys and mask

dangled between my clasped fingers. Squinting against the sun, I stated

firmly, “I’m not afraid of Max.”

Now the smile was completely gone, a muscle in his jaw twitching.

“You should be.”

“You’ve been saying that to me for a couple years. It won’t work.

What does he want with me, anyway? Huh? I don’t understand.”

“If you would see him and talk to him, he would tell you—”

“I don’t want his money.”

“C’mon, everyone wants money.”

 “Not mafia money that comes from drugs and murder. I’m quite

okay without it, thank you.”

“Money is money, Ms. Rothery. It pays the bills and makes the
world go round.”

“My bills are paid—”

“Your bills?” he snorted.

Cutting my lids, I snipped, “My parents’ bills.”

“Barely.”

“But they are. And at night, we have a clear conscience when I go to

sleep. Can he say that?”

He snorted and thumbed his nose, briefly averting his gaze. “I assure

you, that man has no conscience.”

“That, Amos, is the fucking problem. That is why I want nothing to

do with him.”

Huffing, his head tipped to look at me once more. “He can make all

your problems go away.”

“He is the problem. He’s the only problem I have.”

His nose wrinkled with a sharp inhale. Uncrossing his ankles, he

stood upright, both hands once again pocketed. Peering down his nose, he

said, “I’m afraid this time, I must insist, Ms. Rothery. Your presence is
requested with Mr. Giordano immediately.”
 Suspicion had my eyelids narrowing, warning bells ringing. “What’s

going on, Amos?”

Pursing his lips, he shook his head, staring at the ground. “Not my

place to discuss this, miss. I’m just going to need you to come with me.”

When I hesitated, he clucked his teeth and fanned his hands out.

“Look, you know from experience, we can do this the easy way or hard

way. You want more gossiping to start up? Remember what happened last

time you denied his request for a meeting? You really ready to change

schools again? Let’s go.”

Exasperated, I cursed and slammed the door. Dropping my things to

my purse, I crossed my arms with a heated glare. “Fine, but this better be

important, you son of a bitch. I am in no mood for his games today.”

A thick, black brow arching, he extended an arm, motioning to a

shiny, black Cadillac a few spaces down. “After you, miss.”

“Goddammit,” I muttered, stamping past him. Going to the vehicle,

I swung open the passenger door and plopped to the seat. My arms crossing,

I was pouting as he slid behind the wheel gracefully. This better be worth

my time. If Maximus was just trying to show off his control again, he was

going to regret it. I told him years ago, I wanted nothing more to do with

him. These manipulation tactics were getting tiresome.

 If only he knew why I was working so hard to graduate early…

What would he do when, a few days after I got my degree, I left Florida

once and for all, disappearing in California to never return? Hell, California

wasn’t even far enough away from Maximus Giordano, for my liking. I

would move to Siberia, if I had to. Whatever it took to never see that

bastard again.

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 Chapter 4

One of the office doors opened and Evelyn sauntered in, followed

by Amos. My heart leapt to my throat and my breathing shallowed. Her hair

fell to her shoulders in straight, shimmering, auburn locks. Wearing just

some mascara and liner, the anger sparking in her dark brown eyes was
giving her cheeks a natural pinkness. She was wearing a light pink sundress

that had ruffly straps over her shoulders, cut straight across her chest to
modestly hide any signs of cleavage, and fanned out from her waist to her

knees. Looking as if she stepped out of a 1950’s housewife magazine, I was

instantly hard, my natural instincts ready to dominate and own every ounce

of her being.

Her arms folded over her chubby stomach, her white sandals
clicking on the glossy, marble floors. A thin brow arching, she walked

toward the desk, hatred marring her beautiful features. Since the rest of my
office was offset from the entrance, she had no idea we weren’t alone.

“What the hell do you want now? Why are you still bothering me? I

told you to leave me alone. Why are you still harassing me?”

The corner of my mouth lifting, I took on a leisure stance, my elbow

on the arm of the chair to twirl the pen near my jawline. Christ, she was
going to be fantastic to break. I was so hard thinking about her fighting me

every step of the way. Monogamy never looked so goddamn good.

Opening my mouth to introduce her to the unknown audience, she

cut me off by banging her fist on the desk. “Leave me alone, Maximus! I’m

not interested in your money, your apologies, nothing. I want to be

forgotten by you, got it? I sure as hell am trying to forget you.”

All humor drained, irritation bubbling to the surface. She really

thought I would ever allow her to forget me? She was as crazy as her

mother, clearly. That would never happen.

“Ahem.”
My sight shifted past her to my guests, some of my smugness

returning. And soon, she would discover this for herself.

Evelyn bristled and spun around to face the police officers sitting in

the corner. They rose to their feet and cautiously approached, exchanging

glances with one another.

“What the hell is this? Are you finally getting arrested? They finally

found a loophole you can’t weasel out of? Oh, this is fitting. What do you
want? Bail money? Why am I here?”

Getting frustrated, I huffed, tossed the pen down, and snapped,

“Would you just shut your fucking mouth for two seconds and listen?

Christ, someone should gag you.”

 An image of that popped up in my mind and I froze, my sight

zoning out on the far wall. Oh, hell yeah. That was something I was going

to have to do. She would be exquisite.

“Don’t talk to me that way. I am so sick of—”

“Evelyn!” I shouted, slamming my palms on the surface.

She choked on a yelp and jumped from one foot to the other, a hand
flying to cover her throat.

Once more, my desire thickened. She could act tough all she

wanted, but she was still scared of me. Fantastic.

“What’s going on?” she asked, trying to keep her voice from

trembling.

“Uh, Ms. Rothery.”

“What?”

The older cop cleared his throat and tucked his thumbs into his belt.

Taking on a wide stance, he filled his lungs, held it, and then exhaled, his

mask fluttering. “Ma’am, we have some unfortunate news for you.”

Her brows furrowed, the combativeness draining to confusion.

“What news? What’s going on?”

“Ma’am, this morning, your parents were killed.”

All the blood drained from her features, her eyes bulging. The thin

strap of the purse slid down her shoulder, catching the crook of her wrist
before hitting the floor. Trembling, tears welled, her nose turning red. “K-

Killed?”

“Yes, ma’am. We are very sorry.”

Licking her lips, she started to buckle, so Amos grabbed her elbow

and eased her to one of the seats. Her profile to me, her mouth was open,

her chest heaving with labored breaths. Gripping her knees, she stared at the

floor, the tears dripping to her lap. “How?” she squeaked, barely above a

whisper.

The officers grew anxious, shifting their weight and coughing

several times. Again, the older spoke. “It, uh, ahem. It…was a carjacking,

ma’am. The man was armed, your father…He, ahem. Fought back, and

both were shot.”

An awkward squeak emitted from her throat. Tucking her elbows to

her stomach, her palms clapped over her face as she bent forward and began

sobbing.

“Ma’am, we are very sorry for your loss,” the younger finally spoke.

“Is there anything we can do?”

“No,” I grumbled, flipping my wrist. “That’s all. You can leave

now.”

“Yes, sir. Detective Martins will be in touch if there are any leads to
the suspect.”
 “Mm hm.”

“Good afternoon.”

Amos went to the door, opened it, and closed it when they left.

Strolling to the center of the room, he stood rigid, his arms crossed, his

expression stoic.

Scooting closer to my desk, I rested my forearms on the surface and

clasped my hands, waiting for the initial shock to wear off so she could

acknowledge me. After several minutes, her hands fell, her arms wrapping

around her stomach. Rocking, her complexion gray, the tears were still

falling, but she was composing herself.

“Why…” She coughed, gritted her teeth, and let out another tiny

sob. “Why did they contact you?”

Snorting, my hands flew up just to smack on the desk. “Because I’m

older? She’s my mother, too, goddammit.”

Her head tipped to sneer, her chin still quivering. “She wanted

nothing to do with you, just like me.”

My teeth gritting, I hissed, “And yet in her phone was my goddamn

name for ICE. Did you get the call, little girl? No, I was her ‘in case of

emergency,’ not you.”

Her brows lifting high, the anguish was palpable and forced me to

look away. Cursing, I bowed my chin to cradle my forehead.

 “They’re really gone?”

“Yeah,” I sighed, sitting up to fold my arms. “Yeah, they are. I’m…

I’m sorry, sis.”

“Sorry?” she blasted, bounding to her feet. “You’re sorry? You’re

not sorry, Max. You never are. You don’t care about her, or me. You never

have.”

“That’s not true!” I roared, banging my palms to the surface yet

again. Shoving the chair away, I stood in a bent formation, pointing across

the desk. “I have always cared, goddammit, but you shut me out because

you would rather look down your goddamn nose at me for my choices.”

“You hurt people. You break the laws. You…kill, Max. How am I

supposed to be okay with that?”

“By knowing the people I hurt are bastards and the world is not

going to be missing them when they’re gone.”

“You’ve said that before, telling me you were simply getting rid of

the trash, but by your own definition of ‘trash,’ wouldn’t you fall into that

category? You sell drugs and guns and fake identities. You steal,

manipulate, kill, and do everything they do. What makes you so

important?”

“Because I’m stronger, that’s why.”

 “And if someone takes you out one day?” she whispered, the broken

heartedness returning.

“Then I deserve it, because that means I got weak, and weakness is

not acceptable in this business.”

Faintly shaking her head, her delicate voice trembled with her next

statement. “And I can’t be around when that happens, Maximus. I just

can’t.” Standing, she put the strap on her shoulder and snapped her fingers

at Amos. “Take me back to the school. I want to go home.”

He looked at me first and then headed for the door when I nodded.

“Evelyn.”
She paused, her shoulders slumping forward. Not turning around,

she covered her face with another whimper.

“Pack your things. I’ll have a car pick you up tomorrow.”

Gasping, she spun around to gawk, the whites showing around her
eyes. “What?”

“You can’t live in that house without them. Who is going to pay the
bills? Where else are you going to go?”

Fear erased the sorrow, the hollow of her throat sinking with a deep
inhale.
“Someone will be there around noon. Be ready.”
 I flipped my wrist, so Amos ushered her to the hallway and shut the
door. Sinking low in my chair, my elbow on the arm, my finger rubbed

under my bottom lip, my sight focused on her framed image. Finally, after
all these years, she was mine. Now, I had to train her. This was going to be

equally exhilarating as frustrating. She wasn’t going to make it easy, but

Christ, the prize was going to be amazing.

[Link]
 Chapter 5
Saturday
April 9, 2022
Curled in the middle of my bed, my pillow hugged to my stomach, I

stared absently at the wall. Numbness strangling the anguish hours ago, the
tears had long dried up. Just nothingness now. Ice, cold emptiness.

How were they gone? How did something like that happen these

days? Cameras were everywhere, surely someone saw something. How can
someone get away with a crime like that now? It made no sense. My father
was a very passive man, no way he fought back. In a situation where my

mother’s safety was in jeopardy, he would have bowed down, immediately.

It didn’t make sense.

They were gone. And I was all alone. What the hell was I going to

do with this house? I guess I could sell it and get an apartment with the
profits. Until then, I was screwed, however. I’d never had a job, school had

been my career. Every single available minute went to furthering my

education so I could graduate before everyone else.

Bitter irony had me scoffing and rolling to my back. One hand

splayed on my stomach, the other gently scratched at my scalp, my sight

zoned on the ceiling. All these years, busting my ass to hurry up and get my

education, trying to stay one step ahead to prepare me for life. What a
fucking joke. No amount of book knowledge stored in my head prepared

me for what real life was about. Now I was facing a whole new reality I

was not ready for.

Since I was little, I had my future mapped out. Work hard, study

hard, and get as many degrees as possible, go as far in college as possible.

That way, when I was ready for the corporate world, it would be a breeze to

get a job. There was no rush, my parents were more than happy to let me

stay with them as long as I wanted.

Until this moment, I never truly understood how spoiled I was.

Twenty-five years old, and I’d never been independent. Never had to worry
about bills or groceries or anything responsible outside of schoolwork. The

last decade, thinking I was smarter than everyone else, being more

responsible and it was all a fucking joke. I was a grown ass…student. Not

woman. Student.

I didn’t know how to cook, didn’t know how to pay bills or balance

a checkbook. I had no clue what real responsibility was. Yet I could win

almost any trivia contest. That’ll pay this mortgage, for sure.
The doorbell rang. My face turned into the pillow with an

exasperated groan. My first thought was it was someone coming to talk

about my parents, but that voice in the back of my mind reminded just how

helpless I truly was. Unless they saw it on the news, no one knew they were
gone. I had no idea what to do about their deaths. How did I go about

planning their funerals? Making obituaries? Getting their wills taken care

of? Should I call their jobs? What the hell was I supposed to do?

Punching my fists into the mattress, I shoved off, bounced to my

feet, and trudged through the house to the entrance. Unlocking the deadbolt

and releasing the chain, I swung it open to find Amos glaring down at me.
Confused, I shrugged my arms out and grumbled, “What the hell are you

doing here?”

He brushed past me, along with two other goons. Pocketing his

hands, he looked around the living room and cleared his throat. “You ready

to go, Ms. Rothery?”

“Go? Go where?”

His brows furrowing, he slowly brought his full attention to mine. “I

do believe you were given orders yesterday afternoon.”

Racking my brain through all the chaos I’d been drowning in the

last twenty-four hours, my lungs seized, and I gasped. Stepping away from
the door, my hands slapped over my mouth. “He was kidding, right?”

Doing a doubletake, he rapidly blinked a few moments, as if he

really were perplexed. “Excuse me? Mr. Giordano does not have a sense of

humor, Ms. Rothery. You know this. He was very serious.”

 My palms clapping to my thighs, I rolled my eyes, spun on my toes,

and crossed the living room to the open kitchen, getting a bottled water

from the refrigerator. “This is ridiculous. He can’t seriously believe I am

going to move in with him. I hate him? Did everyone seem to forget that?

He’s delusional.”

His features hardening, he lifted a hand over his shoulder and

snapped his fingers. The other two men stomped past him, rounding the

corner to the hallway of bedrooms.

Stiffening, I set the bottle on the counter, ice rolling through my

veins. “What…wha-what are they…doing?”

Every door slammed open until they found my room. Next thing I

knew, things were banging around, the distinct sound of my dresser and

closet being ransacked.

“Hey, what are they doing?” I shrieked, running for the archway.

Out of nowhere, Amos was behind me, his wide, strong chest in my

back. One arm hooking my stomach, his palm cupped my mouth with a

soft, wet cloth.

I screamed, flailing about, the smell burning my nostrils. Gagging

and shaking my head, a fog seeped up into my brain, quickly erasing all

consciousness. Groaning, I slumped against him into a darkness that

seemed to never end.
 A heaviness in my brain, confusion clouded my thoughts when I

peeked through my lashes. Not recognizing anything or anyone, I groaned,

tugging at my arms that seemed stuck at my sides. My temples throbbed,

the light blinding like a needle straight through my skull. Licking my lips,

my head rolled side to side, the sounds odd and warbled.

“This is highly unrecommended, Mr. Giordano.”

“You think I give a shit about that? Do it.”

“This should be done in my office, in a sterile environment.”

“Look at her, you think I can take her to your office like this?”

Squeezing my eyelids, I rolled my head toward my brother’s voice.

“Max?” I croaked, the headache intensifying.

“Shit, hurry the fuck up before she wakes.”

“Goddammit. Fine.”

Something shifted, my body moving. Though my sight was still

blurred, I saw enough to know I was lying in a bed, my arms and legs

outstretched. Picking up my head, there was an older man on his knees

between my thighs. His features distorted, he had a long metal tool and was

creeping closer.

“What’s…Max? What’s going on?”

 He sat next to me, petting my forehead and shushing. “Just relax,

moonbeam. Everything is okay.”

The fog began to creep back in, drawing me into oblivion.

Something cold slid inside my vagina and there was some uncomfortable

pressure, then a pinch.

“Got it.”

“Ow, what’s…” I sighed, turning toward Maximus again. “What’s

happening?”

“Shh, go back to sleep, sis.”

The mattress shifted again, lolling my head side to side.

“Did you get it out?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Great, now give her the shot.”

“Mr. Giordano, I could lose my license—”

Something clicked and he jumped to his feet. “You could lose your

life, motherfucker. Which one?”

Sighing, I closed my eyelids again, for it was too painful to keep

them open. My mind wasn’t discerning what I was seeing or hearing,

anyway, so why bother? Movement about the room barely caught my

attention. Right as I was about to fall under again, something pinched my

arm, and I cried out.

 “Ow, what was that?”

“Shh, nothing, sis. Go to sleep.”

Emitting a long, slow sigh, I drifted off, darkness pulling me deeper

and deeper. A sudden lurch to my frame jarred me back to the surface and I

whimpered with more pain. My lashes lifting, I could barely make out

Maximus above me, grunting against my ear.

“Max?”

“Unh, shh, go back to sleep.”

He thrust, pushing me further up the mattress. My jaw fell, pain

ripping through my abdomen. “Ow! Ow, what…” Lifting my head, I looked

down to find I was naked, and he was between my legs, his tongue dragging

up the side of my neck. “Oh my god, what the hell are you doing?”
“Shh, everything’s okay, moon. Unh, fuck, yes.”

“No, no!” I whined, tears burning my eyes.

“Shh, go to sleep.”

I yanked my arms and legs, but they were stuck, and I couldn’t
move. “Max, no!”

His palm covered my mouth and nose, cutting off my air. “It’s
okay.”
Numbness took over my body, erasing all senses of touch. The bed

knocked the wall faster and faster, the squeaking of the mattress getting
louder.
“Fuck, fuck! Unh!”

And then there was stillness. My lungs collapsing without air, the
fog already hindering my thoughts, I quickly began to slip into the abyss

once again. Just before the blackness took over everything, his voice
whispered against my ear, sounding echoey and far away.

“Take that cum, make me a baby.”

[Link]
 Chapter 6

Opening the fridge, I grabbed a beer and slammed it shut. Hastily

twisting off the top to gulp half the contents, I stared down the length at
Amos sitting across the bar. His elbow on the surface, his hand was lifting,

holding a cigarette near his mouth.

“So, was the doctor able to get the IUD out?”

“Yup,” I rasped, tossing the cap on the counter by the sink below
him.

“And he gave her the fertility shot?”

My head bobbing, my sight shifted to the left, peering around the

corner into the master suite. “Yup. Said it should be just a matter of time

before she got pregnant.”

“If she can. You don’t know she can.”

Aggravated, my attention snapped back to his. “She’ll get pregnant,

just wait.”

The corner of his mouth lifting, he brought the cigarette closer to

take a drag. Exhaling through his nose, he said, “In the meantime, you seem

to be going for a record, Boss. Goddamn, I don’t ever think I heard a man
nut this many times in one day.”
 I snorted, taking another sip. Folding my arm across my chest and

propping the other on top, I turned to lean against the stove, shaking my

head with awe. “Goddamn, Amos. I wish I’d listened to you years ago and

taken initiative.”

“Good pussy?”
Rolling my eyes, I shot a sideways leer. “Fucking best.”

A brow lifted, the cherry glowing with another inhale. “You really

gonna be able to do monogamy?”

My chin tucking toward a shoulder, my arm extended to point at the

bedroom with the bottle. “With a cunt like that? Hell, yes.”
“Better you than me,” he said, rising to his feet. Snatching his cell

and gun off the granite, he jutted his chin. “I’m gonna hit the road. Enjoy,

Boss.” Whistling, he strolled around the furniture in the living room, turned

right, and disappeared into the foyer. A moment later, the front door opened

and shut.

I swiped the beer and went to the bedroom, staring down at my

beautiful sister. Sprawled in the middle of the mattress, her arms and legs
stretched wide and bound to the four posters of the bed, she was fucking

exquisite. Raking my focus along her frame, my heart quickened, all the

blood rushing to my cock. Her hair was matted, her lips swollen where I

covered her mouth until she fell back asleep. Her large, full breasts slightly
sagged toward the sides, the weight too heavy to stay in the center. Large,

rosy nipples were bruised and marred with my teeth, making them even

more beautiful. Long, torso with a curved belly that would soon be even

rounder with my baby. Thick thighs, toned calves, and tiny feet with shiny

pink polish on the toes.

And, of course, the smoothest, firmest, silkiest, pink pussy I’d ever
had the privilege of experiencing. With just a very thin, trimmed patch of

auburn hair, it was puffy and deep, pulling me in like it was vacuumed seal

when only my tip entered.

My sight never leaving her body, my waist twisted to set the beer on

the dresser so I could climb into the bed between her legs. Pushing my

sweats down, I gripped my cock, stroking roughly as I shimmied into place.

I licked my fingers and then pressed them to her lips, circling to smear the

wetness. Pulling them apart, I spit, aimed, and eased inside.

Throwing my head back, a long, gravelly groan rumbled my chest,

goosebumps rising to the surface. “Goddamn,” I groaned, taking my time to

ease further. My chin dropping to my chest, I watched in fascination as her

thick pussy closed around my dick like she was specifically made for me.

I fell into my fists on either side of her waist, my shoulders drawn to

my ears. Her profile to me, I memorized every trace as I leisurely pushed

until our hips were meshed. Once, about an hour earlier, she’d somewhat
come to while I was fucking her. The drugs in her system clouding her

thoughts, she’d thought I was her ex-boyfriend and actually responded a

little. It had sent me into an instant orgasm that had felt like my insides
were pouring out through my dick.

Would she ever respond that way to me, or would it always be

forced? Would I ever know what reciprocation felt like from her?

Carefully laying down, one arm slid beneath hers to gently push her

cheek so I could see her whole face. I paused, my heart banging on my ribs.

For the first time in my life, I fixated on her lips, the urge to kiss them

overwhelming. Opening my mouth, my neck muscles twitched, and I

grunted. Instead, my teeth clamped, and I thrust hard. The headboard tapped

the wall, her head lolling from the force.

Petting the hair from her face, I groaned, settled down, and nuzzled

the crook of her neck. “Fuck, you feel so good,” I muttered, rocking in and

out.

Her pussy already wet with several previous loads, the sound grew

louder as I fucked my own cum. My tongue snaking out, I licked her cheek

to her temple, reveling everything about this moment, this entire afternoon.

“I love you, Evie,” I rasped, my balls already tightening. Choking

on an inhale, I sped up, my flesh clapping against hers. “Oh, fuck yeah, that
cunt is so good, baby. Unh, I’m gonna cum, yeah, I’m cumming.”
 Rearing up on my fists, my elbows locked, I stared down, reeling at

the sight of my glistening cock pounding that sweet, fat pussy. My lungs

collapsing, my thrusts growing shorter and more erratic, my jaw fell as the

first of the orgasm hit. Stilling, my cock pulsating, a shiver rolled down my

spine. When it hit my pelvis, I plunged deep with a throaty howl, exploding

with pleasure.

“Unh! Fuck, yeah, take that fucking load.”

My muscles giving, I dropped to her chest, panting in her ear. Bit by

bit, my cock softened and slid out. Smiling, caressing the other cheek, I

sighed with a sense of tranquility I hadn’t felt in nearly a decade.

“I love you so much, moonbeam. I’m going to cherish you forever.”

Exhausted from hours of familiarizing myself with my sister’s body,

slumber crept up and took me out, my arms circling her tightly.

[Link]
 Chapter 7
Sunday
April 10, 2022
Gradually, consciousness seeped through the haze, pulling me from

a heavy slumber into a fucking needle slicing through my goddamn brain

and jostling it around like I was being embalmed alive. What the actual

fuck? Every inch of my body was in agony, and it brought instant tears to

my eyes. A sob breaking from my chest, I tried to grab my pounding

forehead, couldn’t move my arms, and froze with a streak of fear. Slowly
lifting my eyelashes, I found myself staring at a ceiling I’d never seen

before.

My heart and stomach sinking, I raised my head to look around. The

bedroom was a decent size with light gray walls trimmed in glossy white

molding. Next to what I assumed was the main entrance was a wide, cherry
oak dresser with a triple mirror. To the left were a couple of windows that

went almost floor to ceiling with a tall armoire in between. To the right was

an archway that led to a hallway. A small nightstand on either side of a

queen sized, four poster bed, it was a rather basic, traditional room with a
ceiling fan on full blast. The only odd things were the huge, six foot tall,

five foot wide safe tucked in the corner by the main dresser and, oh, the fact

all four of my limbs were bound to the edges of the frame.

 Racking my brain, trying to recall what happened, I tugged at the

ropes, the fibers chafing my wrists. Panic bubbling to the surface, tears

were streaming out the corners of my eyes into my hair and ears, my pulse

frantic.

“What’s…what the hell is going on?”

The door opened and Maximus strolled in, chewing a half-eaten

sandwich. Wearing a plain, white tee shirt and dark gray sweats, his sight

locked on mine, a few crumbs sticking to his bottom lip. Frozen, he seemed

rather surprised to see me.

“Max?” I squeaked, darting my attention from one arm to the other

while still yanking. “What’s going on? What happened? Where am I?

Help!”

“You’re awake.”

Growing desperate, I whimpered, trying to kick my legs, to no avail.

“Oh my god, what’s happening? Where am I?”

Nervous, he coughed, tossing the rest of the sandwich to the shorter

dresser. Finishing what was in his mouth, he sat on a bench at the foot of
the bed, his elbow on the mattress. “Uh, ahem. I wasn’t expecting you to

wake for a few more hours.”

My energy exalting far too quickly against the confusion and pain,

my movements slowed, the muscles burning. Sagging with defeat, I heaved

a sigh and closed my eyelids. “What’s going on? Where am I?”

“Uh, this is my home.”

My head jerked up to gawk down my torso. Too stunned at his

statement, I didn’t even acknowledge I was naked. “No, it’s not. You live in

a condo in Miami.”

“Uh, ahem.” His palm swiped back and forth over the comforter.
“No, I own a condo where I do my business. This,” he said, waving his

finger around. “Is where I live.”

Something in his expression had me coming to a sudden pause, a

chill pulling goosebumps to my skin. My voice raspy, I asked, “And where

is here?”

A thick, dark brow arching, he stared at me somberly and replied,

“About four hundred acres that are heavily secured with armed men, so it

would be wise to not try to get away.”

My stomach turned over and I swear my heart stopped beating.

“Maximus, what is going on? Cover me up, where are my clothes? Untie
me right now.”

He cleared his throat and shifted his weight to face me better. “I told

you I would send for you. You continue to underestimate me, sis.”

Blurred images flickered in my brain and a gasp caught my throat.

“So, you have your fucking goons kidnap me?”

 Both brows now lifted, something sinister glinted his dark brown

irises. “I had them retrieve you.”

“What the fuck?” Another memory tried to form, horror erasing all
the pain. “Oh my god, did Amos chloroform me?”

“It’s fine. You’re fine. You’ve already been seen by a doctor, and

you’re quite healthy.”

Glowering, I tugged at the ropes again, hatred boiling my blood.

“Untie me.”

He clucked his teeth, jutting his chin to the side. “Can’t really do

that just yet.”

“What…why not? Untie me, goddammit.”

“I will when you’re ready to accept the truth.”

Stilling, I was panting, staring at my brother who had never seemed

more like a stranger than now. “What truth?”

For a split second, the sternness faded, and I saw a trace of

vulnerability. His Adam’s apple lurching, he croaked, “That I love you.”

“You love me? This isn’t love, Max! This is crazy.”

Slowly shaking his head, he gently caressed the inside of my calf,

and I froze yet again, another gasp sticking in my throat. His head tipping,

he was whispering when he spoke. “You are so beautiful. I have waited so

long for this day.”
 Warning bells ringing, every nerve in my body was prickling with

fire and panic. Gulping, I breathed, “What day?”

He rose to his knees and crept up the mattress between my legs. The

panic rising, my heart was thumping against my eardrums by the time he

was hovering over me, his dark locks falling over his brow.

“The day you become mine.”

Boom. Everything inside exploded. Realization crashing into my

mind, tears were pouring out my eyes as I frantically fought the constraints.

So, when he said he loved me, he meant he loved me?

“Oh, my god.” Bile shot up my throat, my stomach curdling. “Let

me go, Max. This is crazy. You can’t mean this.”

He petted my cheek a couple times before his thumb and fingers

curled the underside of my jaw. “I love you, Evelyn.”

I froze, gawking in horror.

“I’ve waited for this day since you were seventeen.”

Doing a doubletake, my jaw fell further.

He shifted his weight, reaching between our bodies. At first, the

shock dulled my thoughts, so I didn’t react right away. When I felt his cock

against my pussy, chaos erupted and I thrashed about, screaming.

“No, no, no!”

 Unable to move, I was helpless to fight him as he forced himself

inside. Pain ripped through my stomach and pussy and I pushed my head

into the pillow. Through gritted teeth, I howled, fisting the ropes so hard,

my nails were cutting into my palms.

“Oh my god, I’ll never get tired of being inside you, moon.”

Another thrust, ripping me more, the headboard banging the wall.

My toes curling, I was sobbing hysterically, shaking my head. This was not

happening, this was not fucking happening!

Groping a breast, his mouth was on the nipple, his tongue swirling it

into a hardened peak. His fist in the mattress at my side, he began rocking

in and out, every collision of his hips to mine jolting my system.

“Oh, my god, what are you doing? Get off me! Oh god, Max, please

don’t do this.”

“I love you,” he panted against my ear.

Nauseous, I turned my head as far away as possible and wept, my

heart shattering into a million pieces. “Please stop. Please, Max, please,

don’t do this.”

His arms engulfed me, and he grunted, burying his face in the crook
of my neck. “I’m going to take such good care of you.”

Wailing, I prayed for numbness, but all I felt was a long, thick cock

turning my pussy inside out, bruising my cervix, his weight crushing mine.
Even after my body’s natural instincts kicked in and I grew wet, the pain

didn’t fade. It was inside, planting seeds of disgust and terror that would

grow and never be gone. I was forever changed, forever tainted, damaged.

“Please,” I continued to cry, still squirming, praying for a miracle.

“Oh, god, what the hell are you doing?”

His mouth on my ear, he rasped, “Trying to make a baby.”

Yelping, I snatched my head to stare in absolute horror at his

contorted profile. “What?” I shrieked at the top of my lungs.

His mouth opened, his lashes fluttered, his movements growing

choppy. “I’m cumming, moonbeam. Take my load like a good little girl and
make me a baby.”

Bucking wildly, I was screaming at the top of my lungs, begging for

anyone to hear to help. “Oh, my god, somebody help, please! Stop, stop,

stop!”
“Oh, fuck,” he choked, growing more aggressive. “That’s it, fuck

that dick. Oh, my, fucking, god. Oh, yeah, I’m gonna cum so goddamn hard
now. You ready. Huh, you…Ahg!”

He shoved deep, his weight pinning my hips so I couldn’t fight

anymore. Punching his fists into the mattress, his arms locked straight, and
his head threw back, a long, animalistic howl rumbling from his chest.

“Fuck! Yes!” he shouted with another curt thrust.

 Turning my face as far into the pillow as I could, I was shaking with
hard, silent sobs, tears, sweat, and snot smearing over my face. I could

actually feel his cock pulsating, filling me with cum, and there was nothing
I could do. My brother just raped and came inside me, intentionally trying

to get me pregnant. What fucking planet was I on? What was happening?
Everything was wrong! This was gross. I was ruined.

Choking on gulps of air, his forehead fell to the center of my chest,

his hot pants going down the center of my torso. My skin crawled, vomit
rising up my throat.

“Jesus Christ, that was fucking amazing. Best yet.”

This only had my stomach churning more. This wasn’t the first

time? How long had I been unconscious? How many times had he raped me
while I was knocked out? What the fuck was going on? Thank god, I had an

IUD. That, at least, was some comfort.

Suddenly, he shot up, both hands wrapped around my throat. His

features twisted sadistically, he was pounding into me, blocking my airflow.

Gagging, I thrashed as hard as I could, but it only seemed to bring him more

pleasure. My mind told me to be still, but panic was setting in, blackness
creeping into my peripheral.

“Fuck me, whore! Goddamn, I need that again. Fuck me.”

 His hips crashing against mine hurt, but the haze was getting
thicker, stealing all my senses. Barely aware of reality, I heard him cry out

with yet another orgasm, his cock flexing deep inside. Right before I lost
consciousness, he was taking me a third time, calling me vile names, yet

promising to love and cherish me forever.

Sighing, I let go and gave in to the darkness where there was no

rape, no brother, no pain or betrayal. Somewhere in this abyss were my

parents, waiting to pull me into their loving, protective arms to keep me

safe from all this madness.

[Link]
 Chapter 8
Wednesday
April 20. 2022
I shut the bedroom door, my sight raking over her lovely figure. My

god, she was extraordinary, especially with her legs spread wide like that.
Even after she gave in and accepted her fate, I just may keep her like this,

for it was breathtaking.

My body tired, a headache thumping against my skull, I tugged at

my tie and snapped it from around my neck, tossing it aside. Removing my
jacket, I dropped it to the floor. Working the buttons on my shirt, I shrugged

it off, the blood still somewhat wet on the material. My bare skin stained

red, I worked at my trousers, kicking them and my shoes off as I crossed the
room. Lowering to the bench on a knee, I crawled onto the mattress, kissing

my way up her leg to her pussy.

Her scent filled my nostrils and I groaned. My tongue snaking out, I

swirled her thick lips, my nose nestling against the thin patch of silky hair.

Her taste coating my tongue, I growled, suddenly famished. Diving in, I

devoured her, desperate to fill my stomach with her flavor.

Evelyn stirred, her thighs shaking. Wiggling against the restraints,

she gradually rose to consciousness. Before she found coherency, she

moaned and bucked into my face, natural urges taking control.

 “Mm, yes,” she purred, which sent me into a tailspin of crazed lust.

Shoving two fingers inside, I walked them around, searching for her

g-spot. She gasped and bucked a second time, her juices flowing freely

now.

“Oh, yes.”
Blinded by the fog of reciprocation, even if she wasn’t fully aware

of it, I grew more aggressive. Dammit, I should have done this when she

first got here. Why did I wait four days to taste this decadent cunt?

Pulling her clit into my mouth, I suckled, pumping my fingers in

and out so hard, my knuckles were clapping her flesh, rocking her body.
Her stomach and breast jiggling, her features scrunched, her teeth gleaming.

And then her eyelids snatched wide, her complexion paling.

Looking down her torso, her brows were lifted high as she shook her head.

“Oh, shit, stop,” she rasped, the whites showing around her dark brown

irises. “No, please, don’t. Oh, my god, stop.”

If she thought I was going to quit before I got to finally witness an

orgasm, she was the one who was crazy. Her body too far gone at this point,
I knew there was no stopping it. I was finally going to hear her cum, and I

was so turned on, my balls were throbbing. Precum dripping from my tip,

smearing against my thighs every time it bounced with my rough

movements, I added a third finger, swirling my tongue to her clit clasped

between my lips.

Her teeth gritted, all the veins in her throat stuck out, her head

pushing into the pillow. Straining against the ropes like never before, her

muscles were locking, trying to deny the orgasm. Unable to fight it

anymore, a shrilly scream rang through the air, her hips flailing about. Her
juices tangier, she was grinding into my face, sobbing hysterically.

I released her clit with a pop, slowing my fingers. Panting, watching

with astonishment, I fell even more in love. Never, had I seen someone so

beautiful as my sister during an orgasm.

“Oh, hell, yeah,” I whispered, pressing my thumb against the

swollen nub to prolong the release. “You’re gorgeous. Don’t stop. I fucking

love you.”

Her body was trembling, her muscles convulsing as she wailed

harder. Craning her neck so her face was partially buried in the pillow, she

absolutely lamented.
Ignoring her, I crawled up her frame and eased inside. Her cunt still

contracting, I was momentarily caught off guard by the ecstasy. Coughing, I

stared down, my jaw on my chest.

“Oh, fuck yeah. That’s good, moon. That’s so fucking good.”

 Goddamn, was it ever! If this felt amazing, I could only imagine

how much better it’d be if she would actually participate and fuck me back.

“Please!” she blubbered, spittle building at the corner of her mouth.

“Please, stop. Don’t do this. It won’t work, Max. I’m on birth control.”

Snorting, making long, deep rotations, her lips spread so her clit was

smashed into my lower pelvis. My eyelids fluttering closed, my fists

holding my weight at her waist, my shoulders curled around my ears. Shit,

she was remarkable. How could a pussy feel this good? I had wasted so

many years, tapping one worthless whore after another, trying, hoping,

praying one would dull my feelings for my sister and change my mind of

whom I belonged with.

It had all been futile. This was mine, what I needed this whole time.

My love, my sister, my wife, my partner. She was what I was missing, the

piece that made me whole.

“No, you’re not,” I grunted, widening my knees to dig deeper. I

wanted more, I wanted to be under her skin, to feel her from the inside.

She choked on a gasp, the tears pausing long enough to gawk. “Yes,

I am.”

“No.” Hissing through gritted teeth, my own release building, I sped

up, watching her breasts sway with each collision. “Your first day here, I
had a doctor remove the IUD. Even gave you a fertility shot. Just a matter

of time now, moon.”

“What?” she shrieked, fresh, thick tears rolling out her eyes.

A shudder racked my spine, my skin breaking out in goosebumps.

Breathless, I rasped, “I’m there. Oh, fuck, it’s cumming. Unh!”

My cock still halfway in, twitched as it emptied. Groaning, I sighed,

sinking lower, pushing it all deeper.

“Oh, my god,” she squeaked, staring at the ceiling in horror. “Oh,

my god, what did you do?”

Scattering kisses all over her breasts and chest, my arms slid
beneath to embrace tightly, despite it smearing blood onto her skin. I rocked

against her again, reveling the feel of her pussy soaking wet with cum.

“Making us a baby, Evie.” My mouth against her ear, my eyelids

closing, I whispered, “You’re going to be a fantastic mother,” and sped up,

knocking the headboard to the wall.

My ears tuning out her sobbing, I fucked two more releases out of

me before exhaustion seeped into my bones. Collapsing on top of her, my

cock still inside, I slowly drifted to sleep, her crying fading with slumber.

[Link]
 Chapter 9
Thursday
April 21, 2022
When would the humiliation end? As if finding out my brother was

obsessed with me, seeing me naked, raping me nonstop wasn’t enough, now
I had his childhood best friend, someone I’d known all my life, helping him

lift me so the maid could change the sheets. Mortified, my skin burning and

sweating, silent tears slid out the corners of my eyes into my hair. Amos
Barone was a man I never thought would be seeing me in such a vulnerable
situation. Then again, my brother was never supposed to see me sprawled

eagle, butt naked, either.

The maid scrambled around, her face a little too close to my crotch
while she spread the sheet out. My features twisting, a sob shook my chest,

my soul writhing. God, I wished I was dead right now. Anything would be
better than this.

“Done,” she panted, standing up to run her palms down the front of

her uniform.

The guys grunted, carefully lowering me back down. I had to admit,

freshly laundered sheets, straight from the dryer, felt kind of good against

my weary, aching muscles.

 Amos glowered at the maid and pointed. “Why hasn’t she been

bathed yet?”

Her eyelids rounded, her cheeks paling. “Sir?”

“Don’t you think it would have been smarter to clean her before we

changed the sheets?”

“Sir, I…”

“Relax, Amos. That was my screw up. I wasn’t even thinking. Go

get the stuff,” Maximus told her as he sat on the edge of the bed. Resting

against the headboard, my arm pinned behind him, he smiled down at me,

his hooked finger caressing my cheek.

Enraged, I spit. Splattering his wrist, his smile vanished, but Amos

chuckled. Maximus stood and disappeared into the archway that led to the

bathroom.

“You better calm that attitude down, miss,” Amos warned, though

he was still amused.

“Stop calling me that. You’ve known me since the day I was born.

Why do you two always call me stupid little nicknames? I’m not miss, or
sis, or moon, or moonbeam. Christ, that’s all y’all’ve called me my whole

life. It’s creepy. I have a name.

“And fuck him. Fuck you, too. Why are you helping him do this?

You, of all people, know how crazy this is since we’re related.”
 His expression suddenly stern, he huffed, pocketing his hands. “He’s

the boss, Evelyn. What do you want me to do?”

“Stand up to him, for Christ’s sake?”

Glowering, his voice lowering, he pointed to my chest. “What the

fuck do you think that is on your skin, Evie? Huh? Blood. It’s fucking

blood.”
My eyes burned, bile rising to coat my tongue. Squirming, I tugged

at the ropes, disgusted at the stain. No amount of scrubbing would ever

erase it, it was in my soul.

“You think he’s all talk and no action? It’s actually the other way

around. When that man gets angry, he doesn’t let you know until he puts a

bullet in you. There is no discussion or ‘working things out.’” Snorting and

pressing his fingers to his chest, he continued. “I’m not ready to die. I like

living.”

Maximus returned, still wringing his wet hands on a cloth. “You

ready to be a good girl?” he seethed, tossing it aside. Lowering back to the

mattress, he said, “If you are, I’ll have the maid feed you when she’s done

giving you a bath.”

My stomach growled at just the mention of food. I’d only had a

handful of meals since this nightmare began. As much as I hated it, I had to

behave, for going another day without eating was not an option.
 She scampered back into the room with a bowl, cloths, and a

container of products. Setting everything on the nightstand, Amos pulled at

his nape and headed for the door.

“Gonna head out, Boss. Got to head to the district and collect some

overdue fees.”

“All right. The extensions have run out,” he stated, holding out a

warning finger. “No money, no life. Got it?”

Casting me a stern glare with an arched brow, he replied, “Yup. See

you later.” Whistling, he disappeared, his footsteps fading through the

house.

The maid dipped a cloth in the bowl, wet it, and wrung it out.

Tenderly rubbing it over the stain, I grimaced, focusing on the ceiling to not

think about a dead man’s blood on my body.

Resuming his earlier stance, his silk shirt was oddly soothing on my

arm and wrist. Anything other than the coarse fibers of the rope felt good.

“Max, you have to let me go.”

“Not a chance in hell, moonbeam. You’re mine forever,” he stated

flippantly while typing on his cellphone.

My head rolled to stare at his profile. Anguish cutting through my

heart, my nose burned with emotions. “I have to bury my parents.”

 He froze, his sight shifting across the room. Casting a sideways

glance that barely lasted a nanosecond, he coughed and tugged at his tie.

“Already done, sis.”

My stomach sank, ice chilling my veins. “What?”

He thumbed his nose and concentrated on his cell once more. “Their

funerals were on the twelfth.”

Dumbfounded, I stared at the ceiling again, my mind trying to make

sense of this madness. “What…” My voice cracking, I cleared my throat

and tried again. “What day is it? How…long have I been here?”

Growing more uncomfortable, he grumbled, “It’s the twenty-first.”

Dismayed, I was briefly struck numb while my mind did the math. I

was kidnapped on the ninth. I’d been here twelve fucking days?

An instant sob shook my frame. The maid rinsed out the cloth and

added body wash, working up a lather before spreading it on my skin.

“Two weeks?”

Maximus bounded to his feet, a muscle in his jaw flexing. Pocketing

his phone, he snatched his suit jacket from a stand by the safe. “I gotta get

going. Got a meeting in an hour.” Directing his attention to the maid, he

said, “When she’s clean, cook her whatever she wants. No more denying

her meals.” Looking at me, he added, “Eat. You need to keep up your

strength and stay healthy.”

 Abruptly leaving the room, I closed my eyelids and quietly wept

while the maid gave me a sponge bath. Two weeks. Holy shit, I wasn’t

getting out of this. I was stuck here. Maximus really wasn’t going to let me

go.

[Link]
 Chapter 10
Saturday
April 23, 2022
The furniture was hideous. Did he buy it from an estate sale in the

1980’s? Everything matched and was so outdated, it was literally pissing

me off. I was feeling intense rage just looking at the pieces. Did the rest of

the house look like this? How could his penthouse be so beautiful and this

place so drab? Was it rational for me to be lying here, plotting his death
because of his bad taste in décor?
Huffing, my head rolled to the side to stare out the window. The

blinds were partially opened, so I could somewhat make out what I assumed

was a back porch with black, wicker furniture. Back porch, front porch, I
had no clue. Again, what decade was my brother living in? This was so

damn disappointing.
My sight shifted toward the trees in the distance when I saw

something move. Lifting my head to get a better view, I almost smiled at

the deer. She was just leisurely strolling about, not a care in the world,

nibbling on grass here and there.

A wave of dread washed through, plummeting my stomach. My

head plopping back to the pillow, I stared at the ceiling, my heart thudding

in my throat. What the fuck was going on? A few days ago, my only
concern was finishing up my courses so I could graduate early, get the fuck

out of Florida, and start a new chapter as a radiologist somewhere in

California.

Now both my parents were dead, I was bound to a bed in the middle

of nowhere, and my brother was raping me, trying to get me pregnant.

There was no way this was my life. This was something straight out of a

dark, taboo romance. Just because I read the books, didn’t mean I condoned

this in real life. This was wrong, on so many levels.

I knew Maximus was a lot of things and had done horrible deeds,

but never, never, did I think he would ever harm me. No matter how
estranged we’d become over the years, I’d always felt safe.

He’d been waiting for me since I was seventeen. This blew my

fucking mind. Memories spiraling through my brain, I could see subtle hints

here and there that were obvious to me now, but overlooked at the time. Of

course, why would I ever suspect my older half-brother was in love with me

and wanted to have children? Who thought that way?

My eyes rolling, I scoffed, closing my lids. Well, lots of people,

actually, they just didn’t admit to it. One thing I learned the last couple

years through my secret kinks was lots of people fantasized about having

sex with family members. People talked about it every single day in my
online book chat groups. Even I got turned on reading them from time to

time.

Hell, I had an uncle that was fine as hell, who’d been the inspiration

of a few wanton pleasure scenes for myself. Reading them and fantasizing

were completely different than reality, however. Others may be okay with

this, but I was not. Not to mention the fact the man was raping me
continuously.

Goddamn, his stamina! How did he get hard so many fucking times

in one day? Every time I thought I would get a reprieve, he was at it again.

There had to be something wrong with him…well, besides the obvious

insanity.

My arms and shoulders aching, I craned my neck to look at the

ropes rubbing my wrists raw. Twisting my hand around, I hissed at the

discomfort, needles prickling along the nerves. What day was it? I’d lost

count again. I’d never missed a day in school, someone had to be

concerned.
Clucking my teeth, I sagged into the mattress with defeat. My

parents just died, no one would be looking for me any time soon. Everyone

knew how close we’d been, it only made sense I disappeared for a while

after their deaths.

 My eyelids snatched wide, grief twisting my heart. Their funeral. I

couldn’t believe I missed it. How could he be so cruel? Was it at least nice?

Had he done them justice? He and my father had never gotten along, and
his relationship with our mother had been estranged since his mafia secret

was exposed seven years ago. Had he just tossed them in pine boxes out of

spite, or been respectful, for my sake?

The door swung open, and Maximus strolled in naked. Groaning, I

turned my face into the pillow best I could. He was hard. Was the man

injecting Viagra straight into his dick? How the hell did he last this long?

“Good morning, moonbeam.”

“Fuck off.”

He snickered, crawling onto the mattress between my legs. Kissing

and licking up my thigh, I cringed, jerking it to knock him off. By now, I

knew begging was futile, so I didn’t bother. I also didn’t fight anymore,

because I learned it only gave pleasure, making him cum harder.

“Are you hungry?”

Starved.

“What does my sweet little moon want for dinner?”

“Your head on a platter?”

Another snicker as he settled into place, effortlessly gliding into my

pussy. He was at it so frequently, I pretty much stayed wet, his cum never
having time to dry up before he was going again. My muscles stretched and

then collapsed around his width, his length reaching straight to my cervix.

Gritting my teeth, I fisted the ropes and tightened my muscles, my toes

twitching. Though it had stopped hurting a while ago, it was still

uncomfortable because of his size and the fact I hated him with a deadly

passion.

“Yeah, that pussy fits me so good.”

Shuddering, my eyelids clenched, my stomach curdling. It only

made things worse when he openly acknowledged our relation. At least

when he called me moon or whore, my mind could trick itself into thinking
he was either someone else, or not mentally aware of how sickening this

was. Openly referring to me as his sister simply solidified the depth of his

depravity.

Lifting to his fists and knees, he stared down at me, speeding up.

“Gotta make this one quick, I have to get to the city.”

My head rolled to the left, hoping to see the deer still roaming the

yard. Finding her in the same spot, I shut my brain down, using her as an

escape. His grunts and words falling on deaf ears, I was pretending to be

somewhere else, anywhere but here.

The mattress began rocking, the headboard steady tapping the wall.

His movements going faster than ever, he kept sliding out, just to ram back
inside. When he did this, my flesh would pinch and I’d wince, but

otherwise, I was emotionless.

“You got so much cum in you, moon. It feels so fucking good. I

think, even after I put my baby in you, I might keep you loaded because,

fuck!” he hissed with a rough thrust. “Goddamn, that’s a juicy fucking cunt

right now.”

I tried to shut him out, but he was getting more aggressive and

louder, making it impossible.

“You know how fucking good you are, Evie? Unh, you’re the best,

moon. I’m going to worship you the rest of your life. Whatever you want,

it’s yours. Cars, furs, jewels, I’ll get it.”

Getting too quick again, his cock slipped out once more. This time,

when he shoved forward, he went too low, and it ripped into my ass. Agony

burst from my core, my soul exploding and tearing me into a million pieces.

Pushing my head into the pillow, a high pitched, shrilly scream shook my

chest so loudly, the poor deer took off into the trees.

Maximus paused for half a second, his complexion blanching, his

jaw gaping. “Oh…fuck!” he croaked before losing his goddamn mind.

Grabbing onto my breasts, his nails cutting my skin, he was pounding into

me like a mad man, his eyes bulging.

“So, you’ve had dick in your ass before, oh fuck, yeah.”

 “Oh, oh, oh!” Writhing, dripping with sweat, I was thrashing about

wildly, desperate to knock him off. “Ow, ow, ow! Oh, god, please, please,

Max. Stop, stop, stop.”

“Unh, oh, god, Evie, I can’t. I can’t stop, it feels too fucking good.”

“Ow!” I screamed, tears streaking into my hair. “Get off, get off,

ow!”

His weight into my chest crushed my lungs, preventing me from

being able to cry out anymore. Getting lightheaded, his cock continued to
ravage the tiny hole, tearing my flesh.

“Oh, shit, shit, shit. Evie, I’m cumming.”

“Max! Stop!”

“I’m…I’m…cumm…” Throwing his head back, he plunged deep

and emitted a howl that ricocheted from the ceiling.

Sobbing, in excruciating pain, I was trembling violently from head

to toe, my teeth rattling.

“Jesus…fuck,” he wheezed, easing his cock out.

To my horror, he dipped down, covered the tiny hole, and sucked his

cum out.
“Oh my god, are you crazy? Stop that. Get the fuck off me, you
piece of shit.”
 Inserting a finger to dig as much out as possible, he lifted to my
pussy, spit the cum, and pushed it in. Then he rose to his knees, aimed, and

slammed his cock inside.

“Maximus!” I shouted, lifting my head. “You can’t do that! Get that

out of me, it’s dirty.”

“Sorry, moonbeam,” he grunted, pounding away with no build up.

“Not a single drop wasted until you’re pregnant. Fucking Christ, that ass
was fantastic. I definitely need to fuck it more. Don’t worry,” he chuckled,
gripping my waist. “I’ll fuck it, but cum here.”

“No!” I whined, shaking my head adamantly. “You can’t do that. I

could get an infection.”

“You’re fine. Goddamn, you’re so fucking fine.”

His features contorting, teeth gleaming, he grunted, stilled, and

came again. Sighing, he smiled, making slow, deep thrusts. “That’s better.
Gotta push all that cum deep inside.” Bending over, he scattered kisses all

over my chest and breasts, to my cheeks and then ear. “I love you so much.”
“I fucking hate you,” I whimpered, fresh tears falling.

This only made him chuckle through his nose. Sitting up and pulling
out, he scooted to the foot of the bed, sat, and then stood. Raking his hands

through his hair, he disappeared down the hallway to the right to take a
shower.
 Sagging into the sheets, my face turned away, I quietly sobbed, my
muscles still trembling from the pain. Never in my life had I had the urge to

die, until now.

[Link]
 Chapter 11

Mischievously grinning, I shed my clothes as I crossed the room,

my sight locked on my beautiful moonbeam sleeping soundly. Climbing on

the bench, then the mattress, I kissed my way up her leg, pausing to stare

down at her gorgeous pussy. The scent of soap filling my nostrils told me
she’d been bathed since I left. It had been a couple weeks since I claimed

her, so the hair was a little longer.

Groaning, my chin ducked, my tongue flicking to her flesh. Parting

her lips, I swirled it around her clit, then lowered to her opening. A hunger
grew in my gut, making me dizzy with her flavor. Spitting on her pussy, I

sat up, spit in my palm, and stroked myself while memorizing every

flawless, curvy inch.

“Mine,” I growled from the pit of my core, my vision turned red.

Just the idea of another man touching her – looking at her – sent my blood
into a boiling pot of fury that blinded me and jumbled my thoughts.

Pushing my dick down, I aimed and forced the tip inside. Hissing on

my teeth when her muscles clamped around it immediately, a shudder rolled

down my spine, breaking me out in goosebumps. Her skin dry, the friction
tugged at my side, so I lowered my chin, pushing another drop of spit out. It

drooped a bit before falling to her clit, slowly sliding down onto my cock.
Using my thumb, I smeared it around and inched in a bit more. Like always,

when I took my time, once I got past a certain length, her muscles clenched

and sucked me all the way in.

I choked on an inhale, my stomach caving. “Christ, yes.”

Resituating myself so I was sitting on the sheets, my legs slid under

hers, my feet now by her armpits. I gripped her waist, pleasure rippling

through my system at how tightly her cunt bent my dick.

“Fuck. God, I fucking love you.”

Slowly rocking her up and down, I fell into a fist behind me, my

face tipped toward the ceiling. Groaning, I took my time, savoring being
inside her. I’d been with more women than I could ever count, yet this was

the best pussy. I always knew she would be good, but never expected it like

this. Obsessed, I wanted to be inside her all the time. Even when I was at

work, my thoughts were here, with her, waiting until I could crawl between

these thick, luscious thighs and fill her with more cum.

Completely laying down, my stomach lurched, and my eyes rolled a

bit, the ecstasy only intensifying. Holding her hips, I was flexing, not
necessarily thrusting, but still tumbling toward an orgasm in no time.

My spine arching, I hissed through gritted teeth, digging my heels

into the mattress. “Evelyn, unh, I love you.”

 The release hit and I choked on a breath. Tugging her a little closer,

my thighs shook as cum poured inside. With a few, sporadic jerks, I was

sagging into the mattress with a drawn out sigh, smiling smugly.

“Mine,” I muttered quietly.

Carefully easing out from beneath her, I rose to my knees and slid

back inside. Making wide, slow rotations with my hips, my head tilted to
study her profile. She was so used to this now, sometimes, she didn’t even

wake up. Would it always be like this? As much as I had been looking

forward to breaking her down, I hadn’t expected it to last this long. By now,

she should be reciprocating.

Maybe she never would. Maybe I would have to always force this.

Of course, it wouldn’t change my mind, I was still marrying her and putting

as many babies inside her as possible. Clearly, I had no qualms with the

way things were now.

Still, it would be nice to feel her fucking me back once in a while.

Earlier, when I accidentally pushed into her ass, she had bucked so wildly,
she practically snatched my soul straight from my core. It had been the

utmost, fantastic fucking of my entire life. If only I could get her to move

like that all the time.

An image flickered in my thoughts out of nowhere, images of other

men’s dick inside that ass. Obviously, she was no stranger to anal, or else it
wouldn’t have been that easy to make such an accident. How many dicks

had she ridden? How many men had cum inside my cunt? I bet she fucked

them, I bet she gave them everything she refused me.

Suddenly infuriated, I snarled and smacked her across the face. She

shrieked, a sharp inhale hitching her throat as she snapped awake. Gawking,

she stared up at me in horror, her chest heaving with labored breaths.

“How many dicks have you fucked, whore?”

“What?” she rasped, batting her lashes.

Gripping her throat, I seethed. “How many dicks have been in my

cunt?”

“Max, I—”

“Answer the fucking question, bitch!” I bellowed, shaking her head.

Struggling against the ropes, she was wiggling about, tugging at my

cock. The ecstasy hit my stomach like a fist, stealing my breath. “Oh, fuck,

don’t stop.”

When she started to settle down, the rage overcame me, jumbling

my thoughts. Growling, I smacked her face again and fisted the hair at the

top of her head.

“Whore! You’ll fuck those filthy pieces of shit, but you won’t fuck

me?”
 “They aren’t my brother, and they didn’t rape me,” she hissed right

back.

A third time, I smacked her, harder than the other two. Her cheek

was swelling and turning red, tears brimming. “You will fuck me, whore.”

“Over my dead body.”

Enraged, I sat up on my knees, gripped her neck with both hands,

and brutally fucked her, showing no love, no mercy, no consideration to the

pain or damage it was inflicting. Blinded by the hurt and betrayal, I shifted

between choking and slapping her, nothing but profanities spewing forth.

So caught up in the madness, I never noticed what the abuse was doing to
her until her eyes rolled, her face turned purple, and every muscle in her

body locked.

“Ah, fuck. What the hell?”

So tight, her pussy pushed my cock out. The second it dangled

between my thighs, liquids gushed forward, showering my lower abdomen

and thighs.

I grew dizzy with a rush of lust that blurred my sight. She came. She

fucking had an orgasm! And she squirted.

Encouraged, I slammed back inside, violently pounding away.

Rearing my hand back, I slapped her with the force I would a man, sending
a thin trail of blood down her chin. She bucked, her eyes rolled to whites,

and pushed me out again, soaking the sheets.

“Oh, fuck. Oh, my god, I just fell in love with you even more.”

Forcing back in before she stopped, her cunt was yanking my dick

viciously, the muscles so tight, it was almost uncomfortable. My nerve

endings prickling, an unexpected orgasm exploded in my gut, and I froze.

Unable to even make a sound, I was cumming, over and over, the sensations

needle like as I filled her so much, it was trickling out. Not wanting to

waste any, I pulled out, held my base, and used my tip to push it back

inside.

“I love you,” I wheezed, trembling uncontrollably. “Fuck, I love

you.”

Giving a few more quick thrusts, I growled and collapsed, both of us

covered in sweat. My fingers gradually unwinding, I lifted my lashes to see

she was unconscious. Scattering kisses all over her face, I lifted to my

forearms and rocked in and out once more. My mouth on her ear, I

repeatedly professed my undying love and devotion, promising her the

world, if only she would love me back.

[Link]
 Chapter 12
Sunday
May 29, 2022
I glared at the doctor as he leaned over to draw my blood. Hatred

heating my system, perspiration was sheening all over, curdling my

stomach. “You should be ashamed of yourself.”

His eyelids rounded slightly before his brows knitted low.

Coughing, he grew visibly uncomfortable, but continued what he was

doing. Carefully placing the vials in his bag, he moved the stethoscope to
his ears and listened to my heartbeat.

“Are you having any problems, Ms. Rothery?”

“Other than being held hostage and raped multiple times a day?
What else could be a problem?”

His sight darted to mine, his lips taut. Lowering his voice, he said,
“You think this is easy for me? I have a family, and, frankly, I’d like to see

them not get hurt.”

“So, you sacrificed me for them. How’s that working on your

conscience?”
Clearing his throat, he removed the pieces from his ears and draped

it around his neck. “Not well, if you must know,” he grumbled, pulling a

blanket over my naked form.

 “And if Maximus gets what he wants? What then? How is your

conscience dealing with the fact you are, essentially, helping him have a

baby with his sister? You, being a doctor, know the damage that can cause.”

Again, he avoided eye contact, showing how anxious he was. “You

are half siblings, Ms. Rothery. The chances of something going wrong—”
“Are not unguaranteed!” I shouted, lifting my head from the pillow.

“Don’t split hairs with me, asshole. I was in college to be a radiologist. I

have medical knowledge.”

Pointing, his expression turned hard and critical. “Listen to me, I

don’t want to do this. This is not what I signed up for when I became a
doctor thirty years ago. If it was just me on the line, I’d say to hell with it,

but I have a grandson on the way, and you and I both know, that when it

comes to Mr. Giordano getting his way, no one is safe.”

Deflating, I sagged into the sheets, rolling my head to peer out the

window. Since the first time I saw her, almost every day for five weeks, that

deer showed up around the same time. I knew it was five weeks, because I

used her visits as a point of reference.

I hadn’t seen her in a while, so had lost track on time once again.

Was she safe? Would I ever see her again? It was strange, but somehow, I

felt bonded, like she was my only friend.

 My pulse quickening, a knot of sickness shrunk my soul. Blinking at

the ceiling, I whispered, “What day is it?”

“Sunday. I always come on Sundays, you know this.”

“No, the date.”

Briefly stilling, a play of emotions battled in his graying irises.

Coughing, he looked away and muttered, “It’s May twenty-ninth.”

Gutted. A sob caught my throat, my eyelids clenching. I had

officially been missing for seven weeks. Multiple times a day, the rapes

were in the hundreds by now. It was hard to determine the exact number, for

I’d gotten so accustomed to it, sometimes, I didn’t even wake. I would

never know how many times my brother forced himself on me the last few

weeks.

By now, the school had to know something was wrong. My

classmates should be looking for me…

But there was no one else, other than them.

Laying in this bed, hours on end, for this long, left me alone with
my thoughts far too much. My brain had been showing things about life,

myself, other people, I had been able to overlook before, because all my

time and energy had been invested in college. Without that, I was nothing.

I had no friends. My mom and dad were my friends, and they were

gone. I had classmates, but no one I ever spoke to once we stepped foot off
campus grounds. Would they look for me? At the beginning of this

nightmare, I just knew they would have a search party out, scouring every

inch of Fort Lauderdale.

As the hours ticked into days, then weeks, came the slow realization

that those people, technically, knew nothing about me. If authorities came

asking questions, they would give the same generic response one gives

when being in regular contact with a stranger.

Oh, she was always really quiet. Very book smart. Really dedicated

to her schoolwork. She was going to graduate early, that’s all she cared

about.

Those replies sounded rather similar when the next door neighbor

turned out to be a sadistic serial killer. It was all a façade, nothing was real.

I wasn’t real. I had no depth, no spark, charisma, or passion. One goal,

graduate early.

“If there was any way to save you without bringing harm to my

grandson, I would do it in a heartbeat.”

My attention returned to the doctor, some of my defenses shedding.

How could I fault him for doing whatever it took to protect an unborn

baby?

Heaving a sigh, he pinched the bridge of his nose and stood straight,
a hand on his side. “Is there anything I can do for you, otherwise?”
 Pouting, my emotions rising, I whispered, “I just hurt all the time. I

haven’t moved out of this position since I got here. Please, tell him

something, anything, to get him to let me up.”

Sorrow shimmering, he cursed and looked away, stiffly bobbing his

head. “I’ll see what I can do, Ms. Rothery.”

A light tapping on the door sounded half a second before it opened,

Maximus strutting inside with the most brilliant smile. Rubbing his palms

together, I had never seen him so goddamn excited. “Well? What’s the

news? Third time’s a charm, right? What you got for me, Doc?”

“I have drawn some blood that I will test as soon as I get back to the
office. A simple home pregnancy test is sitting on the counter in the

bathroom—”

His features immediately scrunched to ire, his nostrils flaring. “You

untied her?”

“No, sir!” he cried, staggering into the corner by the window. “Th-

The…the bedpan.”

The anger shed, his shoulders slumping. “Oh, right, right.”

“A…About…that…s-sir.”

He bristled and narrowed his lids.

“Sir, your sister cannot stay in this position. She is losing muscle

mass. It is putting too much stress on her joints. Not to mention, she might
get bedsores soon.” He snorted, shrugging his hands out. “I’m surprised she

hasn’t already.”

“My maid changes the sheets almost daily and sponges her down

every morning and every evening. She is well taken care of, I assure you.”

“I don’t doubt that, Mr. Giordano, but you have to understand the

long term damage this could cause her muscles and joints.”

Concern etching his features, he looked at me, his brow creased.

“Long term? What do you mean?”

“Look at me, Max!” I whined, yanking against the ropes. “Look at

my wrists and ankles. Those are going to leave scars forever. And oh my

god, my shoulders hurt so bad. Please!” I was weeping out of nowhere,

tears streaking into my hair. “Oh, my god, please, I can’t do this anymore.”

His arms folding over his stomach, he clutched his elbows and

turned his profile to me, a muscle in his jaw twitching. “Will those? Ahem.”

Bowing his chin, his eyelids closed, his chest heaving with quickened

breaths. “Leave permanent scars, Doc?”

He exhaled, easing from the corner. “I’m afraid at this point, yes.

That is scar tissue, Mr. Giordano.”

“Shit.” Spinning his back to me, he covered his face, his stance

wide. “You weren’t supposed to fight me this long, Evie. I never intended

you to be like this for so long.”

 “Did you really expect me to give in? Ever?” I shrieked, baffled that

I’d never noticed how unhinged he truly was.

Craning his neck to peek at me, he suddenly looked frightened,

almost vulnerable. His focus moving to the doctor, the wall erected, and he

was vicious once more. Fully turning to face me, his hands pushed to his

pockets, a leg jutting to the side.

“This is something we will discuss in privacy, Evelyn. Couples

shouldn’t argue in front of others.”

I snorted and shook my head, realizing I was battling something I

would never win. He was absolutely delusional. He honestly believed we

were together, and that, somehow, this absurd scheme of his would work. In

his mind, I was playing hard to get and, one day, I would fall in love, and
we would live happily ever after.

The doctor coughed nervously and scurried into the bathroom to

collect the rest of his things. Maximus and I had a silent stare off, me

glowering, him grinning with pure adoration.

Out of nowhere, a voice in my head chimed in with a thought that

horrified me. That was exactly how I’d always wanted guys to look at me,
but instead, always got dumped.
My heart skipped, my eyelids rounding. Abruptly turning my head

to stare out the window, I could barely breathe, confusion muddling my

brain.
“Shit.”

Ice coated my veins as I bit by bit turned my head to the right at the
doctor’s curse. He was hovering in the archway, the pregnancy stick in his

trembling hand. Without him even looking, I knew. My stomach sank and
my heart broke into a billion pieces, unshed tears filling my eyes.

“What? What does it say? Tell me, Doc.”

He gulped and stared at Maximus. Extending his arm, he held the
stick out. He snatched it…and everything about his demeanor changed.

Beaming ear to ear, his dark eyes misting, he stared at me, laughing huskily.
“You did it, moonbeam. Oh, my god. You did it! We’re having a

baby!”
He ran over and jumped onto the mattress, wrapping his arms

around me. Burying his face in the crook of my neck, he muttered over and
over how much he loved me, and how amazing I was, and blah, blah, blah.

Again, that voice chimed in with, That is exactly how I had always
pictured my future husband to react when learning we were expecting.

“You did it,” he breathed, placing a kiss against my ear.

I scoffed and rolled my eyes. Not like I had much choice. The

hundreds of times I’d been raped probably had more to do with it than
anything.
 For a split second, my focus locked on the doctor’s. His chin shook
as he looked away. All his supplies gathered, he left the room, quietly

shutting the door.

I sighed, craning my neck to gaze out the window. Where was my

deer, my friend? She was my point of escapism. I needed her right now.

[Link]
 Chapter 13
Tuesday
May 31, 2022
Sitting on the bench at the foot of the bed, Maximus was watching

the maid intently as she showed how to give me a pedicure. His brows
furrowed, under other circumstances, I would find this quite endearing as he

concentrated so hard, a vein in his forehead stood out.

Handing him the bottle of polish, his lips drew taut, his lids thinning
further. Removing the brush, he brought it to my big toe.
“Nice and slow. See, there you go.”

“Dammit!” he barked, some of it getting on my skin. “This is not

acceptable. She deserves perfection. I can’t do this.”

She patted the back of his wrist. “Calm down. Look. Gently use

your nail, and rub it off. Like this,” she said with a quick swipe.
He huffed and tried again with the next toe. When he smeared the

light pink polish, he used his pinky and cleaned the smudge.

“See?”

He wiped it on his shorts and continued, his lips practically

disappearing. Seemingly forgotten, I snorted through my nose and shook

my head, staring at the ceiling. Since my first heartbreak, I had dreamed of

finding a man who loved me like this. One who doted and pampered me,
practically obsessing over my wants and needs. I finally got him, and it was

my kidnapping, rapist brother. Why the hell was fate so goddamn cruel?

The fucking irony.

“There you go. You got it.”

“Mm hm.”
“I’m going to do some laundry. Did you need anything else?”

He merely grunted like a Neanderthal. She patted his shoulder,

stood, and left, closing the door. Peering down my torso, I huffed. The toes

done, he replaced the brush, twisted it closed, and tossed it aside. Picking

up the bottle of lotion, he pumped some into his palm and began massaging
it into my calf.

Had to admit, that felt pretty incredible after being tied up for as

long as I had been.

His touch lowered, his thumb brushing over the scars from the rope.

His expression changed, his brows lifting, his Adam’s apple lurching.

Clenching his eyelids, he bent over, showering the area with kisses.

Tingles shot through my core, my hairs standing on end. My chest

weighted and my heart ached. “Max,” I called out softly.

“Hm.”

“You need to let me go.”

His head jerked, his expression stunned. “Why?”

 Scoffing, my fingers splayed out. “This will never work.”

Why the hell did he have to appear so wounded, as if I just kicked

his puppy? Actually pouting, he said, “But, it has to.”

“Why? Why does it have to? Why me?”

In a simplistic tone, he stated, “Because you’re my moonbeam.”

“No, Maximus, I’m not. I’m your sister.”

He gulped loudly enough for me to hear, his fingers curling around

my calf. Holding his other arm up, he twisted his wrist side to side. “You

see this, Evie? It’s the counterpart to the bracelet I gave you right before my

father died, and everything went to hell. I’m your sun, you’re my moon.”

A small chuckle pushed through his nose. Setting the lotion aside,

he crawled up the mattress, his fists holding his weight to hover above. His

head tilted, he whispered, “Have you heard the story about how much the

sun loved the moon? So much, he died every night to let her breathe.”

Emotions tugged at my heart, tears welling. Why did the man I

always dreamed of have to be a psychopath? Why did he have to be my

brother? Why couldn’t any of my boyfriends love me like this? This was so

unfair.

He cupped my cheek, his voice lowering. “You have no idea how

much I love you, Evelyn.”

 Speaking just as quietly, I whimpered, “But I can never be who you

need.”

He searched my face with another nasally chuckle. Brushing my

bangs aside, he said, “You already are. You are everything.”

“I’m not a killer.”

Abruptly stilling, his sight flitted to mine, the whites showing

around his dark irises. Nostrils flaring, he dropped the soothing tone and

barked. “Why the fuck would you say that?”

“Max, you had sex with me one night with another man’s blood on

you because you killed him. Why the hell do you think I cut you off when I

found out about you choosing to follow in Luciano’s footsteps? You’re a

killer, and I can never be that.”

He flung himself to the side to sit on the mattress, his legs crossed.

His elbows on his thighs, his fingers twined, his thumbs tapping together.

“Do you know how badly you gutted me when you did that to me? Christ,

Evie.” He snickered bitterly, dropping his chin to cover his face. “You cut

me off at the knees and nearly took me down.”

My heart breaking for the lost bond we once shared, I let a few tears

slide out. “It was your choice, Max—”

“No, it wasn’t—”
 “Yes, it was!” I snapped, lifting my head off the pillow. “When he

died, you could have walked away.”

His complexion darkening, he stared at me in disbelief. “Like you

said, I’m a killer. My whole life, I had these intrusive thoughts,” he said,

wiggling his fingers at his temple. “These urges that I knew were wrong.”

He shrugged his arms out with a cynical laugh. “Society told me I shouldn’t

think those things, but nothing I ever did got rid of them.

“So, you’re right, I did have a choice. Life handed me a path that

gave me the opportunity to be who I was meant to be, and I chose that to

free myself from the self-loathing that was shoved into my brain through
propaganda—”

“Propaganda?” I chortled. “How is valuing human life

propaganda?”

Seething, his chest heaving, he pointed at the sheets. “That man’s

blood that was on us? Do you know why I killed him?”

Ice running through my veins, I sagged into the mattress, not liking

where this conversation was leading. I didn’t want anything to do with his

lifestyle, didn’t want to know anything I shouldn’t.

“He was one of my men, one of my guards. I found out he was

beating his wife and four-year-old son.”

My insides shrank.
 “So, I got rid of him. No one!” he shouted, slicing his hand through

the air. “Will ever put their goddamn hands on an innocent and live if I find

out about it.”

Something inside softened, astonishment overwhelming my senses.

So, Maximus Giordano had a conscience, after all. Years of thinking he was

heartless and cruel with no morals, and here I was, discovering he not only

cared, but had a vigilante side to his persona. Despite the situation, I found

it a tad admirable.

Sniffling, my chin quivering, I breathed, “But I can never do that. I

can never take a life, Max. That’s not who I am.”

An odd smile tugging one corner of his mouth, he sat up and pushed

his weight into his palms under my armpits. His brown locks falling over

his brow, his face was close enough to smell the coffee on his breath.

“Be honest, sis, there’s no one here to hear or judge you. Just you

and me. You once told me everything, trusted me with all your secrets. You

still can. You’ve never had the urge to get revenge on someone? All those

boyfriends who used and left you, you never wanted to get back at them?

Make them hurt like they hurt you?”

My heartbeat slowed, a coldness seeping into my soul like a slow

moving mist on an eerie, dark night. My eyelids rounding, my breath

shallowed, my sight lost in his glinting gaze.

 Tilting his head, his voice husky and low, he continued to taunt.

“You’ve always been a loner, just like me. The one time you let someone in,

and she slept with your man. Your best friend fucked your boyfriend.”

Heat rose to my skin as anger thickened my veins. How did he know

about that? How could he possibly know about that betrayal?

“When you walked into her apartment, on your twenty-second

birthday, ready to go out and celebrate with your best friend, and found her

riding him on the couch…”

My teeth gritted, the memory stirring a rageful storm in my gut that

had me sweating.
“You didn’t want to hurt her for betraying you? On your birthday? It

never crossed your mind to bring her physical pain?”

“No,” I croaked, lying through my gnashing teeth.

He snickered, tipping his head the other way. “Of course, you did.
It’s in your DNA. It’s in your blood, Evelyn. Accept who you are. Stop

fighting and be who you were born to be.”

Panting, a battle of emotions brewing, I hissed, “I am not a killer.

That’s your DNA. Luciano made you that way. My parents were kind,
gentle, compassionate human beings.”
His features hardened, his jaw flexing. Rather abruptly, he

scrambled off the bed, went to the door, and flung it open so hard, it banged
the wall and partially shut. Licking my dry lips, I craned my neck to stare,
trying to calm the chaos he stirred in my core.

A moment later, he was charging back into the room, slamming the
door. Practically jumping on the bed, he straddled my waist. Holding my

glare, he untied one of my wrists and shoved a knife into my palm.

A yelp caught the back of my throat, my jaw falling. Confused, I

looked between it and him several times, not understanding what was
happening.
“You’re not a killer? Liar. Do it, sis. You want to be free so much,

fucking do it. Get it over with. Prove to me I’m right and—”

My muscles moving of their own accord, I growled and flung my

arm out, pressing the blade to his throat. He jerked his head back, panting,
leering down the length of his nose.

Horrified, I gasped, trembling uncontrollably. Staring at my fist

holding the knife, the nerves around my skull prickled, sending a chill down

my spine.
“Oh…my god.”

A wicked grin curled his mouth, his cock getting hard on my belly.
“Not a killer?”

In a quick, stealthy move, he swiped the knife, tossed it to the floor,

and shoved my wrist back to the corner of the mattress. Wrapping the rope
around it, he secured it once again.
I turned my face away, clenching my eyelids as a sob shook my

frame.
“It’s in your blood, moon. Face facts. Seven years ago, I was given a

set of options. I could ignore my instincts and continue living a lie, or I

could embrace who I was meant to be, and have everything I could ever

dream of.”
Bound again, he dropped to his hands on either side of my torso,

panting against my face. “I made a choice, and have never been happier.”
“Happy?” I wept, gazing at him through the tears. “This is a happy

life?”
“Yes. I had everything I ever wanted, except one thing.” His palm

on my cheek, he forced my full attention. “You. Now I have you, and we’re
having a baby. This is more than happiness, moon, this is eu-fucking-

phoria.
“Now it’s your turn. I’m giving you options. Continue lying to
yourself, or let go, and be happy with the life I’ve given.”

Shoving off, he climbed out of bed and left the room, closing the
door.

My head pushed into the pillow, another sob bursting forth. He was
wrong. I didn’t have it in me, I could never hurt someone, no matter how
badly they hurt me. The fact I stopped myself before drawing blood on him

just now, proved that.

I was not a killer.

[Link]
 Chapter 14
Sunday
June 19, 2022
Now that I was pregnant, Maximus spent just as much time

cumming in my ass as my pussy. I had hoped it would lessen his sexual

drive, but that wasn’t to be. Apparently, he was just insatiable, no matter

what.

How far along was I? Every other Sunday since I became

imprisoned here, Dr. Neilson came to visit and give me a checkup. Since he
wasn’t able to bring an ultrasound machine to the house, he could only

speculate when I asked today, but guessed I was about five weeks along.

When I was tested on May fifteenth, it was negative. On May twenty-ninth,

it was positive. Somewhere in those two weeks, my brother knocked me

up.
One good thing had happened the last few weeks, however. I had a

little more freedom. Unfortunately, my ropes had been switched for

shackles. At least now, I had enough slack to roll onto my side or even sit

up in the bed.
Nine weeks since I’d been on my feet, however. Would my legs

even be able to hold my weight anymore? Did he honestly not understand

the damage he was causing my body? My calf muscles were dwindling

away, leaving scrawny legs and feeble ankles. What the hell was he going

to do when this baby was born? How would I ever be able to take care of it

if I couldn’t move?

Lying on my side, Maximus curled to my back, his tongue was

lapping at my sweat as he slowly rocked in and out of my ass. It had been a

while since I’d seen my deer friend. Where once she was my form of

escapism to whom I silently confessed all my secrets, now there was

nothing. For a day or two after Dr. Neilson visited, I was able to gage time,

but it never lasted. The days and nights meshed, and I continued to get lost

in reality while being bound to this bed.

My arm tucked under my head, I stared at the soft, leather bands

around my wrist. That was an improvement. The skin wasn’t being chafed

anymore, but the marks would never fade. They would be a permanent

reminder of how I came to be who I was now.

And who, exactly, was I?

Clucking my teeth, I wiggled a bit to get more comfortable.

“Fuck yeah, push that ass into me,” he wheezed against my ear, his
hot breaths tickling my cheek.

It was time to accept defeat. No one was looking for me, I would not

be rescued, my brother won, yet again. There was no point in denying the

hand dealt to me. I was going to be Maximus’s forever. We were having a

baby. This was my role now. Maybe if I just accepted it, he would release

me, and I could move about as I wished.

His palm cupped a cheek and lifted, his thrusting quickening. Our

flesh clapping together, he lifted his leg, swung it over my hip, and sped up,

creaking the mattress. No longer feeling anything, no discomfort, pain,

nothing, I laid there, watching the tree limbs sway in the breeze. The sky
darkened, thunder rolling in the distance.

“Unh, you feel so good.”

A snort caught the back of my throat. Must be nice to be able to still

enjoy sex. After what was probably months of daily rapes, multiple times a

day, I was completely numb. Would I ever have an orgasm again?

Did I really want one with my brother?

My eyelids snatched wide, my chest caving. Recalling that one time

I did cum, a slow, jagged breath pulled through my opened mouth. It had

only happened the one time, but it had been explosive, making me shower

him with juices. I had never squirted before that day, never knew I was
capable. When he started choking me, however, and slapped me across the

face…something triggered inside. I had gone from struggling against him

for freedom to grinding against that dick like my life depended on it.

What was wrong with me? Was I as depraved as he was? Obviously,

or else I wouldn’t have eagerly fucked him back to get another orgasm only
a few seconds later.

No one, not one single sexual partner, had ever made me that turned

on. I had experimented with some kinks in the past with a few lovers, but
no one had flat out struck me while calling me filthy names. Why? Why in

the hell did that awaken a hidden need in my soul?

Maximus grunted, reaching around to grope my breast. “I love you.”

Sighing, I sank into the mattress and pillows, watching the first

droplets of rain hit the windowpanes. That, I no longer doubted. I used to

think it was lust, but he genuinely loved me, in his own, strange way.

His teeth clamped on the back of my shoulder, his movements

growing more aggressive. “Unh, unh, unh, unh!” Shoving deep, he stilled,

his cock twitching to pour inside.

A minute or two ticked by as his cock softened and slid out. Rolling

to his back he gulped loudly, petting up and down my side. “Goddamn,

Evie. I will never get tired of being with you. Fuck.”

I smirked, a brow arching. If he thought I was this good just lying

here, what would he do if I ever fucked him back? I would have that man

on his knees.

A cold wave washed over me, stilling my pulse. Why the hell would

I even think that? I was losing my sanity. I’d heard that could happen to
people in captivity. Forget about my body, would my psyche ever be the

same? How much permanent damage was being caused there?

He patted my ass, heaved a sigh, and scooted out of the bed.

Rummaging around the bathroom, he returned, the mattress bouncing with

his weight. Since this was routine now, I waited for him to place the towel

down and rolled to my back, scooching my ass so it was in the proper place.

Tipping my head to the side, I twirled a lock of hair, staring at the ceiling

while he used the douche to clean out my vagina. Ever since ass to pussy

became a regular occurrence, I had insisted he at least clean me out

afterward to avoid infections, especially now that I was pregnant.

With Dr. Neilson’s estimations, the baby was due sometime the

beginning of February. Since I was already chubby, when would I start to

show? Would it be a boy or girl?

Would I be able to love it? How was I supposed to nurture

something that was created under such violent circumstances? When this

child was grown, and asked how Mommy and Daddy met, what the hell

were we going to tell them?

Oh, I was your Daddy’s younger sister whom he became infatuated

with when I was still a teenager. Knowing I would never give in, he

kidnapped me, tied me to a bed, where he raped me daily, sometimes a

dozen times in one day, for months. Then you came along, dear.
 Did Maximus think this through? How did he expect to get away

with this without ever facing any consequences?

The bed shook and his weight was gone. He disappeared through the

archway to put things away, washed his hands, and came back, plopping to

the mattress. Gathering me into his arms, my back to his chest, he assumed

the same position he did every night. Within minutes, he was snoring softly

in my ear.

I gazed out the window, my fingertips absently playing with the hair

on his wrist. The sky pitch black by now, a zip of lightning would light up

the yard every now and then. The storm lulling me to sleep, I gradually

drifted off, my fingers lacing with his while baby names circled my brain.

[Link]
 Chapter 15
Friday
June 24, 2022
The clanking of the chains stirred me awake. Lifting my lashes, the

first thing I saw was the leather cuff around my wrist, and it had my
stomach plummeting. The pressure breaking, I turned my face into the

pillow and let out a gut-wrenching sob. A burst of adrenaline hit my soul

and I thrashed about, screaming through gritted teeth, yanking on them as

hard as I could. The headboard banged into the wall several times, but
nothing budged. The rush gone, I crumbled into the pillow and lamented.

I hated Maximus. I hated him so much for doing this to me. Why?

Why did he have to feel the way he did? And why was his reaction to just
take me, forcing me into a life I never would have agreed to? I couldn’t

accept what he wanted. I could not give him the future he had dreamed
about since I was a teenager. Why couldn’t he find someone else who

would bend over backward to be his? He was a good looking man, wealthy,

smart. There had to be any number of women willing to be his wife and

bear him children.

Someone not his sister.

Sniffling, I rolled to my back and cradled my forehead, staring at the

ceiling. I couldn’t take this anymore. Something had to give. I was never
meant to be confined to a bed this long. Sponge baths, bed pans, being fed

my meals. This wasn’t healthy, not for my body or mentality. I was

withering away, couldn’t he see that? If he loved me so much, wouldn’t he

want me happy?

My palm slapped to my stomach, absently making tiny circles

around my navel with my two middle fingers. My future had never been so

bleak and uncertain. Scanning the room, I caught sight of Maximus sitting

on the bench at the foot of the bed and bolted upright, my heart leaping to

my throat. Scooting into the frame, I was slightly panting, staring at his

profile.
He was wearing sweatpants and a tee shirt, his hair falling around

his brow in shaggy waves. Staring at the floor, his Adam’s apple bobbed,

his jaw twitching.

Slowly bending my legs as far as the chains would allow, I licked

my dry lips and narrowed my lids. Opening my mouth to say something, he

spoke, his voice gruff, low, and uneven.

“I can’t handle this anymore, moonbeam.”

Confused, my head tipped a bit. “What?”

“You’re miserable. You cry in your sleep sometimes.”

My brows lifted. I did? Eh, it wouldn’t surprise me, for the

nightmares plaguing me since I’d been here were pretty gruesome at times.
 “I…You’re breaking my fucking heart, sis,” he croaked, pinching

the bridge of his nose.

Good. Rotten bastard.

“I just…” He huffed, tilting his chin to cast a sorrowful gaze. “I just

want you happy.”

“Then let me go.”

Slightly shaking his head, he whispered, “I can’t do that. I let you

go, and I die. That’s suicide. I want you happy, but with me,” he added with

a curt slap to his chest that shook the last word.

“That’s never going to happen, Max. I don’t love you.”

“In time—”

“No.” Shrugging my arms out, I snorted incredulously, appalled he

still wasn’t accepting reality. “Never. You. Are. My. Brother.”

“Semantics.”

“Sem…How in the hell is DNA semantics? Even if you weren’t, I

still wouldn’t love you.”

This seemed to absolutely devastate him. He reacted as if I just

kneed him in the groin. His complexion turned green, an inhale hitching his

throat. His mouth opened, his eyes bulged a bit, his breathing shallowing.

“Don’t say that—”

 “You kidnapped me,” I hissed, pointing to the bed. “And you raped

me, god…what? Hundreds of times.”

He huffed, turning his profile to me once more, his eyelids closing.

“You purposely got me pregnant with a baby that has a fifty fifty

shot of being born with complications because of our relations.”

“That won’t happen,” he rasped, snatching his attention to mine. “I

assure you, that baby will be nothing but perfection.”

“You can’t know that, Max!”

“I do, I absolutely know this, Evelyn. I am as sure of that as I am we

were meant to be together.”

Well, in my mind, that just sealed the deal the baby would suffer.

He stood and rounded the bed, holding onto the banister at the foot.

Raking his sight along me, the corner of his mouth curled, his features

softening. “I have never seen someone so beautiful.”

Huh, odd. That used to make my skin crawl. This time, not so much.

So, this must be the first stage of insanity. This baby was definitely screwed

with two unstable parents.

“You are the only one for me, Evie. Don’t you see how much you

mean to me? You think I would go through all this for just anyone? No, just

you. Only you. You…” He scoffed, pressing his palm to his chest. “Are my
everything. You are my moon.”
 Why the hell did everything I ever wanted in a man have to come

from the one person I should never be with? All the exes I’d been through, I

finally get the love and devotion I longed for, and it came from my lunatic,

older brother. Fate was such a cruel bitch.

“And to prove it, I am going to take away the chains.”

My heart stopped, as well as my breathing. My feet sliding down the

sheets to straighten my legs, I gawked, unsure I heard correctly. “You’re

letting me go?”

“No,” he whispered, shaking his head. “I’ll never let you go. But I

can’t keep you in this bed forever. How am I going to expect you to fall in
love with me when you hate me because you’re so uncomfortable? You

deserve better. So.” He pulled a tiny key out his pocket and bent over,

unlocking the leather cuff to my left wrist.

Excitement swirling my belly, I stared at my arm, moving it about,

stretching the muscles. Wincing when I went too far, I whimpered, hugging

it to my side. Staring at him without blinking while he went to the other

three cuffs, I tried to tell myself this was really happening and not another

one of my sick dreams where he let me go, just to chase me down and take

me back.

The chains rattled as they slid off the mattress to the floor. Standing

at the foot of the bed, he tossed the key on the dresser by the entrance and
folded his arms. “From here on out, you have free reign of the house. It is

guarded, you will be watched, and are not permitted to even go outside to

the porch, but I will not confine you to the bed, any longer.”

Too stunned to accept this, afraid it was a trick, I just sat there,

peering at him through narrowed lids.

He came around to stand next to me, his emotions masked with

indifference. “I know it’s been a while since you’ve been mobile, so I’m

pretty sure your muscles are shit right now. I have hired a masseuse to give

you a massage. They are set up in the living room, waiting on you.”

My pulse skipped, my breath catching.

Pointing, he squinted, evil lurking in his dark irises. “You try

anything, Evelyn, and I’ll kill her. You say one thing that draws suspicion,

and she’s dead. You want that on your conscience?”

Clucking my teeth, I deflated and cursed under my breath.

“Do not make me regret this. I will have you back in this bed until

the baby is born, do not test me, little girl.”

“Fine.”

He bent over, sliding his arm across my back to hook under the
opposite arm. Gently coaxing me to my feet, I cried out in pain and nearly

buckled, my weight feeling like a million needles jabbing at once.

“Shh, shh, I got you, sis. Just lean on me, okay?”

 Never, in my life, had carpet on my feet felt so goddamn good! It

was a sensation I never paid much attention to until now. Soft, cool, and

relaxing, it was nice to feel anything on my feet other than sheets.

My nails clawing at his shoulder, I was dripping sweat by the time

we reached the door. To my surprise, I found myself rather excited about

seeing the rest of the house. He opened it, exposing golden oak floors.

Immediately to the left was a French door to the back porch, a set of stairs

to the right. Limping down the short hallway, I purposely avoided the small
mirror, not wanting to see what I looked like. Spotting a large, framed

image of me on the opposite wall, my stomach turned over. My neck

craning to keep ogling it as he continued forward, my sight shifted to his

profile.
The end of the hall opened into a small dining section with a bay

window, a bar separating it from the small, open kitchen with an average
sized living room beyond. The decorations matching the bedroom, I was

taken aback by the simplicity, almost down-home vibe. From what I saw,
this place was probably no bigger than my parents’ house. Coming from a

man with millions of dollars at his expense, this was more than surprising.
A butcher block on wheels acted as the kitchen’s island, making a
separation from the living area. It had been pushed against the stove, the

leather recliner moved toward the double French doors at the rear. In its
place was a white, vinyl table, a tall, stocky woman in white scrubs
hovering next to it. Her hair wrapped in a tight bun, she was wearing a

mask with the company’s logo, her hands clasped in front of her thighs.
“Good morning, Mrs. Giordano.”

Mrs. what the fuck did she just call me?

Maximus practically carried me to the table, helping me lie down.

“Stomach or back?”
“Stomach first, sir.”
“Okay. Come on, moon, take it easy, nice and slow.”

Grimacing, for my muscles were no longer accustomed to this kind

of stimulation or movement, I inched down, settling into place with my face

in the circular cut out. He petted my hair away, kissed my temple, and
whispered in my ear.

“I love you. Just relax and enjoy this.”

Relax and enjoy this. What a joke. What kind of lie had he told this

woman as to why I was in the shape I was right now? What did she think
happened to me to make me hurt just from walking?

I stared at the light gray, oriental rug with the blue swirls and curves,
wishing I had looked at the rest of the décor before lying down. The woman

moved about, glass bottles clanking. Right as her palms touched my

shoulder blades, a notion occurred to me, sending me to my elbows to gaze
at her.

“I’m pregnant.”
Startled, she snatched away, blinking rapidly. “Ma’am?”

“I-I-I’m…preg—nant. Will this…I mean, I heard massages aren’t

good when you’re pregnant.”

Her eyes smiling, she urged me back down. “It’s fine, Mrs.
Giordano, I assure you. Just relax.”

Already sick of hearing that. Relax, my ass.

Still, I exhaled loudly and got comfortable, closing my eyelids. Her

fingers firm, she deftly worked at my muscles, kneading each one, ones I
never even knew existed. Sometimes, the pressure would send them into

spasms, knotting them into charley horses that had me crying out, tears
dripping from my eyes, but she expertly worked everything out. Patient, she

spent nearly an hour on my back before having me flip.

To my surprise, Maximus was right there, helping me shift
positions. He stuck around? My eyes rolled at this. Of course, he stuck

around. How else would he assure I didn’t rat him out and beg her to call
the police?

While she worked on my front, I took advantage to check out the

living room. Basic furniture consisting of a suede sofa, its back to the
French doors, and two matching chairs across from it with a simple,

wooden coffee table in the center. A small hutch was on the far wall with
nothing but a television on top. In the far corner was a narrow, brick

fireplace that was caddy, a thick, wooden mantel over the top.
And above that was a huge picture of me. My hair was longer, the

bangs shorter. Wearing a soft pink dress that showed off my curves, my
smile was bright, my cheeks rosy. Taken after the ceremony when I
graduated college when I was twenty-one, the excitement was evident in

my expression.
How did he get this picture? I’d never seen it before, and I knew for

a fact, he hadn’t been invited. Staring off to the side, I wasn’t facing the
camera. It almost looked as if I didn’t know…

My heart sank, my attention snapping to Maximus sitting on the

sofa. An ankle propped on his knee, his arm was stretched across the back,

his sight locked on me. He was there. Either he was there, or he’d hired
someone to be there, because I did not pose for that picture.

How many other milestones had he been a part of that I didn’t know
about? And why the hell was my pulse going all weird and jittery at this

notion? I should be horrified that he’d been stalking me.

His focus roaming over my frame, his eyes glossed, the corner of his

mouth curling with appreciation. See, why couldn’t any of my boyfriends

ever look at me the way he was right now? This wasn’t fair.

Breaking the stare, I gazed at the vaulted ceiling, watching the fan
blades slowly rotate. Zoning out, trying to silence my thoughts, time

seemed to jump because, in a matter of seconds, the woman was stepping

away, my entire body felt like jelly, and I was seconds from falling into a

peaceful slumber. Maximus knelt next to the table, petting the hair from my
brow.

“You know how exquisite you are right now? You’re always
perfection. I love you, so much.”

I studied his features, seeing his truth. The man genuinely adored
me, that was undeniable.

“Do you feel good, moon?”

Simply nodding, my voice was eluding, too many voices in my head

at the moment.
“I want to give you stuff like this all the time. I want to pamper you,
show you how priceless you are. Everything your heart desires, you get, just

say the word. I love you,” he repeated, placing a kiss to my cheek.

Huffing, I closed my eyes and let him scoop me into his arms. He

carried me to the master suite and into the bathroom. Gently setting me on a
soft, padded bench at the built in vanity, he went to the garden tub and drew
a bath. I craned my neck to look in the wall of mirrors, and my insides
plummeted.

Dark rings under my eyes, my complexion pasty and gaunt, my hair

matted and grungy. This? This was exquisite perfection? Was he insane?
Yes, he was. Certifiably.

Not even thinking about what I was doing, I grabbed the edge of the
white, marble counter and hoisted myself to my feet. Grimacing and

sucking through my teeth at the pain, I wobbled to the toilet in the corner.
“Whoa, where the…”

Plopping to the seat, I arched a defiant brow, my lips taut. Bowing

his chin, he looked away, getting the bath ready.

“Sorry, thought you were trying to leave.”

My elbows on my knees, I covered my face and peed. Any ounce of

dignity I had was stolen months ago when I was forced to use a bed pan
anytime I had to relieve myself. Being twenty-five years old and having

either the maid or my brother wipe my ass stripped any traces of vanity, so
there was no shame in actually using a toilet for once in front of him.

Done, I wiped and flushed, forcing myself to stand once more.

Maximus helped me into the bathtub, got a cloth, and began tenderly

cleaning every inch. The feel of the water around my body, the lightness of
no chains on my limbs, and the effects of the massage, I was sinking into a
state of relaxation.

“I’m going to give you the world, sis. Just give me a chance. I’m
going to love you like no one ever did. I promise. I’ll never leave you. I’ll

make you happy, I promise.”

Scoffing, I turned my head to stare up out the window above the tub.

All his promises? Yeah, I had no doubt he would do whatever he could to

make each one come true.

I just was not capable of loving him like he wanted.

[Link]
 Chapter 16
Thursday
June 30, 2022
After exploring the rest of the home, I learned it was a rather simple,

basic, four bedroom, two bath, just barely over twenty-three hundred square
feet. For someone with as much money as Maximus had, it was a rather

humble choice, in my opinion. And, now that I was no longer bound to the

bed, I found I rather liked the furniture. Nothing fancy, no elaborate

decorations, far from the luxury of his penthouse, the environment was
comfortable and cozy. It looked like any typical, family dwelling.

Or, more like a shrine. There were pictures of me everywhere. No

matter where I looked, there was something that symbolized me or the

relationship I once had with my brother. It was almost as if he created this

entire setup, waiting for me to be here one day.

Standing at the edge of the bookshelf that spanned an entire wall in

the office, my fingertips brushed over a small statue. It had a black, wooden

base, the rest gold metal cut, shaped, and polished into a sun with a faced,

crescent moon curling around the side. Turning my head just a bit, I stared
at Maximus sitting in the chair, scribbling notes on a document.

He was wearing only a pair of sweatpants, his hair tousled around

his ears. A day’s worth of growth on his jaw, his muscles rippled under the
soft glow of the lamp, showing off just how physically fit he was.

My focus lowered to his wrist where the moon bracelet had been

since the day he put it on seven years ago. I looked at my own wrist. Instead

of its counterpart, there were faint scars from the ropes that had been bound

to me far too long.

Huffing, I slowly crossed the room, my left leg a lot stiffer than my

right, for some reason. I went to the foyer and peeked out the window on

the side of the door. Nothing but flat, green grass for a couple hundred

yards until a buffer of thick trees. From what I’d gathered, a circular area

had been cut out in the woods, the house built in the center. The question
was, where, in the woods, was this clearing? The middle, side, front, rear?

With nearly four hundred acres, how far were we from the neighbors?

Movement pulled my attention in the opposite direction. Two of

Maximus’s guards were chatting, smoking cigarettes, leaning against a

shiny, black Cadillac. There were at least four men strolling the perimeter.

Were there more I couldn’t see? Were they armed? Of course, they were

armed. It was stupid to think otherwise.

My sight lowered to the door. The knob and deadbolt were locked,

and it had a chain. How quickly could I go through them? My muscles were

still so damn sore. The massage helped, tremendously, but it would take a

while before physical actions wouldn’t cause cramps or spasms.

 “Don’t fucking dare,” he grumbled unexpectedly.

Gagging on a yelp, I stumbled away from the door, clasping my

throat. “Wha…I…”

He sighed, dropped the pen, and stacked the papers, shooting a

warning glower. “I’m not stupid, Evelyn. I’ve been watching you all day

scope out the house. I assure you, if you attempt to run, it will only result in
you regretting it. No one is around to help you.”

Hopelessness sank my stomach, my bottom lip puckering.

“I am letting you have freedom around the house. Do not take

advantage of my generosity.”

I clucked my teeth and fanned my hands out. “Can I at least have

some clothes?”

A wicked smile spread across his mouth, his focus raking down my

frame. “Hell no. I rather enjoy the view. Honestly, do you have any idea

how spectacular you are?”

My eyes rolled and my arms folded to cover myself as best I could.

Though I had never been one to let my excess weight give me insecurities, I

had a bit of modesty. I didn’t wear tight or revealing clothes, nothing risqué

or trashy. It had been months since I’d felt clothing on my skin. Maximus,

Amos, the maid, and the doctor knew what I looked like naked, and, at this

point, I no longer cared. This was natural for me now. Garments were
foreign. Just thinking about the shirts I used to wear had me itching,

clawing at my throat as if I were being suffocated.

I was definitely a different woman than I was the beginning of

spring. So many things were changing, and I no longer knew how I felt

about it. At first, I was devastated. Now, it was less…appalling.

“You would never harm me. You said so yourself, it would be like

suicide.”

“No,” he sighed, lounging in the chair. “I would never harm you.

That doesn’t mean I won’t strap you back to that bed and leave you there.”

Pointing, his brows lifting, he said, “You’re up and about because I love

you. I don’t have to let you out of that room ever again.”

“What about making me happy?”

Twining his fingers over his stomach, he scrutinized a moment

before answering. “Listen, moon. I know this is not how you saw your life

going. I’m not as crazy as you think I am. However, this is the life you were

given. It is your choice to be miserable or find a different version of

happiness than you were expecting.”

Pouting, I crossed my arms and leaned to one leg, gazing through

the archway to the kitchen. “Can I at least have a razor?”

“For what?”
 “For this,” I snapped, motioning to my crotch. “Christ, I haven’t had

a goddamn bush like this since I was fourteen. It’s disgusting.”

Smirking, his gaze smoldering, he stared at the area, rubbing his

chin. “It’s fucking gorgeous. Mm. I haven’t eaten that pussy in a while. You

think you might be willing to oblige?”

I spun around, limping toward the kitchen. “You’re nauseating.”

His chuckle echoed through the house. The wheels of the chair

rolled on the floor, and he stood, joining me at the refrigerator. When he

reached for me, I tried to dodge, but he grabbed my chin, lightly yanking to

force eye contact.

“One of these days, moon,” he rasped, his warm breaths on my face.

“You’re going to beg me to fuck you.”

My insides shrunk, my pulse thumping to my ribs. “It’ll never

happen.”

The corner of his mouth lifted, his thumb stroking my bottom lip.

“You say that now because you’re still choosing misery. When you decide

you’re ready for happiness, you’ll give.” Inching closer, his voice lowered

to a throaty whisper. “Stop resisting, Evelyn. Give yourself to me.”

My heart lodged in my throat and my lungs collapsed, my stomach

shaking. Gripping the fridge’s handle, I was unable to look away from his

piercing gaze.
 “Give yourself to me, Evelyn, and I will hand you the world on a

silver platter. I will shower you with so much love, you won’t know how to

handle it. Every want, dream, desire, need,” he said, each word softer than

the last. “Yours. You want cars? Jewels, clothes?” A brow lifted, his chin

turning a bit toward a shoulder to cast a sideways leer. “Power? Fame?

Snap your fingers, sis, and it’s yours.”

“Freedom?” I breathed, my tone weak.

“Again, freedom is about perspective, just like happiness. You’ve

been dealt a new hand at life. How you play your cards is up to you.”

“This isn’t a game, Maximus.”

“Of course, it is. And Evelyn?” Now he was so close, our noses

were touching. “I always win. From here on out, you are by my side

whether you like it or not. May as well enjoy it.”

Snatching my head away, I shoved past him, went to the living

room, and curled into the corner of the sofa, staring out the French doors to

the yard. My pulse shaken, I rubbed at the spot on my chin he’d been

touching, wondering why in the holy hell I was feeling even the tinge of

excitement at all the possibilities he was literally laying at my fingertips.

Stage two of insanity. Temptation.

[Link]
 Chapter 17

It was storming again. The sky was dark, lightning and thunder

rumbling about while the raindrops pelted the roof. The temperature inside
had cooled off significantly with the sun hidden away. Staring out the

window, I searched the trees in the distance while Maximus made long,
slow thrusts.

On my belly this time, the sensations were different. Not necessarily

pleasurable, for this was still rape, but not necessarily unpleasant, either.

Maybe it was just relief of being free to be in any position other than my
back or side.

My brows lifted, his words from earlier ringing in my ears.

Freedom. I had freedom. Well, compared to when all this madness started a
few months ago, I was free now. Was it like it was before, no, but life would

never be like that again.

He was right. I had to find a new hope, new normal, new happiness.

The damage was done. My life was stolen, everything I once cherished

erased. I was pregnant and forever bound to my brother in a manner that

was unnatural. None of that could be erased at this point. I could continue
to wallow or make the best of what I had.
 His weight shifted to his fists at my hips, his chest peeling off my

sweaty back. Knocking my legs wider, he was stroking harder, deeper, his

tip bruising my cervix. Wincing, I folded my arms beneath the pillow,

making myself more comfortable.

“I love you so much, Evie. Oh my god, you’re so fucking fantastic.

Fuck me back. Please, fuck me back.”

My eyes rolling, I huffed, pushing my face further into the feathers.

He wished. After all the times he forced himself on me, even if I wanted to

reciprocate, I doubted I would enjoy it. One thing I was sure of, sex was

forever ruined for me. How could I ever find pleasure in it again?
He pulled out, aimed at my ass, and easily slid inside, my muscles

giving no resistance. I was trained now. Completely and utterly molded to

suit his every deviant whim.

“Fuck me, Evie, you know you want to.”

Like hell, I did. If he would just shut up, in fact, I would merely go

to sleep. It had been a long day, trying to rebuild strength in my muscles. I

was exhausted.
His palm glided up the center of my spine, gathered my hair in his

fist, and tugged it aside. His tongue trailed along my shoulder blade, his

mouth on my ear. “I love you.”

 My brows furrowed, just now realizing all these months, he had

never once tried to kiss me on the mouth. Everywhere else, yes, but never

on the mouth. Not that I was complaining, but I found that a tad odd. For

someone to spout off so much love and adoration, to never attempt

something intimate such as a kiss was bizarre to me.

Letting go of my hair, his hand punched the pillow behind my head,

shifting my weight. His other pressed into the small of my back, pinning me

down as he grew aggressive, speeding up.

“So, fucking good. I’m there. I’m cumming.”

Why did he bother with the dirty talk when I never responded? Did

he think it would turn me on? Did he think I wanted to hear any of the

gibberish? What was the point?

Once, I rather enjoyed when my lover said filthy things while lost to

the throes of passion. Then again, I got off on anything sexual. Deep inside,

I was a secret exhibitionist, always willing or curious to push boundaries.

Of course, most of the time, I kept that bottled up because my partners

weren’t interested. I would drop subtle hints here and there, gauge their

reactions, and either tip my toe, or back off. None of them had ever been

completely open and willing to take things to the extreme edge.

I guess those days were over. I was now stuck with Maximus

forever and doubted I would ever be aroused again.

 His cock pulling at my insides, his hips clapping to my ass, sweat

was dripping off his face to my back, his grunts getting louder. The hand at

my waist flew to the headboard and he pulled himself closer, actually

forcing his dick even deeper.

To my surprise, my jaw fell, and my eyes rolled a bit, a tickling of

delight fluttering my belly.

“God…damn, Evie.”

No longer thrusting, as deep as one could go, he was grinding

against me so hard, my hips were lifting off the mattress. Clenching my

eyelids, my palm slapped over my mouth, and I bit on my tongue to

suppress the moan. On instinct, my muscles tightened as I used all my

willpower to fight the pleasure.

“Oh, fuck,” he gasped, trying to dig deeper, yet. “Oh, fuck, tighter.

Oh my god, that’s so good.”

My toes twitching, blood was filling my mouth, I was biting so hard.

Just when I feared I would lose control, he shook violently and roared with

a husky howl, cumming. So overwhelming, it felt like he was filling my

intestines because he was that goddamn deep.

The voice in my head was chanting, Please pull out, please pull out,

before I accidentally moaned to let him know that actually felt kind of
good.
 Gradually, he sank to my back, gasping for air. Though he didn’t

withdraw, he did pull back just enough that I could relax. “I love you so

much, mm, I love you, moon.”

Scattering kisses everywhere, he whispered something that had my

heart turning to stone.

“Next week, you will marry me.”

My eyelids snatched wide, staring outside at the storm. Why did that

frighten me more than having his baby?

Settling down, his cheek on the back of my head and his dick still in

my ass, he slowly drifted to sleep, his arms encircling with a death grip.
Something inside snapped, coldness seeping through my bones. I

was adding a third option to the table. No more just living in misery or

finding happiness with what I had, I was going to fight, goddammit. As

soon as I had a chance, I was going to flee for my life, or die trying. For

once, Maximus was going to lose, this was one game he would not win.

I would rather die fighting than bow down and give up.

[Link]
 Chapter 18
Friday
July 1, 2022
The sky was dark, the bad weather from the night before still

lingering. Slouching in my chair in my office, an elbow on the arm, my

finger was curled beneath my bottom lip, my sight zoning out on the thick,

dark clouds. Lightning splintered somewhere off over the bay, the boom of

thunder following immediately. The storm outside was brewing just as

badly as the one inside my gut, filling my head with thoughts I had no
business entertaining.

“Hey, Boss.”

A palm slammed on the desk, startling me from my brooding.

Furrowing my brows, my attention snatched to Amos hovering, his

expression low with disapproval.

“Hm?”

“What the hell is going on with you?”

Groaning, my hand dropped to my lap to fidget with my belt buckle.

“Can’t concentrate.”
“Yeah, no shit. Been talking to you for five minutes, and you

haven’t heard anything. What’s eating you?”

 A long, slow breath filled my lungs, my sight flitting outside once

more. Grumbling, I said, “She’s not happy, Amos.”

He snorted and dropped to the seat on the other side of the desk.

Sinking low, his legs stretched wide, his elbows were on the arms, his

fingers twined over his stomach. “No, shit, Max. You stole her from her
life, turned her into a living fuck doll, and got her knocked up against her

wishes. What the hell did you expect?”

I flinched, shooting a silent warning. “Why do you have to put it

that way?”

His shoulders drew to his ears, his hands splaying out? “What way?
The truthful way?”

“Goddammit, Amos, this isn’t what I want to hear.”

“And what do you want to hear, man?”

“I…” Huffing, I deflated, leaned forward, and cradled my forehead.

“I don’t know,” I mumbled. “I just…I mean, I knew she would be hard to

break, but I honestly figured by now, she would have caved. I figured a

week, tops, and she’d be mine.”

“She is yours.”

Casting a sad gaze, I shook my head. “No, she’s not. She’s there

because she has no choice.”

 “What’s the difference, Boss? You got the girl. You’ve been waiting

seven years, she’s yours now. Why does it matter what she thinks?”

Flinging my back to the chair, I swiveled side to side, skimming my

office at the penthouse. “I want her to be happy.”

“Since when?”

“Always,” I argued, getting defensive.

“If that were true, you wouldn’t have run off every single one of her

boyfriends since she was seventeen years old.”

I clucked my teeth, staring at the framed image of Evelyn on my

desk. “That last one was a pesky son of a bitch.”

“No, shit. I thought for sure we were going to have to kill him. He

really did love her.”

“I love her,” I snapped with a heated glare.

He heaved an exasperated sigh, nodding slightly. “Yeah, yeah, I

know, Boss.”

“And I want her to be happy.”

Sucking air through his teeth, his chin jutted to the side. “I’m afraid

that’s something you might not get with her. Evelyn is as stubborn as you

are. It’s been almost three months, and she hasn’t buckled. It’s looking like

she may never bow down.”

 “Goddammit!” I roared, banging my palm on the surface. “Now that

is not what I want to hear.”

He chuckled, shrugging his hands out again. “I’m being upfront

with you, Maximus. I have never sugar coated anything to you, I’m not

about to start now. Evelyn may never break.”

Dread sank my stomach, a voice in my head warning he was right.

Other than the one time, she’d never reciprocated. I had assumed I had

gotten a response out of her because I’d fucked her ass, which was why I

tapped it at least twice a day, hoping for some kind of reaction. There was

nothing. She just laid there. Sometimes, she even fell asleep.

Of course, she was still the finest specimen of a woman I’d ever

been with, so I still got off, but it would be nice for something in return.

What the hell did I have to do to prove how much I loved her? How did I

break down the wall she built way before I forced her into my bed? She’d

been blocking me out for years.

My sight fell on the bracelet with the moon in the middle of a black

disc. Rubbing my thumb over it, I recalled the day I gave her the

counterpart. She had been so happy, hugging my neck so damn tightly.

Just a few short weeks later, all my secrets came out when my father

was murdered, and I had to step up and take his place. Ever since then, she
had barely spoken to me, despite my constant attempts to mend fences. I
lost her that day. She’d loved me before that. Even if it was just as a brother,

she had loved me.

Unfortunately, my love for her had only grown stronger over the

years. Keeping tabs on her, watching from afar, yearning, longing, wishing

things could be different. Pretending we weren’t related, and I wasn’t in the

mafia. Or, that she could at least turn a blind eye to what I did.

“Look, Maximus, you are either going to have to just be patient, or

get used to how things are, because there is a bigger chance than naught,

she’s never going to let you in the way you want. She’s pregnant,” he

added, crossing his ankles and tucking them under the chair to lean forward.
“Even if you let her go right now, we both know she would keep the baby.

She would never have an abortion.”

My focus trailed every inch of her beautiful, smiling picture,

desperate for her to look at me the day she did when I took it. Had that time

in my life come and gone? Was I fighting a losing battle? Had I lost her

forever?

“She is bound to you until the day she dies. It may not be how you

always fantasized about, but you got what you wanted. Now either chill out

and pray for a miracle or change your mindset to be happy with what you

got.”
 Unsatisfied with his answers, I growled in frustration. Pushing away

from the desk, I stood and stomped to the corner of the office.

“Man, where are you going? You’ve got a video chat with Milo

about the Cubans in a couple hours.”

“Tell him something came up. I gotta go.”

He hopped up, as well, holding his arms out. “Maximus.”

I snatched my jacket from the stand by the door, swung it open, and

hurried through the penthouse, sliding it over my arms to my shoulders.

There had to be a way, there just had to be. I could not accept a lifetime

with her being so miserable all the time. Somehow, someway, I had to find

a crack in that wall and weasel my way in.

[Link]
 Chapter 19

Adrenaline pumping blood to my heart too quickly, I was breathless,

already dripping with sweat. My ears tuned in for the maid, I waited until I
heard her bedroom door close before rushing to the back door. From

watching the guards the last few days, I knew one was at the north, the
other south.

Grabbing a metal figurine off the curio cabinet in the corner, I

slammed it against the glass several times, shattering it. Hopping over the

shards, I darted as quickly as I could across the yard for the east. I had no
idea where I was going, but I had to at least attempt to get free. I couldn’t

just bow down and give in to Maximus.

Was I really prepared to run aimlessly around four hundred acres of

land, however? I’d only been walking for a few days, my muscles were still

so weak, and this property was nearly half the size of Central Park. What if
I couldn’t do this? What would he do if he caught me?

My teeth gritted, I ignored the aches in my legs and forced myself to

move faster. Every step forward, the trees seemed to move a foot away.

“Goddammit!” Maximus shouted from the porch.

My heart sinking, I looked over my shoulder and saw him charging

after me. Screeching, I whimpered and nearly stumbled, attempting to speed

up. What the hell was he doing home early? He wasn’t supposed to be here

for several more hours.

“Evelyn!” he roared, his voice echoing off the trees.

Panicked, my foot slipped on the grass, and I tumbled to a knee.

Righting myself rather quickly, I ducked into the buffer, the lower limbs
scratching at my arms.

“Get back here!”

Tears blinding, I darted around the woods recklessly, having no idea

if I was running further from civilization, or closer. Where, exactly, in the

four hundred acres was the house located? Front, side, back, middle? I
probably should have done some probing and figured a few things out

before attempting an escape, but every day that went by, the further into the

pregnancy I went, the less chance I had of being successful.

After only a few minutes, I was losing steam. Having never been

rather fit before, being tied to a bed for months had diminished what little

strength I had. Add in the damp ground from the storms, no clothes or

shoes, and I was pretty much going uphill in this battle.

Panting heavily, I ducked behind a wide tree, gripping the trunk. My

heart thudding louder, it was impossible to hear where Maximus was. Had I

managed to lose him?

 “Evelyn!” a loud, booming, animalistic voice ricocheted through the

woods.

Choking on a yelp, I took off again. Even though he sounded far

away, it was deceiving because of the trees. The broken branches, rocks,

and leaves on the ground were tearing my bare flesh, but I did my best to

ignore the pain. My muscles strained beyond what they were accustomed
to, even before the immobility, I was cramping, my left leg seizing, making

me limp.

I spotted a huge, fallen tree, so I slid to the dirt and crawled behind

it. Whining, wriggling my legs to work out the spasms, I peeked over the

top, searching the surroundings. Spotting him much closer than I had

hoped, I gasped and squeezed inside the trunk, trying to hide.

“What the fuck do you think you’re doing?”

The hollowed log banged, and I screamed, covering my face.

“Leave me alone!”

Punching the bark over and over, it started to crumble, the shards
falling over my face and in my eyes.

“Stop it, Max. Leave me alone.”

“I fucking love you, Evie. Don’t do this.”

“Just leave me alone!”

 The thin barricade broke away and he was grabbing my biceps,

yanking me out, the edges scratching my skin. When I was on my feet, I

threw my fist into his jaw as hard as I could.

“Son of a bitch,” he hollered, dropping me to stagger backward.

I took off running again, sniveling, fearing my heart would just

explode and kill me on the spot. Confused, I didn’t know if I was running

from the house or toward it. I had lost my bearings and was no longer sure.

Quickly ducking behind another tree for a rest, I leaned into it, my

knees wobbling. Hyperventilating, I mentally hyped myself up to keep

going, knowing there would never be another chance after this. If I failed, I

would forever be trapped. He would probably have me tied to the bed again.

A branch cracked to my right, and I choked on a breath. Taking off

to the left, I only got a few feet before his body slammed into mine, tackling

me to the ground on my stomach. The wind knocked out, my brain jarred in

my skull.

“You stupid bitch,” he hissed in my ear, fumbling with his trousers.

“I give you the benefit of the doubt, I trust you!” he shouted, momentarily

deafening me. “And this is how you repay me? I’m going to remind you

who is in control. Ungrateful bitch.” His voice echoed, drawing my mind

from the confusion just in time for him to ram his cock inside.
 Clamping my jaw, I threw the back of my head to his shoulder and

screamed at the top of my lungs. My nails digging into the dirt, lights

flickered in front of my eyes, blinding me with the pain.

“Unh! You want to play games?” He was making hard, brutal

thrusts, his cock deeper than ever.

The pain immediately switched to pleasure and my eyes rolled. My

heart still thumping from the adrenaline, something about the whole chase,

panic, and fear had me dizzy with lust.

“I love you, and all you want to do is run away from me. Why,

Evie?” Hard thrust. “Why do you want to hurt me?” Another hard thrust.
My stomach turning over, the haze overwhelmed and before I could

control myself, I pushed into him with a long, throaty moan.

“Oh, fuck. Oh, god, baby, yes. Oh my god, yes, yes, yes. That’s it,

fuck me, Evie. Unh, you feel so good.”

Lifting to my knees, I bucked, my ass clapping to his lower

abdomen as he bent over my back. My arms stretched out, clutching the wet

dirt, my face turned into the ground, another husky moan rattling my chest.

“Oh, Christ,” he choked, sitting up to grip my hips. “Oh, my god,

yes, I’ve been waiting for this. Goddammit, it feels so fucking good.”

His palm crashed on an ass cheek, and I was lost. Flailing about, an

orgasm hit without warning, and I was squirting around his cock. Refusing
to pull out, the liquids were sputtering, trickling down my thighs.

“Unh, unh, oh god. Yes, that pussy is so good. I’m cumming, Evie,

I’m gonna fucking nut so hard. Ahg!” he howled, resembling a rabid

animal. The sounds roared through the trees, echoing repeatedly.

Exhausted, I slumped to the dirt, a leaf stuck to my bottom lip.

Unable to even open my eyelids, I was ready to sleep for a week. I had

never felt so purged, so cleansed, so relaxed.

Maximus rose to his feet, staring down his nose while fastening his

belt. His voice gravelly, he snapped, “Remember who the fuck you belong

to.” His seven hundred dollar suit ruined, he gently pushed me to my back

and scooped me into his arms. Limp, my head lolled about before resting

into his chest. He strolled through the woods, taking me back to my prison.

My hell. My home.

I must have drifted off, for one minute, we were in the woods, and

the next, I was being laid on the soft, silky sheets. He kicked off his shoes,

removed his shirt, and climbed into bed behind me, meshing me perfectly

against his chest.

“I love you, Evie. Please don’t ever leave me. I won’t survive
without you. Stay with me forever.”

Heaving a sigh, a smile tugged the corner of my mouth as I slipped

into one of the heaviest, most peaceful sleeps I could remember.

[Link]
 Chapter 20
Saturday
July 2, 2022
It was a brand new world, one I never knew existed and had no idea

how to accept. A world where I actually had an orgasm from my brother.

That was twice now, both times making me cum so hard, I squirted.

Wringing my fingers together, I hesitantly crept out of the bedroom

and along the hallway. Halfway down, I spotted Maximus in the kitchen, at
the sink. His sight locked on mine, and my feet were suddenly nailed to the
floor.

Why was I so nervous now? My belly was fluttering, my pulse

racing, and my breathing shallowed. This was absurd, this was my brother,
my captor, my rapist. The man who touched a part of me physically

yesterday that had me screaming so loud, my throat scratched.

And I liked it.

His eyelids narrowed and his nostrils flared. Cutting off the water,

he turned his back to me and went to a part of the kitchen I couldn’t see

from my viewpoint.
I ventured closer, sitting on one of the stools. My neck craning, I

peered at the piece of plywood covering the broken door. Excitement

quickened my pulse and shallowed my breaths, the memories of the chase

whirling in my mind.

Folding my arms on the surface, I laid my cheek on a shoulder and

watched him cook dinner. It still fascinated me, witnessing this humbler

side of my brother. It made him almost seem like any normal, average guy,
and not a multimillionaire, mobster, killer and rapist. Even though he had a

maid, she was mostly there to keep the house tidy and tend to my needs

whenever he was at work. Most everything else, he did himself.

Banging the pots and pans around, he turned on the fan when the

smoke from the skillet got too thick. Flipping the porkchops, he moved to
the corn to give a vigorous stir. My crime lord brother knew how to cook,

but I didn’t. Interesting.

After a few minutes of his angry silence, I huffed, slapping my

palms on the surface. Why it bothered me he was upset was baffling. Who

the fuck cared if he was upset? I was trying to save myself. He had me

imprisoned where he forced himself on me daily. Of course, I tried to flee.

Who wouldn’t in my position?

Looking at it from his standpoint, my brows lifted. I was the sole

obsession of a rich, powerful, sexy man who could buy half of Miami with

the snap of a fingers. Both aggressive and gentle in bed, the man saw zero
flaws in me, worshiped the ground I walked on, and would do anything to

have me. Others in my position might not be too quick to flee, after all.

And the brother aspect? What of that? The kidnapping and rape,

how was I overlooking these details? Was I actually caving, as he always

said I would? How could I be so weak? This was absurd. My mind was

shattering. I should be grateful he was ignoring me, the rotten bastard.

I was trapped in this house, and he was the only human contact I

had, since I wasn’t permitted to speak to the guards. As if I would. They

and the maid were helping my brother hold me hostage, turning deaf ears to

the rape, and enabling his bad behavior. Why would I want to converse with

them?

Still, it was already lonely enough, the one aspect I had that was

mentally stimulating was shunning me, and it hurt.

“How long are you going to be mad?”

He tossed the spoon on the counter, tipping his head to glare. “What

the fuck you want from me, huh? You’re lucky your ass isn’t strapped in
that bed again.”

Narrowing my eyelids, I clasped my hands and asked, “Why aren’t

I?”

Something in his expression shifted, a light glinting in his dark eyes.

Pushing off the stove, he turned and strolled closer. His palms gripping the
edge of the sink, he leaned in so our faces were inches apart. “Because you

fucked me yesterday, Evie.”

My stomach flipped and my heart jolted. Heat rising to my skin, I

broke out in goosebumps, just thinking about what happened in those

woods. Who knew being chased and hunted like prey, and then fucked like

a filthy dog in the mud would give me the biggest orgasm of my life?

Lust tickling my clit, I drew a ragged breath, praying he couldn’t see

me getting excited. “I did not,” I whispered in the most unconvincing tone

possible.

A chuckle pushed through his nose, the corner of his mouth twisting

into an arrogant smirk. “You fucked me so good yesterday.”

Christ, why did his voice have to be so husky right now? That…was

not helping.

His head tipping just a bit so he was looking down his nose, his

shoulders were drawn to his ears, a foot jutting behind to sway his frame

side to side. His chiseled features cast shadows from his high cheekbones,

his Adam’s apple prominent. A day’s stubble on his squared jaw, a half-

smile curled his mouth. Mischief dancing in his eyes, he bit his bottom lip,

appearing rather smug…and sexy.

“Mm, that pussy was so fucking tight, moonbeam. And Christ, I’d
never had someone squirt as much as you did. It was beautiful. You…were
so beautiful. You are beautiful.”

Slightly panting, my mind was reeling. I knew what I looked like,

I’d seen my reflection when I used the bathroom a few minutes ago. How

could he look at me right now, gaunt, pale, and puffy with matted hair, and

say I was beautiful?

His nose wrinkling, he whispered, “I’m so fucking hard right now.”

Well, that wasn’t uncommon. The man stayed hard.

Standing upright, still peering down his nose, his palm rubbed back

and forth on his lower abdomen before sliding into his sweats. The smile

faltering, his upper lip twitched as he began to pump his fist. “I never came
so hard as I did yesterday. It was fucking amazing.”

My insides quivering, my clit was pulsating, the memory repeating

over and over. Yes, even I had to admit it was kind of amazing.

“You want me to fuck you again, moon?”

“No,” I rasped, trying to shake my head. Whether or not I did was

debatable. I was frozen, lost in his expression, arousal fogging my common

sense.

His smirk gradually spread across his lips, his stomach caving with

his rougher yanks. “Oh, I think you do, Evie. You want this dick.”

“Mm mm.”
 Taking his time, he rounded the bar, never breaking our stare.

Warning bells ringing, I couldn’t seem to get my body to do anything but sit

there. When he was only about a foot away, he suddenly lashed out,

grabbed a fistful of hair, and wrenched me to my feet, kicking the barstool

aside. Before I could even take a breath to yelp, he was slamming my cheek

into the granite, pulling out his dick, and shoving inside.

And it went in without fault, because I was wet. What the hell was I

doing wet?

He choked, burying his face in my nape. “Goddamn, don’t tell me

you don’t want this dick when your pussy is fucking dripping.”

“Stop it.”

Growling, he grabbed the far edges of the bar, widened his stance,

and yanked himself forward, ramming so far inside, I screeched, lifting off

the floor. My hands fell over the ledge to the sink, shock hitting my clit.

Shuddering uncontrollably, I was pushed immediately to the edge of an

orgasm.

Maximus went into instant ravage, pounding into me violently. The

rim of the marble against my bottom ribs, every thrust knocked air from my
lungs until I was breathless. My knees bending, my feet curled around his

sides, my thighs clenched tightly. Rearing to his toes, he meshed himself

against my back, his lips on my ear, and paused.

 “You like this, Evelyn. I can feel your cunt squeezing my dick

because you’re about to cum.”

Unable to speak, too afraid I’d moan, I pulled my lips between my

teeth, bit down, and shook my head adamantly.

He snarled, shoving deeper like he had the day before in the woods.

In a low, menacing tone, he hissed, “Stop resisting me, whore,” and then

hoisted himself against me so hard, something inside exploded.

My head throwing back, my vision momentarily went black as I

screamed with a powerful orgasm, liquids sputtering around his cock to

splash on the floor.

“Fuck!” he bellowed, letting go just enough to pound at me

mercilessly. Taking an abrupt step away, he held on to my hips and pulled

me off the counter. I fell forward, grabbing one of the other stools. His hips

clapping against mine, his cock was rearranging my insides, steady

knocking at my cervix. The room spun and I broke out with a second

release, my hips actually bucking into him uncontrollably.

“Fuck, yeah, that’s it. Bounce that fucking ass. Unh, fuck me so

good. Oh, my god, oh my god, Evie.” His palm slammed on my cheek

twice, only heightening my deviant pleasure. No longer in control of
myself, I reached behind, my nails clawing at his side, trying to pull him

nearer.
 “Yeah, you want that dick deeper? You want it all the way in? So,
fucking deep, you feel me all day?”

Refusing to speak and encourage this disgusting behavior, I bit my

tongue until it bled.

Again, he slapped my ass, the crack echoing off the walls. Gripping
my hip, the other pressed on the center of my back, pulling me off the stool

and shoving me forward. Yelping, my palms hit the floor, my breasts

swaying and hitting me in the face.
“Take this fucking load, Evie. Take my dick. Unh!”

He shoved a bit to the side, stilled, and came so much, I was

overfilled. In my position, I could see it trickling down my thigh to my

knee.
As soon as he was done, he withdrew, released me, and let me

crumble to the floor in my own puddle. Panting, sweating, he tucked

himself back in his sweats and sneered.

“That’s how you do it, moon. You fuck me back from now on
because I know you like it. Next time you just lay there, I’m going to

punish you, because that seems to be the only way to get you to respond.”
I curled into the fetal position, gawking with wonder. Holy, shit, that

was fucking amazing. What the hell was wrong with me? Was I just as
demented as he was, or was this the result of months of isolation and abuse?
Stockholm syndrome.

Could it be considered Stockholm syndrome if I was aware of it? I

thought the whole point of it was the person was brainwashed and couldn’t

decipher anymore. I was fully aware what just happened was wrong, but my
clit was thumping so goddamn hard, I knew if I barely grazed it, I would

cum a third time.

Pointing, his expression hard, he hissed, “Face it, Evelyn. I fucked

you good, and you liked it.”

I covered my face, rolling to my back to relieve the pressure

between my thighs. Resting my elbow against the cabinets, I gulped

shallow pants, trying to regulate my breathing.

Maximus casually walked around the counter and returned to

cooking our meals as if nothing happened. Even though the whole process

seemed like forever in my head, in all actuality, the man just made me cum
twice in less than three minutes. I would have to be a fool to not admit that
was impressive.

My palm falling to my stomach, I stared at the underside of the bar,

dread weighing my soul. I was so screwed. Not only did I like it, I wanted

more. My brain was already scheming for ways to defy him so he would
punish me again.
[Link]
 Chapter 21
Sunday
July 3, 2022
I stood in front of the bathroom mirror, tugging at my shirt. It had

been so long since I’d worn actual clothes, now that I was, everything was
so binding. Hooking my fingers in the rounded collar of my tee shirt, I

whimpered, suffocating under its confinement.

Defeated, for there was nothing I could do at the moment, I stamped

my foot and headed for the kitchen. Anxiously eyeing the men replacing
the broken back door, my stomach was twisting into knots, anxiety rising by

the second. Weirder than wearing clothes for the first time in almost three

months was seeing other people. It was odd how even a short time in
isolation could strip someone of their social skills, leaving them timid and

almost panicky just being near strangers.

My focus continually darting their way, I scurried around the bar to

the fridge, opening it to get the cranberry juice. Getting a glass from the

cabinets, I filled it and took a sip, ogling nonstop. How much was this

setting Maximus back? The door, alone, was expensive, but having people
come out here on a Sunday had to be costing a pretty penny.

A snicker hitched the back of my nose, a sense of pride swirling

around my chest. Served him right, the asshole. I didn’t feel an ounce of
regret. He had millions of dollars at his expense, this was chump change.

One of them glanced my way, looked at what he was doing, and

snatched his attention back. His eyes lighting up, he smiled, raking his sight

along my frame.

There was a heavy bang from the office and, out of nowhere,
Maximus was barreling through the archway, snarling and growling.

Incensed, his face maroon, he grabbed the back of the man’s head and

slammed it into the door’s frame.

Crying out, he grabbed his temple, staggering to the porch while his

friend hastily flung himself out of the way.

“Who the fuck are you looking at, son of a bitch?”

“What the hell is your problem, man?”

Reaching under his suit jacket, he whipped out his pistol and aimed

it at the injured one, his chest rising and falling to shallow pants.

“Oh, holy shit,” the other muttered, holding his palms up.

The one on the floor scooted backward, the whites showing around

his irises. Ghostly white, he was trembling violently, sweat dripping from
his brow. “Jesus, Christ.”

“You looking at my woman? Huh?”

“Oh, fuck, no!” he whined, adamantly shaking his head.

“I fucking saw you!”

 His eyelids clenching, he held his arms up, shielding his head. I

always found that odd, when I saw that in movies. As if that would stop a

bullet. Eh, sometimes natural instincts didn’t make sense. I sure as hell

could never figure out why my body reacted to my brother the way it had in

the woods.

One of the guards making his rounds at the rear of the property saw
him brandishing his weapon, pulled out his, and raced for the house,

stumbling onto the porch. “Boss, what’s wrong?”

Bristling, peering down his nose, he seethed, “Keep an eye on this

piece of shit. He looks at mine one more time, take out his fucking

eyeballs.”

The man whimpered, his friend cursing. I simply stood there, slow

blinking, strangely fascinated by the whole scene. Why did it give off such

a…ferocious vibe…savage. Sexy. I’d never had a man so possessive and I

kind of liked it. My lady bits were tingling with appreciation.

Biting my bottom lip in an attempt to hide the smile, my arm folded

over my stomach, my hips swaying side to side. One failed relationship

after another, a trail of sudden, unexpected breakups, finally, there was a

man willing to fight for me. Was it wrong I was getting a natural high, even

though it was my brother?

 His nostrils flaring with jagged breaths, he slid his gun into its

holster and walked backward, his sight darting between the workers. “You

know who the fuck I am. I will erase both your families from existence. Do
not push me. And never,” he shouted, throwing his arm to point at me.

“Look at mine like that again. She’s not yours, she’s mine!” he ended with a

sadistic growl, jabbing his chest.

A shiver undulated down my spine, my heart racing. Oh, my. That

was…mm…that was kind of feral. Yup, definitely feeling a little something

something in the nether region.

My teeth grazing the bottom corner of my mouth, he turned and

looked at me. His eyebrows lifting, his stance stiffened at my expression.

I coughed, composed myself, and turned my back to him. Taking a

sharp inhale, I sipped at the drink, blinking rapidly. My focus zoning out on

the cabinet door, I tried to push all those inappropriate thoughts to the back

of my mind. They didn’t belong in the forefront. They didn’t belong, at all.

The men eventually returned to their work, so I twisted my waist to

peek. Maximus was gone, back in his office, chatting on the phone with his

cousin, Milo.

The guard stood with a wide stance, his arms crossed, his expression

stoic as he watched every move the workers made.

 For a split second, a voice in my head told me this was my perfect

opportunity. I could easily write a note, begging for help, and slip it into the

tool bag on the kitchen island. No one was looking at me, or it. The men

wouldn’t find it until they were gone, but they could still call the police.

I set the glass down. My knees shaking, I stepped just past the

refrigerator to gaze into the office. Maximus was in his chair, the back

somewhat facing the desk so he could look out the window at the front

yard. His ankle on his knee, the cellphone was tucked between his ear and

shoulder. Lifting his arm, his thumb stroked the moon emblem on the

bracelet.
Even though I could only see part of his profile, the sadness was so

evident, I felt it myself.

Sighing, I gazed at the men, going out of their way to not look in my

direction. My focus flitting to the black tool bag, I clucked my teeth and

returned to the bedroom, quietly shutting the door.

I had to get out of these fucking clothes. I couldn’t breathe.

Stripping, I crawled onto the mattress, curling on my side. Absently rubbing

the chafe scars on my wrist, I stared out the window, wondering where my

deer friend was.

Something was different. I needed to look at my options and find a

new perspective. There had to be some semblance of sanity in my confusion

somewhere, I just had to find it, otherwise, I would surely lose my mind.

[Link]
 Chapter 22
Friday
July 8, 2022
Sitting sideways on the sofa, my legs stretched across the cushions, I

was staring out the back doors, watching another storm roll in. The air
electric with building energy, I was getting restless, my feet swaying side to

side. This was utter bullshit. I was so sick of being in this goddamn house.

Maximus casually strolled from his office, his sight locked on mine
with a smirk that had me suspicious. My insides slowed, my eyelids
narrowing. Holding his stare, he passed the couch, went to the double

French doors, and opened them. His arms crossing, his back leaned into the

frame, the smile growing more mischief.

“What?”

Motioning with his head, he said, “The house is precisely in the

center of the four hundred acres. To the west and east, you will find more

woods that will eventually lead you to swamp lands. I would recommend

staying away from that.”

My pulse slowing, I sat up, putting a foot on the floor. Squinting, I

was confused at what he was saying. Why did it feel like I was being set up

for a trap? What was he up to?

 “The north takes you to the main road that is about seventeen miles

of bumpy dirt terrain before you get to the city. At the south,” he stated,

stretching his arm in that direction. “I have a neighbor about twelve miles

away.”

My stomach spinning, my heart was now thumping wildly. “And?”

“And?” He took a deep breath, looked outside, and exhaled before

returning his focus to mine. “You think if I gave you a head start, you could

make it?”

Gasping, I bolted to my feet, twining my fingers in front of my

stomach. “What…are you talking about?”

“You’ve been out of bed for two weeks now. You’ve gained some

strength in your legs. How far do you think you can get before I tracked you

down?”

This was definitely a trap. What was he doing? Should I trust him

and go for it? What kind of game was he playing this time?

Never looking away, I crept around the sofa and went to the

opening. Tearing my focus from his, I scanned the back yard to the south.
Nervous, uncertain, and a little excited, I chewed the inside of my cheek,

racking my brain for answers.

Maximus leaned in, his lips hovering next to my ear. In a quiet,

breathy tone, he whispered, “Run, moonbeam.”

 My heart lurched and an explosion of adrenaline hit my core. I

broke out running as fast as I could, my bare feet slipping on the damp

grass more than once. The drizzling cooled my flushed skin, my senses

heightened and on alert.

“Run faster,” he chuckled loudly. “You better hurry.”

Whimpering, I sped up, ducking as I broke through the line of trees.

Soft grass changed to rough ground covered in broken limbs and leaves,

hurting my skin, but I was determined to get as far away as possible.

“Ready or not, here I come!” his muted voice echoed through the

woods.

Yelping, I forced my muscles faster, my arms raising to shield my

face from low hanging branches. One nicked my cheek and tugged my hair,

but I kept going, my heartbeat deafening my ears.

“Moon!”

I choked on a breath and ducked behind a few trees clustered tightly

together. My palms on the bark, I dared a peek around, searching the

darkened forest. No way he was already that close. That wasn’t possible.

The rain picking up, I was batting my lashes rapidly to keep it out of

my eyes. My hair soaked, it was sticking to my face and shoulders, the

ground softening under my weight. Spotting movement off to the right, I

cursed and took off in the opposite direction.

 His sadistic laughter resonated through the trees, sending a tremor

down my spine.

“I’m going to find you, moon. You belong to me. I will always find
you.”

My insides turned over, the fear hitching to a higher level. Losing

my balance, I yelped and fell down a slight decline, the branches and leaves

cutting the side of my thigh. Instead of getting up immediately, I laid there a

minute, trying to catch my breath. My chest was on fire, my lungs icy cold

because I couldn’t get a full inhale. My legs aching, I rolled to my stomach

in the dirt, lifting my head just enough to peek over the debris.

Maximus was only a few yards away. Hunched forward a bit, he

was looking everywhere, a grin plastered on his face. “You’re close,

Evelyn. I can smell your pussy. You are so turned on right now.”

To my horror, I smiled, finally figuring out what he was up to.

Motherfucker wanted to play? I could play this game. Waiting until his back

was to me, I hopped to my feet and took off again, shouting, “Fuck you,

Max.”

His attention snapped my way and he laughed, charging forward.

“Tell me I’m wrong, Evelyn. Tell me you aren’t just as turned on as I am.”

“Eat shit!”
 Running out of air again, I slid to a halt behind a thick tree,

searching the area. Adrenaline consuming me, I bit my bottom lip,

squinting against the now downpour.

Out of nowhere, his body slammed into my back, pinning me

against the bark. I screamed and craned my neck to peer at his mischief

expression.

“I fucking smell that cunt, and it smells delicious.”

Gritting my teeth, I jammed my elbow into his gut and bolted when

he doubled over with an oof. No longer sure which direction I was running,

it didn’t really matter anymore, because freedom wasn’t my goal. This was
a game, and we both knew how it would end.

“Remember when we played hide and seek when we were kids?” he

called out. “I always found you, Evie. I will always find you. You belong to

me. Just give in.”

His voice sounding too far away, I shouted back so he could tell

where I was. “It’ll never happen, Max. Give up.”

I ducked beneath a group of broken branches that were still clinging

to a tree, wincing when it cut my back. Righting myself, I was creeping

around, panting, crouched, listening for any indication he was near. The

branches thicker in this section, the rain wasn’t as heavy. Unfortunately, it

was also darker, so visibility was still low.

 Nearly a full minute ticked by with nothing but silence. My spine

straightening, I twisted my waist to look behind. The second I did, his

shoulder collided with my side, knocking me into the mud. I shrieked, my

heart lurching. Grabbing my wrists, he held them above my head, his knees

forcing my legs apart. Already naked, his features twisted, he thrust inside

so hard, my hips lifted to meet his.

My jaw fell, ecstasy rolling through my system.

“Stop…” Thrust. “Resisting,” thrust.

As if I could! Holy shit, the adrenaline rush, the fear, the chase,

everything had my lust higher than I’d ever felt before. There was no way I

could resist, even if I wanted to. That didn’t mean I had to just give up,

though. He wanted this pussy, he had to work for it.

Squirming around the dirt, I managed to get a hand free and slapped

him across the face as hard as I could. His irises glossed and he groaned,

slapping me right back. My eyes rolled and I bucked, pleasure rippling

through my stomach to my clit.

“Stop resisting, goddammit. Give me that cunt like you know you

want to.”
“Fuck you,” I seethed through gritted teeth, flailing about with all

my might.
 His upper lip twitched, my struggling yanking his dick. “Fuck, yes,

whore. Fight me. Fight me, Evie!” he shouted with another smack.

Goosebumps broke out all over, my mind no longer even

questioning why I was reveling with this abuse. Snarling, I used all my

might to buck, knocking him aside. Instead of getting up and running again,

however, I crawled on top, rocking and gyrating roughly.

He choked on an inhale, pushing his head into the soft ground.

“Oh…fuck!” he howled, writhing beneath me. “Unh, yes, yes, yes, give it
to me.”

“This what you want, you motherfucker?” I growled, locking my

thighs, clenching my muscles, and jerking viciously to the side.

He paled, his spine arching so his chin hit his chest. Nothing but
whites showing in his eyes, his cock pulsated as he came just that easily.

Laughing, I stood and took off running again, though not nearly as
fast since I knew it would take him a moment to get up after that. Cum

dribbling down my thighs, mud was splattering on my ankles and calves,

leaves stuck in my hair. Adrenaline high, I was going on natural instincts,

all my senses heightened.

“Evelyn!” he roared like a madman.
The sound of his voice was gravelly, almost feral, and it chilled me

to the core. My knees weakening, I leaned into a tree and moaned,

squeezing a breast as the wave of desire nearly drowned me. Holy shit, that
was sexy as hell. Why did that strike a chord in my soul, like it was a

goddamn mating call specifically for me?

Covered in mud, twigs, and leaves, I bent forward to peek around

the trunk, searching the darkness. “Where are you, you son of a bitch?”
“Right here,” he grumbled right behind me.

Yelping, I didn’t have time to react before he was shoving me into

the tree, thrusting back inside. Wrapping his arms around me and the trunk,
he held tightly, pounding against me like a fucking jackhammer. Stunned, I

could do nothing but let each stroke pull the orgasm to the surface, the bark
tearing at my chest.

“Cum. Squirt on this dick. Give in, give it to me.”

My thighs quivering, my knees gave out, but his weight held me in

place. A low, guttural yowl started in the pit of my stomach, worked its way
up my throat, and pierced the air with a shrilly scream that bounced off the

branches. My muscles pushed him out, but he just shoved into my ass while
I poured all over our legs and feet.

“Hard…er…” I managed to say.

He grunted, giving exactly what I asked for. “You’re mine now,

Evie. I own every part of you. This is what you want, you want me. Take
it!” he shouted against my eardrum, cumming inside me again.
 We both stilled, the sound of the storm drowning out our labored
breaths. His hold loosened and we slid to the ground, still connected, our

bodies meshing. His lips were kissing everywhere, his hips beginning a
slow, gentle rhythm.

“I love you,” he whispered repeatedly, turning me to my stomach to

hover above. “Oh, my god, you are so amazing. No one is as good as you.

You’re the only one for me.”

Purring and grinning, my fingers digging into the earth, I lifted to

my knees and joined his motions. My eyelids closed, I emitted a long,

breathy moan, matching him perfectly.

“Oh, god, yes. Oh, my fucking god, this feels so good.”

He sank to his haunches, lifted me to his lap, and folded his arms

around me, kissing and licking my cheek. Chanting his love for me, we
gradually brought one another to orgasm, the rain washing the dirt from our

naked bodies, the smell of the wet earth mingling with our sex.
It was the single most beautiful erotic experience of my life.

[Link]
 Chapter 23

The hot scalding water soothed my aching muscles. I had never hurt

so much. After what I could only describe as making love to Maximus

under the trees, I had once more gotten up and took off running, beginning

another cat and mouse chase. By the time he caught me, I was so turned on,
we were both cumming after only a few strokes. Exhausted, he had been

forced to carry me back to the house.

Now we were soaking in the tub, washing away all the filth from

our game. The steam rising from the water, I smiled, swirling my fingertips
while he dabbed peroxide on a few of my deeper wounds. I hissed and

winced, the sting burning.

“Well, what did you expect, sis? Consequences to bad behavior.”

I bit my bottom lip to suppress the giggle. When everything was

done to his satisfaction, he pulled the plug to drain the filthy water and cut
on the faucet. Retracting the nozzle, he rinsed the last of the dirt away,

tenderly massaging my scalp. Letting out a long sigh, I tipped my head back

to give better access, his fingertips circling my temples.

For nearly half an hour, I sat in silence while he scrubbed every inch
of us both. He stood, pulling me to my feet as well, and caressed my curves,

rinsing the suds away. To my surprise, he stepped out of the tub, opened a
drawer by the sink, and came back, sitting on the rim, his feet on either side

of mine. His brows furrowed with concentration, he carefully trimmed my

pubic hair.

My pulse began to quicken as I stared down at him with fascination.

I’m not really sure what happened since that first chase a few days ago, but
something was different because I was getting turned on by his tender,

innocent touches.

The adrenaline and fear, natural, primal instincts kicking in for

survival, ending with explosive orgasms, it purged my soul. Every doubt,

insecurity, concern – even things that didn’t revolve around Maximus and
the kidnapping – was cleansed away, leaving me refreshed, rejuvenated,

renewed.

I was a new person. A brand new being that was strangely attracted

to the man before me. There was no rape, no captivity, no genetics. Just a

gorgeous, virile, powerful man with a cock that hurt so goddamn good, I

became a quivering mass of ecstasy.

Carefully pulling the strands taut, my lips parted as he snipped them

off. Dropping them to the tub, he continued repeating the process, having

no idea how turned on I was getting. Silently, my brain was begging for his

tongue, but my pride refused to allow me to say anything. My pulse racing,

I was swallowing shallow breaths, praying he couldn’t smell me getting

wet.

Setting the tiny scissors aside, he retracted the faucet again, washing

away the tiny hairs. His irises smoldering, he gently brushed his fingers

over my pussy to make sure there were no strays. A soft smile on his lips,

he whispered, “You are perfection. Everything about you, is perfection. My

god, I love you, Evie.”

For once, his declaration tickled my nerves instead of grated them.

Casting my sight to the side, a blush warmed my cheeks.

He replaced the nozzle, stepped out, and wrapped a towel around his

waist. Getting one for me, he held my hand, helping me step out. He folded

it around me, kissed my forehead, and led me to the bedroom, lowering me

on the mattress. Lying behind me, his fingers were raking through my

tangled locks.

I stared out the window, the storm so thick, I could barely make out

the trees in the distance. Hitting a knot, I winced and sucked my teeth, a
couple strands tearing out.

“Sorry,” he muttered, carefully working at it until it was loose.

Trying again, he found another knot that had me grimacing. “I’m so sorry,

sis.”
 “Just…just stop,” I snapped, getting aggravated. “At this point, I

should just cut it all off.”

“No, that’s not necessary.”

“It’s awful. My hair is ruined.”

Embracing me, he nestled into the crook of my neck, his voice

dripping with remorse. “I’m so sorry. I should have taken better care of

your hair. Please forgive me.”

Scoffing, the anger was returning, washing away whatever spell I’d

fallen under during our chase. “Do you know how many products I’m going

to need to fix this? Products you don’t have. Just get the goddamn scissors

and cut it all off.”

He huffed and rolled away from me. Knocking around on his

nightstand, he grunted and returned, his upper leg wiggling between mine.

Holding his arm over my bicep, he showed me his phone, using his

thumbprint to unlock it. “Here. Get online and buy whatever you need.”

“What?”

“Go on. Take it.”

Craning my neck to peer at him, I snatched it and typed in a website

I had always wanted to try but could never afford. I pulled up a product and

showed him. “You’re okay if I buy that?”

“Yup.”
 Gawking, I shifted my weight so I could roll a bit to my back and

see him better. “Maximus, that is eighty dollars for two ounces.”

He shrugged, blinking rapidly as if he didn’t understand my

concern. “What, is two ounces not enough? Get a couple.”

Doing a doubletake, I merely stared at him for a moment. A brow

arching, I added four to the cart, but he didn’t flinch. Curious as to how far I

could take this, I laid on my back while he stayed on his side, his elbow in

the pillow next to my head. The leg closest to him was draped over his

thigh, his knee still tucked between mine. Holding the phone so we could

both see, I searched the website, buying things I’d always wanted, and
things that were ridiculous, but very expensive.

He said nothing.

Fanning a hand out, I scoffed and motioned to the screen. “You’re

really going to let me buy this?”

“Of course. What my moon wants, she gets. I keep telling you this.”

“Max, this is seven hundred dollars’ worth of hair products. Things

just for the hair.”

“And? Are they what you want?”

“I mean, yeah, some of them.”

“Great.” He leaned over and tapped the purchase button. “My

PayPal account is already linked to the phone, so have fun, sis.”

 Taken aback, I stared at his countenance, not really sure how to

react. “You’re serious.”

He flashed a smile, tucking a finger under my chin. “Whatever you

want. I promised you the world, it’s yours, Evelyn.” Groaning, he lowered

to the mattress, fluffing a pillow beneath his head. His palm laid on my

thigh, the fingers curling to the inside to gently stroke side to side.

For several moments, I just sat there, studying his profile. His

eyelids were closed, a lazy smile on his mouth. He wasn’t paying me any

attention. I could email someone for help. I could contact the police.

Batting my lashes, I looked at the screen filled with the confirmation

number. Excitement stirring my belly, I closed out the webpage and brought

up a new one, searching for a Louis Vuitton purse I had only ever dreamed

of owning. My chance at freedom forgotten, I went on a mini shopping

spree, indulging in all my wildest fantasies.

Perhaps being Maximus’s wasn’t so bad. There were definite perks.

Adrenaline thumping chases that ended with toe curling orgasms that split

my soul in half and soaked both of us in juices, and all the pretty, shiny,

frivolous things I could want.

For the first time since my brother claimed me, I was seeing a

different kind of freedom and happiness. It was all about perspective.

[Link]
 Chapter 24
Saturday
July 30, 2022
Almost daily the last three weeks, Amos was showing up to the

house with packages that had been sent to the penthouse. I had tried to have
them sent here, but they’d both been adamant about privacy, insisting it was

safer no one knew about this place. Whereas it made sense, it also made me

nervous, so I’d asked Maximus to add a couple guards, which he’d done
without blinking.
I found it almost comical how uncomfortable I was when I first

came to the house, always being nude and now, four months later, the

prospect of getting dressed made my skin crawl. If I were forced to find a

silver lining in all this madness, it was my confidence level had boosted to a

record high. No longer the slightest bit ashamed of my curves, dips, rolls, or
stretchmarks, I flaunted myself with arrogance, for I knew I brought

Maximus to his knees.

When I rummaged through the closet and tried on some of my old

clothes, it had been a little depressing that they were all too small. Being
only two and a half months into the pregnancy, I couldn’t even blame the

nearly twenty pound weight gain on that. I simply ate too much and

remained idle too long.

 At first, I had been upset. Then Maximus handed me his phone, told

me to have fun, patted the top of my head, and went to his office to make

phone calls. Holding the device, my heart rate speeding up, that voice in my

head was small as it begged me to reach out for help. Is that what I did? No.

I went shopping, buying all kinds of expensive, beautiful pieces I never

would have dared before because of the price.

Every day that ticked by, my obsession with freedom faded. I was

growing accustomed to being in this house, only seeing my brother or the

maid with an occasional visit from Amos. My dreams of college were gone.

Worrying about my parents’ estate, gone. In fact, these days, even my anger
toward Maximus had changed.

Standing in the archway, my arms folded, my foot tapped the floor

while I glared at him at his desk. Since Amos was here, I donned a thin,

cotton dress that had short, ruffly sleeves, the hem falling to mid-thigh.

Made of soft pink cotton, it was light and airy, and not binding like most

clothes felt to me now.

Amos was lounging in the armchair near the archway at the foyer.
Rubbing at his chin, his eyelids were narrowed, his curious attention locked

on me while I silently threw a temper tantrum, waiting to be acknowledged.

The slow, mischief grin on my brother’s face as he scribbled notes on a

piece of paper told he was well aware of my attitude.

 “You’re an asshole, you know that?”

Amos snorted and he calmly set his pen down, sat up, and rested his

elbow on the arm. Gripping the other, his finger curled under his lip, his

sight roaming over my figure. “What’s the matter now, moon?”

“Oh, nothing, just you’re a fucking liar.”

His brows lifted, genuinely taken aback. “Would you care to

elaborate? What have I lied to you about?”

“A few weeks ago, you said we were getting married, and here it is,

exactly one month later, and there’s no goddamn ring on my finger.”

His complexion blanched, his eyes rounding as his nostrils flared.

For a moment, he stared, unblinking, his chest fluctuating with shallow

breaths. His lashes fluttering, he coughed, his palm smoothing down the

front of his tie. When he spoke, his voice croaked slightly.

“I, uh, ahem. I didn’t…think that’s what you wanted.”

“Like I’ve had a choice since my parents died. I didn’t want any of

this,” I snipped, waving my hands out to motion around. “But you forced
this all on me, and now I have to make do. Isn’t that what you keep telling

me? It’s all about perspective and choices?

“This baby.” My palms splayed on my stomach. “Will not be born

unless I am married, do you hear me, Maximus? This may not have been

how I planned my future, but since you forced this on me, I will at least
have a say in this. I have always refused to be an unwed mother, you will

not force that on me.”

Amos coughed, thumbed his nose, and craned his neck to look out
the window to the front yard. Maximus averted his gaze, slowly rocking the

chair side to side. His Adam’s apple bobbing, he rubbed at his mouth and

chin with a heaved sigh.

“Very well, moon,” he rasped, not making eye contact at first.

Finally lifting his sight to mine, his dark eyes were practically dancing with

glee. He picked up his cellphone, activated it with his thumbprint, and

extended his arm.

I stamped over and snatched it with a heated glare.

“Shop for a dress, Evelyn. I will make arrangements for a venue.

Anything in particular you were interested in?”

Shaking everywhere, my chin lifted, my foot still tapping.

“Somewhere pretty.”

“Pretty. Got it. Anything else?”

Gulping, I looked at the ceiling, my brain reeling with confusion.

What the ever-living hell was I doing? This far surpassed insanity. My

mentality was forever shattered.

I cleared my throat, squeaking, “I want a cake.”

“A cake.”
 “A chocolate cake,” I hissed with an irate sneer.

The corner of his mouth twitched as if he’d smile. “Chocolate, it is.”

“With raspberries. And peanut butter.”

Both brows lifted. “That’s an odd combination.”

Snarling, my nose wrinkling, I wagged a finger, spit flying from my

mouth when I shouted. “Don’t you argue with me, Maximus. I’m feeling all

kinds of things right now and I’m not exactly sure if I’m stable. Christ.” I

scoffed, rolled my eyes, and threw my hands out, the phone slapping to my

side. “There’s no way I’m stable if I’m ordering you to marry me.”

“There’s nothing wrong with you wanting to marry me. We are

meant to—”

“Don’t you start that shit with me, goddammit.”

He startled, tucking his chin to his chest, his hand falling to his lap.

“I mean it, Max. I don’t want to hear any of your meant to be jargon

right now.” Tears welling and burning, my chest was caving, a nostril

whistling as I heaved through my nose.

“Oh, shit, the fucking pregnancy hormones—”

Without thinking, I grabbed a book off the shelf beside me and

hurled it at Amos, my rage spinning at him. So infuriated, sweat was

beading up on my face as I shook head to toe.

 He cursed, throwing his arms up, a leg even lifting, to block himself.

The book hit his forearm and thumped to the floor. “Jesus.”

“Fuck you, Amos! I am not hormonal.”

“Evie.” Maximus spoke softly and slowly, as if he were trying to

calm a caged animal. “It’s fine. I’ll get started on making arrangements, you

find a dress.”

“I hate you both so much,” I sobbed, shaking my head. “You know

what, fuck you and fuck the marriage. I don’t want either. Just don’t talk to

me ever again.”

Twirling on my toes, I stomped out of the office, rounded the

kitchen bar, and came to a sudden halt in the hallway. Staring down at the

phone, the screen was black, for it had been inactive for too long. Riddled

with humiliation, my shoulders curled to my ears as I slunk back to the

archway.

Both men had been muttering to themselves but immediately

clammed up, their spines bristling to stare at me in terror. Sniffling, swiping

the tears off my cheek, I inched to the desk, holding the cell out.

“It, uh. Ahem. It shut off. I…You need to…you know. Thumbprint.”
Hesitantly taking it, his sight locked on mine, he reactivated it and

gave it back.
 Pouting, I grumbled, “Thank you,” and abruptly left once more.

Hurrying to the bedroom, I slammed the door and threw myself to the

mattress, rolling on my back. I brought up the internet search bar and

tapped away, refusing to acknowledge the questions spinning my brain.

The main one being, why the hell was I upset Maximus didn’t force

me to marry him a few weeks ago? Every chance I had to get to freedom, I

let it pass me by. Even now, I was alone with his phone. Was I calling the

police? No, I was hunting for a wedding dress.

Time to let go of the victim act. I was no longer a prisoner. I was

here because I wanted to be. Yet again, Maximus won. I was his.

[Link]
 Chapter 25
Saturday
August 20, 2022
Adrenaline pumping my heart more than blood, I was gulping air

into my aching lungs, squinting against the rain as my sight searched the
woods. My cheeks hurting from grinning so much, I listened to the

surroundings, trying to figure out where my sexy little moonbeam was

hiding. Me chasing her through the woods every time it rained had become
such a regular occurrence, we didn’t even bother with clothes. As soon as
Evelyn heard thunder rolling in the distance, the hunt was on. She was

addicted to the rush, as was I, and it saddened me we would have to stop

this soon.
For a moment, I reflected on when she was a little girl, constantly

asking to play hide and seek. She would always make sure to not fully
conceal herself, making it easy for me to find, because she delighted in the

chase more. Who knew that would one day turn into this when we were

adults? Hindsight.

Her dainty giggle echoed from the east. My smile broadening, I ran
my hand over my face to wipe away the rain so I could see better. The

moon our only source of light and the storm drowning out most of the

sounds, it was difficult to determine exactly where she was.

 “Already tired, old man?” her voice called out a little closer than I

expected.

Snickering, I gripped my cock and stroked, my body aching to be

inside her. I don’t know what caused me to brutally fuck her that first time

she tried to run away, but I would never be sorry, for it was a pivotal
moment in our relationship. Something about the chase, the primal aspect of

searching, hunting, conquering. The adrenaline and fear, the animalistic

instincts taking over, it was raw, feral, and powerful, and Evelyn had finally

been broken.

I had fucked that woman into submission where she sometimes now
followed me around the house with doe-like eyes, shadowing my every

move.

It had opened a kink in us both, neither knew existed. Somehow, it

had even helped build some trust between us. Slowly, but surely, the lost

bond between my sister and me was reconnecting.

“Getting too slow, Maximus,” she giggled a second before her

shadowed figure darted across the trees a few feet away.

I laughed and took off running in that direction. My feet skidding on

the fallen leaves, I gripped a trunk and bent over a bit, tuning in my ears.

Closing my eyelids, I took a deep inhale, trying to see if she was close

enough for me to smell her pussy.

 It was strange how I could sense her through scent. Even several

feet away, when she was aroused, my nose picked up her aroma and made

my mouth water. It was like we were now connected on a spiritual level; I

could smell her, feel, sense, and taste when I wasn’t even touching her.

Lifting my chin, I took another long inhale. My nerves prickling, I

groaned, my cock twitching. She was close.

Tiptoeing around the tree, I craned my neck, spotting her about a

yard to the right. Hunkered over, she was peeking toward the left, having no

idea I was creeping behind her. Lunging forward, my arms wrapped around

her as I shouted, “Gotcha!”

She squealed, stamped her heel on my foot, and elbowed me in the

gut. Winded, I hunched forward, and she took off running, her laughter

ricocheting from the woods.

Regaining my footing, I was off, my heartbeat thudding rapidly.

Christ, I fucking loved her. Who knew this would be such a goddamn turn

on? Running naked through acres of trees at night, in the pouring rain,
covered in mud and debris, while physically roughhousing one another was

probably my biggest arousal these days. She was right, I was crazy.

Then again, so was she. Just another reminder of how perfect we

were together.
 I came to a patch that was thinned out, a few dead trunks lying on

the ground. Without the canopy of limbs and leaves, the rain was harder,

lowering visibility. Out of nowhere, her body collided to mine with so much
force, I oofed and fell to the ground. Giggling, she was crawling away,

trying to scamper to her feet. I rolled over and grabbed her ankle, yanking

to knock her to her stomach.

She squealed and rolled to her back right as I rushed forward,

towering above. Panting, the moon making her flushed skin glow, I was

momentarily struck dumb at her beauty, my heart swelling with pure

adoration.

Taking advantage, she slapped me across the face, scurrying

backward on her heels and elbows to scoot from beneath me. Growling, I

clutched her throat and jerked her back, the leaves and mud helping her

slide easier. My palm collided with her cheek and her spine arched, an

elongated moan pouring from her mouth.

Both my hands around her throat, I shoved inside so forcefully, her

hips lifted. Her arms flailing, my hold was so tight, she couldn’t even

scream. Buried balls deep, she was bucking wildly, stroking my cock

without me even needing to move.

“That’s it, whore,” I croaked, my eyes rolling. “Unh, that’s so

fucking good. Grind that sweet little cunt on that dick.”
 Her heels digging into the dirt, she reared up so sharply, it knocked

the wind from my lungs and lurched my gut. Choking on a cough, my

system briefly went numb, my fists punching to the mud.

“Oh…shit,” I hissed, cum spilling inside.

Gasping for breaths, she smirked, continuing to rock up and down

while I remained still. My fingers buried in the earth, I was shuddering,

reveling in absolute ecstasy.

“Don’t stop, don’t stop, please don’t fucking stop.”

“Yeah, you like this, Max? Huh?” Her tone barely louder than the

rain, one hand gripped my ass cheek and pulled me closer. Gyrating, her
lips spread, her clit rubbing against my skin. “Mm, yeah, that’s good.

You’re so fucking deep. My pussy is getting so full.”

Everything was tingling, my jaw wide, my breaths shallow pants. “I

love you so much. Oh my god, I love you.”

“I don’t want you to love me right now. I want you to fuck me like

you hate me.”

Something clicking, I sneered and growled through gritted teeth.

“You want me to fuck this pussy hard?”

Smiling wickedly, she bucked to knock me off, rolled to her belly,

and scuttled away. Cursing, I hopped to my feet, catching up in only a few,

long strides. My fist grabbing her hair, I lurched her backward. She

screamed, lost her footing, and crashed into my chest.

“You like playing hard to get, bitch?”

She smiled, her nose wrinkling.

Pulling further so her neck arched, her head on my shoulder, my

fingers curled around her throat. “I got you, moon. You’re mine.”

Her eyelids rounded a bit, the smile fading. Though most of her

features were shadowed, I knew her well enough by now to know she was

so turned on, I could barely touch her, and she’d probably cum.

I let go of her throat and smacked her face. “You’re my fucking

whore.”

She moaned, wiggling her ass against me. Where once she cringed

every time I referred to her that way during sex, now she got off on it. It

would never cease to amaze me how everything flipped on a dime during

that first chase through the woods. She tried to flee, but I hunted her down

like prey, conquered, and defeated her will, once and for all claiming her as

mine forever.

Tightening my fist, I spun her around, my free palm crashing across

her cheek so hard, the sound echoed from the trees. A few weeks ago, the

very thought of striking my sister would have enraged me. How the hell
was I supposed to know it turned her on so much? If this is what she

wanted, she got it, I was happy to oblige.

My control waning, I slapped her again, a tiny yelp catching her

throat. A few strands of hair broke from her scalp, her head jerking.

“Who do you belong to, cunt?”

“Mm.”

Another slap, rougher than the others.

“Who do you fucking belong to, you filthy fucking cunt?”

“Oh, god,” she moaned, gazing out the corner of her eyes.

Snarling, I gave one more clap, my palm actually stinging from the
collision. Even in the darkness, I could see her eyes rolling to whites, her

jaw falling. Both hands gripping the arm holding her hair, she began
trembling uncontrollably, liquids splattering to the leaves.

Through gritted teeth, I pinched her nipple and twisted all the way to
the side. “Last time I ask this, bitch.”

“Maximus!” she shrieked, arching toward me. “Oh, fuck, I’m yours.
I belong to you. I’m your whore.” Her teeth greeted, she hissed, glaring

through squinted lids. “I’m my brother’s filthy whore. Oh, shit, mm!”
Yanking her closer, our noses bumping, I whispered, “And don’t you
ever forget it, little sister. I will kill you, them, and then me, if you ever

fucking try to leave me for someone else.”

 Her brows arching, she moaned again, pawing at my waist to pull
me nearer. “Fuck me, please. Put that cock inside and fuck me, Max. I’m a

whore, fuck me like a whore.”

Growling, I flung her to the mud, dropped to my knees, and rammed

inside, immediately knocking another orgasm from her just that easily. My
mind reeling, I stared down, watching her pussy clap against me as she

uncontrollably bucked, screaming and writhing like a goddamn banshee.

My balls tightening, I grabbed onto her breasts, my nails tearing her
skin, and threw my head back, howling to the moon as I burst.

“Maximus!” she shouted, throwing her legs around my waist and

locking tightly.

My muscles giving, I fell on top of her, my face in the crook of her

neck. The scent of her sweat mingling with wet earth filling my nostrils, I

groaned, encompassing her with my arms.

“Jesus…fuck…” I panted, everything tingling with overstimulation.

Even the pelting raindrops were sensitive, making my skin crawl. “I fucking
love you. Oh, my god, I love you so much, Evelyn.”

A long sigh purred from her lips, her muscles sagging. Lifting to my
elbows, I snickered, finding her passed out with a smile on her face.

Scattering kisses all over, I slowly began pumping in and out again,
continuing to whisper my unending devotion.
[Link]
 Chapter 26
Tuesday
August 23, 2022
The rain finally over, the wet humidity created a mist that lingered

over the treetops. With the sun setting, the blue sky clashed against the pink
and orange hues picked up by the fog. Birds chirping in the branches, the

air was scented with the earth freshly cleansed. A cool breeze wafted by,

lifting my hair from my neck, a few strands tickling my jawline. It was so

peaceful out here. When I looked past the kidnapping and endless rapes,
Maximus’s home was quite beautiful and pretty much everything I used to

dream of having one day.

The door creaked open, Maximus joining me on the porch. As naked

as I was, he came up behind me, wrapping his arms around my stomach.

Resting his chin on my shoulder, his fingers splayed over my belly, a

middle finger making small circles around my navel.

“What’s wrong, sis?”

“Why’s something gotta be wrong?”

“Because you just laid there again and didn’t react.”

My teeth grinding, I focused on the woods, my insides tightening.

Ever since the last chase, I had had no choice but to give up the act and

admit I enjoyed sex with my brother. It may not have been my intentions,
and had he not conditioned me over the last few months, it never would

have happened, but it was something I could no longer deny. In fact, I was

pretty sure if I ever was free of him, I suspected sex with anyone else would

be ruined. He groomed me specifically for him.

And yet, earlier, when I was upset, my mind switched back to when
this saga first began. Whereas I didn’t fight or struggle like I had in the

beginning, I hadn’t involved myself in the act, opting to lay there until he

was done. Was that something else that was forever groomed into my

mentality? Whenever I got mad or upset, my brain clicked, and he was once

again my captive rapist?

How the hell were we supposed to build a future like that? For the

rest of our lives, every argument we had, would I stop seeing my husband

and my rapist, instead? Or would the first few months of our relationship

eventually fade over time?

If I was stuck with Maximus, I didn’t want that. I wanted a

perspective of my forced reality where there were no internal battles, guilt,

dread, or resentment. My future chosen for me, all I could do was pick how
I lived it, and I wanted peace.

“Why did you kidnap me?”

He tensed, his hold hardened, and his breathing ceased. Coughing,

he stood upright, combing his fingers through my hair. His tone coarse, he
stated, “Because I love you.”

“Why?”

He snorted, shrugging his arms out. His palms slapping to his

thighs, he stepped away to begin pacing. “What kind of question is that?”

“A pretty simple one.” My arms crossing, I turned to face him, my

weight to one leg.

His brows furrowing, he grew angry, his lips taut. “No, actually, it’s

not.”

“Actually,” I mocked, bobbing my head side to side. “It is.”

“What’s going on? Why are you asking me this?”

“Because I’ve seen the women you’ve dated.”

“And?”

“And?” Tapping a finger for each example, I said, “Blondes,

beautiful, slim, perfect figures. Not a single scar on their plastic bodies. No

stretchmarks, nothing.”

His eyelids thinning, he set his fists on his sides. “What the fuck is
this, Evelyn? You have never been insecure with yourself.”

“And I’m not now. Don’t confuse my curiosity with self-esteem. I’m

simply making facts. I am not one of your Barbies. I look nothing like

them. As long as I can recall, that’s who you had on your arm.”
 “Yeah, on my arm. Eye candy. Trophies. I take them to meetings or

gatherings or functions I have to attend. That’s it.”

A brow arching, I shook my head to knock my bangs out my face.

“Is that why I’m still imprisoned in this house? Because I’m not perfect and

you’re ashamed to be seen with me?”

He blanched, his jaw dropping. “Excuse me?” he wheezed.

My shoulders lifting, I elaborated. “I think I’ve made it quite clear

I’m not going to try to escape anymore. Hell, you’ve even taken the

thumbprint lock off your phone so I could have access to it whenever I want

to go shopping.” My lips pursing, I shook my head, skimming the trees.

“Never once called the cops, no one.”

Bringing my focus back to his, my heart was banging on my ribs,

almost afraid of his answer. I guess, in a way, I was getting a little insecure.

“Yet here I sit, day after day, alone with the fucking maid while you

go to work, parties, events, whatever. So, what choice do I have but to think

you’re keeping me hidden because you’re ashamed of me? Which brings

me to my original thought. Why me?”

His nostrils flaring, he pointed to the cement floor, his complexion

turning red. “First of all, little girl. I will say this once, and only once

because after this bullshit, you will never, and I mean never,” he seethed,
slicing his hand through the air. “Bring this up again.
 “I am not ashamed of you. You have no idea, Evelyn!” he roared

unexpectedly, his voice bouncing off the bright red, brick house. “What I

went through to get you.”

Already, I was regretting this whole thought process. Yup, that

devastation staring at me, I could go my entire life never seeing that. Damn.

“You are perfection. There is no one in this world more beautiful

than you. From the moment I saw you in your junior prom dress, I knew

you were the one for me. I have searched a thousand women trying to find

one that even came near to your perfection, and they have all failed.”

My throat constricting, I looked away, unable to maintain eye

contact. My stomach fluttering, I had to admit, that was kind of a natural

high, hearing that.

“Secondly, I never asked you to tag along because those outings

have all been business related, and I know how much you hate what I do. I

didn’t ask, because I assumed you would get pissed and we’d get into a

fight, and this!” he boomed, circling a finger in the space between us. “Is

what I was trying to avoid because it makes my fucking skin crawl

whenever you look at me with resentment.”

Pouting, I cast a sideways look. How had I never seen how much he

loved me before these last few months? How had I been so blind?
 “I don’t have a personal life, Evelyn. I go to work, and I do

whatever the hell I have to so I can get back here as quickly as possible.

Here.” He pointed at the floor again. “To you. Because I can’t stand being

away from you.

“If you want to come with me, all you gotta do is say the word, and

I will proudly,” he hissed, thinning his lids once more. “Strut around town

with you on my arm.”

My jutted leg bouncing, I stared at the grass just off the porch,

sniffling softly. “I don’t really have a choice—”

“Yes, you do. I’ve told you since day one, you have choices. You

can stay here while I do what I have to do, or you can come with. It is your

choice, Evie.”

Batting my lashes, my head tipped to gaze at him timidly. “I want to

go.”

Taken aback, he bristled, his shoulders squaring. Scrunching his

features, he whispered, “You do?”

“Yeah. I mean, if this is going to be my life from now on, I want to

know what’s going on. I don’t want to sit in this goddamn house and rot
away, Max. I need to get out.” Pleading, I whimpered, stepping closer. “Oh

my god, I don’t care if it’s to a gas station, let me out, please.”

 Groaning, he deflated, rubbing his palms up and down my biceps.

His chin bowed to press his lips to my forehead. “How about tomorrow, I

take you into town and let you buy a whole new wardrobe?”

I choked on a gasp, leaning away to stare into his eyes. “You mean

it?”

“Yeah. I’ve seen you buying clothes online, just to have to return

most because they don’t fit—”

I grimaced and emitted another whimper, tears burning.

“Hey, hey.” He chuckled, tucking a finger under my chin. “You’re

pregnant, Evie. Your body is changing. It’s natural.”

Out of nowhere, I was sniveling, blinded by tears. “I’m only three

months, though, and I’m already gaining weight. I’ll be a fucking whale!”
Maximus laughed a little harder, pulling me in his embrace.

“Goddamn, the hormones—”

“It’s…not…hormones,” I choked between sobs.

Petting my back and kissing my forehead, he soothed with, “Of

course, it’s not, moon. I’m sorry. That was insensitive. Come on, let’s go

back to bed.”
I gulped down air and let him lead me back inside. Closing the door
behind us, we immediately turned right into the bedroom. Crawling back in
bed, I was curled on my side, facing his chest. A thought occurring to me,
my head tilted to make eye contact.

“Why haven’t you kissed me?”

For a moment, he only blinked, as if he didn’t understand. “I kiss

you all the time.”

“Everywhere but my lips.”

His sight shifted from mine, his fingertips grazing up and down my
hip. “Don’t take it personal, Evelyn,” he stated in a monotone, almost
detached voice. “It’s not you. It’s everyone. I’ve… never kissed a woman

before.”
My insides lurched, shock hitting my system. “How is that

possible?”
“It’s just not something I’ve ever done.”

“Max—”
He huffed and rolled to his back, draping his arm over his face. “I’m

tired. Get some sleep.”

Double whammy. He wanted to go to sleep already? Without hours

of sex? This was a first.

His face still buried in the crook of his elbow, he cupped the back of

my head and pulled me to his chest, petting my hair. Draping my arm across
him, I sighed and settled down. The layers kept peeling away, revealing
something new about my brother every time I thought I had him figured
out. It was making me wonder if I ever truly knew him, at all.

[Link]
 Chapter 27
Wednesday
August 24, 2022
I sat on the bench in the dressing room, my ankles crossed, and my

arms folded over my stomach. Naked and pouting, I stared at the rack of
clothes the saleswoman had picked out. Suddenly, I wanted to literally cry

in frustration when those torture pieces even touched my flesh.

Here I was, in the middle of a high-end boutique, the entire place

cleared out, so it was just me, Maximus, Amos, and the saleswoman, and I
was sitting in the fitting room, hating every minute. What good was having

an endless amount of money to do with as I pleased when I hated

everything I saw?
A knocking on the thin door was followed by my brother’s bored

inflection. “C’mon, Evie, you’ve been in there a long time. What’s going
on?”

“Shut up. Leave me alone.”

He huffed, his fingers curling over the top. “What’s going on?”

“I said leave me alone.”

His weight shook the door, and he sighed loudly. “We can’t sit here

all day, moonbeam.”

“This is your fault, you know?”

 “My fault?”

“Yeah, all those months, not being able to wear clothes, now I’m

ruined.”

He coughed nervously, his voice dropping with an unspoken

warning. “Hey, watch what you say, Evelyn.”

The woman’s timid voice rang out. “Are the clothes not satisfactory

to you, ma’am? I assure you, they are of the highest quality and fabrics.”

Groaning, my eyes rolled, my hands falling to the bench so I could

lean forward. My lids closing, my hair fell around my face, my sight tracing

the scars on my ankles. “No, it’s not that. They’re really nice, I just…I don’t
know what’s wrong,” I whined, shaking my fists.

The door creaked open, Maximus staring down at me with a soft

smile. “What’s the problem? I can’t fix it for you, if you don’t tell me

what’s wrong.”

My lip puckering, I tilted my head to gaze at him. “You really think

you can fix all my problems, don’t you?”

“I know I can. That’s my job. As your man, it is my duty to make

everything wrong, right, or die trying.”

I sighed yet again, scanning over the pieces hanging on the bar next

to the mirror. “I don’t know what’s wrong. I just…”

 The woman poked her head in, as well. Fear shimmering in her light

brown irises, the burgundy mask clashed against her graying complexion.

More than likely terrified of upsetting the mobster’s woman, she had been

overly appeasing since I walked through the door.

“I’m so sorry if I’ve disappointed you, Ms. Rothery. I selected items

based off what you told me you normally wore. You said this is what your
old wardrobe looked like.”

Chewing the inside of my cheek, my eyelids narrowed, examining

the pieces once more. Old wardrobe, for the old Evelyn.

“Maybe that’s the problem,” I grumbled, hopping to my feet.

Shoving them aside, I brazenly strolled around the boutique, not even

ashamed Amos was seeing everything. He’d been helping Maximus pick

me up almost daily for months so the maid could change my bedsheets, the

man knew what I looked like. More importantly he had never once looked

at me as anything other than his childhood friend’s little sister. There wasn’t

an ounce of attraction when he saw my nudity. Modesty at this point

seemed futile.

I went to a rack with a dress I normally never would have looked at

twice. It was form fitting, sleeveless, short, and had a plunging neckline.

Rummaging through them to find one in my size, I snatched it from the

hanger and pulled it over my head.

 Unfortunately, I got stuck. My arms flapping about, I kept grunting

and wiggling side to side, trying to work it down.

“Moon, what are you doing?”

“I’m trying to put this goddamn dress on.”

Amos snickered, bent over, and tugged at the hem. The garment

pulled past my shoulders, falling down my curves rather perfectly. Tucking

a hand in to readjust each tit, I spun around to face the mirrors next to the

dressing room.

The woman blanched, her eyes widening. A hand covering the

mask, she whispered, “Oh, wow.”

Maximus’s gaze was smoldering, his brows furrowed, lips taut.

Checking Amos’s reaction, I found him grinning, his hands shoved

to his pockets.

Finally, I looked for myself. The dark pink material hugged my

physique as if it had been sewn specifically for my figure. The top was tight

enough to support my breasts without a bra, but not smashing or binding

uncomfortably. Designed to bunch around the hips, it fell to mid-thigh, the

color complimenting my skin tone.

Surprised, I slowly crept forward, needing a better look. My palms

dragging down my sides, I rose to my tiptoes and spun one way, then the
other, mesmerized at my own image. Gathering my hair in one hand to pile
it on top of my head, I bent forward, my palm on my thigh, my lips

puckered.

Amos snickered and thumbed his nose. “Yeah, you look good,

Marilyn Monroe.”

I stood upright, gradually bringing my attention to my brother. If he

nearly shot a man dead for even looking at me, how would he be with me

strutting around in something so revealing? Would there be a slew of

random murders around Miami if I walked outside in this?

My nails twisting together, my features scrunched with uncertainty.

“What…do you think?”

His tone gravelly, his response struck a chord that snatched my soul

and stole my breath. “I want to fuck you right now.”

Gasping, my attention darted to the woman who was blushing,

writhing uncomfortably.

My belly turned over, a slow smile curling my lips. “You like it?”

Returning my focus to the mirror, my fingertips traced the curve of the

dress over the mound of my breast. “I dunno, but everything I used to wear

felt so binding. Like, I couldn’t breathe. This feels good. I think I…”

Seeing him creep up on me, the feral glint in his eyes, heat rushed

through my veins, my heart racing. “Amos?” I squeaked, lust making me

heady.
 He snapped his fingers and beckoned the lady. “You, come on. They

need some privacy.”

Even before she ran out of the room, Maximus was unzipping his

trousers and pulling out his cock. Already panting, I stepped to the mirror,

placing my palms on the surface to brace myself. My thighs quivering, he

lifted the hem and thrust inside, slamming me into the glass.

Pleasure rippled through my system, my head resting on his

shoulder. “Oh, yes,” I purred, grinding against him. “Mm, take your filthy

whore, yes.”

His fingers around my throat, he wheezed against my ear, “You are

fucking exquisite,” and thrust again, pushing me to my toes.

I bit my bottom lip to keep from crying out, my eyelids clenching.

Another deep, deliberate thrust. “I fucking love you.” Thrust.

He didn’t ravage me but dominated with those powerful strokes that

paused for a moment. My toes curling against the thin carpet, I tensed my

muscles, using all my willpower to not squirt.

His tongue dragging up the side of my face, his fingers clamped

down, blocking my airflow and voice. “I want to be inside you all the time.
Your cunt is so fine. Unh!”

My mouth moved to cry out his name, but only a weak gurgle

squeaked past.
 Snarling, staring at our reflection, his irises were practically glowing

with fire, his nose wrinkled, his upper lip curled. “Look at us.” Thrust.

“Fuck, we look good.” Thrust. “I will fucking die for you, Evelyn.”

My eyes rolled and I broke, shuddering around his cock. He

coughed, stilled, and came, as well, pinning me further into the mirror.

His fingers easing, my palms slid down the glass, squeaking. “I love

you,” he whispered, his lips dragging over my sweaty skin. “I’ve only ever

loved you.”
Moaning, I reached over my shoulder, my fingers combing his hair.

Words on the tip of my tongue, though I had no clue what they were, I was
brought out of the haze when he carefully slid out, dropped to a knee, and

lapped up the cum since I wasn’t wearing panties.

“Oh, yes,” I cooed, pushing my ass into his face. “Mm, Maximus.

Clean my pussy, get every fucking drop.”

He groaned, kneading my cheeks, shaking his head side to side.

Tingling, I bit down on my bottom lip, forcing the orgasm down for fear of
squirting.

Done, he curtly slapped a cheek, rose to his full height, and winked.
“Ready to eat, moon. Finish this up.”
I snickered, gazing coyly through my lashes. “Was that tiny meal

not satisfactory?”
 Since that was the first time I had taunted him in such a way, he
blanched, the amusement vanishing. Clearing his throat, he tugged at his tie

and went to the archway at the side of the room.

“Let’s finish this. I’m ready to go home.”

I wiggled out of the dress and tossed it aside, strutting around to

select more items. Every time I looked up, I found him staring at me, eyes

shining, lids narrowed. A rush of power shot through my veins, so I began

swaying my hips more than necessary, or absently stroking my breast as if I
were just lost to thought.

By the time I had gathered a small pile, he was growling, shoving

me into the fitting room and slamming the door. Giggling, I bent over, my

palms on the bench, and spread my legs.

[Link]
 Chapter 28

A cool breeze came off the Miami River, bringing a small smile. My

forearms resting on the warbled, glass table, I peered at the water over my
neck, mesmerized by the city lights dancing off the ripples. Across the way

at the docks was a large, fancy yacht, a few people laughing and dancing on
the upper deck.

“Have you enjoyed yourself today, moon?”

Pulling a slow, deep breath, I closed my eyelids, turned back around,

and lifted them to gaze at my brother. Freshly shaved, his hair was slicked
back, and he was wearing another fancy suit. Discarding the tie at my

request, the top few buttons were undone, exposing the top of his hard,

tanned chest. Without the haze of resentment and hatred, and without the
label of genetics, he was quite handsome. When I looked at him as my

future husband, Maximus stole my breath.

Perspective. Find happiness with the hand I was dealt.

Unfortunately, these days, it was easier and easier to separate myself

from facts and accept what he was forcing upon my shoulders. It really was

hard to deny him when he looked at me the way he was right now, said
some of the sweetest things, and showered me with affection and gifts.
 I toyed with the emerald cluster earring that matched the silk dress

clinging to my curves, showing off my cleavage, and swaying around my

knees. The old me never would have worn something so tight fitting or

revealing, but I was no longer the person I had been creating, I was now

who Maximus wanted me to be. And, try as I may, when I looked at myself
in the mirror at the boutique, I liked what I saw.

Beauty, poise, sophistication, grace. Even when I strutted around in

the black, stiletto heels, I did so with elegance, not clumsily. My hair swept

up in a twist with a few tendrils falling around my neck, the earrings, and

makeup, I looked exactly like someone who should be on the arm of a

mafia boss.

Flashing a shy grin, my hand dropped back to the table to fidget

with the stem of my wine glass. “Actually, yes. I’ve never had so much fun

clothes shopping.”

Mischief glinting in his dark irises, his sight raked over my bare

shoulders. His nostrils flaring, his voice was husky when he said, “You are

so fine, Evelyn. I always thought you were beautiful, but Christ, you are
fucking exquisite tonight.”

Blushing, my lashes demurely lowered. Movement from the corner

of the deck caught my attention and the smile faltered. As enjoyable as the

day was, it had also been rather stressful at times. I had no idea a day out on
the town with my brother involved his entire entourage. We were never

alone, someone was always nearby. Amos was practically connected at his

hip, while four others were within ten to twenty feet. It was awkward,

especially at one of the clothes stores while I was showing off outfits for

Maximus’s approval.

“What’s wrong?”
“What makes you think something’s wrong?”

“Why is that always your reply when I question you?”

A shoulder rolling, I picked up the glass and took a sip. Best

goddamn tasting wine of my life. Jesus, having money certainly had perks.

“Evelyn. What’s wrong?”

My sight flitted to one of the guys, the one that made me most

nervous. I didn’t like the way he had been ogling me earlier. I had come out

of the fitting room wearing a dress even skimpier than my current one, and I

swear he had been checking me out.

Confident in myself, I knew men looked at me, I caught them all the
time. For some reason, this man unnerved me. It wasn’t so much that he

was looking, it was the way he was looking.

Maximus coughed and took a drink, as well. “Are my men bothering

you?”
 Sighing, I set the glass down, pulling my hands to my lap to sit

upright. Staring out at the water again, I mumbled, “It’s just weird, Max.

Why are they always there?”

A soft chuckle pushed through his nose. “In my line of work,

moonbeam, I cannot afford to be in public without protection.”

My eyelids rounding, I looked back at him. “Protection? For what?”

His thumb tapping the table, his focus kept darting between me and

his glass. “Evelyn, you know what I do.”

I cringed, hugging my stomach that was a little rounder than I

thought. Seeing myself naked all the time, it was overlooked. When I put

form fitting clothes on, it was easy to see the changes in my body since I

was last civilized. It was too soon for it to be a baby bump, so that meant I

had merely gained weight.

Recalling Maximus’s reaction had my heart swelling, a whimsy

smile tugging the corner of my mouth. He had been completely enamored,

losing control more than once throughout the shopping excursion. At least

three times, I was thrown into the dressing room for him to wildly fuck me,

unable to keep his hands off my thicker curves.

Technically, out of all my relationships, none had lasted as long as

this one. He was also the only one who ever spoke about long-term plans or
commitments. If I wanted to split hairs, my brother was the best boyfriend

I’d ever had, the kind of man I’d always dreamed of.

“That means I have a lot of enemies.”

His statement snatched me back with a chill to my bones.

“Enemies?”

His Adam’s apple bobbing, he stared directly into my eyes and

gutted me with his next words. “I have killed people, Evie. You think their

loved ones don’t want revenge? People blame me for ruining their lives

because I supply the drugs in this area.” His palm pressed to his chest. “I

just offer what is in demand, I don’t tell people to take them. In fact, I think
drugs are one of the worst pandemics of this country.”

Narrowing my lids, I whispered, “Then why do you do it?”

“If I don’t, someone else will. There is no cure for this plague,

moon. The war on drugs will never be won. So,” he sighed, dragging the

word out, his fingers spreading. “I’m going to benefit from it.”

On one hand, that made sense. On the other, he was profiting off

others suffering and demise, and that saddened me.

“It doesn’t make it right.”

“No, I never said it did. I’m not trying to justify my actions, I’m just

explaining them. I agree, it’s wrong. Drugs are wrong. But, it’s part of my

job. Look.” He sat up and leaned on the table. “I didn’t ask for this life,
Evie. This was laid at my feet when my father died. I could have either

walked away and put a target on my back, or I could have accepted my

legacy and become one of the most powerful, wealthiest men in the

southeast.”

Picking up my glass, it hovered near my mouth. “Perspective.”

“Exactly. Had I walked away, others in this business would have

come after me. And probably you, too.”

“Me?” I yelped, hastily dropping the glass back to the table.

“You’re the only one I care about, of course they would target you

to get to me. I made the choice that made the most sense. You don’t have to

condone my actions, but you do have to accept them. You can choose to let

it bother you, or simply look away knowing there’s nothing you can do to

change facts.”

His words swirling my brain, I mentally made a list of everything

that had been forced upon me the last few months and the choices I’d made

in regards. My brows lifting, a cold wave washed through me as I stared at

the wine. Whereas the doctor told me a glass here or there would not harm

the baby, we weren’t working with a normal pregnancy. Odds were already
stacked against us because we were half siblings.

Clearing my throat, I pushed it away, grateful I’d only had a couple

sips. Retrieving the glass of water, I took a drink, watching him out the
corner of my eye. I hated that after all this time being his, my mentality was

starting to glaze over details to be okay with some of his reasonings.

Silence befalling our table, I opened my mouth to say something

when a familiar voice cried out from the opening that led back inside the

restaurant. My spine snapping straight, my heart nearly exploded, too much

adrenaline rushing to my brain at once. In a flash, one of my classmates

came racing forward, her expression frantic. Just before she could touch

me, Amos and one of the other men roughly grabbed her and yanked
backward.

She squealed, turning ghostly white under the dim lights of the
dock. Her eyes bulging, her teeth were clattering, and she was trembling

head to toe.
“Evie,” she wheezed, looking back and forth between the men.

I waved my palm, dismissing them. “Guys, guys, chill. I know her.

Let her go.”

Kyle did as I said, but Amos hesitated, staring her down for a tense
few seconds. Finally releasing her, he didn’t move away. Lingering inches

at her side, she was terrified, shrinking under his scrutiny.

“What’s going on?”
“Nothing, nothing.” My stomach curdling, my attention shot

between her and Maximus anxiously. He was leering, his lids squinted,
nostrils flaring, lips taut. Gulping, I stared at her, trying to keep my voice
steady. “How…have you been?”

“Fine. What…Where have you been? Everyone’s been so worried.”

“She’s fine.”

“I’m fine,” I snipped with a heated glower in my brother’s direction.

“But you haven’t been back to school and...” Twining her fingers,

she quietly asked, “Are you okay?”

Four and a half months ago, a moment like this was exactly what I’d
been longing for. Everything was different now. I had fully changed my

perspective, it appeared.
“I’m fine. I quit.”

“You quit?” She shrieked with a high-pitched laughter. “Now I

know something’s wrong—”

Amos bumped his chest to her arm, bending over so his face was in
hers. “You need to mind your business. The lady said she’s fine.”

The whites showing around her irises, she slowly backed away. “I…
I’m sorry. My mistake. I-I…I’ll just go.”

Pivoting on her heels, she literally ran back inside.

The moment we were alone, I pointed at both Maximus and Amos.

“Now you two assholes listen to me right goddamn now. That!” I shouted,
waving at the spot she’d been standing. “Is not acceptable. I can speak for
myself. I will not be seen and not heard, do you hear me? Don’t you ever
speak for me again.”

Amos’s expression stoic, Maximus beamed ear to ear.

“I’m so fucking hard right now.”

Excitement tickled my belly, but I sneered. “Tough shit. This is my

first night out in months, and you will not take that from me. I am sitting

right here until I’ve eaten.”

He snickered and picked up his wine. “Yes, ma’am.”

A sigh pushed through my nose, my focus returning to the river. Not

only was I no longer a victim, I was laying down ground rules for respect.

This was just fucking great.

[Link]
 Chapter 29
Friday
October 14, 2022
Now that I was no longer a flight risk, Maximus had loosened the

reigns and given me freedom to come and go as I pleased, even giving me

my own entourage to follow me around town for protection. The more they

tagged along, the more comfortable I became with their presence.

All but one. That same guy that had been creeping me out since day
one. How was Kyle supposed to protect me when he never took his eyes off
what I was doing?

I stepped out of the dressing room and went to the section of mirrors

to check my appearance. Another aspect of my new life I was getting

accustomed to was having money. I was shopping all the time. All too

quickly, I was becoming a snob. Did I care? Not in the slightest. After
everything I’d been through, I rather believed I deserved to be pampered.

Holding the bottom of the skirts that stopped just below mid-thigh, I

spread them out, leaning to one leg while the other bent in front. The pastel,

rose colored, pleated tulle flattered my skin that was paler these days from
being confined inside for months. Off the shoulders with ruffles, there was a

band that cinched just under my breasts to accentuate the fullness, the rest

flowing freely over the growing baby bump. Stretching out my arms, the
sleeves were sheer to my elbows with excess material hanging to my wrists

to give a whimsical vibe.

My sight flitted to Amos in one of the mirrors. With a wide stance,

his hands clasped in front, his eyelids were narrowed while he perused the

clothing store.
“What do you think?”

Casting a sideways glance, he only observed me for a few seconds

before looking away. “Fine.”

“Amos, c’mon. Don’t be that way. Do you think Max will like it?”

He snorted, relaxing his posture a bit. “Maximus would think a

plastic bag was phenomenal on you. What are you worried about?”

A small snort pushed through my nostrils. I wanted to be humored,

but something was bothering me. It was just as infuriating as comforting

sometimes how well he knew me. Since he and my brother became friends

before I was even born, I guess it made sense he read my thoughts. He’d

known me my entire life.

Spinning around, my arms crossing, I tipped my head to peer at him

curiously. Scanning back over the years I’d known him, I was finally able to

put some puzzle pieces together.

“You’ve always known, haven’t you?”

“Known what?”
 “About the Giordano’s. You were never just Maximus’s best friend

growing up, were you? You were always his guard.”

“Yes,” he answered curtly, still scanning the area.

“So, when I was a little girl, all those times you came over to ‘hang

out,’” I said, hooking my fingers. “Or spend the night, it wasn’t because

you were friends.”

“Don’t get me wrong, Evelyn. Maximus is the best friend I ever had.

I am, however, his guard. I was raised to protect him as covertly as possible

so as not to draw attention to him before he took his place as his father’s

successor. Can you imagine how difficult it would have been for him to

grow up under scrutiny like that?”

“When did Max know? I mean, was it something he always knew,

or did his father hide the truth at first?”

Clearing his throat, his thumbnail scratched the side of his nose.

“Uh, ahem. He…he found out a couple years before Luciano’s death.”

My jaw dropping, I gawked, having not expected that answer. “Are

you serious? Wait.” I closed my eyelids and waved my palms. “So, he

didn’t know anything about the…” I looked all around and lowered my

voice to a whisper. “Mafia until he was in his twenties?”

Nodding, he finally made full eye contact. “Luciano didn’t want him

to know until he was out of high school. Said it would hinder his learning
and growth. He was told when he turned twenty-five.”

Stunned, I rubbed at my belly, so many things making sense all of a

sudden. The way he acted the weeks after his birthday, the unexpected bouts
of rage and emotions.

Some of my resentment waned, my mouth twisting around my teeth.

Ever since he admitted he was part of the mafia, I had hated him, thinking

he’d always known, and had lied to me my whole life. Realizing he hadn’t

found out until he was a grown man was a relief.

Doing a doubletake, my jaw fell further. “Hold on, so you’re telling

me, he didn’t even know about you until ten years ago?”

His head bobbed, his jaw twitching.

“So, all these years, he thought you two had just randomly met and

become friends?”

“Yup.”

“And how did he handle figuring out the truth?”

A thick brow arching, he leered silently. “Not well.”

A slow inhale hitched my throat. “That wasn’t a car accident you

were in when I was a teenager, was it? That was Max, he beat the shit out of

you.”

“Yes, ma’am.”
“And what did you do?”
 “Let him.”

“You let him bash in your face like that?”

“First of all, it’s my duty to protect him, not argue. Secondly, I think

I deserved his anger, don’t you?”

Snorting, my hands on my hips, I glared, feeling angry for

Maximus. “I would have gutted you.”

A scoff pushed through his nose, the corner of his mouth curling. “I

thought he would, too.”

“Hmph.”

I twirled back around to look at my reflection, loving the way the

skirts flared about my legs.

“So, does this new attitude mean you’re accepting of being married

to him and living by his side?”

My focus flitted to his in the mirror. “Do I have a choice?”

Slowly shaking his head, he mouthed a quiet, No.

“All right then. What does Max always talk about? Perspective.

Since I don’t have a choice, I need to pick what I do have control over. I can

be miserable the rest of my life or take advantage.”

“And can you love him?”

The question jarred me, snatching the breath from my lungs.

“Love?”
 The small smile faded to a hardness that had his eyelids thinning.

“Yes, it’s not a difficult answer, Evie. Can you love him the way he loves

you?”

Inhaling deeply, my mouth opened to respond, but I caught Kyle

ogling me with a wicked smirk, the front of his trousers bulging. Shame

washed over me, burning from the inside out. Disgusted, I ignored Amos

and scurried into the dressing room to change back into my blue, floral

sundress.

I was done with his creepy stares. Time to approach Maximus and

let him know I wanted to be assigned a different bodyguard. Kyle had to go.

[Link]
 Chapter 30

Evelyn just kept getting more and more stunning every time I

looked at her. As she strolled through my office door, her auburn hair parted
on the side to curl around her face, my breath was stolen the moment my

gaze met her dark, velvety eyes. Since she stopped fighting the life I gave,
she had completely reinvented herself. I had assumed she would eventually

return to her old ways and life, but she had let it all go and rebuilt an
entirely new person.

Out with the subdued, meek, modest sister, in with the sultry,
alluring, feisty, passionate woman who had more power over me than she

realized. Her irises sparkling with the dark makeup, her shiny red lips

curled into a mischief smile at my gawking. Wrinkling her nose, she blew a
kiss as she sashayed across the room, the loose skirts of her sundress

flowing around her ass to just above the knees. Sleeveless, there were two
thin straps that tied behind her neck, the front plunging low to expose her

deep cleavage. Just under the breasts was a tiny row of ruffles that forced

the thin material to hug the large mounds and support without the need of a

bra.
“Fuck,” I croaked, my cock immediately hardening. The old Evelyn

never would have worn something like this, but I would never complain.
Her wardrobe still wasn’t as revealing as my former lovers, but on her, it

was just the right amount of seduction and innocence with a hint of

sophistication. “I love you,” poured out of my mouth without thought.

She giggled, a natural blush rising to her cheeks. “Well, if this is

your reaction to this dress, I guess I can assume you will enjoy what I
purchased today.”

My head bobbing like an idiot, I couldn’t close my mouth, my

vision tracing along her physique yet again. “It’s fucking beautiful.”

“You haven’t even seen it yet, Max.”

“Don’t care. Beautiful.”

Her smile faltering, she sat in one of the chairs across the desk.

Smoothing the skirts over her thighs, she was gazing out the windows,

avoiding my peer.

“What’s wrong, moon?”

She clucked her teeth and rolled her eyes. “How do you always do

that? Goddammit, Maximus, get the fuck out of my head.”

Snickering, I set my elbow on the arm of my chair, my finger

rubbing beneath my lip. “Tell me what’s wrong.”

She huffed, now toying with the ruffling beneath her breasts. “I…

don’t know if I should.”

 Dread sank my stomach and thinned my eyelids. “Let’s, for the sake

of sanity, pretend like I didn’t force you to be mine. Let’s pretend we aren’t

brother and sister. We just so happened to meet, we fell in love, and we trust

one another unconditionally. You can tell me anything, Evie. No matter

what it is, know there isn’t a single thing in this world that will change how

I feel about you.”

Casting a sideways look, her bottom lip puckered. “Other than

Amos, who knows I’m your sister?”

“No one. You think I’m crazy? I wouldn’t blab about that.”

“Even the guys who have been with you for years, before you

kidnapped me?”

Growing a little uncomfortable, it was my turn to fidget. “I always

knew you’d be mine. I’ve been waiting since you were seventeen. So no, I

never told anyone because I knew eventually, you’d be here.”

Suspicion tightened my stomach. “Why?”

Pouting, she clicked her nails together, reluctantly making eye

contact. “Kyle stares at me a lot.”

“He’s your guard, that’s his job.”

A thin, auburn brow arching, she asked, “Is it also his job to watch

me more than the surroundings and have a stiffy?”

 Rage shot through my system, though my emotions remained

masked. Clearing my throat, I blinked a few times before focusing on her

once more. “What do you mean?”

“Well, about half an hour ago, we were at a store, and I was

checking out a dress in the mirrors…you know.” She made gestures,

flapping her wrist side to side. “The…the three mirrors at different angles?”

“Yes.”

“Well, I was standing in front of them, checking it out, talking to

Amos, and I looked over and…and Kyle was standing there with this gross

smile, looking me up and down, and he had a hardon.”

Casually lowering my hand to tap my thumb on the desk, I counted

to ten to get my temper under control. Still not looking at her, I grumbled,

“Come here.”

Without hesitation, she rose and shimmied around as I pushed the

chair away. Pulling her to my lap, I petted the side of her silky calf, my

other arm draped around her waist to hold her hip. Tipping my head to

search her eyes, my anger only heightened at seeing how truly upset she

was.

“Does he make you uncomfortable?”

“Yes.”
“Then he’s gone.”
 Taken aback, she asked, “Just like that? A man you’ve had for years

is gone because I say so?”

“Evelyn, I may be the boss around here, but you being my wife one

day, makes you just as powerful. You are my priority, our child is second,

and everything else, including business, is next.”

Her expression shifted, her arm linking behind my neck to play with

the tips of my hair. Every nerve crackling with electricity, I broke out in

goosebumps, having never had her initiate intimacy. It was thrilling!

Readjusting my tie, her voice was soft, almost taunting. “And if I asked you

to walk away from this?”

My stomach sank and my heart quickened. Staring into her eyes, I

whispered, “It would take some time and careful planning to make us

disappear, so we didn’t get caught, but if that is what you want, I’ll make it

happen one day.”

Some of the color drained from her complexion, her eyes widening

a bit. “You’re serious.”

“Yes. Like I said, it would take some time because we can’t just

walk away. I would need to make certain we could start over where no one

could find us. Is that what you want, Evelyn?”

The hollow of her throat constricted, her fingertips stroking my

jawline. “No,” she muttered so quietly, I barely heard.

 My system shook, surprised at that answer. “No?”

A slow, mischief smile puffed out her cheeks. “I kind of like having

endless money.”

Chuckling, my palm glided up her leg, under the skirts. “You know

what I like?”

“Hm.”

I gulped, the amusement fading. “You touching me.”

She stilled, seemingly confused at the answer.

“You’ve never touched me unless you have to. This is nice, Evie. It

feels really good.”

Her brows lifting a bit, she held the side of my face. Both of our

breathing shallowing, my touch crept higher, tucking between her thighs.

She gasped, parting her legs for me to tug her panties aside. Wiggling my

thumb between her lips, I circled her clit, grinning as she got wet right

away.

“Will you touch me elsewhere, moon?”

A redness seeping into her cheeks, she gave a faint nod.

“Will you touch my cock? Will you suck it?”

Her hair shook a bit, her irises glossing.

Holding her stare, I coaxed her to stand. My head tilted back, I

leisurely pulled her panties down. She shifted from foot to foot to step out
of them, and I tossed them to the desk. Still gazing at her, I stretched my

arm to pick up my cell. Swiping it to activate the screen, I brought up the

keypad and speed dialed Amos before bringing it to my ear.

She was panting, her chin on her chest so our focuses didn’t break.

One hand gripping a shoulder, she was petting my cheek, her hardened

nipples straining under the dress.

“Yes, Boss?”

“I want you and Kyle in my office right now.”

She choked on a gasp, her eyelids rounding.

“Yes, sir.”
I hung up and tossed the phone to the desk. Sliding my hands under

the skirt, I fondled her bare ass, squeezing, parting, rubbing a finger to the
tiny hole.

“What are you doing?” she rasped, panting heavier.

The door opened and the two men strolled inside. I stood, finally

breaking the stare to turn her around and face them standing on the other
side of the desk. Both of them concentrating on me, I couldn’t help but

notice Kyle was acting strange. And then he did it, his sight flitted to her
breasts, then the panties, and his green irises glinted before snapping back
to mine.
 Enraged, standing directly behind her so no one could see, I
unzipped my trousers and pulled out my cock. “You like looking at my

fiancée?”
Amos cursed and turned his profile to look out the window,

indicating he had noticed it, as well. This wasn’t in her imagination.

Kyle blanched, the whites showing around his irises. “Sir?”

“It seems as if you enjoy looking at my property.”

Evelyn squirmed, lowering her head.
I grabbed a fistful of her hair and gently yanked, forcing it back up.

“Don’t you dare bow your head submissively. You are above him,
American fucking royalty. You own that bastard, now act like it. You’ve

done nothing wrong.”

Her eyelids thinning, her nostrils flared, her own irritation bubbling

to the surface.
“Sir, I-I…No, sir.”

“How long have you been with me?”

He licked his lips, dancing foot to foot anxiously. “Five years, sir.”

“And how many of my girls have you been checking out?”

“None, sir. Honest.”

“So, it’s just Evelyn?”

“Yes, I mean, no, sir. I…I didn’t, sir.”
 Tightening my fist, I shoved her forward, hiked her skirt, and thrust
inside. She shrieked and choked, her palms slapping to the desk. Amos

coughed, thumbed his nose, and returned his concentration to the window.
Kyle, however, stared in astonishment, his jaw wide.

Rearing back, I shoved forward hard, knocking her hips into the
edge of the furniture. She gritted her teeth and clenched her eyelids but

didn’t protest. I made several rough, fast thrusts, her breasts swaying over
the desk, shuffling the files and pen. Hissing, she bucked in response,

though I doubt she meant to.

“You like seeing this?” I grunted, tugging her hair to make her entire

face visible.
The front of his trousers grew tight, his chest rising with labored

breaths. Never taking his sight off her, he remained silent.

Buried as deep as I could go, I made wide rotations, grinding

roughly. Her lashes fluttered and she emitted a long, sultry moan, her
fingers splaying on the surface.
“Oh, fuck,” he wheezed.

“This is what you wanted to see, isn’t it? My woman in a sexual

position. Do you like it? Listen to her moans. You hear how wet that cunt

is?” I asked, giving a fast succession of thrusts to make the sound louder.
Not speaking, his head nodded ever so slightly.
 Her muscles contracted and she shoved against me with a muted

squeal. The pleasure rippled through, adrenaline surging in my brain.

Speeding up, her flesh clenching as I pumped in and out, I reached across

my torso, under my jacket, and unfastened the button on my holster.

Gripping the butt, I grunted and paused, her own release taking over.

“Mm!” she squealed, her ass clapping against me quicker.

“That’s it, cum for me. Look at my fucking sister’s face. Watch her
cum. You smell that pussy?”

“Max,” she whimpered, trying to lower her chin.

Not letting her, I withdrew my pistol, aimed at Kyle who hadn’t

even noticed for he was too enthralled with her, and pulled the trigger.
The boom echoed through the room and his head flipped back.

Evelyn screamed, tensed, and then came, her liquids squirting around my
dick. He slumped to the floor, I dropped the gun, and bent over, burying my

face in her hair. Growling, I shoved deep, flexed, and came.

Breathing heavily, I sank to my chair, keeping us joined. Evelyn was

shuddering, silent tears trickling down her cheeks, her horrified stare locked
on Kyle’s lifeless form. His irises glazed and staring at the ceiling, a thin

trail of blood seeped from the hole between his eyes.

My arms folded around her stomach, pulling her back to my chest.

People were banging on the door, shouting with alarm. Amos coughed,
stepped over Kyle’s legs, and strode to let them in.

“Max,” she wheezed, her nails digging into my forearms on her

stomach.

“Shh, just sit there, moon. I’ll be good, I just want to stay inside
you.”

Not one of my guys questioned why Kyle was dead on my floor, but
their panic eased the moment they realized I wasn’t the one in danger. Right

away, Amos was barking orders, snapping his fingers. The guys scrambled
about, while he casually lowered to one of the seats across from us.

Squirming, her skin was glistening with perspiration, her muscles

involuntarily flexing around me.

“Be still,” I snapped quietly.

Her thighs clenched and she pushed down, bending my dick. I

hissed and tightened my hold, trying to keep her still. “Evie.”

“I can’t help it. Oh my god, I’m so turned on right now.”
A tremor rolled down my spine, the back of my head falling to the

chair. “Oh, fuck.”

She began rocking and circling slowly at first. Moaning a little too

loudly, one of the guys cast a fleeting look our way, realized what was
happening, and quickly bowed his head.

“Moon,” I whispered, making tiny thrusts.

 “Mm.”
Right there, in front of them all while Amos watched the skyline and

the others cleaned up a dead body, we let go of trying to be subtle and

fucked in my chair. As they were lifting it wrapped in linens to carry out,
she arched her spine, her face upturned to the ceiling, and called out my

name with another orgasm.

One of my arms lifted between her breasts to clutch her throat,

instantly silencing her moans. Nuzzling the crook of her neck, I bit down
and spilled inside her again.

Panting, holding her closer, I let go of her throat to swipe her panties
off the desk. Carefully bending us forward, I held them out for her to step

into. Tugging them up her thighs as she stood, she held the skirts in place,
so nothing was seen. I tucked myself into my trousers, rose, and took her

hand.
“You got this taken care of?”

“Sure do, Boss,” Amos stated, never once taking his focus from the
window.

“I’m going to take her home. When this is all cleaned up, bring over
whatever she bought today.”

“Yes, sir.”
 I snatched my gun, reholstered it, and led her out of the office and
through the penthouse. Not once did she speak or even look at me, but she

did silently cry all the way to the car.

After we got home and the initial shock of what just happened wore

off, I would broach my question to her again. Perhaps after what she just
witnessed, she might be ready to change her mind about us disappearing

and me walking away from the mafia.

And if she did, I would move the entire universe to make it happen.

[Link]
 Chapter 31

As soon as we got home, Evelyn made a bee line straight for the

stairs outside the master suite. Hurrying up them, I stood at the bottom, my
hands in my pockets, my chest on fire. Perhaps my method of removing

Kyle was a little extreme. I went overboard. She wasn’t like my former
lovers, I couldn’t treat her as such. She was priceless, unique, irreplaceable.

Treating her as a fuck toy wasn’t the proper way of handling situations.
Cursing under my breath, I slowly took the steps to the loft that had

been changed into her beauty room. Standing at the top, looking around, it
was astonishing how quickly she filled it with clothes. Not that I was

complaining, she deserved every piece. And I was definitely reaping the

benefits, for she had never been so damn beautiful.

She was sitting at the vanity next to the arched window at the far

end. Her dress already gone, she was wearing a white, silk robe, pulling her
locks into a messy bun. Sniffling, she cleared her throat and opened a

decorative, plastic box, plucking a wipe to clean off the makeup.

I strode across the room, keeping my hands pocketed. Lowering to

the windowsill, my shoulders hunched forward, my head tipped to watch.

Fascinated, a smile tugged the corner of my mouth. How could something
like this mesmerize me so much? Just watching her take off makeup and

apply moisturizer, and I was smitten.

“You are so beautiful,” I whispered softly.

She hesitated, blinking at her reflection for a moment before looking

at me. Pulling a sharp inhale through her nose, she got another wipe and
cleaned her hands.

I groaned, dropping my chin to my chest. “I’m sorry, Evie. I

shouldn’t have done it that way.”

“That way? Indicating he would have died today, regardless?”

“Yes,” I answered firmly, lifting my focus to hers. “No one

disrespects you. Ever.”

She sighed, her frame deflating. Turning on the velvet padded

bench, her eyes were misted with unshed tears.

“I’m sorry I upset you, though. I shouldn’t have done that. I

shouldn’t have had sex with you in front of him, and—”

“But…that’s why I’m upset.”

“I know, it was wrong, and I—”

“Because I liked it.”

My jaw clamped. Not really sure how to respond, I simply ogled her

curiously.
 Her cheeks reddened, her sight demurely lowering. “Having him

watch, seeing how excited he was.” Gazing at me through her lashes, she

breathed, “It turned me on.”

I pulled a long, slow breath, puffing my chest while straightening

my spine. “Did it?”

Biting her bottom lip, she only nodded.

“And…the other thing? The…ahem. Shooting him?”

Grimacing, her shoulders curled to her ears, her arms hugging her

stomach. “It…didn’t bother me.”

My insides lurched, adrenaline thumping my heart. “It didn’t?”

Gazing at me, her palms on her cheeks, she whimpered, letting a

few tears fall. “Who am I, Maximus?” Her arms swept out to motion about

the room. “Look at all these clothes. Look at their styles.” Picking up a

small jewelry box, she flipped the lid to show the contents. “I have three of

these, and they’re all filled. In fact, I have one of those tall jewelry boxes.”

She waved her hand to indicate about four feet tall. “On the way, because
there’s so much. And look at those shoes.”

I craned my neck to skim the line that extended the full length of the

room.

“Before you, I had five pairs of jeans, eleven shirts, three dresses, a

skirt, and three pairs of shoes. Sneakers, sandals, and flip flops. This isn’t
who I am.”

“I disagree. This may not be who you were, but this is who you are

now.”
“And now, I am the kind of woman who gets off being used in front

of other men who doesn’t care that one of them got murdered in the

process. By the man who was fucking me. And!” she shrieked, haphazardly

tossing the jewelry box on the table. “It made me cum.”

My eyes widened and my breathing stopped. Whoa. She said being

watched turned her on, now she was saying watching Kyle get shot made

her cum? Did she mean to say that, or was that a Freudian slip?

“I don’t know who the hell I am anymore. Who did you create?

Who am I?”

My heart swelling, I brushed the back of my knuckles across her

cheek. “You, moon, are the epitome of perfection. I dreamed of a woman,

found the closest possibility in you, and molded you into perfection. You

are my reason for living. You bring me happiness, hope, purpose. You are

everything, and I love you so goddamn much.”

Her chin quivered a bit. Though it seemed as if she would respond,

instead, she stood and disappeared down the stairs.

I huffed and pinched the bridge of my nose. Standing, I carefully

picked up the jewelry that spilled out the box and put them back in. My
stomach sank, seeing the bracelet I gave her when she was seventeen years

old. Tucking my fingers under the center, I lifted, tracing my sight over the

sun emblem.

How many times had I rubbed mine, praying she would see hers

glow and know I was thinking of her, missing her? Never, not once, did I

see mine glow in return. For years, I told myself that didn’t mean anything.

They were old, perhaps they were broken and neither worked anymore.

Maybe every time I stimulated my moon symbol, hers never shined to let

her know.

Dread shrinking my heart, I stroked my thumb over the sun, almost

too afraid to look at the bracelet on my wrist. The moon lit up, and a piece

of my soul died.

She never thought of me, never missed me. Had I not forced her

hand, we still wouldn’t be talking. Everything we were creating was

coercion, built on a lie. A lie I had forced into existence because accepting

she would never love me was too much pain to endure.

Craning my neck to peer at the opening of the stairwell, sorrow

ladened my chest. No matter how many times I professed my love to her,

she never once reciprocated. Would she ever match my feelings, or was that

something I couldn’t force? I told her once, I didn’t care if she did, or not,

so long as she was mine.

 Something was different, something changed. Just owning her was

no longer good enough. I wanted her love, her heart. Not because she had

no choice, but because she couldn’t see her life without me.

I set the bracelet back in the box, carefully closed the lid, and

dragged my feet downstairs. Hearing her rummage around the kitchen, I

went to the bedroom and stripped out of my suit. Tossing the garments to

the floor, I went to the bathroom, started the shower, and stepped under the

stream, closing the door.

Something was different, and it left me feeling disgusted inside.

Helpless. I hadn’t been helpless in ten years. This was a sensation I had

forgotten and wished I could again. I hated this. Since following in my

father’s footsteps, any and everything I wanted, I got. Sometimes I had to

work harder than others, but the results were always the same. I won.

I didn’t feel like a winner right now. I felt horrible. Worse, I had no

idea how to fix this. For once, I was powerless.

[Link]
 Chapter 32
Sunday
October 16, 2022
The second I woke, I knew something was wrong. The bed empty,

there was no sound from the bathroom indicating Maximus was showering,
and the air wasn’t filled with the scent of coffee. The house was eerily

silent, not even any sounds from the maid.

Throwing off the covers, I stretched for my robe on the bench,

pulled it over my shoulders, and stood, tying the sash.
“Max?”

I yawned, scratching my scalp as I sauntered for the bathroom.

Poking my head in, there was no sign of him. This was so odd, he never left
the house without saying goodbye and telling me how much he loved me,

even if he was only going to be gone a couple hours.

Coughing and rubbing at my nose, I readjusted the robe, headed for

the door, and stepped into the hallway. “Maximus.”

My bare feet pattering on the cold, hardwood floors, I went around

the corner to the kitchen, spotting the maid.

“Good morning, Ms. Rothery. What would you like for breakfast?”

“Um, I dunno. Hey, uh, have you seen Mr. Giordano?”

 She seemed perplexed, batting her lashes. “Mr. Giordano left,

ma’am.”

“Yeah, I gathered that. Did he say where he was going?”

Eyes bulging, she blanched and began trembling violently, which

only heightened my concern.

“What’s going on?”

“Nothing, ma’am.”

“Bullshit, you know something. What?”

Blubbering, she shook her head, backing into the fridge. “Please,

ma’am, it isn’t my place to tell.”

Seconds from panicking, I rounded the bar, charged forward, and

grabbed her neck, slamming her into the appliance. “You better start

talking.”

Tears dripping from her gray cheeks, she sniveled louder. “He left,

ma’am.”

“Where? When will he be back?”

Trying to shake her head, she wouldn’t look at me, opting to keep
her eyes clenched. “He’s not. He moved into the penthouse this morning.”

Gasping, I let her go and she slumped, coughing and rubbing her

throat. My stomach bottoming out, I spun on my toes and ran back to the
room, going to his closet. Flinging open the door, I found the hangers bare,

the shoe rack empty.

“What the fuck?”

Confused, breathless, and – oddly – devastated, I staggered into the

room, bumped into the column on the bedframe, and sat on the edge of the

mattress. He left me? Why the hell would he leave me? And why was I so
gutted? This should delight me, I was free. I could go back to my old life.

Emotions rising, emotions I couldn’t explain and didn’t understand,

I choked down the pressure clogging my throat. Looking around, I found a

letter on the nightstand and my heart shrunk. My hand shaking, I picked it

up, unfolded, and read.

My dearest Evelyn,

I will be the first to admit I am a man of many faults. Loving you,

will never be one. These last few months, I have been the happiest ever, and

I will cherish them the rest of my life. For once, I wave the white flag and

give up in defeat. I cannot win this battle. My goal was to eventually have
you fall in love with me, but I see that is asking too much. For the first time,

I am going to put someone ahead of my own wants and needs.

You are free, moonbeam. I love you enough…to set you free. The

house is yours, the car in the garage yours. I have moved into the penthouse

where I will stay from now on. I am having an account set up for you so you
and our child will always be financially set. I will always be there for you

and our baby. I hope you find yourself. Become who you always wanted to

be. The sky is the limit for you. If you ever need any help, in any aspect, I
am just a touch away.

Forever your sun,

Max

Grief twisting my chest, I glanced at the table, seeing my sun

bracelet. As every time I’d looked at it over the last few years, it was

glowing, which meant, somewhere out there, he was thinking about me,

touching the moon.

I cursed, crumbling the letter. Now what the hell was I supposed to

do?

The dining room at the penthouse had floor to ceiling windows that

overlooked Hillsborough Bay. The left was mirrors to reflect the sunlight,

the right a series of frosted glass partitions that could be turned sideways,

opening up the space to the living room. Sitting in the chair with my back to

the kitchen, facing the water, I poked at my lunch, tuning out everything
Amos was saying.
 Where was Evelyn? What was she doing? What was her reaction to

finding my letter? Was she upset?

My focus lowered to the bracelet, my thumb itching to rub the shiny

silver moon surrounded by onyx. Huffing, I stabbed at a meatball and

tossed it in my mouth. Probably wouldn’t be a good idea. Not that she’d

notice, anyway. She never wore it, never looked at it. Why bother? Wasted

money, is what these worthless bracelets were.

“Maximus!”

Startled at the boom of his voice, I blinked, tipping my head to stare

at him in the next chair. “What?” I snapped.

“What is your problem? This is serious, Boss. We have to deal with

the Cubans—”

Scoffing and rolling my eyes, I swirled the noodles around the fork

tines. “I thought that was already handled.”

“No, it wasn’t. We’ve been working on this deal close to a year, and

you are about to ruin everything if you don’t get your head on straight. Your

cousin is blowing up my phone because you have been avoiding him.”

I grumbled, stabbing the food aggressively. “What the hell does

Milo want now?”

Exasperated, he chortled, throwing his arms out. “You to get your

ass in gear about the deal with the Cubans. I get it, you’re the boss around
here, but the Pampinella’s outrank you, Max.”

“They’re in Chicago—”

“Don’t.” He seethed, fire sparking his dark irises while he pointed.

“You dare underplay their power. You know goddamn well, there is no limit

to their reach, and it doesn’t matter if you’re blood. They are expecting their

cut of the coke in January. Now what the fuck is going on?”

“Nothing.”

“Something wrong with Evelyn?”

Grumbling, my teeth scraped the fork to pull the spaghetti off,

knowing it would make him cringe. As expected, he hissed through his

teeth, scrunched his features, and pounded his palm on the table several

times.

“I’m not above throat punching you, asshole.”

I snorted and almost choked on the food, covering my mouth so I

didn’t accidentally spit it out.

“What’s going on with her? Why are you here?”

Chewing and swallowing, I licked the sauce from my teeth,

directing my attention outdoors. “I left her.”

“I’m aware of that. What I don’t understand is, why. You finally had

everything you’ve wanted for years. She was yours, you’re having a baby,
she was even learning to adapt and accept this lifestyle. Christ, I thought for

sure that stunt with Kyle would send her running.”

My eyelids cutting, I cast a sideways leer. “She can’t run.”

A sudden image of her fleeing the house and me chasing her

through the woods, just to throw her to the ground and brutally ravage her

like a wild animal flickered in my thoughts. Instantly, I was hard, my

stomach coiling. Fuck, that was so hot. Sex with Evelyn was, by far, the

best I’d ever experienced in my entire life.

He folded his arms on the table and bent forward to scowl. “Why

did you walk away?”

“I didn’t walk away.”

“You most certainly did. You’re living here now.”

“Temporary.”

“What…what does that even mean? What are you up to?”

Filling my lungs, I held the breath a moment, gazing at him out the

corner of my eye. With an exasperated exhale, I informed him of my plan.

“Evie is still in denial about how important I am to her. She needs to learn a

lesson.”
A thick brow lifted. “So, this is a scare tactic.”
“Yup,” I sighed, taking another bite. Chewing and talking, I said, “A

few days by herself without me, she’ll realize she wants me as much as I
want her. Then she’ll be begging me to come home.”
“And if it doesn’t work?”

Confused, I fanned my hands out, whirling the fork in circles.

“What do you mean? Of course, it will work. When have my plans ever not

worked?”
“I dunno, Boss. Evie is different. She’s as stubborn and mule headed

as you are.”
Anger flowing through my veins, I growled, “She’s still breakable.”
We stared at one another for a moment in silence. Coughing, I sat

up, eating a little more.

“She’ll buckle, you mark my word on that. I know her better than

she knows herself. I can’t live the rest of my life with her unless she loves
me. This is a lesson.”

“And it will teach her she’s in love with you?”

My brow creasing, I gazed at him confidently. “Yes.”

Snickering, he shook his head and slouched in the chair. “I dunno,

Max. I’m a little doubtful because I know her, too, but you’re right. Your

plans have never failed.”

“Exactly. Before this baby is born, she will be asking me to come

home, telling me she loves me.”

 He stood and patted the back of my shoulder. “If you say so,
Maximus. Just call Milo and get him off my ass before we get an unwanted

visit.”
Pocketing his hands, he whistled as he strode away, his footsteps

fading on the marbled floors as he disappeared somewhere in the seven

thousand square foot penthouse.

A piece of meatball hovering near my mouth, my sight blurred out

the water, thinking about Evelyn at home by herself. She would buckle. She

had to. I’d never lost a game, I’ll be damned if I let her break my streak.

[Link]
 Chapter 33
Tuesday
October 18, 2022
Gripping the steering wheel, pain ripped through my chest as I

stared out the passenger window to my old home. The structure, itself,
looked the same, but the yard had been redone. All the flowers my mother

had planted over the years had been ripped up, basic, green hedges put in

their place. The swing under the elm tree was gone, and there was a
birdbath there now. A new family lived here, a family with children, for
there were toys strewn about the lawn with bicycles.

It had been almost six months since they were murdered. Had the

case been solved? Were there any leads on the gunman? How was there
funeral? Where had it been?

Too busy dealing with the craziness from Maximus, I’d never had a
chance to truly mourn their loss. I’d barely even had time to think of them,

at all. Now that he was gone, and I had been given freedom, the floodgates

were opening, and I was drowning in heartache. My mother had been my

best friend, the one person I could go to about all the confusion in my head.
She would be who helped me figure things out.

Snorting, I bowed my chin to rub the spot between my eyes. How

could I have gone to her about any of these issues? What would she say if
she knew what her first born son had done? She would die, all over again.

My elbow on the window, I buried my fingers in my hair at my

temple, a headache knocking the back of my skull. She had been such a

wonderful mother. Would I be as good? Could I be as devoted and

compassionate and unconditional? Ever since I was a little girl, I always

pictured my mother by my side, helping teach me how to be a nurturing

parent.

I had no one. No mother, no father, and now, no brother. It had been

months since I’d disappeared from school, so I didn’t even have classmates

anymore. I had the maid, whose name I didn’t even know.

A burdening weight of loneliness settling on my shoulders, I shifted

into drive, pulled away from the curb, and drove back to town. I suddenly

had a craving for ice cream. Perhaps ice cream would help distract me from

some of this turmoil.

I sat down on a bench on the sidewalk with my new cellphone.

Since I had no idea what happened to my old one, I had gone to the

company, hoping they could just issue another, and I could get all my info

and contacts transferred from my account, but since it had been more than

three months, everything was lost. Right in the middle of the store, I had
had a breakdown, the tears finally bursting forward. All those texts, images,

and voicemails from my parents, gone forever. I would never hear them tell

me they loved me again.

After I had calmed down, I purchased a new device and started a

new contract. Now I was sitting here, staring at the fancy phone, and had no

idea what to do. I literally had no one to add a contact for. No one to call or
text.

Huffing, the ache of solitude growing heavier, I looked around at the

people walking by and the traffic. The plastic spoon tapping the side of the

container with my pistachio and mint chocolate chip ice cream, I chewed

my bottom lip, having no idea what I wanted to do.

Everything was different. Maximus started a chain reaction, forcing

so much change upon me, and then ditched me, leaving me unbalanced,

alone, and confused.

Why wasn’t I at the police station, filing a report about my

kidnapping, rape, and Kyle’s murder? Why had I, instead, spent the last few
days driving around town, shopping for furniture and decorations for a

nursery?

Taking a nibble of the ice cream, I shrugged my hair over my

shoulders, activated the camera on the phone, and lifted to take a selfie. For
a moment, I smiled, liking the way I looked. That had changed

dramatically, as well. Would anyone from my old life even recognize me?

“Evie?”
Startled, I froze, chilly tingles vibrating down my spine. The voice

was familiar, but it had been so long since I’d heard anyone other than

Maximus or Amos say my name, I couldn’t place a face. In fact, panic

tickled my belly, stealing my breath. Well, that wasn’t a healthy reaction.

Craning my neck, I saw an old classmate striding closer, a half grin

tugging at his mouth. Racking my brain, I struggled for a name. The months

of captivity clouded my memories, however, for it had been easier to

suppress everything I once knew into a box deep inside.

His sight roaming over me, he chuckled incredulously and sat on the

other end of the bench. “You look fantastic.”

Okay, that ebbed the panic a bit.

“Thank you.”

“Where have you been? Everyone’s been so worried about you. Are

you okay?”

Forcing a smile, I nodded and set the phone on the wooden slats

between us. “Yeah, I’m fine. I just had to get out of town for a while after

my parents died.”
 He clucked his teeth and frowned. Sitting sideways, his leg folded

so his foot dangled in the air, he propped his elbow on the back to rest his

temple to a fist. “Yeah, I’m so sorry about that. Man, I can’t even imagine

what you went through. Hell, what you’re probably still going through.”

My profile to him, I merely blinked, putting another spoonful into

my mouth. If only he knew the truth.

“So, now that you’re back in town, does that mean you’ll be coming

back to school?”

My nose wrinkling, I shook my head and lowered my chin. “Nah,

that’s a sailed ship.”

“Really? That’s shocking.”

A shoulder rose and fell, the white, plastic spoon stabbing at the

treat propped on my thigh. “Things change. I have different priorities these

days.”

“Yeah, like what, if you don’t mind me asking?”

Tipping my head and squinting against the sun, I lifted my arms to

expose my baby bump. His eyes bulged, his jaw falling.

“No, shit?”

“Yup,” I sighed with a trace of bitterness.

“Well, congratulations. Anyone I know?”

A snort caught the back of my throat, the resentment rising. “No.”

 “Ouch, sounds like I hit a nerve. I take it you two aren’t together

anymore.”

Heaving a frustrated sigh, I laid my arm on top of the bump, my leg

bouncing anxiously. “Nope.”

“Sorry to hear that. You okay?”

I shrugged again, toying with the ice cream. “Yup. We were never

supposed to be together, anyway. It’s good it’s over.”

After a brief pause, he said, “Well, it’s a damn shame you won’t be

coming back to school.”

“Why’s that?”

“Because you were kind of the highlight of my days.”

Stunned, everything inside came to a screeching halt. Turning to

gawk, he was grinning almost shyly, his light brown irises twinkling.

“Come on, Evie. You had to know I’ve been crushing on you the last

two years.”

“No!” I almost shrieked. Coughing and looking around, I lowered

my voice. “I had no idea.”

His foot shaking, he gazed at the road and huffed. “Well, it’s not like
I ever really went out of my way to let it be known. I just figured you

always knew and weren’t interested, so I kept my mouth shut.”

 Since my memories were so jagged and fuzzy, I couldn’t even think

back to see if there were clues.

“Well, anyway. I gotta get going.” His foot hitting the sidewalk, he

hesitated to stare at me a moment. “Hey, you mind if I call you sometime?

You know, in case you wanna hang out, or something?”

My lashes batting wildly, I was so astonished, I couldn’t find my

voice at first. “But, I’m pregnant.”

“And?” he chuckled, spreading his arms out. “Is there some rule
about friends having dinner one night when you’re pregnant?”

Slowly shaking my head, I was speechless.

“Great. Then give me a text when you’re up to it, and we’ll catch a

bite.”
“I…don’t have your number. New phone.”

Amused, a brow lifted, his eyelids thinning. “Yeah, I’ve heard that
line before. Who dis?”

I actually giggled, and it felt so foreign, it almost hurt. Motioning at

the bag by my foot, I said, “No, really. It’s about ten minutes old.”

“Oh. Well.” He picked up the cell, tapped the screen, and typed
away. Winking, he set it back down. “There you go. It is my honor to be
your first contact.”

I smiled, unsure what to say.

 He stood and rounded the bench, standing behind it now. “I really
gotta get going. I’m so late. Shoot me a text sometime this week. Let’s have

some lunch or dinner and catch up.”

“Yeah,” I muttered, my heartbeat rattling. “Sure.”

“Great. See ya, Eve.” Grinning, he took off in a slow jog in the
opposite direction.

I picked up the phone and looked at the screen. Sandy. That’s right,
Sandy Thompson. Now I remember. He was the first man I’d ever met with
that name. A veil lifting, a rush of distorted memories poured into my

thoughts where he was concerned.

Dismissing him, I stared at my ice cream with a disappointed frown.

It was missing something. I stood and tossed the phone in the bag, hooking
it on my wrist. I needed some mustard.

[Link]
 Chapter 34
Monday
October 24, 2022
I gazed around the examining room, my heart racing anxiously. My

nails clicking, a thin layer of perspiration coated my skin. Every few

seconds, my sight flitted to the door, willing it to open, but it remained

closed.

“It’s okay, Ms. Rothery. This is quite normal, just a regular, routine
visit.”
My attention shifted to Dr. Neilson. “It’s just weird, you know? I’m

so used to seeing you at the house.”

He snorted bitterly, tapping away on the keyboard for the ultrasound

machine. “I must admit, I am far more comfortable in this environment.

Where’s Mr. Giordano?”

Pouting, my arms crossing, I muttered, “I’d like to know that, too.”

“He is aware we were meeting here, not the house, correct?”

“Yup,” I sighed, getting aggravated. This baby was his idea, he

wanted this. He literally forced me into this. And now, the first time I have
an appointment since we broke up, he’s ditching me? He swore he wouldn’t

do that. He promised in his letter…

 My heart sank and my eyelids rounded. Since…we broke up? Why

did my inner monologue say that? Was that really how my brain saw that

whole twisted, warped, fucked up relationship?

“Go ahead and lie down and lift your shirt.”

Sadness pressing on my chest, I did as I was told, batting my lashes

at the ceiling to refrain the welling tears. That’s exactly what we had. The

first few months may have been against my will, but the last few weeks, I

was no victim. I’d had plenty of opportunities to get away, but I didn’t. I

had accepted us as a couple, and now he was gone, and I felt abandoned.

Just like everyone else. No one stayed. Not a single boyfriend

stayed. What the hell was so wrong with me, no one wanted me more than

temporarily? At least Maximus stuck around longer than anyone else ever

did.

Sniffling, I cradled my forehead, afraid I would lose my battle with

the rising emotions. It would be humiliating to burst out sobbing in front of

him over being dumped by my kidnapper. How could I ever look Dr.

Neilson in the eyes again?

To my horror, I found myself wishing I hadn’t given in and had

continued to fight the relationship. Perhaps if I were still struggling, he

would have stayed. Maybe it was the chase he was after. Once I gave in,

and he won, he got bored.

 The doctor squeezed some cold, clear gel onto my stomach and set

the bottle back on the cart. Picking up the little handle thingamajig, he

brought it forward to smear it around the bump. Before he could start the

ultrasound, the door burst open and Maximus stumbled inside, breathless.

I shot up to my elbow, a gasp catching my throat. As much as I

hated myself, relief flooded my system and my pulse quickened. This was
the first time I’d seen him since he left last week. Clean shaven, his hair

was slicked back, and he was wearing a dark gray suit with a black tie. Why

did he have to look so goddamn handsome? I hated him more than myself.

Rushing to the side of the bed, he immediately grabbed my hand,

staring at the doctor. “Did I miss it? I’m so sorry, moon,” he insisted,

turning his focus to me while petting my bangs. “There was a car accident

on the interstate. I had to get off and go around, and… I’m so sorry.”

He bent over and pressed his lips to my forehead, and I’ll be

damned if I didn’t get all excited. What the hell was wrong with me?

Dr. Neilson flashed a small smile and brought the contraption back
to my stomach. “No, sir, I was just beginning.”

Adding a little pressure, he tapped on the keyboard with his other

hand, staring at the screen. The swirling sound echoed and a few seconds

later, there was a rapid woomp woomp.

 Fresh tears brimmed and my heart nearly exploded. How could I

love something I never wanted so much? This baby may have been created

under dire circumstances, but in that exact moment, I knew I would die for
it.

“Oh my god, Evie,” he croaked, slowly lowering to the seat next to

the table. “You hear that? That’s our baby.”

My fingers tightened around his, the tears sliding out. Covering my

quivering chin, my eyelids closed to listen. That was the most beautiful

sound I had ever heard.

“Would you two like to know the sex?”

Gasping, my head rolled to stare at his profile. Maximus seemed

stunned, almost frightened. “You…y-you c-can…tell?”

“Yes, sir.”

His attention gradually met mine, his brows lifted high. “Do you?”

I gave a stiff nod. “Do you?”

“Yes,” he whispered, his thumb stroking side to side on my

forehead.

The sensor moved a little lower and to the side, pushing a bit deeper.

“That.” He turned the screen to show, pointing with his middle finger. “Is a

vagina. You two have a very healthy looking little girl.”

Elation erupted and a sob broke free, my palm covering my mouth.
 “A princess. You gave me a princess. A little star for our moon and

sun.”

Nuzzling his face to the crook of my neck, he held our conjoined

hands to his chest. Barely above a whisper, he said, “Thank you so much.”

I reached across my torso to hook the side of his head, holding him

close. Turning my face to his, I kissed his temple. “She’s healthy.”

“Of course, she is. I promised, didn’t I?”

“Well, until she is born, and further tests are run, we can’t be sure

there aren’t going to be other issues. And, you have to be prepared, some

things, such as learning disabilities, might not even show up for a few year
—”

Maximus snatched his head up and snarled, his complexion turning

red. “Shut your fucking mouth. There isn’t a thing wrong with her. She’s

perfection, just like her mother. Don’t you dare upset Evelyn.”

He blanched, the mask growing taut as his jaw fell. “Sir, it is my

duty to inform you—”

“I said enough!” he roared, bounding to his feet.

I tugged our hands, clutching the sleeve of his suit jacket. “Max,

stop. It’s fine. Leave him alone.”

Slowly lowering to the seat, his upper lip twitching, his body

temperature was rising with his anger. “Watch what you say to her from
here on out, got it? You are replaceable.”

He choked on an inhale, yanking the sensor away. Trembling, he

tossed it on the tray, banged on the keyboard, and printed up a couple

pictures.

“I’m done, Ms. Rothery,” he stated in a rush of words. “You can

clean up and get dressed. My nurse will be in in a few with your papers.”

Quicker than I’d ever seen him move, he was out the door, nearly

banging it in his retreat.

I clucked my teeth. “Was that necessary?”

He stood, went to the counter, and tore off a couple paper towels.

Returning, he gently wiped away the gel. “He needs to be more careful with

what he says. I can’t have him upsetting you while you’re pregnant.”

Infuriated, I smacked his hands away, pushed my shirt down, and sat

up. “You really think what he said is what’s bothering me?”

His expression stoic, he wadded up the towels and tossed them in

the trash. Pocketing his hands, he stared at me sternly, his nostrils flared.

“Something else bothering you these days, Evelyn?”

Scoffing, my legs swung over the side of the table. I grabbed the
pictures of the ultrasound, ripped one off, and smacked it against his chest.

“This one’s yours.”

 He took it, a prideful grim lighting up his features. “She’s already so

beautiful.”

Some of my fury faded at his expression. I had never seen someone

so in love with their child. There was no doubt in my mind he would be an

amazing father.

Hopping off the table, I went to the counter to retrieve my purse,

carefully tucking my pieces inside. “How have you been?”

“Fine. You?”
A shoulder rolled. “Good, I guess. Been having all kinds of weird

cravings lately.”
His smile twitched, slowly falling as the glow dulled. A small

chuckle pushing through his nostrils, he pulled at his nape, leaning his
weight to one leg. “I have to admit, I was kind of looking forward to this

stage.”
I draped the strap on my shoulders and crossed my arms. Glaring, I

hissed, “This was your choice, Max.”

His eyelids thinning, he fanned his free hand out. “Like I had any

other options.”
“There’s always options!” I snapped, pointing to the floor. “That is
what you always tell me. You had two options. Leaving, or making the best

out of what you had. You chose to leave.”

 A twinkle lit up his irises before he looked away to hide it. Opening
his mouth, pulling his lips taut, he scratched his jaw with his thumb, trying

not to smile. “Almost sounds like you miss me.”

My stomach sank, ice rolling through my veins. That son of a bitch.

This was just another one of his goddamn games. He didn’t leave me
because he had a trace of conscience, it was a manipulation tactic. This was

just another power play.

Refusing to give in this time, my hands on my hips, my foot tapped
the floor. “Not at all, actually. It’s been rather nice coming and going as I

please. I was just merely pointing out what you’ve always told me.”
His demeanor stiffened, the hardness in his features once more. A

muscle in his jaw twitching, his hand balled into a fist.

The nurse knocked on the door and stepped inside, handing me my

papers. “You’re all ready to check out, Ms. Rothery. They’ll set up your
next appointment at the counter.”

Grinning arrogantly, I took the folder and thanked her. Looking at

Maximus, my lips pursed, my arms stretching out. “My choice is to enjoy

this freedom as much as I possibly can. Thank you for doing the right thing
for once and letting me go. I’ll be in touch when I have the next

appointment set up.”

 Practically prancing out of the room, I was snickering all the way
down the hallway at his infuriated expression. Fucking asshole. He wanted

to play games, he was about to see just exactly who he molded me to be.
Maximus was about to meet his match.

[Link]
 Chapter 35
Friday
October 28, 2022
A soft breeze wafting over the back porch, I was curled in one of the

chairs, my elbow on the arm, my cheek on the side of my forearm. A foot

tucked beneath, it wiggled back and forth, rocking the whole chair.

Off in the distance, near the trees, my old friend, the doe, poked her

head out and looked around. Relief hitting my chest, I gasped and sat up,
grinning ear to ear. I had been so worried about her, thinking something had
happened. Where had she been? If I knew it wouldn’t scare her away, I

would scold her for worrying me.

Her head bowed, she was nibbling at the grass, strolling a little
further into the clearing. Spotting movement, my sight shifted back to the

trees to see a little fawn staggering out behind her.

The smile fell, my arms curling around my belly. “So, that’s where

you’ve been, little mamma. Looks like our little ones are going to grow up

together.”

Sorrow gripping my soul, I cursed and cradled my forehead. What

was wrong with me? I was dwelling over being dumped by my brother,

bonding with a wild animal that didn’t even know I existed, acting as if we

were best friends. That fucking deer was my only goddamn friend.
 “Are you hungry, Ms. Rothery?”

Not bothering to look at the maid, I sighed and shook my head. “No,

thanks.”

“Ma’am, you have to eat.”

“I will later, I promise.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Hearing her retreating back inside, I sat up and called out. “Hey, uh,

ahem.” What the fuck was her name? “Hey.”

She stepped back onto the porch, her hands clasped in front of her

stomach. “Did you change your mind?”

Once more shaking my head, I absently petted the baby bump. “Can

I ask you something?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“How many people has Mr. Giordano had in this house?”

Her eyelids rounding, she cleared her throat and grew

uncomfortable. “Ma’am, I don’t feel right discussing his—”

Flipping a dismissive wrist, I interjected. “I won’t say anything,

honest. I’m just curious.”

She stared at me for a long moment before answering. “None, Ms.

Rothery. Other than Mr. Barone, and once in a while one of his other men,

no one has been allowed to come here.”

 Surprised, my brows furrowed. “Really? Did he ever say why?”

The corner of her mouth twitched as if she’d smile. “Because he

built this place for you.”

My heart sank, my spine bristling. “What?”

The smile finally formed, though it was weak. “This was always

meant to be your home, Ms. Rothery. He wouldn’t let anyone come here,
because he said it would be disrespectful to you one day.”

Frowning, I shrunk, turning my attention back to the doe and her

baby. For some reason, tears burned my eyes, emotions clogging my throat.

“Ma’am, please…please do not be upset with me, and if I am

crossing lines, I profusely apologize, but…”

I sniffled and rubbed the tip of my nose, trying to cough down the

knot. “What? Say it.”

She huffed and squared her shoulders. “I may not agree with Mr.

Giordano’s tactics. I also may not condone the kind of relationship he wants

with you.”
My brows creasing, I tipped my head to peer at her.

“But I have never seen someone as in love with another as Mr.

Giordano is with you.”

My pulse skipped, my belly fluttering.

 Her lips pursing, she gazed inside the house, shaking her head. “I

don’t know, Ms. Rothery. Somehow, whenever I see him talking about you

or even looking at you…it erases everything that’s wrong.” Bringing her

sight to mine, she shrugged with a small grin. “Love doesn’t always make

sense, Ms. Rothery.”

My muscles sagged, my head falling to the back of the chair, so I

had to peer down my nose at the deer.

“But sometimes, it’s just right, regardless.”

When I didn’t answer, she crept back inside, shutting the door. My

palm spread over my stomach, her words repeated in my brain, stirring

feelings I didn’t understand.

Suddenly, there was a thump against the heel of my palms. Choking

on a breath, I bolted upright, staring at it in disbelief. My lungs frozen, my

heart was thudding in my ears, everything tingling with anticipation. After

nearly fifteen seconds, there was another, tiny flutter, and the tears poured

down my cheeks.

Laughing and sniveling at the same time, I wrapped my arms around

myself and bent over, rocking back and forth. “I feel you, princess. That’s

Mommy’s good girl. Be strong, kick me all you want, just be strong and

healthy.”
 My cellphone chimed so I sniffed down my emotions, swatting at

my cheeks. Clearing my throat, I picked it up from the tiny, round, glass

table, and looked at the text from Sandy.

Hey, Eve. Haven’t heard from you since we bumped into one another

a couple weeks ago. You doing okay? Was wondering if you were up to meet

for dinner tonight.

Blinking the lingering tears down, I looked across the clearing at the

deer…my only friend. A friend who I could never talk to, bond with,

confide in. A friend that left me feeling just as lonely as if I didn’t have one,

at all.
A slow breath filled my lungs. Holding it a moment while I

contemplated, I sighed it out while typing, Sure. Place and time, I’ll be

there.

[Link]
 Chapter 36

Well, this was turning out to be more than slightly awkward. Up

until the moment I showed up at the restaurant, I thought I could do this.

Now that I was here, and his hand was at the small of my back, dread was

twisting my insides. It didn’t help that Maximus’s baby was writhing

around, not letting me ignore the fact I was pregnant. Where I had been

overwhelmed with joy a couple hours ago, now I just wished she’d settle
down so I could get through this evening.

Why did Sandy want to eat here, somewhere fancy and romantic?
Had we just gone to get burgers or pizza, I could have kept this neutral.

This was a full on date. A romantic date. Intimate. Sandy was expecting

something more than friendly banter, that was clear.

Of course, the second he told me where we were meeting, I knew

this, but at the time, I thought I could handle it. When I got out the car and
handed my keys to valet, and Sandy leaned forward to place a kiss on my

cheek, everything changed. Instantly disgusted, it took all my willpower not

to cringe and punch him in the gut.

And why did I feel this way? Because it felt like I was cheating on
Maximus. How could that be? How could my mind be this warped? Brother

sister aspect aside, he left me. He walked out, moved into the penthouse,
and rarely contacted me. Sure, it was all part of a game to establish power,

but it didn’t change the fact I was living in that house all by myself because

of his choice.

Sandy held the chair out for me, so I faked a smile, tucked my dress

against my thighs, and sat down.

“You look fabulous tonight, have I told you that?”

Forcing a chuckle, I tucked my hair behind an ear, avoiding eye

contact. “Thank you. You look nice, too.”

He snickered and sat down across from me. “I try. So, how have you

been the last couple weeks?”

“Good. Been staying busy,” I lied. Truth be known, the days and

nights were morphing together because I had slipped into a depression

where all I did was sit and stare at the backyard. I barely did anything lately.

Until he texted, I hadn’t even realized it had been almost two weeks since

we bumped into one another.

Two weeks since Maximus left. Bastard.

A waitress approached to hand us menus and take our drink orders.

When I took a breath to answer, he butted in with, “She’ll take a lemon

water.”

My mouth clamped and my eyelids narrowed. I know that son of a

bitch didn’t just put his foot on the back of my neck and take charge like I
was some helpless, barefoot, and pregnant wife from the 1940’s. Who the

hell did he think he was?

Just like that, five minutes into the date, and I knew there would

never be a second. Christ, even when I was being held hostage by my

brother, I still had choices. Even Maximus let me make decisions on my

own. I mean, after giving me options. But still, from those options, I made
my picks.

Alone once more, he gazed across the candlelit table with a mischief

smirk. “You know how long I’ve been waiting for this?”

“For what?”

“A chance to be with you.”

Taken aback, my stomach sank, unease rising at a rapid pace.

Snickering cynically, I flipped open the menu, averting my gaze. “It’s just

dinner, Sandy. Don’t get ahead of yourself.”

He followed suit, rubbing his chin while reading the selections.

“Just putting out my intentions, is all.”

“You really are sure of yourself, aren’t you?”

“Very,” he stated simply, not looking up. “Trust me when I say, by

the end of the night, you’ll be just as sure. It’s a good thing you’re already

pregnant, because I like to go in bare.”

 Dumbfounded, my jaw fell as I gawked over the top of the leather

binder. Did he seriously just say that to me? First of all, how crude. We

hadn’t seen one another in months, and a few minutes into our first – and
only – date, and he was saying things like that? No class.

Secondly, ew, no. I barely knew him outside of school. Did he think

because I agreed to dinner, that was an automatic lay? Was that expected as

service for a gourmet meal? What an asshole.

The waitress popped back up with our drinks, asking if we were

ready to order. Again, Sandy spoke for me.

“She will have the camarones al ajillo, and I will have the bistec de

palomilla.”

“Yes, sir.”

She took our menus and sauntered off, leaving me fuming under my

skin. If what he ordered didn’t sound so goddamn good, I would throw my

water in his face and storm out. Damn pregnancy cravings.

Picking up his red wine, he took a sip, eyeing me wickedly. “So,

how far along are you?”

Clearing my throat, I squirmed in my seat, rubbing my belly.

Looking around, I muttered, “Twenty-four weeks,” and then froze.

Sandy’s words falling on deaf ears, my heartbeat was thudding

loudly, my stomach churning. On the other side of the dining room was
Maximus, Amos, and a trampy blonde giggling and fawning all over my

brother.

Who the fuck was that? This wasn’t part of his game, for I had no

idea he would be here. I could understand if he was trying to flaunt

someone in front of me to make me jealous, but, as far as he knew, I was at

home, twiddling my thumbs, waiting for him to contact me. He was here,

with another woman, behind my back.

Fury writhing inside, my teeth were gnarling as I watched that

whore lean toward him, placing her hand on his forearm to giggle about

something he said.
Before I realized what I was doing, I was lunging from the table so

hard, the dishes rattled, my glass tipping over.

“What the hell? Eve?”

My fists clenched at my sides, I stomped across the room, weaving

through tables, my vision red. Lurching forward, I grabbed a fist of her

bleached hair, yanked her back, swiped the knife from the table, and placed

it to her neck.

She screamed, Amos shouted, “What the fuck,” and Maximus

blanched, shoving his chair away from the table. Everyone in the restaurant

fell eerily silent, everyone watching intently.

“Touch him again, whore, and I’ll slit your fucking throat.”
 Everything inside jolted, shock washing over my system. Where the

hell had Evelyn come from? Why was she here? What was going on?

Amos’s date was trembling, tears streaking her thick mascara. Her

eyes bulging, the whites showing around her light blue eyes, she was

staring at me sideways, her teeth clattering.

“Max?” she squeaked, turning ghostly white.

Evelyn jerked her head back further, her neck now arched and bent

as far as it would go. The knife indenting her tanned skin, a white line was

forming around the blade. “I dare you to touch him.”

Blood rushed to my brain, making me dizzy. My cock hardening,

my breath was stolen. Somebody was jealous. Fuck, it was sexy as hell. Her

hair parted on the side and held up over her ear with a crystal barrette, she

was wearing an off the shoulder, black dress that hugged her curves from

top to bottom, the hem pooling on the floor. Her figure accentuated by the

fit, the baby bump was prominent, which only turned me on further.
Hatred glimmered in her dark eyes, her cheeks turning red as she

foamed at the mouth. Her skin glistening with sweat, her chest was heaving,

her large breasts straining against the tight dress. Exquisite.

“Maximus!” she whimpered through a sob.

 Evelyn bent forward, her lips against her ear. “You want what

belongs to me?”

My heart exploded, my dick throbbing. Fuck. Never in my life had I

cum without physical stimulation, but I was so turned on, I was about to nut

just watching this display of jealousy. Evelyn wanted me. She loved me. I

knew it, I fucking knew it. She was mine.

As if she picked up my thoughts, she turned so her mouth was fully

covering her ear and shouted, “That’s mine, bitch!”

She screeched and curled, her face twisting. “Amos!”

He huffed and sat back in his chair, calmly picking up his Jack
Daniels. “Not even getting involved. I’m not dumb.”

“Oh, my god. Someone help me!”

“Ma’am,” a waiter said, cautiously approaching with his palms up.

“I’m going to have to ask you to leave the premises.”

Bristling, she looked at him and seethed, “One step closer, and

you’ll have whore kabob.”

A murmur rolled through the crowd and the man backed off. By

now, I’m pretty sure someone had called the cops, but I was enjoying this
far too much to intervene. Just how far was she willing to go to stake her
claim? This was fascinating.
 Her vicious sneer shifting to me, her nostrils were flaring, her eyes
almost black. “You son of a bitch. You leave me for this? I’m pregnant with

your baby, and you walk out to dick some floozy!”

A tall, slender man slowly approached, his expression horrified, his

mouth wide. “Eve?”

My eyelids narrowed, rage shooting through my veins. He was here

with her? She was on a fucking date? With my baby inside her? Who the
hell did she think she was?
She blinked, some of her fury fading as she stared at him. His hand

shaking, he pointed at me, disgust twisting his features.

“That…is the father of your baby?” he croaked.

She coughed, dancing foot to foot, the knife never budging from the
tramp’s throat, her fist steady gripping her hair. “Uh, yeah.”

His expression darkening and twisting, he bellowed at the top of his

lungs, “That’s your fucking brother!”

Another murmur rushed through the crowd, and my stomach

bottomed out. Amos cursed, but Evelyn didn’t react.

“Still want to go in bareback later?”

Snarling, the wrath was so intense, I nearly blacked out. Slamming

my fists on the table, I shot to my feet and lunged forward, but Amos darted
in front, shoving me backward.
 “You better run, motherfucker,” he said.
Shaking his head, he walked backward, turned, and jogged for the

front of the restaurant. Another man came running from the rear, already
panicking.

“The police have been called. You need to leave the premises, right
now.”

Snarling, Evelyn slammed the woman’s face into the table, breaking
her nose. She screamed, blood trickling down her face. Tossing the knife,

spit flew from her mouth as she pointed and shouted at me.
“I fucking hate you, Max. Stay the fuck away from me and my

baby.” Picking up the skirts of her dress, she ran through the tables, crying.
What I assumed was the manager, approached, panting and

sweating. “Sir, I have to ask you to leave, and not return.”

Cutting my eyelids, I scoffed and retrieved my seat. Getting my

napkin linen, I shook it out and tossed it to the bimbo. “I’m not going
anywhere. Take your ass to the bathroom and clean up.”
She was blubbering, but did as I told, holding the now ruined linen

to her face. Amos groaned and sat down, as well, taking another sip of his
drink.

“Sir, I must insist—”

“I am here to meet with Mr. Bazán,” I barked sternly.
 He blanched further, darting his focus around the room. There were

a few mutters of people who recognized the name, which, in essence,

revealed my position, in the process.

“I said, I’m not going anywhere. Now get someone out here to clean
up this mess and call an Uber for my friend’s date.”

“Yes, sir,” he stammered and raced to the front of the room.

“I guess my date’s over.”
Snickering, I tugged at my jacket to slacken the tension on my

shoulders. “Seems that way.”

“Eh, she was a whore, anyway. Blatantly flirting with you in front of

me. I think she was expecting us to run a train on her tonight.”

I snorted, picking up my glass of wine. “As if.”

“Right?” he chortled, finishing off the drink. “I was hoping to at

least get some head first.”

“I don’t think she’s in any position to be sucking dick right now.”

“No shit. Damn, I have never seen Evie act that way.”

Pride swelling my heart, I stared at the entrance of the restaurant.

“That was definitely a first.”

“I never should have underestimated you. Looks like you were right,
again.”
 I chuckled and downed the rest of my wine. Crossing my legs, a

smirk curled one side of my mouth as my thumb rubbed the moon on my

bracelet. “I always am, Amos. I always am.”

He flipped a hand to beckon a waitress, the rest of the patrons

gradually going back to their business, though they continued to ogle us

warily. My humor draining, anger rose, my muscles tensing.

“Amos?”

“Yeah, Boss?”
Not looking at him, I picked up the fork, staring at the lights

flickering off the shiny silver. “Find out who the fuck that man was.”
“Sure thing.”

My focus catching his, a brow arched. “And kill him.”

“Yup.”

Picking up some of the whispers, my temper only deepened. First,

that son of a bitch thought he was dicking my pussy? While she was
pregnant with my baby? And then he outed us in front of a hundred people

as being siblings? No way he lived. He was going down, painfully and

slowly.

[Link]
 Chapter 37
Saturday
October 29, 2022
I grunted, removing a large section of hangers. Handing them to the

maid, I said, “Just put them anywhere for now. I’ll figure something out.
Maybe I can have Amos come over and hang up bars.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Draping them over her arm, she scurried down the steps. Huffing,
my hands on my hips, I looked around the loft that had been my closet.
With the baby’s furniture due to show up soon, I had to transfer everything

to the extra room to make this the nursery.

Exhausted out of nowhere, I went to the vanity and sat down,

gripping my knees. Examining the room, I mentally began placing objects,

trying to figure out how I wanted everything set up. Naturally, I wanted the
crib somewhere it could get sunshine, but not too close that the summer

heat could seep through the window to bother the princess. With the walls

only going halfway up before turning at an angle for the ceiling, it made

things a little difficult.

My shoulders slumping forward, I rubbed my nape, my face

upturned. Closing my eyelids, I tried to forget the scene at the restaurant the

night before. What in the hell got into me? I’d always had a tiny bit of a
jealous streak, but to resort to violence? To threaten that woman in front of

a couple hundred people? And then to smash her face into the table…that

wasn’t me. Well, that wasn’t the old me. Apparently, the new me was a

short fused, violent individual with little conscience because I felt no

remorse for what I did.

How dare she touch him? And how dare he let her? What was he

doing out with her, anyway? Clearly, he wasn’t missing me. Was this

something I had to look forward to? Was he going to cheat on me?

Chewing my thumbnail, my brows lifted, my sight zoning out on the

arched window. Had there not been a crowd of witnesses, I absolutely

would have slit that bitch’s throat. So much for my argument a few months

ago, about how I could never be a killer.

My elbow on the surface, I twirled a lock of hair. Why hadn’t I been

arrested? Surely, she pressed charges. The cops should have been here by

now.

I snorted and rolled my eyes. As if Maximus would allow that. He

would have finished her off for me, before she had a chance.
A slow smirk lifted one side of my mouth, a sense of power rushing

through my bones. With my brother on my side, I really could do anything

and get away with it. His influence and money, I was basically untouchable.

The entire world would be at my daughter’s fingertips because of her father.

 My chin bowed to rub the spot between my eyes. When I lifted my

lashes, I noticed the bracelet was glowing. My stomach shaking, my pulse

quickening, I gently picked it up, hesitated, and then brushed my thumb

across the sun.

“You know, in all the years since I bought these, that’s the first time

mine has ever lit up.”

Startled, I choked on a breath, spinning on the bench to stare at

Maximus hovering in the archway. His hands in his pockets, his stance was

casual, an almost boyish smile lighting up his features. His locks falling

over his brow, he was wearing a pair of trousers and button up shirt, the top

couple undone. My pulse skipping, my bottom lip puckered, my first

instinct to cry, for some reason.

Gradually strolling across the room, his sight held mine. Tipping my

head to not look away, my breathing shallowed as he grew nearer. A finger

tucking beneath my chin, a faint touch drew me to my feet. My eyelids

closing, I leaned in and kissed him.

He jolted, grabbed my throat, and slammed me to the window, his

handsome features contorted, his teeth gleaming. The bracelet draped over

the web of my thumb, my palm slid over his cheek. As I leaned forward, his

fingers tightened, gagging me, but I didn’t back off. Holding his focus, I

claimed another kiss, my tongue flicking against his teeth to part them.
 His eyelids widened, showing the whites around his dark pools.

Moving my hand to his nape, I arched against him, my other hand fisting

his shirt at his back. My tongue brushing against his, my eyelashes

fluttered, my head tilted, and I deepened the kiss.

Maximus groaned, finally responding. Copying what I did, fire

erupted in my gut, spreading through my soul. I rose to my tiptoes, clinging

to him as desire burned me from the inside out. He grunted, shoving his

weight against me, pinning me to the glass. His hand released my throat and

cupped my breast with a firm, but gentle squeeze.

Heady, I moaned, bending my knee between his legs to rub at his

growing bulge. We stumbled to the left while he fumbled with his trousers,

and I kicked off my shorts. My ass falling to the vanity, my legs wrapped

around him right as he released his cock. Easing inside, I coughed against

his opened mouth, my toes curling.

“Oh, shit,” I whispered, savoring the feel of him stretching me wide.

“Deeper.”

Grabbing my hips, his upper lip curling, he yanked me forward the

same time he thrust. I yelped with a mixture of pain and pleasure, the

motion hitting my cervix.

“Oh, yeah, again.”

 His expression hardening, he repeated the action, his knees

knocking the side of the table. “You like this, Evie?”

“Yes, yes, I do, Max. It feels so good.”

“Tell me you love me.”

Stunned, my eyelids snapped wide, the air snatched from my lungs.

Lost in his irises, I had no words, no rational thoughts.

His brows lifting, his warm pants caressed my face as he slowly

moved inside. In a soft, gentle tone, he whispered, “Tell me you love me,

moon.”

Shuddering, tears of self-hatred burned my eyes as I breathed, “I…

love you, Max.”

A long, throaty groan rumbled his chest. His eyes fluttering, he

dipped down, crushing his mouth to mine with a powerful kiss. For

someone who never did it before, he certainly was making everything

inside quiver. Jesus, I was turning to jelly as his tongue swirled mine, his

lips firm but tender.

Groaning, he bent forward, leaning me backward. His palms

slapping to the surface, his strokes grew fiercer, deeper, more aggressive.

Dropping the bracelet, my arms folded behind his neck, my hips bucking to

match his rhythm. In no time, we were both breaking simultaneously, the

kiss drowning our cries of passion.

 Long after the release was over, he continued to kiss me, holding

both sides of my head. Drunk off the high, I moaned, my pussy contracting

of its own accord. He hissed through his teeth, finally breaking away to rest

his forehead to mine.

“God, I’ve missed you so much, Evie. I was fucking dying without

you.”

Rational thoughts catching up, all the lust and passion vanished with

a powerful wave of hatred. Since my emotions were unstable, I instantly

burst out crying, banging my fists against his shoulders and chest.

“You asshole. I fucking hate you. Get off me.”

Snickering, he flexed, rocking and grinding against me to stimulate

my clit. “I kind of miss you fighting me while I fuck you. You going to be a

good little girl and make me earn this nut?”

Teetering between erotic and bitter, I was swaying, moaning with

one breath and punching with the other. “Get off me, I hate you.”

He laughed again, speeding up. “You know that’s not going to

happen.”

“Why? Why were you with her?”

“You don’t want me with other women?”

Snarling, I slapped him across the face, just to buck when he thrust

roughly to the side.

 “She was sexy, Evelyn. Nice, big tits, tight pussy. I came all over

that bitch’s ass. She fucked me good.”

My heart twisting, I sobbed, flailing to get free. “Oh, my god, I’m

going to throw up.”

“Yeah, she squirts, too. She rode my dick so hard, I came three times

in ten minutes.”

“Shut up!” I screeched, finally managing to shove him off. Climbing

to my feet, I tried to run away, but he grabbed my hair and flung me to the
window. Pinning my chest to the glass, he slammed inside, rearing me to

my toes. I squealed, momentarily lost to the pleasure as he ravaged me

brutally in a burst of aggressive dominance.

He tugged my hair to turn my cheek to the pane, his tongue

dragging up the other. “Your cunt is so good, moon. Fuck this dick, show

me how much you hate me right now.”

Losing the battle, my palms clapping to the glass, I bounced into

him, reeling at the sensations. He grunted, growing even more violent.

“That’s my girl. Unh, yes, Evie, yes. Your pussy is yanking my cock

so hard. Unh, it feels so fucking good.”

My eyes rolling, the orgasm hit without warning. Gritting my teeth,
I growled, shoved into him, and gyrated in wide circles.
 He choked on a breath, holding his palms out to the sides. His
complexion graying, his mouth was agape with astonishment. “Christ,

Evelyn,” he croaked. “Oh, fuck, oh, fuck, ahg!”

Throwing his head back, both hands slammed on my cheeks, his

nails biting into my flesh. He shoved so hard, I was thrown against the glass
that should have broken it, but didn’t. Making nothing but guttural sounds,

he emptied, his cock jerking and twitching for several moments before
calming.
He fell against my back, his face in my hair. “My fucking god, that

was amazing. I love you so much, moon.”

Crying, I elbowed him in the chest as hard as I could. He oofed and

stumbled backward. The second his cock fell out, cum was trickling down
my thighs. I spun around, pulled back my arm, and hurled it forward with

all my strength. Knuckles collided with bone, his teeth clanking as his head
flung backward.

“Fuck you, Maximus!” I shrieked, blubbering hysterically.

“Fucking, Christ.” Grabbing his jaw, he bent over and clenched his

eyelids. “Jesus, who taught you to hit like that?”

Stomping past him, I hurried down the stairs to the bedroom. Before

I could slam it, he was shoving it open, right on my heels. Grabbing the
back of my neck, he spun us around and shoved me against it, banging it
closed.

“You need to get a fucking grip, you hear me?”

Crying, I wiggled about, trying to get loose. “I hate you. Get off me.

How could you? How could you fuck her?”

“Evelyn!” he barked against my cheek, spit flying out. “I didn’t

touch her. She wasn’t there with me. She was Amos’s date.”
Sniveling, blinking away the tears, I strained to look at him, my

bottom lip pouting. “She…wasn’t with you?”

“No.”

His hold loosening, I jerked and broke away, twirling around so my

back was on the door. “Then what was all that shit upstairs?”

Smirking, he cupped my cheek, his thumb whisking away the tears.

“A cruel reminder of how much I mean to you. What have I told you?

There is no one else in this world for me. The moment I made you mine, I
became a one woman man, with or without you by my side. If I can’t have
you, I don’t want anyone.”

Crying harder, my forehead dropped to the center of his chest while

I clung to the front of his shirt. “Don’t ever do that to me again, Max,

please. Your little mind games are one thing, but that was sheer torture.
Please don’t ever do that again.”
 He huffed, rubbing up and down my biceps, his lips in my hair.

“Hey, hey. I…I’m sorry, moon. I really am. I didn’t think you’d get this
upset.”

Yeah, me, neither.

Cupping both cheeks, he forced me to look at him. “Listen, you

have my word. As of right now, no more of those kinds of games.”

“You promise?”
He smiled. “Yeah, I promise.”

I sniffled, forcing my emotions down. “I’m hungry.”

A hearty laugh shook his chest, his knuckles wiping the last of the

tears. “Okay. Go clean up and I’ll have Alice fix us something to eat.”
Alice. So that was her name. Good to know.

As I stepped by to go to the bathroom, his hand hooked the side of

my neck, pulling me back. A hint of uncertainty in his gaze, his breathing

shallowing, he stared into my eyes and gradually dipped down for a sweet,
tender kiss.

My heart rejoiced, my soul bursting at the seams. Closing my

eyelids, I melted against his chest. Yup, I was definitely in love with him. I

was in love with my kidnapper, rapist…my brother. Worse, I felt no shame.

[Link]
 Chapter 38

It was well past midnight, and our bodies were worn out, trying to

catch up on the last couple weeks we’d been apart. Lying on our sides,
facing one another, both my hands were tucked beneath my pillow. Rings

under his eyes, both our lips were swollen because he couldn’t seem to stop
kissing me. How someone as sexual as Maximus Giordano went his entire

life without ever kissing someone was beyond my comprehension. Yet, it

made me feel priceless knowing I was the only one…

…I would be…the only one…ever. Or blood would spill.

Chewing the inside of my cheek, my sight lowered from his to stare

at the tousled sheets between us. My mind rewinding to the restaurant, I still

found it hard to believe I was capable of such violent aggression. Had this
side of my persona always been lurking in the deepest recesses of my

psyche, or was this something created, spawned, from the last few months
since my brother claimed me as his future.

My mother had never been a vicious person. I didn’t think she had a

mean bone in her body. Always so compassionate and tender, she gave her

unconditional affection to even strangers on the street. Since that was the
only DNA between us, I had to lean toward grooming. I was the person I

was now solely because Maximus molded me this way.

 “What’s wrong, moon,” he whispered so softly, it tickled my ears.

A small chuckle pushed through my nose. I was kind of starting to

like that he had the ability to read my emotions so easily. It let me off the

hook, taking away the need for me to be vulnerable.

“Just thinking of Mom.”

Even though there was more than a foot distance between us, I felt

him tense. Gazing at him, I asked, “Did you go to their funeral?”

He cleared his throat, looking away. “No.”

This disappointed me. I had hoped he could at least describe to me

the services.
“But I assure you, I spared no cost in making sure they both had the

best money could buy.”

“Why didn’t you go?”

“Evie,” he groaned, rolling to his back a little to cover his eyes.

“You know damn well she wouldn’t have wanted me there.”

“But what about you? Didn’t you need that closure?”

His profile to me, he huffed, his features stern. “No. My mother has
been dead to me for years.”

I cringed, hurting that he felt this way. “What happened? I don’t

understand. I mean, yeah, when the whole mafia thing came out, sure, it’s to

be expected there would be tension, but she loved you—”

 His head snapped around so fast, the bed shook, and I gasped.

Something in his stare chilled my core, silencing my voice. Through gritted

teeth, he seethed, “She didn’t love me. You have no fucking clue who your

mother was.”

For unknown reasons, I began to tremble, my heart tapping on my

ribs. Already, I regretted this conversation, but the ball was rolling downhill
at an alarming rate. “What does that mean?”

He shot up to an elbow, practically wheezing through his nostrils.

“You really want to know? You ready for some truth, Evelyn?”

No. “Yes,” I croaked.

Vibrating, his heat engulfing, foam was building in the corners of

his mouth, he was so incensed. “Your mother got my father killed, and

almost killed me, in the process.”

Gasping a second time, my brain shut down with disbelief. Why was

he lying? What happened to his promise earlier of no more torturous mind

games to purposely hurt me? Three hours later, he was already breaking that
promise.

“It’s not true.”

“It is true. Your mother and Luciano had an affair.”

My spine snapped straight, jolting me to a sitting position. Wind

rushing in my ears, I gawked, an invisible force squeezing my throat.

 He sat up, as well, his eyes narrowed slits. “That’s right. She wanted

him back, but he said no way. Said he wouldn’t mind banging her on the

side, but it would never be more than that.

“Well, she wasn’t too happy about that, so she went to the cops.

Told them he raped her and was threatening to kill her.”

“No,” I wheezed, stomach acid burning its way to my mouth.

“Yes, she did. You want proof? I have a copy of the taped statement

she made to the cops, with sobbing, and everything. Told them me and him

had a whole arsenal in our house and were planning an attack on some

people who owed me money. She set us up, Evelyn.”

Hot tears streaming down my cheeks, I was shuddering, so goddamn

cold. “She wouldn’t.”

His brow arching, he leaned forward, his heat smothering. “You

want to hear that tape?”

Bowing my chin, my palms covered my face and I wept.

“It was the summer you were seventeen. I had been living at the

penthouse with him for about a year. Next thing I know, all the entrances

bust open, and SWAT is raiding the place, guns blazing. It was the middle

of the night, we’d been drinking, and had no fucking clue what was going

on. On instinct, Dad drew his weapon, and they shot him dead.
“I was four feet away from him. I almost got taken out, too.”
 My fingers curled to my palm, the heels on my quivering chin. “She

specifically named you, too?”

Slowly, his head rose and fell, fire flickering in his dark eyes.

My heart breaking anew, I hunched forward and sobbed, rocking

back and forth. “This isn’t real. I don’t understand. She isn’t like that.”

“You really think Mom was some innocent angel straight from

heaven, don’t you?”

Coughing, I gazed at him through the tears. “That’s all I knew.”

“Because that’s all you wanted to see, Evie. When she was married

to Luciano, she was right there, by his side, involved in the business right
along with him. She wasn’t some victim, like she told you. She knew when

she married him what she was getting into.”

Doubly shocked, I could do nothing but gawk.

“Again,” he grumbled, his voice low. “You need proof? I’ve got

pictures and videos of her at meetings or gatherings. Mom was one person

for my dad, and a whole different person for yours. Look at you at the

restaurant. Where the hell do you think that came from?”

“But…but Amos said you didn’t know about the business until you

were twenty-five.”

He huffed, shifting his weight to lean into the headboard. One arm

bent behind to prop his fist against the wall, the other drummed his
stomach. “I always had these flashes of memories from when I was a baby,

but they’d never made sense. I just always thought it was wild imagination

stuff.”

He looked down his torso. “When she and Dad split, naturally, I

went with her. Since she was living a normal life,” he said, hooking his

fingers. “It was agreed I would be kept away from the business until I was

out of high school. That’s when I was assigned Amos. Since I wasn’t with

Luciano all the time, I received my guard early.”

“But he was just a kid, as well. I don’t understand this. How can an

eight year old guard and eight year old?”

“The Barone’s have been with the Giordano’s for generations, ever

since they migrated here from Italy in the eighteen hundreds. They are bred

specifically to be our guards. One day soon, Amos will have a son to guard

the princess. That’s why he was with the tramp last night. We were trying to

determine if she was quality enough to breed.”

He snorted bitterly and scowled. “Clearly, she was not.”

Dumbfounded, my brain was prickling, all this sounding way too

farfetched to be real. How could neither of us had seen anything growing

up? How did my mother and Luciano keep such outlandish secrets so well?

I took a jagged breath, managing to calm my emotions enough to

stop the tears. Petting my belly, I stared at the archway to the bathroom,
wondering if I could believe his version of our mother. What would be the

point in lying? Besides, he said he had proof. Should I dare ask to see it?

That would, technically, be my way of calling him a liar. Was I ready for

that blowout?

Tilting my head to gaze at his brooding expression, something deep

in my gut told me he was being honest. His behavior, his rage spoke of

honesty.

So that meant, the Barone’s spawned killing machines, not children,

our mother purposely had his father killed, and attempted to take her own

son out, as well. My memories spiraling backward, my heart plummeted.

“If Mom always knew about the mafia, why did she kick you out

when I was seventeen?”

“She didn’t kick me out, sis. I was twenty-seven years old, I had my

own place.”
“You were at the house, hanging out with me, and she came in, blew

a gasket, and kicked you out. Said you were never allowed back there
again.” My palm on my chest, I scoffed. “She said it was because you were

in the mafia, but clearly, that’s not the reason. So, what’s the real reason?”
Casting a sideways look, he cursed, digging his finger and thumb
into his eyes. “Because she knew I was in love with you. She overheard me
telling Amos. Two birds, one stone. She gets rid of my dad for rejecting her,
and she gets rid of me before I could tell you my feelings.”

Now that made more sense.

Silence ticked by for nearly two full minutes before he finally flitted

his full attention my way. A slow, mischief smile lit up his face, his eyes
twinkling in the darkness.

“You know how hard I got when you pulled that knife on that
chick?”
My pulse skipped with a wave of heat.

“Jesus, moon. And when you said I was yours, I damn near came in
my underwear.”

Despite the situation, I giggled, a blush rising to my cheeks. A few

months ago, I would be stewing over this information, letting it fester into a

storm of chaos. Now, after just a couple moments, I was moving on. So
many changes to my psyche in half a year. Nothing truly surprised me

anymore. Anything was possible, no matter how absurd.

“Would you have gone through with it? Had you the opportunity?”

Staring directly into his eyes, I whispered, “Absolutely.”

“Unh, I’m rock hard, Evie. Why don’t you come over here and sit

on my lap?”
 Grinning seductively, I crawled forward, kissing my way along his
thigh, up his torso, to gently bite a nipple.

“Fuck, you’re so fine. I love you so much.”

A leg flung across his lap, my pussy rubbing up and down his cock.

Laying into his torso, my arms draping over his shoulders, my tongue
snaked out to flick his lips. “I love you, too.”

His eyelids rounded and then closed with a drawn out groan, his
palms filling with my ass cheeks. “Yeah, that’s fucking hot. Say it again.”

“I love you, Max.”

“Mm, I want you saying that while squirting on my dick. You think

you can do that?”

Gyrating against him, my breaths were shallowing, the lust

thickening. “I’d rather be squirting in your mouth.”

He thrust upward, his cock sliding between my cheeks. “If you’re

cumming in my mouth, you won’t be able to tell me how much you love
me, because I’m going to be fucking that throat.”
Excitement rushed to my head, making me dizzy. “That sounds…

Unh!” I hissed and stilled, the baby kicking right against my ribs.
Maximus choked on an inhale, grabbed my hips, and shoved me

away. Ghostly white, eyes bulging, he was practically hyperventilating,

staring at my stomach. “What the fuck?” he wheezed.
 I chuckled, rubbing the spot. “Yeah, she started moving yesterday

afternoon. The first few times, it was soft and tickly. Now, it’s like she’s
trying to kick her way out.”

“Where? Where is she, moon? I gotta feel it.”

Taking his wrist, I guided him to the spot. His fingers splaying, I

covered his hand and added a little pressure. Almost right away, her tiny
foot thumped against his palm.
He jostled, another sharp breath hitching. “Oh…my god. Oh, my

god, Evie. That’s…that’s our princess. She’s right there. You’re right there,
princess,” he added, bending over to pet the spot. Scattering kisses

everywhere, his arms hooked around my waist, his face nuzzling my belly.
“A precious little star for the sun and my moon. Daddy loves you so much.

I can’t wait to meet you, princess.”

My heart swelled and, yet again, my eyes welled. “Goddammit,” I

whimpered pathetically, gently banging my fists on his shoulders.

He sat up and combed my matted locks. “What is it?” he snickered.

“I’m crying all the time. I cry at everything. I’m so sick of crying.”
Laughing, he laid down, pulling me close against his chest. A long

sigh pushed through his nose, his palms caressing my curves. “You’re so
amazing, you know that? You’re creating an entire human being for us, so

our legacy can go on. You’re remarkable, sis. I love you.”

 Overwhelmed with emotions, I broke down in a sobbing fit, curling

further into his embrace. This phase of the pregnancy needed to hurry and
run its course, because I was done with this nonsense.

[Link]
 Chapter 39
Monday
October 31, 2022
The elevator dinged, and I stepped into the entryway of the

penthouse. A set of double doors in front led to the main hallway, and a
door to the right led to the bar and theater area. My tongue tapping the back

of my teeth, I opted to go straight. I knew Maximus was in there

somewhere for a meeting, but he wasn’t who I wanted to see. I was here on
a mission.
Scanning my fingerprint, the lock chimed, and a tiny green light

turned on. I opened the door and strolled inside. Immediately turning left

down the hallway, I went to the end, opened the door, and stepped into
another entryway for Amos’s private quarters. Knocking on the door, I

cleared my throat and fluffed my skirts. Sidestepping to the mirror on the

wall across from the private elevator, I checked my reflection, smiling with

approval.

The sleeveless dress was made of layers of thin linen of different

colors, ranging in pastels of pink, blue, green, and yellow, each transition
fading into the other. Hugging my breasts with a plunging neckline, the

fabric fell loose down my stomach and hips to mid thighs with light pink

sandals on my feet.
 I may not have enjoyed dresses or skirts before, but now I preferred

them. Not only did I like the way they looked on me, they were comfortable

with my ever growing baby bump.

My middle finger dabbing at the corner of my eye to wipe away a

smear of liner, I stretched my arm to knock again, but there was no door.
Jumping to my other foot, I stood upright, spinning to find Amos leaning

against the frame, his arms crossed, watching me with a small grin.

“Oh, I…didn’t hear you open the door.”

“Clearly. I gotta say, Evie, I like the new you. Confidence looks

good on you.”
My eyes rolled and I scoffed. “Don’t start.”

“What?” He chuckled, spreading his arms out. “I’m just saying.”

“I have always been confident in myself, thank you very much.”

His head bobbing, he looked inside his apartment. “Yeah, yeah, but

in a muted form, I guess.”

“And what the hell is that supposed to mean?”

A shoulder rose and fell, the smile fading. “Ever since you were a
little girl, you have done whatever you could to blend and not stick out.

When you were overlooked, you were confident. You were confident in

mediocrity.”

I frowned, thinking back to my old self, seeing his point of view.

 “Now, you’re standing out and you’re fucking glowing, Evie,” he

added softly, bringing his attention back to me. The corner of his mouth

lifting, he said, “It looks good on you. It’s been a while since I’ve seen you

this happy.”

Sighing, I rubbed the spot between my eyes, a headache coming on.

Ever since the little chat with Maximus late Saturday night, my brain had
been overflowing with too many thoughts and doubts, and I needed some

guidance only Amos would be able to give.

“Yeah, well, to keep that happiness, I need your help.”

“What’s up?”

Squaring my shoulders, my chin lifted defiantly, knowing he would

try to argue, at first. “I need to know about my mother.”

He blanched, eyes bulging, telling me right away there was more to

her story than I knew. Coughing, he pulled at his nape and averted his gaze.

“What…what do you mean?”

“Why did she and Luciano divorce?”

Stilling, his eyelids thinning, he cast a sideways leer. “That’s what

you want to know?”

Suspicion ringing my ears, I squinted right back. “Yeah, among

other things. Why? What were you thinking I was asking about?”

“Nothing, I just…this is an odd question coming from you, is all.”

 “Well, according to Max, I didn’t know my mother, at all, and, since

you’re the only living person that has known us since we were kids without

the lies, you’re the only one I can come to about this.”
He groaned, disappeared into his home, and came back with two

chairs from his kitchen table. Setting one a couple feet from the elevator, he

pointed, snapped, “Sit,” and set the other in the doorway.

Blinking, I looked at it to him and back. “Seriously? We’re having

this discussion out here?”

He snorted, tugged the thighs of his trousers, and sat in his, an ankle

propping on his knee. “You really think I’m letting you in my private

apartment?”

“This is ridiculous, we have never even found one another

attractive. There is nothing but a platonic friendship between us.”

His brows lifting, he chortled again. “And? Maximus is around here

somewhere. This penthouse may be seven thousand square feet, but that’s

still too small where you’re concerned. Last thing I need is for him to find

you in here, alone with me. I’ll have a bullet in my head before I could

explain.”

Clucking my teeth, I tucked the skirts and sat, crossing my ankles.

“Max would never hurt you.”

 “In any other aspect, I would have to agree. Where you are

involved, dead before I blinked. Have you forgotten Kyle so quickly?”

Startled that, yes, I had, I lowered my chin and tucked my hair

behind an ear.

His arms crossing, his foot bounced in the air, his peer stern down

the length of his nose. “As far as your mother goes, he’s right. You don’t

know anything about who she really was.”

Saddened, I pouted, tipping my head to gaze at him. “Like what?”

“Well, ahem.” Uneasy, he was squirming, his foot dropping to the

floor just to return to his knee. Raking his fingers through his hair, he threw
his head back so I could only see his prominent Adam’s apple and the

underside of his jaw. “Fuck, Evie. Why’d you have to come here asking

this?”

“Just tell me, okay?”

“Fuck.” Sitting upright, he groaned, brusquely rubbing his face.

“Well, for instance, she didn’t divorce Luciano because she discovered he

was in the mafia. She knew that before they got married.”

My stomach sank, disappointment curdling it. “Then why did she

leave him?”

Chuckling, his hands fanned out. “She didn’t. Luciano divorced

her.”
 Taken aback, my spine stiffened, my chin tucking toward a shoulder.

“What? Why?”

His lips pursed to chew the inside of his cheek while he cast several

fleeting glimpses my way. “She was cheating. Like, a lot.”

Outraged, I shook my fists, goddamn tears burning my eyes. “That’s

not true. Are you saying she was a whore?”

“Very much.”

“Shut your mouth, Amos! That’s not true.”

“It is true, Evelyn.”

“It is not!” I shrieked, my voice echoing off the small space.

Bounding to my feet, I was trembling with rage, already sweating. “She was

not a whore—”

“Who the hell do you think I lost my virginity to?” he blasted, fire

sparking in his irises.

Choking on an inhale, I slowly sank to the seat, dumbfounded.

“What?”

His foot stomped the floor yet again. Bending over, his elbows on

his knees, his fingers buried in his hair, his shoulders rising and falling with
labored breaths. “Man, I was just a kid, Evie.” One hand dropped to dangle

between his legs, his eyes glazing as he stared at the marbled floor. “Barely

fifteen—”
 “What?”

“Going through all those hormones. And here comes this gorgeous,

older woman. Of course, I gave in.”

He gave in? Implying she put the moves on him? At fifteen!

He sat up, resuming his previous stance. His foot erratically shaking,

his nostrils were flaring, his complexion dark with shame. “For about three

months, we were going at it like jack rabbits.”

Bile coating my tongue, anguish ripped my heart to pieces. Amos,

just as upset, cursed and pinched the bridge of his nose.

“I thought I was in love. I didn’t know better, I was just a dumb,

horny kid. Then I came home from school early one day and found her in

bed with one of her neighbors.”

Whimpering, I hugged my belly and bent over. “Oh my god.”

“I felt betrayed. I thought I was special, you know? I thought she

loved me, too.” A bitter chuckle pushed through his nose. “I don’t know

what I was thinking. There’s no way that ever could have worked.”
“Did Luciano know about you two?”

Snorting, he shook his head. “Are you kidding? I’d be dead just like
all the others she was caught with.”
My brows knitting, I asked, “He had them killed, even though they

weren’t together?”
 His lips pulled taut with a slight nod. “Yup.”
“Why didn’t he kill her?”

Another small chuckle caught the back of his nose, his attention
looking inside his living room. “Luciano was so in love with your mom. He

almost did. Had a gun to her head, and everything. At the last minute, he
just couldn’t go through with it. Let her go with a warning that if she ever

breathed a word about what she knew about his lifestyle, she, and everyone
she knew, was dead.”
“Did my dad know any of this?”

His lips pursing, he shook his head. “No, your dad thought she was
this nice, docile, saintly woman. Just like you.”

My face scrunching, I fidgeted with the hem of the dress. “And

you’re telling me she wasn’t?”

A brow arching, he slowly shook his head again. “Your mother was
a savage, Evelyn. The other night, when you attacked my date, you looked

just like her. It was uncanny. Only difference, had that been her, she would
have slit that bitch’s throat without saying a single word.”

For some reason, I wasn’t as devastated as I thought I’d be, having

Maximus’s story confirmed. It actually brought a sense of solace, for that

meant the person I was becoming was in my genetics, and not me having
been groomed by my kidnapper. Maximus’s actions may have trigger this
awakening, but this was always inside me, because it came from my
mother.”

“Are you ready for the rest of the story?”

Batting my lashes, I peered at him warily. “Rest? What…are you

talking about? There’s more?”

“Yeah, yeah, there’s more,” he sighed, dropping his foot to lean

forward. Pulling a long, deep breath, he heaved it out with, “You’re

Luciano’s daughter, Evelyn.”

An invisible force punched me in the chest, knocking the wind out,

sending me into an instant state of shock. “No.”

His head bobbing, he said, “Afraid so. They had an on and off affair
the entire time she was married to your father,” he stated, hooking his

fingers.
Doing a doubletake, ice hit my veins. “That means…Oh, shit,

Amos. That means we’re full siblings.”

“Yup,” he sighed, lowering his sight to my belly, reading my
thoughts.

“Does Max know this?”

Again, he nodded. “Found out everything when he found out about

Luciano’s secret life.”

 Horrified, I couldn’t close my mouth, a million “what if’s” circling

my brain.
“Hey, hey. Calm down. Evelyn,” he barked, clapping his palms.

“Look at me. Take a deep breath, you’re hyperventilating.”

Was I? I was numb, I couldn’t tell.

“Take a deep breath, that’s good. Now hold it and look at me.”
Batting my lashes, my senses slowly began to come back into focus,
and I could hear my heart banging in my ears.

“Don’t you worry about that baby, got it? Maximus is right,
everything is fine—”

“How can he know that?”

Snickering, he slouched in the chair, propping his palm on his upper

thigh to jut his elbow to the side. “Already told you once, the man made a
deal with the devil. He puts his wants into the universe and gets exactly

what he asked for. He wants this baby strong and healthy, so I guarantee, it
will happen.”

“How can you be so sure?” I wept, the tears dripping from my

cheeks.

His smile changing a bit, a shoulder shrugged. “Because he wanted

your love and, even though I doubted it at first, that’s exactly what he got.”
Clucking his teeth and pointing his jaw to the side, he snickered. “I’ll never

doubt him again.”

Oddly enough, that statement eased my panic. The tears slowing, I

rubbed the tip of my nose. “So, just to reiterate, my mother was a cold-
blooded killer, is that what you’re saying?”

Grinning proudly, he gave a single bob. “Apple didn’t fall far from
the tree. You were made to be Maximus’s wife, Evelyn. Don’t ever doubt

that. It’s in your DNA, this is the life you were always meant to have. Trust
in your gut, stop fighting who you are, and take your place by his side.”

He stood and took his chair back to the table. Rising to my feet, my
mind trying to process everything, I smoothed my dress, lingering to pet the

baby bump. Amos retrieved my seat but lingered in the doorway.

“Are you okay?”

Taking a ragged breath that puffed out my chest and pulled back my
shoulders, I held it a moment, staring into his eyes. With a long exhale, I
answered, “Surprisingly enough, yes, I am.”

He grinned and winked. “Just like your brother, mother, and father.
You’ve got this, Evie. You and Max together, Christ, you’re going to be

invincible.”
Pride and strength swirled my chest, pulling a knowing grin across

my lips.
 Jutting his chin, he muttered, “Go on and see your man. I think he’s
in the office.”

I started to leave but paused. “Amos? Did she really set up Luciano
and Maximus to be killed?”
A curse dropped from his tongue, the chair legs slamming to the

floor. “Yeah, she did.”

“Was it because she found out Max was in love with me?”

“That and Luciano wouldn’t take her back.”

Wringing my fingers, apprehension twisting my gut, I dared to ask

one more question. “Would me and Max still be together if our parents had
lived?”

He bristled, turning wild eyes to mine. Gulping loud enough for me

to hear, he muttered, “Yes.”

Taken aback, for that wasn’t what I had been expecting, I didn’t
respond.

“You think Max just happened to fall in love with you? Luciano
planted seeds.”

My jaw fell, dismayed.

“He wanted you two together. He was the one who kept pointing out

how beautiful you were, and how perfect you two would be together. Y’all
would have been married a lot sooner had he not died. He was already
arranging the whole thing.”

“But…why?” I rasped quietly.

“Power. Control. His two kids taking over his business one day? He

didn’t want anyone from the outside interfering with his legacy. He picked
you for Maximus. Me and him had been planning and scheming this since

you were thirteen.”

My jaw fell further. “You’ve always been a part of this?”

“It’s my job, Evie. It was always my job.”

“And now?”

His features softening, he smiled. “Now, my two oldest friends, the

two most important people in my life, are in love and getting married. I

couldn’t be happier. Go on. I’ll see you guys in a few.”

He went inside and shut the door, leaving me stunned and
overwhelmed with too many huge bombshells to process. The main thought
circling around was I was having my brother’s baby, not my half-brother’s.

[Link]
 Chapter 40

My attention was pulled toward the door when it opened, and I did a

doubletake as Evelyn sauntered across my office looking spectacular. Not

expecting to see her until after my meeting, my heart lurched painfully,

clogging my throat. The dress strained across her large breasts but fell
loosely everywhere else. In vertical pastels, each color faded into the other,

the hues complimenting her fair complexion. Her hair parted down the
center, the bangs were curled over her brows, the waves falling around her

shoulders. Wearing no makeup, a natural pink rose to her cheeks as my

sight raked over her beauty multiple times.

“Jesus,” I croaked, all my blood rushing to my cock.

She smiled rather arrogantly, and I grew dizzy, reveling in this smug
confidence she emanated lately. She had gone from beautiful to spectacular

over the last few months, and every morning, I fell in love with her all over.
“Good morning,” she sang, haphazardly tossing her purse to my

desk.

Licking my suddenly dry lips, I first acknowledged the princess with

a lingering kiss to her belly. That taken care of, my palms slid around to
grip her ass cheeks, my head tipping to gaze up her torso. “You got my

mouth watering, moonbeam, walking in here looking like cotton candy.”

 She giggled and swatted my shoulder. “Get real.”

I sat back in my chair, holding her focus while unfastening my

trousers. Pulling out my cock, I said, “Does it look like I’m kidding?”

The humor drained, her irises glossing. Her nipples hardened under

the thin material, her teeth grazing her bottom lip. “No, it doesn’t.”
Smirking, my fingers traveled up her thighs, hooked into her

panties, and dragged them down her legs. Her chest rising and falling, her

breathing labored, she stepped out of them, the heel of her sandal kicking

them beneath the desk. Lifting the material, I dipped my chin, stuck my

tongue out, and swirled against her pussy.

“Oh, god, mm.”

Her stance widened and she gripped my shoulders. Since it was

difficult to reach her properly with her growing belly, I urged her to sit on

the desk, spread her legs, and devoured her delicious flesh.

“Max, oh, yes.”

Draping her legs over my shoulders, they clenched the sides of my

head while she bucked into my face. My arms wrapped around her thighs
and yanked her closer, my tongue parting her flesh to swirl inside her pussy.

She moaned, writhing faster. Pulling her clit into my mouth, I held on and

suckled, adding pressure until she broke.

 Both her hands slapping over her mouth, her muscles clenched

around my face. Her hips jutted, and a small stream trickled onto my tongue

while she whimpered in one of the quietest orgasms.

Someone knocked on the door, but I ignored them, gradually

bringing her down. As she began to relax, I peeled her legs away, set her

feet on the floor, and carefully pulled her up. Flushed, her pupils expanded,
she gazed at me with wonder.

“I love you.”

Excitement shot through my system, sending my pulse racing. She

was getting more comfortable saying that to me, and it was delightful.

“You taste better than cotton candy.”

Another knock jarred her from her fog. Abruptly standing, she used

her foot to drag her panties from under the desk.

“What do you think you’re doing?”

“I have to get dressed.”

Snorting, I turned her around and pulled her to my lap, guiding

myself inside. She moaned, laying into my chest, her cheek against mine.

Pleasure rippling through my system, I simply wrapped my arms around her

for a moment to savor the sensation of her tight, hot, wet muscles collapsing

around my cock.

“No one has ever felt as good as you.”

 She turned toward me, pressing a kiss to my temple. Clearing my

throat, I shrugged her to sit up, rolled the chair closer to the desk, and

shouted, “Come in.”

She gasped and tensed, which tugged my cock beautifully. “What

are you doing?”

“I have a meeting.”

“But, Max,” she wheezed, wiggling around.

“Oh, yeah, that’s good. Fuck, don’t stop.”

The door swung open, and Amos entered with Bazán and several of

his men. Choking on a yelp, she became rigid, her cunt squeezing my dick

hard.

My eyelids closed with a subdued groan, my nails digging into her

hip. Fuck, that was fantastic.

“Mr. Giordano.”

Coughing, I forced myself to focus and grinned. “Hello, Mr. Bazán.

This is my fiancée, Evelyn Rothery. She will be sitting in on,” my dick, my

brain chimed in happily. “Our meeting.”

His eyelids narrowed suspiciously, but he lowered to one of the

chairs across from me. “I don’t know how comfortable I am with that.”

“Well, that’s unfortunate, because from here on out, she is a part of

everything. She is not just going to be my wife, but my partner.”
 His sight locked on her, he grumbled, “That isn’t exactly fair to me,

Giordano. You’re blindsiding me with this information. How can I trust

her? She isn’t part of this business.”

“Actually, she is.”

One of his men bent over to whisper in his ear. His expression

falling, his eyelids rounded as his sight raked over her and then bounced

back and forth between us. The man stood upright, clasping his hands

behind his back, his chin lifted.

“Is this the young woman who made a scene at my restaurant last

week?”
“Yes, sir,” I snickered, though she cursed and folded her arms.

A thick, bushy, graying brow lifted, his eyelids lowering. “Your

sister.”

She choked on a gasp and jolted. I hissed through my teeth, clawing

at her side to hold her still. My stomach turning over with dread and

eroticism, I somehow managed to focus on the more important situation.

“I really fail to see where that is any concern of yours.”

His fingers lacing over his portly stomach, his ankle perched on his

knee. “That your baby?”

“Of course, it is,” she barked before I could respond. “I’m not some

dumb whore, Mr. Bazán, so I would appreciate it if you recognized that

now and not made that mistake again. You will not disrespect me in my

own home.”

Proud, I merely beamed, rocking side to side. That’s my girl.

Stoic, he remained quiet a moment, his lips taut. “You are pregnant

with your brother’s child, and you want to get pissed I am curious.”

“Like my brother said, it’s none of your business. I have a feeling

you are not here to discuss paternity. Why don’t you refocus on the purpose

of your visit?”

Despite himself, Amos was grinning ear to ear from the other side of

the room. Love poured into my chest, threatening to burst me at the seams.

Dad was right, she was perfection.

“If you are going to have an issue with this, Mr. Bazán, please let

me know and we can end our affiliation right now on amicable terms, no

hard feelings.”

“Do you really think the Pampinella’s would agree to us ending over

a year of negotiations?”

“I will handle my cousin. That is also, none of your concern. So, is

there an issue?”
Both brows lifting, he cleared his throat, his palm smoothing his tie

down his torso. “No issues, Mr. Giordano. On the contrary, I find your

choice of partner and wife rather genius. Keep it in the family. Your power,
secrets, money. It’s a win win situation for you. Wish I’d thought of that

before my cunt ex-wife took nearly three million dollars from me in the

divorce.” He clucked his teeth, gazing to the side. “Should have just had her

have a car accident. Still would have had the house. I miss that damn

house.”

Holding back the laughter, I asked, “So, are we good here?”

“Yup, we’re good here. Nothing but respect.”

“Very good answer, sir,” she chimed in, her chin lifted high. “Now,
can we get to work? The baby is hungry, and I have about twenty minutes

before I become a completely different person no one here is ready to

meet.”

He chuckled and my cock flexed of its own accord, turned on by her

aggression. Her eyelids rounded slightly, but otherwise, she gave no

indication my dick was buried deep inside her pussy this whole time.
“Very well. I would like to schedule a time and location for the first

shipment from Cuba.”

“And what does this shipment consist of?”

His focus shifted to hers with a small smile. “Eighty-seven kilos of

cocaine.”
To my surprise, she had absolutely no reaction. “That’s not very

much, considering how many people are in Miami.”

 “It’s just one of many shipments. We are establishing an ongoing
deal.”

“How much are we talking, money wise?”

“Twenty million.”

Now she seemed curious. “I happen to know that’s an awfully low

price, Mr. Bazán. What’s the catch?”

It was my turn to be surprised. How would she know this?

“The catch?”
“I’m just curious as to why you are willing to part with so much

product for so little. It kind of feels like a boomerang.”

His amusement only heightened, his head tipping. “A boomerang.”

“Yes. Like something is going to snap back and cut us off at the
knees. “What’s the trick?”

Filling his lungs, he said, “No trick. It’s three million and exchange
of guns.”

“I thought there was a prohibition on weapons importation of Cuba.

How do you expect to get them in the country?”

Snickering, he was swaying side to side, his fingers laced over his
stomach. “Sweetheart, you don’t worry about that. I’ve got my ways.”

She shifted her weight, yanking my dick, so I had to cough to cover

the groan. Bowing my head to hide my lustful expression, I flexed in
response, but she showed no indication. Instead, remaining completely
motionless, her hands folded in her lap, she began contracting her muscles

repeatedly, stimulating my dick. My gut coiling, sweat was beading up on

my forehead, control waning. This was a mistake.

“Fair enough. Continue.”

He snickered and looked at me, chatting away about details of

planning the exchange and shipments. All the while, her pussy was milking
my cock stealthily. Sweat trickling down my temple, I coughed, gripping

the arm of the chair until my knuckles went numb. Doing my best to keep
up with the conversation, my balls tightened, the release building. How in

the hell did she do that? Flex her pussy like that without moving her body?
She was driving me fucking crazy.

Speeding up whatever black magic she had in that cunt, I was no

longer capable of focusing on anything. My lips parting, a tiny grunt

escaped, so I bit down on my tongue until it bled. By accident, I made an

involuntary sound and jerked, cum bursting forth.
Evelyn twisted her waist and cupped my cheek. “What’s wrong,

honey? Are you still not feeling well?”

My elbow on the arm, I covered my face, shuddering as I continued

to fill her. “No, I guess not,” I croaked, humiliation burning my skin.

 “Oh, I’m so sorry.” Turning back around, she shifted her weight and

I hissed, throwing my head back. “Mr. Bazán, I’m afraid we need to cut this
short. Unfortunately, my brother has a small case of food poisoning, and

isn’t feeling all that well.”

His brows furrowing, he studied me a little too closely. “Yeah, I see

that. Are you okay, Maximus?”

“Mm hm.” Christ, how was I still cumming? If she would just quit
with that magic flex! This was turning out to be one of the longest orgasms

ever.
“Can we finish this discussion over dinner tomorrow night?”

“Uh, yeah. Sure. What time?”

She moved again and I actually whimpered, resting my forehead to

the back of her shoulder. “What about seven?”

“Sounds good.”

“Great. We’ll just meet here again, make it easier for us to talk
openly.”

“Okay.” He stood, reached across the desk, and shook her hand.
“See you two tomorrow night. Maximus, hope you feel better.”

“Yup,” I croaked, digging my finger and thumb into my eyes.

Bazán and his men shuffled out of the office, but Amos lingered,

snickering under his breath. As soon as the door shut, I stood, flung her
forward, grabbed her hips, and pounded away. She shrieked, bucking in

response.
“You fucking bitch,” I hissed, snarling as I brutally fucked her.

“What the fuck was that voodoo bullshit?”

“Kegel, oh shit, harder.”

Fisting her hair, my palm slammed to her ass cheek. My movements

so rough, the desk started scraping across the floor. Right as I broke a

second time, her muscles pushed me out, and liquids splattered to the floor.
“Oh, oh, oh! Yes!” she cried, convulsing and writhing on the

surface.
Growling, I came across her beautiful, rounded ass, falling to her

back so my face was buried in her nape. My palms slapping to the desk on
either side, I was panting, my lungs on fire.

“Jesus, I fucking love you.”

She snickered, craning her neck to peer out the corner of her eye.
“You aren’t the only one who can play games. It runs in the family.”

Chuckling, I scattered kisses all over her face. Gently tugging her
with me as I stood, I tucked my cock into my trousers, bent over, and

swiped her panties. While she was putting them on, I glimpsed across the
room at Amos standing at the far window, staring out at the water.

“You think we can trust him?”

 He nodded, pushing his hands into his pockets. “Yeah, I think he’s
safe. He wants those guns more than he wants the money.”

“About that,” I laughed, directing my attention to her. “How did you

know that was a low amount? What do you know about cocaine?”
Smoothing her dress, she shrugged, sitting on the edge of the desk.

“I watch Law & Order.”

Me and Amos burst out laughing.

“Goddamn, Luciano was right about her.”

My heart stopped in midbeat, my jaw falling. “Amos!”

Finally facing us, he strolled closer, his sight darting between her
and me. “Relax, Boss, she knows the truth.”

Dumbfounded, I ogled her, too afraid to breathe. Looking rather

smug, she smoothed my hair, fixing the locks that had fallen. “Yup, I know

about dear old Daddy arranging us to be together.”

“Goddammit, Amos! Why the fuck did you tell her?”

“Hey,” she snipped, grabbing my chin to force my focus. “Leave

him alone. You think he had a choice? Really?”

“There’s always choices,” I hissed quietly.

A brow lifting, she leaned closer, her warm, cinnamon breath on my

face. “Not where I am concerned. I wanted answers, he gave them. No

options, no choices. That was it. When I want something, give it to me, no
questions asked.”

My pulse grew erratic, my breaths shallowing. “Fuck, you’re

making me hard again, moon.”

“Amos, get out. Maximus needs to prove just how fucking hard he
is.”

“Yes, ma’am,” he snickered, jogging from the office.

Staring into her eyes, I cupped her cheek, brushing my thumb back

and forth. “Don’t ever leave me, Evie. I’ll die.”

Her eyes lit up, her tone sultry. “You’ll never have to worry about

that, Max. I’m not going anywhere. This is where I belong.”

“You sure?”

“I was born to be by your side. I was born to be your wife.”

Nodding stiffly, I whispered, “Yes, yes, you were.”
“Exactly. Now about that. How many times are we going to dance
around that subject before you put a ring on my finger and make it legit?”

Astounded at how far we’d come in just a few short months,

emotions overwhelmed out of nowhere. “I love you.”
Grinning, she inched closer, claiming my mouth, her tongue rolling
over mine. Every hair on my body stood on end, electricity zapping my

core. Groaning, swaying with dizziness, I embraced her tightly, pulling her
to my lap. No longer seeking sexual gratification, all I wanted was to hold
and kiss her, and never let go.

[Link]
 Chapter 41
Wednesday
December 28, 2022
As much as I had insisted, Evelyn just did not want a fancy

wedding. Though I had been prepared to spend my entire savings to give

her the most spectacular ceremony money could buy, she wanted something

simple. Just me, her, a justice of the peace, and Amos as a witness, we took

our vows Christmas Eve on Miami Beach.

Her hair had been pulled back above her ears, the rest flowing down
her shoulders in straight, dark auburn locks. Wearing no makeup, for she

kept crying throughout the day, her dress was off the shoulders with a band

of lace that curled around her biceps and across her breasts. Bunched just
beneath, the rest flowed around her large belly to pool on the sand around

her bare feet.

Even though I was a grown ass man, known for my cruel, soulless,

unforgiving mannerisms, my hand shook, and my stomach coiled as I

signed the document at the end of the ceremony, legally making my sister

my wife. Even without luxury or fancy surroundings, the day had been
perfection, especially toward the end of the vows when Evelyn threw

herself against me with an overzealous kiss that rocked my world.

 The wedding may have been simple, but the ring was extraordinary.

White gold band that separated and then crossed to a princess cut, six carat,

pink sapphire set in a head surrounded by tiny diamonds, it had a matching

band that was a combination of smaller pink sapphires and diamonds all the

way around. Together, the set had a hefty price tag of nearly seventy
thousand dollars. What she lacked with the wedding, she compensated for

the jewelry.

The rings will be a daily part of my life forever, the actual wedding

is just a couple hours, once. I’d rather splurge on forever.

How in the hell could I argue with that?

She had also bypassed the honeymoon, insisting she was too

uncomfortable and emotional to be able to enjoy it, so she asked for a

raincheck to the Maldives. I had expected something basic, like the

Bahamas. Seemed like someone was getting more and more comfortable

with using my money, after all.

Slouching in my chair behind my desk at the penthouse, I was

rocking side to side, staring at the white gold band on my finger with the
tiny pink sapphire in the center. My mind playing over our wedding night,

excitement was swirling my stomach, my cock getting hard. Over and over,

we had worshipped one another’s bodies. Not in a desperate, animalistic fit

of aggression or dominance, but gentleness where we confessed our love

repeatedly and kisses were shared generously. I loved kissing. I was glad I

had never kissed anyone before her, it made each one all that much more

special.

“I can’t believe she bought you a ring with a goddam pink diamond

in it. You know how pussy whipped you look right now?”

Chuckling, my thumb brushed the side of the band as I held it up.

“Yup, and I don’t fucking care, Amos. I don’t fucking care.”

He strolled over and sat in a chair, setting an ankle to a knee. “The

exchange with the Cubans is next week. I know you’re still riding this

natural high, and all, but you need to snap out of it, Boss. I need you to

focus on the serious stuff now.”

I groaned, my palm slapping my thigh. “I got this, man, don’t you

worry about it.”

“I’m just saying, you’ve been riding this cloud nine for weeks and

it’s time to get back to reality—”

“Hey.” Shrugging my arms out, I scoffed. “When have I ever lost? I

got this,” I reiterated, pointing to the floor.

The office door flung open, and my sexy wife stormed in, her

complexion red, her features twisted with rage. My wife. Fuck, that was

hot. She was hot. I was hard.

 Grinning mischievously, I rubbed at my crotch, my thumbnail

dragging over the zipper. Before she could bat her lashes, I could have her

bent over this desk with my dick buried deep inside. I would fuck away
whatever was making her angry.

“Eh, eh,” Amos laughed, shaking his head. “I know that look. You

don’t have time.”

“Always time for fine pussy, Amos.”

She came to an abrupt halt, blinking rapidly. Her lids narrowing, she

propped her hands on her hips, leaning to one leg. Her hair was in a

ponytail, her bangs curled over her furrowed brows. Wearing a pair of short

overalls that were white and blue denim striped, a short sleeve shirt

beneath, she looked so fucking adorable, I could barely stand it. Her belly

was prominent, showing off my amazing princess.

“What did you do?”

Taken aback at the viciousness of her tone, my chin lifted defiantly,

my hands splaying out. “You’ll have to narrow it down, moonbeam. My list

of activities range all over the place.”

“Watched the news this afternoon. Something about an unsolved

murder of a certain Sandy Lawrence.”

“Oh.” That.
“Oh? Oh! What did you do, Maximus?”
 Weaving my fingers over my stomach, I resumed rocking, gazing at

her unapologetically. “Why are you acting so surprised?”

Doing a doubletake, she had no response.

“Did Kyle not teach you anything?”

Deflated, she huffed, her cheeks puffing out. “Dammit, I keep

forgetting about him.”

Amos snickered, coughed, and thumbed his nose, looking out the

window.

“No way he could live, moon. Sorry. You brought this on, not me.”

“What the hell did I do?” she shrieked, pressing her fingertips to her
chest.

My own temper rising, I gritted my teeth and hissed, “I warned you

once, you ever leave me for another man, he’s dead. You accepted a date

with him, after I claimed you.”

“I accepted a date with him after you left me.”

Huh. She had a point. “Touché. Eh, oh, well. How are you feeling

today? How’s the princess?”

“Seriously, that’s all you have to say?”

“What do you want me to do, Evie? Undead him? That’s not

possible,” I snorted. Suspicion tightening my gut, my arms folded over my

chest. “Why are you so upset? Was there more to that relationship than that

date?”

“No, of course not. In fact, I found him quite intolerable.”

“Then why are you so upset?”

“Because you left me out of the loop.”

“Wait, wait, wait,” Amos interrupted, waving his palm. “You’re not

upset he’s dead, you’re upset because you weren’t told?”

“Yes. I will not be a silent wife, Maximus. You wanted this, you

wanted me, you got me, now you have to include me.”

Love exploded in my heart, a grin splitting across my face.

“So, had this been discussed with you beforehand,” he continued.

“You wouldn’t have tried to stop it?”

“No. He was a pain in the ass. Very crude. Good riddance.”

He slowly shook his head with a mixture of disbelief and awe. “I’ll

be damned. Luciano was right about you.”

We both turned to look at him curiously.

“About what?” she asked quietly, coming over to sit on my lap.

My arms immediately encircled her, kisses trailing up her bicep to

rest my chin on her shoulder.

“He always said you were a ruthless killer, waiting to be discovered.

I never saw it because I only ever saw the docile, demure Evie, but he was
right.”

Pride swelling my chest, I nipped at her ear, pulling her closer. “Of

course, he was right. No one fucks with my moonbeam. You’re perfection,

just like I always said.”

Giggling, her shoulder curling, she sagged against my chest, her

palm on the side of my face. Craning her neck, her tongue snaked out

before she kissed me passionately.

“Oh, shit.” Amos heaved a sigh and stood. “I’ll stall the next
meeting. Just make it quick.”

As he was sauntering out the office, we scrambled to our feet,

hastily tearing at one another’s clothes. Hoisting her to the desk, her panties

still hooked around an ankle, I was slamming into her rapidly with no
buildup, swallowing her cries with more kisses.

“Fuck this pussy,” she snarled through gleaming teeth.

My head whirled and I lost control, pounding away harder than I

should have. Not thinking rationally, I grabbed her throat, slammed her
back to the surface, and fucked her violently. Her complexion turning

purple, the veins in her forehead sticking out, she was unable to make a
sound as she orgasmed. Squirting around my cock, the liquids splattered
everywhere, all over my trousers and shirt.

“This good for you, Evie? Am I fucking this cunt good?”

 Her mouth opening and closing, her nails were clawing at my wrist,
but not trying to pry me away. Her legs locked around my waist, the ankles

crossing to hold me close. Bucking wildly, everything was getting toppled

over or knocked off the desk. My balls tightening against her contracting

muscles, I plunged deep, howled through my locked jaw, and came hard, a
shiver running down my spine.

I let go, my palms slapping to the desk over her shoulder. Gasping
and coughing for air, she rubbed at her throat and closed her eyelids.
“Goddamn, yes, baby, that was good.”

Snickering, I scattered sloppy kisses all over her face through my

heavy pants. Gently patting the side of her thigh to get her to let go, I stood

upright, gazing down at my beautiful wife.

“Okay, okay. Time to get serious. Come on, get dressed.”

I helped her to her feet and gathered her clothes, so she didn’t have
to bend over. Tucking my cock back into my trousers, I plopped to the

chair, watching her with appreciation as she wiggled back into the overalls.
Done, I pulled her to my lap, petting her belly while nuzzling her ear with

whispers of undying love and devotion.

A few minutes later, Amos re-entered with a couple police officers I

had on my payroll. My desk still a mess, my clothes still wet from her
squirting, and the scent of our sex lingering in the air, I greeted them with a
smile and introduced them to my wife.

One of them was eyeing her peculiarly, however, which sent my

defenses into gear.

“You got a problem, Fredrickson?”

Tearing his sight from her, he looked at me and coughed, growing

antsy. “Uh, ahem. N-N-No, sir.”

“Then what’s with the odd looks? You really think you should be

looking at something of mine like that?”

Evelyn sighed, shifting her weight so her legs were draped across

my lap, dangling to the side. Her arm linking behind my nape, she was
playing with my hair, looking out the window at the water. “I went to high

school with him,” she stated simply.

“And?”

“And, he knows you’re my brother.”

The other officer paled, his jaw falling while Fredrickson squirmed
even more.

My stomach sank a little, my lips pursing. “Oh. So, this is

awkward.”

“Yup,” she sighed, tilting her head to glare at him. “It’s not easy
covering up a cop’s murder.”
 Both men blanched, their eyes bulging.

Amos approached Fredrickson, getting so close, he was almost

touching him. Peering down his nose, he seethed, “I don’t think that’s

necessary. He’s not going to say anything, are you?”

Shaking his head adamantly, he stammered, “No, no, no. I swear.

None of my business. I won’t say a goddamn thing.”

Turning his attention to the other, a thick, black brow lifted. “What
about you? You got a big mouth, or are you going to be a good little boy

and stay quiet?”

Snorting, he held his palms up, bowing his chin. “I don’t know shit,

man. Nothing to worry about with me, neither.”

“Good.” Falling back a little, his hands pushing to his pockets, he

looked at me. “Boss, it’s all yours.”

Grinning, I jutted my chin at him, absently petting the side of her

silky, smooth leg. “Great. Let’s get to business, gentlemen. On January

third, I have a rather important meeting with the Cubans, and I need to

make sure it goes off without a hitch. Can I count on you guys to help
assure the safety of this transaction?”

Both of them nodding eagerly, I sank into my chair, reveling the tiny
pets and kisses from Evelyn while I went into the details. Every hair on my

body standing on end, electricity tickling my nerve endings, I was rock hard
the entire time, my words rushing to hurry this up. The sooner they left, the

sooner I could strip her down and have her sit on my lap.
Not once, however, did I have any doubts the transaction would go

off without a flaw.

[Link]
 Chapter 42
Sunday
January 15, 2023
It was becoming a normal occurrence for me to sit in on Maximus’s

meetings. At first, people found it a little awkward, which was

understandable. Discussing weapons, drugs, embezzlement, fraud, murder,

and the likes, in front of someone they’d never seen before, I completely

understood the hesitation.

Unfortunately, it was also slowly becoming common knowledge that
we were siblings. Apparently, Fredrickson wasn’t able to keep his mouth

shut, after all. Whereas they didn’t approve, especially since I was pregnant,

what the hell were they going to say? Who in their right mind was going to
approach a mafia boss and scold him for being intimate with his sister?

Maximus truly was untouchable, just as he’d always said.

Another regular sight was people seeing me sitting on his lap during

our meetings. Of course, what they didn’t know, was each and every time,

his cock was inside me. The first time we’d done that, we’d lost control and

had to cut things short with the Cuban. Ever since, we’d managed to learn
to maintain our composure and act as if nothing was going on. Something

about sitting in front of a group of powerful, strong, deadly men with my

pussy filled was such a turn on. It was such a natural high, if I weren’t eight
months pregnant, I wouldn’t mind if he threw me to the desk and pounded

away while everyone watched. Put me on display, so to say, and give those

men a show they won’t ever forget.

The further into the pregnancy, the softer Maximus treated me. Sex

was just as frequent as before, but it was tender, slow, deliberate. As

beautiful as love making was, I certainly missed the primal play.

Thankfully, contractions had started a few hours ago, so soon, the

pregnancy would be over, and the chase would be on again.

Standing on the back porch, my arms folded over the bump, my

head was tilted, my sight scanning the trees. Grimacing with the tightening
across the bottom, I held my breath a moment, waiting for it to pass.

Maximus came up behind, embraced me, and pressed his lips to my

cheekbone.

“What are you doing out here? How’s the contractions?”

“Still between four and seven minutes apart. I think we have a

while.”

“You should be resting. Why aren’t you sleeping?”

Pulling a long breath, I sighed it out with, “Just thinking.”

“About what?”

“How much I miss you chasing me through the woods to catch me

and fuck me like a wild animal.”

 He grunted, his hold tightening. “Mm, I miss that, too. Few more

weeks, moon, and you better start running.”

Giggling, my arms crossed over his, my fingernails playing with his

hair. “That’s a good way to lose all this baby weight.”

“Now don’t go getting all crazy over that. I like you curvy.”

My neck craned to look at his profile in the darkness, my pulse

quickening. So many thoughts whirling my brain, emotions rose, images

clicking in my head I’d never thought about before.

“You really do, don’t you?”

He looked down at me, his features cast in shadows. “I’ve always

told you you were beautiful.”

Yeah, but at the time, I thought it was just an older brother trying to

peptalk his younger sister.

Frowning, I whispered, “Can I ask you something and get an honest

answer?”

“Of course.”
“How much of you falling in love with me was natural, and how

much was it Luciano grooming you?”

He tensed, a hot breath pushing through his nostrils. “I assure you,

Evelyn, my feelings were not created by persuasion.”

“Yeah, but, he urged you to—”

 “Evie,” he snipped, his tone hardening. “I’d been watching you for a

long time, thinking thoughts I shouldn’t. Dad saw that. He…” He sighed,

removing one arm to pinch the bridge of his nose. “Christ, this is
humiliating.”

I turned in his hold, an arm draped behind his neck, the other on his

chest to pet his jawline. “Just say it.”

He huffed, looking over my head to the yard. “He, uh, ahem. He

caught me…um, in your room one night. You were asleep, and I, uh, um. I

w-w-was…masturbating.”

For some reason, that sent a bunch of tingles prickling through my

system. “Oh, my. That sounds hot.”

He snorted, his hands cupping my ass cheeks to pull me closer.

“Yeah, well, when I was done, he had a little talk with me, telling me you

were the one for me, and I should stop at nothing until you were mine. So,

as much as he did influence me, no, sis. I wanted you before he said

anything.”

My doubts dissolving, I tipped my head, playing with his hair. “And

how often did you used to masturbate while I slept?”

“Quite often,” he rasped, his breaths shallowing.

“And what did you do with the cum?”

His cock was hardening, his fingertips digging into my flesh.
 “Did you ever cum on me, Max?”

“Evie,” he whispered, hiking my nightgown.

“I think I just found a new kink. The idea of you fucking me while

I’m unconscious is getting me all nice and wet.”

“Unh.”

The cool breeze on the back of my thighs had me breaking out in

goosebumps. His arm stretched, his finger wiggling between my cheeks to

rub at the tiny hole.

My voice raspy, I said, “Mm, you can put that thick cock in my

mouth and fuck my face while I’m out.”

He gulped loudly, easing his finger into my ass. “You didn’t like it

when I first brought you here.”

A shoulder rose, lust heating my veins. “Perspective, right? I see

things differently. I choose to enjoy it now. You know what else I fantasize

about?”

He stiffly shook his head, gulping a second time.

“You laying me on your desk like I am a piece of art and fucking me

in the middle of a meeting.”

His breath hitched, his finger shoving deeper. “Oh, I can do that,

moon.”
 “Yeah? Let them see you fuck your sister, see why I love you. Show

them how you forced me to be yours.”

“Unh.” Another finger pushed inside. “Fuck, yeah, I can do that. Let

them watch you get your brains fucked out. I want them to hear you

screaming my name like a good little whore.”

Heady with desire, I moaned, squirming in his hold. “I also want

you to choke me until I pass out, but don’t stop fucking me. Fuck me back

into consciousness.”

Snarling, he turned me around and flung me against the house, the

bricks scratching the bare skin on my arms. “You need to calm the fuck

down, little girl, before I fuck this baby out of your belly.”

My knees trembled, a rush of adrenaline hitting my brain. “Oh, god,

yes. Do it, Max, fuck me hard, make it hurt. You fucked her in, now fuck

her out.”

Growling, he twirled me around again, shoved me forward, and

planted my face against the table next to the chair. Before I could yelp, his

cock was brutally slamming inside. Bright lights burst behind my clenched

eyelids, and I bit down, screaming at the top of my lungs. His cock pinching
with every thrust, my muscles were in agony, the contractions getting

harder. After only a few, violent strokes, I was shuddering, shrieking, and

cumming, liquids trickling down my quivering thighs.

 “Harder,” I hissed through gritted teeth.

He grunted, slapped both his palms on my ass cheeks, and gripped

my hips, growing even more aggressive. I cried out, my knees buckling. I

fell to the cement floor, but he stayed on me, not letting our union end. My

nails breaking on the hard surface, sweat was dripping off my face, the pain

intensifying.

“Max? Ow, ow, ow. Oh, shit, ow. I…I think…Mm! Oh, shit, baby, I

think you should stop.”

He pulled out, just to shove into my ass. “Not stopping until I cum.”

“Ow, shit. Baby, I…I think it’s time.”

“Then you better work that ass and take this nut, because we’re not

going anywhere until I’m done.”

“It hurts.”

His fist in my hair, he lurched my neck, his mouth on my ear. “You

asked for it to hurt, whore, now take it. This is what you asked for. Fuck…

me.”
Lust overriding the pain, I moaned and bucked frantically. He

choked on an inhale, clapping his palms to my cheeks yet again.

“That’s it, Evie, unh, that’s so fucking good. Take it, take it out, take
that fucking nut.”
 “Oh my god, please, please, please!” I sniveled, an arm hugging my
aching belly.

“It’s cumming. Almost there, oh shit, almost there. Faster.”

Crying, tears streaking my cheeks, a hand lashed out, grabbing the

side of the table. As best I could, I sped up, my muscles clenching and
twisting with agony.

“Goddammit, Maximus, cum before I have this baby with your dick
in my ass.”
Grabbing my hips, his were clapping against mine so goddamn

quickly, my breath was stolen. “I’m there, I’m there, oh, shit, uh!” he
growled, yanking me back so he went too deep.

“Ow!” I shouted, trying to squirm away.

“You asked for the pain, goddammit!” he snarled, jerking even

deeper. “Be careful what you ask for, Evelyn. Fuck, yes, that feels so
fucking good.”

Everything was burning, like I was being ripped inside. Gasping for
a deep breath, my forehead dropped to the floor, and I screeched in anguish.

“Max, we are too far from the hospital. Please.”

“Unh,” he grunted with one last thrust. “Yeah, okay.” Easing out, he

bent over and slurped his cum that dribbled out. “Ready?”
“Oh, please!”
 Standing, he helped me to my feet and led me inside to the kitchen,
sitting me on a stool. He dropped a tiny peck to my temple and ran for the

bedroom, banging around the closet to get dressed and find my prepacked
suitcase.

My hands petting my stomach, tears welled, knowing I would be

able to hold my little girl in my arms in a few hours. The whispers of

concern tried to weasel their way through my happiness, but I forced them
back into the recesses of my thoughts. Maximus wanted a healthy baby, and

he always got what he wanted. This would be no different. The princess

would be just fine. I had to believe that.

[Link]
 Chapter 43
Monday
January 23, 2023
The master suite at the penthouse was massive. With a private

balcony that overlooked the bay, a sitting area, access to the office, and a
bathroom the size of our room at the house, it was impressive, to say the

least. Until the baby was older, Maximus insisted we stay there, saying he

wanted us within eyesight at all times.

I don’t want to miss one single minute of my perfect little princess. I
want you right here so I can see her whenever I want.

And she was perfection. Seven pounds, three ounces, fourteen

inches long, she had a full head of hair, pudgy cheeks, and a tiny, button
nose. All tests thus far indicated a normal, healthy baby, proving, yet again,

my brother was right. He was always right. When would I stop doubting
him?

My arms crossed over my still puffy stomach, tears welled, my heart

so full of love, it was overwhelming. How could I love her as much as I

did? It was too much, my soul couldn’t handle this much.

“You okay?”

Not taking my sight off her, I nodded with a soft sigh. “She’s so

beautiful.”
 “Of course, she is. Look at her parents. What did you expect?”

My eyes rolling, I gazed at him with a playful smirk. “You did it,

Max,” I muttered, returning my focus to her in the frilly white basinet at the

foot of the bed. “You had a plan, you made it happen, and here she is.

Perfection.”
His chest meshing with my back, his arms encircled me, his lips at

my temple. “I told you, didn’t I?”

“Yeah, yeah, you did.”

“Our son will be just as perfect.”

Tensing, I craned my neck to peer at him incredulously. “Are you

insane? We got lucky, Max,” I urged, pointing at her. “Especially now that I

know we’re full siblings, and not half. No way.”

His features darkening, his lids narrowed. “I want a son. I need a

son to carry on this legacy one day.”

“What, so when they’re older, you can push him and Celeste

together like what Luciano did? No fucking way. There’s no way they can

have normal kids.”

Grabbing a fistful of my hair, he yanked it back, so his face was in

my full sight. “How many times do I need to tell you, Dad had nothing to

do with my feelings? He simply validated them.”

 My heart speeding up, I licked my lips, my stomach shaking. “We

can’t push our luck, Maximus.”

“Luck? Luck had nothing to do with this. I always get what I want.”

“I’m not doing it. There’s no way. What if next time, things don’t

run as smoothly? What if next time, there are issues—”

“There won’t be. Trust me.”

Trying to shake my head, I whispered. “No. In five weeks, when I

go in for my checkup, I’m getting on birth control.”

Rage contorting his features, he snarled, stumbled us forward, and

slammed me to the glass wall. “The fuck you will!” he bellowed against my

ear.

Frightened, breathless, my palms and cheeks smashed against the

pane, I whimpered, “There’s too much at risk.”

“There is no risk. What I say, goes.”

“You can’t keep winning!” I shouted. “One of these days, your

streak will end.”

“It’ll never end,” he wheezed, his lips against my ear. “I always

win.”

He was tugging at his sweatpants and my stomach turned over.

Horrified, panic set in, and I bucked.

“Get off.”
 Smirking mischievously, he chuckled through his nose. “That’s it,

Evie, fight me.”

Knocking him away, I tried to run, but he grabbed me and flung me

to the floor. “Max, stop it!”

Throwing up my nightgown, he yanked at my panties, so I crawled

on my hands and knees. He clutched my ankle, snatching me back. I fell to

my stomach, the carpet rubbing against my skin, chafing it.

“Max, stop it!”

Suddenly, his cock was plunging inside. Still sore from childbirth

only eight days earlier, my insides twisted in agony, and I screamed at the

top of my lungs, tears spilling from my eyes.

He scooted further up my back, digging deeper, his hips clapping

against my ass cheeks. His palm on the back of my head, he pushed my face

down, the carpet muffling my howls and pleas.

“Goddammit, I missed this. Yeah, fight me, moon. Yank that dick

harder.”

“Stop it, Max. Oh my god, don’t do this.”

Pausing, he bent over, his heavy pants on my cheek. “Fuck me. You

know you want to. Fuck me.”

He grabbed a wrist, twisting it behind my back and shoving upward

so it was between my shoulder blades. Pain throbbing in the joint, I cried
out, blubbering as he continued to savagely fuck me.

“Fuck, yes, unh. Oh my god, you feel so good.”

His knee knocking my thighs further apart, his tip was bruising my

cervix. Before I knew it, my cries of pain were moans of pleasure. My eyes

rolling, the tears stopped, and I bucked, matching his aggression.

“That’s it. Yes, fuck me, fuck my dick.”

My jaw gaping, my fingers curling so tightly, my nails were digging

into my palm, I gave in to the orgasm that hit me out of nowhere. “Oh, oh,

oh! Harder, fuck, yes, harder.”

Both palms pressing into my waist to pin me down, he lifted,

grunting as he sped up. “Shit, shit, shit!” Howling like a crazed man, he

stilled, cum filling my pussy.

Without even stopping, he laid on my back, curled his arm over the

top of my head, and kept going, bringing us both to two more releases

before he was satiated. Covered in sweat, my body aching, I laid on the

floor, my muscles too weak to move.

“Goddamn,” he rasped, scattering kisses all over my face. “I love

you so much.”

My heart skipped a beat, proving I was as insane as he was. His

palms gliding up my arms, his fingers twined with mine. His tongue

flicking to my ear, he whispered, “When you go in for that six week

checkup, you will not be getting on birth control, because you’ll already be

pregnant again.”

This time, when he started rocking in and out, I didn’t fight. Giving

in to the pleasure immediately, I lifted to my knees, grinding my ass against

his hips with a drawn out, sultry purr.

“Oh, god, Evie, don’t stop. Don’t fucking stop.”

Fisting the shag carpet, I bit down on my bottom lip and took over,

clapping into him quickly. So, he wanted another baby. What Maximus

wanted, he got. I was in no position to tell him no.

[Link]
 Chapter 44
Tuesday
January 24, 2023
The sliding glass door to the balcony slightly ajar, a nippy breeze

wafted through the bedroom. Curled in the center of the curved sofa, a
pillow on my lap, I stared down at Celeste in my arms, suckling my breast.

As with every time I looked at her, I became overwhelmed with a sense of

joy like I’d never known before. Never, in my wildest dreams, did I think
there was a love like this.
Alice entered the room, pushing a carpet cleaner. “This might get

loud, ma’am. You might want to take the princess out.”

My sight flitted to the blood stain on the floor where Maximus took
me over and over and over the night before. My pulse growing erratic, my

cheeks flushed, lust making me heady. Why could I not resist him? What
the hell was it about him, even when he was forcing himself on me, I felt

pleasure? Was he that good, or did I love him that much? Probably a

combination of both.

Setting my feet on the floor, I carefully rose, my body still throbbing

from the punishment. Not bothering to conceal myself, I sauntered out of

the room and shut the door. Turning left, I ventured down the winding

hallway to the foyer, the cool, marble floors comforting on my bare feet.
Though I was headed for the living room, voices in the kitchen had me

backing up to peek through the opening.

My stomach bottomed out, rage instantly boiling my blood. What

the hell was the blonde bimbo from the Cuban restaurant doing here? And

why the fuck was she touching my brother?

A brow arching, I casually strolled into the kitchen, holding Celeste

firmly to my breast with one arm. As I passed the knife block, I slid the

butcher out, zeroed in on the back of her bleached head.

“What the hell are you even doing here? Did Amos ask you over?

Who let you in?”

She giggled, her shiny red nail tracing the patterns on his silk tie.

“That tall, big guy with the thick mustache.”

His brows lifted. “Young? He let you in?”

Batting her fake lashes, she leaned in closer with another seductive

snicker. “Well, not really. I kind of just strolled in when he was leaving.”

Maximus smacked her hand away, his expression one of boredom.

“You aren’t welcome here. You need to leave.”

Her thick lips pouted, a hand pressing to the back of her hip, her

spine arching closer. “Oh, don’t be that way. I’m just here to have a little

fun.”
 He swatted her again, getting angry. “Not interested. Neither is

Amos.”

Her head tipping back, she whispered, “Let me make you interested,

Maximus.”

His sight caught mine, noticing me approaching. Smirking, his eyes

twinkled as he said, “No chance in hell. I got everything I’ve ever wanted.”
Pouncing forward, my waist twisting a bit, so Celeste was held

away, the blade pressed across her neck, my mouth on her ear. She yelped

and blanched, the whites showing around her irises.

“I warned you, bitch.” Without hesitation, I snatched the knife to the

side, slicing open her pretty little throat. Her hands flew up, covering the

wound as blood spilled forward, splattering the marbled floors. Coughing

and gagging, she fell to the side, panic and terror shimmering in her gaze.

He chuckled and took the knife, going to the sink to rinse it off.

“Goddamn, I’m so fucking hard right now.”

The bimbo staggered a few feet away, knocking over one of the
stools at the bar. Blood smearing everywhere, she collapsed, wriggling

around, still making those grotesque, retching noises.

My pulse never quickening, there was a sense of calmness about the

entire scene. Folding my other arm beneath my baby, I gently patted her
bottom, swaying side to side while I watched the whore writhe all over the

floor.

The office door swung open, and Amos hurried out. “What the hell
is going on? What was that bang? Oh, shit. What happened?” he muttered,

staring down at her, as well.

Maximus pressed the heels of his palms on the edge of the sink and

leaned forward, stretching his neck to see better. “Evie finished what she

started.”

She finally stilled, her hands falling to her sides, her lifeless eyes

staring at the ceiling. Cutting my lids thin, I stepped over her shiny, red

stilettos and headed for the dining room table. I pulled out a chair and sat

down, using the surface to support my elbow for Celeste.

“Looks like you need to find a new girlfriend, Amos. She wasn’t too

faithful. I warned her to keep her hands off my brother.”

“What the hell is she even doing here? I haven’t seen her since that

night.”

“She snuck in after Young left, apparently. That’s not cool,”

Maximus grumbled, rounding the bar to join me. “With the girls living here,

that’s not safe. I want new security guards hired, asap. I want someone at

this place at all times, so this never happens again.”

 He huffed, a hand on his side, the other pulling his nape. “Wait a

minute.” Tilting his head, he gazed at me with an amused expression.

Pointing to the woman, he said, “You slit her throat while holding Celeste?”

“Yeah, she did. It was sexy as hell, too.”

I grinned at him and blew a kiss.

“So.” He leaned on the table, his fingers brushing up and down my

forearm. “How does it feel? That was your first kill. You okay?”

I shrugged, staring at the body. “Oddly enough, I don’t really feel

anything. I wasn’t even thinking as I did it. It was just…instinct, you

know?”
“Luciano, all over you,” Amos snickered, digging out his cellphone.

Tapping the screen a few times, he brought it to his ear. “Yeah, is Young

gone? All right, get back up here, pronto. Got a mess you need to clean up.”

He hung up and strode for the table, sitting across from me. Tossing

his phone on the surface, he slouched, folding his arms. Grinning, he shook

his head, looking at the three of us.

“What?” I asked after a few minutes.

“Nothing. I just…Luciano would be so fucking proud right now.

You two together, the princess, you coming into who you were always

meant to be. This was his wish. It’s good to see it finally happened.”
 Beaming and blushing, I gazed at my brother as a wave of

tranquility washed over me. I took his hand and brought it to my mouth,

kissing his wedding ring. This was right. Even if we had another baby, there

was no doubt he would be as perfect as Celeste.

“I love you,” he muttered, cupping my cheek.

Exhilaration shot through my system, and I broke out in

goosebumps. It may have been unorthodox how we got here, but I knew I

was exactly where I was always meant to be. Apparently, I was a killer, just

like my father and mother. I could be the person my brother needed. I could

love him as he deserved.

No more fighting him, unless it was during sex, because that was

always amazing. There was no point, he was never wrong. Thanks to his

deal with the devil, Maximus always won, in the end.

~The End~
[Link]