19. My girl

[Warning: Sexual reference, gruesome images]

King...

" Fuck!" I groaned as I emptied myself into her.

My hands are tight on either side of her hips. Her face was buried in between the pillows. I pulled out of her and she went numb on the sheets. I got off my hind knees and onto the floor before heading to the bathroom and removing the condom; wrapping it around a tissue so I could dispose of it in the bin.

I then decided to take a quick shower before heading out of the bathroom with a towel strapped around my waist, heading into the closet and grabbing another Armani suit. After I finished dressing up, I walked back into the bedroom to find her trying to tuck herself in bed and I frowned.

" What are you doing?" I asked her and she glared at me.

Her blond hair was now all over the place and I couldn't miss the bruises all over her body and her lips were swollen. I couldn't miss the pink stain on my white pillow.

" I'm preparing myself to sleep," she said.

" Faith," I growled at her," What are the rules?"

" Never mind the rules, they are one-sided. I want you and I'm practically your girlfriend. Actually no, I'm your woman," she said, and I could feel my body become rigid while my left eye twitched.

" My what? Woman? My? Haha, don't make me laugh please, don't bullshit me. I'm not like the other stuck ups you fuck for money and I won't be taken a fool by a whore. If you don't like our arrangements, then leave. There are a lot more where you came from," I stated,

" You are nothing but a piece of ass. You are not a woman, a whore maybe, but a woman? Stop trying to make me, make you, something you are not," I added.

" Why do you like hurting me so much?" She sobbed; hitting the bed with her fists.

I nonchalantly glared at her as she threw a tantrum. She jumped off the bed and grabbed her coat, pulling it over her body while wearing her shoes before walking up to me, flinching.

" I know what you want, and you will keep running back to me making me your woman!" she roared and I chuckled before I wrapped my fingers around her neck.

" Like I said, I'm not like the other stuck ups, you sleep with for money," I said, tightening the grip on her neck and she whimpered as I raised her up. "Behave Faith, behave."

I let go and she dropped on the floor with a thud and a sob. She quickly got up and rushed out of my penthouse. I then chuckled at myself for my bad decisions.

This penthouse was not far from the Den, but it was my own private facility where only I and my brothers came for a piece of mind when we were in Los Angeles.

A buzz caught my attention and I started searching for my phone, only to find it on the bed-stand vibrating.

I walked towards it and saw that the person who called had just ended the call. I grabbed my phone and switched it on only to find ten missed calls from Dorcas.

Why would she call me so many times though?

If it was something like an attack, the members would have called me instead of her. The phone rang again and this time I answered.

" What?" I exclaimed, annoyed.

" King, it's Anastasia," she said, and I felt my whole world crumble down.

Something about that girl just turned my whole life upside down. Even when I came to the penthouse, it was to blow off some steam due to how she had direct eye contact with Ronaldo, but she couldn't stand to even be next to me without shivering. I guess it's my fault really, but then it's not like I had a choice.

Did I have a choice?

" What's going on?" I asked, already in the elevator of the apartment building.

" She is crying, and she is hyperventilating. She is balled in the kitchen and I don't know what to do. I tried calling Ronaldo but he is not answering, nor is Lorenzo. No one was answering, so I decided to call you," she said, and I frowned.

Why had she called Ronaldo first instead of me?

Even Lorenzo was the second option, yet he kicked her in the back.

" I'm on my way," I said before rushing towards the valet and luckily my car was parked outside the building.

The valet driver handed me my car keys before I jumped in the car and sped off the premises on my way back to the Den.

In fifteen minutes, I was already by the main gate and with a push of a button under the dashboard, the barred gates flew open and I sped down the driveway.

It took me three minutes to reach the pillars of the house. I turned off the car ignition before flying out of the car and rushing towards the house. Dorcas pulled the door open just in time and rushed down the lobby heading towards the kitchen. Three other house helpers surrounded the kitchen, distraught as they didn't know what to do.

I walked around the counter and the site I saw killed me. It took my breath away and I was so sure that my soul was sent to hell before the Devil returned it to me.

Anastasia was on the floor rocking herself up and down like a mad man. The sweater was now tugged over her knees while her head was buried in her lap. Her sniffs loud and piercing.

" You guys could leave," I said to the help, and then one by one they left, except for Dorcas. " Ma, please run her a bath."

" Okay," she said before she walked away, leaving me and Anastasia.

I honestly didn't know what to do. I don't know why I had sent everyone away.

I rubbed my face with my hands before walking over to her and taking a seat next to her fragile body. She was shivering, but I don't know if it was because of me or what.

" Stasia," I called out gently.

Never knew when I gave my hostage a nickname but it seemed right. Sadly, she was irresponsive and all she did was continue to be balled up by the counter.

I removed one of her arms from her knees before removing the other one. I then placed them on my shoulder before I dragged both of us up, with me standing and with her arms now wrapped around my neck.

Her legs were dangling, which was uncomfortable for both of us because she dragged me down. I was hesitant about gripping her legs and wrapping them around me, but either way, she did it herself, causing me to freeze with shock.

It took me a minute to actually come back to life and walk back to our room.

OUR? No, my room.

I decided to walk up the steps, because I enjoyed how she was wrapped around me. In three minutes, we were on my floor and we were heading towards my room.

Dorcas walked out the room and stood respectfully by my door. With just a nod, I dismissed her and she left us. I closed my bedroom door and walked to my bathroom.

The bathroom was already steamy and it smelt so sweet. The scent of cocoa butter and vanilla travelled around the bathroom.

I stalked towards the tub to check if the amount of water wouldn't hurt her back. I placed her on the toilet seat and glared at her as she was sniffing.

She wasn't looking at me, yet again, but at her lap.

I didn't like the fact she was wearing Ronaldo's sweater, but I had to shove my feelings aside.

"Stasia?" I said softly.

I was squatting and my knees kept brushing against her legs. She looked up at me and I felt something in me drop to my feet.

A heart maybe?

Her eyes were swollen and puffy, her skin was pale. Her lips were quivering and they seemed to pop out. Her grey eyes were now a darker shade, not far from black.

I took one of her tiny hands and placed it in mine. She was still shaking but not that much and her hands were cold.

She looked broken and sad, but who am I to blame her? I sent her into a coma, kidnapped her and she found her grandmother dead in a pool of blood.

" Stasia, can I help you undress or should I leave?" I asked her, and her hand tightened around mine.

I nodded at her and slowly trailed a finger to the bottom of her sweater. She shivered under me and I looked right straight in her eyes reassuringly.

" I won't hurt you; I promise," I said softly, shocking myself more than her.

Her eyes looked warily at me as if I was lying. She seemed like she had a problem with trusting people, men especially.

I've seen her with Dorcas and Tania and she openly trusted them even though she didn't know them, but when surrounded by men, she starts pulling stunts.

" I'll leave but I'll be outside in the bedroom if you need me, okay?" I said softly while staring into her eyes.

I got back up and walked out the bathroom, not forgetting to close the door. I went into my closet and grabbed one of my casual shirts for her and a pair of sweatpants. I wouldn't want her wearing something provocative.

I took out the toiletries meant for her and placed them on the bed, as well as a clean set of undergarments.

Black lace, to be precise, reminds me of the day at the strip club.

I went back into my closet and changed into a pair of black sweatpants and slides before heading back into the bedroom.

I climbed the bed and laid against the headboard with my arm over my forehead. My mind was trying to grasp the situation I'm currently in and I don't know how I'm going to get out of this situation.

Ronaldo and Lorenzo are currently in the field trying to find out more about the Russian threat we are soon going to deal with.

My mind was also on the fact that some girls are selling back at my club.

There's also the Colombian Mafia situation and the disappearing boys. I don't know how father would react to this, but I know I won't tell him.

I also have to deal with Ronaldo's relapse. His episodes started visiting us more frequently ever since Anastasia came into the Den.

I haven't seen my daughter in a while, but I know she is in good hands with the house help as well as Dorcas.

I don't know what I am going to do with Anastasia, but I know I can't keep her here forever when there is no valid reason. But something doesn't sit well with me when I tell myself to "let her go".

It's not on the basis she will rat my organisation out, but on the basis that it just doesn't feel right.

Lorenzo has been more hands-on, on the business side. It's been a while since I've been at Knight and Co but I have other things to deal with.

The Russian threat.

I can't get my mind into it because I'm not sure if they would attack us.

The Russian mafia doesn't get along with the Italian Familiá. I know for sure I will be inheriting the Familiá, but I'm not sure how the rivalry will affect the NYC and LA organisations.

A whimper brought me back to reality. I swear my thoughts will kill me one day.

I peered over only to find Anastasia with nothing but a towel wrapped around her curvaceous body. I had to stifle the groan in my throat because I wouldn't want to scare her off while she was in the most fragile state.

" Do you want me to leave?" I asked her and she just twiddled with her fingers, yet I got the message. " I will be outside the door if you need me."

I then walked out the door and shut it close after me. I stood against the door for a while, contemplating whether I should enter my bedroom and see if she was okay or just wait outside.

" Where's my daddy?" a voice came from the end of the hallway.

" Daddy is very busy at the moment," one of the helpers said.

" He is always busy. Does he love me?" she asked and I honestly wanted to shove a bullet down my throat at that point.

" He sure does," the helper answered. I couldn't miss the hesitance in her voice.

They soon came into view and I glared at them. Tania looked at me and froze.

It's like she wasn't expecting to see me and she also didn't know how to react. We were strangers at that point. She was the exact copy of me, but with a midget height, a female body and longer hair.

" King," Janice greeted.

" You may be excused," I said to her and she nodded before turning around and walking back down the corridor. It was only me and my little copy. She looked uncertain about how to react to me and I could see it.

" Come to me," I said to her as I squatted before her.

She ran towards me and when she was at arm's reach, I pulled her and engulfed her in a hug. She started sniffing in my ear and her nose was now directly at my neck. Her tiny arms were around my neck as she cried. Her tears trickling down my skin since I was bare.

" Daddy loves you," I said reassuringly and she whimpered.

I stood up with her wrapped around me and not letting go. I hushed her and whispered sweet nothings in her ear.

I heard the door open before a gasp erupted from behind me. Tania's head lifted before she squealed out loud and clapped her hands together.

Damn Anastasia has that effect on everyone.

" Aunty Anastasia!" she squealed out loud in my ear before jumping and down.

" Little princess," she said softly.

Her angelic voice is a sweet melody to my demon soul. I turned to face her and even though my clothes were way too baggy on her, she looked adorable. Her stormy grey eyes sparkled as they fixated on Tania. She then looked up at me and a tiny smile formed on her lips, making me burst with joy.

" Daddy I can't see Aunty!" Tania whined and I chuckled.

Anastasia let out her arms and I placed Tania in her hands. Tania looked at Ana as if she was some angel from above. A huge smile plastered on both their faces giving me the warmest feeling ever.

" How are you little princess? It's been a long time," she said to her.

" I'm okay," she said, glaring at Anastasia as if she couldn't believe she was in the house. "I thought I wouldn't see you again."

" I thought so too, little princess," Anastasia said before turning to face me with a sad face, but then soon fixed it with a smile.

" I told daddy I wanted you but he said I won't see you again," she said, her voice now breaking and Anastasia hushed her while giving me that look of fear yet again.

Now I felt like the devil himself.

I wanted to reach out to Ana but then I decided not to when she flinched as I raised my hand. I sighed out loud and her eyes fixated back on the floor as she hushed Tania.

" It's okay little princess, I'm here," she reassured her.

" Forever?" Tania asked and I couldn't miss the pain in Anastasia's face.

Her eyes became teary and her nose became red in a second. A tear travelled down her cheek and she immediately wiped it off so Tania wouldn't see.

" Aunty, are you staying forever so that I won't be alone anymore?"

Anastasia's face turned cold and she gave me the scariest of faces. I even felt small under her gaze and ran a hand through my curls.

" Principessa, why don't you go change into casual clothes while I talk to aunty, okay?" I said to Tania and she twisted in Anastasia's arms.

" I'm picking my own clothes?" Tania asked and I nodded.

She squealed yet again before Ana placed her down on her feet and she ran to her room. When she closed her door, I turned to face Anastasia and I felt like a douchebag. Tears were descending down her cheeks and she was sniffing.

" Are... are you going...to keep me forever?" she asked.

I didn't know how to answer that, because my answer would be more about selfish reasons now, rather than about why I got her in the first place.

" You still haven't told me how you know the Colombians," I said calmly, hiding the real reason I wanted her to stay now.

She looked at me and shook her head before walking back inside the bedroom. I followed behind her, but not forgetting to close the door. She hugged herself as she stood by the bed and I had to restrain myself from standing behind her and wrapping my arms around her.

" How do you know the Colombians?" I asked her, standing not far from her.

" I don't know any Colombians. I got kidnapped, and then there was Diego and...and-" she managed to say before she started sniffing a lot more. I walked towards her and glared at her as she aggressively wiped the tears off her face.

" What did Diego do to you?" I asked her and her eyes went wide open.

She froze as if she was remembering something, but her eyes filled with more tears and I could see a blurry pupil.

"What did he do to you?"

" I... "She managed to say before hyperventilating.

Diego, what the hell did you do to her?

I tried to touch her but she flinched yet again, causing me to groan at myself more than her.

" Ana? What happened the time you were kidnapped?" I asked her gently as I took a seat on the bed, not trying to scare her. I wanted to make her feel comfortable around me, no matter how much it's going to take a lot of energy from me.

" I... I...was cleaned up," she began with a strained voice, and she took a deep breath while wiping her tears. I indicated for her to continue the story.

"...then I was taken to a room filled with other girls. They seemed like they had been there longer than me. We then had dinner and after dinner, we were taken to a photoshoot and they asked for our names. After the shoot, we were taken to a dorm and given sleepwear and we slept. The next morning, we bathed and we had to wear skimpy dresses. We then went to have breakfast before we were taken to what seemed to be a boardroom. One by one, the girls disappeared into an adjoining room where it was said to be that there were interviews taking place. Some interviews were longer and others were short, but mine was over in a minute. I was the last one and Diego wished we had met in different circumstances so he would lock me up in his room... and... and... "

Her eyes became wet yet again. This time I ushered her to come to me by holding her hand.

Yes, she was shaking but I didn't care.

Sooner or later, she will have to get accustomed to my touch.

I want to hold her forever and protect her from evil, even though I'm evil, I'm selfish enough to protect her from everyone else but me.

She stood between my legs, wiping all her tears while the ones that were way too fast landed on my face. I didn't mind though, as long as she was in my arms.

I wrapped my arms around her and placed my head on her chest.

She froze, yes, but I didn't care, I wanted to hear her heartbeat and it was beating very fast.

" Breath Stasia; I won't hurt you," I said and we both froze at the statement. "I won't hurt you again. What did Diego say?"

" That he would fuck me through and through and that the men buying would do way worse than fuck me. Diego wasn't a threat to me; I knew he wanted me but he had the power to violate me, but he didn't. He then ushered me into the adjoining room where a man stood. He asked me if I was King's girl but I did not know who that was…until recently," she said, somehow making me proud as she was seen as my girl.

" He was surprised to find out that I was not sleeping with clients and he somehow thought I was working for you against my will. He said he saved me but he didn't. He then fell quiet and then chuckled at the fact someone wanted to spend twenty million on me. He froze when he saw my face and he asked me what my name was and I told him that's when he lashed out and became chaotic. Diego was ordered back in and he too started acting crazy and then I was shoved back into the dorm room, with no clue about what was happening. I was handed scrubs and thrown back into a car and I found myself standing outside my apartment building. Diego said he would always be there for me and he would see me another time before he vanished."

" So, you don't know them?" I asked, confused.

" NO. But I think they know me. Especially the man that was interviewing us. He looked familiar though, but I don't know who he looked like," She further added on and I nodded.

" Are you Colombian?" I asked the question that loomed all over my mind.

" Supposedly my biological father was Colombian. My mother was half Italian, half Spanish. Her father was Spanish," she explained, and I nodded. "So, are you going to let me go?"

I froze.

It would be too soon if you asked me.

I can't let her go; it wouldn't seem right in my soul.

I wanted her close by and nowhere else. I lifted my head from her chest and glared at her.

Her face filled with hope, but how would I break it to her that I don't know where her brother is?

" Daddy! Aunty Stacia!" Tania's voice boomed as she kept knocking on the door.

Anastasia slid away from me before I marched towards the door and unlocked it. I pulled it open and Tania's midget frame stood glaring up at me as if I was the tallest tower. I stepped aside and she leaped into the bedroom while I closed the door behind her. I turned to face them only to find Tania ready to jump on top of Anastasia. I wouldn't want Anastasia to get hurt or for Tania to ask questions when she realises that Ana is hurt.

" Tania, don't you want ice cream?" I asked her and she came to a halt.

" No daddy, I already had ice cream," she said and I frowned.

" Did uncle Alex get it for you or did you have it when you entered the house?" I asked her.

" No daddy, your friend came over to my school and gave me ice cream. He said you told him to fetch me, but then he ran away when he saw Uncle Alex," she said, and I swear I lost it.

" What did I say about taking things from strangers?" I asked sternly, not forgetting to stalk her tiny figure.

She was now quiet but I didn't care because she needed to learn not to trust anyone.

" What did I say about talking to strangers? And since when does daddy have friends?"

I was now a foot away from her before Anastasia flew in front of my sight. I paused with confusion and glared at her as if she was crazy. Anastasia gulped loudly and I saw how tense her throat muscles were.

" Daddy, I'm sorry," her tiny voice boomed behind Anastasia and I could hear the fear in her voice.

" Where's Alex?" I asked, still looking into Anastasia's fearful eyes.

It's how it looked like she was determined to get beaten up for Anastasia but was still fearful.

" I think he left with Uncle Granté," she said softly, and I couldn't miss the rigid body of the person in front of me.

Her eyes became teary yet again and her body was shaking, but she was more serious about putting up a front to protect Tania.

" Ana?" I said, my voice calm and composed.

" She answered your questions," she said, her voice tense as if there was a ball down her throat.

" You and I will talk later," I said to her, giving her a death stare, compelling her to my order and she nodded. " Tania, why don't you and Aunty go to the playroom?"

" Aunty, do you want to come to the playroom with me?" Tania's voice erupted yet again from behind Ana. Mind I was still in a staring contest with Anastasia.

" Yes, little princess," she said, looking at me with wide, fearful eyes.

Tania then came into sight and skipped out of the bedroom. Anastasia was so deep in my spell she didn't notice the fact that I was hovering over her thick frame. I took a step forward to her. She obviously tried to take a step back but instead the bed was behind her, and if she leaned down further, she would be sprawled down on the bed.

" We will have dinner later," I said to her and she nodded.

I wanted to kiss her but I decided against it, so I turned around and walked away. I found Tania standing against the wall and I chuckled.

" Are you and Aunty done kissing?" she asked and I froze.

What the hell does she know about kissing?

" What do you know about kissing? You are two years old!" I roared and she scowled.

" I'm five years and seven months old," she said, and I chuckled.

" To me, you are two years old forever. Who is teaching you about kissing? At school they teach you about kissing?" I asked and she looked away from me. " Tania, I'm..."

" Little princess, let's leave your daddy alone, okay?" an angelic voice boomed behind me and I felt my hard on twitch in my pants at the word " Daddy".

The things she does to me are slowly making me insane.

I groaned out loud and stormed off before I threw her in my bedroom and fucked her senseless.

I rushed down the staircase and soon I found myself standing in the lobby. A few men were walking around in the lobby. I tried to search for Alex but he wasn't amongst them.

" Giovanni, where's Alex and Granté?" I asked.

" Aren't they in their lounge?" he said before taking a sip of his drink and I nodded before I headed in the way to the other lounge which was not far from their sleeping facilities.

A few men were sprawled down on the couch and others were playing snooker. They all glared at me before repositioning themselves in a respectful manner and gave me a polite nod which I returned.

" Alex," I said and he immediately stood up, still in his suit.

" King," he said before walking up to me.

" Did you see any man today near Tania?" I asked him and he frowned.

" No sir, but what was weird is that I was suddenly called off my duty, but when I called again, the number didn't exist. So, I drove back to her school and found her eating ice cream. I thought she had bought it at her school, but it's weird because she never has pocket money," he said.

" What do you mean called off duty? By who?" I spoke.

" The person didn't say, but the call came from the initiate cell phone and only the members have the number to the initiate cell phone, so when I was ordered, it seemed like a valid phone call with no questions asked," He said and I nodded.

" Report this to your supervisor," I said, and he nodded.

" Granté," I said, acknowledging his friend, and he nodded too.

I then left the lounge and went straight to my office. I sunk down on my throne and started occupying myself with my work.

After a while, Lorenzo and Ronaldo came storming in. I glared at them with furrowed eyebrows as they looked wary of something.

" What is it?"

" Why did Dorcas leave so many missed calls?" Lorenzo asked and I sighed.

" Anastasia had a situation but I dealt with it," I answered.

" What situation?" Ronaldo asked and I couldn't stop myself from rolling my eyes.

" I don't know what happened, but I found her in the kitchen crying and on the floor. But she is good now, she is with Tania," I said.

" Why was she on the floor, crying?" Ronaldo asked, his facial expression deadly.

" I don't know. She didn't say, but all I know is that she told me about the Colombians. She has no connection with them because they tried to auction her off, but the weird thing is that she said the man who interviewed her freaked out when he saw her face and when she told him her name," I spoke

" Is she Colombian though?" Lorenzo asked.

" Yes, she didn't even deny it. She is also half Italian and Spanish," I answered.

" What if her father works for the Colombian Mafia yet she doesn't know? " Ronaldo asked.

" She doesn't know her father," I said, and they groaned.

" What are your findings?" I asked them.

" Well, let's just say our intel says the Russians are planning on something big," Lorenzo said.

" Maybe a drug hijack or they are going to grab our shipments," Ronaldo said.

" Or maybe they wanted to kidnap Tania and use her as bait," I said, and they were both now standing near my desk.

" Explain."

" Tania said a stranger gave her ice cream and claimed to be my friend, saying I had sent him to fetch her, but then, luckily, Alex arrived and the dude ran away," I said, and they frowned. " Someone hacked into our system and called Alex, on his Familiá cell phone, calling him off duty but when he called again the number didn't exist so he went back to Tania's school, so he didn't see the man trying to take Tania."

" Shit, this is bad," Ronaldo exclaimed.

" You think?" Lorenzo added.

" I want Valentino and Weston to check because it's weird about how they didn't notice anything," I said, but then the door burst open and in came a frantic Alberto. I scowled at him.

" What the fucken hell? Have you forgotten your place? " Lorenzo asked, agitated.

" Sorry but you need to see this," Alberto said, and we all frowned.

" What is it?" Ronaldo asked, now more interested in what Alberto had to say.

When Alberto was about to talk, a high-pitched scream boomed and interrupted him.

All of us fled outside my office, heading in the direction of the lobby, which was hard because now, most of the family was standing guard holding guns and aiming them at the threat.

" Move!" Lorenzo roared as he shoved a few soldiers from our way.

Soon we reached the centre of the crowd and we froze.

Giovanni was holding a decomposing head by the hair while glaring at someone. I turned my gaze only to find Anastasia standing there with her hands covering her mouth and she was shaking.

Soon Ronaldo and Lorenzo saw where I was looking and I couldn't miss the " Shit" they both muttered under their breaths.

Giovanni looked uneasy as he held up the head in his hand. I caught a glimpse of Valentino and Weston at the end of the lobby. Both looked uneasy and it seemed something else was bugging them.

Valentino glared up at me and he nodded with a brief explanation. He knew they were hacked today and he didn't like it one bit.

I walked up to Giovanni, three body bags lying on the floor and what seemed to be a bloodied white note. I grabbed the note and read it.

"I'm back"

I groaned and squashed the paper in my hand. I opened the other two bags and groaned. One of them no longer had eyes while the other one was cut into pieces. I slammed my fist down on the marble, letting the pain take over my anger.

" It's Metelus, Kenneth and Paul," Weston said, and I nodded.

" Handle this," I said as I stood up and walked towards Lorenzo and Ronaldo. " Go examine for yourself. I need to deal with that situation."

I said, pointing towards Anastasia. I don't know why she was still standing there and no one seemed to try to remove her from the scene. I stalked towards her frozen state and bent down only to hoist her up and cradle her.

" Weston, tell Dorcas to not let Tania get out of the playroom," I said while walking towards the elevator.

I pressed the button and hopped in. When the doors slid closed, I glared at her. She was shaking and she was crying.

Okay, the sad part was I wasn't wearing a shirt so she was on my bare chest crying. Her delicate skin on my hard skin electrified me.

The doors finally slid open and I stormed towards my bedroom. I closed the door behind me and slowly strolled towards the bed and laid her down on the bed. For a person, she sure has a lot of tears to share.

" He... he...," she managed to say.

" I'm sorry," I said the foreign phrase yet again.

I rubbed her arm as I shushed her. She cries a lot, but what can I do?

After a while, she started hiccupping and I turned to face her. She was wiping the tears off her face and sniffing.

" Sleep."

" I... I... (hiccup) don't think I'll (hiccup) be able to," she said softly.

" What do you want to do then? I need to handle the situation downstairs," I said to her.

" Who were they?" She asked, glaring up at me.

" Our soldiers," I said.

There's that word again.

" Tania?" she said, ready to stand up, but I pulled her back, made sure she was wrapped around my waist.

Yes, she was shaking.

I could feel her chest rising quickly. Her eyes were moving too quickly for my liking. She looked like she wanted to unwrap herself from me but she couldn't, because it would end badly for her as she would hurt herself. I opened the blankets and placed her on the bed before covering her up in the black blanket.

" Sleep. I'll tell Dorcas to take Tania. Nothing will hurt you or get you," I said reassuringly and she looked at me hesitantly.

Like she had a good reason to not trust me. Which she did, but then when will she forgive me?

I've apologised enough and "sorry" was never part of my vocabulary until I met her.

I walked away and went out the room before rushing down the staircase. Everyone was still standing in the lobby, watching Ronaldo and Lorenzo examine the bags. With a hand wave, Weston was standing by my side.

" Take Tania to my bedroom. Make sure Tania is safe in there and look after her. Dorcas can leave for the quarters. After that, come back here," I ordered him and he nodded before climbing the staircase. I pushed passed the crowd and shook my head in frustration. "And?"

" Tortured before killed. Not sure if they revealed anything to those that tortured them," Ronaldo said.

" Colombian or Russian?" Alberto asked, standing not far from me.

" Russian," I answered. " Metelus's head has a stamp on it. A labeling. They wanted to make sure we knew it was them."

" Giovanni, I want you to report it to their families. Hand them each five hundred grand and also the cremations of their member. Alberto, take them to the furnace, Matteo, gather up the urns for them. " I ordered and they nodded. " Valentino and Weston, I need y'all by my side. The rest of you guys are needed for training. A war has knocked down our doors and we need to end it."

They all nodded before dispersing to their duties. A couple of men gathered up the bags and headed towards the Cremation room. In our family, we prefer cremating the bodies so that the families won't see how their family members were killed and some disfigured.

I headed back into my office with Valentino and Weston on my heels. I sat at my table and glared at them. Valentino had a disappointed face on his face.

" What happened?" I asked.

" I don't know. I was offline for two hours because we went for training, then all of a sudden, I had an alert saying I had gone back online but then whoever accessed the system had entered the wrong code, twice. When we reached Ops, there was no one there but our system was online and whoever hacked in, was still hacking into the systems, so I switched off the entire system again and placed a virus on the folders they had accessed. No encryption, whatsoever, just a virus, " Valentino explained, and I nodded.

" Any surveillance?" I asked and Weston shook his head no.

" Whoever did it knew we were in training," Weston said.

" So, you are saying we have a mole?" I said, agitated at the betrayal.

" Yes. Tania and none of the members are safe. Including the whole Familiá," Valentino said.

" I need you to alert Ronaldo and Lorenzo," I said.

" What about Matteo, Alberto and Giovanni?" Weston asked.

" I don't want you guys alerting anyone. I don't want the mole getting alerted on the fact that we are aware there is a mole," I said.

" I really thought Quinton was the last of our moles," Weston said sadly, and I nodded.

" Do you have any suspects?" I said as I turned to face Valentino.

" Not at the moment. I was focused on other things rather than evaluating our crew members," he said.

" You need to go back and start evaluating. We can't keep having unexpected moles. Weston will take over for you, but for now, I need you to dig deep into who the mole is," I said and he nodded. " Now let's go training."

We walked out the office, all with one purpose, to prepare for the war that was to come.