Blood and Business

The morning sun barely pierced through the thick storm clouds that loomed over the city, casting everything in a dull, lifeless gray. Kilian sat at the edge of his bed, elbows on his knees, staring blankly at the floor. His thoughts were a tangled mess, laced with irritation and something darker—something he refused to name.

He hadn't checked on Ramona. He wouldn't.

Instead, he pressed a button on the nightstand, calling for his housekeeper. Within seconds, a soft knock echoed through the penthouse.

"Sir?"

"Make sure she eats," he said flatly. "And she doesn't leave that room."

There was a slight hesitation before the housekeeper responded. "Understood."

That was all. No more words, no second thoughts. He pushed Ramona from his mind as he rose to his feet and grabbed his keys.

There were more important matters at hand.

The warehouse sat in an abandoned part of the city, far from prying eyes. A place forgotten by the government but thriving under the weight of the underworld. It was their usual meeting spot—neutral ground for deals that required discretion and a heavy dose of violence when necessary.

As Kilian pulled up, the large metal doors were already open. Inside, Domenico, Rocco, and Richard were waiting, along with several armed men stationed at the perimeter.

Kilian stepped out of his car, his black boots crunching against gravel. He adjusted the cuffs of his tailored suit as he approached them, exuding the kind of control that kept lesser men in line.

Domenico, a man with graying temples and a cold, calculating gaze, was the first to speak. "Shipment came in last night. No issues. The cash is being cleaned as we speak."

Rocco, younger but just as ruthless, nodded. "We pushed half the product through the docks already. The rest is being divided between our contacts in South America and Eastern Europe."

Richard, who had a cigarette hanging from his lips, exhaled slowly before adding, "There's been movement from the Russians, though. They're sniffing around, looking for a weakness."

Kilian's expression didn't change. He slipped his hands into his pockets and tilted his head slightly. "And what do they think they'll find?"

Richard smirked. "Nothing. We made sure of that."

Kilian gave a slow nod. "Good. But double security on the next shipment. If they're watching, it means they're planning something."

The men exchanged glances before nodding. No one questioned Kilian's orders.

The sound of tires against pavement made them all turn their heads. A black SUV pulled up, and out stepped Alfredo, the supplier.

Alfredo was a broad man with slicked-back silver hair, his face lined with years of experience and sin. He was the kind of man who had seen too much, done too much, and survived it all. And he was one of the few men Kilian trusted—for now.

With a sharp grin, Alfredo spread his arms. "Ah, Kilian! Right on time as always."

Kilian simply nodded, watching as Alfredo's men unloaded crates from the back of the SUV.

Cocaine.

Guns.

More firepower than most small countries had access to.

Domenico stepped forward, inspecting the weapons while Rocco and Richard checked the product. The exchange was smooth—years of working together ensured that.

Alfredo, however, wasn't just here to do business.

Once the deal was sealed, he turned to Kilian, his grin widening. "You know, Kilian, we've done good business over the years. Profitable business."

Kilian's patience thinned. "Say what you want to say, Alfredo."

Alfredo chuckled, shaking his head. "Ah, straight to the point. Fine. I'll say it again, as I have before—why not solidify this partnership with family? With marriage?"

Kilian's jaw tightened, but his face remained unreadable.

Alfredo continued. "Alexia is a good woman. Beautiful, well-mannered, and she understands this world. Unlike these fragile little things who don't belong in it."

Something in Kilian's chest tightened at the last part, his mind immediately flashing to Ramona.

He had spent the entire night trying to push thoughts of her away, but they clung to him like a damn curse.

A human. The Moon Goddess had bound him to a human.

A woman too soft for this world. Too breakable.

And yet…

She was fire. She had looked him in the eye and told him she would escape. That she would fight.

He had never hated anyone more.

And yet, he couldn't stop thinking about her.

Alfredo was still speaking, his voice pulling Kilian back.

"Alexia is in love with you, Kilian. Anyone with eyes can see it."

Kilian let out a humorless chuckle, finally looking at him. "And what makes you think I care?"

Alfredo frowned. "You could do worse."

Kilian smirked. "I could also do better."

The older man sighed in frustration. "Do you not want a wife? An heir?"

Kilian's smirk widened, but it held no warmth. "The devil doesn't have a lover, Alfredo."

Alfredo stared at him for a long moment before shaking his head. "One day, you're going to regret that, Kilian."

Kilian only chuckled.

Regret?

No.

If there was one thing he never did, it was regret.

Without another word, he turned and walked away, his mind still tangled in a name he wished he could forget.

Ramona.