Three Months Later

We parked up outside the large red brick building in Soho. It’s unassuming facade nestled amongst the shops and tourists. It may not have appeared much to anyone walking by, but this building held a great memory for me.

I opened the car door and smiled as I looked up, remembering the first time I saw it. The day I met Olivia. The day she threw her drink over me and overturned my life.

Marcus pulled away from his phone and told the driver to park up elsewhere and wait for our call. Then turned back to his conversation.

Since he’d taken over the Syndicate, he didn’t have much time to spend on casual meetings. We’d had to dress this as lunch and catch up. Little did he know, we had news for him. My smile widened as I thought about it and climbed out of the car. Not even the pain in my side could diminish the grin.

Marcus finished his call and joined me on the pavement. Then narrowed his eyes at me. “What are you so happy about?”

I shrugged. “Just life.”

He rolled his eyes, but smirked all the same. “I’ve not seen that smile off your face in months. You’re worrying me.”

Gesturing to the tall black door, I ushered him towards it. “Says you. Your trademark scowl hasn’t been making much of an appearance lately.”

He turned back as the doorman let us through and pointed to his smirk. “Don’t be fooled by this. I’m always scowling on the inside.”

I walked over to the desk and the well-dressed receptionist nodded. “Welcome back, Mr Mason. Are you here to see Ms and Ms Romano?”

“Yes. They’re expecting us.”

She nodded. “Please, could you sign in?” Marcus and I did as she asked while she tapped away at the keyboard. “They’re on the fifth floor in the main bar.”

“Aren’t they always?”

We entered the lift to the side, and I felt a pang of excitement lurch in my gut. Like the lift had moved too quickly, but the doors hadn’t even closed. I couldn’t wait to see her. It had only been a few hours since we left our new house for London, but any time away from her was too long. When I said I never wanted to leave her side again, I meant it.

Marcus turned to me after the doors had closed. “What’s this about, anyway?”

My rising grin threatened to give the game away. I cleared my throat. “Not much. Just a catch up.”

He nodded but his eyebrow raised. “Yeah, because you two leave your little love nest for anything less than an emergency. Even then, not without a fight.”

“Olivia had to come for a meeting. They’re selling one of their businesses. We may as well meet you while we’re down this way.”

“Yeah, right. May as well.” He didn’t believe me.

The lift arrived on the fifth floor and we made our way down the sleek wooden corridor to the main bar. Walking through the door, I spotted her sitting at the far table arguing with her sister. It was like seeing her for the first time and it made me stop in my tracks.

I paused to take in the majesty of her. The light from the floor length windows seemed to blaze only for her, sending golden tones through her dark brown hair and warming her olive skin with a radiating glow. She was even more beautiful now than she was then.

When my eyes met with hers, my heart fluttered. I was still taken aback by that knowing stare. The look that promised the darkest of secrets underneath the brightness of her smiling eyes. It didn’t matter how much I knew about her, there would always be more to figure out.

Olivia commanded my attention. Even from across the room she projected a strength that defied her size. A presence of character I’d seen in no one else before.

She stood as I walked over, folding her arms and rocking back on her heel. The cocky stance which hinted at her defiant nature. The fire that begged, yet, refused to be tamed. I wanted to own it as much as I did then. To hold that flame she contained in my hands and keep it forever.

I knew now, though, I could never own that spark inside her. Quite the opposite. It owned me.

Olivia pouted and placed her hands on her hips. “What time do you call this?”

I looked at my watch. “About 3.50.”

Her smile broke through her fake indignation. “You’re twenty minutes late.”

Pulling her towards me, I held her head in my hands and hovered my lips a breath from hers. “Did you miss me?”

“Yes. I’ve been waiting for this.” Her lips reached for mine and I kissed her.

Having her close filled me inside. It was like her presence reached out from her and consumed me. I wasn’t complete unless I was next to her. The feel of her soft skin made me want to hold her closer, but she pulled away and bit her lip as she looked up. The warmth in her half-closed eyes spoke without words. They whispered how much she loved me.

I smiled. “Then I sincerely apologise for Marcus, and his inability to get anywhere on time.”

Marcus took a seat opposite Milena and called to us. “Don’t blame me. You’re the one who insisted on lunch in central.”

I looked over. “And you’re the one who demanded a third beer.”

He shrugged. “I don’t get much time to relax these days, I have to enjoy it while I can.”

I kissed Olivia’s forehead. Then moved back to take the seat opposite hers. “So, how did the meeting go?”

She nodded and her long hair cascaded from her shoulders, framing her perfect face. Casting shadows below her cheekbones and jaw that made her beautiful features even more pronounced. I could sit and stare at her all day.

“Really well. They’ve offered us a good price for it.”

Milena shuffled in her seat and folded her arms. “I still don’t see why we have to sell it.”

Olivia rolled her eyes and addressed her sister. “We’ve discussed this, Milena. We’re not expanding anymore. There’s no point competing with this company. Why spend our time and money just to hold position when they’ve offered us a good price to buy us out?”

Milena shook her head and turned away from her. “We should be buying them.”

Olivia sighed. “We don’t have the resources. It’s smarter to pull back and focus on the logistics company. That’s our biggest. Not to mention, the business we have with other ties.”

“Olivia’s right,” Marcus said. “The logistics company is your foundation. You should focus on that until you’ve got a handle on everything.”

Milena scowled at him. “Since when do you have a say in my side of operations?”

He jutted his chin at her. “Since Gian died.”

She narrowed her eyes.

Olivia sighed. “You’ll still have the rest of the legitimates to run. Don’t you think you’ve got enough on your plate for now?”

Milena turned to Olivia. “We should be expanding. There was a reason he invested in that industry, it’s got massive potential. We have to be aggressive with it.”

Olivia shook her head. “Milena, it’s done. I’m selling it. End of discussion.”

Milena pressed her lips together and turned away.

Both Marcus and I looked at each other. We had tried to dissuade Olivia from letting Milena run the legitimate businesses, but she insisted on giving her the chance. She had the experience with them. While Olivia still owned everything, she’d put a lot of faith and control in Milena’s hands. Much more than I thought she deserved. I didn’t trust Milena, and I was unsure if I ever would.

The waiter came over and placed two glasses of scotch on the table and I turned to him. “I didn’t order.”

Olivia smiled. “I took the liberty.”

I narrowed my eyes at her playfully. “What if I didn’t want whisky?”

“That’s what you always have.”

“What if I wanted Champagne?”

Her smile widened. “That’s next.”

Marcus picked his glass up from the table. “Whatever in-joke you two are playing, I don’t care. I’m not complaining.”

I raised an eyebrow at him. “You wouldn’t, philistine.”

He smirked. Then took a drink.

“Marcus,” Olivia started. “Any word on Lawrence?”

He sighed and shook his head. “No. I’ve had people looking, but he’s disappeared. None of my guys can find Lucy, either. She was seen around the London shelters when she first escaped, but no one has seen her in months.”

A pang of guilt snapped in my chest. She was homeless when I picked her up. I hoped she’d got out of London and found herself somewhere to live. Hope was all I could do.

Olivia huffed in frustration. “Keep looking.”

He nodded. “We’ll find her sooner or later.”

That didn’t look like it eased her worry. “How’s the other side of the business going?”

He drew a breath. “Good. Busy.”

“That’s all?”

“I only spoke to you about it last week.”

“Yeah, and it was all very matter-of-fact. Some might say cagey.”

“I wasn’t being cagey. I told you what you needed to know.”

She frowned. “How about I decide what I need to know? Tell me what the fuck’s going on. With you, with the business, in general.”

Olivia still didn’t take no shit from Marcus. I loved the boldness she showed whenever she stood up to him. Even back when she first saw him in the cells, she wasn’t afraid to put him in his place, or me for that matter.

Although she was coming round to the idea he was her father, Olivia held her reservations about Marcus. He’d not given her any reason to doubt him, but she still didn’t trust him completely. Not that I could blame her, it had only been three months. Marcus had to tread carefully if he wanted the chance to win her trust and get close to the daughter he’d waited so long to get to know.

He sighed as he held her eyes. “I’m still figuring out how far Gian’s tendrils went. I’ve gone through all the connections you gave me and then beyond. Gian was into some shit you didn’t know about.”

“Like what?”

“I didn’t want to tell you until I’d found something concrete, or anything useful to be honest. You’ve had enough to deal with, I didn’t want to burden you with this, too.”

“Let me decide that. What was he involved in, Marcus?”

“I don’t know exactly.” He lowered his voice. “But I’ve followed a trail that tells me he has connections with the Albanian Mafia.”

Milena sat forward in her seat. Her eyes screwed together with confusion. “He wouldn’t work with the Albanians. Warned us countless times against getting involved with anyone working with them. He called them brutal heathens that couldn’t be trusted.”

Marcus turned his attention to Milena. “Maybe so, but it looks like he didn’t follow his own rules. He was shovelling money into something with them. Judging by the amount, it’s something big. Either that, or he was paying them off.”

I’d heard enough about the Albanians to know this wasn’t good. Their blood for blood culture made them nasty to deal with. It was a rule that no one in the Syndicate should work with them or any other familial organisation. A rule often enforced by Gian.

“I’ve not stopped the money. I’m trying to pick up the contacts with them to figure out what we’re dealing with. They’re not forthcoming with me though.”

Olivia’s smile had faded, and she had a pensive look on her face. “So, what does this mean? If he was funding something, then I’d imagine the Albanians would want to keep that contact. If he was paying them off, then they’d be keeping us on a tighter leash. They’d still want to control the money, wouldn’t they?”

“You’d think so, but every introduction I’ve tried has met with closed doors.”

“Shit.” Olivia sighed. “This is just what we need. The Syndicate is fragile enough at the minute without adding interference from the fucking Albanians. We can’t continue the association with them. We can’t let them get a foothold anywhere in this business.”

“It won’t come to that. Leave it with me. I’ll figure it out before I put a stop to it.”

Olivia ran her hands through her hair. I could tell this had worried her. “Okay, just keep me informed with what’s going on.”

Marcus’ phone rang. He nodded at Olivia before he checked the screen and answered.

I turned to her. The concern was written all over her furrowed brow. “Don’t worry about it.”

She cocked her head. “How can I not?”

“Because you’ve no need to get involved. Marcus will sort it out.” She looked down and sighed. There was doubt in her mind he would. “At least, don’t let it spoil today.”

Olivia looked back up at me and her burgeoning smile warmed the frustration from her face. She may not trust Marcus and she still didn’t consider him a father, but she was still excited to tell him.

“What the fuck? How bad?” Marcus shouted down the phone causing us all to turn to him. He looked pissed off. “Alright, I’ll be there soon. Get the doc out and don’t touch that little fucker again till I get there.” He hung up and placed the phone in his pocket while shaking his head.

“Problem?” Olivia said.

“Not as such. My guys have got hold of that little bastard James. I’ve been after him for weeks.” Marcus knocked back his whisky and stood to leave. “But he’s not in a good way, and I need to get there. Sorry, I’m gonna have to go.”

“Wait,” I said. “You can stay for a few more minutes?”

Marcus shook his head. “I can’t. He’s conscious, and I need to speak to him while he still is.”

“There’s something we need to tell you. Both of you.”

Olivia reached across and touched my arm. “Maybe we should wait for another time?”

“We won’t be down again for a while.” I smiled and held her hand in mine. “We need to do it now.”

“What is it?” Marcus said folding his arms. “And why aren’t you gonna be down again? I thought you were going to work with me soon? I could use the help. Sooner rather than later.”

I kissed my teeth. “Yeah, it’s kind of about that.”

Marcus groaned. “Please, don’t say you’ve changed your mind.”

“It’s more that the situation has changed.”

Milena huffed. “Would you spit it out already?”

Olivia smiled and shook her head at her sister. Then looked over at me. “Are you going to tell them or shall I?”

The grin I’d been trying to hide all afternoon refused to be held back any longer. “I think it’s your privilege.”

Marcus unfolded his arms and opened them towards her. A confused smile worked its way on to his face as he picked up on ours. “Well?”

Olivia looked up at him, her eyes beamed with joy. “You’re going to be a grandad.”

His jaw fell open, and he shook his head in confusion trying to process what she said. “What?”

“You’re pregnant?” Milena squawked, as she held her head forward stunned.

Marcus laughed. “I’m going to be a grandad!”

Olivia nodded at them and laughed. “Yes. How many other ways can we say we’re having a baby?”

I didn’t think I’d ever seen Marcus as happy. He looked like he’d been given the news of his life. Without even acknowledging me. He ran around the back of my chair and picked Olivia up off the floor with his bear hug. She squirmed under his grip then relaxed and held him back.

“I’m so pleased for you.” He pulled away and held her face in his hands. “You’re gonna be an awesome mother.”

Olivia’s warm smile grew. “Thank you.” She looked down and stepped back. “I hope I will be.”

He stroked her arm. “I know you will.”

Marcus turned to me. I swear there were tears in his eyes. “You…”

He pointed at me, and I stood with my hands raised. My grin was almost as wide as his.

“You… bastard.” He laughed, lunged forward and pulled me into a hug. Olivia had to step back to avoid us. “You fucking bastard. You only went and fucking did it, didn’t you?”

I laughed. “Yeah, I did.”

Pulling back, Marcus wiped his eyes and beamed at me. “I’m so happy for you, man.”

I think he was happier for himself. “Thanks.”

He turned back to Olivia. “How far along?”

She chewed her lip and looked off to the side. “About three months.”

He turned to me, his eyes narrowed but his smile still beamed. “You’ve only been together three months.”

I shrugged. “Things happened quickly.”

He held up his hands and shook his head. “I don’t want to know.” He laughed then sighed. “Goddamnit, I’ve got to go. I wish you hadn’t told me.” He pointed to his grin. “How am I going to play the evil crime lord with this face, now?”

“I’m sure you’ll manage,” Olivia said dryly.

He turned to her and held her hand. “Your Mother would’ve been so proud. I know I am.”

She gave him a soft smile and glanced down.

“Goddamnit. I’ve got to go. And there’s nothing more I’d rather do than stay here and celebrate with you both.” He pulled his phone from his pocket and slapped me on the back as he turned to leave. “Congratulations. To both of you. We’ll arrange another time to celebrate soon. Even if I have to trek out to the country to see you.” He gave us another beaming smile. Then huffed as he strolled to the door, back on a phone call as soon as he left us.

Milena stood and cleared her throat. Then offered me her hand. “I suppose congratulations are in order.”

I shook it and nodded. “Thanks, I suppose.”

She glared at me then turned to her sister. “If one of us had to keep the bloodline going, I’d rather it be you.”

Olivia laughed. “Is that your way saying you approve?”

She shrugged. “It is what it is.”

“I’ve just told you I’m pregnant, can’t you be a little happy for me. As a human being if not as a sister?”

Milena plastered on her fake smile and bowed her head. “I’m pleased one of us has everything they could wish for. No doubt this new arrival will bring you even more joy and happiness. Now, please excuse me. I must be heading off, too, some of us have work to do.”

Olivia sighed as she watched her sister gather her things to leave. “Milena.”

She stopped and shot her a cold stare that reminded me of Gian. “What?”

“I’d be happy for you.”

She huffed. “You would. Empathy has always been your weakness.” She spun and left for the door.

“Milena.” Olivia started after her.

I grabbed her arm and held her back. “Let her go. We’ve had all the pleasantness we’ll get from her today.”

She looked up at me with a cheerless smile, stepped forward and wrapped her arms around my waist. “Why is she so callous?”

The question wasn’t directed at me. More to herself, but I held her close and gave her the answer she already knew. “She’s bitter. You were chosen over her.”

“But I’ve given her what she wanted.”

“No, you haven’t. You’re still in control. She won’t soon forget that.” I brushed the hair from her face. “But you should, for now. Don’t let her put a downer on this.”

Some warmth returned to her face. “The big reveal didn’t quite go as expected, did it?”

“Marcus was pleased enough for all of us. I’d say that qualifies as better.”

She laughed and shook her head. “What now? I can’t go see Alice, she’s in Spain for a week with Mark. Home?”

My grin widened. “Not just yet.”

Disappointment creased her eyes, and she pouted at me. “You want to stay here? I can’t even have a drink.”

I held her face in my hands and hovered my lips above hers. “Are you whining? Because you know whining girls don’t get what they want. Do they, honey?”

Her eyes glinted as a mischievous smile warmed her face. “No, I wasn’t whining.”

“Are you sure? That’s what it sounded like.”

She laughed. “Just stating a fact.”

“Good.” My lips met hers and I kissed her with all the hunger rising within me. It would be a long drive home, and I wasn’t prepared to wait that long. I bit her lip and drew a delicate yelp from her throat. Then looked down into her fervent eyes. “I don’t want to drink.”

She giggled as she shook her head. “No, not here.”

“Are you telling me no?”

She straightened her expression, but couldn’t hide the amused smile. “Don’t make me repeat myself.”

I reached for her hand and held it in mine. “Come with me.”

She hushed her protest as I led her resisting past the bar. “Aaron, no.”

Opening the door, I looked back at her and raised my eyebrows. “Don’t argue.”

Her lips pressed together in a mock scowl as I pulled her through into the hallway and down to one of the private rooms.

“Aaron!” She growled as I dragged her inside and locked the door behind me. Playful amusement crept through her forced frown as she backed away from me and over to the far side of the small room. “We can’t do this here.”

I stalked over and pressed her into the wall. “Don’t tell me what I can and can’t do.”

Those striking green eyes were burning with desire as she stared up into mine. That look fed my soul. There was a power in it that made me weak, yet, gave me strength. She didn’t realise the extent of the hold she had over me. How she could control my heart with little more than a blink or a wink. One look would make me fold like a wilting flower and another would stir a wild torment inside.

I ran my hands through her hair then gripped it tight. She gasped as I held her kiss a breath away. Her lips reached for me, twitching with her shallow breath. She smiled as I kept her waiting. Her impatience growing. A soft whimper escaped from her throat.

“Is that a whine?”

She shook her head, but did it again. The delicate noise whispered through my chest. She knew exactly how to play me.

I yanked her from the wall and dragged her over to the side table, turning her around to face the mirror which hung above it. When she saw her reflection, she turned her head.

“No. Not the mirror,” she grumbled.

I bent her forward and spanked her arse. “Look.”

She yelped then shook her head. Her eyes were screwed shut.

Pulling her hair, I forced her head up, and hit her again. The moan that rumbled in her throat stirred my need. “Open your eyes.”

She screwed them tighter. “No.”

I hit her harder, and she cried out as they flung open.

“Good girl.”

Her eyes fixed to mine as I caressed her arse, stroking where I’d struck. She didn’t drop my gaze, but her eyes softened as I teased her sensitive skin and smiled.

“Look at yourself.”

“I don’t want to.”

“It’s not a request.”

She did as she was told and met her own eyes in the mirror. I could see the tension on her face as she studied the reflection she hated. It hurt to see the pain she carried inside. The disgust at what she thought she was. But I wanted her to see what I did.

“Olivia. You’re beautiful.”

She swallowed and glanced away. I slapped her arse and her eyes darted back to her reflection.

“You’re the most beautiful person I’ve ever known, inside and out.”

My hand travelled between her legs, and her breath hitched as I stroked the warmth beneath her jeans. Her face relaxed as I teased.

“You’re strong, powerful, and fierce. You’ve a fire in you that could burn down a room.”

I came behind her and smoothed my fingers around her waist. Popping her button and unzipping her fly. Her eyes glanced at mine as a smile curved her lips.

“Look at you. Look at what I see.”

She flicked back to her reflection as I eased the jeans down her thighs.

“I see a woman who is brave, determined, and obstinate.”

She laughed. I trailed my hands up her warm skin and groaned as I caressed her arse.

“I see the sexiest woman. One who can make me hard with little more than a moan.”

To prove my point, I pressed against her. As she lifted from the table, I wrapped my arms around her and I held her close against my chest. Looking over her shoulder, I caught her eyes in the mirror.

“I see the mother of my child. The woman I love.”