“So, your saying you’ve never had sex before?” he asked.

“Erm, no.”

He sighed in what sounded like relief. “Thank fuck for that, because I want to be your first and your last and I don’t care if I sound like a possessive asshole, I like you Eva, I’ve liked you for a long time and I know you feel this connection between us, tell me you feel this connection Eva.”

“I feel it Kaden,” I admitted a lump of emotion formed in my throat. “I want this, with you.”

“You sure Eva?” he asked. “You sure you’re ready?”

“Yes,” I told him. “I’m ready Kaden.”

He smiled big and wide, transforming his features into something extraordinary. He kissed my lips softly, buried his head in the crook of my neck and whispered in my ear. “This is going to hurt, I promise I will be gentle. But Please Eva tell me if it’s too much.”

“I will,” I said. He pushed his tip inside of me, stretching me, it burned a little, but I bit back a painful groan, he kept on pushing and pushing till there was nothing left, and I felt like I wanted to cry, it was burning more now, and it was painful, but it only lasted a few minutes, he didn’t move, he was still, as if he was waiting for my permission and I gave him it, I told him it was ok, and he could move.

His thrusts at first were slow and sweet, it was nice, but I desperately needed more, I arched my back, pulling him deeper inside of me, his thrusts became less controlling and more urgent, he kept on hitting a spot that made me cry out in pleasure and my hips bucked widely.

I could feel myself reaching closer to my release, gripping onto his shoulders I wrapped my leg around his waist and met his thrusts with my own, I felt so good, this felt so right, I could hardly breathe.

“Kaden,” I gasped, he whispered in my ear telling me to “let go,” and I did. I came hard, screaming his name and two more thrusts later he followed with his own release groaning my name in pleasure.

He fell on top of me, both of us panted heavily, our bodies were a tangled mess and dripped with sweat. My eyes grew heavy from exhaustion, but I felt amazing, even if I was a little sore. I had wanted Kaden for as long as I could remember and now I had finally gotten him, I could feel myself falling fast for him, I wasn’t sure if it was a good thing or a bad thing.

He leaned up on his forearms, his expression was a mixture of both concern and happiness “You ok?”

I smiled, nodding my head, “yeah I’m good, are you ok?”

He kissed me, smiling against my lips. “I’m fan-fucking-tastic pretty girl.”

I laughed shaking my head. He got up and discarded the condom in the bathroom bin. When I looked at the sheets on the bed, I felt embarrassed and wanted to cry, the evidence of losing my virginity stained the sheets. I knew it was non-avoidable, it was natural of course but I felt stupid, he was so much more experienced than I.

“Hey,” he got back into bed and grabbed my waist pulling me on top of him “Don’t be embarrassed, I see the way you’re looking at my sheets. It’s normal Eva and I don’t care ok actually it makes me fucking damned happy knowing I was the one to have you and now I’m hoping I can keep you.”

“Yeah about that,” I bit my lip nervously. “What do you mean by that?”

“What I mean is,” he rolled us over, so he lays above me. “Your mine.”

“Like boyfriend and girlfriend then?”

“Yeah,” he smiled. “Like boyfriend and girlfriend, if that’s what you want?”

“I mean yeah,” I told him. “Of course I want that, but don’t you think we’re moving a bit fast? Because we were barley friends when you came back and now, what, we’re going to start a relationship?”

“You like me, don’t you?”

“Yeah.”

“And I like you too Eva, we’re not strangers, we’ve known each other basically our whole fucking lives, there’s history with us. I get it I moved away, but I’m still me, I’m not somebody different, I want this, and I want you. I don’t want no one else and sure as hell hope you don’t either. I’ve never done relationships before but I’m willing to try anything with you.”

I mulled it over in my head, thinking of all the things on how we could go wrong, but yet again I was letting my head over think, I had never been one to live in the moment, maybe it was time I did.

“Ok,” I whispered.

“Ok?”

“Yeah ok, let’s give this a try. I just don’t want to get hurt Kaden, you’re the only person who is capable of hurting me and that’s what I’m afraid of,” I admitted.

“Look I’m not going to lie to you and say it’s all going to be perfect because there will be times that I’ll piss you off, or I’ll fuck up, but I promise I won’t let you down and I will fucking try.”

I covered my mouth with my hand yawning, muttering sorry, he chuckled. “Let’s get some sleep.”

“I can’t I’ve got college in the morning and mum’s going to wonder where the hell I am.”

“Shit,” he said. “I forgot you went to college, how about we have something to eat and I’ll take you home?”

“Yeah,” I smiled. “I’d like that.”

Every day I woke up in the morning I had a smile on my face. I went to bed with a smile on my face and I went about my days with a smile on my face and it was all because of him, Kaden. Two weeks of bliss, was the only way I could describe our relationship, a part of me still thought we were moving fast, but a part of me loved the way things were going and honestly, I couldn’t be happier.

Breaking the news to my family went better than I thought, truth was my family were hardly surprised that we ended up together, they always knew we had deep feelings for one another, so it was easier when we told them we were dating. Caleb was reluctant on the idea of us being together and I understood he had reasons, it was because he was scared I was in danger with Kaden’s enemies, they would learn I was his weak spot and they would come after me, but Kaden had promised my brother he would protect me with his life and I believed him, I knew he wouldn’t let no one hurt me and I knew he was trying to keep me as far away from his life as possible, but it was only a matter of time before people would find out and I was hoping one of the people wouldn’t be Anton, he was the only one I feared.

Kaden was close to leaving his old life behind and starting a new chapter, there were people who weren’t happy with his decision in leaving the mafia and only trusted him to do business with and no other supplier, but he was working with new suppliers and his father’s associates to get them on the same page and gaining trust in one another, it was the only way he would be able to leave the mafia freely and without at target on his head. I am told by Kaden usually it was next to impossible to leave the mafia, normally the only way out was in a body bag, when he told me, I was hit with a wave of nausea and fear. I didn’t want him to get hurt and I didn’t want him to have enemies but sometimes things were inevitable. Because in this life we gained friends and lost them and then we gained enemies because there no longer the friends we once thought they were, it was a vicious cycle really.

It was Friday night and me and the girls were hanging out at Tamed, Kaden’s club, until he finished with his business dealings and then I would be spending the weekend at his flat which was a usual occurrence.

Elaine said Eric and Ben would be tagging along, which didn’t bother me in the slightest even though Eric could do my nut in from time to time, but then again, I didn’t think I had gave him much of a chance which I would admit on my part, was unfair. There was one slight problem to this evening and it was Ben’s presence, I liked being around him, he made me laugh and we always had a good time, but Kaden on the other hand didn’t like him all that well, he thought Ben liked me and wanted me to be more than his friend, according to him it was obvious with the attention I received from him, even my three brothers thought Ben had a crush on me, I didn’t know maybe he did, then again maybe he didn’t. Talking about it to Ben to me would be awkward, until I saw it was obvious I would say something and tell him I didn’t feel the same way because I am with Kaden and I only ever wanted to be with Kaden.

I was falling fast for him, undeniably fast and it was scary. I thought maybe I was in love with him but after two weeks it seemed silly to admit it out loud, I know we had known each other for ever, but still, I was frightened that when I said it aloud to him, he wouldn’t feel the same. I didn’t think I would be able to deal with the rejection and not to mention the heartbreak, it would be painful, I guessed I was waiting to see if he would say it first, I guessed then I wouldn’t be so embarrassed.

I promised to go food shopping this morning with mum, I normally hated food shopping but I felt as if I hadn’t seen much of mum lately and I really would love to spend some time with her and catch-up.

I had a quick shower and then brushed my teeth. I blow dried my hair, but left it a little damp and threw it into a messy bun. I threw on a pair of black jeans, red top and a black zipped-up hoodie to go over the top. I put on some comfortable trainers and I was all set for leaving.

Meeting mum in the kitchen I said good morning and told her I was going to have a quick cup of coffee.

Sitting up the table with my coffee, I went on my phone to see a text message from Kaden, of course I was now smiling ridiculously wide.

Kaden: Good morning beautiful, did you sleep well?

Me: Hey sweet, yeah, I didn’t sleep to bad thanks, how about you? You sleep well?

Kaden: I would’ve slept much better if you were by my side. I miss you Eva.

My heart picked up its pace and my belly fluttered furiously happy. I had never gotten used to feeling like this, I didn’t think I ever would and I liked that.

Me: I would have loved to have been by your side and I miss you too Kaden, so much.

Kaden: Good to know the feelings mutual pretty girl. You still shopping with your mom today?

Me: Always is. Yes, I am indeed, but I will see you later at the club.

Kaden: You will and I’m looking forward to it. I’ll speak to you later Eva got to sort some shit out with your brother.

Me: Ok, I hope it’s nothing bad.

Kaden: Not to worry, I’ll handle it. I’ll fill you in later.

Me: Ok then.

I sat there for a few minutes staring at my phone hoping for a reply in which I didn’t receive but I knew he was now probably busy. Pocketing my phone, I downed the remainder of my coffee and told mum I was ready to leave.

“How’s things with you and Kaden?” Mum asked, grabbing some yogurts placing them in the trolley.

“Yeah things are really great,” I smiled at the thought of us. “Why’d you ask?”

“Just wondering is all Eva, want to know if he is treating you right because if he isn’t I’ll go ninja on his arse for you.”

A laugh escaped me, “Christ mum, what are you Jackie Chan?”

“Whose Jackie Chan?”

“Really mum, he’s from rush hour,” confusion washed over her features. “Oh, never fucking mind, looks like I’m going to have to give you an education in films.”

She laughed, “I’m pulling your leg, I’m not senile you little shite I know who Jackie Chan is and I know the rush hour films he plays alongside Chris, what’s his face honey?”

“Oh god,” I rolled my eyes. “Chris Tucker mum.”

She clicked her fingers pointing at me. “Yeah that’s the one. I’ll kick Kaden’s arse like Chris Tucker.”

“For fuck sakes mum,” I laughed. “Never mind,” I grabbed some butter from the shelf changing the subject. “You need some butter, or do we have some?”

“No, chuck that in the trolley will you Eva.”

“Yeah on it.”

We had finished food shopping we were half way down the aisle, leading to the tills so we could pay, when mum’s favourite song came on the radio, she was walking a few feet in front with the trolley and started to wiggle her bum and sing, not quietly either, fucking hell. I groaned into my hands, other customers started to stare at the scene playing out in front of them which consisted of mum singing loudly and dancing stupidly, her arms were doing a little groove and was she doing a fucking tap dance, Christ I needed to put a stop to this.

Running over, I nudged her in the side with my elbow. “Will you stop mum,” I whisper hissed.

“Oh Eva,” she threw her arm over my shoulder, swaying us from side to side. “Live a little will yah.”

“Are you drunk mum?” I said deadly serious. “Did you put whisky in your coffee?”

She laughed loudly. “Don’t be so stupid, I would never drink and drive. Although I had a lot of wine last night, I still feel a little funny.”

I palmed my forehead. “Let’s just pay and get out of here shall we, before you get locked in a mental institution for acting like a wally.”

On the drive home, we stopped off at Johns café to have a coffee.

Parking the car, a street down. We walked the rest of the way. Reaching the café, my eyes widened in shock. Fear, dread and fright began to swirl around in the pit of my stomach. Police cars were lined out in front of the café, with police tape covering the perimeter.

I ran towards the incident, mum shouted my name from behind me, but I ignored her, needing to see if John was ok.

“What’s going on?” I asked one of the police officers, he didn’t hear me at first, so I repeated my question.

“Miss, you can’t be here right now, this is an ongoing investigation to a crime scene,” he told me.

“And I understand that, but I know the man, he runs this business, he’s name is John, I need to know if he’s ok?”

“Give me a second,” he went underneath the tape and into to the café. I couldn’t see much from where I was standing because police officers took up my view. I waited patiently for the officer to return. Mum reached my side and asked what happened, I shrugged my shoulders and told her I didn’t know, because in all honesty, I didn’t. The windows of the café had been smashed in, shards of glass covered the ground, graffiti was sprayed across the brick wall, saying you’re dead in the colour red, which was alarming and made me felt sick to my stomach. Was John purposefully targeted, if so, why? He was a good man and didn’t deserve this harassment, he was always so giving and loving, I couldn’t wrap my head around why anyone would do this to him. A horrible niggling feeling sat in the pit of my stomach, saying there’s something more to this, something bigger than John, even I. I felt out of sorts, I didn’t like the way I felt.

The officer came over, informing me I could go inside, because John wished to see me. Mum told me she would wait in the car to give John and I some privacy, I gave her a quick her hug. The police officer escorted me into the café.

The glass crunched under my feet, I treaded carefully not wanting the glass to break through the sole of my trainers. Entering the café, a lump of emotion formed in my throat and tears stung the backs of my eyes. It was a tip, a complete utter mess, tables were turned upwards, chairs were scattered all around the room, like they had been thrown. The mirrors that once hung on the wall were now broken into pieces and lye on the floor, cups, plates, you name it everything was broken, messy, torn apart. This place, it was Johns lively hood, he loved it and cherished it, this café was his baby and was a huge apart of his life, and now, it was broken, impaired.

John stood in the centre of all the mess. His head hung down, he looked crushed. Running over to him I threw my arms around him. “You’re okay?” I cried. “I thought something had happened to you.”

“Eva,” his voice was thick with emotion. “Oh Eva, look at this place, it’s destroyed, they’ve took everything from me. This place is all I had.”

“Oh John,” tears ran down my cheeks. “I’m so sorry, I wish there was something I could do to help.”

He grabbed my cheeks between his hands, wiping away my tears with his thumbs. “You are helping Eva, you’re here. You’re the face I just needed to see, please don’t cry for me, ok, I don’t want that pretty little face crying for me, you got it?”

I nodded and thought to myself, how could he be worried about me after everything he had been through, but I gave him a reply he so desperately needed to hear “Yeah I got it” taking me by the hand, John grabbed two chairs placed them on their legs and we sat down amongst the mess, I couldn’t look around, it hurt me too see such a beautiful place now destroyed.

“What happened?” I asked.

“I came to open the café at eight this morning and found it this way, I couldn’t believe it. At first I thought it was stupid teenagers but then I found a note beside the till” he went into his jeans pocket and passed me the scrunched-up paper. Opening it, I started to read, and my body became numb. Many emotions swirled around inside of me like a storm, I felt like I couldn’t breathe.

This is a message for Kaden.

He took everything from me. He destroyed my life, my livelihood.

He isn’t getting away with it.

You tell him from me, that Anton is not happy, and he is back with revenge and he is going to take everything away from you and destroy everything and everyone you love. This is my first official warning.

Scrunching the note up in a fist. My body visibly shook with fear, my stomach was nauseated with anxiety, my head was plagued with horrifying visuals of what could happen to Kaden and my brother. Oh god, what if he hurt my brother, what if he went after my friends, my family. I felt sicker now, I was suffocating.

“Eva” John called my name, but he sounded miles away because of the deafening sound of my heart beat drumming loudly in my ears “Eva talk to me darling, your worrying me”

I looked at John through a tearing gaze “Oh my god, he could’ve hurt you John, if you were here that man could have hurt you, worse he could have” I choked through a lump in my throat “Oh, god I can’t even say it”

John grabbed my shoulders and pulled me into his arms stroking my hair soothingly. “Shush, it’s ok. I’m fine Eva no one hurt me. Calm down love.”

My shoulders shook as I cried into John’s chest. The tears wouldn’t stop, they kept coming. I was angry at myself for letting such a horrible, cowardly man get to me, but at the same time my anger rose because of him. I wanted to hurt him before he hurt us, I wanted to stand up for John because he was innocent in all of this and didn’t deserve to be punished for something that was out of his control.

After calming myself down, I told John I had to go, I needed to speak to Kaden.