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THE CALLOWAYS' WOMEN TO THE RESCUE.

SIENNA

The boutique's private showroom felt like a sanctuary of silk and lace, its air infused with the subtle scent of lavender sachets tucked among the racks of custom wedding dresses. The space was bathed in soft light from crystal chandeliers, creating a dreamlike shimmer that made my heart flutter with anticipation.

I stood on a low platform, a makeshift runway, as the seamstress adjusted the hem of the first gown, the flowing creation of ivory silk that clung to my curves before tacking it into a delicate train.

The mirror before me reflected a bride-to-be, but my thoughts weren't entirely on the dresses; they lingered on Zane, the cartel, and the fragile threads holding our world together. Tradition dictated the groom couldn't see the dress, so I had called Belinda, my best friend, and Ava, my soon-to-be sister-in-law, to join me. Their presence would be a counterbalance to the weight I carried as Zane's partner in both love and worries.

Belinda was already there when I arrived, her curly hair bouncing as she flitted between racks, her eyes sparkling with that infectious delight that made every moment brighter. She wore a bright yellow sundress that seemed to radiate her energy, her laughter echoing as she held up a veil studded with tiny pearls. "Sienna, look at this! It's like something out of a fairy tale. You have to try it with the first dress. It is giving total princess vibes."

I grinned, stepping off the platform to take the veil, the silk of the gown whispering against my legs. Her enthusiasm eased the tension that had coiled in my chest. "Princess vibes, huh? You think Zane's ready for a fairy-tale queen?"

Belinda smirked, tossing her curls. "Zane's ready for anything you throw at him. But this veil? It's magic. Try it!"

When the seamstress pinned the veil in place, its gossamer fabric caught the light.

"Oh my!" I turned to the mirror to catch the instantaneous transformation. For a moment, I let myself imagine the wedding day with Zane's eyes on me. It would be just perfect.

"I told you" Belinda winked back at me.

The boutique door chimed, and Ava swept in, her presence commanding despite the subtle gloom in her eyes. "Look who's here. Fresh from her Paris modeling shoot." I called out, waving at her.

"She clearly still carries the city's elegance, just look at that tailored blazer and jeans," Belinda joined,

Ava broke into a grin, her sleek ponytail swinging to each side with each step she took closer to us.

She dropped her leather weekender bag by the door. "Sienna, sorry I'm late, jet lag's a beast. These dresses, though wow. You're already slaying."

I stepped down, the gown's train trailing, and hugged her, "No apologies needed. Saw the terrific Paris cover of your shoot, way to go!. Ready to help me pick the perfect one?"

Ava's smile widened, "Born ready. Let's see you work that runway."

"Yes, we will be your audience, girl," Belinda said,

The seamstress guided me back to the platform, and I began the impromptu show. The first dress was the ivory silk, its simplicity elegant but understated. I walked the length of the room, the fabric flowing effortlessly.

Belinda clapping enthusiastically from a velvet chaise, Ava leaning against a rack with a critical but warm gaze. "Gorgeous," Ava said, tilting her head. "Clean timeless lines. But maybe too safe for you. You're Sienna Calloway, let's go bolder."

Belinda nodded, her hands clasped in delight. "Yes! Something with drama. Try the one with the lace bodice next!"

I laughed and disappeared behind the curtain to change. The second gown was a masterpiece of lace and tulle, the bodice intricately embroidered, the skirt flaring into a cathedral train that demanded attention. As I stepped out, Belinda gasped, her eyes wide. "Oh, Sienna! That's stunning. Spin, show us the back!"

I obliged, turning slowly, the train sweeping across the floor like a royal decree. Ava's lips curved, her nod approving. "Now that's you. Bold, intricate, a little dangerous. Like you and Zane together."

Their reactions fueled me as I tried three more dresses, each one drawing gasps and commentary. Belinda's sassy quips punctuated the air with "That one screams 'queen of the empire'!"

while Ava's model's eye catches the details we had missed. "The off-shoulder one? It frames your collarbone perfectly, but the train's too heavy for dancing," she noted.

Finally, I slipped into the last gown, a strapless creation with a fitted bodice of shimmering pearl beads and soft tulle. As I walked the runway, the fabric caught the chandelier light, sparkling with every step. I felt it instantly. This was it.

I stopped at the mirror, my reflection almost unrecognizable. I was a bride ready for forever.

Belinda's hands flew to her mouth, her eyes glistening. Ava leaned forward, her usual poise softening into awe. Neither spoke, but their silent gushing confirmed it. This was the one.

"That's it," I whispered, smoothing the bodice, my heart swelling with excitement. "This is the dress."

Belinda squealed, bouncing up to hug me, her curls tickling my cheek. "Sienna, it's perfect! You're going to make Zane lose his mind."

Ava joined us. "It's you. Bold, beautiful, unstoppable. This is perfect."

The seamstress beamed as she jotted notes, and I stepped off the platform. Belinda's phone buzzed then, and she glanced at it, her expression shifting to apologetic. "Sorry, loves, gotta take this. Don't pick any veils without me!" as she darted out.

I turned to Ava, catching a gloom in her eyes again. I had noticed it when she arrived. She was staring at the gown, but her thoughts were elsewhere, her fingers twisting the hem of her blazer. "Ava," I said softly, sitting beside her on the chaise, the tulle pooling around me. "What's going on? You've got that look like something's eating at you."

She forced a smile, shaking her head, her ponytail swaying. "It's nothing, Sienna. Jet lag, probably. Let's focus on the stunning dress."

I tilted my head, my hand resting on hers, stopping her fidgeting. "Don't dodge me. I saw it when you walked in. Something's off. Talk to me. We're family."

Her shoulders slumped, and she exhaled, "It's the brothers. They're fighting and fracturing. Noah's talking about quitting Atlas for good because of that damn journalist. Damian's at odds with Zane over me. I'm just joining, Sienna, and it feels like the Brothers are falling apart before I can prove myself."

My heart tightened, the worry I had been pushing down surged back. I squeezed her hand. "I know it's heavy. Zane's worried too about Noah and Atlas. But tell me more. What's got you so scared?"

Ava's eyes met mine, "I'm scared we'll lose each other. The brothers. They're family, but Zane's rules are choking them. Noah's with that journalist, Harper, probably spilling our secrets. Damian's fighting for me, but Zane won't budge. I want to fix it, Sienna. I'm mapping ways to get them to reason and to stop the fighting. But I need your help. Talk to Zane, make him see they need to live their own lives. They have always followed his rules forever. It's time for them to have a choice in their affairs too."

Her words echoed my own fears for the cartel. The cartel was our strength, but division could topple it all. I nodded, my hand still on hers. "I'll talk to him. Zane's stubborn, but he loves you all. He's worried about the cartel too. We'll do our part, Ava to save the Brotherhood and keep Atlas standing."

She exhaled, relief softening her features, "Thanks, Sienna. I just... I want us to stay whole. I'm new, but I'm all in. I need to prove I'm invaluable, not just Zane's sister."

"You will," I said, "You've already proven it. Taking down Echo and Hale, You're a force. We'll hold it together."

The door swung open, and Belinda swept back in, her phone tucked away, her smile bright as ever. She noticed the mood in the room and frowned.

"Okay, what's with the serious faces? I leave for five minutes, and you're plotting a heist or something!" She plopped onto the chaise, her sassy energy instantly lightening the room.

"Come on, Sienna, back to the dress, tell me you're picking that one. And Ava, spill, what's the vibe? You look like you need a mimosa stat."

Ava laughed, the sound a little forced but warming under Belinda's charm. "Just jet lag and family drama. But yeah, that dress, it's the one. Sienna's going to kill it."

I stood, smoothing the gown, Belinda's delight pulling me back to the moment. "It's the one," I confirmed, twirling for her, the tulle catching the light. "And mimosas sound perfect. You're buying, Bel."

She gasped, mock-offended, her hand on her chest. "Me? The maid of honor works for free! But fine, mimosas on me if you let me pick the veil. Deal?"

"Deal," I said, laughing. Ava joined in, her gloom easing, and we dove back into wedding plans, shopping for veils, shoes and the perfect bouquet. But beneath the laughter, my worry for the cartel lingered. I would have to talk to Zane, but for the moment, the dress was all that mattered.

HARPER.

The bathroom door whips open, and Noah fills the entryway, his overwhelming presence sucking all the air from the room. He slammed the door shut, and the click of the lock cut through the thickening silence. His blazing dark irises fixed on mine, and he walked toward me.

I shrank back on the couch and bumped the mirror behind me as Noah walked closer like a lion focused on his prey.

What was wrong with me? I was supposed to think about the options he had dealt me, not want to fuck him. His piercing eyes raked over me, and a shudder roared up my spine. That single, feral look left me completely exposed and bare before him.

He stopped only inches away, his legs nearly brushing my knees. I drew in a breath to slow the thundering beats of my heart. His expression was lethal, but I couldn't tell if it was anger or lust burning through those midnight eyes.

The same was true for me. My mouth was dry, and my pulse was skyrocketing, but heat flared between my legs. The familiar ache from our previous tango had returned and was pulsating below.

He stepped closer and forced my legs apart. The rip of expensive fabric had my heart kicking against my ribs.

"My dress!" I cried.

Of all the things to say at that moment, it was the only dumb thing that came out.

"I'll buy you a new one."

A mischievous grin curled his lips as he bent down, eyes smoldering. His hands closed around my thighs, and he spread them another few inches apart. I gasped at the sound of another rip. He glanced down at the indecent tear, and fire surged down my belly. If he bends any further, he would have a front row view of my sheer, lace thong and everything hidden beneath.

He licked his lips, and it felt so sinful and sexy. I chomped down on the inside of my cheek to keep myself from tangling my hand around the back of his neck and dragging that mouth to mine. His fingers seared into my flesh, and every ounce of restraint teetered on the edge. I needed to focus on my instincts, which were warning me about the danger I was getting into by fucking with a Cartel guy, because I knew if I let that happen, we could never go back.

"Wait...," I murmured.

He crouched down further, bending his knees, hands digging into my heated flesh. He was too close now. His nostrils flared, and he breathed in deeply. "Mmm, you smell delicious, just like the last time."

All the heat flaring below raced up my cheeks, burning my face. And if it wasn't the hottest thing anyone had ever said to me.

"Atlas," I blurted out, because my brain was too overcome with lust to string together an entire sentence.

His gaze turned savage. "What about Atlas? Have you arrived at a decision yet?"

I heaved in a breath and focus. Which was so damned hard when his fingers were inching up my thighs. "You said you had rules..."

His lips slanted into a hard line, and the tendon in his jaw fluttered. His nostrils flared again, his pupils distending. "I did, we do. All cartels do," he finally rasps out as if saying the words were physically painful. Endless silence pervades, our gazes locked in an epic battle I was fairly certain I could never win.

"Like what?"

He shook his head. "It doesn't matter right now."

"It does."

Another never-ending minute of silence passed with the air only thickening between us. "What more do you want from me?" he murmured, the softness in his tone so unlike the one I had come to expect from the ruthless mobster.

Everything.

The errant thought frightened the shit out of me. How could this dangerous man I barely knew stir such strong feelings? I wanted to let loose. I want to forget that my career was over because of him and I was holding the cards to his life.

"I want you to fuck me." The words flew from my lips beyond my control. The moment they were out, I snapped my traitorous jaw shut and bit my tongue.

A dangerous glint sharpened his eyes, and a hiss slid free through his pursed lips. "Oh, Lila, you have no idea what you're asking for."

"Harper. Then explain them to me while at it."

He shook his head, sinking his teeth into his lower lip. "I like you as Lila." He winked, then his hands closed around my waist, and he spun me around so that I was facing the mirror. I sucked in a breath as he dropped to his knees in front of me. "Keep your eyes on the mirror."

"Wha...?" The rest of the word dies in my throat as his head dips between my legs. He slides my damp thong to the side and runs his tongue across the inner seam of my leg. I gasp and dig my fingers into his hair.

"Mmm, that's my good girl Lila, you're already soaked and ready for me." He slips my panties down to my ankles.

His warm tongue drags through my center, and a moan parts my lips. "Noah," I groan, my fingers tangling in his dark locks.

He dips a finger inside me, and my hips buck against his palm. "Keep your eyes on your reflection, Lila," he murmured against the bundle of nerves at my apex. Lifting his head, his blown-out pupils met mine. "I want you to watch every tantalizing second as I fuck you with my tongue and allow you to come in my mouth. I want you to memorize your exact expression, the sparkle in your eyes, the flush of your cheeks, the curve of your lips, every moment of pleasure so that you never forget you are mine."

I swallowed hard. No one has ever talked to me like that, and fuck, it got me hot as hell.

His head disappeared beneath my gown once again, and his tongue flicks at my clit. My hand threaded through his hair, and the other gripped the edge of the couch. His tongue ran circles around the sensitive bud, driving me to the precipice of insanity. Then he dipped a second finger inside me, curling it until it hit the spot. Between his tongue and his fingers, I was a squirming mess. I grind my hips into his palm, into his mouth. I was an explosive ball of lust and pleasure, feeling my knees get weak.

"Lila, you're not looking ...," he murmured against my sensitive flesh. How the hell does he know? The vibrations against that taut bundle of nerves were nearly enough to throw me over the edge.

I forced my eyes away from his silky hair and met my reflection. My lower lip was swollen from biting it, leaving my cheeks flushed. I had never seen myself on the brink of orgasm. There was something oddly erotic about it.

Noah's free hand glides up the front of my gown, and my focus pivots to those strong fingers moving toward my breast. He jerks the fine silk down and slides his hand inside, cupping me, his fingers working my nipple to a taut peak. He pinched, and I let out a squeal. The rush of desire was too much.

I gasp as raw pleasure tears through me. "Noah," I moaned. "I'm going to..."

"That's right, Lila, come for me." His words reverberate through me, throwing me over the threshold.

My body constricted around his tongue, his fingers, as I rode out the storm, desperately rubbing up against his palm. He didn't let up until he had squeezed out every ounce of pleasure, and I was nothing but a writhing puddle of vibrating desire.

I gripped the couch, a boneless mess. Noah's head popped up from between my legs, with his chin covered in my juices, smiling like he had just discovered gold buried deep inside my pussy. He ran his tongue over his lips and licked the two fingers that were just inside me before running his thumb over my bottom lip.

"Mmm, just like I thought, sunshine and rainbows."

"What?" I finally managed.

"Nothing." He shook his head as he tugged my soaked thong back up my legs and dragged down my torn dress, the smile curling in the corners of his lips. He offers me a hand and pulls me to my feet. Standing behind me, his eyes meet mine through the mirror.

"My sweet Lila." His heated breath skates over the shell of my ear, and my body instinctively leans back to rest on his chest. He stiffened for an instant before his hand moved to my hip and fingers dug into my side possessively. His rock-hard cock presses against my ass, kindling another rush of desire. "You're mine, do you understand that? No one else can ever touch you."

I didn't want to state the obvious and ruin that moment. Who else would I have access to after an experience like that? Not to mention the fact that our time together has an expiration date if I decide to use the card with me. So I nodded slowly. His mouth skated down my ear and stopped at the crook of my neck. He sucked hard, then nibbled at my soft flesh. I let out a squeal when his teeth sank in. "What are you doing?"

His warm tongue replaced his teeth, and he lavished my sensitive skin. "Marking you as mine." He smirked as my gaze lifted to the mirror to find the deep red hickey.

"What are you, Noah, sixteen?"

A deep chuckle rumbled his entire chest, the sound was so warm and inviting, I sank deeper into his firm hold. The hand on my hip tightened, then his free arm laced around my waist, drawing me closer so that his arousal drove into my ass. I was so tempted to turn around, to meet that hungry gaze. But I forced myself to keep still. I was already into Noah Bennette way over my head, and if I went any deeper, I was terrified I would drown.

ZANE

The wind whipped across the tarmac, carrying the sharp tang of jet fuel and rain-slicked asphalt that clung to my skin as I waited under the floodlights. The private jet's engines whined down to a low hum, the stairs unfolding with a mechanical precision that mirrored the control I craved in every aspect of my life. Liam emerged at the top, his broad silhouette cutting against the night sky, his duffel slung over one shoulder.

Relief hit me, finally, a soldier I could count on.

"Brother," Liam said, his voice a rough baritone that cut through the wind as he descended, clasping my forearm in a grip. His eyes, scanned my face, reading the storm there without a word.

I pulled him into a quick back-slap,"Good to have you back, Liam. Things are unraveling faster than a bad deal. Walk with me."

We turned toward the waiting SUV, its black paint gleaming like oil under the lights, the driver standing sentinel with a nod as we approached.

As we slid into the back seat, the door thudding shut with finality, Liam dropped his duffel and leaned forward, elbows on knees. "Spill it. The cartel's internal battles is how bad?"

The SUV pulled away smoothly as we revved toward the penthouse. I stared out the window. "Bad as it gets. Noah's vanished, lines dead, probably spilling to that journalist bitch, Harper. And Damian... dating Ava. My sister. Defying me like my word's worth nothing."

Liam's fingers drummed a steady rhythm on his knee, "Noah? That's not like him. spilling? That's treason. And Damian with Ava... shit, Zane. That's family blood. You think he's serious?"

I rubbed my temple, the headache pulsing like a warning siren. "Serious enough to go AWOL. I called them to the penthouse. I hope they'd honor it, show up ready to fall in line. But if they're not there..." The words trailed off. My worry gnawed deeply.

Liam nodded, "We'll track them. Drag them back if needed. The brotherhood's everything to us, we can't let personal shit shatter it."

We arrived at the penthouse and headed to the study. I scanned the room, my hope flickering that Damian and Noah had come to their senses, waiting with bowed heads or explanations. But the space was empty, with no sign of them. My jaw tightened with dismay as I strode to the study, Liam following.

"They're not here," I growled, slamming a fist on the desk, "Lines off, defying me like I'm a joke. I'll deal with them, drag them back, make them remember who built this."

Liam pulled out his phone, dialing quickly, his expression darkening as he tried Noah, then Damian. "Dead. Both lines. This is bullshit, Zane."

Bullshit? It was insurrection. Rage fumed through me,. "They think they can quit? I'll crush this and hunt them down, remind them the cartel doesn't bend for personal whims."

The door opened then, and Sienna walked in, her presence striking through my fire. She was a vision of beauty, she had her hair loose on a red dress hugging her curves with sinful precision, her stride was confident and seductive, turning the study into her runway at once.

Her eyes met mine, that romantic between us spark igniting instantly, and she crossed to me without a word, her hands cupping my face, her lips capturing mine in a passionate kiss that stole the air from my lungs. The world narrowed to her soft lips parting, her tongue teasing mine with a hunger that matched my own, her body pressing close to mine. The rage de-escalated, melting under her touch, my hands sliding to her waist, pulling her tighter as the kiss deepened.

She pulled back slightly, her breath mingling with mine, her thumbs tracing my jaw. "You needed that," she murmured,

I nodded, the fury cooling to smoldering coals, my forehead resting against hers. "More than you know."

Sienna glanced at Liam, her hand still on my face. "Liam, give us a moment?"

Liam nodded, grabbing his jacket with a knowing grin. "I'll scout the perimeter. Call if you need backup."

The door clicked shut, leaving us alone. Sienna's hands stayed on me, her touch grounding, but her eyes held a seriousness that made me brace up for impact yet her body was still pressed close.

"Zane," she started, her fingers tracing my collar. "We need to talk. About Noah and Damian."

I tensed, the coals flaring. "Not now, Sienna. They're defying me..."

She pressed a finger to my lips, "Yes, now. You're pushing them away. Embrace their choices, or you'll lose your loyal brothers. You're being selfish, not honoring their decisions."

The words hit like a thunderclap, "Selfish? I'm protecting the empire. Noah with Harper exposing us after I ordered her gone for that exposé. Damian with Ava is putting her in danger. My rules keep us alive."

She shook her head, her hands sliding to my chest, feeling my heartbeat race under her palm. Her eyes locked on mine with that fire that had won me over. "And us? We were enemies, at war in the cartel game. But we embraced our love, built this. They deserve that. Noah found his with Harper, even if she's an enemy. Damian with Ava. They've followed your rules forever as soldiers in your army. Let them live. They deserve love too."

I felt cornered, anger mingling with dawning reason, her romantic presence de-escalating the last of my rage. "You're taking their side? After everything we've built?"

"No," she whispered, her lips brushing mine, her hands pulling me closer, our bodies aligning in that perfect fit. "Your side. But see reason. The brotherhood survives with understanding, not control. We were at war once, now look at us. Give them that chance."

The intensity of her argument left me reeling, but reason seeped in like light through cracks. She was right, their loyalty had earned them this. I pulled her into another kiss, soft and lingering, then murmured, "I'll think about it. For you. For us."

We cuddled then, sinking onto the couch, her head on my chest, my arms around her, forgetting Liam, the world, in that quiet romantic bubble. Maybe it was time to rethink my rules.