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.

AVA.

Once we reached my bedroom, Damian closed the door behind us and led me to the bed. I slumped down, he moved between my legs, and I lifted my gaze to meet his. I had missed him without a doubt. His hands settled on my tie, and once it was undone, it slipped down to the buttons of my shirt. He had me undressed in seconds.

"I have missed you a lot, Ava," he whispered.

His soft smile made my insides warm up. "You have no idea how much I do too."

His gaze lingered on my lingerie. "Come on, let's get you in the shower," he whispered.

I nodded and slowly rose, then followed him into the bathroom. He flicked on the light, and my gaze landed on his boxers. "So do you."

He glanced down at my crimson splotches, and his lips twisted into a knowing smile. I stepped away from the shower and sat on the side of the tub instead. Turning the faucet, I watched the water fill the massive basin. I dumped some bubble bath and fragrant oils into the churning water and drew in a deep breath of the calming scents. Then I turned to Damian and offered my hand. "Get in with me."

Without reluctance, he dropped to my knees and slid my thong down my legs. I let out a shudder when he glanced up at me. He pressed his lips to my stomach and inhaled a deep breath laced with his intoxicating scent. He hasn't touched me in days, and it had been absolutely maddening. Nothing in Paris had helped. He was all I thought about.

"Oh Ava, I missed this," he whispered against my skin.

My heated gaze was boring into his eyes as his tongue slipped between my lips, and I tasted his sweet flesh. He circled my navel with a finger, and a faint moan rumbled through my chest. Rising, he stepped out of his boxers and tugged me toward the tub. My eyes dip to his growing arousal, and heat flushed my cheeks. I do not think I will ever get tired of that look.

He helped me into the tub, then got in behind me. The warmth blankets my body, releasing the remaining tension. Or maybe that's just Damian's magic. He settled in between my legs, and pulled her closer, guiding my ass so that it was nestled against his cock. I leaned back, my head against his heart.

Damian wrapped the plush towel around my shoulders, gently massaging my skin dry. A wicked grin curls the corner of his lip as he slips the soft fabric between my legs and pats my inner thighs. I was so wet down there, he had no idea how futile his attempts were. After a thirty-minute soak in the tub with his cock pressed against my ass, his muscled arms around me, I was pulsing with need. After such a stressful week on the Paris trip, less than half an hour in Damian's strong arms, and he had managed to erase all thoughts of my exhaustion.

Straightening, Damian stood before me completely naked except for the towel draped around his neck, his impressive cock between us. My hand reached for him, and I wrapped my fingers around his silky hardness. He lets out a groan.

"Ava, he growled. "What are you doing?"

"What I have wanted to do since you brought me here."

I took him in my palm and began to stroke, up and down, up and down. He pumped against my palm, and another moan parts his lips.

"After all that stress, I should be the one taking care of you," he rasped out.

The towel slipped off my shoulders, and I was bared before him. I fixed my eyes on his as I continued to stroke, moisture dribbling from his tip,, making my hand smoothly glide over his hard length. "I want this," I whispered. "I want you to erase the stress on me. Please, Damian ."

His mouth twisted, "Are you sure?" he murmured.

I nodded and tightened my fingers around his cock. With my other hand, I cupped his ball, and he let out a satisfying hiss. "Goodness Ava , I'm going to come into your hand in a second if you keep that up."

"Good." For some reason, seeing this powerful man crumble at my mercy sends a thrill up my spine. The ruthless Damian was reduced to a squirming mess at my hands. It was a high like no other. After feeling weak my entire life, that made me feel strong, untouchable, and invincible.

"Not yet," He swept his arm beneath my legs and tugged me into his chest, so I was forced to release him. With a few long strides, he marched us into his bedroom. He dropped me onto the mattress and his scent consumed me, the musky, spicy fragrance driving me wild. It was all over me, emanating from his silky sheets, from his skin as he hovered over me.

He crawled on top of me, and my gaze roamed across that perfectly carved chest, those intricate swirling tattoos barely hidden by the towel still slung across his shoulders. Damian's mouth captures mine. That wicked tongue tangles with my own, and all thoughts vanish as my lids drift closed.

"I missed those fucking lips," he murmured before crushing his mouth to mine once more.

I moaned against his lips as he deepened the kiss, his strong fingers fisting my hair while his free hand roamed across my body. He found my breast and palmed the sensitive flesh until my nipple was so hard it could cut glass. His cock was heavy against my belly, and I sneaked my hand between our bodies to touch him again. I couldn't get enough. "Damian ," I groan. I want him inside me.

He crawled down my body, his tongue dragging down my torso, so I was forced to release him. Again. He was doing it on purpose. Teasing me.

"Mmm, I have been dreaming about your sweetness. Just dying to worship at the altar between your thighs." He slid his nose through my dark curls and breathed me in. His eyes darted to mine, and a mischievous glint darkened his expression. "Just like I remembered it...Sunshine and rainbows," he murmured.

"Why that?" I rasped out.

"Because that's what you are to me, my brilliant light, the riot of colors that illuminates the endless night."

I was so touched by his beautiful words I was speechless. I opened my mouth to say something, anything, but with his gaze still fixed to mine, his tongue slid between his lips and then disappeared within my wet folds. I couldn't string together a single thought, let alone a question. My back arched into him as fiery heat consumed me.

"I've never tasted anyone sweeter." The vibrations of his voice reverberated across my clit, and my blood thrummed with need.

He sucked on the sensitive bud, and my hips buck against his mouth. Fuck me. I want him to fuck me so bad. I had never wanted, no, needed anyone like I need Damian. My fingers tangled in his thick hair, I was so desperate to touch him.

He dipped one long finger inside me, and the friction nearly sent me plummeting over the edge. In and out, in and out. He worked me until I was a writhing mess. Damian glanced up at me from between my legs, his mouth covered in my arousal as his finger fucked me to oblivion. "I want to watch you come, princess."

I sucked in a ragged breath. I was so close.

He slid a second finger inside me, and I was so soaked I could hear it with each thrust.

I rocked against his palm, desperate for the delicious friction as his fingers curled inside me, finding the spot. Blazing heat scorched through every vein. "Are you ready to come for me?" I let out a whimper.

He dipped his head between my legs once more, his eyes still locked on mine and with one perfect flick of his tongue, I fell.

"Oh, Damian ," I shouted as pleasure roared through me.

"That's right, princess." He popped up, his rough tone only intensifying the high.

I nodded as he crawled over me. His cock brushed the sensitive flesh at my entrance as he hovered over me, and another moan escaped. "I want to come again," I said on an exhale. "On your cock," I added before I lose my nerve.

"Please," I mumble. My hands settle on his chest.

"Turn around and get on the floor." The jagged edge has goose bumps across my arms.

He leaped off the bed and dug through his bedside table. Finding a condom, he ripped the silver pouch open and slid it down his hard length. Oh! He's huge. My lower half cramped in anticipation.

I slide onto the floor and flip onto my belly, and my heart hammered against my ribs. Damian's hands reached around my waist and tug my bottom half up until my ass was up in the air. His fingers danced along the seam of my thigh before finding my pussy again.

"Still drenched for me," he groaned as he slid his fingers through my folds.

I focused on his touch, on the second wave of desire already pulsating across my center.

His cock pressed against my ass as his thumb circled my clit. His arms came around me, his entire body blanketing mine. Heat radiated from his powerful form as his head nudged at my entrance. His broad chest envelops my back and his warm breath skates over the shell of my ear as he leans closer.

He hadn't even sunk his cock inside me, and already I know it'll never be enough. i drove my ass back, and I was so drenched his dick nearly slipped inside my dripping pussy. "Damian," I moaned.

He palmed my ass with a free hand, and with a shaky breath, he thrust inside me. I let out a cry as he filled me. In and in and in.

He pulls out slowly, then sinks back in, giving me time to adjust to his pace.

"Yesss. More ...." I grind my hips back, and he thrusts again, deeper this time.

My head falls back, his finger worked me to a pulsing nub as he pounded into me. I'm home!

He picked up the pace, plunging harder, deeper until I was a squirming puddle of desire beneath him. Fiery pleasure licked up my spine. Biting my lower lip, I tried to keep the orgasm at bay. Zane. My brother. I have to look over the mountain of work in my agent's office.

Nothing helped to distract me from the building orgasm. He reached for my shoulder and sank his teeth into my soft flesh. I moaned against his lips. I swallowed my cries, desperate for more. I wanted to scream his name as I cum.

"Mmhmm," I murmured.

"Come for me now," he commanded. I squeezed my eyes shut as he drove into me, and a finger pinched my clit. I let out a cry, and a tremor ripped through my whole body.

"Oh, Damian," I wailed as the second orgasm tears through and my pussy clenched around his cock. The raging pleasure pummeled me next, and he jerked inside me, spilling his soul into the condom. Desire vibrated through every inch of me.

֍֍֍֍֍֍

My body ached in that sweet, languid way, the rumpled sheets tangled around our legs. Every muscle remembers the endless night of pleasure with Damian. The air still held the musky scent of us. I lay on my side, my head propped on one hand, tracing lazy circles on his chest with my fingertip, feeling the steady rise and fall of his breathing under the faint scars that told stories of his cartel life. His dark hair was tousled, his eyes half-lidded with contentment, but as he turned to meet my gaze, a shadow crossed his face, replacing the afterglow with something heavier.

"Ava," he started, his hand capturing mine to still my touch. "We need to talk about Zane. My stand hasn't changed."

The words landed like a pebble in still water, its ripples shattering through my peace. I shifted closer, the sheet slipping down my shoulder. My curiosity spiked immediately, "Your stand? Damian, last night was... everything for me. Why should we ruin it with cartel talk?"

He propped himself up on one elbow, his eyes locking onto mine with that intense focus that always made my pulse stutter. "It has to be said. Either Zane accepts our relationship, no more hiding or ultimatums or we leave the cartel. Together. I won't live in his shadow anymore, pretending you're not the center of my world."

Torn was the only word for the storm churning inside me. I was torn between choosing Damian, my lover, and Zane, my brother. I sat up slowly, pulling the surrounding sheet. My fingers tightened around his, "Leave? Damian, you know what that means. The cartel is family. Zane would see it as the ultimate betrayal. And I'm just starting to love this life. But choosing between you and him? It's like ripping my heart in two."

He sat up fully, the sheet pooling at his waist, revealing the taut lines of his torso. His hand cupped my cheek, his thumb brushing my lower lip in a gesture that sent sparks down my spine, even as worry creased his brow. "That's exactly why it has to be this way. Zane's forcing the choice. He won't accept us because it threatens his control. If he can't bend, we walk. Start our own path. You and me."

I leaned into his touch, my heart skipping a beat at the intensity in his eyes, but curiosity about the cartel's fate? What would happen if we left? Would Zane's iron grip hold the brotherhood together, or would the fractures widen? Noah was already teetering with that journalist, Harper, and now this. I pulled back slightly, "And if we leave? What about the cartel? Would it survive without you? I'm curious... you've been the strategist. If you go, does it all fall apart?"

Damian's expression darkened, his hand dropping to my waist, pulling me closer until our legs tangled under the sheet, "The cartel would stagger, yeah. I'm the one who maps the plays, anticipates the hits. But Ava, that's Zane's problem if he can't accept us. We've honored his rules for too long. What about our lives? You deserve more than hiding."

"I get it. But Zane-he's my brother. He's protected me all my life. Choosing you means betraying him, leaving the life that's starting to feel like mine. The thrill of it is addictive. But losing you... I can't."

He tilted my chin up, his lips brushing mine in a feather-light kiss that sent heat pooling low in my belly, his voice a low rumble against my mouth. "It's not betrayal if he forces it. Talk to him, Ava. Make him see we're stronger together. But if he doesn't, we choose us. The cartel? It survives or it doesn't. But you and me, that's my non-negotiable."

I nodded, my head resting on his shoulder. Damian pulled me onto his lap, his breath warm on my neck. I kissed him, my lips pressing to his with a desperation born of confusion, his mouth responding with that familiar hunger. "I love you," I murmured against his skin. "But I'm scared. For us, for the cartel?"

"And I love you," he replied, his hands sliding up my back, pulling me closer. "We'll face it. Together."