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."

DAMIAN.

I stood in the bedroom, staring at the half-packed duffel on the bed, my heart pounding a rhythm that echoed the ticking clock on the nightstand. The air felt heavy, thick with the scent of last night's passion and Ava's perfume lingering on the sheets, a reminder of the endless pleasure we'd chased until dawn. But now, in the clarity of day, reality crashed in. My stand with Zane had sealed my fate. I had decided to defy the leader of our can artel. No one walked away from that unscathed. Zane valued loyalty above all and his traitors were furnished with a ruthlessness that left no room for mercy. I had seen it and helped bury bodies under his command. And that meant that my days were numbered, a countdown I could feel in every breath.

I zipped the duffel, shoving in essentials like cash bundles wrapped in rubber bands, a burner phone still in its packaging, a change of clothes that wouldn't scream fugitive. My fingers brushed the cold metal of my Glock at the bottom.

Eloping with Ava meant leaving the cartel, the brotherhood, the power that had defined me. But for her? I didn't mind. Her curious questions dawned on me, what would become of the cartel without us? Zane's iron grip had held it together, Atlas's tech investments masking our operations, billions flowing like blood through veins. Without my strategies, would it hold? Or would rivals swarm, the empire's fate in chaos? The thought sent a shiver down my spine, but I pushed it aside, slinging the duffel over my shoulder. No time for what-ifs. To survive it was action first and wondering later.

I pulled out my phone, dialed Ava's number, the line ringing twice before her voice filled the earpiece. Softly she said, "Damian? I'm almost done packing. Where do we meet?"

"The train station on the outskirts, the one by the docks," I replied, my voice low, glancing at the door cautiously. The line crackled faintly, "Thirty minutes. We'll disappear from there. Are you ready?"

Her pause was brief, but I heard the shy hesitation in her tone, the way her breath caught. "Ready. But Damian... what if Zane finds out? The cartel is his life. Ours too.

The question mirrored my own curiosity, a deep pull that made me pause, leaning against the wall. "Ava, that's his fate to face. Ours is together. See you soon."

I ended the call, pocketing the phone, my heart racing with excitement. The apartment felt too quiet now, letting me feel the tick of the clock as a countdown to our freedom or doom. I grabbed my keys from the dresser, the metal jangling like a warning bell, and headed for the door. My hand turned the knob, the latch clicking open, and I stepped into the hallway, the duffel thumping against my back.

The door behind me swung wider, and I froze, assuming it was Ava arriving early. Her bright smile flashed in my mind, the way she had blush after our nights together. But then a throat cleared, low and deliberate, and the hair on my neck stood up.

I spun, my hand instinctively reaching for the Glock at my waist, my fingers brushing the grip, ready to take aim.

Zane.

He stood there, his broad frame filling the doorway, his eyes locking on mine with that unreadable intensity that had commanded our cartel for years. His coat was unbuttoned, revealing the holstered pistol at his side, but his hands were open, non-threatening.

"Easy, Damian," Zane said, his voice a low rumble that echoed in the hallway, his stance relaxed but alert, like a predator choosing not to pounce...yet. "Not here to fight. Or kill. We need to talk. Brother to brother."

My fingers hovered on the gun, adrenaline surging as every muscle in me coiled. No one defiled Zane and walked free. Traitors like me met ends that left no traces. My curiosity spiked, wondering what his play was? Kill me quietly? Or something else?

The hallway felt narrower, and only the distant elevator hummed a faint lifeline. "Talk? After everything? You made your stand clear. Ava's off-limits."

Zane stepped inside, closing the door with a soft click that resonated like a lock engaging, his eyes never leaving mine. "And you made yours. But let's sit. No guns, no threats. Just words."

Curiosity warred with caution, the fate of my decision hanging over us. What if this was a trap? But his open palms, the lack of backup, either Liam or Ethan lurking made me pause. I nodded, holstering the gun but keeping it in reach, gesturing to the living room couch.

The leather creaked as we sat, "Fine. Talk. But if this is about Ava..."

"It's about her," Zane interrupted, leaning forward, elbows on knees, his gaze piercing through me, "My sister and your intentions. What are they, Damian? Love? Or a way to challenge me?"

The question hit like a gut punch, my mind racing through disbelief. What did he want to hear? The truth, or a lie to save face? If I pushed the wrong button, would he strike? Or bend? I met his eyes, my voice steady despite the pulse thundering in my ears. "Love. Pure and real. I'd give my life to protect her. From rivals, from our world, even from you, if needed. She's not a challenge I held against, she's everything to me, Zane."

Zane's jaw tightened, his fingers interlacing; the room's quiet amplified the tension. "Protect her? By dragging her into this? The cartel life is bloody, Damian. You know the risks. No one defies me and walks free. Tell me, why her? Why now?"

what was his angle? Testing my loyalty? Or seeking understanding? I leaned back on the couch, feeling the leather cool against my back, my duffel still slung over my shoulder. "Because she's worth it. The cartel's been my life, but Ava, she's the light in the shadows. I won't hide it anymore. If you can't accept that, what happens to us? To the cartel? I'm curious... does the brotherhood survive if you push me out?"

Zane's eyes narrowed, but a flicker of regret crossed his face. He stood, pacing slowly, his boots thudding softly on the rug. "The brotherhood? It's everything. But love has it growing soft. Makes us vulnerable. You going soft on me, Damian? I miss that fierceness of the strategist who saw every angle and struck without mercy."

The tease surprised me, loosening the tension a notch, my curiosity piqued, wondering if he was relenting. I stood, facing him, a grin tugging at my lips despite the stakes. "Soft? Says the man who's gone all domestic with Sienna. She's got you wrapped, Zane. Admit it, love has made you soft too."

Zane stopped pacing, a low chuckle rumbling from his chest, the sound unexpected in the charged air. "Touché. Sienna... she's the one who convinced me, actually. Talked sense into my thick skull. Women, huh? Ruling the cartel from the sidelines."

We both laughed then, the sound echoing off the walls, breaking the ice like a hammer on frozen ground. What if this love actually help mend us? Zane stepped closer, pulling me into a hug, his grip firm, brotherly, the kind that spoke of shared history. "Missed you, Damian. That fire. Welcome back."

The embrace surprised me, and relief flooded in, my arms returning the hug. "Good to be back. But Ava..."

The words had barely left my mouth when the door opened then, and Ava walked in, her eyes widening in alarm as she saw us, her bag dropping to the floor with a thud. She froze, her cheeks flushing shy pink, her hair tousled from the wind outside. "Damian? Zane? What's going on?"

Zane released me, turning to her with a soft smile, his voice gentle. "No fight, sis. Just talk. And... I've given my blessing. You two, you're back as a team."

Ava's eyes shimmered with elation, her shyness melting into joy as she rushed forward, hugging Zane tightly, then me, her arms warm around my neck. "Really? Zane... thank you."

Curiosity drove me to ask Zane as Ava stepped back, her hand finding mine, fingers interlacing with a squeeze. "What about the cartel? If you're accepting this, what's the fate? Noah's out there. Does this change everything?"

Zane's smile faded slightly, his eyes meeting mine with that leader's resolve, but softer now. "It changes what it needs to. The empire holds because we do. But Noah... we'll bring him back together."

His words eased the knot I felt. Ava tugged my hand, her eyes shining. "Is it really okay? No more fighting?"

Zane nodded, pulling her into another hug. "No more. You're happy together and that's what matters."

֍֍֍ ֍֍֍֍֍֍

ONE LAST ACT OF FAVOR

I woke slowly, my muscles aching in that deep, satisfying way from the night before of an endless blaze of passion where Harper's skin had slid against mine, her gasps mingling with my groans as we had chased release after release until exhaustion claimed us.

My hand reached out instinctively, fingers brushing the cool fabric where her warmth had been, the indentation of her hip faint but telling. The air hung heavy with the scent of us of her musk vanilla shampoo...but she was gone.

Fear flickered in my chest as I sat up, my heart quickening with the thought that she might be in the kitchen, brewing coffee with that knowing smile she had worn after our confessions. I had hoped the fire between us, the burning love that had ignited like a spark to dry tinder, the promising horizon we had sketched in breathless murmurs, had swayed her from her path.

"Harper?" I screamed.

I swung my legs over the side of the bed, the wooden floor cold under my bare feet, sending a shiver up my spine that matched the growing unease twisting in my gut.

"Harper?" I called again, my voice rough from sleep and the night's exertions, echoing off the walls of the small living room as I padded out.

The morning light filtering through the grimy window to illuminate the clutter of takeout boxes from our late-night snacks, her notebook flipped open on the coffee table with scribbled notes on Atlas's facade, my laptop still humming softly where I had set up the secure line for her potential stream.

The flash drive.

My eyes darted to the table, and the absence struck me like a fist to the solar plexus. It was gone too, vanished, just like her.

Panic clawed at the edges of my mind, but I pushed it down, searching the apartment methodically, my heart pounding a frantic rhythm against my ribs. I checked the bathroom; her toothbrush was still in the holder, damp from use, but her go-bag was missing from under the sink. I went to the bedroom again to check her closet. It was lighter; a few clothes were gone, too.

The realization sank in at once.

She'd taken the drive. Which meant that she had finally decided to use it for her own good, to vindicate her journalism career by exposing the cartel operations I'd confessed to.

"Shit! Goddamn"

I had hoped our passionate sex, and the burning love that had blazed between us of the promising future, would sway her, burn faster and deeper than her dead career. But she was gone. Her decision was made.

The betrayal stung at me deeply, like a knife twisting in an old wound. I sank onto the edge of the bed, holding my head in my hands, letting my fingers dig into my scalp as if to hold back the flood of thoughts crashing through me.

What would she do with it exactly? Would she stream it live from some safe house, or leak it to her old contacts, watching the viral spread from afar? And the cartel would all be exposed because I had chosen her over them, just as she had chosen revenge over us?

The apartment suddenly felt smaller, the walls closing in with the weight of my betrayal, the multi-billion-dollar empire's destiny now hinged on a woman I'd loved enough to betray everything.

But I owed them. The brothers and the cartel, because they were family, forged in blood long before Harper had walked into Club Eden with her piercing gaze and turned my world upside down.

Even in my rebellion, even as hatred for Zane's refusal to spare her simmered, I couldn't let them walk blind into the inferno I had ignited. My sworn duty tugged harder at me. I grabbed my burner phone from the duffel I had packed the previous night and dialed Zane.

The line rang twice, three times, each tone a hammer blow to my resolve. He answered on the fourth, his voice a low growl that sent a chill skittering down my spine, the kind that raised the hairs on my arms. "Noah. Where the hell are you? You better have a damn good explanation, or so help me..."

"Zane, listen," I interrupted, my voice steady despite the sweat beading on my forehead. I paced the small space, "I'm at Harper's. I... I gave her the drive. It has a recording of everything. The tech investments masking shipments, laundering through startups, your orders on hits. She's going to stream it. Vindicate her career. The empire, it's over."

Silence stretched on the line, while I listened as Zane's breath came heavy yet controlled, but I could picture his jaw clenching, his eyes narrowing like a storm gathering force. "You what? After I ordered her handled? Noah, you've gone soft. That journalist's exposé nearly gutted us. And you hand her the keys? Disloyalty like this... It's death. The cartel doesn't forgive traitors."

The threat hung heavy, my heart pounding against my ribs like a caged beast, the apartment's walls seeming to close in further, the light from the window now harsh and accusing. My worry about Harper spiked. What would he do now? Rally the brothers for a counterstrike? Hunt us both with the precision of a guided missile?

"I know the cost," I replied, my voice low, "But Zane, I'm out. For her. But I owe you this warning. You should focus on the cartel's fate. Without me, how do you hold it not scream about revenge?"

Zane's laugh was dark, it's bark that echoed through the phone, sending a jolt through me. "Curious? It's suicide, Noah. You think Atlas crumbles without you? I'll rebuild. Cut the losses, strike back harder. But you... Brother, you're dead to me. And Harper? She's first on the list."

The line went dead, the final click of a door slamming on my past. Harper had made her choice. And so have I.