AIDEN'S POV

My innocent bride has no idea what I have planned for her tonight. I'll let her be for now. Some time with the Cartel wouldn't hurt; it's a great way to pass time.

"Boss, you just got married. Shouldn't you be busy with your bride?"

"You called me "Boss" that means you can't question me."

"I'm sorry, Boss."

"So what business do we have with the Martins? I got a funny message from them earlier."

"They are trying to be the top in the business. Information from an insider is that they're trying to take you out and take over. One more thing, it seems they have a grudge against the Armstrongs."

"Why?"

"I don't know, Boss, but we're on it." I nodded and went to get some drinks.

When I checked the time, it was already eight. I have a marriage to consummate. I headed straight to Avery's room when I got home. She was asleep, curled to the side, looking so peaceful and perfect. I joined her in bed and pulled her closer to me.

"Get away from me!" She jumped up, startled to find someone in bed with her.

"Easy, it's me, Adrian, your husband." She calmed down and relaxed back on the bed.

"What are you doing here?" She asked, puzzled.

"What do you mean? I'm your husband." I kissed her before she could protest.

The kiss was long and hard. When I ended the kiss, she was breathless. "Do you like that?" She nodded her head. "Don't nod; tell me."

"Yes, I do."

"Good." I kissed her once more, and this time, I trailed kisses down her neck to the exposed skin of her chest.

When I gave her boobs a little squeeze, a soft moan escaped her lips.

Slowly, I stripped her of her nightgown and continued administering kisses to her bare skin. I took her nipples into my mouth and suckled. I could tell she wanted more from her reactions.

Inserting a finger into her heat, I confirmed what I already knew: she was dripping wet. To prepare her, I added another finger.

"Adrian!" That's the first time she's called me by my name. I knew the extra finger caused some discomfort.

"Yes, baby. It'll get better." I slowed the pace of my fingers and continued kissing her, her neck, her breasts, and her stomach, and then I went lower.

"Adrian! What are you doing?"

"Shhhh... you'll enjoy this." I continued trailing kisses down her abdomen.

"You can't do that." She whispered breathlessly.

"I will, and you'll love it." I parted her legs and buried my head in between them, kissing, licking and suckling.

"Stop! No, don't stop..." she muttered incoherently as she moaned her pleasure. I increased the pace of my fingers; she was close, I could feel it.

"Let it happen, sweet; don't fight it."

Waves of pleasure hit her, and she did not understand what was going on. Watching her come undone felt so good.

"Avery, I can't wait any longer; I have to take you now." I told her as I pulled away to undress.

To distract her, I started kissing her hot and fast while I lay between her legs. I had endured enough; it was time to get this over with. While kissing her neck and fondling her left boob, I plunged into her with one powerful thrust. I hushed her scream with my mouth, but she kept trying to push me away. As the pain rocketed through her body, I stayed still, waiting for her body to adapt to the invasion. The wait was driving me crazy, but for some reason, I didn't want to hurt her anymore than I had to.

"Does it still hurt? Can I move now?" She nodded twice. "Can I move?"

"Yes." I began to move. I started with a slow rhythm, and she met each thrust with her hip movement.

Moans and groans of ecstasy filled the room.

AVERY'S POV

"That was beautiful." I couldn't believe what I had just experienced. The pain lasted a little while and then it was replaced with pleasure. "Is it always like this?"

"No."

Aiden stood up from the bed, dressed up and was ready to leave.

"where are you going?" Aren't we supposed to cuddle or something?

"I'm leaving the room. I'm done here."

"Done here?" For some reason, those words stung. "Did I do something wrong?"

"Do not question me Avery, nobody questions me. Don't do that again."

"At least tell me what I did wrong?"

He walked out on me like he didn't hear a word I said. I could swear he enjoyed this just as much as I did. Why act all weird now?

Moments after thinking about what was the best course of action, I went downstairs to talk to Aiden. I felt so sore, but I had to speak to my husband. I headed straight to his room; it wasn't locked, and he wasn't there.

I was about to leave when my eyes caught a journal; it looked like he'd just written on it. Curiosity made me have a look at it.

"What is this?"

I can't explain how I feel right now looking at this. Page after page were pictures of young girls, all marked as virgins, each ticked like a completed conquest. The last was a picture of me! it appeared to have been taken just now.

"Lord, what have I gotten myself into?" Here I was fantasizing about a life we could build together. What is his obsession with virgins? The longer I sat on the floor, staring at the journal, the more confused I got.

I wanted to hit him, scream at him or maybe just give him a piece of my mind. I headed out of his room with the journal in hand, wondering where to find Mr. Virgin hunter. I heard a conversation downstairs, it was between my Adrian and someone else.

"Shouldn't you be with your wife tonight, Adrian?"

I don't know this guy, but he seems to be close to Adrian.

"The marriage has been consummated. I don't need to spend the night with her. I had a nice time with her; I can't deny that. I'm married now, like my grandma wanted, and I got a willing virgin in my bed."

"Be reasonable for once, Adrian. When are you going to put an end to this silly habit of yours?"

"That is none of your business, Steve; you have no right to tell me what to do."

"Don't ruin your life, friend. I've met the girl once; she seems like a nice person. According to what you told me, she's been through a lot already; don't add to it."

"Oh please! She'll be compensated. I'll make sure she lacks nothing. Her life here will be better than the life she had back home."

"With this attitude of yours, Adrian, I doubt that." He shook his head and took a sip of his drink.

"She's just another virgin I conquered; the marriage doesn't make her any more special."

The sting of these words hit me hard. It cut deep, my heart felt heavy. How could I have been so foolish? This wasn't a home, it was a prison, and I was a victim of a man's silly fetish for virgins. A sob escaped my lips, I tried to walk away before they saw me.

"Avery..." I didn't turn or stop; I just kept going.

"Mrs Armstrong, wait!" There was nothing anyone could say to me now to make me feel better. I don't want to listen.

"He doesn't mean it; he's drunk and-"

"Save it. I've heard and seen enough to know what to believe. If you'll excuse me, I'd like to go to bed now." I masked my shame and embarrassment with false confidence and nonchalance. I hurried into my room and let all the tears flow. Maybe my life was meant to be this sad, maybe my life is a mistake.

At this point, nothing else could shock me. He said I wouldn't lack anything. Aiden, watch me use this joke to my own advantage. I know exactly what to do. Would it work?

AIDEN'S POV

I woke up with a hangover. I had fallen asleep in the home bar. Memories of last night came flooding in. "Avery..." I could recall how wrenching her sob was; I couldn't go after her or soothe her because everything she heard was true. I got up with the strength I could muster and headed straight to my room to freshen up.

"Good morning Aiden." It was Avery. She looked lovely but way too excited to see me when she should be mad at me. It felt off.

"Good morning," I responded with a raised brow. "Is there anything I can do for you?

"Yes, actually. I'm meeting up with my friend Kiesha, and I'd like to do a bit of shopping for some stuff I need. And-"

I handed her a card I got ready for her. "Here, I forgot to give you this yesterday. There's twenty million in the card; let me know when it's exhausted. Steve would get a team ready to accompany you."

"Thank you, I-"

"No need to thank me. You're an Armstrong."

"Fine then, but I can go out on my own."

"You don't go out without proper security, understood?"

"Yes, sir." She turned to leave before I could say anything. Sir? After what we did last night? My eyes registered what she was wearing: a milky white silk gown that clung to her curves.

"Avery!" I don't know why I called, but I couldn't stop myself.

"Yes?"

"Ummm... nothing, I just... nothing." I mumbled like an idiot as I stared at the exposed skin of her cleavage. What was wrong with me?

"Okay, see you later." Nothing like a cold bath to calm a hangover and strong coffee. I didn't feel like dealing with work in the office today, so I stayed home, doing the little I could in my study.

"Hey darling!"

"What are you doing here, Lana? Leave." I told her to stay away. Her dad was a friend of my father, some sort of business partner. We had fun with each other every once in a while. She was dressed in a red short dress, exposing most of the package I've enjoyed countless times.

"Aren't you happy to see me? What, your new plaything got you hooked?"

"Get the hell out of here; I didn't ask for your presence."

"Calm down, baby. I know you love me, but you just don't know what that is. I saw your new plaything last night; she seems to be nosey, trying to get into the dark room."

"What were you doing here? Who let you in? Let me get something straight: she's my wife; stay away from her."

"Fine, I'm here to celebrate your marriage." She pulled out a glass from my shelf. "Unless marriage has ruined your taste for alcohol." I took the drink she poured me and drank its contents.

"Thanks, now leave; I have work to do." My head started spinning. I shouldn't have taken wine after yesterday's drinking. Lana seemed to have taken this as an opportunity to try and do something funny. The more I ordered her out, the more she came closer to me.

"You still refuse me?" She may have your name, but I have your heart." She came closer to me and lifted her skirt higher. She sat on my desk with her left leg between both of mine, revealing her pussy; she wore nothing underneath. "I am the only woman you've ever really wanted. You and I know that. I wasn't a virgin, but you were so crazy about me.

"That's in the past; now leave." I couldn't deny the attraction, but it was different. It felt like the heat of the fire had reduced drastically. I tried to move away as much as I was aroused, but she caressed my dick through my pants with her feet. I couldn't stop myself from reacting. I needed some release, but I wanted it to be with Avery. "Not right now, Lana." I said when I finally got some control. My control started to fade once more, and I just couldn't seem to keep my eyes open. She must have drugged me.

In my haze, I watch her do away with the tiny little clothing she had on and proceeded to undress me. Everything went blank.

AVERY'S POV

Faking a smile and pretending like nothing happened isn't easy, but it's what is best. I can't let him see how much this all hurt me. I've got plans and goals to achieve. I stared at the card Aiden had given me. Twenty million? I could get used to this life. I got to Delicio's, where I and Kiki had agreed to meet, and I called her as I stepped out of the car.

"Hi girl! I just arrived at Delicio's. Where exactly are you?"

"I headed to the second floor, the taco unit. I know you love tacos so I figured it'd be good to have some while we chat." How I love this girl! I was already craving tacos. I met her at the taco unit in a minute. Immediately she caught sight of me, and she rushed to give me a hug.

"Avery... I've missed you. I was so scared; I feared something bad had happened to you."

"Kiki, you saw me yesterday. I'm fine, I promise."

"I know, but still... Considering the situation yesterday, I have every right to miss you. I can see you're fine. Girl, you smell and look like money. What's going on?" I filled her in on all that happened yesterday.

"Let me get this right, he's a pervert that's obsessed with petite, blonde virgins?"

"I guess so. Everyone in his journal was blonde, blue-eyed, petite-looking and a virgin, so yeah, he has a fetish for blonde virgins.

"I'm so sorry I couldn't do anything to help. I can only imagine how you felt. He's such a jerk for making you feel safe just to hurt you."

Speaking about it brought the pain back, so I thought of talking about something else. "Doesn't matter anymore. On the bright side, I have money." I showed her the card, and she gasped, "some level of freedom and a comfortable bedroom. I know no one's going to lock me out of the house."

"You're right. I guess it's way better than life at your parents. Girl, that card... Tell me something!" A smile at her curiosity.

"It's twenty million dollars. He'll give more when it's exhausted-his words, not mine. Kiesha..." I signalled her to come closer as I scanned the room to ensure none of my security team was close by. "I have a plan... revenge, actually."

"Tell me." I filled her in on everything.

"Girl, I love this version of you. They wouldn't know what hit them." She smiled and took a sip of her drink. We spoke for some time, ate tacos and went for a little shopping, and then we called it a day.

"Take care of yourself, Avery. Call me when you get home." I watched her get into her car and drive off. I headed straight to my car... no, that sounds strange. Someone bumped into me. It was Serena, brat of the Kingston's.

"Hello swine! You look good, I must confess. I hope your husband isn't treating you badly?" She asked sarcastically. It was obvious she wished I looked a mess and badly beaten. I ignored her and continued walking over to the car, but that brat couldn't stand being ignored. She pulled me back forcefully.

"Witch, I'm talking to you. How dare you walk out on me?"

"I think you're forgetting who you're speaking to." I signalled my security to take control of the situation. I had no plans of ruining my look.

"Oh, now you think you can do as you please because you're married to the richest man in the city? You're just a toy to him." That stung. Serena was going to say more but was dragged into a nearby mobile toilet and locked in there. I must admit, my security team are creative; I wouldn't have thought of such a good punishment.

"Thank you, let's go." I couldn't wait to get home and talk to Adrian about my plans of employing Mr Brutus. He deserves better pay and a better environment. We got to the mansion, and I was helped with my bags while I asked Steve if Adrian was still home.

"Yes, ma'am, he wasn't feeling too well, so he decided to work a bit from home today. He's currently in his study." I nodded at his response. I didn't want it to look like I desperately want to be with Adrian. Slowly I walked away and hurried my pace when I was certain no one could see me.

I got to the study and forgot to knock in my hurry to talk. "Adrian, I-" Oh my god! My husband was fucking another woman right in his study and didn't even have the decency to lock the door.

"Oops. Sorry, I didn't know you'd be home early." It was the girl from yesterday.

"How? Why? But..." I couldn't get the right words out.

I heard her whisper, "You're shocked that I'm not blonde, right? I'm also not a virgin. He isn't my first but I'm his only love." She smiled mischievously.

"Soon you'll find out why he keeps chasing after girls like you for fun. When you find his truth, who and what he is, you'll pack your things and leave." Then she strolled out, barely taking time to clothe herself.

I turned to the man who was my husband for an explanation, but I got nothing. He just lay there, eyes closed, like he couldn't care less. I felt hurt even though it shouldn't hurt.

I couldn't stand the sight of him. "Avery...?" His voice sounded so weak.

Great, he exhausted all his energy while cheating and had the guts to say my name. I headed straight to my room. Pacing back and forth, I recalled what the girl had said. What could be the reason for his obsession with virgins? was he really in love with that girl? What else was he hiding?

AIDEN'S POV

"Boss! What's wrong?" Stephan came to me, concern evident in his face. I had drifted off once more.

"Lana...She-" I couldn't make up words. "Make sure she never steps foot into this house every again." She dared to drug me, a foul game to play with a mafia. I'm currently in a feud with the Martins, vulnerability isn't what I need right now.

"Yes sir." I could feel him fight the urge to ask what had happened.

"Avery...Where is she?"

"Last I saw her, she was asking to know your whereabouts. I'm guessing you must have seen her earlier." It all came rushing back. She'd seen I and Lana.

"She's probably in her room. Her security team and car are still here." He'd gotten me to my room and helped me to my bed. I don't know how I got my legs to move but now, I couldn't seem to unhook my arm from his neck. My head hurt like hell.

"I got you boss." I mouthed a thank you as i struggled to stay awake. This coupled last night's reckless drinking was doing numbers on me. "Boss, an Intel says the Martin's have plans to attack and rob from our warehouse in Bronx. I've gotten my team ready and I've informed the men there so security is right. We'll arrive there in an hour for reinforcement.

I tried to get up from the bed as I heard the news but I couldn't. "Stephan, help me."

"Don't worry boss, we've got this. Take care, I'll fill you in on everything." He walked away and I drifted back into a deep slumber.

I was awoken by the continuous sound of my ringtone and luckily, I felt much better.

"Yes? What's up Stephan?"

"It was a trap, a distraction boss. The mansion is under attack," my mind immediately went to Avery, "we won't make it in time and most our men joined in to help with the Bronx defense." He paused to catch his breathe and swallow, "I've contacted the Morali's they'll arrive sooner, I know you're not feeling well so I had to make arrangements for your safety and madam's. Security at the hospital where your grandma is has been strengthened."

"Did you take Simon with you?" I asked wanting to know if i had least the second best available.

"Yes sir. I'm sorry I - I should have planned better. I've tried to reach Mrs. Armstrong, she isn't picking up, I was hoping she might be with you. Berry claims he can't find her."

I was up before I could realize it. I had to make sure she was safe, hidden from this crap. I walked to her door and didn't bothered knocking. "Avery are you-" She wasn't there, I checked her bathroom, the balcony and she wasn't there. My heart started racing. I've never been this careless and let my guard down, now Avery might be paying for my mistake.

"Berry, have you found her?" I held my phone tightly as I awaited his response.

"No sir." I'll find her myself. I stormed out on unsteady legs determined to find Avery.

"Boss, I can't let you go out there like this, You're unwell, it's dangerous."

"What's dangerous is you trying to tell me what to do. You have one task, how hard could finding such petite human be?" With the tone I used, he stepped aside immediately.

Just when I stepped out, my phone rang, it was Avery.

"Hello, Aiden I'm outside, somewhere in the garden. I can't explain where, I'm being followed I don't know what's going on and my arm hurts so bad," I was certain she'd been shot. "When are the cops getting here? I'm not sure I can stay up for much longer i-" the call got disconnected.

"Avery! Avery! No no no. Avery!!!" I thought the worst might have happened.

I have to find her fast. "Berry get more men to join me at the garden." Then I hurried as much as I could on unsteady legs to get to the garden as fast as was possible. Where was she?

AVERY'S POV

I can't deny, the food here is always delicious. I needed to clear my head so I went outside, by the pool and had my dinner there. I still hadn't heard or seen Aiden, it hurt that he hadn't tried to apologize or anything but it wasn't surprising. Cool air and music did wonders for the mind. Before long, I started drifting off to to sleep and decided it was time to go to bed and just then I noticed a dark figure pass by but when I turned, I saw nothing. It was probably all in my head. Alarms went off, I could hear shouts and then gunshots. It felt like a horror movie I was scared and my Left arm thought it a good time to start hurting.

"God please, God please." Who ever was shooting for whatever reason, should stay far away from here. I don't want to get shot or lose my life over some stupid shoot out. I heard footsteps, "Security? Help, I'm over here." When I rushed out, it wasn't any of the security here and this man looked strange, dangerous with a look that tells he meant to cause harm. I ran as fast as my legs could carry me. I got to a spot where I could hide for a while and tried to call Berry, the head of the security team Aiden had left in charge of my safety but the line wasn't connecting so I decided to call the one man I didn't want to speak to, Aiden.

"Hello, Aiden I'm outside, somewhere in the garden. I can't explain where, I'm being followed I don't know what's going on and my arm hurts so bad," She's been shot. "When are the cops getting here? I'm not sure I can stay up for much longer i-" the call got disconnected while I was still talking. "No no no, why now?" I tried calling back several times but it wouldn't connect.

I had to try and escape on my own, it was the only way. Looking left and right to make certain no one was out there waiting to get me, I ran as fast as I could but I stopped by a huge guy who appeared in front of my path, I quickly turned around to take the other route.

"One more move and I'll pull the trigger." I went ice still, fear rocketed through my body. Was this how I was going to end? Loveless, unhappy, zero accomplished goals, no child. I said my last prayer and then I heard sound of gunshot come from behind me. This is it, this was the end.

"Avery!" I turned at the sound of my name. It was Aiden. The man from earlier was laying on the floor lifeless. I ran as Aiden as fast as I could, my legs were shaking, I could barely move them.

Aiden rushed over to me, "Stay with me, Avery don't go to sleep." Why was he shouting? My head hurt like hell and he was making things worse. Somebody tell this man he had no right to tell me when I can and can not go to sleep. I felt him grip my right arm and the pain intensified. "Let go! It hurts...why? My words were slurred. I heard more gunshots as i drifted off while Aiden barked orders that I couldn't process. When would this be over? Will i ever get to safety?