but I can't think about that night without my stomach pitching.
But Emilia wanted him and Bernadette to be part of Felix's and our life. Their daughter, Bridgette, and her husband and kids have also spent time with us. Now that Gustave is the head of Interpol and the Global Leaders have been falling rapidly, Bernadette is enjoying being a mother and grandma and trying to live a normal life. She and Emilia have stayed close.
True to his word, Gustave had the President, his son, and the Prime Minister all killed within days of us arriving in Bermuda. Once they died, the Global Leaders' internal war began. But there weren't many strong enough to put things back together again. One by one, Gustave orders his Interpol teams to take them out. He claims they are no longer a threat.
Kalim has become Gustave's right hand. But the last time we saw him, it was Penelope and Axel's wedding. We were in Spain, and he was talking quietly to Blaise. When I approached them, he told me he was thinking of getting out.
I don't blame him. We've all gotten out. He's the last one remaining. But he wouldn't say why he was getting out, only, "There's something I should have done years ago. I might be too late, but I need to try."
I asked him what he meant, but he wouldn't expand.
Blaise is still living in Bermuda. He visits Andre and Naomi a lot. Sometimes Sloane comes with him. Other times he's alone. They claim they are only friends, but I've caught them several times, lip-locked or disagreeing. One time, I'm pretty sure they were having sex against the wall. I turned and walked away, not mentioning it. For whatever reason, they choose to keep things private, and if anyone understands the need for secrets, it's me.
Emilia switches Felix to her other breast and scoots toward the bottom of the bed. "I need you on neck duty."
I slide behind her and put my hands on her shoulders. "Yep, your knot is back."
She closes her eyes and leans her head back against my chest.
I dig into her knot and kiss her cheek. I don't know how I ended up with her unconditionally loving me, but she does. She tells me all the time I helped her escape her bubble, but all I see is a new one.
It surrounds her, and Felix, and me. It's full of laughter and love. And if anyone ever tries to break it, they better be ready to die.
I went to the ends of the earth to find her. I didn't know it at the time. She thought she was the one who needed me. But I wasn't fully living until I found her.
I may have paid a billion dollars for her, but she is the one who owns me. And for the rest of my life, I'm not going to let her forget it.
MAFIA WARS! THE NEXT
EPIC SERIES!
He’s a Ruthless Stranger. One I can’t see, only feel, thanks to my friends who make a deal with him on my behalf.
No names. No personal details. No face to etch into my mind.
Just him, me, and an expensive silk tie.
What happens in Vegas is supposed to stay in Vegas.
He warns me he’s full of danger.
I never see that side of him. All I experience is his Russian accent, delicious scent, and touch that lights me on fire.
One incredible night turns into two. Then we go our separate ways.
But fate doesn't keep us apart. When I run into my stranger back in Chicago, I know it’s him, even if I’ve never seen his icy blue eyes before.
Our craving is hotter than Vegas. But he never lied.
He’s a ruthless man…
"Ruthless Stranger" is the jaw-dropping first installment of the "Mafia Wars" series. It’s an interconnecting, stand-alone Dark Mafia Romance, guaranteed to have an HEA.
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Aspen
RUTHLESS STRANGER PROLOGUE
Aspen Albright
"Don't turn around," a deep voice murmurs in my ear, sending chills down my spine. His accent sounds like a mix of old-world Eastern European meets modern-day U.S., but I can't place exactly where it's from. I have to pay close attention to understand what he's saying, but it only makes my intrigue about him intensify.
The scent of scotch flares in my nostrils, mixing with bergamot and cardamom. A large hand wraps around me and slides along my stomach, creating a blaze of hot, nervous flutters zinging to my core.
I begin to turn my head, but his cheek holds mine in