Him & I

Marie Rose

Out of her six siblings, Sienna-Rose Watson has it the worst. She's always getting in trouble with her controlling mother and abusive father. So, she's working two jobs, trying to earn enough to escape her toxic home.

Demien Black is a mafia king and a ruthless monster. When he sees Sienna-Rose, he knows he has to have her. She looks like an angel, and he might just be the actual devil... But could it somehow be a match made in Heaven?

Chapter One

SIENNA-ROSE

There's a small two-story house at the end of Dretton Avenue, in the less affluent part of London. It's home to a family of eight, including my older brother Olson. He's twenty-one and still leans on our mother for everything. He's never been one to strive for independence, but I guess everyone's different.

I'm not saying it's wrong to live at home at his age, but he's not exactly brimming with the know-how to live on his own. He expects everyone else to clean up after him and cater to his needs. And by everyone, I mean me.

Across the hall from Olson is my little sister, Eloise, or Ellie as she prefers. She's a handful. Not in the boy-crazy way, but in the "gets whatever she wants, whenever she wants" kind of way. She's fifteen and has never had to work for anything.

Our parents would bend over backward to give her anything she desires, which pretty much confirms she's the favored daughter. I'd like to say it doesn't bother me, that I'm content with who I am without their approval, but that would be a lie.

Next to Ellie's room is Michael's. He's a quiet kid, unusually so for a twelve-year-old. He's not great at socializing, but his mysterious nature makes him popular around here. He rarely leaves the house unless it's for school or to stir up trouble with his mischievous friends.

He's probably more troublesome than Ellie, and getting on his bad side is like willingly handing over your soul to the devil. He could make life hell for anyone who crosses him, and I guess that's the perk of being our father's favorite.

In the largest room of the house, the fourth bedroom, reside the king and queen of hell themselves—my parents.

They're the monsters that lurk in the darkest corners of my mind, a constant reminder that those who are supposed to love and protect you can also be the ones to tear you down.

Avoiding any confrontation with them is the safest bet, as they're far from winning any "parent of the year" awards, at least when it comes to me.

My mother used to be a joyful woman, always laughing and smiling. But when I turned thirteen and my body began to change, so did she, and not for the better.

From then on, I was raised to believe that I had to be perfect: flawless skin, stunning hair, a model's figure. Otherwise, no man would want me. It's sad because there was a time when I believed her.

She controlled my diet, dictating when and what I could eat. Often, my meals were smaller than those of the youngest in the house. Her reasoning? "A man will always choose a skinny woman over a fat bitch."

But her control didn't stop at food. She dictated my friends, claiming they weren't "good for my image." I had to act pure and innocent, or else face severe punishment. I once tried to be myself when she wasn't around, but the moment I got home, I knew I'd made a mistake.

She knew, and she didn't hold back on the punishment. I still have a lighter patch of skin on my shoulder as a reminder of the consequences of my actions.

Then there's my father. He's a man of few words, but when he does speak, you wish he hadn't. His words are always insulting and degrading—at least to me. I tried not to blame him growing up, knowing he's an addict and has been battling alcoholism for as long as I can remember.

I know it's his fault for turning to alcohol to cope with his problems, but he's my father, and a part of me will always love him, despite his mistakes.

When I was fourteen, a darker chapter unfolded in the Watson household. It was the first time I saw my father hit my mother out of anger and jealousy. This became a regular occurrence.

Some part of my father is too dark, too violent for this world, and I think my mother knows it. She never stands up to him, maybe out of fear, or the delusion that he might change. I can never forgive her for that.

Whenever my father would lose control, I'd try to ensure my siblings were elsewhere, but every action has consequences. One day, I was caught sneaking around the second floor after ensuring the babies were safe. That's when I became my father's new target.

The last two members of our household are Dianna and Emma, the youngest Watson kids. At eighteen months and three months old, they stay in my parents' room. I'm not comfortable with it, but baby monitors can be a lifesaver in situations like these.

I love those babies as if they were my own, probably because I'm practically raising them while my parents are off doing God-knows-what in the city. They're the only good things in this house, and I dread the day our parents sink their claws into them, molding them into their own image.

Life in the Watson household isn't easy, especially for me. I work two jobs to support my daily needs, like food and clothing, while also ensuring Dianna and Emma have everything they need after my father squanders our income on his ever-growing addiction.

My bedroom isn't like the others; it's at the very top of the house. That's the only place they were willing to put me once everyone else had chosen their rooms.

A draft sends a shiver down my spine. If it starts to rain, I'll have to huddle in a corner of the attic, surrounded by old clothes and blankets. I'll have to avoid the spots where the roof tiles are missing and hope the rain ends soon so I don't get sick.

I don't own much. Either it's too bulky for my cramped space, or I just don't need it. I have a dresser for my clothes, a low bed I bought with my first paycheck, and an alarm clock.

I'm hardly ever home, so I didn't see the point in decorating with knick-knacks or whatever else people use to personalize their space.

I work at a small café called Café L'Amour from Monday to Friday. My shift usually runs from nine in the morning till six in the evening. But on slow days, I can sometimes sneak out an hour or so early.

On Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and weekends, I work at Club Luminous as a bartender and sometimes as a server in the VIP rooms. That's from seven in the evening till five in the morning on a good day. So, I'm pretty much always busy.

Switching uniforms is easy. I wear my own clothes at the cafe, so I can head straight to the club without looking out of place.

But the club uniform is a different story. It's a leather top that looks more like a sports bra with a front zipper, a short skirt that barely covers my butt, and fishnet tights.

There's a lot of skin on display, but my manager, Marcus Filton, insists it brings in more customers. The neighborhood gossip paints Marcus as a lecherous old man, always ogling women too young for him.

I didn't believe it until I started working there. Now, I can feel his eyes on my ass every time I'm on shift.

I keep my mouth shut because I need the job. Confronting my manager about his creepy behavior isn't the way to keep it.

I'm not comfortable with the uniform. My stomach and thighs are on full display. I'm not stick-thin like the other girls.

I'm curvy, with wider hips and a rounder butt that the skirt barely covers. But I make it work.

Marcus is particular about our shoes. I chose black six-inch stiletto heels because they're the most comfortable option for me.

I don't hate this job, but there have been times when I've had to call a bouncer because a drunk guy got too handsy.

Some people just don't understand that no means no.

Now it's three in the morning on a Tuesday, and I can't sleep. My mind is a whirlwind of stress.

I watch the time tick by on my alarm clock and accept that it's going to be another sleepless night.

I'm getting used to functioning on little sleep. I'm glad it's a Tuesday, not a day when I have to work at both the café and the club. There's nothing worse than working back-to-back shifts on no sleep.

When the clock reads seven o'clock, I'm already awake and getting ready for my shift at the café.

The café is a twenty-minute walk from my house. I like to get there early to greet Sophie Hernandez, my boss. She's the sweetest woman on earth and has been like a mother to me.

She always makes sure I eat something in the morning, even if it's just a pastry. She says I'm "too thin for a growing woman."

I disagree. I think my figure is too big for a woman my age and height. Being a curvy, five-foot-four nineteen-year-old isn't always fun.

As I start my shift and begin stocking the pastry display, I'm reminded of the pain in my lower back and wrists from my father's attack the night before.

The memory plays in the back of my mind.

The force of my back hitting the wall made my legs shake and knocked the wind out of me.

My wrists were trapped in his tight grip, pinned between his hands and the wall. He screamed in my face and kneed my stomach. I was completely at his mercy.

My heart pounded and everything inside me screamed to run and hide. My father was unpredictable. I never knew what he would do next.

Some days he just kicked me around a bit. But yesterday wasn't one of those days.

After he threw me across the hall into the corner of the dining table, a sharp pain spread up my spine. I felt lightheaded and nauseous.

This went on for hours.

The memory is etched in my mind. But it's not all bad. It shows my strength. It shows that I can endure something terrible and still have the will to carry on and see another sunrise.

Snapped back to the present, I looked down at my wrists. Both were bruised, and the left one was a darker shade, hinting at a possible fracture.

It was too late to hide them now. I'd just have to keep my hands tucked into my apron pockets to avoid drawing attention.

Just then, the bell above the door rang, announcing a new arrival.

"Could you take care of these customers while I finish up in the back, sweetie?" Sophie asked. She always managed to stay polite, even under pressure. It amazed me how she could remain so calm while running this place.

"Sure thing, Sophie. I'm on it." I left the storeroom and headed to the front, only to lock eyes with the most captivating pair l'd ever seen. They were a striking shade of blue, like a clear pool, staring straight into my pale green ones.

His face was as stunning as his eyes.

His hair was jet black, just long enough to run fingers through. High cheekbones, a strong jawline, and a well-defined nose completed the picture.

He didn't seem much older than me, but he carried himself with a maturity that could be intimidating. He was, in my eyes, the epitome of perfection.

As I approached the handsome stranger, I couldn't help but notice our height difference. He was tall, around six foot three or four, and he wore it well.

He wasn't lanky, but broad-shouldered. A muscular guy who likely spent his free time in the gym, judging by the hint of abs visible beneath his white shirt.

ts long, musular legs were enese in beck denim jeans, which pared wel with his shirt, giving of a y didnt even

"How can I assist you this morning, sir?" I asked, trying to keep my voice professional and my eyes from wandering over the godlike man standing before me.

My voice seemed to snap the mysterious stranger out of his thoughts. Shaking his head slightly, he finally spoke.

"I'm here to see Sophie. Could you get her for me, please?" With a quick nod, I headed back to the kitchen, where I found Sophie covered in flour, wrestling with what looked like cake batter.

Suppressing a laugh, I relayed the message about the handsome stranger waiting for her.

"Uh, Sophie? There's a guy here to see you. Should I send him back here?"

At my words, Sophie rushed past me without a word, as if the thought of keeping him waiting was the most terrifying thing imaginable.

Deciding to give them some privacy, I turned my attention to the abandoned batter and started preparing it for the

oven.

I couldn't help but wonder what they were discussing.

Chapter Two

DAMIEN

A familiar throb at the back of my skull brings back flashes from last night.

I had some dealings at Club Luminous with the insufferable Marcus Filton. But honestly, after a few rounds of scotch on the rocks, I couldn't recall what we were discussing.

I'm a dedicated man when it comes to my work, but guys like Filton push my patience to the edge.

He's cocky, thinking his wealth can fix everything. But his arrogance is going to come back and bite him in the ass.

People get so caught up in the power that money brings. But when that power and luck run out, they're left defenseless, like a lamb abandoned among wolves.

I was lounging in my usual VIP booth, watching the drunken antics around the club, when I felt a new weight on my thighs.

I glanced up at the mystery woman who'd made herself comfortable on my lap. I wasn't exactly impressed.

She looked like your typical party girl: bleached blond hair and blue eyes, which were probably contacts if I looked closely.

Her figure was average, similar to at least four other women in the room. But who was I to deny a young woman her desires?

Now it's seven in the morning on a Tuesday, and I'm sharing my bed with a woman half-draped over my back. This isn't new for me, but it's always a pain when it comes to sending them on their way.

Some think they're more than a one-night stand and try to stick around for breakfast. Others are just plain crazy and refuse to believe it was a one-time thing.

I pushed her off me as gently as I could, probably rougher than I should have, and headed to the attached bathroom in the guest room for a quick shower and to prepare for the long day ahead.

After my shower, washing off the scent of alcohol and sex, and brushing my teeth to get rid of the last taste of last night, I wrapped a towel around my waist and headed for the closet.

Stepping out of the bathroom, I realized I wasn't alone. Why can't women just make my morning easier by listening to me?

"What are you still doing here?" Now, I know what you're probably thinking. Yes, I do respect women, but only those who respect themselves.

Women like these, who willingly go home with a stranger just because he stands out, shouldn't be offended when they're asked to leave the next morning.

I'm all for women wanting to have a good time, but at least let the guy buy you a drink first instead of jumping into his bed at the first chance.

"Hey, baby, last night was really good. Want me to cook you breakfast?" Rolling my eyes, I knew what I had to do and the hassle it would cause.

"No offense, Abbie, but I don't even remember last night. You were just a one-night thing, and I'd prefer if you didn't make breakfast and left before I come back out of the closet."

Without giving her a second glance, I turned around and quickly dressed in black jeans and a white shirt, adding some decent shoes to look like I'd made an effort this morning.

When I returned to the room, there was no sign of her, so I took that as my cue to leave and head to the busy day at work waiting for me.

Walking to my four-car garage, I chose my all-time favorite ride, a matte black Audi R8 Spyder-the only love in my life.

The engine purred in response, and I savored the soft hum before pulling out onto the road to start my day.

Not even ten minutes into the drive, an annoying ring from my phone broke my concentration.

A quick glance at the screen showed a message from Sophie.

I knew it was going to be about the woman she probably saw leaving the guest room this morning. I can't complain though. I love how she looks out for me and wants the best for me, but I'm a grown man. I can make my own choices.

Ten minutes later, I was parking my car at the side of the road, bracing myself for the lecture Sophie was about to deliver.

It's not that I'm scared to talk to her about it, it's just that she always says the same thing.

"Damien, when are you going to stop sleeping around and find a nice young lady to settle down with? I can introduce you to someone if you like. I think you would really like this one. Plus, I want some babies crawling around the house before my time is up!"

Sophie was always a bit dramatic, but I loved her regardless. As the café door opened, a bell rang through the building, alerting the staff to a new customer.

"Would you mind serving these people while I finish up out back, sweetie?" I heard my aunt yell from what I assumed was the kitchen.

She was always back there, either rearranging the shelves or perfecting a new recipe.

"Of course, Sophie, already on it." That voice was like a melody; it wasn't harsh, but soft and airy, filling me with a warmth deep in my chest.

As soon as the angelic voice faded, a woman emerged from the storage room, looking as heavenly as she sounded.

She was breathtaking. I've seen plenty of women, but none of them compared to the vision before me. She radiated innocence and kindness.

I couldn't describe the feeling coursing through me; it was like a thousand sparks of electricity were flowing in my veins, and I couldn't stop it. But in a strange, messed-up way, I knew I didn't want to.

The slight shift in her left leg told me she was about to approach me. I shook myself out of my trance, my gaze fixed on the green-eyed beauty as she moved toward me. Her steps were so graceful, it was as if she was floating rather than walking, adding to the captivating aura she exuded.

As she drew closer, I took in her petite stature. She couldn't have been more than five-four, but her curves were in all the right places.

I hadn't even exchanged words with her yet, but I was already completely captivated.

The closer she got, the more I noticed a slight wince every time she moved her torso.

I scanned her for any other signs of injury but found none, apart from the faint bruising around her wrist, peeking out from under her apron.

"How may I assist you this morning, sir?"

I realized I'd been caught in her spell again. Shaking my head slightly, I pushed aside thoughts of the enchanting woman in front of me and focused on why I was here.

"I'm here to see Sophie. Could you please fetch her for me?" She nodded quickly and I watched as the brunette sauntered toward the kitchen, disappearing around the back.

A strange sense of loss washed over me, but I shrugged it off.

Not even five seconds later, Sophie came bustling out of the back, looking like a whirlwind of chaos.

"Sophie, you've got a little something right here." I gestured to my face, indicating that she wasn't looking her best.

"Hush, boy, you're going to be the death of me with all these floozies you bring home from your club escapades.

Seriously, Damien, I don't want to see a half-dressed woman traipsing down the stairs first thing in the morning while I'm trying to eat my breakfast. It's sickening."

I knew she was right, but it's just who I am. In my line of work, it's incredibly difficult to find and commit to one woman who will stand by my side while I run my "business."

It's not that I don't want to find a loving woman to proudly show off to the world and shower with all the love and affection I have to give.

It's just hard to bring someone into this life because once they know, they must sign a contract of silence. Breaking this contract means immediate death for betraying the Mafia and me. How could I ever expect a woman to make that kind of commitment?

"Yes, Sophie, I'll try to make sure you don't see them in the mornings, but I can't promise you'll never have to see one.

Anyway, who was that woman I was talking to earlier?"

Her expression softened into a smile, a stark contrast to the frown she wore while lecturing me.

"That's Sienna-Rose Watson. She's been working here for a while now, but she also has another part-time job. She's a bit shy but very hardworking. Why? See something you like, Damien?"

Indeed, I had, but I knew I needed to learn more about her before I even considered getting involved.

Maybe her injuries had something to do with her shyness and the fact that she works two jobs. This girl was a mystery, and I wanted to be the one to unlock her heart.

I didn't bother answering my aunt and started to walk away, shouting a quick goodbye before leaving the building.

I got back into my car and started my drive to the gang house, deciding that Cole, my best friend since childhood, would be the best person to get me the information I needed.

I dialed his number and he picked up on the second ring. "Diablo." Even though he's my best friend, during work hours he's expected to call me by my work name.

"Find everything you can on Sienna-Rose Watson, and bring it to my office ASAP."

I ended the call and focused on getting to work on time to finish my paperwork before heading back to the club tonight to wrap up any unfinished business from last night's meeting.

As I pulled up to the building where most of my responsibilities lay, my thoughts drifted back to Sienna-Rose. What could she possibly be hiding?

I stepped into the elevator and pressed the button for the top floor, which was reserved for me and my future other half. I walked to the last door on the right and entered the all-too-familiar office.

"Diablo, we got the information you requested." I was surprised that Cole had already found the information and was waiting for me; it seemed a bit strange.

"There wasn't much. We dug up all we could, but her profile seemed to be locked and we couldn't hack it. She's either extremely private or she's involved with some dangerous people."

I knew he was right, but from our brief encounter, she didn't seem like the type to be in trouble. But then again, appearances can be deceiving.

"Thanks, Cole." I opened the file, which contained basic information: Sienna-Rose Watson, nineteen years old, five foot

four inches, lives on Dretton Avenue, daughter of Wilson Watson and Alexandra Watson.

He was right; this wasn't the usual amount of background information our servers would have pulled up. Sienna was an even bigger mystery now, and part of me was even more determined to solve it. I knew I wanted her, but I couldn't figure out why.

"Cole, gather the guys. We're going to Club Luminous. I need to wrap up some business and then unwind. Be ready by six."

He left my office, presumably to inform the boys about tonight. As I sat there in the silence, I couldn't help but stare at the case file in front of me.

I knew something was missing; no one is this well guarded without a reason, and I'm determined to figure it out.

She's stunning and she's perfect for me. I know this feeling isn't normal, but she's everything I've ever wanted in a woman; she's hardworking and reserved. I need to know more about her.

She will be mine.

Eventually.

Chapter Three

SIENNA-ROSE

Sophie returned to the kitchen, her face lit up with the biggest smile I'd ever seen. I had a hunch it had something to do with the handsome stranger outside, but I couldn't figure out how she could possibly know him.

Deciding to stop overthinking, I chose the straightforward approach.

"So, who was that guy outside?" I asked. Her smile only grew brighter, and I felt a twinge of unease. No one should be able to smile that wide, but I didn't want to burst her bubble by saying so.

"Oh, darling, that's my nephew. He's twenty-two, runs his own business, and he's single," she said, winking at me suggestively.

I couldn't deny he was good-looking. He probably knew it too. But I didn't have time for guys like him. He must have women falling all over him. Why would he be interested in a Plain Jane like me?

"I don't have time for dating, Sophie. Between working here and at the club, I barely have time for myself. Besides, a guy like him wouldn't even glance my way."

She just rolled her eyes, her smile still in place, and headed towards the back ovens.

I returned to the front and resumed my shift. The café started to get busy around midday, which was typical. I was used to the fast pace, and my experience from late nights at the club helped me remember orders and keep up with making drinks.

By three in the afternoon, things started to slow down, and I finally had a few minutes to myself. Once I'd checked on the last two tables, I slipped out back to see if my parents had texted. I did have a text, but not the one I was hoping for.

I went back into the kitchen to find Sophie. I needed to leave at five to get home, change into my uniform, and make it to the club on time.

"Sophie? Are you back here?" I called out.

"Over here, sweetie. Is everything okay?" Sophie's voice came from the walk-in freezer on the other side of the room. I headed over, hoping she wouldn't mind me leaving a bit early. Olivia, another server, would be here at five to take

over.

I walked into the freezer and found Sophie rummaging through the frozen fruits.

"Sophie, I hate to ask, but my other boss just texted. I need to cover for another server tonight. Can I leave at five instead of six?"

I held my breath, hoping she wouldn't mind. Normally, on days when I work both jobs, I bring my uniform with me.

The bus to the club leaves at six twenty, and it's a thirty-five-minute ride. I needed the extra hour to go home, change, and cover any visible bruises from the skimpy uniform the club requires.

"Of course, sweetie. You're a hard worker. I understand things like this happen. Just don't make it a habit."

I had two hours left on my shift and decided to make them count. I took care of the last tables, wiped down the counters and chairs, restocked the pastries, and washed the used glasses.

By the time I finished, it was four forty-five. I made sure everything was in order out front and checked with Olivia to see if she needed any help.

Five o'clock finally rolled around. Sophie waved goodbye, and I hurried home to get ready for another long shift at the club.

As I reached for the door handle, it swung open. My mother was heading out, no doubt to spend money we couldn't afford to lose.

"I expect you to be gone by the time your father gets home. We all know your presence puts him in a bad mood."

It might sound like she cared, but what she really meant was they didn't want to see me. They didn't care what

happened to me or where I went, as long as I wasn't around them.

She brushed past me and headed for her car. After watching her drive away, I ran upstairs to the attic to get ready.

After using half a tube of concealer and gathering everything I needed for work, it was six fifteen. I sprinted to the bus stop, not even stopping to say hi to my siblings. I barely caught the bus and used my café tips to pay the fare.

I got to the club at six fifty, leaving me just ten minutes to change. I squeezed past the dancers and the chairs that were so far from the tables they might as well not have been there.

I hurried into the staff room, changed as quickly as I could, and headed to the bar where my manager, Marcus, was talking to the new guy.

"Good, you're here, Sienna. There's a group of important men in VIP room four. You're their server tonight. Anything they want, you give it to them."

Marcus always creeped me out. He was twenty-six and felt entitled to touch me whenever he wanted. I knew what he meant by "anything they want," but I wasn't about to lose my dignity or self-respect for a few extra tips.

"Okay, is that all?" He gave me a quick nod and a once-over before dismissing me.

I shivered involuntarily as I walked away. Not because I liked his attention, but because no one here had the guts to stand up to him. I needed this job more than I cared to admit.

I headed to the stairs leading to the VIP sections, put on a smile, and prepared to do my job.

I gave my makeup a quick once-over in the mirror, making sure the bruises were well hidden and I looked presentable. Then, I gave a soft knock on the door to announce my arrival.

The room fell silent, which I took as my cue to step in. The sight that greeted me was a room full of intimidating men, all dressed in dark clothes.

"Good evening, gentlemen. I'm Rose, your server for tonight. Can I get you anything?"

When I first started working here, Marcus decided my name was too long and shortened it to Rose. He said it would make me seem "as innocent as a flower."

His words, not mine. But I didn't mind that the customers didn't know my full name. It kept the handsy ones from getting too personal.

The other employees called me Sienna. So, when the older men came asking for Rose, they'd usually cover for me, saying they didn't know who Rose was.

I felt someone's gaze on me, but I didn't want to look around in case it was just my imagination.

"I'll take a beer."

"Whiskey, neat."

"Same as Cole, a whiskey for me."

"Tequila shots for me." That voice sounded strangely familiar. When I turned to see who it belonged to, I found myself looking into familiar blue eyes. It was Sophie's nephew.

So, he was the one who'd been staring at me. Even now, as I met his gaze, he didn't look away. I quickly averted my eyes, remembering I had a job to do, and excused myself without looking back.

"Coming right up." I left to get their drinks, hoping he didn't remember me. But the look in his eyes told me he did.

There was something else there too, something beyond recognition.

Maybe it was just wishful thinking, hoping a guy like him could find a girl like me even slightly attractive.

I relayed their orders to Peter at the bar and braced myself to reenter the room without making things awkward between me and Blue Eyes.

"Here you go, Sienna." I took the tray with a quiet thank-you and hurried up the stairs, careful not to spill any drinks.

I knocked lightly on the door again and stepped in, heading straight for the table in the middle of the room.

After setting down everyone's drinks, I turned to leave but was stopped by a hand pulling me into a stranger's lap.

"How about it, sweetheart? Fancy spending the night with me?" I dealt with guys like this all the time, but I wasn't about to let some creep touch me without my consent.

"I don't think so. Now, if you'd kindly remove your hands from me, I'd appreciate it." I tried to keep my tone sweet, but this guy wasn't backing down.

I glanced around the room, hoping someone would step in, deliberately avoiding his gaze.

"Don't play hard to get. You've got my attention. Why pretend you don't want me? I know you do." This guy was really

getting on my nerves, and his last comment made me snap.

"Okay, I tried to be nice, but your ego seems to be blocking your brain function. I suggest you get your fucking hands

off me before I lose my temper."

I grabbed his hand from my waist, stood up, and twisted it behind his back until he was in an awkward position. "I m not like the other girls you find in places like this, so keep your hands to yourself."

I let him go and headed for the door. With a sweet smile plastered on my face, I turned back to excuse myself. "Enjoy your drinks, gentlemen."

Their shocked expressions didn't escape me, but one person stood out. He didn't look shocked; he looked...proud.

Maybe he'd never seen a girl stand up for herself before.

I left the room and went straight to Marcus to report the incident.

There was a situation in the VIP room. A guy got too handsy and I put him in his place." I wasn't a violent person, but I had enough problems at home. I didn't need more at work.

"Are you out of your mind, Sienna? Those men are dangerous. When they ask for something, you do it. No questions asked."

What was going on today? Marcus always said his number one rule was that no one was allowed to manhandle the servers.

"What happened to the 'no touching if you don't want to be touched' policy?" Before I knew it, Marcus had grabbed my arm a little too hard and was dragging me towards the back door.

As I struggled, I locked eyes with Blue Eyes across the room. I didn't trust Marcus, and I hoped my look conveyed my need for help.

But before I could signal for help, we were out back. Marcus shoved me against the wall next to the back door, standing uncomfortably close.

"Where did all this sass come from, Sienna? It's kind of hot. Maybe you can put that smart mouth of yours to good use."

His hands roughly grabbed my hips, and I knew I'd have fresh bruises later. I was terrified. I couldn't move or think.

This had never happened to me before, and I didn't know what to do.

I snapped out of my daze when he started planting wet kisses on my neck. It was disgusting. I had to fight the urge to vomit. Get it together, Sienna.

"Please, leave me alone. Someone help me!" I screamed, but Marcus didn't appreciate it. He hit me hard in the face to shut me up.

In my dazed state, he threw me to the ground and started unbuckling his jeans. He was going to rape me. The blow to my face only intensified the pain throbbing through my body.

My strength was gone. His weight was pressing against me one moment, and then it was gone, just as quickly as it had come.

"Get the FUCK away from her." That voice was familiar; it was Blue Eyes. My vision was fading, turning black around the edges. I was struggling to stay conscious. I couldn't pass out now; I had to get home tonight.

I pushed myself up and blinked a few times, trying to clear my vision, but it only helped a little.

From what I could see, Blue Eyes had Marcus pinned to the ground, landing punch after punch, while another guy stood guard at the alley entrance.

I watched as Blue Eyes leaned in close to Marcus, whispering something in his ear. Judging by the look on Marcus' face, whatever he said wasn't pleasant.

From where I was, leaning against the wall, I could only catch a few words: "You...touch…mine.die."

I couldn't make sense of it, but before I could think about it any further, a black Range Rover pulled up at the alley entrance. Four big guys got out and approached Blue Eyes, then dragged a badly beaten Marcus to the car.

My knees started to give out, and the ground was rushing up to meet me. But then, arms circled my waist, sending tingles everywhere they touched. I knew it was Blue Eyes holding me, even though I couldn't understand why he was here.

But I was grateful.

Chapter Four

SIENNA-ROSE

Blue Eyes had his hands around my waist, and I was surprised by the tingles that spread across my skin. It felt right being in his arms; his touch didn't make my skin crawl.

"Are you okay, Sienna-Rose?" I couldn't answer because I wasn't sure myself.

Physically, I was okay, to some extent. But mentally, I was a mess. I gave a slight nod because I didn't trust my voice at that moment.

"I'm Damien Black. I saw you earlier at the cafe. You served me and my men in the VIP room." His face was emotionless, but if you looked closely, you could see the anger simmering in his eyes.

I knew exactly who he was; he'd been on my mind all day. It's funny how life works, throwing new people at you when you need them the most. I guess that's destiny.

"You're Sophie's nephew, right? She told me a bit about you. But it seems like you've done some digging too. You called me Sienna-Rose, not just Rose. And if I remember correctly, I didn't give you my name this morning."

He looked a bit taken aback. I wasn't sure if it was because I knew about him or because I knew he'd asked about me.

A smirk spread across his face, probably amused by the situation between us. We both knew we were intrigued enough to ask about each other, but neither of us was ready to admit it.

"Well, that is your name, isn't it? I don't know why you don't use the whole thing, Angel. It's a beautiful name, suits you."

I could feel my cheeks heating up. Being a nineteen-year-old girl with a real-life Greek god in front of me stirred up strange emotions in my chest.

My vision finally cleared enough for me to look into his eyes. But as soon as I did, it was like a switch flipped in his head.

His eyes hardened when he saw the red mark, no doubt the start of another bruise on my cheek from the punch Marcus had thrown a few moments ago.

His eyes were filled with anger and disappointment.

I didn't know why, but seeing that look in his eyes made me feel weak, like I'd somehow let him down.

I looked down at the floor. I couldn't bear to see the look on his face, knowing that I was weak and a disappointment. I couldn't even fight off Marcus and escape.

He gently lifted my chin with his thumb and forefinger to get a better look at my face.

His eyes hardened even more, filled with pure rage.

The disappointment was gone, replaced by pure, concentrated anger.

He started to check the rest of my body for injuries. Each time he found one, his face hardened even more.

His thumb began to stroke my face. It was comforting, and I didn't understand why.

I wasn't going to complain though. After the night I'd had, I needed all the comfort I could get. I certainly wasn't going to get it at home from my parents.

When I looked into his eyes again, they were still filled with intense anger. I thought I heard him whisper, "I'll fucking kill him for touching what's mine."

What did he touch that was his? I tried to think of everything Marcus could have touched, but I couldn't come up with an answer. It couldn't be me. I wasn't his.

His eyes began to soften the more he looked at me. I realized that this was an intimate position for two strangers to be in, so I straightened up and took a small step to the side to put some distance between us.

His smile turned into a frown, and for some reason, I felt bad for causing him any distress.

"Thank you for saving me, Damien." He gave me a small smile and a nod, as if to say "You're welcome."

"I should probably get my stuff and go home. Thanks again."

I turned around and started to head for the back door again. Every part of me ached, and my vision was still a bit blurry. But I couldn't stop now. I needed to get home and sleep this off.

As I reached for the door handle, I heard Damien's voice.

"I'll always save you, Sienna."

With a small smile, I continued to the back room, grabbed my stuff, and got changed, ready to leave.

I didn't know why I felt like a schoolgirl with a crush on a boy, but I knew I was attracted to him. My body practically screamed it every time he was near.

It was like a powerful energy entered my body, pulling me toward him every chance it got.

Pushing these feelings aside, I walked out the front entrance with my bag over my shoulder. Just thinking about the walk to the bus stop made my muscles ache. But I started walking anyway.

The sooner I got there, the quicker I could get home and sleep.

Before I could get five steps away from the club, a car pulled up next to me. Could I ever catch a break?

The window rolled down, and I saw one of the guys from the VIP room in the passenger seat, with Damien in the driver's seat.

"Need a ride home, Angel?" Damien slowed the car to match my pace.

"I'm just going to take the bus, it's fine." He didn't look pleased with that answer.

The car came to a complete stop, and the unknown guy got out and moved to the back seat. Damien stuck his head out of the window and gave me the most intimidating look I'd ever seen.

"Get in the car, Angel. I'll take you home. Taking the bus after the night you've had isn't a smart idea."

He was right. I was still a bit rattled from the earlier incident. A chill ran down my spine and I could feel the tears welling up just thinking about the what-ifs.

I didn't want to relive tonight's events, so I figured it was best to hitch a ride with Damien. I didn't believe he'd hurt me. If he had wanted to, he had the perfect opportunity back in the alley.

I set my bag down at my feet and gave Damien my address. He offered a small, comforting smile and started the car.

We drove in silence for about five minutes, but it was short-lived. Blondie in the backseat decided it was the perfect time to strike up a conversation.

He glanced at Damien through the rearview mirror, as if waiting for him to speak.

"Well, if you're not going to introduce me, I'll do it myself. Hi, I'm Cole, this jerk's best friend. I just wanted to say that your performance in the VIP room was unforgettable. Where'd you learn to do that?"

I had almost forgotten about the VIP room incident until Cole brought it up. This night was turning into one big disaster. If there was ever a time when my luck ran out, it was tonight.

I just shrugged. "I hear that a lot, actually. I have to tell at least fifty guys— and sometimes a few women-to keep their hands to themselves every day. So, I guess it's just a lot of practice."

Damien looked like he was about to strangle the steering wheel-his knuckles were white-but I didn't say anything, afraid he might redirect that anger at me.

The car fell silent after that. No one spoke, but I didn't mind the quiet. It gave me a chance to reflect on the past few hours. Today really hadn't been my day.

Before long, the car pulled up in front of my house. It wasn't much, but it was home. Without wasting any time, I grabbed my bag, opened the door, and hopped out.

I turned back to look at Damien. His face was unreadable, like a riddle I couldn't solve, probably because the answer kept changing.

Even though we'd only met a few times, he never gave anything away. The only time I saw any real emotion was when he saw my bruises. He was a puzzle, and I had a feeling some of the pieces were missing.

"Thanks for the ride. I appreciate everything you've done for me tonight." I gave him a tight smile and slipped into the house as quietly as I could.

I didn't want to face the consequences of waking my so-called father at this hour. I started for the stairs but froze when I noticed the living room lamp was on.

No one should be awake at this hour.

I cautiously peeked around the corner and saw my father sitting in the chair, facing my direction.

My breath hitched when our eyes met. This wasn't like when Damien looked at me. This was frightening and intimidating, not at all welcoming. I was in for a long night.

Chapter Five

DAMIEN

I can't find the words to express the rage boiling inside me. I saw Marcus pull her outside and didn't think twice about it.

How could I be so blind? She was clearly in trouble and I overlooked his strange behavior. It wasn't until the guys decided to leave that I heard a woman's voice crying out for help.

The fear and pain in her voice shattered my heart. I felt a chill run down my spine and a sense of dread washed over me. Somehow, I knew it was Sienna calling out for me.

I sprinted towards the alley, leaving Cole to handle the guys. When I reached the entrance of the alley, I was livid at the sight before me. Who the hell does he think he is?

I rushed over and yanked the creep away from my girl. The beast inside me was unleashed, and the thought of his hands on her pished me over the edge.

Without a second thought, I started beating Marcus. He was a dead man. No one messes with what's mine and gets away with it.

Punch after punch, it wasn't enough. The monster inside me craved more bloodshed. He needed to die, only then would it be enough.

He was going to die, not just for my satisfaction, but for the petite woman he tried to take. No one who behaves like this should be free, not on my watch.

The world has let enough people down. I won't be another bystander who turns a blind eye to those in need.

"You think you can touch what's mine and get away with it? You're a dead man, Filton."

The sound of a car pulling up snapped me back to reality. Cole must have figured out who it was and sent the guys to get the car.

I watched as four of my men dragged Marcus to the trunk of the car. I'd deal with him later.

I turned back to see Sienna had managed to stand, but she was unsteady; her legs were shaking and her eyes were glazed over. She was on the verge of passing out, but I wouldn't let her fall.

I took a slow step towards her—I didn't want to scare her-but before I could take another step, her legs gave out.

I caught her before she hit the ground. My hands naturally wrapped around her waist. It felt right having her so close.

I felt a wave of relief knowing she was safe with me.

Tonight confirmed that my connection with this brown-haired goddess was beyond comprehension. She had to be mine. She was a beacon of light, pure and innocent, everything I wasn't.

People like her needed protection, and I was going to be the one to protect her.

"Are you okay, Sienna-Rose?" I knew it was a dumb question. She was clearly not okay after the night she'd had.

First, Ashton, one of my guys, roughed her up, and now she had to deal with that jerk Marcus trying to take advantage of her.

Just thinking about how Ashton treated her made me disappointed in my men.

I have one rule: respect women, especially innocent ones like Sienna, and he broke that rule right in front of me. I shared some of the blame; I should have stepped in when Ashton crossed the line.

But a part of me, the selfish part, wanted to see how she'd handle the situation. How she defended herself against Ashton would show if she was strong enough to handle my lifestyle.

She nodded, but I didn't believe her. No one could be okay after a day like this.

"I'm Damien Black. You served me and my men in the VIP room earlier."

I was still angry thinking about the circumstances that led to our introduction. She was glancing at me, but she hadn't fully faced me yet.

"You're Sophie's nephew, right? She told me a bit about you, but it seems like you've done some digging too. You called me Sienna-Rose, not just Rose, and if I remember correctly, I didn't give you my name this morning."

She sounded nervous. Maybe she knew who I really was and my role in the Mafia, but if she did, she'd be trying to get away from me.

I was surprised by her words, and a smirk spread across my face. The fact that she'd asked about me gave me a glimmer of hope. Maybe she felt this inexplicable connection too.

"Well, that's your name, isn't it? I don't know why you don't use the whole thing, Angel. It's a beautiful name, suits you."

A blush spread across her face. I'd never been so captivated by anyone before. I'd only known her for a day, and she'd already consumed my every thought and desire.

She was all I saw now; my sole purpose was to ensure her safety and protection, a promise not even death could break.

She tilted her head slightly, and I found myself lost in her stunning pale green eyes. But my gaze soon fell on the darkening red mark on her left cheek. The redness was spreading.

That bastard had punched her. That must have been when she started calling for help.

I was furious and disappointed in myself. Furious because she should never have been in that situation, and disappointed because I wasn't there fast enough to save her from the horrors Marcus had inflicted on her.

What was the point of feeling this deep connection to someone if I couldn't prevent things like this from happening?

I silently vowed that something like this would never happen again while I was around. I would be the support she needed, standing by her side as she found her strength.

I was determined to shield her from any harm that might threaten her peace of mind, to reassure her that she was deserving of all the good things in life. I vowed that no one would ever inflict this kind of pain on her again, not as long as I was alive, and even in the lives to come.

Sienna hung her head, as if she too was disappointed in herself. Oh sweetheart, if only you knew how courageous you were tonight. I gently lifted her chin with my thumb and forefinger, guiding her eyes to meet mine.

She had no reason to feel guilty; she'd fought off that bastard as best she could. I tilted her head up a bit more to get a better look at her injury, and a surge of anger ignited within me.

Without even realizing it, I started to stroke her face. I needed to feel her, to know she was safe with me. If this was the only way to soothe my nerves, then so be it.

I scanned her body for any serious injuries that might require a hospital visit.

There was a large bruise on her stomach and scrape marks on her sides, extending towards her back. From the way she winced when her back touched the wall, I could tell the scrapes were all over her back.

Our eyes met again, and I was utterly captivated by her. I'll fucking kill him for laying a hand on what's mine. Her eyebrows knitted together in confusion, and that's when I realized I'd spoken my thoughts out loud.

I couldn't tear my gaze away from her, but once again we were pulled apart. This time, it was Sienna who stepped back.

"Thank you for saving me, Damien." The way my name slipped off her tongue sent shivers coursing through my body.

I loved the way she affected me, how my body responded to her as if it had found its missing piece, its home.

I couldn't help but wonder if she felt the same intense tingles and shivers when I was near, or if her heart pounded a little faster when she saw me.

Like everything else fades away and the only thing that matters is them, and how quickly you can get to them to hold them close.

I gave a slight nod, signaling that it was okay, that she didn't need to worry.

"I should probably get my stuff and head home. Thank you again." She turned away from me and started walking towards the back entrance of the club.

I was letting her walk away again, but I knew I'd see her again. Something in the back of my mind told me it would be soon.

I found Cole at the front of the club, my car already waiting.

"You good, man?" I knew he was referring to the incident earlier, but if I were being honest, I couldn't wait to get my hands on that bastard.

That was the only thing that could calm me down right now, apart from Sienna. But I couldn't have her yet, and that alone was enough to sour my mood.

That woman had me completely hooked, and she didn't even know it.

"Yeah, I just want to get back and deal with Filton; it's been a long day." I was driving down the street when I spotted a petite figure exiting the main entrance of the club.

As I got closer, I slowed the car down to match her walking pace. Cole started to roll down his window, giving me the opportunity to call out to Sienna.

"Do you need a ride home, Angel?"

"I'm probably just going to take the bus. It's fine." I wasn't going to let that happen.

After the night she'd had, she deserved to be driven home, not waiting for a bus in the early hours of the morning where anything could happen.

I stopped the car and turned to Cole. "Get in the back." He nodded and climbed into the back seat.

"Get in the car, Angel, I'll take you home. I don't think taking the bus after the night you've had is a smart idea." I gave Sienna a look that said I wasn't going to take no for an answer. She climbed into the seat Cole had just vacated.

She gave me her address. I didn't tell her that I already had it memorized, that I already knew the area. I just started driving, giving her a reassuring smile to help ease her nerves.

Her leg wouldn't stop bouncing. I wasn't sure if she was scared or nervous, probably both.

Soon, Cole broke the silence.

"Well, if you won't introduce me, I'll do it myself. Hi, I'm Cole, this jerk's best friend. I just wanted to say that show you put on in the VIP room was one to remember. Where did you learn to do that?"

I tuned into the conversation when he asked the question that had been bouncing around in my mind since she'd put Ashton in his place at the club.

"I get that a lot, really. I have to tell at least fifty men and sometimes some women to keep their hands to themselves daily. So, I guess it just took plenty of practice."

For some reason, the image of a married man with kids came to mind when she said that.

It wasn't news that my angel was beautiful, but the thought of her constantly being touched without her consent infuriated me. I gripped the steering wheel so tightly that my knuckles turned white.

Nothing more was said after that; we lapsed into a comfortable silence. I kept stealing glances at Sienna to make sure she was comfortable. The last thing I wanted was for her to feel tense and uneasy around me.

I pulled up in front of her house. It was a decent-sized house, and from what I remembered from her case file, she had five siblings. It probably wasn't spacious enough for all of them, but they likely made it work.

"Thank you for the ride. I appreciate everything you've done for me tonight."

I watched as Sienna walked up her front porch. Despite everything she'd been through tonight, she still moved with a grace that would make most women envious.

I waited for her to go inside before driving off, heading back to my house to deal with the business waiting for me in my basement.

It took forty minutes to get to the gang house from Sienna's. The car was silent on the way there, not that I minded. It was a welcome respite, giving me a chance to gather my thoughts and plan exactly what I was going to do to Filton when I arrived.

I pulled up and parked my car in its usual spot before heading to the house basement. It was a fairly large house, home to almost half of the London Mafia.

The air was thick with testosterone, a common occurrence when a bunch of alpha males gathered in one place.

Before I could even start my descent to the basement, a pained cry echoed from the man I was itching to tear apart.

"Quit your whining, Filton. You brought this on yourself." I took the last few steps and stepped into the light.

Marcus was bound to a chair with our special ropes, laced with razor-sharp fibers and a touch of acid for good measure.

We didn't use them often, only for special occasions. Like the one Filton found himself the star of.

"Diablo, I swear I didn't know she was yours." I couldn't help but laugh, a sound that echoed in the silent room. If he thought his actions were acceptable with any woman, he was more messed up than I thought.

"That's the problem, Filton. Your arrogance has landed you in hot water again. I should just get rid of you. The world would be better off without one more creep roaming my city."

With a flick of my wrist, I felt the familiar touch of leather in my hand, my trusty needle-point blade ready for action.

"I swear I didn't know. Does she even know she's yours? She didn't seem to care about you when I was kissing her neck."

He was digging his own grave, reminding me of what he did to her. I could feel myself slipping into Diablo, the merciless monster the world knew. Without my angel, there was nothing to hold the devil back.

Without a second thought, my arm swung around, plunging the blade into his thigh.

Holding tight, I twisted the blade, deepening the wound, slicing through as many arteries and tendons as I could. I wanted him to suffer as much as my queen had.

I wanted him to experience the same fear and pain she had in those agonizing minutes.

"You know..." I took two measured steps closer to him, making myself appear even larger and more intimidating. "I was going to keep it simple, torment you a bit and then kill you but now..."

I watched as his throat tightened with fear.

"I'm not going to kill you yet. First, I'm going to make you suffer. I'm going to wait until the fight leaves your eyes, just like hers did, and you're begging me for death. And even then, I won't grant you that wish.

"Only when I think you've experienced the same amount of pain and torment she did, then and only then will I give you the sweet release of death."

His eyes were wide and pale. I signaled my men to continue. "Do what you want, just don't kill him." I walked away, the screams of my prey echoing behind me.

Reaching the top floor, I headed straight for my office. It was now seven a.m.; another sleepless night. It was going to be a long day, but I had to ensure no surprises in the future.

I needed to find a new manager for the club and someone to handle the finances of Black Industries.

Just as I opened my laptop to start my day's work, my phone rang.

Sophie's caller ID flashed across the screen. I was tempted to ignore it, expecting another complaint from her. But I answered the call.

"Damien, you need to come to the café right away, we have a problem." Sophie's voice was filled with worry and sadness; it sounded like she was crying.

"Why? Are you in trouble?" I was ready to rush over at the thought of my aunt in danger.

"No, I'm fine, but..." Her words echoed in the room and I braced myself for what was coming. "It's Sienna, she's badly hurt. I don't think she's breathing." Sophie was now sobbing.

I went numb. I don't remember getting in my car until I pulled up outside the café and called out for Sophie.

"Aunt Sophie! Where are you?" My heart pounded in my chest. Just when I found someone I could connect with, she was being taken away from me before I had the chance to know her.

"Back here, Damien." Her voice was hoarse, a clear sign she had been crying.

I didn't waste any time, running around the back following the sound of my aunt's cries. Turning the corner, my heart sank.

There she was. Sophie had her head resting against her lap, applying pressure to what looked like multiple stab wounds on her abdomen.

My heart shattered and I could feel tears welling up in my eyes. She was covered in bruises and cuts, and from the awkward angle of her arm, it looked like she had broken it and a few ribs.

She was still in her club clothes, revealing every wound on her body. She was surrounded by a pool of her own blood, indicating she had been there for a while.

I quickly sprang into action.

I strode over to Sienna and checked for a pulse. It was there but faint; she didn't have much time left.

I picked her up, careful to avoid her open wounds, and gently placed her in the back of my car. Sophie sat with her, keeping pressure on her wounds.

I hit the gas, weaving through cars, trying to shave off as much time as possible. She wasn't leaving yet; we hadn't had our time.

What should have been a thirty-minute drive was cut to ten. I didn't even bother turning off the car before jumping out and picking up my angel. She looked so fragile and broken.

Why her of all people? I ran as fast as I could without jostling her too much, knowing she was already in a lot of pain.

The wounds were deep and oozing crimson.

I burst through the door of the Mafia's hospital wing and headed straight for the queen's suite, yelling at every nurse and doctor to page Dr. Brown.

As I walked through the door and laid my girl on the bed, Dr. Brown entered right behind me with several nurses who began hooking her up to the necessary equipment.

Dr. Brown approached me while the nurses prepped Sienna for surgery.

"Diablo, I get that you're worried about her, but you've got to step out so we can do our job." The guy's words sparked a fire in me. Who did he think he was, ordering me around?

"The only reason she's in this mess is because I fucked up and left her. I'm not about to repeat that mistake." I felt a gentle tug on my arm, guiding me toward the exit.

I spun around to find my aunt standing there, her face streaked with tears and her clothes smeared with blood.

"Diablo, I know this is tough, but that girl in there is like my own kid. You've got to put your feelings aside for now and think about what's best for her."

Her words were a blur, barely making sense in my head. I couldn't move, my mind consumed with worry for the angel lying on that bed.

"Do you care about her?" The question took me by surprise. I'd only known her for a day and a bit, but she'd already cast a spell over me. Sure, I'd seen her around a few times, but I'd never really noticed how perfect she was until now.

"Yes... I do care about her. I think she's the one." I'd happily ditch my playboy ways for her. It might sound nuts, but when I look at her, I see my future.

I didn't love her, not yet. But I could, and for the first time, I wanted to.

What I felt was more like a crush than love, but I was determined to win her heart, to earn her love. Because she was my salvation, my angel.

This time, I let Sophie lead me out of the hospital room, but I never took my eyes off her.

She was going to be okay. And once this was all over, once she was on the mend, she'd be under my personal protection.

Chapter Six

SIENNA-ROSE

The moonlight glinted off the blade in my father's hand, casting an eerie glow. Fear coursed through me, as vast and deep as the Atlantic Ocean. I felt like a spectator in my own life, watching the scene unfold from the sidelines.

As he rose from his chair, I was rooted to the spot. My heart pounded wildly, a heavy weight pressing on my chest. My organs felt like they were on the brink of shutting down.

His eyes held a sinister glint as he moved towards me. I wanted to run, but my body refused to cooperate. Before I could gather my thoughts, the cold steel of the blade was pressed against my cheek.

"Sienna, your mother and I have told you about coming home this late, especially with boys."

I was at a loss for words. Any response would only fuel his anger. So, I chose silence.

The pressure of the blade increased, slicing through my skin and drawing blood. I bit back a scream, but a whimper escaped my lips.

He seemed to feed off my pain, his twisted pleasure evident in his eyes.

"Was that a whimper, Sienna? I'm disappointed. You're already crying and I've barely started. You're just a weak whore."

His fist connected with my already bruised cheek, sending me crashing into the dining room table. Pain radiated through my body, my spine likely bruised or fractured.

Before I could recover, his hand was around my throat, cutting off my air supply.

His rage seemed to fuel him, giving him the strength to do anything. Even kill me. But my fear wasn't for myself. It was for the others in the house who would bear the brunt of his anger once I was gone.

"You think I didn't see those two guys drop you off? You're a slut. You never help around the house." His words stung. I was still a virgin.

I'd done everything to make my family proud, but it was never enough. I worked two jobs to cover their drug, alcohol, and clothing expenses.

"I've done everything you asked.." My voice was barely a whisper, the lack of oxygen making my chest burn.

My words seemed to infuriate him further. I was flung across the room, colliding with the staircase.

I was gasping for air, my body numb. The impact had knocked the wind out of me.

He was on top of me, the blade pressing into my stomach. He'd never been this violent before. He'd hit me, yes, but he'd never used a weapon.

I was too lost in my thoughts to notice his raised hand. The blade cut deep into my stomach before I could react.

He pulled the knife out and aimed for my throat. I wasn't going to die like this, at the hands of a drunken abuser.

I managed to kick him in the groin, wriggling out from under him and making a run for it.

But my escape was short-lived. A sharp pain in my thigh stopped me in my tracks. I hobbled towards the back door, trying not to aggravate the wound.

He followed me into the kitchen, grabbing another knife. I was going to die here. I'd never get to thank Sophie for being my only real family, or see Damien again. I was alone.

He lunged at me again, slicing a deep gash from my belly button to my right side. I was losing a lot of blood from the stab wounds and the cut.

He grabbed my hair, pulling me away from the door. I was trapped. There was no escaping him.

Just as he was about to slit my throat, my little sister Ellie came downstairs. I seized the opportunity, pushing him away and running for my life, ignoring the pain.

I was covered in blood and bruises, but I didn't care. All that mattered was getting away from him and finding a safe place to either die or get help.

I ran through the deserted streets, grateful for the early hour. I didn't stop until I reached the café, praying that Sophie had left the back door unlocked.

Despite my injuries, I made it to the café in record time. But by the time I got there, my leg was numb and turning pale.

I knew it was due to blood loss, but I couldn't stop now.

As soon as I stepped into the back of the café, I yanked the knife out of my leg. I was sure the wounds on my stomach had torn open more from all the running I'd just done. But I couldn't feel the pain anymore. That couldn't be good.

The door was just a few steps away, but I couldn't make it. I needed sleep. I was so tired, and every step felt like I was dragging a ton of weight.

My legs gave out and I collapsed onto the cool floor, waiting for either my end to come or for someone kind to find me and save me. Again.

It was kind of funny, in a sad way. In just twenty-four hours, I'd needed saving twice. That was pretty pathetic.

I could almost imagine the world laughing at me, enjoying the bad luck it had been throwing my way. But in the quiet

moments, my thoughts drifted to Damien. He'd saved me earlier. Maybe he'd do it again.

It was a nice thought, but probably just wishful thinking. Still, I was glad I'd met him before tonight. I'd never felt such a connection with someone so quickly. He was like a dream, someone I felt I knew but couldn't quite place.

Maybe I'd dreamed of him during my darkest nights, or maybe I'd seen him around the city a couple of times. It didn't really matter.

What mattered was that he'd been there for me when I needed someone the most. In the short time I'd known him, he'd shown me what it felt like to be cared for, to be seen.

He was like an angel in disguise. My angel.

As I thought about the dark-haired boy with the piercing blue eyes, I found myself wondering about his full name, Damien Black. I knew I'd heard it before, but I couldn't remember where.

London is a big city, full of people who love gossip more than their morning coffee. There were countless places I could have heard his name.

But my thoughts were cut short as my vision started to blur and fade. My eyelids felt heavy, and I couldn't fight the darkness creeping into my mind.

Is this what dying feels like?

I thought it would be more dramatic. There was no light, no welcoming figure on the other side, just darkness and silence.

In the darkness, a golden mist appeared, swirling and curling towards me, urging me to grab hold. I didn't know what it was, but I knew I wasn't ready to die. Not yet. Not before I'd really lived.

The golden mist solidified in my hand, and a feeling of reassurance washed over me. I knew I'd be okay, that if I held on, nothing could take me away from the life I wanted to live. I was a fighter, in life and in death, and that would never change.

Time seemed to stretch on forever. I felt like I was floating outside my body, but I could still hear the sounds of the world around me.

I could hear the bustling streets of London waking up, the sun rising, the distant sound of heels clicking on the pavement. But I couldn't find the strength to open my eyes.

"Oh dear...Sienna." I recognized that voice. It was Sophie. Relief washed over me. I was glad to be found, but I felt guilty for making her find me like this.

She shouldn't have to take care of me like this, but I had no one else to turn to.

Everything was fuzzy, like my senses couldn't focus. But I could feel Sophie sit down next to me, cradling my head in her lap.

Her voice was faint, but I could hear her repeating, "Please pick up." I wondered who she was calling. An ambulance?

The police?

"Damien, you need to come to the café right away. We have a problem." Why was she calling Damien and not a hospital?

I didn't have the energy to wonder about it. I just focused on the feeling of her hand brushing my hair back from my face.

It was comforting, in a strange way. I felt safe with her there, like nothing could hurt me anymore.

"No, I'm fine, but..." She paused, her hand resting on my chest. "It's Sienna. She's hurt badly. I don't think she's breathing."

Sophie started crying, and I felt terrible for putting her in this position.

Maybe my father was right. Maybe I was just a problem, a source of stress for everyone around me.

We sat in silence, and I listened to the sounds of life around me. The birds chirping, the chatter of people on their way to work or school.

Everything seemed more vibrant, more alive. Maybe people just don't take the time to appreciate the little things, like the feel of the wind on your skin, or the solid ground beneath your feet.

Sophie's voice was just a soft murmur in the background. The chirping of the birds above made me feel at peace.

I could feel myself starting to fade away, my grip on the golden mist slipping. But I wanted to hear his voice one more time.

I felt a touch on my neck, but I barely noticed. I felt like I was floating.

I couldn't feel my body anymore. It was like I was just a consciousness, aware of the sounds around me but nothing else.

After a while, I heard it. The voice I'd been waiting for.

"PAGE DR. BROWN. NOW!" He sounded scared, and in pain. Was he hurting too? I didn't understand why he sounded so...broken.

I could hear people moving around me, but I didn't understand why. It was scary. I was somewhere unfamiliar, and I had no control over my body.

I didn't even know where Sophie or Damien were.

I heard a woman's voice, faint and distant. She called someone Diablo. Who was that?

"He's the reason she's in this mess. I left her once. I'm not about to do it again."

His rose was thiew with pegretand ange and the we. Even his togest my sense ity overdrive. I didn't Then, my world plunged into darkness. The voices of Damien and the doctor faded away, and the steady beep of the

heart monitor I was hooked up to went silent. The golden haze vanished, and I was left alone in the quiet dark.

If this is what dying feels like, I'm having second thoughts. I can't die yet. There's too much I haven't done-falling in love, getting married, starting a family.

My life is just starting. I'll be damned if I'm going to give up without a fight.

Somehow, Damien and Sophie had become my lifeline. Knowing they were there for me gave me the strength to keep fighting.

I wasn't going down without a fight.

I'm a fighter. I'll keep fighting until I've got nothing left. And even then, I won't go down easy.

Chapter Seven

DAMIEN

Two months have passed since Sophie discovered Sienna at the café. They've been the longest months of my life, filled with a boiling rage that's been hard to contain. I've been snapping at my men left and right, but I couldn't care less.

I was frustrated, and I knew I had no right to be. After all, Sienna was the one who was hurt, nor me. But the fact that I had dropped her off at that house, only for her to get hurt later, shattered me more than I'd like to admit.

Just a few hours before the incident, I had promised myself that I would always protect her. And I failed.

What was the point of being the leader of the London Mafia if I couldn't even protect the ones closest to me?

I practically lived in Sienna's hospital room. I needed to know she was okay, and the heart monitor attached to her was my only reassurance.

Without that steady beep, I didn't know what l'd do. It was the only thing keeping me from hunting down every bastard who dared to hurt her. She needed me now more than I needed my revenge.

I moved all my office work to the desk in the corner of her room. Just because I was worried didn't mean I could slack off on my work.

I still had to keep everything running while being holed up in this room, and the work was a decent distraction to keep my mind busy.

A soft knock on the door pulled me out of my thoughts.

"Come in." I watched as the door opened slowly, as if the person on the other side was afraid of what they might find.

"Today would be nice." I knew I was being rude, but I didn't have time for this. I just wanted to get back to our little bubble and focus on what needed to be done.

My right-hand man, Cole, and Fernando, one of my best fighters, walked in. They glanced at Sienna, sympathy in their eyes. For some reason, I felt a wave of jealousy. I knew it was unreasonable, but I didn't want them to see her the way I did. She was an angel, and she was mine.

"What do you want?" I knew it was wrong to keep snapping at them, but this was getting annoying.

"Diablo, we were just checking up on you. Have you been eating? Did you get any sleep?"

I didn't answer. I hadn't eaten in two days or slept. I didn't want to miss anything, and I didn't want to leave and have her wake up without me there. Being here was more important right now.

Over these two months, I've grown attached to the woman on the bed. She's always on my mind.

I haven't heard her soft voice in months. I missed her voice and the way her eyes lit up when she talked, showing all her emotions for anyone to see.

"Listen, Diablo, I know you're scared that something will happen to her as soon as you leave to eat or sleep, but you have two of our best guards at the door, and either me or Fernando will stay in here with her."

I didn't want them staying in her room while she was vulnerable, but I knew that if she woke up and saw me looking like this, she would worry more about me than herself.

That's just the kind of person she is.

I admit I had done some more digging and asked Sophie a million questions about my angel. I needed to know her. I couldn't explain my need to have her, but it was there, burning brighter than hellfire. "Okay, fine, but you come and get me if anything, and I mean ANYTHING, happens." I turned my attention mainly to

Cole.

"What's Becky doing right now?" Becky is Cole's girlfriend; they've been together for six years and I'm kind of envious of their love.

Becky joined the Mafia when she ran away from home at fifteen, which was when she met Cole. Now she's twenty-one and one of the best seducers we have.

"She's with her girlfriends today so I'm free if you want me to hang around in here while you're gone." I didn't want Fernando to be in here with Sienna because I didn't fully trust him around her yet.

I knew Cole wouldn't touch her while I was away and would alert me immediately if anything happened.

"Don't touch her, and if she so much as moves you alert me. That is an order. If I find out you went against these simple rules, you know the consequences."

I trusted Cole with my life, but that was mine. I was still cautious of those who came around Sienna while she was asleep. I didn't want any surprises.

"I got it, Diablo. I'm supposed to be meeting with Ashton regarding the new shipments, but I can always reschedule."

Cole took his job seriously and rarely took a break, so the fact that he was willing to reschedule with Ashton showed his commitment to protecting Sienna.

I left my laptop on the desk and walked out of the hospital room, feeling a weight on my heart that grew heavier the farther I was from her.

I headed straight for the kitchen to find something to eat. I walked in and was greeted by my chef.

"Good evening, sir, would you like me to make you some food?" I had a craving for spaghetti, so I gave him my order and asked for it to be brought to my room. My mind was once again on my personal Sleeping Beauty just one floor below me.

I took a warm shower to release the tension in my muscles and finished any business in the bathroom before opening the door to find a food cart at the side of the room with my requested meal.

It felt wrong being away from Sienna for this long, but she was going to be fine. Cole was trained enough to protect her from anything that might happen while I was gone.

I put off eating for later. I made my way to my walk-in closet and grabbed a pair of gray jogging bottoms to sleep in.

I finished my food and began to make myself comfortable under the covers of my bed.

I hadn't realized how tired my body was until my eyes started to close involuntarily.

I soon drifted off into a peaceful sleep, dreaming about my angel and the future we could have together.

What felt like a few minutes of sleep turned into fourteen hours. I was jolted awake by a loud crashing sound coming from the entrance to my room.

I was on my feet in an instant, a gnawing fear in my gut that something was happening and I wasn't there to protect my men—or Sienna.

I turned toward my bedroom door, only to find myself staring into the wide, startled eyes of Ashton. I knew then that something had gone down while I was asleep.

"What's going on? What happened?" I waited for an answer, but Ashton just stood there, frozen in place.

Worry began to gnaw at me, and I couldn't hold back my anger any longer. "Spit it out, goddamn it, or I swear to everything you hold dear, I'll gut you right here, right now."

Ashton blinked once...twice...and then finally found his voice. "Cole sent me. She's awake." Any irritation I felt evaporated, replaced by pure joy.

My chest felt lighter in those two minutes than it had in the past few months.

I didn't waste time pulling on a shirt before I bolted from my bedroom and into the hospital wing of my house.

The only thing standing between me and my angel was empty space, and I wasn't about to let something as trivial as a shirt delay me.

I burst through the door and locked eyes with the beautiful green orbs I'd come to love over the time I'd known this woman.

She looked healthier, most of her injuries healed except for a few lingering stab wounds that were nearly gone too.

"Hey." Her voice filled the once silent room, and my heart along with it.

"Hi, mi amore, you had me so worried. What happened? How are you feeling? Can you tell me?"

I was surprised at how soft my voice sounded. But then again, I shouldn't be. It always happens when I'm talking to her.

She cleared her throat, probably parched from the lack of water while she was unconscious. I hurried to the side table where the doctors had left a fresh jug of water, poured her a glass, and brought it back to her bed.

"Here, drink this. You must be thirsty."

She took the glass and drained it in seconds. I refilled it just in case she wanted more. She didn't drink as quickly this time, but she did finish half the glass before handing it back to me.

"Thank you."

I sat in the chair next to her bed, waiting for her to continue. I didn't want to rush her into anything that might cause her more pain.

People often forget that memories can hurt just as much as the actual events, and the last thing I wanted was to cause her more pain by making her relive her past.

"Um... well, my family isn't the best. I love them, but they get angry sometimes. It's okay though, I deserve it because I shouldn't have disobeyed my father.

"My younger siblings are great, they're so innocent, so I have to protect them. But my dad and older brother...not so much."

My heart ached. What did she just say? I couldn't believe that the people who were supposed to protect and love her were the ones who did this to her.

I couldn't believe the extent of her injuries caused by them. How could people who brought this amazing woman into the world allow her to be treated this way?

I could feel my frustration mounting with each passing second. My thoughts were racing. I needed to know how long this had been happening. She wasn't going back to that place. That was out of the question. She would stay here with me.

I would wage war with the rest of the world if I had to, just to protect her from the monsters she called family.

I gritted my teeth so hard I thought they might crack under the pressure. "Why would they want to hurt you? That's not okay, even if they do get angry, they should never lay a hand on you."

Tears welled up in my eyes just imagining the pain my baby had to endure alone.

"Sienna, I need you to answer a few questions for me, okay? I just need to know a few more details so I can help you, oday?" Her face showed uncertanty; I was going to get her away from her so-called family regardless of her answers.

I heard her take a deep breath before she spoke again. "You're not going to hurt them, are you...? They're still my parents, no matter what they've done to me. I couldn't live with myself if they got hurt."

I couldn't understand why she would want me to leave them alone, after everything they'd done to her, all the pain they'd caused.

"If that's what you want, baby, then fine, I'll leave them alone. But you need to be honest with me right now." Her eyebrows furrowed, probably because of the new pet name, but I didn't give her a chance to question it.

"How long has this been happening? Does anyone else know about what goes on at your house? Were your father and brother the ones who hurt you?"

"I can't really remember when it all started, but I think it's been happening my whole life. It wasn't until I was fourteen that things started to get violent.

"I just wanted to protect them, that's all, but he caught me before I could get away. I couldn't tell anyone about what was happening.

"My father said that if I did, he would kill them and 'give me a punishment I would never forget? I didn't want to risk anyone else's safety after that.

"I'd rather suffer than risk someone else getting hurt because of me. I'd have to gather my strength after one of his lessons' to make it to my room to patch myself up.

"Sometimes the pain was too much, and I'd just pass out."

Tears started to fall from her eyes as if she were reliving the past. Her gaze shifted from mine to the bedsheets.

I needed more answers, but I didn't want to rush her, so I asked the most important question again.

"Did your father and brother do this to you, Angel?" She looked back up at me, her body trembling with pain.

"My brother wasn't there, I don't think, but my dad was. He was waiting for me when I got home. He saw me get out of your car and I guess he didn't like that. He was going to kill me."

Tears streamed down her face, and it was a sight I couldn't bear. I moved closer, settling myself next to her on the bed, hoping to offer some comfort in her moment of distress.

Before I pulled her into my chest, I made sure she was okay with it.

"If my s-s-sister hadn't come downstairs when she did, I wouldn't be here. Maybe that would've been better. I'm never going to be good enough for anyone. All I do is cause trouble for everyone else. No one would miss me, so it wouldn't be a big loss to the world."

My body trembled with rage. How could someone as precious as the angel in my arms ever believe she wasn't good enough? I wanted to put a bullet between the eyes of anyone who'd ever made my queen feel less than she is.

I gently pulled away from her, forcing her to meet my gaze.

"Don't you ever, ever say that again, Sienna-Rose. You're perfect, everything you do has a purpose. You're so considerate and caring, you'd rather suffer than risk the safety of others.

"You're so passionate and beautiful, even Aphrodite herself should feel threatened. You could never cause too much trouble because you're worth every bit of it.

"I'll always fight your battles just to see that smile on your face. To be able to tell the world that I was lucky enough to know Sienna-Rose, the light and goodness in the world."

By the time I finished listing the reasons why she was perfect, she was wearing the biggest smile.

If it were possible, I found her even more attractive in that moment.

I couldn't hold back any longer. I had to kiss her, had to feel her soft lips against mine. I didn't care if others thought she made me weak. She was my person, the one I wanted to spend the rest of my life with.

I know we haven't known each other long, but there's something about the woman with me right now that makes me feel alive, like I finally have a reason to live.

I leaned in slowly, giving her the chance to pull away if she wasn't ready or comfortable. But to my surprise, she also leaned in.

Forgetting all restraint, I pressed my lips to hers, memorizing every crease, every sensation of her lips against mine.

I kissed her with every emotion I felt for this woman, and she matched my intensity.

I pulled away, not wanting to push her too far too fast. But one thing was certain: she was my addiction, and I didn't think I could go without my fix from this point on.

After all, we're all on this earth to exist, but only those lucky enough to find that one person truly begin to live.

Chapter Eight

SIENNA-ROSE

I wasn't sure why I'd spilled my guts to Damien. Maybe it was because a part of me trusted him, believed he'd keep me safe. But when he kissed me, it was like a fireworks show had gone off inside me.

Is this what it's supposed to feel like?

He pulled back, and I couldn't hide my smile any longer. This was more than a little crush. I was falling for the devil's son, Damien Black.

My heart was finally free to beat without fear.

I didn't know how long I'd been unconscious, but it didn't matter. Damien had kissed me. Was it intentional? Or just a spur-of-the-moment thing?

I couldn't stand the silence, my thoughts echoing loudly in my head, pulling me away from the joy I'd felt just moments ago.

"How long was I out this time?"

Shock crossed Damien's face. I couldn't blame him. It's not every day someone tells you their abusive family has nearly killed them, landing them in a coma.

"Two months. You were on a drip and feeding tube to help you recover. You were severely underweight and flatlined on the operating table. I stayed with you most of the time to make sure you were safe."

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I'd died on the operating table. If the doctors hadn't acted quickly, I could've been gone forever.

I felt guilty for making everyone worry about me. I needed to see Sophie and apologize for putting her through all this.

"I'm sorry for worrying you. Is Sophie okay after everything?"

I knew she'd be feeling guilty about what I'd been through, but she shouldn't. I was the one who'd kept it all a secret; it was my fault for not reaching out.

"She's fine. She's been worried about you, but that's because she sees you as the daughter she never had. It's early morning, so she's probably asleep. I can let her know you want to see her in the morning if you'd like."

I nodded in agreement.

Damien continued, uncertainty on his face. "I'd also like you to meet someone else in the morning, if that's okay with you. Of course, you don't have to if you don't want to."

I nodded again, showing I was okay with meeting this mystery person.

"Are you tired? It's still early in the morning. You can go back to sleep if you want, Damien. I'll see you in the morning."

I didn't really want him to leave. I was glad he was the one who'd come in when I woke up. He made me feel safe, and some part of me felt connected to him.

I didn't know if it was because he'd saved me recently or something else entirely.

It was like my soul had called out to him in its time of need, like it recognized him, like he was a familiar face in a sea of strangers.

"I slept for fourteen hours before you woke up, so I'm good. Besides, I'd rather stay and keep you company while you're awake."

He got up from bed and sat in the chair next to me. I didn't want to seem needy - I'd only met him a few times-so I didn't ask him to sit with me again, even though I felt safer with him close.

We spent the rest of the night talking, getting to know each other better. I learned his favorite color is green, he's six foot three, and he has a sister-who I'm guessing is the person I'll be meeting in the morning.

His favorite food is pasta, and he has Italian roots. I felt a newfound respect for him after that.

Morning came, and with the sunrise, my anxiety started to rise. A million questions swirled in my mind.

Maybe it wasn't a good idea to see Sophie so soon. The thought of her being upset and worried about me made my stomach churn.

Before I could think any more, the door to my room burst open. Sophie rushed in, her face flushed, followed by a woman I didn't recognize.

"Oh, my poor baby, how are you feeling? Do you need anything? A warm towel? Some soup?"

She hurried over to me, checking if I was in pain. Everyone else in the room let her be, knowing she needed to reassure herself I was okay.

"I'm fine, Sophie. How about you? I'm so sorry for putting you through all this."

Her face fell as if I'd just told her her coworkers were having sex in the storage room with the vegetables.

"Honey, you're too kind for your own good." I wasn't sure what she meant.

"I'm fine, but you were practically dead on the bakery doorstep. You shouldn't be apologizing for that. It's not your fault."

My attention shifted from Sophie to the young woman in the room. She didn't look much older than me probably my age-with black hair like Damien's but hazel eyes.

"Hello." I wasn't sure what to say. I've never been good at meeting new people, but if she was important enough for Damien to introduce me to her, I'd try.

"Oh, my flip-flop, you're so pretty! Damien, isn't she pretty? I'm Allison, Damien's younger sister." She was so bubbly, the kind of person course smile is infection.

I giggled at her choice of words and felt my cheeks heat up when Damien agreed with her compliment.

"Thank you, but you're not too bad yourself. I love your eyes; they're so captivating. I wish we could've met under better circumstances though."

A smile spread across her face and before I could even gather my thoughts, I felt tiny arms wrapping around me in a hug. It took me a second to realize that it was Allison who was hugging me, and I returned the gesture.

I'd never experienced this kind of affection from a stranger before, so I wasn't quite sure how to react.

I pulled away from Allison, a small smile on my face, and found myself looking back down at the bedsheets. It was a habit I had when I started to feel uncomfortable or awkward.

Just as Allison was about to leave the room, I caught a snippet of her conversation with her brother.

"She's a keeper, you better make her your wife before someone else does." A low, growl-like sound filled the room, causing me to look up in their direction, only to find myself staring straight into ocean blue eyes.

My blush deepened, which seemed to amuse Damien because as soon as he noticed, a cocky smirk appeared on his face.

It was no secret that I found him attractive. With his ocean blue eyes and dark hair, he could make any woman fall for him if he really tried.

"It was nice meeting you, Sienna. I'll see you around." With a small wave, she left, and the room fell silent.

It was clear that Allison was the kind of person who brought life to any room she entered. She made people feel happy, unlike her brother, who commanded order and control when he was in a room.

I didn't want to be in this bed any longer. The pain had turned into a dull ache where a few of my wounds were still healing, but it wasn't anything serious.

"Can I please leave this room now and shower?" Sophie let out a hearty laugh. Something told me she'd been waiting for me to say this because the smile wouldn't leave her face.

"You never were good at doing nothing, Sienna." A small laugh escaped her lips, causing me to chuckle as well. "of course, honey. I'll get the doctor first to give the all clear that you're okay to be up and about."

Sophie left the room, leaving me alone with Damien. Once again, our gazes met. His eyes were full of contentment but also worry. I knew he was concerned that if I got up again, I might hurt myself even more, but I didn't understand why he was worried.

It's not like I was a close friend of his or even his girlfriend, not that I would mind. I mean, have you seen the guy? Hot damn.

The door opened again, revealing a man in a white hospital coat.

"Hello, Sienna, Diablo." I furrowed my eyebrows in confusion. Who was he calling Diablo? Was it Damien? "My name is Dr. Brown. So, I hear that you feel you are ready to leave the room. I'm just going to check some of your vitals if that's okay."

I nodded my head to show that I was okay with it.

"Am I okay to have a look at your remaining injuries?" I nodded again but was surprised when Dr. Brown looked to Damien for permission too.

I decided not to question it and let him do what he needed to do before finally getting permission to get up.

"Everything seems fine right now, but just to be on the safe side, avoid any activities that might strain your remaining injuries and try to avoid hot foods to prevent any further damage to your abdomen while it's healing."

I thanked him briefly before Damien was at my side, helping me off the bed. I was grateful for his help because my legs felt numb from lack of use.

Damien helped me into the adjoining bathroom so I could take a shower.

"Do you need me to help you further or do you think you'll be able to manage on your own?"

He was blushing, the pink tint to his cheeks giving him away. He started rubbing the back of his neck, showing just how uncomfortable he was with the idea of being in the same room with me while I was showering.

To be honest, I wasn't comfortable with that idea either. No matter how connected I felt with him, he was still a stranger to me.

"I should be fine. I think I can manage, but if not I'll call one of the nurses." I gave him a reassuring smile to help ease any concerns he might still have about leaving me alone.

He started to head for the door, but his back muscles were tense, and he seemed to be walking slower than usual. He was worried that something might happen to me while he was gone.

Just as he reached the door, he glanced back at me one last time. "I'll get you some clean clothes and leave them just outside the door for you when you're finished, okay?"

With that, he left so I could shower in peace. I didn't feel comfortable showering with the door unlocked, so I made sure to secure the lock before stripping off the hospital gown I'd been wearing while I was asleep.

I must have been in the shower for a while because I was soon pulled from my thoughts by frantic knocking on the bathroom door.

"Are you okay in there, Sienna?" Sophie's voice echoed off the walls in the small space, but I appreciated the sound. It reminded me that there were people here who I knew and trusted.

I quickly reassured Sophie and hurried to finish washing my long hair, then turned off the water and stepped out of the warm embrace of the shower.

I stepped into the open bathroom and a shiver ran down my spine as the chill in the room caressed my bare skin. The towel wrapped around me wasn't doing much to keep me warm, but it would have to do for now.

I opened the door just enough to peek out and check if anyone was in the room. It was empty, but a pile of clothes was neatly folded just outside the door.

There was a pair of workout leggings, clean underwear, a sports bra, and a man's shirt. The clothes were probably borrowed from Allison, and the shirt was likely Damien's.

It warmed my heart that he wanted me to wear his shirt. It was a small gesture, but it meant that he wanted to take care of me and keep me warm.

I put on the clothes, being careful of the wounds that were still healing on my stomach, and walked back out into the room. That's when I heard a low grunt from behind me.

I turned around to see where it came from, only to blush at the look on Damien's face.

Damien's dark eyes were scanning me from head to toe. I tugged my top down, trying to cover my butt. That seemed to snap him out of his trance.

"Let's go. I'll show you your new room." He took my hand, and a rush of tingles shot up my arm. I'd never felt anything like this before. Only he could make my skin tingle and my heart feel lighter.

"My new room?" He glanced back at me briefly before continuing.

"Yeah, your new room. I'm not letting you go back to that house with those people who hurt you for kicks. They're

damn lucky I haven't hurt them for what they've done to you. It's a miracle I haven't taken their heads off."

His face was a mask of anger and disgust.

I'd never seen this side of Damien before. His face was dark, dangerous. He looked like what I imagined Lucifer looked like before he fell from heaven. Fear crawled up my spine, making my body shiver.

Sure, he was helping me escape my parents' cruelty, but that didn't mean he wouldn't hurt me if he got angry enough.

First, there was the way he fought Filton in the alley next to the club. Then, the doctor calling him Diablo. And now, the ease with which he contemplated hurting my family, without a hint of regret or doubt on his face.

There was something about Damien that I didn't know, and I wasn't sure I wanted to.

We climbed a flight of stairs and entered a living room. But before I could take in my surroundings, he was leading me up another flight of stairs.

It was odd that he had a whole floor dedicated to a hospital wing. But given the look on his face, I didn't dare ask why.

When we reached my new room, I was taken aback. I'd never seen a room this big. Everything was arranged to make the room feel cozy but not cramped.

"This is yours now. My room is next door. If you have any problems with anyone here, come find me. Or better yet, get their name and I'll handle it. You belong here just as much as they do, so don't let them make you feel otherwise."

"But what about my stuff, like my clothes? And my jobs? I can't just not show up." He seemed to be thinking before he finally spoke. His suggestion sent a wave of fear through me.

"We can get your clothes whenever you're ready. And you don't need to work. I can take care of all your expenses. It's the least I can do after leaving you in that hellhole."

No way. I didn't want to depend on him. What if he got tired of me and kicked me out? I wanted my own income, a safety net in case I had to leave or he decided I wasn't worth the trouble.

"I can't just not work and live here for free. And going back to that place doesn't seem safe. What if they hurt me again or keep me there? I don't want to go back, not ever."

He gently held my chin, forcing me to look up at him. His thumb stroked my cheek, soothing the nerves that were making my stomach flutter.

"Listen to me, baby. I won't let anyone hurt you again. I'll protect you with every breath I take if that's what it takes to keep you safe.

"No one will ever touch you without your permission and get away with it. Be ready by tonight. We'll get your stuff, and you can finally leave that hellhole behind."

There he goes with the "baby" thing again. Before I could say anything, he was gone. He always disappeared when I had a thousand questions.

But after the strange events of the past few hours with Damien, one question was at the forefront of my mind.

Who is Damien Black, really?

Chapter Nine

SIENNA-ROSE

I was lost in a sea of confusion. Everything that had happened up until now felt like a twisted lie, and no one was giving me any answer. I didn't understand why people referred to Damien as Diablo, or why he was even helping me.

It was all a giant, unsolvable puzzle.

The Damien who had rescued me at the club and café was nothing like this Damien. This version of him was cold and enigmatic.

Sure, he'd offered me a safe haven from the ghosts of my past, but I couldn't figure out what he was getting out of it.

That left me with a gnawing sense of unease.

Not knowing what he wanted from me was nerve-wracking. I was just a regular girl, and he was clearly a man in charge.

His sudden change in demeanor, and his habit of calling me baby and angel, only added to my confusion. No one had ever used those terms of endearment with me before, so I didn't know how to react to them.

His intentions were a mystery, especially after the kiss in the hospital room and all the pet names he seemed to enjoy using.

Everything was new and confusing, and no one was giving me any answers. My head was throbbing with the need for truth, the uncertainty keeping it on high alert, never allowing it to rest.

I didn't have much time to myself before a loud, insistent knock sounded at my door.

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't suddenly filled with fear about who could be on the other side, but I mustered up all the courage I could and reached out a trembling hand to open the door.

Standing just outside my door was a stunning woman with jet-black hair and deep, chocolate brown eyes. Her figure was enviable.

She had a generous bust and her hips were just wide enough to accentuate her butt. Her skin was a rich caramel and looked flawless. Everything about this woman was breathtaking.

What was in the water here? It seemed like everyone I'd seen so far living here was blessed with godlike beauty. They could all be top models in London if they weren't doing whatever it was they did here.

If I hadn't felt like an outsider before, I certainly did now, standing in front of this woman.

I met her gaze only to find her sizing me up as well, as if she were judging me. "Oh, my Atlanta, Allison was right, you're as beautiful as Aphrodite herself."

I didn't know what to say; compliments about my appearance were rare. A small smile crept onto my lips to show my appreciation, but I was at a loss for words.

"My name's Rebecca Aspen, but my friends call me Becky, so I guess you can too. I can already tell we're going to be the best of friends."

She breezed past me and threw herself onto my bed, sprawling out and taking up as much space as possible.

I couldn't help but giggle at her childlike behavior, which quickly turned into full-blown laughter.

"What's so funny?" A huge grin spread across her face. I must have looked ridiculous, standing in the middle of the room laughing to myself.

I couldn't stop laughing, but I knew I had to respond or I'd look like a complete lunatic.

"I'm sorry, it's just that you're a grown woman and you flopped onto my bed like a five-year-old having a tantrum. I can already tell we're going to be the best of friends."

Becky joined in my laughter and we probably looked like the hyenas from The Lion King at this point; I'd probably be Ed with the way I was laughing.

I glanced over at Becky and saw her doubled over on the floor, clutching her stomach as she laughed, which only made me laugh harder.

It wasn't even that funny, but something about her laugh was infectious. She had an energy that was impossible to resist.

"What's going on in here?" My laughter slowly subsided, but the smile on my face wouldn't fade as I turned to see a worried-looking Damien and Cole.

I couldn't really explain the situation, so I just looked back at Becky, who was still laughing uproariously by my bed.

Just seeing Becky made me burst into another fit of laughter until we both finally calmed down enough to answer the lingering question.

"I was just introducing myself to my new best friend, Sienna. Don't worry, Diablo, she's fine, you can relax." There it was again, that name Diablo. It was clear now that they were referring to Damien.

"Anyway, now that you know we're okay, you can both leave so I can get to know Boss Lady better. See you later, baby."

She sent a wink to Cole-who must be her boyfriend. I didn't think they were married yet because neither of them wore rings on their wedding fingers.

Damien gave me a quick once-over to make sure I was really okay before he turned to Cole and signaled for them to leave.

Once the men had left, Becky and I spent the rest of the time talking about everything from her relationship with Cole to the meaning of life.

I'd never had a friend like this before and it was refreshing to be able to talk to someone about everything that had been happening lately.

I could see myself spending a lot of time with Becky. She was fun and down-to-earth. I decided that if I wanted answers to my questions, I should ask someone I somewhat trusted.

"So, why does everyone cal Damien Diablo?" A look of pure surprise crossed Becky's face when I mentioned Damiens

name. "What? You look like you've never said his name before."

She just blinked at me. "That's because he doesn't let anyone call him by his first name, not even Cole, and they've been best friends since they were kids."

I couldn't hide the confusion on my face. More questions without answers. He'd let me call him by his first name since

we met.

My mind was spinning with even more questions about who Damien really was.

Was he upset when she called him by his name? Was I supposed to call him Diablo too?

"Oh, I didn't even realize. I've been using his first name all this time and he never corrected me. But why Diablo? Isn't that another name for the devil?

"And why doesn't he like people using his real name? He's like a puzzle. Every time I think I'm getting close to solving him, more questions pop up."

I knew I was pushing it, asking so many questions about Damien. But I couldn't hold back my curiosity any longer.

Becky's face softened, and she gave me an apologetic look before she spoke.

"Sienna, if Diablo hasn't explained it himself, then there isn't much I can tell you. But I can say this— we call him Diablo because he's the leader here, the alpha male. He's in charge of everything that happens in this house."

I was baffled, and I couldn't hide it. The amount of power this man had over so many people was alarming.

"He takes care of everyone in this building, ensures we have everything we need. He's even given jobs to people off the streets. It's more about respect than anything else."

That made more sense than what I'd been imagining, but it still didn't explain why he'd done all this for everyone here.

My mind jumped to the idea that he could be some dangerous criminal who hired others and used the name Diablo to keep his real identity hidden.

But that seemed impossible. Damien had been nothing but kind to me. Dangerous men aren't sweet or caring, not like him.

Time slipped away, and the setting sun reminded us that we hadn't eaten much all day.

We both laughed at the fact that our conversation had been so engrossing we'd forgotten to eat.

"Let's head to the kitchen and grab some food." I followed Becky out of my room, making sure to close the door behind me. We walked down the long corridor until we reached a staircase leading to the first floor.

The walls were bare, no photos or signs of life. The house felt empty, almost lifeless. Where was everyone?

The kitchen was stunning, with black and white walls and matching floor tiles. The white ceramic tiling above the countertops complemented the black marble counters perfectly. It looked like a kitchen straight out of a home décor magazine.

"Hello again. Becky, what's your new friend's name?" A voice I thought I recognized spoke, a hint of mischief in his tone.

"I don't give my name to strangers, especially those who can't be bothered to ask me directly."

I couldn't hide my irritation. It was like he didn't understand that women prefer directness. I wasn't sure who he was, but his voice was familiar.

"Feisty, I like it. The name's Ashton, but you can call me anytime." I cringed at his attempt to flirt. Sure, he was attractive, but he was no Damien.

His short black hair, hazel eyes, and chocolate skin were captivating, but he wasn't my type. He seemed like the kind of guy who couldn't be tied down-the life of the party, the troublemaker.

I didn't know why I was comparing him to Damien, but it was clear that the enigmatic giant had caught my attention.

Then it hit me-I'd heard that voice before. In the VIP room at the club, the night I met Damien. Ashton was the one who'd been too handsy.

I could feel his gaze traveling down my body, and I cringed inwardly.

The memory of that night made my voice sharper than I intended.

"The only person I'd be calling is animal control, because I don't deal well with wild animals."

A smirk crossed his lips before his arm snaked around my waist, pulling me against him.

I froze. I didn't know how to handle this situation. If we were at the club and he was grabbing me, it would be different. But we were at Damien's house. I didn't want to give him a reason to kick me out.

Luckily, Becky was there, ready to pry Ashton's arm from my waist, saving me from further discomfort.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you. I don't think Boss Man would appreciate you making moves on Boss Lady."

Ashton looked taken aback before retorting, "I didn't know Diablo finally found his queen."

I was utterly confused. It was like they were speaking in code, and everything they said made my head spin.

A familiar voice echoed through the kitchen, lightening my breath and spreading relief through my body.

"I'll give you five seconds to take your hands off her before I break every bone in your arm, starting with the one that's too close to her ass."

As quickly as he'd pulled me to him, Aston pushed me away. I turned to the source of the voice and found myself face-to-face with the devil himself. He always knew how to make an entrance.

I couldn't stop the smile spreading across my face. I was really falling for this guy.

I glanced back at Becky to see she'd started preparing what looked like chicken alfredo.

I started to walk over to help her, but two tattoo-covered arms stopped me. Unlike with Ashton, these arms brought me comfort.

Damien. My body recognized him instantly.

I looked over my shoulder to find him already watching me. "Can I help you?"

He raised an eyebrow in response. I felt more at ease with Becky in the room and with the little I now knew about the man holding me so intimately.

Despite his harsh exterior and the way he treated others, he was always gentle and caring with me. Maybe he wasn't dangerous. Maybe he just needed to maintain that image to command respect, like Becky had said.

"Someone's getting cozy. Don't sweat it, sweetheart, Becky's handling the grub. How about we head to my study? I've got a few more things to ask you, if that's okay."

I nodded, then started to leave the kitchen. I shot Becky an apologetic glance, but she just beamed back at me, brushing off any guilt I felt.

We made our way to his office, which was conveniently located on the same floor as our bedrooms. He held the door open for me, and I took a seat on one of the plush leather chairs in front of his desk.

"Okay, Angel, I just need some basic info about your dad and brother. Can you do that for me?" I gave a small nod and asked him what he needed to know.

"Just the simple stuff. Birthdays, ages, what they look like. Is that okay, sweetheart?"

That's how we spent the next thirty minutes. He asked me about my family and home life until he had all the information he needed. Then he walked me back down to the kitchen.

I was halfway through my meal when a frantic-looking Cole burst into the room. He whispered something into Damien's ear, shooting me glances every now and then.

I wasn't stupid; I knew they were keeping me in the dark. And it was starting to piss me off how much they were hiding from me.

Soon, the house was filled with the sound of Cole and Damien barking orders. Amidst the chaos, Damien ordered Becky to take me back to my room, away from whatever was about to go down.

I didn't argue. Whatever was happening must've been serious to cause such a commotion. Even Becky's usual carefree expression was replaced with a mix of anger and determination.

Before I knew it, I was back in my room, alone. Becky had rushed back out, probably to help with whatever crisis had arisen.

I tried to leave my room, but the door was locked. When I pressed my ear against it, I could hear two men talking just outside. They didn't even bother to lower their voices. What they were saying left me stunned. Fear coursed through me, chilling me to the bone. I had to get out of there,

and fast. My life might just depend on it.

Chapter Ten

DAMIEN

I left Sienna to get comfortable in her new room, giving her some space to settle in. I had to put her in the room next to mine. I needed to know she was safe, no matter the time of day or night.

Ever though the house was secure, didn't trust my men around Sena. She was new here, and I wasn't sure how they'd behave around her.

She was breathtaking, and I knew my men would be tempted by her.

I could stop all this by announcing that I'd claimed a queen, but I wanted to explain everything to her first. She deserved that much.

I was keeping too many secrets from her, but she'd just woken up. I didn't want to stress her out more than necessary.

I was in my office with Cole, researching the angel just down the hall. This floor was reserved for us, so I knew no one

would bother her up here. That was a relief.

Cole was already here when I walked in, ready to help me figure this out. I needed more answers. The information we'd found so far was nowhere near enough.

It was troubling how protected her profile was. She was a simple girl, so why was her information so hard to find?

We entered her name into the computer again, but all the data was gone. It was as if it had been wiped clean.

The previous data had disappeared. It was like she'd never existed, a ghost in the eyes of the government.

There was no record of a Sienna-Rose Watson anywhere.

Looking at Cole, I saw he was as shocked as I was. "Diablo, I don't think you should get involved with this girl. If she's connected to people powerful enough to erase all her records, she could be dangerous. She could put us all at risk."

I had no right to be as angry as I was, but he was crossing a line. My angel would never intentionally hurt anyone.

Sophie always spoke highly of Sienna, saying she was quiet and gentle, with an angel's heart. She wouldn't do that; you could tell just by looking at her that she wasn't part of this life.

Who does he think he is, telling me who my queen should be? She's above him and always will be. Hell, she's even above me.

She didn't know it, but I would follow her to the ends of the earth. Every command she gave would be obeyed. I was her soldier, waiting for her orders. She already had me wrapped around her finger, and she didn't even know it yet.

Before I could retort that she was also his boss and deserved as much respect as me, a pure laugh echoed down the hall. It lifted my heart with joy and love so pure that my anger vanished as soon as the sound reached my ears.

There hadn't been laughter in this house in what felt like forever. Yet, this woman walks in and within a few hours of being awake, she'd already brought a bit of light into the once gloomy walls of the building.

It made me wonder what she could do after a few months or even years. I knew I wanted to find out.

Both Cole and I walked toward the unfamiliar sound, stopping in front of Sienna's bedroom door.

There she was, laughing freely with Becky, looking so at ease like she'd always belonged here. Part of me believed she had.

I could listen to her laugh for the rest of my life if she let me. It was filled with innocence and pure joy.

I could feel Cole's intense gaze on the side of my head, but I didn't care. I probably looked like a lovesick puppy. All I could focus on was the sound of her laughter and the light in her eyes, signs of pure happiness.

Pulling myself out of the trance she'd put me in, I asked the question both Cole and I were wondering. "What's going on in here?"

I looked between my princess and Cole's girlfriend, who seemed to be on the verge of laughing herself into a heart attack.

Sienna's laughter stopped when she realized I was standing at the door, but the smile on her face made me smile too.

Watching her look back at a still-laughing Becky must have triggered something because she started laughing again, like nothing in the world could dampen her mood.

I was glad she was getting along with Becky. If she still wanted to stay after learning the truth, Becky would be Sienna's right hand as she stood beside me, fighting the demons in the dark.

Both girls eventually calmed down enough to talk to us. Even then, their smiles showed how happy they'd been just moments ago.

Becky soon pulled my attention away from the goddess in front of me. "I was just introducing myself to my new best friend, Sienna. It's okay, Diablo, she's fine. You can relax."

I wiped all emotion off my face and waited for her to continue. "Anyway, now that you know we're okay, you can both leave so I can get to know Boss Lady more. See you later, baby."

It was risky calling Sienna Boss Lady right now. I shouldn't even be calling her mine in front of her, but people just test me sometimes.

I rolled my eyes and signaled that we were done here. I turned to leave, descending the stairs with Cole right behind me. "What are we doing now, boss?" There was a guy who'd been waiting for me in the basement for the past two months.

I didn't answer, knowing he'd follow my lead. I walked into the basement past my men training and up to the steel door, separating my prey from the outside world.

It was the safest place in the building, with high-tech locks and limited access. My father had installed it when he was still around to ensure the safety of the members.

I placed my hand on the pad to gain access to the long corridor where my old friend was waiting for me. Cries of pain echoed down the corridor, pleasing the beast in me, filling my veins with anticipation for what was to come.

"Hey there, Marcus. It's been a while, hasn't it?" I took a moment to look him over. My guys had really done a number on him since our last encounter.

He was a shadow of his former self-thin, pale, and bloody. The stench alone was enough to make anyone gag. "Smells like a rotting corpse in here. So, how's it going, Marcus?"

I didn't really expect an answer. The question was more for my amusement than anything else. But Marcus, weak as he was, managed to surprise me.

"I'm doing pretty good. Seems like you've lost your touch...Damien." Only my family and my angel upstairs had the right to call me that.

I could feel the part of me I always tried to keep hidden rising to the surface. I wasn't Damien anymore. I was Diablo, the merciless Mafia Boss.

Before he could finish saying my name, my hand was already around his throat, cutting off his air supply. I pulled him closer, asserting my dominance. I wanted him to know that he was powerless against me.

"What the fuck do you think you're doing? You want to provoke the monster? You want to play with the big boys?

Fine."

I released him and walked over to the side table to pick up my gun. I attached the silencer, just in case Sienna heard

anything beyond the steel door. I didn't want to give her any reason to fear me, especially now that she was starting to feel comfortable here.

I raised my gun and fired two shots in Marcus's direction. I didn't care where they hit. He was going to die today, that was certain. But first, I was going to make him beg for his life, just like Sienna had begged him to leave her alone.

"You've brought the queen back home, I hear. Risky move, my friend. Wait till word gets out that you finally have a weakness." His words only fueled my desire to spill his blood.

The dmon inside me wanted to kill him righ then and there for even suggesting that Siena could be harmed. But l wouldn't let it control me.

I couldn't help but laugh at his ignorance. "You clearly don't know anything, Filton. She isn't my weakness. She's my strength. And I can't wait for the day when shitheads like you try to take her from me."

I would do everything in my power to protect her from scumbags like Filton.

I signaled my men to untie him and chain him to the wall. I was done playing games. This was going to be fun.

"You see, Marcus, I was just going to go easy on you. A little torment here and there, maybe some gore. But no, you had to bring up the one person who put you in this situation."

I couldn't hold back any longer. I wanted to get creative with him. I picked up a pile of shuriken stars from the side table and walked over to the opposite wall.

I used to play darts with my grandfather in the back garden when I was a kid. I hoped my aim was still as good as it was back then.

I prepared to throw the first star. The fear in his eyes and the trembling of his body only motivated me more.

I was glad he was scared. I was glad he knew his time was limited. I was glad he knew he wouldn't live to see another sunrise. All I could think about was the fear on Sienna's face that night and how terrified she must have been.

He had tried to taint an angel. And monsters who mess with the innocent must face the darkest beasts standing by their side. Unfortunately for him, Sienna had the darkest beast of all on her side.

For the next five hours, I did everything I could think of to inflict pain on Marcus. I used everything from electricity to an axe. I didn't leave a single inch of him untouched.

"Anything else to say?" He looked so helpless it brought a sick sense of satisfaction to me. That was until he spat out a mouthful of blood at my feet. "I don't want to die. I'm sorry. I'll do whatever you want, just don't kill me."

Tears streamed down his face, but I didn't care. Why should I show him mercy when he showed none to Sienna? I hoped that night was worth it for him because it signed his death warrant.

"I don't need you to do anything, Marcus. You're going to die tonight." He really didn't know what he was getting into that night. Surely he would have figured out that Sienna was important after she left the VIP room at the club, after dealing with Ashton.

"Just a thought, Marcus. Have you ever played chess?" I looked over at him and saw no indication that he was going to answer. I took that as a no.

"No? Well, the most important piece on the board is the queen. The queen always protects the king. She gives him power, motivation. She's the piece that drives the king to their desire. And you, Marcus, threatened the queen. The leader. You can't do that and not expect the king to retaliate."

A soft chuckle came from the man chained to the wall. Clever. He knew he was going to die, so he was trying to throw me off by finding humor in the situation.

To each their own, I guess. Either way, he was a sex offender in our eyes, and soon enough, in the eyes of the law too.

"Go to hell, both you and that little bitch!" That was the last straw. My vision turned red and the beast was unleashed.

My angel was too good for hell. You can curse me all you want, but nobody talks about Sienna that way.

I grabbed the axe from beside me, pulled back, and swung, severing his head from his body.

I felt the resistance of bone, but I wasn't going to let that stop me from ridding the world of assholes like him.

"Clean it up. I want it shining by the time I come back down here."

I wasn't sure where Sienna was in the house, so the best way to clean up and change without running into her was to use the secret passage from the basement's safe room to my bedroom.

I quickly washed off the blood and changed into black sweatpants and a white tank top.

As I started down the stairs, I heard Ashton's voice. "Feisty, I like it. The name's Ashton, but you can call me whenever." He was probably trying to charm another one of our seducers.

I froze when I heard Sienna's voice respond, "The only person I'd be calling is animal control, because I don't do well with wild animals."

She was growing more confident around everyone, but that didn't change the fact that Ashton was making moves on my girl.

I finished my descent at a speed that must have seemed inhuman; my beast side was still on high alert, ready to protect Sienna, even from one of our best friends.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you. Don't think Boss Man would appreciate you making moves on Boss Lady." Damn

right, I wouldn't appreciate it. Becky was probably enjoying the idea of me finding Ashton in this situation with Sienna, but she'd stop him from doing anything stupid like kissing her or making her uncomfortable. Because then I'd have to kill him too.

"I didn't know Diablo finally found his queen." I was now at the entrance, taking in the scene. My blood was boiling.

Ashton had his hands all over Sienna. I could see the fear on her face, showing she didn't know what to do. The fact that she was scared and uncomfortable just fueled my anger that hadn't cooled since leaving the basement.

"I'll give you five seconds to remove your hands from her waist before I break every bone in your arm, starting with that hand, which is currently closest to her ass."

I watched as Ashton pushed Sienna back. She looked over at me and smiled.

A wave of contentment washed over me. She was happy to see me; maybe she'd stay if I told her the truth about me. I hoped so.

I watched her as she started to help Becky prepare food, and my mind drifted back to this morning.

I needed to know more about her family so I could instruct my men to keep an eye on them until I knew they weren't a threat.

I walked over to her and wrapped my arms around her waist, pulling her closer to me. Her body fit perfectly against mine, like she was made to be held by me.

When she looked up at me, my heart fluttered. "Can I help you?"

She was getting comfortable here. A couple of months ago in that café, she couldn't even hold eye contact with me for more than thirty seconds.

I raised an eyebrow, ready to play along with whatever game she was starting. I'd give anything to be this content with her for the rest of the night.

I needed information about her father and brother, so I took her to my office to ask the necessary questions before taking her back to the kitchen to eat.

Halfway through her meal, Cole burst into the kitchen, looking worried.

"The house is being targeted-twenty men in masks with guns are advancing toward us."

As soon as he said that, I switched into boss mode, shouting orders to everyone in the house. Cole was close by, giving orders to our best fighters.

I told Becky to take Sienna upstairs where she'd be safer. I needed to focus, and I couldn't do that knowing Sienna wasn't safe.

Not even five minutes later, Becky was back, geared up and ready to protect Sienna at all costs.

She was stationed by the stairs to stop anyone from getting too close. If they were here for Sienna, they wouldn't get close enough to even catch a glimpse.

I was grateful that Becky would look out for Sienna, taking some worry off my shoulders so I could focus on the assholes now and worry about my angel later.

Bullets were flying, men were falling. I yelled to Cole, who was fighting to my left, to keep one alive for questioning.

These men were falling easily, clearly not professionals. They were probably sent to deliver a message.

Once the masked men stopped coming and were almost, if not already, dead, I walked over to one of my recruits who was holding down one of the masked figures. "What are you doing here?" "I'd keep her close if I were you. They want her back and will stop at nothing to get her." As soon as he finished speaking, his body went limp. There was nothing remarkable about the message.

I already knew who they were presumably talking about. I checked for a pulse but found nothing. Whoever hired him didn't want them to walk out of this alive, probably didn't expect any of them to survive the raid.

After processing what he'd said, I ran upstairs with one goal: finding Sienna. This could have been a distraction while someone took her right from under me.

I reached her bedroom to find two of my men standing outside her door. "Go."

As they walked away, I unlocked her door, only to find my girl crouched in the corner, tears streaming down her face.

"Stay away from me!" It was time to explain everything.

I just hoped she wouldn't hate me when I did.

-------To Be Continued----