Chapter 1
I left the window open on
purpose–let the gang boss hear every sound
of me with another man all night long.
The next morning, he showed up with a stormy face and asked if he could join in.
I lounged in the arms of two men and turned him down without a flicker of emotion..
Didn’t you always prefer my little sister?
His eyes were bloodshot, but he didn’t dare step closer.
“After all, I was his woman for ten
years. I helped him claim every piece of turf, and fight by his side through blood and fire.
And in the end? He chose to marry some college girl over keeping the promise he once made to me.”
His men couldn’t wrap their heads around it. One after another, they started speaking up for me.
“Nicole fought with you to build everything from the ground up, she’s the sharpest blade at your side. Didn’t you used to spoil her like crazy? Now you’re gonna marry someone else?”
Alaric Wynn stubbed out his cigarette, running his fingers over the couple’s silver rings he shared with Amara Wren.
“Nicole? That woman’s got blood on her hands. Just thinking about sleeping with her gives me the creeps. How could she ever compare to
my precious girl?”
“But Nicole’s smart. What if she finds out and turns against you?”
Alaric frowned and let out a cold laugh. “I already own the whole damn Seattle. So what if she’s not in the picture? You think the turf’s gonna grow legs and run off?”
Little did he know, I’d been standing outside the door the whole time, hearing every word.
I tossed the medicine I’d brought for his injuries straight into the trash and messaged his biggest rival, Damian Vale.
“Want Alaric’s turf and life? They’re all yours.”
I was preparing to take a speedboat off the island when Alaric arrived.
“There’s a big shipment coming in the day after tomorrow. You handle it personally. Bring some men. And clear out your place, I need it.”
His voice was cold and commanding, but I could only laugh inside.
All this was to bring Amara back safely, even if it meant risking my life when Damian could strike at any moment.
He really was lovesick to the point of madness. That house? Obviously, it was for Amara to move into.
I just gave him a flat, “Oh.”
Seeing my nonchalant reaction, Alaric scowled.
“What’s your deal now? I didn’t make our relationship public because the situation was unstable. Damian’s watching us like a hawk. I can’t let my men lower their guard just for you.
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Chapter
“Your top priority right now is helping me get Damian off my back.”
Alaric always had a way of gaslighting me.
I used to think it meant he cared, so I gave it everything I had, fighting and scheming for him. But now? It all just feels like a sick joke.
I handed him the boat requisition form and said calmly, “No attitude. I’m used to it.”
Alaric felt something was off. His eyes flashed with annoyance, and he pressed the pen so hard it ripped through the paper.
“Nicole! What’s with the attitude now? All I asked for was your house! I own everything on this island, including your life! And I can’t even give you orders?”
He flung the paper in my face. “From now on, don’t come to me about dumb crap like getting off the island. I don’t have time for your drama.”
knew he’d misunderstood, but I didn’t bother explaining.
I nodded lazily, walked out the door, and smiled as I looked at the speedboat I was about to claim.
I’d been at Alaric’s side, fighting to take over territories for ten years.
We were raised on the same streets and spoke the same dreams- brothers not by blood, but by choice. And when love came, it felt inevitable, as if we’d always been meant to belong to each other.
I’d always hoped I’d end up his bride. He even hinted once. He’d give me what I wanted once he took over all of Seattle.
But now I see the truth.
Chapter 1
It was all just me, blindly in love, and him, manipulating that love to
build a lie.
Now he’s marrying someone else.
That night, heavily armed mercenaries escorted Amara onto the island.
She floated in like some fairy in a white dress, eyes full of clueless innocence and shameless pride.
