When her breathing finally steadied, she pushed herself away gently. "I need a bath," she mumbled, avoiding his eyes.
Rhys nodded, watching her retreat into the bathroom. The sound of running water soon filled the room, but his focus shifted when Andy appeared, seemingly out of nowhere.
"When are you going to tell her?" Andy asked, his voice low.
Rhys sighed, tying his robe tightly around his waist. He glanced toward the bathroom door. "Tonight. There's no more time. With so many people coming after me, anyone close to me becomes a target. But she's safer with me than without me—at least for now."
Andy's phone buzzed, and he answered quickly. "Got it." He hung up and turned to Rhys, his expression grave.
"Padrino, we can't stay here too long. Donna's put out a hit on you."
Rhys chewed his bottom lip, thinking. "We'll return to the mansion. Have you spread the word?"
Andy nodded. "Yes, but it's risky. The mansion's a target, but with our spies in place, it's also the safest option. Donna values her reputation too much to make a reckless move."
Rhys poured himself a glass of wine on the porch, sipping thoughtfully as Andy continued.
Andy nodded, pulling out his tablet. "Yes. And about Malta... the intel was false. It was a trap set by Donna herself. But digging deeper, we found something interesting."
He tapped the screen, pulling up documents. "Eddy and Victor were working together. They created a shell company to siphon funds, which are now frozen in Malta. Two factions are vying for the money: the Khaos family and Victor himself. The money originally belonged to…."
Rhys chuckled darkly, Interrupting him. "Let me guess. The Romano Syndicate?"
Andy nodded pleased as usual with his Padrino's foresightedness. "Correct. The funds are tied to deals they brokered for the Khaos family. Viktor and Eddy cheated them out of it, and now only Eddy knew the exact location of the remaining funds before his death."
Rhys leaned back, his smile cold. "So Viktor's trying to sever our alliance with the Romano Syndicate to claim the money unchallenged."
"Exactly. Andy said. "We've got our team in Malta digging for the location of the funds. It could shift the balance of power." Andy muttered.
"Greedy Bastards. " Rhys chuckled, draining his glass, a sly smile playing on his lips. "Let them think they've trapped us. Put out the word that we fell for the trap. The mansion is dangerous but defensible. And Donna—she values her reputation too much to risk open conflict. If people learn she's attacking her own family in secret, it'll ruin her. That's why she's moving so carefully, Using everyone's jealousy and hatred to attack us. But after last time, she will not let us be. She's on our radar and will kill for it. Despite her loving reputation, she wouldn't hesitate to get rid of me when things become more complicated so let's buy some time by playing the Jokers."
Andy understood perfectly what Rhys was thinking. The Donna, though she tried not to underestimate him, had done just that. She believed she was on top of her game, always several steps ahead. And she would have been—a couple of months ago, Rhys would likely be dead if not for a timely intervention that had saved their necks.
Rhys had suspected there was more to why the Donna turned a blind eye to Eddy's unscrupulous ways. Now, knowing about the money Eddy had hidden away, he had all the confirmation he needed. The final puzzle piece had come from THAT PERSON, who had contacted Rhys months ago. The message was clear: Donna had handed the contract over to Victor not only to get rid of him but also to eliminate the Romano Syndicate. Her ultimate plan? Use Victor, then take him out and claim the money for herself.
Andy shook his head. It all made sense now. The Donna had been on top of things, but since THAT PERSON began feeding Rhys key information, the scales had tipped. Their symbiotic relationship was built on a common enemy: Donna.
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Later that evening, after dinner, Lia was about to settle in for some TV when Rhys approached her.
"Lia, can I speak with you?" he asked.
Her eyes widened in curiosity, but she nodded. They moved to the side porch, where the cool night air carried the scent of the deep blue pool. They sat on lounge chairs, the faint glow of the moonlight illuminating their faces.
Rhys took a deep breath. "You must have been scared earlier," he began. "Have you ever thought about the real reason you're living with me?"
Lia hesitated, her brows furrowed in thought. "Isn't that because my mother sold me to you?" she said, her tone unnervingly casual.
"And do you know why she sold you to me?" Rhys pressed further.
"Probably for money?" she replied, trying to sound detached, but Rhys caught the tremor in her voice.
"The day before you came to live with me—do you remember anything?" Rhys asked gently.
She squinted, searching her memory, but ultimately shook her head.
"Do you remember having a fever?"
She nodded slowly.
"But nothing else?"
Lia shook her head again. Rhys exhaled deeply, steeling himself.
"Listen to me very carefully Lia. First, you need to understand that everything I've done has been to protect you. But being with me right now puts you in danger. I don't say this to scare you, but because I want you to trust me. I'll keep you safe, no matter what."
Lia's eyes locked on his, searching for answers. "What happened to me at the hospital? I didn't really fall asleep, did I?" she asked.
Rhys nodded solemnly. "There's someone dangerous after you because they think you saw and heard things you shouldn't have. Do you remember the night you passed out at the shop?"
She blinked, a flicker of recognition crossing her face. "Does this have anything to do with that?"
Rhys nodded. "Yes. You accidentally witnessed the murder of a man. It was so traumatic that your mind blocked it out, but it haunted your dreams. That nightmare you've been having? It's not just a nightmare. It's a memory."
Her eyes widened in shock. "Why would they think I heard something?"
Rhys pulled out his phone, showing her a grainy video. A bald man in his twenties was visible, pacing the flower shop while on the phone. "I've sent this to an analyst to decipher what he's saying, but I think it's connected to the murder you witnessed."
Lia's voice was barely a whisper. "How are you so sure I saw something?"
Rhys' voice dropped. "Because I killed him. And I know you saw me do it."
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Meanwhile, Ry had been in a state of panic. Lia's disappearance weighed heavily on him. For days, he had been calling her, refreshing social media, and waiting for any sign of life. Nothing. The same automated voicemail response played every time.
'The number you are calling is currently switched off, Please try again later.'
Isla, noticed his distress. "You've been glued to that phone for days. What's going on?" she asked.
He took a deep breath and decided to keep her out of things for now at least. He managed a small smile
'It's just a new cheap online shop was rumoured to be opening soon and they would be having insane discounts for the first 200 followers. They just didn't mention when they would be opening so that's why I am constantly looking through my phone'
That came out smoothly and easily. In fact it came too easily than he had intended.
'wow I need to get behind all these deals. I never know about them. what are they called?'
She asked him. He seemed out of it for a moment due to the unexpected question but he soon composed himself.
'Mom, it's a men's brand online shop'
He stood up and started walking away.
'Well even at that, I need to get some nice clothes for your soon-to-be stepfather so please tell me the name.'
She yelled walking after him but he just closed his ears quickening his pace and as soon as he got into his room, shut the door right to her face. She broke into a small laugh. She knew her son wasn't against her remarrying, He just hated the fact that she referred to him as his 'soon-to-be stepfather. She leaned against the door
"Speaking of Lia, I haven't seen her around. Is she okay?"
Ry tensed. "Yeah, she's fine," he mumbled, his words floating out from his room as he lay on his bed, praying for a sign, his worry mounting with each passing moment.
***************************************************************************
Back at Rhys's safe house, Lia tried to shake off the oppressive air. She stepped into the pool, floating on her back, staring at the stars that seemed like a blanket covering her. Her mind wandered to Ry. She missed his silliness and their simple yet ordinary lives. She regretted letting Rhys take her phone for their safety; it left her feeling isolated and trapped. If they made it out of this alive, she swore she'd never take Ry for granted again.
Rhys entered the room and froze. Lia was nowhere to be seen. His pulse quickened as he reached for his gun, moving toward the front door. Then he saw her—floating serenely in the pool. Relief washed over him as he holstered his weapon.
His phone buzzed. A message from Jasmine:
"Rhys, where are you? You haven't answered my calls. Gammy's staying with me; she's unwell. Also, Lia hasn't been home for over a week. I'm worried sick. Please come home soon."
Rhys clenched his jaw, his grip tightening on the phone. What did she mean by Lia not being home for over a week? what was Andy doing not reporting such an important matter to him> where waa she, whom was she with and what was she doing during that time? his frustration grew with no answers in sight. As if taunting him, there was Gammy, she wasn't safe, Before he could fully process it, another message arrived—this time from an unknown number.
"Rhys, it's your father. We need to talk. There's more to the truth about your mother and sister's deaths than you know."
Rhys's breath hitched. the familiar anger and grief clawing their way to the surface. Why now, after all these years? He pocketed his phone, his mind racing. He couldn't afford distractions, not with everything at stake.
The soft sound of water lapping at the edge greeted him as he approached. Lia's lithe form floated serenely, her eyes closed, oblivious to his presence. For a moment, he stood there, watching her. The soft glow of moonlight danced across her skin, and an unfamiliar pang struck him. She was breathtaking.
Without warning, he slipped into the pool, the splash startling her. Her eyes flew open, and before she could speak, his hands found her waist, pulling her close.
"Rhys," she breathed, her voice barely above a whisper.
He tilted his head, his lips brushing against her ear, his voice low and gravelly. "Rough day. I need a distraction."
A shiver ran down her spine, her breath hitching as his hands tightened slightly. She pulled back just enough to meet his gaze, her lips curving into a teasing smile.
"Did I say no?" she challenged, her tone daring.
It felt like every drop of blood in his body was igniting with a fervent heat. She was a siren, drawing him in with an irresistible allure, and he could feel all rational thought slipping away like sand through his fingers. The moment her lips parted to speak, plush and inviting, he was lost—starved for the taste of her. His hands roamed eagerly, as if trying to capture every ounce of her softness, wishing he could multiply them tenfold to explore every curve in a maddening touch.
Lia's soft moans broke the night's quiet, unbothered by the open air. Wetting her finger, she shifted her swimwear aside, slipping her middle and index fingers into the warmth of her own desire. Her nipples stood proud, and goosebumps danced across her flawless skin. Rhys, unable to contain the primal urge within, felt the animalistic instinct surge. In one swift motion, he tore away the fabric concealing her, exposing her intoxicating beauty.
With her back to him, he revelled in the sight of her soft, full cheeks moving against him, the water sparkling around them. In a bold, thrilling gesture, he smacked her right cheek sharply, leaving a handprint that only fueled the fire between them. His boxer shorts floated in the pool, forgotten as he deftly removed her swimwear, tying it loosely around her neck, careful yet playful as he pulled her back against him, parting her legs with his own.
Every thrust surged deeper, his rhythm wild and unyielding while her urgent moans echoed into the night. Breathless and completely consumed by pleasure, she surrendered to the heat rising within. Her fingers worked fervently, lost in her pleasure while he continued pounding her from behind, pulling her head back to expose her arched back and smooth skin.
The sound of wet skin slapping and the rush of water became their symphony of ecstasy. As he took her to the edge, he guided her to hold onto the pool's edge, his relentless rhythm plunging them into a state of pure bliss. Her eyes rolled back, a trail of saliva glistening at the corner of her mouth as waves of pleasure ravaged her senses.
Turning her to face him, he gazed into her eyes darkened by desire, raising her hips as she wrapped her legs around his waist. He pressed her against the cool pool wall, plunging into her with a force that made her cry out in delight. Just as she settled, he drove deep, igniting every nerve ending. Their bodies danced together in perfect harmony, her hands seeking something, anything, to hold onto as she neared the edge.
The essence of the moment enveloped them, bodies slick with a sheen of water under starry skies, every inch of them craving more. He surged forward, their breaths mingling as they climbed to heights of ecstasy together, leaving them trembling, panting, bodies intertwined and glistening beneath the eager constellations.
Meanwhile, Andy buried his head in a pillow in the guest room, groaning. "How does he even have this much stamina?" he muttered to himself, referring to Rhys's and Lia's relentless sexcapades. His frustration was boiling over. He hadn't had a break in weeks, and the tension in the house right now wasn't helping.
Focus, Andy, he told himself. He had a job to do, and distractions could cost them everything.