How To Love Your Wife – Chapter 3&4

HOW TO HATE YOUR HUSBAND 2

HOW TO LOVE YOUR WIFE

How To Love Your Wife – Chapter 3&4

[𝑩𝒆𝒕𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝑹𝒐𝒔𝒆𝒔 & 𝑻𝒉𝒐𝒓𝒏𝒔 ]

𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆- 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐀𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍.

☆ 𝑶𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑫𝒂𝒓𝒌 𝑹𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝑵𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒍 𝒃𝒚 𝑩𝒂𝒓𝒃𝒊𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒆. ☆

©𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞

✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦

 

You must be wondering why Nancy is saved as Romeo’s Mini Me. It really is as simple as it sounds.

Her attitude mirrors his. Her aura does too. Cold, sharp, controlled. And when it comes to skill, especially as a Yakuza, she’s terrifyingly efficient.

She’s grown so dangerous that when word spreads that it isn’t Romeo or Hunter on a mission, but Nancy instead, enemies don’t wait to confirm. They run.

Over the years, their bond has deepened into something unspoken but solid. Romeo treats her like the little sister he never had, and Nancy respects him in a way she respects no one else.

She listens when he speaks. She moves when he moves.

Nancy stopped in front of the hotel suite door and knocked once.

The door opened almost immediately.

They stepped inside.

The room was wide and dimly lit, heavy curtains pulled shut. Armed men lined the walls, some standing near the corners, others positioned closer to the windows.

Every single one of them was alert, hands close to their weapons, eyes locked on Romeo and Nancy as they entered.

On the couch at the center of the room sat Don Zhou.

He was a chubby man, thick around the middle, his suit stretched slightly at the buttons. His face was round, almost soft-looking, but his eyes were sharp and calculating.

This was the man who led the Zhou Clan, the biggest Triad in China. Power sat on him comfortably, like weight he’d carried for decades.

“Mr. Dragoni,” Zhou said, pushing himself forward slightly, a smile spreading across his face. “It’s my pleasure to finally meet you.”

Romeo didn’t return the greeting. He walked past the armed men without hesitation and took a seat across from Zhou, his posture relaxed but dominant.

“Of all places,” Romeo said coolly, “Why here?”

Nancy sat beside him, composed, her presence just as commanding despite her silence.

“I wanted us to have maximum privacy,” Zhou replied smoothly.

Romeo gave a short nod, nothing more.

“So,” Romeo said, crossing one leg over the other, “What’s the agenda of this meeting? Make it snappy. It’s really late.”

Zhou’s hands clenched briefly on his knees. For a moment, something hard flashed across his face. Then he smiled again, wider this time.

“An alliance,” Zhou said. “Between the Zhou Triads and the Ryukai Yakuza.”

The room fell silent.

Nancy didn’t move, didn’t react, but her eyes sharpened slightly. Romeo leaned back in his seat, expression unreadable, already weighing how much trouble that single word was going to bring.

Zhou leaned back against the couch, fingers steepled in front of him, confidence creeping back into his posture.

“Let’s be realistic,” He began. “The Zhou Clan controls the largest weapons routes across Southern and Eastern China. From ports to inland distribution, nothing moves without my approval. Your Ryukai Yakuza dominates Japan and several offshore routes. An alliance between us isn’t just reasonable, it’s logical.”

He gestured with one hand, as if laying pieces on a table.

“We supply high-grade firearms, military surplus, and custom pieces. You handle redistribution through Japan, Southeast Asia, and your Pacific contacts. Shared ports. Shared intelligence. Shared profit. We eliminate competition and double our reach.”

Nancy tilted her head slightly, eyes never leaving him.

“You’re assuming we need you,” She said calmly.

Zhou’s smile stiffened.

“We already have suppliers,” Nancy continued. “Reliable ones. We already control shipping lanes you’re trying to buy your way into. So explain something to me.”

She leaned forward just enough to shift the room’s attention.

“What exactly do you bring to the table that we don’t already own, run, or crush when necessary?”

One of Zhou’s men shifted his gun. Zhou’s jaw tightened.

“Our production scale alone—”

“Is impressive…” Nancy cut in. “But vulnerable….”

Zhou frowned.

“You move bulk weapons through three major ports. Two of them are under surveillance. One of them is compromised by internal leaks. You lose a shipment every few months and call it bad luck. I call that being sloppy.”

Zhou’s eyes darkened.

Nancy didn’t stop.

“You want access to our routes because yours are in the verge of confiscation. You want protection because your enemies are getting bolder, and you want our name attached to yours so people would fear you even more.”

Silence pressed down on the room.

Romeo remained quiet, watching.

Zhou leaned forward, voice hard. “Watch your mouth.”

Nancy smiled, slow and deliberate.

“Or what?” She asked. “You’ll pull a gun in a room where you’re outnumbered and outclassed? You invited us here. That tells me who’s desperate.”

Even though Zhou’s men outnumbers she and Romeo, it’s not like his men can win against them in a fight.

Zhou’s hand slammed onto the armrest.

“I want to speak to Romeo not you, little girl.” He snapped.

The air shifted.

Romeo finally moved, turning his head slightly toward Zhou, his voice even.

“Be careful not to get on her bad side, Mr. Zhou. If she says no, the alliance is off.”

Zhou stared at him, disbelief flickering across his face.

“She negotiates for you?” He asked.

“No. More like she makes the decisions for me, she’s way smarter than you think. Don’t tell me you’ll let her kid intimidate you.” Romeo replied.

Zhou’s gaze slid back to Nancy, sharp and resentful.

Nancy met it without flinching, a small smirk pulling at her lips.

“Now,” She said coolly, “Do you still want to talk about an alliance, or should we leave you to fix your problems alone?”

Zhou exhaled sharply, forcing a smile that didn’t reach his eyes.

“So,” he said, looking at Nancy, “What do you think about my offer?”

He already knows there’s no use talking too much.

Nancy stood up without answering.

“I’ll get back to you.”

Romeo rose immediately after her. They turned and walked out together.

—

Outside, the night air was cool and quiet.

Romeo stopped near the entrance. “Want me to take you home?”

“No,” Nancy said flatly.

He nodded once.

“So what now?” she asked.

“What?” he replied.

“Rias is back, duh.” She crossed her arms. “What are you gonna do? Won’t you try to win her over?”

“Your sister has a boyfriend,” Romeo said.

“But you like her.”

“Who said I do?”

“I’m just assuming.”

“Well, stop assuming.”

Nancy rolled her eyes. “But still, I don’t like this boyfriend of hers. She refused to show me a picture of him, and even his mom, claiming he didn’t want to. He sounds suspicious.”

Romeo looked at her.

She faced him fully. “C’mon. She should be with you. I’m rooting for you two, you know. I don’t care about her silly boyfriend.”

“Come here,” He said.

She stepped forward without hesitation.

He lifted his hand and flicked her forehead.

“Ouch,” she hissed.

“Go home,” He said, already turning away. “And don’t drive recklessly.”

He walked off.

“I know you like her!!” Nancy yelled after him.

_______
[𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐲’𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧]

Rias heard a knock on her door and was about to answer when it opened.

“Hey.” she said.

“Hi.” Nancy replied.

“You’re not gonna hug me?” Rias asked, spreading her arms.

Nancy walked closer and hugged her tightly.

“Can you stop acting like you’re all grown up? You’re still my kid sis, you know,” Rias said with a soft smile.

Nancy chuckled and sat on the edge of the bed.

“So? Grandpa said you joined the Yakuza,” Rias said, curiosity lacing her voice.

“Yeah,” Nancy replied calmly.

“But why? Isn’t that dangerous?” Rias pressed.

“Not if you can handle it,” Nancy said, leaning back slightly.

Rias sat beside her. “So… when Romeo brought me back from the airport, someone called him. It was a lady, saved as ‘Mini Me.’”

Nancy laughed lightly.

“Does he have a child?” Rias asked, a hint of confusion in her voice.

Nancy laughed harder this time.

“It’s not funny,” Rias said, frowning.

“Who do you think it is?” Nancy asked, grinning.

“I don’t know, that’s why I’m asking,” Rias admitted.

“It’s me. You don’t have to worry,” Nancy said firmly.

“Oh…” Rias muttered, still processing.

“Wait… why are you even worried?” Nancy asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Nothing,” Rias said quickly.

“Oh really? You thought he already moved on?” Nancy smirked, nudging her lightly.

“No. Anyways… my boyfriend and his mom will be coming to Tokyo tomorrow. They want to meet Grandpa,” Rias said.

Nancy rolled her eyes.

“What’s with that eye roll?” Rias asked.

“Just know that I don’t like him,” Nancy replied bluntly.

“Why?” Rias asked, surprised.

“Never mind. Goodnight,” Nancy said, standing and walking toward the door before Rias could respond.

Rias watched her leave. That’s weird.

________
[𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐚 – 𝐙𝐡𝐨𝐮 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐧]

Lin stormed into the expansive living room, her heels striking the marble floor sharply.

Zhou was standing near the center of the room, speaking in low tones to a few of his men. The moment Lin appeared, every head turned.

They straightened instantly and bowed.

“You can all leave,” Zhou said calmly.

The men filed out without a word, the room falling quiet the second the doors closed behind them.

“Daddy,” Lin said, crossing the room in quick strides.

Zhou’s stern expression softened immediately. “My sweetheart.”

She folded her arms, clearly annoyed. “So? How did it go?”

Zhou exhaled slowly. “We’ll have to wait for them to get back to us. Romeo isn’t an easy man to corner. He’s tough.”

Lin clicked her tongue, displeased. “That’s exactly why we need this alliance. If the Zhou clan and the Ryukai Yakuza work together, I can stay close to him. I don’t want delays.”

Zhou studied her, then shook his head slightly. “Patience, Lin. You don’t want to get on his bad side. That man doesn’t respond well to pressure.”

She frowned deeper.

“I told you to arrange a marriage,” She snapped. “And you refused.”

“Lin,” Zhou said gently but firmly, “You can’t just ask me to propose marriage to Romeo. He isn’t interested. He barely tolerates negotiations, let alone something like that.”

“But he had a wife before,” Lin shot back quickly. “Good thing they divorced.”

Zhou sighed. “That was different. Their families were already close. History matters in these things.”

Lin turned away with a huff, clearly sulking.

“Don’t worry,” Zhou added, stepping closer. “Once the alliance is finalized, you can move to Tokyo. You’ll have all the chances you want to get closer to him.”

She pouted, lips pushed out in a childish expression that didn’t match her age or status.

Zhou chuckled and lifted her chin with a finger. “Smile for daddy.”

Lin’s expression shifted instantly. She smiled sweetly, almost too sweet.

“I better not find out there’s another woman close to him. I won’t take that lightly.” She scoffed.

Zhou’s smile faded just a bit as he studied her face. “We’ll handle it properly,” he said.

Lin nodded, satisfied for now, already convinced that whatever she wanted, her father would eventually make happen.

__________
[𝐍𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐃𝐚𝐲- 𝐒𝐆 𝐄𝐧𝐭. – 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐨]

The last beat faded out through the speakers. Levi pulled the headphones off his head and leaned back in the chair, rubbing his face.

His voice was rough, throat tired from hours in the booth.

Sky sat beside him on the couch, elbows on his knees, watching him.

“Track’s clean,” Sky said. “You killed it.”

“Doesn’t feel like it.”Levi gave a tired nod.

Sky glanced at him. “That bad?”

Levi sighed and stood, grabbing a bottle of water from the table. He took a long drink, then dropped back onto the couch beside Sky.

“It’s Ginger,” He said quietly. “Same shit, different day.”

Sky turned fully toward him. “Talk to me, what’s wrong.”

Levi stared at the studio wall for a second, then shook his head.

“I don’t get it, man. I do everything. I make time for her, I take her out, I listen, I reassure her every damn day. I cancel sessions, cancel meetings, push deadlines just to be with her.”

“And?” Sky asked.

“And it’s never enough,” Levi snapped, then immediately softened.

“It’s like… no matter how much I give, she still wants more. If I sit down to work for an hour, suddenly I don’t care about her. If I want space, I’m ‘pulling away.’ If I focus on my career, I’m choosing music over her.”

Sky nodded slowly. “Sounds exhausting.”

“It is,” Levi admitted. “I feel drained all the time. Like I’m disappearing just to keep her happy, and she’s still not happy.”

Sky leaned back. “Have you told her this?”

“I try,” Levi said. “But it always turns into a fight. She hears ‘you’re not enough’ when I’m just saying ‘I need room to breathe.’”

Sky was quiet for a moment. “Do you still love her?”

Levi’s jaw tightened. “Yeah. I do. That’s the f+ked-up part. If I didn’t, I would’ve walked already.”

“Love isn’t supposed to feel like you’re drowning,” Sky said calmly.

“You shouldn’t have to break yourself just to keep someone comfortable. Take this from me, I’ve been in that kind of relationship where she doesn’t appreciate you. It was hell.”

Levi laughed under his breath. “Tell that to her.”

Sky glanced at him. “Bro… you’re allowed to want your own life. Your work, your silence, your space. If she can’t accept that, it’s her fault for being insecure then.”

Levi rubbed his hands together, restless. “I keep thinking if I just try harder, she’ll finally be satisfied.”

Sky looked him dead in the eye. “Or she’ll just keep up the same attitude.”

Levi went quiet at that.

The studio lights hummed softly above them.

“Whatever you decide,” Sky added, “Don’t lose yourself trying to save a relationship that’s already bleeding you dry.”

Levi nodded slowly, the words settling heavier than the music ever did.

The door clicked open, and Nancy strutted in, her presence immediately filling the studio.

“Hello, boys,” She purred, walking with that confident sway that always seemed to captivate everyone in the room.

Sky’s eyes widened, and before he could react, she slid onto his lap, pressing a quick kiss to his lips.

“Babe, I thought I said I’d pick you up,” He murmured, hands resting lightly on her hips.

“I was already getting bored, so I decided to come by,” She replied, voice playful as she shifted her attention to Levi.

“How’s your album coming along, Levi?” She asked, leaning casually against the table, eyes bright with curiosity.

“Almost at the finishing stage.” Levi said with a tired but satisfied smile, brushing a hand over his tablet.

“You two have a collaboration song on the album, right?” Nancy tilted her head, her smile teasing but genuine.

Levi nodded. “Yeah, we do.”

“I can’t wait for it to be released,” she giggled, brushing her fingers along her arm absentmindedly.

Sky leaned back, a grin tugging at his lips.

“I guess you haven’t changed—you’re still a hardcore fan girl.” He reached out and tickled her side lightly.

“Stop it!” She laughed, squirming slightly in his hold, her cheeks flushed.

Levi raised a brow. “Are you two… going out?”

“Yeah. A date,” Sky replied smoothly, wrapping an arm around her waist protectively.

“Oh,” Levi said, shaking his head with a small chuckle. “I’ll head home now. See you guys later.”

“Sure, bro,” Sky replied, as Levi stood and collected his things before he left first.

Nancy turned her attention back to Sky, her lips curling into a small smirk.

“You ready to go?” he asked, holding out a hand.

“Yeah, I’ll just use the restroom first,” She said, pecking him lightly on the lips before standing.

She sauntered toward the restroom, still radiating that playful, confident energy that made Sky grin from ear to ear.

Sky leaned against the chair, scrolling through his phone when the door opened.

“Ginger?” he called.

“Hey, Sky. Is Levi still here?” she asked, walking in casually, eyes scanning the room.

“He already left,” Sky replied.

She paused, fidgeting slightly. “Do you think he’s… angry with me?”

Sky shook his head. “You should sort things out with him. I don’t want to pry in your relationship.”

Ginger nodded, looking at him for a moment. Sky ruffled his hair absentmindedly, smiling at something on his phone.

Her gaze lingered on him. He’s… gotten hotter recently, she thought, biting her lip unconsciously.

“Are you… waiting for someone?” she asked, trying to hide the slight flutter in her chest.

“Yes. Nancy is in the restroom,” he said casually.

Ginger hesitated for a moment before asking, “Do you… wanna hang out sometime?”

He raised a brow, pausing. “Hang out? Together?”

“Oh… you mean like a double date with you and Levi?” he said, catching her meaning.

She frowned inwardly, disappointment flashing across her features. “Yeah,” she muttered.

“Sure. Let’s all do that sometime,” he said with a grin, and she forced a small smile in response.

At that moment, the restroom door opened, and Nancy walked out, her usual confident energy filling the room.

“Ginger,” she greeted warmly, smiling.

“Hi, girl,” Ginger said, returning the smile, and they hugged briefly.

A few words were exchanged, casual and friendly, before Nancy glanced at Sky.

“Come on, Sky. Let’s go,” she said, nudging him gently.

“Yeah, let’s get going,” he replied, and they left together.

As the door clicked shut behind them, Ginger stayed behind, leaning against the counter.

Her thoughts wandered, a small mischievous smirk forming on her lips.

Sky. That smile of his, it’s kind of distracting. Huh. I didn’t really notice him like this before. Maybe it’s just me, or… maybe he’s changed.

She shook her head lightly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, a small smile tugging at her lips as she glanced at the door, curiosity and intrigue quietly settling in.

Should I try getting close to him?

________
[𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐲’𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 – 6pm]

Rias walked downstairs, spotting Ashton and his mother, Reiko, already waiting.

“Babe.” She stepped forward and hugged him.

He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close before pressing his lips to hers.

“I missed you,” Ashton said softly.

“I was only gone for a day,” Rias chuckled, smiling against his chest.

“Good evening, Mom,” she added, turning to Reiko.

“Good evening, dear,” Reiko replied warmly.

Rafael descended the stairs, Nancy walking just behind him.

“Grandpa, this is Ashton, my boyfriend, and Reiko, his mom,” Rias introduced.

“Good day, sir. I’ve heard so… much about you,” Ashton said, extending a hand.

“Good evening, son,” Rafael responded, then his gaze shifted to Reiko, and he paused for a brief moment as if trying to remember her face.

“Good evening,” Reiko replied politely.

“And this is Nancy, my sister,” Rias continued. “Nancy, say hello.”

Nancy glanced at Ashton briefly, then turned her attention away, cool and indifferent.

“Good evening,” she said curtly to Reiko.

Ashton’s brow raised slightly. “Seems like I’ll have to earn your trust.”

“You don’t need to. Won’t make a difference,” Nancy replied, her tone sharp.

Rias stepped in, trying to ease the tension. “Let’s head to the dining room. Are we waiting for anyone else?”

“Yes, I invited Angelo and Hinata,” Rafael said casually.

“Huh?” Rias raised her eyebrows, surprised.

Just then, as they all settled on the couch, Hinata arrived with Angelo. The minute her eyes landed on Reiko and Ashton, she froze.

“Reiko?” Hinata’s voice was sharp, incredulous.

“Hello, Hinata. Long time no see.”Reiko smiled politely.

“Aunt Hinata, do you know her?” Rias asked, confused.

“Don’t be silly, Rias,” Hinata said, her voice low, almost venomous. “This is my little sister. Or should I say… my bitch of a sister.”

“Honey,” Angelo muttered softly, as if trying to calm the air.

“Sister?” Rias turned to Ashton, eyes wide.

“Ashton, how come I never knew? So you knew all along? Is that why you chose to come to Tokyo with me?” Rias’s voice was half shock, half accusation.

Nancy scoffed quietly from the side, arms crossed.

“C’mon, I recently found out that you knew the Dragoni’s, babe. Just wanted it to be a surprise,” Ashton said with a grin.

“Well, I’m not surprised,” Rias replied, shaking her head.

“Oh, so you’re Reiko, as in Hinata’s sister,” Rafael said, looking at her closely. “Was wondering where I knew that name and face from. Last I saw you, you were a teenager.”

Before anyone could respond, the living room door opened and Romeo stepped in. The room immediately went tense.

Rias froze, her gaze locked on him. “Romeo?”

“Romeo, didn’t know you’d show up,” Angelo said casually, trying to ease the sudden tension.

Romeo paused at the doorway. His dark eyes scanned the room, and they immediately landed on Ashton’s hand resting on Rias’s waist.

He scoffed, and he tucked his hands into his pockets. His gaze flicked from Reiko to Ashton, sharp and calculating.

“Ashton? You’re still alive? Punk, I thought you were dead,” Romeo scoffed, his tone icy and dangerous.

“Romeo, I see you still lack respect. Aren’t you gonna greet your aunt?” Reiko said, stepping forward, her voice calm but firm.

Romeo’s eyes snapped to her. “Woman, sit your ass down. I ain’t talking to you, bitch,” He said calmly, his temper flaring instantly.

Nancy and Hinata laughed quietly in the background.

Reiko’s face flushed red with rage, her hands clenching at her sides.

“Romeo, can you please try to be respectful? That’s my boyfriend’s mother you’re disrespecting,” Rias said, her voice firm but uneasy.

Romeo finally turned to look at Rias, his dark eyes sharp, calculating, and dangerous.

“Seriously? Ashton’s your boyfriend?” Romeo scoffed, the corner of his mouth curling with disdain.

“What the f+k is that scoff and that look for? What are you trying to imply?” Ashton said, standing up, his jaw tight, eyes locked on Romeo.

Romeo didn’t answer immediately. He glanced past Ashton, his eyes landing on Rias, who was still seated, calm but tense.

“Seriously, Rias,” He said, his voice low, controlled, and cold.

“Since when did your taste in men drop to a flat, unseasoned pancake of a man?” His tone was quiet but laced with venom, like he didn’t even need to raise his voice to make Ashton feel the weight of it.

Ashton’s hand shot out and grabbed Romeo by the collar.

“Boy, get yo hands off me!” Romeo growled.

Romeo’s gaze didn’t flinch. He glared back, unshaken, his presence radiating danger. The kind of danger that makes a man think twice before moving.

Ashton squeezed harder, and finally let go. Ashton then stepped forward, taking Rias’s hand protectively.

“This night is a family get-together and my official introduction to the Gremory family—as it’s known to everyone in this room, that Rias is my girl. So let’s respect that.” Ashton said, his smirk calm but challenging, trying to meet Romeo’s intimidating presence with confidence.

Romeo’s expression remained neutral, his eyes sharp and unreadable, but the tension in the room made it clear that the air between the two men could snap at any moment.

“The food is ready,” a maid announced, breaking the moment.

Angelo, Reiko, Hinata, and Rafael headed out first, leaving the room tense but quieter.

Nancy looked at Rias, smirked, and walked out. Rias followed her, casting one last glance at the two men.

Romeo turned to leave as well but Ashton stepped directly in his path, arms crossed, blocking him.

Romeo’s eyes bore into Ashton’s, dark and unyielding, like a storm barely held back.

“Listen carefully, Romeo,” Ashton said, trying to match his calm with authority.

“Rias is my girlfriend, and I’d really appreciate it if you actually kept your distance from her.”

Romeo tilted his head, studying him, a faint smirk brushing his lips.

“What am I supposed to do with that information?” He asked, voice low, controlled, almost teasing, but every word carried a weight that made Ashton’s jaw tighten.

“I know you two were married once, and she was crazy in love with you,” Ashton continued, his hands clenching slightly.

“But it’s different now. You’re a really disrespectful punk—but you better keep it to yourself.”

Romeo took a deliberate step closer, closing the distance between them. The air seemed to grow heavier, oppressive.

“So… why are you telling me all this?” He said, leaning in until his face was only inches from Ashton’s.

“Are you scared? That she might fall in love with me again? Or that she might… still be in love with me?”

Ashton’s glare didn’t falter, but a flicker of unease crossed his eyes.

“You should better hold your lady dear,” Romeo whispered, his tone dangerous, almost a growl.

“Cause you know why? I ain’t gonna promise you that I won’t try to take her… whenever I want.”

Ashton’s fists tightened at his sides.

Romeo didn’t stop there. He leaned closer, his breath just brushing Ashton’s ear, low and lethal.

“And trust me, Ashton… I don’t like sharing what’s mine. Not with anyone. Not a man, not a woman. Not even with death itself.”

He straightened, his smirk returning but it didn’t reach his eyes.

Ashton stepped back slightly, feeling the full weight of Romeo’s presence, but refused to look away.

“Keep your hands off her,” Ashton said, his voice low, steady, a warning wrapped in steel.

“Or what? What are you going to do about it, my dear cousin?” Romeo’s tone was silky, almost mocking, but every word dripped with threat.

Ashton’s fists clenched at his sides. His knuckles whitened.

Romeo took a slow step closer, his eyes never leaving Ashton’s.

“Don’t worry,” He said, voice calm, measured… terrifying. “I don’t plan on stealing her away from you…”

He paused, letting the words hang in the air, the smirk playing on his lips.

“…At least… not yet.”

Ashton’s face reddened with a mix of anger and frustration.

“You punk!!” he barked, his voice cracking.

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