How To Love Your Wife – Chapter 31&32

HOW TO HATE YOUR HUSBAND 2

HOW TO LOVE YOUR WIFE

How To Love Your Wife – Chapter 31&32

[𝑩𝒆𝒕𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝑹𝒐𝒔𝒆𝒔 & 𝑻𝒉𝒐𝒓𝒏𝒔 ]

𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆- 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐀𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍.

☆ 𝑶𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑫𝒂𝒓𝒌 𝑹𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝑵𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒍 𝒃𝒚 𝑩𝒂𝒓𝒃𝒊𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒆. ☆

©𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞

✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦

 

[𝐃𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐨𝐧𝐢’𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 – 8am]

Romeo stirred slow, every muscle screaming fire as consciousness clawed back. Pain throbbed everywhere—ribs cracked, back gashed raw, head pounding like a drum.

He lay on the king bed in his parents’ room, the familiar scent hitting him. He tried shifting, but agony locked him down tight. Could not move an inch.

He turned his head weak. Hinata stood at the side table, arranging a tray of breakfast.

“Mom,” He croaked.

She kept working, not looking. Angelo walked in right then, eyes snapping to Romeo.

“Dad,” Romeo said.

Hinata carried the tray over, helping him sit up gentle against pillows. She dodged his gaze clear, lips pressed thin, eyes red-rimmed like she fought tears hard.

Romeo wrapped shaky arms around her waist. She crumbled instant, sobs breaking free as she hugged him tight.

“I’m sorry,” Romeo whispered.

“Sorry? Sorry? Do you know how worried we were when Hunter found you on the road half dead and brought you home? Romeo, you weren’t just half dead. You were as good as dead!” Angelo exploded, voice booming, face furious.

He paced the room fast, fists clenched.

“Dad…”

“And for what? A woman? You gonna throw your life away because you got hurt? Come on, you promised us after Bianca you wouldn’t drown in misery again. You broke that promise,” Angelo said, stopping to glare, worry cracking his stern tone.

“I’m sorry, sorry for making you two worry,” Romeo murmured.

“Making us worried is an understatement. You almost gave me a heart attack,” Hinata said, wiping tears angry, stroking his bruised face soft.

“I would not survive if anything bad happens to you, Romeo. You’re my only son. I can’t lose you,” she added, voice cracking.

“You’re not gonna lose me, Mom. Relax,” he said weak.

“Of course we won’t. That’s why I’m telling you this. Stay the hell away from Rias. Forget her. I’ll send you out of Tokyo myself if you don’t listen to me. ” Angelo ordered, arms crossed strict, no room for argue.

“Dad, Rias… she…”

“Hunter told us what happened. Everything was a misunderstanding. She didn’t hear your full conversation,” Hinata cut in gentle.

“All the more reason I have to see her. I need to clear things up,” Romeo insisted.

“All the more reason you stay the fuck away. Nobody knows where she is. You think she wants to talk to you?!” Angelo barked, leaning in close.

“But…” Romeo trailed off.

Doubt hit hard. Was Ashton right? Did Rias pick him? The signs stacked up now, the first date she skipped, she was not busy as she claimed, she did that to hurt him on purpose.

She gave him a shot just to toy, wreck him. Her words by the pool, I hate you. Used you. Deep down, did she mean it all? Hate him that much?

“You done thinking? I said what I said. You are not seeing Rias again,” Angelo snapped.

“Dad, just…”

“Did I make myself clear?” Angelo’s voice dropped dangerous low.

“You’re not even letting me say anything.”

“I said, did I make myself clear, Romeo?!” Angelo yelled, face inches away.

Romeo went quiet.

“Yes,” he mumbled.

“I didn’t hear you,” Angelo pressed.

“Yes, Dad,” Romeo said louder.

“Good. I better not find out you stepped foot out this mansion. I will add to the beating Ashton gave you,” Angelo warned.

“And speaking of Ashton. Angelo, please find that fool. I want to kill him with my bare hands,” Hinata said fierce, eyes flashing.

“Sure,” Angelo nodded.

Hinata turned to Romeo, setting the tray on his lap careful.

“Eat up so you can rest,” she said soft.

“Stop treating me like a child,” Romeo grumbled.

“Well, you are a very stubborn child,” she replied, forcing a small smile through tears.

__________
[𝐀 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐨]

Rias’s eyes fluttered open slow, head throbbing like a hammer pounded her skull from the inside.

Every inch of her body ached—cheek swollen from Ashton’s slap, ribs bruised tender from the car struggle, wrists burning raw.

She lay flat on a creaky bed in a dim room, walls cracked concrete, single bulb buzzing overhead like a dying fly. Air smelled stale, musty, mixed with rust and sweat. Panic hit first.

Her arms stretched wide, yanked painful to each bedpost—cold handcuffs bit deep into her skin, chaining her spread-eagle, helpless. Shirt ridden up slight, legs free but useless against the metal holding her open.

She tugged hard, chains rattling sharp.

“What the hell?” Voice came hoarse, throat scraped raw from screams.

She twisted her body, mattress springs groaning under her. Room spun a second, then focused.

Across from the bed, maybe ten feet away, Ashton sat slouched in a wooden chair, legs kicked out casual. He watched her quiet, eyes dark and flat, sipping water from a plastic bottle. Table beside him held some passports, plane tickets, a half-eaten sandwich.

“Ashton,” She yelled, yanking cuffs again. Metal dug deeper, drawing thin blood lines. “What’s the meaning of this? Let me go right now!”

He set the bottle down slow, smile creeping cold. Stood up tall, all six-foot muscle frame towering. Walked over deliberate, boots thudding floor.

He stopped at bed’s edge, looking down like she was meat.

“Morning, baby. Or evening? Time blurs when you’re out cold.” Reached out casual, trailed fingers down her exposed arm.

She jerked away hard, chains clanking.

“Don’t touch me. Uncuff me. This is insane,” she snapped, heart racing wild.

Ashton chuckled low, grabbed her chin rough, forced her face up.

“Insane? You call me insane? After you cheated on your boyfriend? Spread your legs for that prick Romeo?” Thumb pressed her bruised cheek hard.

She winced, bit back a cry.

“You’re not my boyfriend anymore. I tried telling you outside the house. It’s over,” Rias said, voice steady despite fear.

“Romeo… is he okay? I need to see him. Please, Ashton. Whatever you did on that highway, stop it. Tell me he’s fine.”

His face twisted instant, hand dropping from her chin to slap her thigh sharp—sting blooming hot through jeans.

“Romeo? You still saying his name? After I beat his ass bloody for stealing my girl?” He leaned in close, breath sour on her face.

“I left him cracked open on the road. Probably crawled home crying. Good riddance.”

Rias’s stomach dropped. Vision flashed Romeo’s bloodied face from the car window, tire iron cracking down. Tears welled hot.

“You monster. Is he alive? I need to apologize. We fought bad and had a misunderstanding. I love him, Ashton. Not you. Never you. Let me go find him.”

Ashton’s eyes narrowed to slits. His backhand flew fast, open palm cracking her jaw sideways, head snapping against pillow. Stars burst, copper taste flooding mouth from split lip.

She gasped, coughing.

“Love him? You love him?” He roared now, climbing onto bed knees straddling her hips, weight pinning her down.

His fists balled her shirt front, yanking her up slight against chains.

“I’m your boyfriend, Rias and you dare cheat with that f+ker? Go on a paris trip with him?.”

She spat blood, glared up furious.

“I said it’s over. You were controlling, jealous and always impatient. Romeo treats me right. He’s the one I want. Sorry if I never loved you.” Her body bucked under him, legs kicking wild, but he pressed thighs down hard.

Ashton laughed ugly, fist crashing into her side—ribs flaring agony where bruises already sat. Air whooshed out, her cry sharp.

“Your little lover boy got what he deserved and you know what? Nothing compared to what I’ll do if you say his name again.” He grabbed her hair tight at roots, yanked head back exposing throat.

His free hand slapped her stomach hard, then lower—punch to hip bone knocking breath gone.

“Stop! Ashton, please!” Rias sobbed now, body shaking, chains rattling frantic as she twisted.

“I didn’t cheat to hurt you. It just happened. I fell for him. He’s not like you. “

He released hair sudden, both hands gripping her thighs bruising, shaking her like a rag doll.

“In just a few days, You’ll say ‘I do’ in a white dress, Rias. Our fresh start. There’ll be no Romeo. Just us.” He pulled papers from pocket, waved them in her face—Mexico tickets, marriage license all prepared.

“See? Forever mine.”

Tears streamed free now, mixing blood on cheeks.

“Never. I’ll never marry you. I love Romeo. Always will. You’re sick. Abusive. Look at me—cuffed like this? Beating me? He’s twice the man. Let me go apologize to him. “

“Shut your fucking mouth!” He grabbed her face both hands, squeezing cheeks white. “You love me. Say it. Or next I’ll hit your face and ruin that pretty wedding look.”

Rias choked sobs, shaking head best she could. “No. I hate you. I hate you.”

He backhanded twice quick, left cheek, then right—skin swelling instant, lip bleeding fresh. He climbed off slow, breathing heavy, eyes wild animal.

Rias lay wrecked, body pulsing pain everywhere—wrists bleeding, face throbbing purple, ribs fire with each breath.

Romeo… please be alive. I love you. I need you.

__________
[𝐙𝐡𝐨𝐮’𝐬 𝐕𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚]

Lin paced the living room floor of her living room, boots clicking hard on the tiles.

Her jaw clenched tight, mind running over rumors she heard about Romeo getting jumped. She stopped at the window, peeked out at her men standing guard, then turned back.

The door banged open. Two of her goons dragged in a beaten guy—one of Ashton’s low-level punks, face bloody, shirt ripped. They threw him down on his knees in the middle of the room. He coughed, spitting red on the floor.

“Boss,” One goon said, stepping forward. “We grabbed this trash off the street. He runs with Ashton. Word is, Ashton’s crew beat Romeo bad by the roadside. All over that girl Rias. Sounds like she dumped Romeo, and it sparked the whole fight.”

Lin’s eyes narrowed. She walked slow to the guy, grabbed his hair, and yanked his head back hard.

“Where’s Ashton at? Where he hiding with that girl Rias?”

The guy glared up, lips curled. “Fuck you. I ain’t saying shit.”

Lin smiled cold. Let go of his hair and cracked her knuckles.

“Wrong answer.” She swung fast—fist smashed his nose flat, blood spraying. He grunted, head snapping back.

“Talk,” she said, kicking his ribs sharp. Crack sound filled the room. He wheezed, curling up.

“No,” he gasped, spitting teeth.

She grabbed his collar, hauled him up to his feet. Punched his gut twice quick, air whooshing out. He doubled over puking.

“Address. Now.” Knee to his balls dropped him again, screaming.

“F+k… okay!” he choked out, face white. “Condo on 5th and Harbor. Old factory district. That’s where Ashton took her.”

Lin stepped back, pulled her gun from her waistband. Aimed between his eyes.

“Good boy.” She pulled the trigger. Bang. His head jerked back, body slumped dead on the floor, blood pooling fast.

She tucked the gun away, looked at her men. “Y’all get ready. We’re paying that dog a visit.”

“Yes ma’am,” they said together, grabbing weapons off the wall.

__________
[𝐀 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐨]

Ashton sat on the bed’s edge next to Rias, spoon in hand, scooping up watery soup from the bowl.

Her arms stayed cuffed wide to the bedposts, body stretched out helpless. Bruises bloomed purple on her face and ribs, wrists raw and bleeding slight. He held the spoon to her lips.

“Eat. You haven’t eaten anything since last night.”

Rias turned her head away, lips pressed tight. “I’m not hungry. Leave me alone.”

He pushed the spoon harder against her mouth. “Open up. Now.”

“No.” She clamped shut, eyes hard on him. “Untie me first.”

Ashton’s face darkened. He shoved the spoon back in the bowl hard, soup sloshing.

“You think you can starve yourself? Fine. Waste away.” He grabbed the bowl to force it, but she bucked wild, chains rattling.

Her shirt rode up in the twist, fabric pulling tight then slipping, exposing the curve of her breasts, lace bra edge showing clear.

His eyes locked there. Bowl hit the floor with a crash, soup spilling wet. He moved fast, climbed between her spread legs, knees pinning her thighs down. His weight pressed her mattress deep.

“What are you doing?” Rias yelled, panic spiking, legs kicking useless.

“Hope you don’t mind babe. I’m kinda h0rny,” Ashton said, voice thick.

He leaned down, mouth crashing on hers rough, tongue forcing past her teeth. Stubble scraped her split lip raw.

She thrashed hard, head whipping side to side, muffled screams buzzing his face.

“Stop! Get off!” The cuffs yanked tight, arms straining painful.

His hands grabbed her breasts hard, squeezing through the shirt, fingers digging bruises deeper.

She cried out sharp, body arching to throw him. He laughed low, ripped her shirt open—buttons popping, her br@ exposed full. One hand clawed down her stomach, tugging jeans zipper, other pinning her neck.

“No! Ashton stop!” Rias screamed louder, tears hot on cheeks, hips bucking desperate.

“Please! Don’t!”

His fingers hooked her br@ strap, yanking down, mouth sucking her neck brutal. Pain mixed fear, sobs choking her.

“Somebody… help…”

The door banged open hard, wood splintering hinges. Ashton felt hands yank him back sudden—body lifted clean off the bed, hurled to the floor.

He hit concrete with a thud, air knocked out, ribs cracking fresh.

Lin stood over him, fist cocked. Two goons flanked her, guns out.

“Lin. How the heck did you know where I was?” Ashton coughed, scrambling up.

“You have the audacity to hurt Romeo huh?!” Lin swung fast, fist smashing his jaw. Blood sprayed from his nose.

He lunged back, fist flying wild. She sidestepped, kicked his knee hard—bone popped, he dropped screaming.

“What’s so special about him? He doesn’t even give a f+k about you,” Ashton spat, clutching leg.

Lin ignored him, turned to Rias on the bed—half naked, shaking, tears streaming.

“I’m not here for you. I’m here for your stupid girlfriend.” She nodded sharp. “Get her.”

Her men moved quick, uncuffed Rias fast—one held her arms, other grabbed legs. They hauled her up rough, shirt hanging open.

“What do you want with her?!” Ashton yelled, staggering to feet.

“You don’t really think I’ll let a man rape a woman, do you?” Lin said cold. “Also, I need her to get my man.”

“Lin!” Ashton charged wild. Her goons raised guns instant, barrels pointed center mass.

He froze, hands up, stepping back slow.

They wrapped Rias in a spare jacket quick, dragged her out the door. Lin followed last, kicking Ashton’s spilled bowl at him one final time.

The d inoor slammed shut.

___

The van doors slammed shut, engine roaring alive as they peeled out from the condo. Inside, the air stank of sweat and fear.

Lin dropped into the front passenger seat, letting out a long sigh, rubbing her temples. In the back, Rias twisted hard against the two goons pinning her arms.

One held her left wrist tight, the other gripped her right, their meaty hands bruising fresh marks on her already raw skin. Her torn shirt hung loose under the thrown-on jacket, legs kicking wild at the metal floor.

“Let go of me!” Rias yelled, voice hoarse from screams.

She bucked up, knee almost catching a jaw. “Lin! Why did you save me? What do you want?”

Lin twisted in her seat, eyes cold steel. Lit a cigarette slow, took a drag. Blew smoke back at her.

“I’m a girl’s girl. Nobody deserves a dog like Ashton trying to force himself on them. Besides, I need you to get Romeo back. But don’t get comfy. I’ll still kill you when it’s done.”

Rias stopped struggling a second, chest heaving, staring at her. The goons tightened grips.

“It’s Romeo you want, right? Fine. Just let me go. I’ll stay away from him forever. I’m tired already. All this fighting… I can’t.”

Lin laughed sharply.

“Bitch, you got some nerve still talking like that. He f+king loved you. He even gave you everything. Heck he took you to Paris for some vacation , gave you his whole damn heart. And all you did was break him over and over. Are you even human?”

Rias swallowed hard, eyes dropping. “I…”

Lin leaned closer, voice venom.

“I’m not perfect either. But I’d literally do anything just to get him to love me. He’s so loyal. So intentional with everything. He’s literally everything a girl needs. And he knows how to show real affection. The kind that sticks.”

She paused, eyes burning.

“I wish it was me he loved and not you. I would never hurt him the way you did. Played him for revenge and lied straight to his face. Then because of your mess, he got beat half dead by Ashton. I want you to just die!”

Rias opened her mouth. “Lin, wait…”

Lin’s fist shot out fast. Cracked straight across Rias’s jaw, clean hit. Rias’s head snapped side, eyes rolling white.

Her body went limp instant, slumping against the goons. Passed out cold, small trickle of blood from her lip.

Lin sat back, breathing heavy. Wiped her hand on her jeans. Pulled out her phone, scrolled to a number. Dialed.

“Hello?” Nancy’s voice came through, sharp and wary.

“Hello. This is Nancy Gremory, right?” Lin said calm.

“Lin?” Nancy replied, voice rising.

“I have your sister. Now if you want her back alive, you’ll do exactly as I say. Tell Romeo to call me. I’ll send him the location. He comes alone, and trades himself for Rias.” Lin’s tone flat, no room for bullshit.

“What are you…” Nancy started.

Lin hung up, cutting her off. Tossed the phone on the dash. Turned to the driver.

“Drive to the private warehouse. And gather all our men there. Every last one.”

“Yes ma’am,” the men replied together. Driver punched the gas, van speeding into the dark streets.

Rias slumped silent in the back, bruise swelling fresh on her jaw. Lin stared out the window, mind locked on Romeo.

__________
[𝐀𝐬𝐡𝐭𝐨𝐧’𝐬 𝐕𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚 -5pm]

Angelo and Hinata barged through the front door of the Villa, the wood crashing open loud.

They filled the foyer instant, faces set hard. Reiko came down the stairs right then, silk robe swishing, one hand trailing the rail.

“What are you two doing here? Why are you in my house?” Reiko demanded, freezing mid-step, eyes narrowing sharp.

“Where the f+k is your stupid son Ashton?” Hinata snapped, voice raw with anger, marching closer.

“Ashton? What did he do?” Reiko asked, tilting her head slow.

“Your bastard son beat up my son. Romeo almost died,” Hinata said, fists shaking at her sides.

“Let me guess, it’s cause of Rias?” Reiko laughed cold, short bark echoing off marble walls.

“You should actually teach your son some manners so he won’t go near other people’s girlfriends.”

“You got some nerve to talk huh?!” Hinata yelled, stepping up fast like she would swing.

Angelo caught her elbow firm, pulled her back steady.

“Speaking of which, I haven’t seen Ashton. Even if I knew where he was, I won’t tell you,” Reiko said smooth, turning back up the stairs casual.

“Are you two going to leave? I’m busy,” Reiko tossed over her shoulder.

Her phone rang shrill from her pocket. She fished it out, glanced at the screen quick, lips pressing thin.

“Both of you, leave!” Reiko barked, pointing at the door sharp.

Angelo and Hinata exchanged a look loaded with rage. No words. They turned sharp and walked out, door banging shut hard behind them.

—-

Ten minutes later, Reiko stepped out her front door calm, heels clicking on the driveway. She slid into her sleek black car, engine purring alive as she pulled out smooth and drove off down the street.

Angelo watched from their car parked across the road, eyes locked on her taillights.

“I f+king knew it was her son that called her,” He growled, gripping the wheel tight.

Hinata nodded sharp beside him.

“So what’s the plan?” she asked as Angelo turned the key, their engine rumbling.

He eased into traffic, keeping two cars back, tailing Reiko’s at a steady distance.

“Ashton is about to die. Nobody hurts my son and gets away with it,” Angelo said, voice low and cold, eyes fixed on the road.

“I can’t believe this. Romeo really almost got beaten to death,” Hinata whispered, staring out her window at the passing city lights.

Angelo glanced over quick. “Honey, just relax okay? He’s home now and nothing will happen to him.”

“I know, but…” Hinata turned to him, eyes wet. “Even if he’s stubborn or strong, he’s still my son. Angelo, he’s still our baby. I can’t even imagine losing him. It scares me.”

Angelo reached over with his free hand, took hers firm, and lifted it to his lips for a soft kiss. “Just relax, okay?”

She nodded slow, squeezing back. Then she stretched across to the glove compartment, popped it open quiet.

She pulled out a small black pistol, checked the clip with steady hands, and clicked the safety off.

“First of all, that bastard has to die,” Hinata said flat, gun resting heavy in her lap.

________
[𝐀 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐨]

Ashton looked up from the couch as soon as Reiko walked in, door clicking shut behind her.

His face sat swollen purple, fresh bruises from Lin blooming across his jaw, arm wrapped sloppy in bloody gauze.

“Mom,” he called, pushing to his feet fast.

Reiko dropped her purse on the entry table, eyes locking on his beat-up state. “Ashton, what happened? Who did this to you? Did you get beat up?”

“No time for excuses. I need to find Lin,” Ashton said, snatching his jacket off the armrest.

“Lin? What for?” Reiko asked, stepping closer, voice tight with worry.

“She has Rias,” he bit out, zipping the jacket one-handed.

“Can you forget about her? Angelo and Hinata are looking for you. They will kill you if they find you for what you did to Romeo. We need to leave Tokyo immediately,” Reiko said, grabbing his good arm firm.

“Not without Rias. She’s mine,” Ashton jerked free, heading for the door.

“Ashton, listen to me,” Reiko pleaded, following quick.

The condo door burst open with a splintering crash. Angelo and Hinata stormed in, guns drawn high, faces locked in manic rage.

Reiko and Ashton whipped around together, frozen.

“Did you two follow me?” Reiko gasped, backing into the kitchen island.

“You bastard!” Angelo bellowed.

He raised his pistol steady and fired. Bang. The shot tore through Ashton’s elbow, bullet ripping flesh and bone. Blood exploded red across the wall.

Ashton screamed raw, collapsing to his knees, clutching the mangled arm.

“F+k!” Ashton howled, blood pouring between fingers, soaking his shirt instant.

Hinata moved faster, eyes wild and unhinged, gun gripped tightly. She kicked the door closed behind them, bolted it.

She grabbed a kitchen chair, slammed it down next to Ashton.

“Sit his ass down,” she ordered Angelo.

Angelo yanked Ashton up by the collar, shoved him into the chair hard. Ashton whimpered, legs buckling.

Hinata holstered her gun slow, grabbed a paring knife from the counter.

“Nobody touches my son.” She crouched low, jammed the blade into Ashton’s shot elbow deep, twisting slow.

Flesh parted wet, bone grinding audible. Ashton thrashed, screams turning gurgle as blood bubbled up.

“You have the audacity to beat Romeo? Cracked his ribs? Swung a fucking tire iron on his back?”

Ashton coughed, head shaking. “He stole my girl….”

Angelo laughed manic, pulled pliers from his pocket. Forced Ashton’s jaw open wide with one hand, clamped a back molar. Yanked hard. Crack.

His tooth ripped free bloody, root dangling. Ashton puked bile and blood on the floor, body convulsing.

” Your girl? Rias? I don’t give a damn about Rias. Nobody touches our son,” Angelo said, spitting on Ashton’s face.

Hinata stood, grabbed a bottle of whiskey from the bar cart. Smashed it over Ashton’s head—glass shattered, liquor stinging open wounds.

He screamed louder, shards cutting scalp deep. She picked a jagged piece, carved slow line down his forearm, skin peeling back white.

“This for every kick to Romeo’s gut. Every fist to his face.”

Reiko rushed forward from the corner. “Stop! He’s my son! You monsters!”

Angelo spun casual, fired low. Bang. The bullet punched Reiko’s ankle clean through, shattering bone.

She collapsed screaming, blood pooling fast under her, clutching the ruined foot.

“Angelo! Hinata! Please!”

“Stay down, sister,” Hinata snarled, kicking Reiko’s leg hard. Reiko wailed, crawling back against the wall.

Angelo turned back, pressed his boot on Ashton’s shot elbow, grinding side to side. His ligament tore loose, arm flopping unnatural. Ashton wet himself, voice breaking hoarse.

Hinata jammed her fingers into the elbow hole, digging deep for bullet. Meat squelched, Ashton seizing full body.

“You left my baby bleeding out. Thought he would die alone. Scream for me now.” She pulled back bloody fingers, wiped them on his shirt.

Minutes stretched endless. Ashton broke complete, eyes swollen shut, breaths shallow wheezes.

“Stop… I beg you. It f+king hurts…please, I’ll leave… forever…”

Angelo stepped away cold and drew his gun slow then fired twice to his center chest. Bang. Bang.

Bullets caved lungs and heart, blood erupting out his back in arcs. Ashton’s body jerked rigid, then slumped limp.

Hinata pulled her pistol last and aimed at his forehead. Bang. His head exploded back, brains and skull spraying the couch red.

Reiko screamed piercing, tears flooding, dragging her bleeding body across carpet. She reached Ashton, wrapped arms around his ruined chest, rocking him hard, blood smearing her face.

“Ashton! My boy! No!”

Hinata bent low, gun inches from Reiko’s face. “If I still see your shadow in Tokyo by tomorrow morning, I’ll kill you too, little sister.”

Angelo took Hinata’s hand calm. They walked out the door together, leaving Reiko’s wails echoing behind.

__________
[𝐃𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐨𝐧𝐢’𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧]

Hunter and Romeo sat in the dim bedroom, eyes locked in a mix of worry and relief.

“How are you feeling, bro?” Hunter asked.

“A little pain, but nothing I can’t handle. Thanks for bringing me back.” Romeo ruffled his own hair, wincing slightly.

“Can you not do that again? Stop disappearing. I was scared shitless when I found you.”

“Have you seen Rias?” Romeo pressed.

“Can you stop talking about her? Focus on yourself first.”

“I’m… did she really leave with Ashton?”

“Well, no one’s heard from her since everything went down.” Hunter shrugged.

Romeo sighed heavily.

“What did she say after she found out it was all a misunderstanding?”

“She admitted to playing with your feelings, then claimed she loves you.” Hunter’s voice sharpened.

“Look, her ‘love’ right now can go fuck itself. All the hurtful shit she said is unforgivable. It was one fucking misunderstanding, info she wasn’t even sure about, and she was ready to ditch you for her lover boy.”

“Who knows what happens if you two argue in the future? She’ll bolt again?!”

“I’m not perfect either, but Sasha and I have had tons of misunderstandings, both before and after marriage, most which was my fault. You think we’d still be a family if we didn’t sort shit out?”

“Hunter, calm down,” Romeo said softly.

“You should forget Rias. Hell, take your parents’ advice and leave the country.”

The door burst open. Nancy stormed in, face pale and frantic.

“Nancy,” Hunter said.

“Romeo, please—you have to help me.” Her voice cracked.

“What is it?” Romeo asked.

“It’s Rias. Lin kidnapped her.”

“Lin? What the hell is Lin doing with Rias?” Hunter demanded.

“I don’t know, but she called me. Said she’ll only talk to you about the location. She wants you in exchange for Rias.”

“You’re the only one who can save my sister. Please.” Nancy’s eyes pleaded.

“Nancy, Romeo’s still recovering… and Uncle Angelo said he can’t step out of the house,” Hunter protested.

Nancy dropped to her knees by the bedside, clutching Romeo’s hand.

“Please, Romeo. I know she hurt you. I know she’s selfish. But if you still love her even a little… help me save her.”

Hunter glanced at Romeo, who stared back.

“Don’t look at me—the decision’s yours.”

Romeo met Nancy’s gaze. “Please… please,” she whispered.

He sighed, sliding off the bed and limping into his parents’ bathroom. In the mirror, his reflection stared back—haggard, bruised body wrapped in bandages around his waist.

He peeled off his shirt, wincing as pain lanced through him. Weak as hell, barely able to walk without agony, let alone throw a punch.

“Mom’s gonna kill me if I leave,” He muttered.

But Rias… he loved her too much to let her suffer. He pulled on a fresh shirt and emerged.

“So?” Hunter asked.

“Let’s go. I need you two as backup.” Romeo grabbed his phone and dialed Lin’s number as they slipped out of the room.

_______
[An Hour Later]

Angelo and Hinata stepped into the mansion, exhaustion etched on their faces. Hinata groaned, kicking off her shoes.

“I’m so tired. That bi+ch Reiko’s lucky I didn’t kill her.”

She pushed open the door to their room—and froze. The bed was empty. No Romeo.

“Romeo?” she called, voice sharp.

“Maybe he’s in the shower,” Angelo suggested.

“What shower? The bathroom’s empty, and he knows to use ours for his wound treatments, the medicine is all here.” Hinata’s eyes narrowed.

“Don’t tell me he left the house,” Angelo muttered.

“This boy.” Hinata yanked out her phone and dialed Romeo’s number. He picked up on the first ring.

“Where on earth are you?” she demanded.

“I’ll be home soon.”

“Didn’t we tell you not to leave? You’re still weak. Don’t tell me you went after Rias.”

“I’ll be home soon, don’t worry, I’m fine.”

“Romeo…”She called .

“Mom. Relax.”

“Just…promise you’ll take care of yourself, and come home soon.” Hinata pleaded, her tone softening.

“I promise. Love you, Mom. Dad.”

“Love you, son.” Hinata hung up, sighing.

“That boy doesn’t listen. I should’ve locked him up,” Angelo grumbled.

A sharp crash shattered the quiet—a picture frame tumbled from the wall of their room, the glass exploding across the floor.

Hinata startled, heart jumping. Angelo glanced over.

“I’ll call the maids to clean it up.” He headed out.

Alone, Hinata approached slowly, crouching by the wreckage. She flipped the frame over.

Romeo’s cold face stared back from the photo.

Her pulse raced, chest tightening. Tears welled unbidden, spilling hot down her cheeks.

“My baby boy,” She whispered, sniffing hard, fingers trembling over the shattered glass.

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