TILL D£ATH DO US APART
(The•Devil•I•Loved)
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Copyright © 2025
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★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
Two wide steps over the front stairs, and two additional steps outside the house, she was with him.
It wasn’t a boring, standing hug where only the arms get to feel the warmth of the body.
She jumped on him, and both legs and arms went wrapped around him.
Even her head balance on his neck. Her teary face rested on the crook of it, basking in his warmth and scent and heavy presence.
Her slipons slipped away from her foot, but she didn’t care, so far she’s in his welcoming arms.
Leonardo shut his eyes, reveling in her scent too. The vanilla he missed madly. Vanilla is vanilla, but Ivanna’s body just has a way of interpreting it in a different way which tickles his head each time he perceives.
He held her arse, his palms holding up her laps softly and his face going to her hair to rest.
First thing he did was remove the band in her hair and throw it away, allowing the hair to pour.
“Told you, hairband looks ugly in your hair.” He whispered.
“Liar, just say you love seeing my hair down.” She replied, and he smiled again, their faces meeting.
While his arms remained on her arse to hold her steady, her hands cupped his face, brushing the hair back first before starting to pour kisses on his face. The jaws, the forehead, chin, nose, the ears, the eyes, the brows.
She kissed everywhere but the lips, then she hugged him again, overlooking the frown on his face.
“That was deliberate…” He said.
“You probably had dozens of kisses with your ex-wife.” She replied, caressing his hair from the back of his neck upwards.
Leonardo stilled. “Yeah, just few sour kisses here and there. I had to play along to keep her down.”
“You did kiss her!” She accused, brows arching and lips smirking. Her eyes aren’t blinking as they looked deeply into him…
Questioningly.
“Get jealous more often, looks filthy good on you…” He said.
“It’s not jealousy…” She looked away.
“Look at me and say that again.” He immediately replied.
She held eyes with him, opened her mouth to talk a number of times without actually saying anything.
“Fine…it’s jealousy…” She rolled eyes, and he grinned, causing her to chuckle, and when they stopped at the same time, they got serious, eyes locking again, preaching everything they have to say.
It’s as though they could both understand the language of their eyes, and they actually did.
Their eyes spoke.
The emotions, affection, feelings.
“I missed you, Joy” he went first, clear and claiming.
She didn’t wait for it to get cold before speaking up too.
“I missed you more, Nardo. I was going bunkers…” She whispered.
The moment they began going in for a lip kiss, Stanley cleared his throat behind them.
Tierney and Ginny also cleared their throats at the terrace.
And that was when they realized they weren’t here alone.
Ivanna looked forward to the terrace, and Leonardo looked behind to the car where Stanley stood by the trunk.
“Uou brought me here deliberately to rub it on my face. Am I jealous? No…why would I be…” Stanley laughed at himself.
“That wasn’t oppressive, I promise.” Tierney said from the terrace.
Ginny couldn’t say a thing, but she’s all red on the cheeks, blushing on behalf of her sister. She face-palm herself as she stared cutely.
Ivanna looked back at Leonardo, and instead of coming down, she smiled warmly again.
“Hey! Self intro! I’m Stanley! The Britain spy!” Stanley introduced.
That made Ivanna come down from Leonardo’s arms, her eyes wide.
“You?” She went closer, rounding him
Her eyes are slightly wide as she checked him out.
“Yeah… The guy who monitored you after you escaped the bombed Hertfordshire hotel, the one you punched and forced to give you the location of Leo.” Stanley said.
“I don’t believe you, your teeth!” Ivanna shook her head.
“Oh…that!” Stanley picked the fake dentition out of his pocket.
He wore the crooked teeth then smiled at her.
Her eyes widened.
“It’s really you! Lissa’s..ex???”
“Yeah yeah, are you shocked that I’m this handsome?” Stanley said.
“No. I don’t really judge by faces…” Ivanna replied.
“You don’t judge by faces but you actually pulled Leo? Dude is easily the prettiest guy in the country, and what? You don’t judge by faces? Say it again! Tell me!” Stanley brought his ear closer.
“You’re dramatic!” Ivanna grinned, and Stanley joined her.
Suddenly, she regained her lost spark. She regained her brightness.
The smile got brighter, but she’s not directing it at Stanley anymore.
She’s back to Leonardo, and she just hugged him again, acting extra extra clingy tonight.
Stanley brought a black cake out of the car with golden icing… 28th-Joy
Seeing the cake, the foodies on the terrace came down.
When Ivanna received the cake, she made a silent wish, blew out the candles and gave it to Ginny.
“This dude wasn’t even aware that people got cakes on their birthdays, I was the one who told him to buy, and he had to choose black vanilla cake. Who the hell eats black cake? He said it’s your favorite color…you both are weird.” Stanley shook his head.
“When you don’t talk, you look tolerable, Stan.” Leonardo said.
Stanley scoffed.
Leonardo himself brought out the second box which has Chanel written on it’s body round.
Obviously a Chanel brand gift.
He handed it to her with two other boxes, and as Ivanna received those, she handed them to Tierney.
“Never received a birthday cake or gift before since I didn’t even celebrate… Thank you, babe.” She called the name he has been itching to hear, and Leonardo grabbed her neck, pulling her closer with it.
Not too tight, not too soft.
She closed her eyes, expecting the kiss, but Erica’s voice from inside interrupted them.
Leonardo let go, and she grabbed his hand, going in with him.
The rest followed behind, and when they arrived, they met Erica sitting in bed already. She sat on her own.
“You were asleep before I left…” Ivanna said shockingly.
Erica stretched her hand, and Ivanna took it, sitting beside her.
Leroy is still asleep peacefully in his own bed.
“He’s?” Erica asked, looking at Leonardo slowly. He stood by the door like a giant.
Stanley is behind him.
Ivanna looked up too.
What would she say?
The man she loves kissing his lips? Loves hugging? The man she loves fuckin? The one she might run mad if she gets separated from again? Or….
“My… Master!” She quickly said.
“Doesn’t look like it…” Erica said immediately, and Ivanna sighted.
She knew she was gonna say that. Erica is too quick-witted.
The woman smiled though, still looking at Leonardo.
“You have to be the most handsome man I’ve ever seen…” She said sincerely.
Leonardo remained unmoved, expressionless.
“Leroy would crash out if he heard me saying that to you…” Erica continued. “But too bad he might not even be able to hear words again for life…”
“I heard the sound of fireworks outside earlier, and now I’m seeing cake and gift boxes. Did you celebrate my baby?” She asked.
Leonardo moved closer.
“I made my findings. You found her today…28 Years ago.” He said, not even looking at her.
“True, and when we found her, she was about ten or nine days old. Leroy said she was five days old. Different speculations, but we won’t really know the real date till we find her real family. But today as her finding day is cool. Thank you… for making her feel special. She doesn’t receive gifts, even from me or Leroy. She always told us to give every gift to Ginny and Robert. Receiving them from you only means you’re not just anyone to her, you must be special.” Erica smiled big.
Leonardo couldn’t even return the smile, and Stanley understood why immediately. He understood why Leonardo is cold around her.
The woman demanded for cereals, and while Ivanna got ready to feed her, Leonardo left the room.
He went to their yard at the back and stood there, staring at the sky. Snow is pouring slowly, and it’s slightly cold
He didn’t stand there for three minutes before arms wrapped around him from behind.
He looked at the hands as they buckled on his tummy…
Her hands. Paint-free nails.
“You aren’t used to it? A mother speaking softly?” She asked.
“Generally, I’m not used to soft, but the motherly aspect is worse. When Vera was alive, she never talked one-on-one to me. Only thing she did was train and give orders like—Two spoons. Again! Get it right, or I’ll kill you! Shoot! Spill blood. I’d write a note full of her orders. Even when she was sick, she still trained me like a slave. There was never a calm moment, so don’t get mad if I can’t respond softly to your mother’s words…” He responded.
“Get mad?” She untangled herself from him, and he turned around to face her.
“I won’t ask for more. It’s already enough that you’re trying your best to be patient with me despiburstssues. Besides, take it slow… maybe your second meeting with her will be more welcoming.” She assured.
“You’re good with words,” he replied, and she smiled when he caressed her neck, stroking the pulse point.
“Then you haven’t met dad. Dad is a sweet talker. I’m sure you both will click fast.” She said.
“His ears,” His eyes softened. “There’s a doctor in New York…”
“Oh…Cardi told Robert about it already, and now that their house arrest is lifted, they can now be sent over for their recovery program and surgery.” She nodded.
“Get them prepared for the flight tomorrow morning then. I’ll arrange guards and caregivers to follow them around throughout their program.” He replied absolutely.
“Tommorow morning? Already? Nardo……”
“Are you gonna cry?” He teased.
“No. Never.” She replied instantly, and he pulled her head to his chest, giving her that wholesome hug, basically caging her smaller body into his bigger one.
His chin stayed on top of her head, and she just shut her eyes and stayed in his arms till it was time for his departure.
At 12midnight, he left with Stanley, and Ivanna returned into her room where Ginny and Tierney are.
They already ate quarter of the cake, and Ivanna joined them to eat immediately.
Inside one of the other boxes, there’s a bottle of expensive alcohol-free wine which has a lingering taste of tea. When Ivanna drank it, she took a look at the bottle again.
The name… Teaser Caesar.
How did he get his hands on a wine type that has the taste of her favorite sweet tea? She has no idea.
But he’s rich, so anything is possible for him.
That dissolved her shock very fast.
Inside another box, she saw a camera for memories. At the base of the box, there’s a full pack of sweet things from one brand.
Chocolates, iced caramel, frozen stone ice cream, popsicles, and lots more that she doesn’t even know their names. New ones.
There’s an extra small box…it was placed inside the third box.
Inside the small box, there’s a black-pearl anklet. Looks damn special and beautiful cos in the middle of the shinny black pearls, there are like eight round diamonds stones, delicately tucked.
“This is too special! I haven’t seen this design before I swear!” Tierney gasped loudly.
“He really knows how to gift… What is this beauty. You better keep it well, Anna, or I’ll end up stealing it.” Ginny said seriously.
Ivanna nearly wore the anklet for herself, but she changed her mind and returned it into the box.
Then…she checked the last box…the Chanel box.
Immediately she opened it, she quickly closed it back and sent the two foodies out of the room, then she checked the box out alone.
Inside, there’s a Chanel net gown.
All net.
It’s so open that it’d cover nothing if worn. It’d only be for wearing sake.
It’s a black, shinny net with intricate white pearls hanging around the waist and shoulder line.
So slûtty. So cûnty.
She clutched it tight.
What’s his purpose for buying this?
She felt the chills, but not in a bad way. The chills happened in her stomach… butterflies flapped.
—
[House Of Esposito]When Leonardo arrived with Stanley, he instructed Stanley to go wait at the Citadel, but Stanley as a recalcitrant type that he is… refused.
He followed Leonardo to Marko’s underground office, and when they arrived, they met Bobby in front of the door, waiting.
“Told him you wouldn’t be coming till you got stuffs handled, and he only shifted his evil glasses. He didn’t respond.” He said.
Leonardo entered the office, and Stanley stood with Bobby in front of the door, both silent for a minute.
“You’re not welcome!”
“I still don’t like you!”
They both said at a time. First one from Bobby, second one from Stanley.
Then they faced each other.
“You’re the idiotic one who always reported the cases of missing jackets to Leo back then, and I always felt like I was sharing Leo with you. Now you’re back to resume?” Bobby said with an unbalanced smirk.
“Listen to yourself, a grown-ass man, stealing his brother’s wears? You should rent a mask for your face…” Stanley rolled eyes.
“Look what I was saying… can’t believe you’re talking to me like this. What’s your point? Why can’t I steal from him? He’s my damn brother!” Bobby came closer.
“You’re not going to punch me, are you? Cos I swear, I’ll return it, Mister Bob.” Stanley sighed.
Inside the office, Leonardo stood in front of Marko’s desk.
It’s been three minutes now, and the old man said nothing.
He just sat there, working on his system diligently.
Leonardo kept up the silence ritual too, till Marko clicked the last key on his laptop and looked up, then he turned the laptop screen to Leonardo.
On screen, there’s a picture of Ivanna in Leonardo’s arms. Taken two hours ago in front of the Cooper house.
“Your spies are fast, you should consider increasing their pay.” Leonardo muttered, not seeming to care. “They didn’t see the drones I used to write in the sky?”
Marko rested on his chair, staring at his grandson emptily.
“You intentionally did it for me to see. You intentionally shoved it in my face, didn’t you? Now that Lissa is gone from the table, you think I’d be like…fine, get peacefully married to Ivanna Cooper? Joke!” Marko snapped, removing his glasses.
“What part of my attitude right now gave you the impression that I give a damn about your opinion?” Leonardo leaned on his table.
“Leonardo Esposito, so far you bear that sur—”
“Wrong. It’s Leonardo Coker. Will you only learn if I change my surname to my father’s name?” Leonardo cut him off.
“You dare not!” Marko spranged up, pointing his walking cane at him.
“I dare! You will not sit behind that desk and dish our orders for me to follow like a dog on a leash! I might have been trained by your daughter, but just like you were never a good father to her, she was never a good mother to me and my siblings! Minutes ago, I learnt that it was Hilda who fed us…” Leonardo laughed.
“You must have told her it’s a sin to breastfeed her babies too, so she hired Hilda to do the job! You ruined her till she died, but I won’t allow that for myself! It started the day I burnt her bones in my Citadel! I will never bend for you!”
“You’re lying! Read my damn lips, Leonardo… You can pick a random woman in the streets of Chicago and impregnate her to give you the heir, but Ivanna Cooper? No! I will make sure you never get what you want!” Marko threatened back, voice rising.
“Stop fooling yourself. If you think you still have the ability to force me into another matrimony like Lissa’s, then you’re a dummy! I only see Joy, my eyes are blind to any other woman that’s not her! I want her like the air I braath, marked her for a damn reason. “You are reading from www.mhiztaemy.com.ng” In fact, she’s already MINE. I was a clothed madman when I didn’t see her for two damn weeks! I was craving, longing, hungry, and tonight when I finally saw her, held her and made her smile, I was—”
“Stop it! Say that last line, and I’ll kill you right here! The responsibility of this clan is on your shoulders, and here you are, proclaiming your feelings for a worthless woman in front of me?!!” Marko yelled.
Leonardo picked the laptop on the desk and flung it towards the old man. Marko guided himself with his walking cane, and the cane pushed the laptop to another direction.
If fell and shattered, the keys scattered around the office.
His eyes went back to Leonardo, and he met a madly angry, crazily pissed grandson instead.
“Worthless? Doesn’t belong in the same sentence as her. Watch your mouth, and what if I told you that the only mission I’m still gonna go for is the mission to eliminate Monika. Afterwards? I’m giving up my position as the Underboss. You can give it to Lissa. Future Don? Find another candidate, Marko. Eat your empire, and drink hot water!” Leonardo yelled, sweating as he stormed out of the office.
Marko turned calm after that exit.
He was staring at the scattered laptop keys on the ground till they blurred in his eyes, then he sat back.
Suddenly, he began laughing, grinning till it took over the whole of his beard-surrounded mouth.
“Do you even know the daughter of who you’re willing to die for, Leo?” He muttered, nodding.
“You’re my favorite grandchild, so I’ve been trying to play it kind. I’ve been kind with you, Leo. But now…the kindness is over.’
He dropped his cane, picked his phone and dialled Thaddeus.
“First thing tomorrow morning, get to my office.” He ordered.
—
[Leonardo’s Citadel]“You shouldn’t have lost it like that..” Stanley said as he entered with Leonardo and Bobby.
The Citadel looks as good as new after the rebuilding of the burnt room. It looks like it didn’t even burn at all last year.
“He was annoying, Stan. Can you just shut the hell?” Leonardo faced him.
“No I’m not gonna shut it!” Stanley replied boldly. “I know him, you know him, we all know him. This man feeds on fear. You used to fear and respect him, but now the fear and respect is gone all because of Ivanna, he’d get mad! You even called him Marko to his face…you know what he’s capable of…we haven’t even figured out his allies yet, you should have held in your anger.”
“Till when are we gonna stay scared of him?” Bobby spoke up.
“No, Bob. You won’t understand—”
“Stan, I understand. I understand madly! That man set Wendy up and made me hate her till she died! He killed two of Aunt Renata’s lovers, he’s the reason mum was heartless and now he’s targeting Ivanna and Robert all cos Leo and Cardi are interested in them!” Bobby shouted.
“Robert?” Stanley frowned.
“Guess you didn’t meet him yet. He’s Cardi’s boy toy who’s now working at the valley. Let me tell you, we won’t beat that man if we continue to stay wary of him.” Bobby tipped.
“I’m not saying we have to be scared of him. I’m saying we should thread carefully… he’s smart…” Stanley said.
“Get out, the two of you.” Leonardo suddenly said coldly.
They looked at him and saw him standing by the glass wall facing the dark city.
Without waiting for another word, they left the Citadel.
Leonardo lightened a cigar, smoking as he went to the computer room, assembling the worldwide spies on his screens. The screens nearly couldn’t contain them so majority had to squeeze in.
“Been a long while, Ghost.” A Malaysian said.
“I’m in no mood for formalities right now. Anyone has any idea of Marko’s allies point? I only know of ten. America, Italiy, Russia, Spain, France, Japan, Thailand, UAE, Greece, and Germany.” Leonardo read.
“The last three have been hidden since the beginning. Even late Vera couldn’t find out. Trust me, we’ve been trying to find them out even before you came tonight, but no success. Marko is smart, and I think those three are his strongest points.” A Jamaican spy said.
Leonardo closed his eyes frustratingly.
“We’ll focus on the known points for now, and in a week time, we should drag out the hidden three. Get back to work” He said.
Every screen went off except the screens of the aforementioned countries spies, so there are ten screens left on.
“Find his backers in your countries, pretty sure they’re big people, mostly politicians. Marko isn’t someone anyone would want to work with, so if he’s forcing these big peeps to work with him, he definitely has something on them. Find their weakness, explore them, find what Marko has on them and blow it over…I don’t care if they get ruined for life. If they get ruined, there’d be no reason for them to keep backing Marko up.” Leonardo explained.
As he’s talking, the spies are listening attentively.
“And be careful… His spies are active just like you guys. Even Thaddeus’ spies are active too. Don’t get caught.” He added and pulled off his earbuds.
The screens went off.
He stood there, releasing a huge breath.
Then…he heard a whisper in his ears…
“You Can never break free. I told you…. Growing feelings for a woman means you’re slowly becoming unfortunate.”
His lids went up, and he turned back casually.
No one is in here with him, but he’s sure that was Vera’s voice. Is he hearing things now?
He picked his phone and sent something to Ginny and Tierney in preparation for the next mission.
He left the room and entered the gym. Part of the fighting tools on the wall is a very old gun.
It also belonged to Vera, but he hasn’t touched it since her death.
He picked it and looked at the nozzle. There’s a folded note inside.
He pulled it out, unwrapped, and read. The ink might be old, but the words are clear…
~IN THE FUTURE, DON’T TRY TO GO AGAINST YOUR GRANDFATHER, COS YOU’D REGRET IT. THIS IS THE ONLY MOTHERLY ADVICE YOU’LL EVER SEE FROM ME. KEEP YOUR HEAD BOWED FOR MY FATHER, AND YOU’LL LIVELONG. I DON’T WANT YOU TO DIE AT 38 LIKE ME. AND OH… I TRIED HARD…VERY HARD TO FIND HIS THREE LAST ALLIES POINT, BUT I COULDN’T, THAT JUST EXPLAINS THE IMPOSSIBILITY. DON’T TRY, OR YOU’LL DIE TRYING.~
Leonardo tore the note apart after he finished reading, then he poured the pieces away and sat on the stationary bike at the gym.
He dialled Ivanna, and at 1am, she picked up.
“Hey, babe,” Her savory voice cooled him immediately she talked.
She’s breathing hard. It’s obvious she wasn’t asleep. She’s doing self-training again in their yard.
He rested the back of his head in the wall, smiling slightly.
“Nardo?” She called.
“Just breathe…I called to listen to the sound of it.” He replied.
“Weird” She muttered.
But she did anyways.
She continued her self-training, and he could hear the sound of her whip lashing the air, mixing with the sound of her harsh breathings.
That was enough. He calmed down just listening to it.
“Dinner tommorow?” He asked.
“Is that why you bought that sorry excuse of a dress? It’s all net!” She replied instantly.
“You said you liked open dresses, was just spoiling you…” He said casually.
“You’re not planning to sell me off, are you?” She replied slowly, and he laughed.
“I wouldn’t spend more than 3B on drones if I wanted to sell you. Besides, who’d buy a woman who has my signature on her?”
“Wait wait… rewind…3B? Billions? Leo!!” She shouted.
“Dinner, or not?” He insisted.
“Din….” She replied.
“C’mon… Joy….” He frowned.
“Ner.” She finished it, and he chuckled.
“Witch…”
“Wizard! Goodnight!” She rushed and hung up.
Leonardo smiled again.
—
[Armando Mansion]Since 10pm when everybody came back, the house has been calm.
Lissa stayed in her room with Emma.
Thaddeus and Penny stayed in the living room.
Island stayed in her room, calculating that she’s at least… fifteen hours pregnant since the sèx with Thaddeus happened in the morning.
Maybe she’d be the one to carry The Outfit heir, who knows?
She stood nakedly in front of her mirror, rubbing her tummy.
Then…she heard mirror shattering inside the next room—Lissa’s room.
She laughed secretly, wearing her dress back.
—
[Lissa’s Room]Lissa has shattered every glass in her closet, now it was the mirror’s turn. She did it without hesitating, and shards flew around.
Emma had to hide in a corner.
“Miss!!!” She yelled.
“How could mum slap me! Have I become that simple? If you didn’t take me away earlier, I’d have killed her flatly and nothing is gonna happen! Heaven won’t fall! After all, she’s useless! She does nothing but ride on dad’s coattails with him! At this point, dad needs a new wife! I hate her!” Lissa yelled back.
“I understand the way you feel, you just need something to calm your mind. You should go to work tomorrow and occupy yourself with the paperwork. Handle the incoming deals and see how you bounce back to your former self. We can get back at Sir Leo and Stanley on our own!” Emma cautioned.
Lissa breathed out.
—
[Masters Bedroom]Penny and Thaddeus retired here ten minutes ago for their sleep even though it’s already 2am.
While Penny slept in bed, Thaddeus stood over her, pacing.
“Are you gonna continue pacing till daybreak? You won’t sleep? You should sleep your last one in this house cos we’re moving into the clan estate penthouse tommorow like you know.” Penny said.
“Why the hell would you hit Lalissa? She’s not a child!” Thaddeus snapped.
“This is about her?” Penny sat up.
“What if she’s not a child? She needed the slap to jog her brain! Building a cenotaph for Stanley? Gold for that matter! A whole compound dedicated to him? Stanley is an orphan like Wendy—Bobby’s dead wife! He’s from the orphanage too! Lissa had something with that dirt? You know how much dirt we both rolled in before we climbed up where we are today, and we already vowed to never have anything to do with filth again, but Lissa? She’s disgracing me!” Penny ranted on and on.
“You’ll always have something to say, it’s tiring…”Thaddeus walked out of the room.
“Thaddeus!” Penny followed him with a yell.
He didn’t wait.
He walked past Island’s room when he was going down the stairs, and he saw Island by her door.
But before Penny could appear, Island returned to her room and shit the door, smiling.
—
[Next Morning, Crimson Cave~Training Hall]Everyone’s here including Monika herself. She’s in the ring again, moving with the morning air while they all took notes of her moves.
This time, everyone’s attentive including Hayden who’s like a shell right now.
He’s not writing like the others. Instead, he’s filming on his phone for watching later.
“These Outfit people, how powerful are they?” He suddenly asked.
“As powerful as you can imagine. I’d say if not for our poisons, we’d be no match for them.” Bradshaw replied.
“You’re a joke, Bradshaw. Only capable people among them would be Leo and his siblings, then maybe Lissa and Nino and Robert. The rest are sidepieces.” Moo talked.
“You mentioned everyone but failed to mention the real one who comes after Leo.” Bradshaw replied, giving Hayden his phone.
In the underworld hub site, there are pictures of Ivanna with the whip. The pictures were snapped from when she was clearing cartels with Nino and Robert at the junkyard.
Caption; Whip Huntress.
“Whip Huntress?” Hayden said.
“She’s Ivanna, also known as the whip huntress. You should make her your target during the next mission, don’t you think?” Bradshaw winked.
“She’s hot, would be too wasteful to kill her, but at the same time, I’m eager to know what she’d sound like if she gets punched by me.” Hayden shrugged interestedly.
“Good!” Bradshaw patted him.
Moo snickered, then the three faced the ring again.
Monika is inside the ring, but she’s currently zoning out.
Since yesterday is her lost child’s birthday, she has been zoning out too much it’s disturbing.
And right now she’s doing it again.
[28yrs Ago, River House]
When Monika’s water finally broke on her delivery day, it was very fast.
Taking her to the hospital wasn’t an option anymore cos before she knew it, she was already pushing for labor.
An old midwife lives not far from that river, and Santos went to call the woman. It was her who handled Monika’s childbirth.
Santos didn’t wait outside. She stayed inside with them, holding Monika’s hand tightly throughout.
Monika’s grip nearly broke his finger bones, but he didn’t care. He just kept urging her to push, telling her sweet things to sooth her.
“Santos! Santos I think it’s coming! Our baby is coming!! I can’t feel it…..it’s…..ahhhhhhhhhhhhgggg!!!!!
She did the last push with all her might, and the baby girl was born.
“She’s here….” Santos gasped.
“Congratulations, Mr. Nikova.” The midwife said happily.
She was about to go do the first bath for the baby when the baby began gasping for breaths in-between her cries. She gasped, and cried.
Like a sequence.
“What’s going on!” Monika wanted to sit up despite the blood between her legs, but Santos held her back.
“I’ve never heard of a child inheriting asthma from her father before. Your baby girl is asthmatic, Mr and Mrs Nikova.” The midwife said.
[Present Time]
Monika is still in the ring, but Hayden is already inside with her.
He entered to tap her cos she has been spacing out for long.
Monika looked ahead to see him, and she snapped back to her stone-faced self. She moved.
Her lessons resumed, only that he’s doing it with Hayden now while the others took notes from both of them.
“Finally, this place feels like it’s supposed to be again.” Bradshaw breathed in the middle.
“Since you got your manhood back, you’ve been disturbing us here.” Moo muttered, and he snorted.
—
[Suburbs, Relaxation House]Leonardo came here early this morning, and Anthony was more than glad when his son entered hale and healthily well.
He nearly hugged him, but remembering Leonardo never hugs people back, he stopped.
“You look well,” Leonardo muttered dryly, and the man beamed.
“Thank to your siblings, but now that you’re back, I’ll look better…”
He’s already walking to the crib at the back to sit with him.
“Heard you sent the Cooper couple to New York this morning. Great move. If possible, they shouldn’t come back here…till Marko dies.” Anthony said.
“You think that man is dying anytime soon when he smartly built protections around himself? Can’t even find out his last three alliance points, and it’s unsettling.” Leonardo muttered, voice steady.
“I dunno know too. I believe no one knows, except him. If we’re going to eliminate him, those three have to be revealed, won’t be easy.”
Felicia came with a glass of bourbon in a tray since she’s aware it’s Leonardo’s favorite, but instead of drinking, he stood, ignoring it.
“Hilda’s grave? Can’t miss my goodbye to the first titties I sucked.” He rawly said, and Anthony led him out.
Felicia silently followed them to the graveyard.
—
[House Of Esposito, Marko’s Office]Just like Marko ordered, Thaddeus met him in this office even before 7am, and they’ve been sorting documents and arranging deals in place for this year.
They’ve barely had any deal this January, and it’s reflecting in the warehouse records.
“I’m not seeing your handiwork yet, Thaddeus. When Anthony was here, missions resumed by January 2, but you….this is January 10th, and nothing is happening.” Marko said.
“I only just moved fully into the estate penthouse with my family this morning. Before the end of today, changes will start occuring. Trust me, Padrino. I’m handling Monika first… we’re taking back the billions she stole” Thaddeus replied.
“How sure are you that you’d tackle her once and tackle her well? Monika’s poisons are dangerous. Anthony tackled her for years without success” Marko looked up.
“I’ll tackle her once and tackle her well this coming Saturday, trust me. The whole of the mob will go on the mission.” Thaddeus said.
“If Monika gets subdued under your regime, then you won’t just be the Acting Don. You’ll be the Don. Act right, and you’ll actually enjoy my support.” Marko said.
“What! Don? What about—”
“Leo? I’m currently in a fight with him, and it’d soon get ugly. When the ugly period comes, y’all will wonder if I’m really his granddad. I’m going to make him lose everything, including the girl.” Marko promised.
—
[Cooper Siblings Former Apartment]Stanley stood in the middle of the tattered living room, staring around with a tight knot on his face.
He lived here, quietly last year before he left. And that’s because he has always loved quiet and peace.
Now that he’s back, he’s very sure Leonardo would never allow him to stay here anymore even if he plays his recalcitrant cards.
He eventually smiled, but he turned when the door opened.
Nino entered.
Stanley’s smile widened.
“Gee!” Nino smiled back, rushing to give him a brotherly hug.
Nino was aware of the death faking stuff. Stanley told him everything back then before it even happened.
“You actually grew taller than me within a year? Surprising!” Nino laughed as the hug broke.
“I always told you. My height was only resting, and now it’s towering.” Stanley laughed too.
“Welcome back, are you interested in following me to Phoenix Valley? I’ve got another gee… I’ll introduce you both.” Nino said.
“Don’t tell me it’s the Robert guy… I’ve been hearing a lot. Is he handsome than me?” Stanley scoffed.
“Yeah, by far.” Bobby replied, coming inside the house.
“The fact that you said yes just shows I’m hotter. Thank you.” Stanley rolled eyes poisonously.
“You both are still continuing with your truce?” Nino blinked.
“To the grave,” Bobby said, and Nino grinned.
The three eventually left the apartment, and as they walked to the park, Nino looked back, feeling the prickling eyes on himself again.
He saw Sandra under the oak tree, but she turned her back immediately he saw her.
Bobby followed them on the ride to the valley, and as the car drove out, Sandra sighed, touching her chest.
It’s slamming.
—
[Phoenix Valley]Robert is on another round of his cleanings.
This time, in the visitors bathroom. He asked for more detergent, and it was Renata who brought it.
“Thank you, Nata.” He breathed.
“Careful, eyes are on you in this place….” Renata tipped, and he nodded.
“Your girl is here though,” she told him and left.
Before he could process it, Bacardi entered the bathroom.
“What the fûck! Car—”
He was cut short cos Bacardi dropped on her knees, and he wasn’t allowed to speak before she flipped his belt apart, freeing his d1ck.
“Cardi!” He gasped.
“Worry not, I told Renata to turn off the cameras of this bathroom.” She replied, looking up at him with impatient doe eyes.
“You’re bad…” He muttered, but she’s not in the mood for chats. She just took him into her mouth.
Robert’s head slumped back…
His eyes rolled back inside their holes…his legs shifted on the ground, and the d+ck slid deeper into her throat, his balls slapped her lips.
She choked.
Her saliva bathed his d+ck and drooled out to her chin and chest. She rubbed the saliva with her tongue, using it as lube before sliding him into her mouth again till he hit her throat.
“Cardi! Gawd! F+k! Don’t stop! Good girl… don’t f+kin…urggg!!!”
Robert was loud, stars aligned behind his lids, his hand mistakenly touched the shower button, and the shower began running.
As it ran, wetting them totally, Bacardi sucked wilder, lapping with her mouth carpet…
Till he came… In her mouth.
It flushed down her throat, and she was still holding the d+k when she looked up, giving him a grin.
With his hand still in her hair, he swept his hair back with his other hand, and he nearly said something dirty, but then three guys bursted into the bathroom immediately.
Stanley, Bobby, Nino.
“Holy hell! He’s just as bad as they say!” Stanley shouted.
“Ou… your d+k is bigger than mine, Robert. Impressive.” Bobby nodded.
“F+k!” Nino commented.
Right in front of them, Robert tightened his grip on Bacardi’s hair.
He held eyes with the three, then thrusted his d+k back into her mouth, hard.
She choked, and the guys choked too.
—
[Cooper Family House, 7:30pm]With the Cooper couple gone to New York for their recovery program, it’s just Tierney and Ginny and Ivanna in the house, and the three of them are currently stepping out together.
Ginny and Tierney are holding their laptops in hand. Leonardo sent a secret code to them last night, and they’re still working on it.
And Ivanna?
She’s dressed to kill, wearing the net gown, but she wore a large coat on top to cover up for now.
Her heels are 6inches—very slim and tall, her liners are heavy with rhinestones at the edges. Hot nails, dark not-too-long lashes.
Overall makeup is soft but domineering like her personality, lips painted a faint dash of pink.
Everything’s f+kin intentional, nothing’s accidental.
She smells too good, and she’s desperately holding the coat to herself, but not for long.
Immediately they got out, Leonardo’s car pulled up in front of the house, and she strutted on the tall heels like it’s nothing till she arrived at the car.
Leonardo hopped out, unable to take his eyes off her as he opened the car door. His head was spinning already.
His dark blue shirt and the black slacks moulded his perfect body, and the hair molded his face, but he wasn’t interested in his own perfection. Hers is superior.
She deliberately lowered the coat from her shoulder a bit, showing him a bit of skin before getting in.
Leonardo smirked, the dirtiest, nastiest smirk existing. His eyes lost all calm as he rounded the car and got in the backseat with her.
As the driver drove in the front, he leaned into her sharply, wanting to taste those pink lips, but she quickly covered his mouth with her palm.
Under her palm, he frowned.
“We haven’t even arrived at the dinner place yet, which I know you have plans for, and you already wanna kiss? C’mon…” She said.
He pushed her hand away, coming for her lips again, but she took her lips in this time.
“I don’t wanna do this the rough way… I’m gonna ruin your makeup.” He said seriously.
“Maybe I want rough?” She teased.
He didn’t wait, he immediately started trying to get a hold of her hands, trying to cuff them.
She fought back, her coat got released in the process, showing him her chest inside the net gown.
The net split it into segments, and the br£asts popped out in several places like captives in a cell, poking their heads out. Even her n1pples.
She quickly wrapped the coat around her net body again, blushing.
“You acted like you didn’t like it yesterday, but you actually….” Leonardo looked at her with sleepy, s+duct¡ve eyes.
“Don’t look at me like that,” she whispered, chuckling.
“Like?”
“With those sleepy s+duct¡ve eyes of yours. It works….” She whispered again, biting her lip.
He touched her ear, slipping a tendril of her hair behind it.
Then he leaned in… Kissing her lashes fondly.
“I love it, the makeup.” He said, touching her hair again.
“I did it myself,” she replied proudly.
“It shows,” he replied, touching her hand…the nails…
“It’s my first time doing it. I don’t really fancy nails, but they say it’s important for a classy date.” She said.
“If you’re not comfortable with it, don’t do it. I love your paint-free nails more.” He replied.
But he brought her knuckles to his lips and kissed them too.
Ivanna brought something out of her small bag…the anklet.
“Wear it for me…” She muttered, tendering it for him on her palm.
He took it without complaining, and he took her left leg too, placing it on his thighs.
He unbuckled her heel, and she immediately raised that leg higher, placing her clean feet on his chest.
He looked at her, the dim red light at the back of the car giving her the looks of a classy vixen.
His vixen.
He held eyes with her, took the feet to his lips and kissed it.
He then fixed the anklet on her ankle. It sat pretty there, beautifully.
“I love it… thanks, babe.” She whispered, leaning close.
He suddenly pushed her back, and her back slammed on her seat.
He ducked in, and she stopped breathing when he finally captured her lips in wickedly.
Predatory. Hungry. Hot.
He kissed her, and she didn’t let go too. She got her fingers entangled in his hair, and he held her by the neck—just the position he wanted.
“You smoked…” She whispered into his mouth, detecting instantly.
“I’m sorry… that’d be the last…” He whispered back, and moaned.
He ate her raw, mercilessly.
She tastes like whiskey… like intoxication and danger.
All her lipstick melted in his mouth in no time, but he didn’t stop eating.
Leonardo Esposito doesn’t kiss, he eats. He devours.
She was prepared, but now it feels insufficient.
The backseat shared their body heats, and when his body weight was caving in too much, she lifted herself to his laps, and the kiss continued.
Now she’s the one holding his neck while his two hands tangled around her slim waist.
The sound of their kiss overtook the car, and the driver in the front just drove, not daring to look back.
“Welcome back home…. Nardo.” She whispered, the kiss softening.
Their hungry lips are still on each other as they talked…
“Tonight…” Leonardo whispered, sucking her tongue.
“Tonight…I’m going to give you a staircase dance. Also, tonight…”
She bit his lip.
“Tonight, I want you to c+m in me. Pound me… Heartlessly.” She finished the words, then their kiss resumed, hotter than it was before.
It was too much, as usual.
They were eating each other’s faces, breathing and inhaling each other inside. They couldn’t stop.
It was endless, and it doesn’t look like it’s stopping soon.
The drive to their dinner place is still long, and so is their kiss.
The driver was sweating profusely in the front.
—
[Phoenix Valley, 8pm]Padrino Marko returned from the clan estate few minutes ago.
He entered his study to round up the documents he couldn’t finish at his estate office, and he had barely opened his laptop when Renata entered the study.
At first, Marko ignored her, but then…she started crying.
“Father! Please don’t hurt me! Please don’t ruin me! I’m too softhearted for this! Spare me!!” She cried.
Marko looked up, removing his glasses. He watched her tentatively for a second, then…
A smile crept to his lips.
Slowly…the smile transformed into a hazardous laughter.
Renata joined him in the laughter, wiping her fake tears as their laughter echoed on the soundproof walls of the study room.
“Aren’t I such a good actress, Papa?” Renata folded her arms, head stilling as her smile spread again.
She dropped the recorded footage of Robert and Bacardi’s bathroom deeds on the desk.
“When we get back to Italy, your prize is waiting, daughter.” Marko nodded, impressed.
“Everyone thinks oh… Renata is the weak sister, but they have no idea, that I’m worse than my sister Vera. I’m your silent tool. Your three hidden ally point is not three countries. It’s actually me! I’m your strongest ally!” She bursted into another boisterous laughter.
TBC.
