Rio's POV
I stomped into the house after the hellscape of a day, the city lights fading behind me like smoke. Tired, pissed, and tangled in a mess of emotions.
And worst of all ,a gnawing unease deep in my gut. That feeling when the air shifts, and you know something's about to go sideways.
But in my world? That shit's basically daily.
No, this was different.
It hit me like a flashback , the same chill I'd felt five years ago when Mom died.
Suddenly, Elena's face burned in my mind. Is she safe? Did they find her? Do they know where she lives? Does she even know the truth about that damn key? And what the fuck is Dad doing, bending over backwards for Alfredo like some submissive punk?
How the hell does Storm know Elena has the key? Was there a snitch? A damn spy?
My head started spinning. I needed a drink before my brain exploded.
I hit the kitchen, grabbed my favorite bottle of whiskey, peeled off my tie, shoes, and shirt, letting the cold air hit my bare chest. The silence was thick.
Then—BAM—the front door flew open and slammed shut.
I checked the time ..almost eleven. What the ?
Gun in hand, I whipped around, pointing at the intruder.
"Really, bro? You're scared of me?" Mariana's voice cracked through the tension with a grin.
I exhaled, lowering the gun onto the counter as she slid onto the kitchen stool.
"You never knock, never give a heads-up. What else am I supposed to do?" I grumbled, pouring her a drink.
She smiled , swirling the drink in her hand .
She sipped, eyes sharp behind her glass. "Where'd you disappear to at the club? You just vanished."she suddenly asked , concern in her tone .
Maria is my little sister but she likes to play Alpha over me .
I shrugged. "Important business. Couldn't wait."i simply said voice flat , sipping my drink .
She smiled but concern lingered. "Good to know you're okay."she said squizing my hand a little from across the kitchen island .
The silence lingered for a breath . Mariana and I have always been close since we were kids , she's basically the only good thing left after my mom died .
But now , I also have Elena . Well she's not mine officially, but you don't need a tag on something that already screams ..
Yours .
I set my empty glass down. "Maria, can I ask you something?"i asked running a hand through my hair my voice low , deep almost a whisper.
"Girl advice?..ask her out , buy her flowers.. , spoil her ...know her likes and ..." she squeals then suddenly stops , rambling fast and bouncing off her stool.
I raised an eyebrow at her
"Okay, sorry. Spill it."she said sliding back ok her Stool, her hands raises in mock surrender.
I laugh a little shaking my head .
"How the hell did Dad and Alfredo become friends? They were rivals forever. Now they're buds. Something's off."i ask confused.
Alfredo and my dad were never exactly friends . Though they did conduct business here and there , they could never seat at the same table and even if they did maybe in functions or something.
Mariana nodded slowly. "Yeah, it's weird. Dad's on edge around Alfredo, like walking on glass. I asked him once,he just shrugged me off. But yeah, something's fishy."She says agreeing with me as she downs her drink .
I bit my lip. "Thanks. Just wanted to check if you knew anything."i flattyly say , but my mind rases a million questions with no answers blooming making my head spin.
She bites into an apple.she picks from the fruit bowl .
"Why?"shs asks cocking her head at me and looking up , curiosity written allover her .
"Nothing… just ..I noticed and figured I'd ask ."i say placing my glass down . Now empty.
I got up.
Rounding the island , I kissed her forehead.
"I'm crashing. House is yours tonight. Love you, baby sis."i whisper..my voice now horse and tired .
She hugged me tight, and I headed upstairs, mind racing.
On my bed, laptop open..and my phone pressed to my ear.., I called Leo , my computer whiz.
"Boss," he yawned.
"Need a background check. Now."i ordered .
I didn't care what time it is I needed information.
He sighed, but I knew he'd come through.
"Elena Rosa," I said, savoring the name.
"Hold on." he said ..Keyboard clicks echoed. Then..
"She uhm..well just normal staff.. education , where she previously worked "Leo whispers loud enough his voice sleepy
"..But her third name is interesting… GREY. Haven't heard that in a while."he says
My heart thudded.
GREY?.I did and did not see that coming. My father had mentioned the Grey's a long time ago . Talked of a family blood line that once ruled the FAMILIGIA...until they didn't.
He never exactly gave more context to that and I didn't bother digging.
My stomach suddenly drops for some reason , blood running hot before Leo's voice snaps me out of my daze.
"Orphaned young. Lived with her aunt Lilly Smith. Graduated high school, went to Harvard for business. Worked a couple companies before moving to New York. That's all I got for now. Want me to dig deeper tomorrow?"he yawned .
"Go get some sleep, Leo."i simply said hanging up .
I lay back, eyes on the ceiling.
If she really has that key, and the key around her neck is not just some normal pendant or key to a jewelry box ..but instead the most powerful item in the underworld..her life is in danger .
But that's where I come in .
I don't exactly give two fucks about keys..I mean sure I'll dig into it to find out exactly how important that item is .
But I will protect my woman with everything that I have .
Even if it means killing storm and everyone else who is a threat to her .
Storm will kill for that key.
I will kill for the one who posseses it .
Dad? Forget him for now with his noncence with Alfredo , I'll deal with that later .
Right now there's only one mission burning in my mind .
I'll protect her. Like my life depends on it.
I will not fail her like I failed my mother.
I groan getting out of bed . Sleep does not come easy for a man like me.
I stripped off my black slacks, stepping into the steam-filled bathroom.
Hands braced against the tile,the water hot and steamy runs through my hair . My eyes shut .
I let my mind drift to her Elena.
Her blue eyes, those perfect pink lips, that flawless skin.
Her ass. Damn, that ass.
How she let me spank her.
She could've said no..and I would have stopped.
But she didn't.
She liked it.
The blush on her face said everything.
I could practically smell her arousal.
She's no innocent.
What else is she hiding?
I washed the thoughts away with hot water.
Tomorrow will be...intense .
Not sure if she'll even show.
But if she doesn't mention it—
Neither will I.