Under the cascading spray, I lathered soap into my palms before running them over his chest, mapping the contours of his body. He arched into my touch, head falling back as a low moan escaped his throat.

"Mateo,"he gasped, hips rolling forward to grind his hardness against mine."Please..."

"Patience,"I chuckled lowly, trailing fingers down his spine."I'm going to take good care of you."

Dropping to my knees, I urged his thighs apart, exposing his most intimate places to my hungry gaze. His member jutted proudly from a nest of damp curls, flushed and leaking at the tip.

Wasting no further time, I wrapped one hand around his length, stroking firmly from root to crown. My other hand delved lower, teasing the sensitive skin behind his balls.

"Oh god!"Kael cried out, fingers threading through my wet hair. His hips snapped forward eagerly, seeking more friction.

I took pity on him, laving my tongue along the underside of his shaft before drawing the head past my lips. He tasted of salt and musk, an intoxicating combination I knew I would never tire of.

Setting a steady rhythm, I worked him with mouth and hand, reveling in the slick glide of flesh against flesh. Pressure built rapidly at the base of my own spine, testicles drawing tight with impending release.

But I refused to find completion without him. Shifting positions, I guided his leg up over my shoulder, opening him fully to my mercy.

With one hand still pumping his throbbing member, I slipped two fingers into his entrance, curling them just so. His inner muscles clamped down around the intrusion, silently begging for more.

"That's it,"I encouraged, thrusting my fingers deep inside him."Take what you need."

He did, riding my hand with abandon as pleasure coiled tighter and tighter. His cries echoed off the tiled walls, music to my ears.

When his climax crashed over him, I swallowed every drop of essence he had to offer. He collapsed against me as though he had no bones, utterly spent.

Cradling him close, I allowed my own release to claim me, painting his stomach with thick ropes of come. We clung to each other under the fading spray, hearts beating in sync as aftershocks rippled through our joined bodies.

"I love you,"Kael whispered, gazing up at me with adoration shining in his eyes."So much it scares me sometimes."

My heart swelled near to bursting at his declaration."I love you too,"I vowed."More than anything in this world or the next. You are my everything."

Later that same day, I sat hunched over my desk, mind churning with possibilities. Kael's words echoed in my thoughts — the promise of a future free from bloodshed and danger. For too long, I had allowed fear and mistrust to dictate my actions, driving wedges between me and those closest to my heart. No more. It was time to forge a new path.

Rising with a sigh, I strode to the door, barking an order for Javier to summon my most trusted captains. Within minutes, they gathered in the study, faces etched with confusion and concern.

"What's this about dismantling the organization?"Javier demanded, voicing the unspoken doubts weighing heavily upon us all."That's crazy. Are you sure that's wise, boss?"

"Wise or not, it's necessary,"I replied without breaking eye contact, meeting each man's gaze in turn."We've lived in shadows long enough. It's time we came out."

Skeptical murmurs rippled through the group, dissent brewing beneath the surface. I held up a hand, forestalling further argument.

"I know change isn't easy,"I acknowledged."But think of the benefits — fewer enemies, reduced scrutiny, and the chance to build something lasting."Something worth fighting for, worth living for beyond mere survival.

Javier crossed his arms, expression hardening."And what happens when Novak catches wind of this? When rivals see an opportunity to strike?"

"Then we deal with them,"I retorted."Novak is already hunting us."

I could practically feel the wheels turning as they weighed the risks against the potential rewards. In truth, I shared their reservations. Abandoning the security of the familiar was daunting, especially given the opposition we would face. But the alternative — clinging to the status quo — promised nothing but stagnation and decay. Not to mention, I'd already promised Kael.

"We'll need to do it carefully,"I conceded."Protect our core interests while divesting non-essential assets. And we must do it quickly before anyone else suspects."

Slow nods greeted my pronouncement, understanding dawning on their faces. I thought they were going to protest more than they did. They saw the wisdom in my plan, even if they weren't fully convinced. Baby steps would lead the way.

Javier spoke up first, a wry grin tugging at his mouth."Looks like we've got quite the road ahead of us."

"Yes,"I agreed grimly."But with luck and a bit of ingenuity, we'll emerge stronger than ever."

Over the following weeks, we began divesting ourselves of the most illicit parts of our operations. We liquidated our stake in human trafficking networks, funneling those funds into legitimate investments like real estate and tech startups. Meanwhile, we negotiated with rival cartels to carve out new territories and establish buffer zones around our core holdings.