Page 102 of Declan

Good to know, I think, as he leads me inside. The house feels like an unsettling mix between a country cottage and a military base. Steel tables line the dark wooden walls piled high with guns, munitions, and what looks like grenades.

“You almost got me killed. Twice.” I cross my arms over my chest, staring at him, trying to project confidence. Inside, though, I’m drowning in fear.

He smirks, stepping closer, invading my personal space without touching me. “I didn’t. I told you, your father…” He pauses, shaking his head. “He’s in deep shit. Planned it all and didn’t even have the courtesy to run it by me.”

I nod, unconvinced. “Right.” My gaze drifts away, roaming the room while his eyes burn into my neck. “You’ve got... a cozy little house here,” I say, my voice dripping with sarcasm.

Two men sit at computers, each monitoring four screens. My stomach drops when I recognize one of the feeds. “Is that—?” I cover my mouth, horror clawing at me.

“Yes,” Alek says coolly. “The Callaghans set fire to the Morellis’ mansion about an hour ago.” He waits, watching me for a reaction.

“And my father?” I close my eyes. I already know the answer, but hearing it shatters me completely.

“They didn’t make it.” His voice is devoid of sorrow, almost smug.

“They?” My eyes snap to his, not realizing how close he’s standing.

“Silvana too,” he adds. The words land like a knife in my gut. My chest tightens, my heart fighting to escape, each beat heavy with grief.

“I’m sorry,” he murmurs, wrapping his arms around me in a mock embrace. It’s cold, calculating. I go back to that night—his touch burns like acid. His hug lacks warmth. I can feel him gauging my reaction. Still, I hug him back.

“Don’t worry, Viviana,” he says, his voice dropping an octave. “You’re here now. Together, we’ll destroy them all.” His fingers brush my chin, tilting my head to meet his gaze. His eyes burn with intensity as he leans closer, his lips almost brushing mine.

I want to push him away, kick him in the groin, run. But I know that would get me killed. I have no intention of dying in this hellhole, surrounded by these bastards.

Instead, I rise onto my tiptoes and press my lips to his. He groans, his hand tangling in my hair, his tongue forcing its way into my mouth. I want to bite him, but I close my eyes and force myself to think of Declan—Declan, with his strong arms around me, his warmth enveloping me, his kiss claiming me.

“I want to fuck you,” Alek barks as he pulls away, his eyes dark with desire. My body shivers, but I force a blush and a shy smile, hiding the revulsion boiling beneath the surface.

“Can you at least show me around first?” I murmur, my voice soft, almost innocent.

He glares at me for a beat too long, then steps back, licking his lips. “Sure, but after, I’ll fuck you until you scream like that night.” He winks. I clench my fists, wishing I could erase his words.

Suddenly, a distant explosion rocks the house. Everyone jumps.

“We’re under attack!” one of the men shouts, grabbing a gun from the table. Chaos erupts—yells, orders in Russian.

“How the fuck did they find us?!” Alek bellows, waving a hand at one of the men. His attention shifts back to me, his eyes narrowing with fury.

“Fucking bitch,” he spits, striding toward me. “You have a fucking tracker, don’t you?”

Before I can react, he tears my shirt open, his fingers finding the necklace around my neck. He yanks it off, the chain cutting into my skin. I wince, a sharp sting flaring across my neck. “Fuck!”

Before I can retreat, his hand cracks across my cheek, sending me sprawling to the floor. Pain explodes in my face, a thousand needles stabbing my skin. I refuse to cry. I won’t give him that satisfaction. Instead, I roll onto my side and push myself up into a seated position.

“They’ll kill you,” I snarl, my voice thick with venom, “but not before they torture you.”

Rage bubbles in my chest, hot and volatile. I lift my head, meeting his eyes with equal intensity.

He pulls his gun, aiming it at me with steady hands. His teeth grind as he sneers, “You’ve always been a fucking bitch. Your father was right.”

The words sting more than they should, but I keep my chin up. “Go ahead. Shoot me,” I dare, rising to my feet. The barrel of the gun tracks my every move. “You’re not even half the man Declan is. Declan didn’t need to force me; I gave myself to him in a way you’ll never understand. No matter how much you try, hiding in the shadows, hiring others to do your dirty work, sitting in your twisted little castle. All this destruction because your dick isn’t as big as everyone else’s.”

He moves fast, grabbing my head before I can react.

“You know damn well how big my dick is,” he hisses. “But if you’ve forgotten, I can make you remember.”

His hand clamps around my neck, squeezing hard. I struggle for air, clawing at his wrist as my vision blurs. Dark spots swim before my eyes, but through the haze, I see him—a tall, dark-haired man sprinting toward us like a beast unleashed.

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