SEVENTEEN
M y anxiety hits the roof the moment Ray and I step inside of the enormous venue, having been greeted by the security who barely glanced at our invitations. They recognized Ray Campbell almost immediately and stepped aside.
“Are you okay, Noelle?”
My skin crawls at the thought of this evening. It all happened too quickly, and there was nothing I could do but attend the gathering. It’s a party for all the people rich enough for their name to be barely known.
“I’m fine.” I lie with ease and take a deep breath.
If he’s caught onto my lie, Ray doesn’t show it. Instead, as our arms are interlinked, he grabs my hand and gives it a tight squeeze in reassurance. Tonight may very well be the last day I live, and he’s aware of it.
My goal isn’t to die, but it could happen.
All of these people are somehow connected to various criminal organizations. Hell, even the current Bratva boss will be here. He’s the one keeping Jane safe, so I’ll have to greet him properly.
But he’s giving me terrible vibes, and I can’t help how much I dislike him.
Even the De Santis’ have expanded. They started off as a simple assassination family—a guild—but now they’re into arms dealing as well. It’s not as big as their paid killings, but it’s enough to terrify people.
The thought of the danger lingers in my mind as we step forward, slowly going up the stairs. The door is right in front of us; behind it is another flight of stairs that leads down.
Everyone’s eyes will be on Ray and me.
I’m dressed in a long, red dress with a big slit reaching just around my thigh. The sleeves are long, yet the chilly breeze makes goosebumps tug on my skin. Ray’s pocket square and tie match the color of my dress perfectly.
“It’s showtime,” he whispers. “Do not let these people intimidate you. I’ve raised you better than that.”
A bitter, choked laugh slips.
If this were a normal situation, I wouldn’t have cared. Hell, I might’ve caused a scene just to lift up my mood and keep everyone’s attention on me. However, those days of oblivion are long behind me.
Now, there’s someone who is out to get me and harm my family. There’s a high possibility they will attend tonight’s event, yet I won’t know who they are. They will strike when I least expect it, and I have to be prepared.
A week and a half ago, Ray and I received two separate invitations for the event. It means I’m officially acknowledged as the heir of the Campbell empire. However, since Ray is still the head, he had to be invited, too.
“Do you think Hudson will follow through with the plan?”
I’m skeptical and barely manage to utter a response. “He better.” I grit my teeth.
The thought of having to suffer and work with him still occupies my mind daily. He’s becoming more and more insufferable, and my desire to see his blood is slowly rising, the control slipping away.
Someone snitched that the two families have called for a temporary truce. As an attendee of tonight’s event, the plan is fairly simple: make everyone believe that it’s not the truth.
I’m not exactly sure how Hudson will manage to start a loud argument, but I’m sure he’ll do a good job. After all, we’re the most compatible when it comes to arguing. Even if The Silencer isn’t attending tonight, there’s bound to be a person or two who will deliver the message.
The door opens, and I take a deep breath, managing to push the anxiety to the back of my head. My steps are slow, calculated, and my head is held high. Ray tightens his grip on my hand in reassurance, and, oddly enough, it helps.
Murmurs and whispers follow us as we step into the venue. All eyes are on us. I can sense the murderous intent from quite a few people. Some people are standing in the way and with a mere glance from me, they step aside and make room for us.
Nikolas is waiting for us near the bar with a glass of whiskey in his hand. He looks rather bored to be here, and it’s evident on his face that he doesn’t want to be approached. It’s probably why there’s a large distance between him and the rest of the people.
“I have to go greet a couple of people.” Ray withdraws his hand from mine, and I’m no longer nervous. It’s like allowing a child to step into the real world and although it’s not pleasant, it’s bearable.
“Alright.” I nod. “I’ll do the same.”
Harsh eyes don’t leave me, even once I’m alone. Ray and I were half an hour late, on purpose, because it’s the best way to grab people’s attention. I’m in the spotlight, and, for the time being, I’m the safest I’ll be tonight.
“Took you long enough,” Nikolas grumbles and orders me a drink of what he’s having. “Everyone was staring at me.”
“Aw, you poor baby. Can’t handle the pressure?”
He snorts. “Something like that. That dickhead is yet to appear.”
I nod. “He’ll be here, soon.”
“You think it’ll work?”
“To announce to the world that the two families hate each other? Yes. I’m not sure what comes afterward.”
“It’s easier for you to be snatched off the streets,” he says in a lower tone. “You should hire bodyguards.”
“Must I remind you what happened the last time? I was in the manor, yet they still snuck into my room without being detected. Bodyguards are useless.”
“You’re awfully chatty to me tonight,” he observes, a glint of hope lingering in his eyes.
“I kind of have to be. I can’t let the outsiders know that I loathe my brother.”
“You don’t mean that, Noah.” He sighs. “You and I have our differences but if someone will always have your back, it’s me.”
I hum and take a sip of the drink, my eyes scanning the room. Some people are still looking at me intently, waiting for something to happen.
“I killed your lover in cold blood, and you still love me? You’re either an idiot, or you never actually cared about Franco in the first place.”
He lifts a shoulder. “Maybe I’m waiting for you to settle down so I can kill your husband.”
I frown. “Revenge aside, you have no reason to kill Dylan.”
A look of disbelief flashes in his eyes. “You’re still marrying him?”
“Yes?”
“Never mind.”
“No, no.” I’m quick to stand in front of him. “Do tell.”
“Dylan might be the right choice for our family, but he’s not the right choice for you.”
A bitter laugh slips from my mouth, and I grin at the absurdity of his words.
“You’ve become quite the expert on love, haven’t you? Worry not, I don’t dish out more than I can take. I agreed to this marriage of my own volition.”
“You’re saying that you’re ready to spend the rest of your life with a man you don’t love?”
“What do I know about love?”
Niko looks like he’s about to speak but clamps his mouth shut. I’m grateful because it’s a conversation I’m not ready to have just yet. I’ve had my fair share of flings over the years, but no one stuck out.
My brother straightens his posture and clears his throat, eyes glued to the ground. Immediately, I sense a strong presence behind me and spin around, a small smile displaying on my face.
“Good evening, Noelle.” Bogdan Kalashnik greets me with a soft smile.
He's currently the biggest mafia boss in the world, he’s Russian, and he’s the man keeping my sister safe. I don’t like him or trust him, but he’s been Ray’s friend for many years and wouldn’t dare to mistreat Jane.
He kisses both of my cheeks and takes my hand in his.
“Good evening, sir.” I grin. “Still not aging?”
A loud laugh fills my ears as he throws his head back.
“You’ve always had your way with words.” He grins, showing two of his golden teeth. “You’ll make the perfect businesswoman. Let me take a good look at you.” He spins me around, and I’m caught off guard. “You’ve grown to look like your mother.”
“Thank you for your kind words.”
He releases my hand and waves me off in dismissal. Now that we’re in the middle of the venue, everyone is watching. I’m using the opportunity to show them that someone powerful will stand behind me if need be.
The smile doesn’t falter from his face, but his tone turns serious.
“Now, are you handling this… inconvenience properly?”
I swallow. “Of course. It will all be done soon.”
He nods. “I wish my children were half as useful as you.”
A pang of pain spreads through my chest. He’s anything but kind and if he and Ray didn’t need each other, he wouldn’t be showing me this side of himself. He’s a ruthless bastard, and I genuinely pity his children.
“There’s still time,” I offer with a little laugh. “They’ll grow to be capable.”
“They better,” he says, his tone bitter. Not an ounce of love or affection toward his children—he’s treating them like they’re his possessions to mold and shape into the perfect weapons.
Ray notices this little interaction from across the room and walks over toward where we’re standing. It’s as if a weight has been lifted off my shoulders the moment the two men see and greet each other.
“If you’ll excuse me, I have other people to greet.” I turn to Bogdan. “It was nice seeing you again, sir.”
“Likewise, Noelle.”
I leave the two men to chat and take a refill of the whiskey, my throat suddenly dry. Nikolas is staring at me; he wants to ask me something, but he’s reluctant. He knows I’m not in the mood to put up with his bullshit.
“What is it?”
“So, do you think the treaty will end once The Silencer is gone?”
“What an absurd question. Of course.”
“And you’ll be able to actually put a bullet in Hudson?”
“Obviously.” I don’t miss a beat. “Though, I’d get creative. Bullets are… boring .”
“So.” Niko doesn’t get the hint that I want to be alone once I grab the drink and start walking away. “Did you know that mom and Leah used to be best friends from high school up to the end of college?”
My movements come to a halt, and I slowly turn to look at him, bewilderment on my face.
“What?”
Leah De Santis is Hudson's mother. I haven’t seen her in years. She keeps to herself, much like Kalina, who rarely sets foot off the property. When I was a child, I heard stories about her friend. Afterward, Kalina would always cry for hours.
Now I understand why. As the wives of the rival families, they aren’t allowed to even look at each other, let alone be friends.
“Yes.” He nods. “So, if you ever want to put this to an end, they will surely want to help you.”
I laugh. “No need. Now, shoo! I need to be left alone.”
Strangely enough, he listens without a word. I feel an oncoming headache and rub my temple with my thumb. Nikolas is quite a handful at times, and it doesn’t help that he’s as stubborn as a mule.
I stop moving, feeling my breath hitch in my throat.
Hudson steps into the venue with a pretty girl on his arm. This is the first time I’ve ever seen her. Since I’ve been stalking him for a long time, I can’t help the annoyance that bursts in my body.
How did this little bastard sneak her past my knowledge? And who the hell is she?
She’s tall, though any tall woman looks short in comparison to Hudson. Her blonde hair is neatly pulled into a high ponytail, a red color coating her lips. It resembles the color of blood, and she’s wearing it with pride.
Why would such a pretty girl be with someone like him?
Is she here against her will?
No matter how much I want to focus my eyes on the pretty girl, Hudson draws me in like a magnetic force. My gaze continues to linger as our eyes meet, and I’m blown away by the eyes that look right back at me.
He’s dressed in a professional suit, which is the kind of clothing I’m used to seeing on him. However, what makes my brows crease in confusion is the shade of red that he chose for his tie.
It matches mine.
And Ray’s.
“Campbell.” Hudson approaches me, and I’m left speechless. He grins widely, and it continues to knock air out of my lungs.
“Little De Santis,” I greet back, breathless.
He tilts his head to the side, amusement growing on his face. His eyes slightly narrow at me, looking me up and down a couple of times. He stares for a moment longer than necessary on my cleavage, and I feel too exposed.
There’s undeniable hunger in that lustful gaze, and I’m terrified. Hudson is a walking temptation, and I’m not strong enough to resist.
“I told you to drop the nickname, Noelle,” he warns through a forced smile.
“It suits you.”
“We both know that’s a lie.”
Silence falls around us, and my eyes widen momentarily. His date looks at us like she’s been waiting for this to happen, a hopeful look in her eyes. However, she seems smart. She doesn’t speak to me or stare at me unnecessarily.
Good.
She’s too pretty; I might fall for her.
“You’re arrogantly annoying.” I grin, trying to escape the horror of the embarrassment I just faced. “Shouldn’t you be doing the thing you’re best at?”
“And what would that be?”
“Being a useless piece of shit.”
I’m aware that everyone is staring at us, anticipating with eager eyes and ears what is about to come. It’s like a movie, and the climax is slowly approaching.
Hudson’s stare hardens, and my stomach does a backflip. Ignoring these sensations is becoming more and more unbearable, and I don’t know how to completely get rid of them.
My heart is racing in my chest, and everyone else seems to disappear. Their voices fade out, and the harsh eyes no longer bother me. It’s just the two of us, in this deadly silent room, having a staring contest.
“Aren’t you being too harsh? Calling me useless when you’ve yet to take the position of your family’s head is a little… arrogant. Even for you.”
“Careful with your words, little De Santis.” I inch closer, yet my voice is loud enough to be heard from miles away. “You know how beautifully your brother’s blood was displayed. We wouldn’t want something similar happening to you, would we?”
His jaw clenches, and neither of us is now playing along with the plan.
My words hold venom, and they’re laced with provocation. He’s getting angry, and his date starts looking uncomfortable, slowly stepping back.
“Is that a threat I hear, Campbell?”
“It sure as fuck isn’t a compliment, little De Santis.”
Murmurs reach my ears, and I try my best not to cringe at my words. Amusement fills the room as the stares aimed in our direction intensify. Neither Ray nor Henrick want to intervene. They both want to see how their heirs will resolve this very public dispute.
And they also can’t interfere. It’s all a part of the plan.
Right?
The look in his eyes reminds me of the last event we attended, when he stabbed my thigh. The hatred fills his deep green irises, promising to make my life a living hell if I so much as even think of continuing this argument in such a manner.
Yet, the threat doesn’t faze me. It only makes me want to push his buttons more until he reaches his breaking point and all hell breaks loose. It would be a wonderful sight to see.
“Your mouth is irritating,” he grits out. “Should I cover it up with a damned pillow to shut you up? Just like Luciella?”
Blood runs cold in my veins at the mention of my aunt’s death. A loud, humorless laugh slips my lips, and I stare at him bewildered.
“How would you know anything about Luciella’s death? You never had the balls to do anything similar on your own. It was always your dear brother and daddy holding your hand.”
That seems enough to push him over the edge, and he steps closer to me, closing the gap between us.
All I can do is inhale the addicting scent radiating off his body and pray that it doesn’t ruin me.
“Should I put a bullet between your eyes, right here, right now, and prove myself?”
I raise a brow and stare up at him.
“How adorable. You need my approval.”
“You little—” He stops himself before he can say something that will put him in everyone’s bad graces. However, this isn’t enough. All I need is another little push, and it should tip over in our favor.
“Little, what? On second thought, I changed my mind.” I inch closer, getting on my toes and getting closer to his face. Our noses are inches apart, and my heart nearly bursts.
The proximity is dangerous. His hot breath hits my face, and I’m barely keeping myself standing straight. The effect this interaction has on me is both irritating and exciting. It’s something unexplainable; something new.
“Do it,” I dare with a grin, the tips of our noses touching. “Kill me if you dare, little De Santis.”
Electricity runs down my spine at the smallest touch, and I’m instantly reminded of that night when he sucked blood off my lips. It lasted barely a couple of seconds, but those seconds were too much for me to handle. I was impelled, captivated by the sadism he displayed.
Just like now.
The beast is slowly coming out, threatening to ruin everything in its path until the prey is caught and dealt with. And the prey is me.
“You don’t know what you’re asking for,” he sneers, his anger peeking through the calm facade he’s been trying to hold up. “Why do you think death is the only way to ruin a little pest like you? I can do something far worse.”
“Really? Will your daddy help, or can you do it on your own?”
He brushes back a fallen strand of my hair and tucks it behind my ear with a menacing grin. Everyone else knows what it means. I know what it means.
It means I’m utterly and completely fucked.
“You’ll find out by the end of the night.” He then leans and whispers in my ear. “But worry not, I don’t share my toys with anyone.”
That sentence alone leaves me breathless as he leaves, glancing at me one last time.
I stare at his rigid shoulders and already know that this isn’t the last altercation of the night. I might’ve pushed it too far, and he’s bound to unleash his anger on me.
It makes my heart skip a beat.