Craving My Brother's Best Friend (Bailey and Kaleb) novel Chapter 61

### Chapter 61

**Kaleb’s POV**

A tempest of rage surged within me, a raw, electric fury that threatened to consume every rational thought.

**Ten vouchers.**

The moment my gaze fell upon Marco, his back turned to me as he sauntered away, I could sense the insidious web of lies he had spun, ensnaring Bailey in his deceit.

That bastard. I had made it abundantly clear that he was to keep his distance from both me and her, yet, as expected, Marco had chosen to disregard my warning completely.

My fingers clenched tightly around the steering wheel, my knuckles turning a ghostly white as I sped through the dimly lit streets, each bump in the road only adding fuel to the fire raging within me.

The Serpent mafia’s stronghold loomed ahead, an ominous fortress shrouded in shadows, and all I could picture was Bailey’s innocent face, her wide eyes clouded with confusion,

her lips trembling as she dared to inquire about the identity of that man.

She didn’t deserve to be dragged into the murky depths from which I had fought so hard to escape.

As I pulled into the lot outside the syndicate’s warehouse, the massive steel doors stood like sentinels under the flickering glow of ancient lamps, shadows swirling ominously around the perimeter of the building.

A group of men congregated outside, their raucous laughter mingling with the smoke that twisted around them, tattoos glinting under the feeble light. They paused their banter as soon as they caught sight of me.

Some nodded in acknowledgment, while others quickly averted their eyes, sensing the storm brewing within me. I slammed my car door shut, the sound reverberating through the tense atmosphere, and strode into the chaos that awaited me inside.

The moment I crossed the threshold, the acrid stench of smoke, alcohol, and gasoline assaulted my senses, wrapping around me like a shroud.

The ambiance was a cacophony of noise—pool balls clattering, cards slapping against tables, and laughter that rang hollow, devoid of genuine joy.

My eyes locked onto Marco, lounging in a tattered leather chair as if he owned the entire establishment.

He was lean yet muscular, his arms inked with intricate tattoos, hair slicked back, and that infuriatingly arrogant grin plastered across his face.

As soon as our gazes met, his smirk widened, revealing a glimmer of amusement. “Kaleb, you’ve returned.”

Without a moment’s hesitation, I propelled myself forward, my fist connecting with his jaw before he could even rise from his chair.

The sickening crack of bone echoed through the room, a sound that brought a momentary hush over the chaos.

Marco’s head snapped back, and he stumbled, colliding with the chair behind him.

The boys around us sprang to their feet, their bodies tense, ready to intervene, but Marco raised a hand, his voice cold and commanding.

“Stop. Everyone get out.”

A brief moment of hesitation hung in the air as they exchanged glances, uncertainty flickering in their eyes.

“You heard me,” Marco growled, his tone brooking no argument.

“Out now!”

One by one, they began to disperse, the air thick with tension as they filed out, leaving us in a bubble of hostility.

“Motherfucker!” Marco roared, gripping the edge of the table to steady himself.

Blood dripped from his lip as he regarded me, a manic smile creeping across his face. “So she told you, huh? Your little princess.”

I remained silent, my anger boiling over as I charged at him again, my fist crashing into his face.

This time, he was prepared. He blocked my punch with his arm, retaliating with a swing that landed squarely in my ribs.

Pain flared through me, but I pushed it aside, shoving him hard, sending us both crashing into the table.

Cards and glasses flew in every direction, chaos erupting around us, but no one dared to step between Marco and me; they understood the gravity of the situation.

“You son of a bitch,” I snarled, grabbing his shirt and hurling him against the wall.

“I warned you to keep the hell away from me. Stay away from Bailey!”

Marco laughed, blood trickling from his lip, a twisted grin spreading across his face. He shoved me back, spitting right at my feet.

“You’re a fool, Kaleb.

Do you even know who she is? Do you know what her family did?”

“Shut the fuck up!” I yelled, swinging again, my fist smashing into his cheek. He grunted but remained standing, a testament to his stubbornness.

“Her dad,” Marco hissed, his eyes igniting with fury.

“Her dad killed your father, and you’re here defending her?

You’re a goddamn joke!”

His words struck me like a physical blow, freezing me in place, my chest heaving with disbelief.

“What did you just say?”

“You heard me,” Marco spat, pushing me back with brutal force.

“You’re dating the daughter of the man who murdered your father, and you’re acting like you’re in love.

“Whatever the truth is, I’ll uncover it myself, but you stay the hell away from Bailey. This is your final warning.”

Marco’s face hardened, his jaw clenched as he leaned closer, his breath hot against my skin.

“I don’t make the rules, Kaleb. You can’t protect her forever.

You should come back soon before the Serpents hunt you down. Or…” He tilted his head, that sinister grin creeping back.

“Or maybe I should just tell Bailey everything myself.

Let’s see how she reacts after discovering what you’ve done.

After she learns how you almost sabotaged her dad’s business.”

The blood drained from my face, rage coursing through my veins like fire.

“You wouldn’t dare,” I spat, my voice low and dangerous.

Marco chuckled darkly. “Wouldn’t I?”

In a flash, I slammed him against the wall, my fist pressing against his throat.

“If you go near her, if you even breathe her name, Marco, I swear you won’t live to regret it.”

For a moment, we stood locked in a fierce glare,

until finally, Marco grinned, his eyes sparkling with malice.

“Tick-tock, Kaleb. Your time’s running out, and so is hers. Come back so we can miss you here.”

I shoved him away, my chest heaving with anger and adrenaline, struggling to see straight.

This wasn’t over—not even close.

—

In the aftermath of the confrontation, I stood amidst the chaos, heart pounding not just from the adrenaline but from the weight of the truth that hung heavy in the air. Marco’s cruel words echoed in my mind, a haunting reminder of the tangled web of betrayal and blood that surrounded me. The revelation about Bailey’s father shook me to my core, igniting a fierce determination to protect her, no matter the cost. Despite the fury that had driven me into the syndicate’s heart, a flicker of clarity emerged; I was not just fighting for myself but for the love I felt for Bailey, a love that transcended the darkness of our families’ pasts. With every ounce of strength, I resolved to uncover the truth and shield her from the shadows that threatened to engulf us both.

As I stepped back into the night, the storm within me began to calm, replaced by a steely resolve. I understood that the journey ahead would be fraught with peril, but I was no longer just a pawn in a game I didn’t choose. I was a man with agency, willing to confront the demons of my past and challenge the fate that had been laid out for me. The stakes were higher than ever, but so was my commitment to Bailey. With each step away from the syndicate’s stronghold, I embraced the uncertainty of the road ahead, knowing that love could be a guiding light in the darkest of times. The battle was far from over, but I was ready to face whatever came next, fueled by a fierce love and an unyielding quest for truth.

### What to Expect in the Next Chapter?
In the upcoming chapter, my world is set to unravel further as the stakes rise higher than ever. The confrontation with Marco has ignited a fire within me, one that may either lead me to uncover hidden truths or plunge me deeper into the chaos of the mafia underworld. With Bailey’s safety hanging in the balance and the revelation of her father’s dark past looming over me, I must navigate a treacherous path. Expect to see me grappling with conflicting emotions as I contemplate my loyalties and the implications of Marco’s taunts. Will I find the strength to protect Bailey, or will the shadows of our families’ histories pull me back into a life I desperately want to escape?

As the chapter unfolds, the tension will escalate, and readers can anticipate my desperate quest for answers. I will be forced to confront not only the demons of my past but also the dangerous web of alliances and betrayals that threaten to ensnare me. The introduction of Cross, the enigmatic mafia lord, promises to complicate matters further, as I must discern friend from foe in a world where trust is a luxury I can no longer afford. Prepare for high-octane action, emotional turmoil, and the relentless pursuit of truth as I race against time to save the one person I care about most. The next chapter is bound to be a rollercoaster of revelations and confrontations that will leave readers breathless.