Chapter 113
“By twenty–five, I joined a small cartel. They were on the brink of collapse; nobody took them seriously. But with strategy and persuasion, I kept them alive. More than that–I expanded. We took over territories, crushed competition, and grew stronger.”
I swallowed hard.
“At thirty–three, I almost got married.”
Elijah’s eyes widened.
“But not for love,” I added firmly. “It was strategy. I needed an heir to take over when I died. But she betrayed me. And she paid for it with her life. I killed her. No guilt. No regrets.”
His eyes blinked a few times.
“I’ve slept with plenty of people… But it was never good for them. I never cared about love, affection, or intimacy.”
I noticed him biting his lip, probably remembering what happened between us that night.
“My only focus was the cartel, power, and expansion. Until… I met you.”
He frowned, confused.
“Remember when you asked me if we’d met before?”
He nodded slowly.
“Yes, we did meet. About eight months ago. My car broke down, and I stopped you on the street to ask for directions to a repair shop. You were kind and told me where to go.”
He brought a hand to his mouth, surprised.
“That was you? I… I didn’t even notice. I was freaking out over my finals… I must’ve answered automatically… I barely remember your face.”
I gave a crooked smile.
“But I remembered. Every detail. Your face, your voice… everything stuck in my head. That was the moment an obsession was born. I thought about you so many times… I wanted you. Even if by force. Even if it meant kidnapping you.”
He swallowed hard, his expression caught between shock and realization.
“I was… and still am… crazy about you, Elijah. And when you doubted me… it destroyed me. I’ve never felt anything like this. I don’t know how to deal with it. With hurt, with disappointment… with love.”
1/4
Chapter 113
I tilted my head slightly, watching the boy in front of me.
The tension between us stretched like a wire about to snap.
My heart still ached, but for the first time… it was opening up.
“Knowing you didn’t trust me… that hurt like hell. Because you’re the only one I ever let in. And even with everything I’ve done… everything I am… you’re the only one who’s ever made me want to be different.”
I took a deep breath and continued.
“I like killing, Elijah. I like manipulating people around me so they fear me. I’m not gentle. Never have been. Only with you. Only with you do I want to be different. But tell me… how can we keep going if you don’t trust me?”
His lips started to tremble.
He took a deep breath, hesitated for a second, and then came to me. He sat beside me on the bed and, carefully, took my hand.
“I love you, Dante. F**k, I love you so much…” His voice cracked for a second. “But knowing there are people in this place who’ve seen you naked… that you touched them… tasted them… it eats me alive.”
I squeezed his trembling fingers between mine.
“I tried to bury that insecurity. I swear I did. Because I trust you. I really do. But…”
He lowered his gaze, breathing deeply.
“But that damn insecurity consumed me. Made me doubt. Made me question you. Fight with you. I was weak, Dante. I let fear win.”
There was pain in every word.
But there was also truth.
And regret.


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