★★Leon's POV★★



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The dealer shuffled the deck expertly, the smooth sound of cards sliding against each other filling the air as we settled into our seats. Niko leaned back, one arm draped casually over the chair, while Mariella shifted in her seat, positioned right between us. I could feel the tension rolling off her—like she knew this was dangerous territory but had no way out.

Damien smirked as he placed his bet, his eyes flickering between me and Niko like he was watching a slow-burning fire just waiting to explode. Antonio, ever the silent observer, leaned back, his fingers tapping lightly on the table as he watched the game unfold.

The first round of cards was dealt.

I kept my face unreadable as I glanced at my hand—nothing spectacular, but enough to play with. Niko, on the other hand, was working hard to keep his own expression neutral, but I caught the way his fingers tightened slightly around his chips.

Interesting.

The game began, each of us placing bets and making careful decisions. I played it slow, watching Niko more than my cards. He was confident, but his impatience showed in the way he tapped his fingers against the table, a small tell he probably didn't realize he had.

I leaned in slightly, keeping my voice just low enough for him to hear. "You ever think about what happens to the smaller fish in the ocean, Niko?" I mused, my fingers absently tracing the edge of my chips.

He glanced at me, his smirk faltering just for a second. "What are you getting at, Leon?"

I shrugged, placing another bet. "Just a thought. The bigger fish always devour the smaller ones. The weak don't last long in this world. Makes you wonder..." I looked at him then, my smirk sharp. "What happens when you're no longer the biggest fish in the room?"

Mariella inhaled sharply beside me, but she didn't say a word. Her body was tense, her fingers curled slightly against the table.

Niko chuckled, shaking his head as he placed his bet. "You like your little analogies, don't you?" His voice was smooth, but I could hear the edge behind it.

I simply smiled. "Only when they fit."

The dealer revealed the next set of cards. Niko's smirk returned when he saw his hand, but I didn't react. I already knew I had him beat.

As the tension thickened between us, I let my hand drift beneath the table, my fingers brushing lightly over Mariella's thigh.

She stiffened instantly, her breath hitching so quietly that only I could hear it.

I dragged my fingers just slightly, slow and deliberate, feeling the way her muscles tensed beneath my touch. She didn't move away, didn't push me off—but she was frozen, her entire body betraying her.

I smirked.

She was trying so hard to ignore me, keeping her focus on the game, but I knew exactly what I was doing to her. I leaned in, my lips barely an inch from her ear, my voice a dark whisper. "Relax, baby. You're wound up so tight."

Her jaw clenched, and she shifted in her seat, but I didn't move my hand. Instead, I let my fingers brush up just a little higher. A dangerous game.

The final card was dealt.

Niko exhaled through his nose, confident. "Looks like this round's mine," he said, reaching for his chips.

The dealer turned my card over.

Blackjack.

I smiled slowly. "Tough luck, Niko." I tossed my chips in, collecting my winnings. "Seems the bigger fish always wins."

Niko's jaw tensed, but he forced a chuckle. "Guess I'll have to try harder next round."

I leaned back in my chair, my hand still resting just barely on Mariella's thigh. "Oh, I'm sure you will."

Mariella let out a breath, her fingers gripping her own lap. She was trying so damn hard to act unaffected, but I could feel her pulse hammering beneath my touch.

This was far from over.

I leaned back in my chair, finally releasing my hold on Mariella's thigh. She exhaled sharply, as if she'd been holding her breath the entire time. I caught the way she glanced at me over her shoulder, her pupils blown, her lips parted slightly. Her chest rose and fell, each breath deeper than the last.

Damn, she was tempting. Too tempting.

I took a slow sip of my drink, allowing the burn to ground me back in the moment, just as my earpiece crackled to life.

"Le piège est prêt. J'attends votre signal, patro (The trap is ready. Waiting for your signal, boss)."

I exchanged looks with Damien and Antonio, keeping my face unreadable, but Mariella wasn't stupid. She picked up on the shift in the air immediately, her sharp gaze narrowing as she leaned in slightly, expecting an explanation.

We gave her nothing.

Her eyes flicked between us, then settled on Antonio, who, to his credit, managed to hold out for a whole three seconds before caving under her glare. He turned away completely, downing the rest of his drink like it would save him.

Mariella's attention snapped back to me, irritation flashing across her face. She hated being left in the dark, and I knew she wouldn't let this go easily. She was too smart for that.

Before she could press further, I threw her off by leaning in, closing the space between us. She didn't pull away. Her eyes flickered to my lips, then back up, her breathing uneven.

Fuck.

If she kept looking at me like that, I was going to end up dragging her onto this damn table and showing her exactly what she does to me.

She tilted her head slightly, nodding toward the hallway leading to the restrooms. A silent invitation.

Was she seriously asking me to follow her and fuck her right now? In the middle of all this?

I wasn't about to turn down the offer, but shit I was tight on schedule, baby.

Then she turned to Niko, who was too wrapped up in conversation to notice anything.

"Niko, I really need to use the ladies' room. If I don't, I'll risk a UTI."

I nearly choked on my drink at the audacity.

Niko barely spared her a glance, waving her off. "Yeah, go ahead."

Mariella stood, throwing a glance over her shoulder at me, her meaning clear.

Fucking hell. She was playing with fire, and she knew it.

I hesitated for a second, then exhaled sharply, pushing away from the table. I glanced at Damien and Antonio. "Attends mon signal. Ne le perds pas de vue. (Wait for my signal. Don't lose sight of him.)"

They nodded, and I got up, following Mariella toward the restrooms.

This woman is a drug I can't get off from.

As I follow Mariella into the bathroom, I'm met with a sight that makes my blood run hot. She's leaning against the sink, her arms crossed, and a sly smile playing on her lips. I smirk, thinking I've got her all wrong, that she's not interested in me after all. But then my eyes trail down her body, and I'm a goner. That silly little dress is begging to be torn off, and those toned legs... I can see them faintly through the fabric, and my cock twitches with anticipation.

She stiffens as she feels my eyes on her, and I can see the flush rising to her cheeks. Her breathing is heaving, making her breasts bounce up and down, and I groan, my cock tensing up. "Leon, I'm not fucking you in a bathroom if that's what you're thinking," she says, her voice husky, but I can hear the amusement in her tone.

I tilt my head, looking down at her, and she stares up at me with those big blue eyes, looking like the innocent little princess she's not. I smirk, and my voice drops to a whisper. "If not the bathroom, then how about my bathroom?" I say with a teasing grin, my gaze lingering on her a little too long.

She blushes, bites her bottom lip, and I groan, my hands itching to grab her. I grip her hair, bundling it in my hands, and she groans, her head falling back as I expose her neck. I lean down, my lips grazing her ear, and she whimpers my name, "Leon." I chuckle darkly, my breath sending shivers down her spine.

"Princess, if you keep saying my name like that, I'll have no choice but to rip that dress off and bend you over, right here, right now. I'll make you scream my name, over and over, until you're begging for more. And then, I'll take you to oblivion, and back again, until you're nothing but a trembling, quivering mess." I whisper in her ear, my lips kissing her earlobe, and she grabs my tie, pulling me closer.

I bring my tongue out, licking her neck, and she moans, her body melting into mine. But then she says "wait," and I don't care. I start sucking her neck, marking her mine. She's all mine, and she will be mine.

She pushes me back, and I stumble, looking at her in confusion. Her hair is a mess, and she's trying to catch her breath. I smirk, thinking I've got her right where I want her. "Scared, princess?" I say, my voice dripping with amusement.

She looks at me, her finger raised, and I groan, impatient.

"First, don't ever pull something like that again," she says, her voice a mix of warning and mock sternness, though I catch the glint of a smirk lurking in her eyes.

"Second, there's something I need to tell you." Her tone shifts, serious now, and I narrow my eyes, trying to figure out what's behind that sudden change.

"What is it?" I snap, my irritation clear, but she stands taller, her expression shifting to one of concern.

"Niko... he's planning something tonight."

My mind goes blank for a moment as my gaze locks onto hers, a wave of unease washing over me.

What could he be up to? Does he know something? How does she know? Every possibility runs through my mind in an instant.

I bring my hands to my face, rubbing my temples as I try to process the information. When I look back at her, she's lost in thought, piecing the details together. "I had dinner with him at my place," she says, her voice tight with anxiety. "I overheard him on the phone, talking to someone about a casino. He said it needs to go smoothly." Her voice trembles slightly, and the fear in her eyes is unmistakable. It's clear this isn't just some casual conversation—there's something much more dangerous at play.

My fist curls, and my nose flares, my blood boiling with rage. I step forward, and she steps back, stumbling on the sink. She looks up at me, scared and worried, and I steady my breathing, trying to control my temper. "Alright," I say, my voice soft, but firm.

She looks at me, confusion flickering across her face, but there's an undeniable spark of curiosity in her gaze. "What's going on, Leon?" she asks, stepping closer, her hand gripping my arm.

I hold her gaze, my voice low and determined. "I'm planning on taking Niko tonight." Her eyes widen, her curiosity now fully piqued, and she looks at me, waiting for the next move.

I lift my hand, gently cupping her jaw, my thumb brushing over her cheek in a soft, tender motion. "You can't be here, princess. It's not safe," I say, my voice quiet but firm, filled with a seriousness that I hope she feels. She relaxes into my touch, her big blue eyes locking onto mine, and in that moment, I'm completely lost. I'm hooked on her, and it's clear now—I'll do whatever it takes to keep her safe.

I smile at her, my eyes crinkling at the corners as I chuckle. "Can't blame a girl for being nosy?" she says, her voice teasing. I reach out, my thumb brushing over her lips, feeling the softness of her skin under my touch. She stares at me, her eyes locked onto mine, and I can't help but murmur, "God, little princess, you're my fucking poison." The words hang in the air, heavy and undeniable.

I look at her lips, and I take my thumb, flicking her bottom lip. She blushes, smirks, and says "Leon," her voice pleading. Everything around us disappears, and it's just us, lost in this intense, crazy attraction.

I want her, I crave her, I need her. I need to taste her, feel her, make her mine. And I know, in this moment, I'll do anything to make that happen.

The tension in the air is suffocating as the voice in my earpiece crackles with urgency. "Nous avons une brèche !(We have a breach!)" Another voice follows, a deeper one this time. "Brother! It's a trap," Damien yells, and I can hear the panic rising in his voice.

Mariella's eyes widen at the faint warning, her gaze snapping to mine, but there's no time to explain. I spin around, hearing footsteps approaching fast. Without hesitation, I turn back to Mariella, just as she pulls a blade from her thigh holster. She glances at the approaching danger for a split second before slashing the fabric of her dress, making a slit down the side to free herself from the constriction of the tight material.

I pull my guns from their holsters, the weight of them grounding me. My heart races as I take position in front of her, ready to protect her at all costs.

The door bursts open, and six Greek men storm in, all armed with guns, knives, and the kind of determination that comes with knowing they're ready to kill. But they don't realize they're facing two of the most dangerous people alive.

I move first, my instincts taking over. The first man lunges toward me with a knife, but I'm faster—two shots in quick succession, and he drops to the floor, blood pooling beneath him. A second comes at me, but I sidestep, grabbing his arm and twisting it behind his back. A sharp crack and he's out of the fight, his gun slipping from his hand.

I catch a glimpse of Mariella in my peripheral, and she's a force to be reckoned with. She dodges a swing from one of the men, her knife flashing in a deadly arc. The blade slides across his throat, and he stumbles backward, clutching at the wound. Without missing a beat, she spins to face another attacker, driving her knife into his gut with precision, her eyes cold and calculating.

I take down another opponent with a well-placed bullet to the chest, and the room fills with the stench of gunpowder and sweat. A fourth man charges at me, swinging his fist, but I duck under his punch and bring my knee into his stomach. He stumbles back, and I finish him off with a bullet to the head.

Mariella is a whirlwind of speed and skill, her movements smooth and lethal. She blocks a knife strike with her arm, the edge grazing her skin, but she doesn't falter. She retaliates instantly, throwing a spinning kick that connects with the man's face, sending him crashing into the sink.

I glance back at her, a quick nod of approval before I take down the last two. One is aiming his gun at Mariella, but I'm faster. I shoot his hand, the gun falling to the ground as he screams in pain. The final man tries to charge her, but Mariella's blade catches him under the ribs, and he falls to the floor with a grunt.

The bathroom is silent now, save for the heavy breathing, the occasional drip of blood hitting the tile. We stand amidst the chaos, a perfect team—nothing left but the bodies of those who dared to challenge us.

I lower my guns, holstering them as I turn to Mariella. Her eyes meet mine, and for a moment, there's nothing but a mutual understanding. We survived. Together.

"Let's move." I barely whisper the words as the adrenaline begins to flood my system, a surge of focus sharpening my senses. Mariella nods, her sharp eyes scanning the room before we start to sprint, stepping over the dead bodies sprawled across the floor, their blood staining the white tile beneath us. I'm not processing the carnage right now—I'm focused on getting out of this bathroom alive.

I reach the door and open it carefully, one hand holding my gun steady, the other pushing the door open just enough to peer into the chaos. The instant it cracks, the shrill sounds of people running, screaming, fill the air. Blood splattered on the walls and pooling across the floor. What the fuck happened?

Mariella peeks over my shoulder and gasps, her eyes wide with shock. She looks back at me, concern flashing across her features.

"Stay close to me," I murmur, trying to keep my voice calm, but I can hear the tension rising in it.

She narrows her eyes, defiant as ever, and argues back, "You don't have to worry about me. I can take care of myself."

I feel a frustration boiling up in my chest, a storm that's impossible to ignore. I let out a sharp sigh, my voice low and dangerous. "Mariella, I'm not fucking asking. Stay behind me."

I peer around the doorframe, both guns in hand, ready for anything. Then, slowly, I step out into the hallway, keeping my body low. Mariella follows behind me, her knives clenched tightly in each hand, her gaze never leaving the path ahead.

We move cautiously, step by step, the sounds of panicked footsteps and yelling echoing through the hallway. I tap my earpiece, my voice steady despite the growing tension. "What's happening?"

There's a pause before Antonio's voice comes through, filled with urgency. "Leon... It's Niko. He snuck his men inside the building, killing half of the people here."

A growl forms in the back of my throat. I grip my guns tighter. I'll fucking kill him.

"Brother?" I call into the earpiece, hoping for a response. Silence stretches out, thick and heavy.

I repeat, my voice tinged with growing worry, "Damien ? Où est Damien ? (Damien? Where's Damien?)" The silence is killing me.

Antonio's voice returns, quieter now. "I lost him during the breakout."

Fuck. My heart sinks.

I glance back at Mariella, but she's already looking at me, her hand reaching for mine. "Wait here," I say, but she grips my hand tighter, her eyes pleading.

"No. Where the hell are you going?" she demands, her grip tightening, her eyes burning with a mix of worry and defiance.

I look down at her, feeling the weight of her concern settle in my chest. It hits me harder than I expected—just how much I can't lose her. My voice softens, almost cracking under the pressure. "Mariella. Please. Wait here, baby." I say, the plea laced with a desperation I can't hide.

She hesitates, then nods, her face filled with concern. "Please... be careful." She lets go of my hand, the worry lingering in her eyes as I turn back to face the chaos.

I take a deep breath. Time to finish this.

I move forward, guns raised, making my way toward the open area of the casino. The air feels thick with the impending danger, every step like a countdown. As I step into the larger room, I steady my breath, my eyes scanning the chaos. The sound of men yelling, bullets whizzing through the air, and the screams of terrified civilians create a deafening symphony.

I move with calculated precision, stepping into the open space with guns at eye level, searching for targets. Then, I hear the unmistakable sound of footsteps—a shadow moving swiftly toward me. I squeeze the trigger before I even think about it, my aim flawless. A Greek man drops to the floor, his gun clattering to the ground.

I roll to the side, dodging a spray of bullets, and return fire—two shots, one to the chest, one to the head. The Greek men are closing in. More are spilling into the room from all sides. There's no way out but through them.

The next man comes at me with a knife, and I sidestep, sweeping his legs out from under him with a kick. He crashes to the floor, and before he can recover, I fire point-blank, taking him out.

Then the rest of them swarm in, like vultures, but I move too fast. I'm all speed and precision, flipping and dodging as I put down each one of them, gunfire ringing through the casino like a storm.

Another Greek man charges at me, and this time I let him get close enough. He swings his blade, but I catch his wrist, twisting it until I hear a sickening crack. He drops the knife, and I take him down with a bullet to the head.

Just as the last man tries to take a swing at me from behind, Mariella's blade slides through the air, hitting him with deadly accuracy. She steps into view, cold and calculating, not a trace of fear in her eyes.

Well, damn.

The casino floor is littered with bodies now—blood staining the tiles, the stench of death in the air. But before I can catch my breath, the sound of more footsteps echoes from the hallway. I don't even have time to process it before Antonio bursts onto the scene, his gun raised, his eyes scanning the room.

Without missing a beat, he drops one of the remaining men with a headshot, and then turns to me with a nod. "You good?"

I exhale, holstering my guns. "For now."

Mariella moves to my side, and I can't help but pull her close, my eyes scanning the room once more. "What the hell happened here?" I ask, my voice low.

Antonio glances around, his face grim. "Niko's men are everywhere. But it looks like they're not the only problem."

I look over at him, the realization setting in—this was just the beginning. The real battle is yet to come.

And I'll be damned if Niko thinks he's getting away with any of this.

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OH NOO

DAMIEN??? is pookie alive?

Bye, lovies! (っ◔◡◔)っ

Maddie♡