67

67
Adriano
Even though the news confirmed they were my family, I couldn’t believe it—not yet. I needed proof. Zero was a dangerous killer, and he had never failed me before, but this was different.
I had to be sure they were truly gone. That’s why I ordered Matteo to investigate. I was still deep in sleep when my phone rang.
I glanced at Azalea sleeping peacefully beside me before answering.
“Sir.”
“Spare me the details, Matteo. Is it done?”
“The bodies,” he said quietly. “They were burned beyond recognition.”
My heart skipped a beat. “So? Are you saying you can’t confirm they were the ones?”
“Yes,” he replied. “I can’t say for certain they were your family.”
“Okay, I’ll talk to you later.” I exhaled deeply as I ended the call. Stepping into the corner of the room, I dialed another number.
“It is done, sir,” the familiar voice answered.
“Zero,” I whispered softly, not wanting to wake Azalea. “Are you sure they were the ones?”
“Yes,” he responded. “They are gone.”
“Including that bastard, Alex?”
The silence on the other end told me everything I needed to know.
“He’s still alive, isn’t he?”
“Sir—”
“Shut up,” I said, cutting him short. “Answer my damn question!”
“Yes,” he answered truthfully.
“How much?” I demanded, my voice sounding cold. “How much did he offer you to let him go?”
Rage burned through me, hotter with every word. I needed them gone, especially Alexander.
“Sir—”
“Answer my goddamn question,” I hissed, my nails digging into my flesh as I tried hard to control the rage that threatened to consume me. “NOW!”
“I didn’t find him in the car,” he whispered. “I saw three figures—your stepmother, father, and their driver—but Alex…” He paused. “He was nowhere to be found.”
“Look for him,” I snapped. “I want you to search every corner to find him. Either alive or dead. He must still be at the hospital. I remember shooting him. Find him, or you’ll take his place.”
“Yes, sir.”
I turned back to check on Azalea, but she was still sleeping peacefully. She could never know about any of this.
I put my phone away and walked back to the bed, sitting down gently. I brushed her hair softly and kissed her forehead. I would remove any obstacle that stood in our way.
She stirred and opened her eyes slowly. “Good morning, love.”
She rubbed her eyes sleepily. “How was your night, honey?”
I smiled despite everything weighing on my mind. “Good, honey. Thanks to you, I’m feeling better.”
Her eyes softened with concern. I knew she was trying her best to comfort me. It was both touching and painful, knowing she was trying to heal wounds I had created myself.
Azalea sat up suddenly. “I’ll cook for you.”
I was stunned before regaining myself. “What did you just say?”
“I’ll cook for you,” she repeated with a bright smile.
She wasn’t done with this ‘making me feel better’ thing. Well, it wasn’t bad either.
“Okay. Do whatever makes you happy.”
I watched as she hurried to the bathroom to get ready. When she came back out, fully dressed and eager, I couldn’t help but smile at her enthusiasm.
“I’ll be quick. I’ll call you when I’m done cooking.”
“Okay, love. I can’t wait to taste your food.”
“Alright. See you soon.”
After she left, I got ready for my shower. As the water ran over me, my mind kept returning to Alex. Where was that lunatic hiding? I needed to find him before he caused more problems.
The cold water helped wash away some of the tension, but not the worry. After drying off, I returned to the bedroom and was surprised to find Azalea standing in the doorway looking upset.
“You’re back already.”
“Yes,” she responded.
“What’s wrong?” I asked, walking over to her and taking her hands. “Why do you look upset?”
“The food is ready,” she mumbled. “But Amira already left for school, and there’s so much food.”
“Oh,” I stated, understanding now. “Is that why you’re sad?”
“Yes, I wanted to make breakfast for you,” she said, looking disappointed.
I cupped her face gently, meeting her eyes. “Don’t be sad, honey. There will be other times.”
“Other times?” she asked hopefully.
“Yes. You can cook for me, and I’ll eat it when I get back from work.”
Her face lit up instantly. “I’d love that.”
Looking at her hopeful expression, I felt my heart tighten with both love and guilt. She was so pure, so caring, while I was drowning in darkness she knew nothing about.
I leaned down and kissed her softly, trying to pour all my conflicted feelings into that moment. For a few seconds, everything else faded away  — the phone calls, the violence, and the lies.
There was only her warmth and the way she made me feel human again. She responded to the kiss, and I could feel how much she cared for me.
“Adriano,” she moaned into the kiss as I deepened it.
Her hands found their way into my hair, pulling me closer, as if trying to bridge whatever small distance remained between us.
The intensity of the moment deepened, and I could feel every ounce of my restraint slipping away, replaced by an overwhelming desire to never let go.
I was growing hard for her, the need consuming me. I wanted her. I wanted to hear her scream my name as I thrust into her. But I didn’t know if she felt the same.
I didn’t want to force myself on her. I wanted to make sure she was ready, that she wanted this as much as I did.
I leaned in close, my lips brushing against her ear, and whispered, “Tell me if you want me to stop.”
Her breath hitched, and she nodded, her eyes meeting mine with a mix of desire and trust.
“I…I,” she stammered. “I don’t know.”
“You don’t have to push yourself, honey. I can wait.”
“I want you,” she whispered, her voice trembling with need. For a heartbeat, I froze, then crashed my lips against hers. The kiss this time was fierce, hungry, desperate, and burning with desire.