ONE
Staring into the brightly lit mirror in the club’s bathroom, I tug my crocheted shirt back into place. It’s open most of the way, exposing nearly my entire chest and the jewelry around my neck. Matching gems sparkle in my ears, the sapphires identical to the color of my eyes. My black pants hug my ass, and I check to make sure there isn’t a wrinkle in sight. Leaning closer, I touch up my eyeliner and lip stain before sweeping my hair back, the front pieces framing my sharp features. The gray color is starting to fade and will need to be redone soon. My rings glisten in the light, the gold and silver mismatched pieces covering nearly every finger. The most important one is my signet ring, and for a moment, I stare at it before meeting my gaze again and forcing a fake smile on my lips.
I am supposed to appear perfect at all times—approachable but untouchable, sexy but powerful, feminine and masculine. I am supposed to be their wildest fantasy and their deepest fear.
My expression screams asshole, and that’s fine with me. It’s better than the truth, which is that I feel nothing, not anymore at least.
I head back out to the party. The bar is fully rented out for us, and friends, associates, and business partners are spread throughout theroom. The richest and most dangerous people are all in one space, including the four sons.
That’s what they call us.
Four families run the streets in Pine Valley, and each one has a son—a blessing or a curse, I’m not sure. We grew up together as allies and enemies, creating a bond that could never be broken. It was almost natural when Faiz and I started dating eight years ago. It was expected, but it didn’t make it any less exciting and fun. We were young and in love, but somewhere along the way, that faded.
Do I still love him?
Does he love me?
I don’t actually know if it’s duty, honor, or love that keeps us together. Everyone else views us as a powerhouse—two sons of the most dangerous families in Pine Valley linked together in an unstoppable show of force and money. Faiz Bardin is the eldest son and set to take over from his father in a few years. The Bardins control imports and exports in the city, as well as those around us.
My eyes land Julies Landry as he takes a shot from a waitress’s ample tits, his black hair spiked up and his ears covered in tattoos and earrings. The Landrys control all the businesses on the southside. They made money through violence, and Julies is no exception to that. He’s rough and rich, but he’s a loyal friend and an even worse enemy, depending on where you stand.
Chan Harper’s voice fills the air as he yells at someone from the stage. Men and women are draped across him, vying for his attention. The Harpers run drugs and women. I can’t say it’s my cup of tea, but I’m not one to question morality when my hands are stained with blood and the money I carry is taken by force.
That brings us to the last family.
I am Zia Xander, the only child of the great Marcus Xander, the man who single-handedly took his family from rags to riches in a lifetime. We run the business sector within the city. From clubs to construction, you name it, we own it. The Xanders and Bardins control most of this city, though many would say our family is more powerful than the others.
Is that why Faiz stays with me?
Speaking of, where is he? He was out here doing shots when I went to the bathroom, but now he’s nowhere in sight. Searching the crowd, I ignore those who are calling to me. Most of the people here want something—my name, my body, my money, or my power. Every conversation is filled with a hidden agenda, and every soft touch is a blade digging into my life. It’s a fine line between trust and power, and I can never be too careful. The only one I trust is Faiz, but even then, I keep him separate from parts of my life—a habit or a precaution, I don’t know.
“Zia!” Julies yells, wiping powder from his nose as he slings his arm around me. “Having a good night?”
“I forgot what we are even celebrating,” I deadpan, frowning at the wrinkles forming in my shirt from his fumbling touch.
“Who cares? We own this fucking world, so we should enjoy it,” he booms.
“Hmm,” I hum, knowing it’s easier to agree than fight. “Have you seen Faiz?”
“Your lover boy is over there.” He points at a shadowy corner, and my eyes tighten ever so slightly, the only indication of my feelings. He’s leaning into a young, pretty thing with big eyes and an innocent expression. He’s just Faiz’s type. “Doesn’t it bother you watching him flirt with others?” Julies asks curiously, his sharp eyes seeing too much.
He’s high, and I know he will forget this conversation, which is the only reason I admit the next part. “It used to.” I head to the bar, leaving Faiz to his flirting. It should upset me, but I’m just . . . tired of all of the parties, men, women, and falseness. No wonder my father withdrew from this world. It is exhausting.
I tap the bar to get the bartender’s attention, and within a second, a drink appears before me, the server bowing respectfully although fear glints in his eyes.
I might look like a pampered rich boy, but everyone here knows what I’m capable of and what I am willing to do to keep my family and reputation safe. Downing the whiskey, I keep my eyes on the mirrorabove the bar, looking across the room before I see Faiz lead the young guy down the back corridor.
I watch them go and school my features, refusing to let it get to me.
Breathing deeply, I lay some cash down and turn, winding my way through the party with slow, confident steps. I stop for photos before I make it to the back corridor they disappeared down. I don’t run as I head farther down, past the bathroom to a staff only room. The door is slightly ajar, letting light spill from inside, along with noises.
Familiar noises.
Gripping the handle, I push it open and freeze.
I knew what I would find. It isn’t the first time he’s cheated. It is different seeing it, though, than simply knowing it, and agony shatters my chest before I shove it down. He won’t care if he hurts me. He’ll expect me to stay silent and pretend I don’t know.
Both of us have ignored all of the wrongs and truths within our relationship, but I can’t seem to look away from them.
