My days and nights were spent running successful legal and illegal businesses. As the mafia boss of East Dremest, I had a reputation to uphold. Falling for two men was a weakness I didn't want.

The people I loved before were no longer above ground. Circumstances arose and they were a risk I had to extinguish. Nothing good came from me loving another. I didn't want to do so again.

Trying to resist Vail and Hartley was useless. Once I had them close, letting them go was impossible.

They were mine and I'd show them what it meant to be so.

I had to keep my lives separate. They didn't need to see the blood on my hands or the weapons I kept. They didn't need to witness the violence.

But I wasn't the only one with a past.

Their lives were mine to protect. Their hearts were mine to hold. I would do anything in my power to keep them safe.

If only it were that easy. If only theirs weren't the only hearts in play.

My ex was missing, and all fingers pointed toward Jordan, the mafia boss of East Dremest, and one of the men I loved.

Every moment in Jordan's and Hartley's arms were filled with more care and attention than I'd ever had. Until the night when Jordan was dragged away in handcuffs before our very eyes.

It didn't matter what anyone said to me; I had to hear it from Jordan's lips that he didn't go behind my back to commit a crime I explicitly asked him not to.

Once I had the answer, the nightmare didn't end. My ex was still out there, biding his time until he could put a plan in place to get me back. I wouldn't go. Not now. Not ever.

Gil was in my past, while torturing my present. If only this would end. If only I could be free of him and the pain he inflicted.

At least I had my men to hold me up when I couldn't do it myself. They were the strength I needed. The best parts of my life. They loved me without reservation.

Until Gil was found and I could live without fear, I'd do the best I could to get through each day.