Chapter 15

Mateo

I awoke early the next morning, sunlight streaming through gaps in the curtains. For a few blissful moments, I simply basked in the warmth, content in the knowledge that Kael lay safely tucked against my side. Then memory crashed over me like a bucket of ice water — Santiago's revelations, Novak's involvement, and Kael's part in it all. There was something I needed to do.

Rolling over, I studied his peaceful face, heart clenching at the deception hidden beneath such innocence. How could the man I loved so deeply have kept something so important from me?

Gently shaking his shoulder, I roused him awake."Kael, we need to talk,"I said, voice low and serious. This couldn't wait."About your arrangement with Mr. Novak."

His eyes fluttered open, confusion giving way to wariness as understanding dawned. Swallowing hard, he sat up slowly, sheets pooling around his waist. I did the same, crossing my arms over my chest.

"Before you say anything,"I continued,"I know you were working with him to protect your job, your independence."He opened his mouth to interject, but I held up a hand, forestalling him."But that wasn't the only reason, was it?"

He closed his eyes, shoulders slumping in defeat."No,"he whispered, sounding miserable."Not anymore. At first, yes, I thought keeping you in the dark was best. I didn't want to risk losing you if you got upset with me."

Pain lanced through my chest at his admission. Trust, once broken, was difficult to mend. And yet, anger refused to take hold. In its place rose a profound sense of hurt, of betrayal so deep it threatened to swallow me whole.

"How could you not tell me?"I whispered, reaching out to cup his cheek in my palm."Did you think so little of our bond that you couldn't confide in me?"

Tears glistened in his eyes, spilling over to track down his cheeks."I'm sorry,"he choked out."I never meant to hurt you. I just... I was scared. Scared that if you knew the truth, you might push me away. I couldn't bear the thought of losing you."

My heart ached for him even as frustration simmered beneath the surface. If only he had trusted me enough to share his fears, his doubts. We could have worked through this together instead of letting it fester into something far worse.

"You should have known better,"I admonished, brushing away his tears with my thumb."Our love is stronger than any obstacle. Nothing can come between us unless we let it."

He nodded with a jerk of his head, fresh tears welling up to replace those already fallen."You're right. I was wrong not to tell you sooner. I'll do whatever it takes to earn your trust again."

Sighing, I pulled him into my arms, holding him close as sobs shook his frame."Shh, it's alright,"I soothed, rubbing soothing circles over his back."I forgive you."

As Kael clung to me, his tears soaking into my shirt, I cradled him tenderly, rocking to comfort him. It was working. Even through the pain of his deception, my love for him remained unwavering. He was the other half of my soul, and nothing could change that.

"I promise you,"I murmured against his hair,"once Novak is taken care of, I will dismantle the cartel brick by brick if that's what it takes to secure our future together. No more secrets, no more lies between us."

He lifted his head then, surprise widening his eyes."You'd really give up everything for me?"His tone held equal parts wonder and disbelief.

Cupping his face in my hands, I met his gaze steadily, pouring every ounce of conviction into my words."In a heartbeat. You and our child mean more to me than any power or prestige. I won't let anything come before your happiness. I've changed my mind. That's what I'm going to do."

A shaky smile curved his lips, hope shining bright in his eyes despite the lingering uncertainty."I want to believe that. Want to trust that this is real, that we have a chance at a normal life together."

"We do,"I affirmed, sealing my vow with a gentle kiss."And I will spend the rest of my days proving it to you. No matter how long it takes."

I rose from the bed, ready to begin putting my plan into motion. Novak would not evade capture much longer. Not with the resources I commanded. And when I finally laid hands on him, I would make him pay dearly for his crimes against me.

Kael reached for me, grasping my wrist as I moved towards the door."Don't go,"he pleaded, voice heavy with emotion."Stay with me just a while longer."

Gazing down at him, I hesitated, torn between duty and desire. The longing in his eyes called to something deep within me, urging me to succumb to temptation. In the end, I could not refuse him.

Removing my hand from his grasp, I began unbuttoning my shirt with deliberate slowness. Kael watched me with hooded eyes, lower lip caught between his teeth as anticipation built between us.

Soon, barriers fell away until nothing separated us except air. My breath caught at the sight of him bared before me, all smooth skin and lean muscle. He truly was beautiful, inside and out.

"Come here,"I murmured, reaching for him. He flowed into my embrace as if drawn by an invisible string, pressing the length of his body flush against mine.

Warmth bloomed under my skin as our mouths met in a slow, sensual kiss. Tongues tangled, stoking the flames higher. By the time we parted, both of us were fully aroused, need pulsing between us.

Taking his hand, I led him to the bathroom, starting the shower. Steam quickly filled the room as I adjusted the temperature, ensuring it wasn't too hot. I had to be careful with the baby.

Under the cascading spray, I lathered soap into my palms before running them over his chest, mapping the contours of his body. He arched into my touch, head falling back as a low moan escaped his throat.

"Mateo,"he gasped, hips rolling forward to grind his hardness against mine."Please..."

"Patience,"I chuckled lowly, trailing fingers down his spine."I'm going to take good care of you."

Dropping to my knees, I urged his thighs apart, exposing his most intimate places to my hungry gaze. His member jutted proudly from a nest of damp curls, flushed and leaking at the tip.

Wasting no further time, I wrapped one hand around his length, stroking firmly from root to crown. My other hand delved lower, teasing the sensitive skin behind his balls.

"Oh god!"Kael cried out, fingers threading through my wet hair. His hips snapped forward eagerly, seeking more friction.

I took pity on him, laving my tongue along the underside of his shaft before drawing the head past my lips. He tasted of salt and musk, an intoxicating combination I knew I would never tire of.

Setting a steady rhythm, I worked him with mouth and hand, reveling in the slick glide of flesh against flesh. Pressure built rapidly at the base of my own spine, testicles drawing tight with impending release.

But I refused to find completion without him. Shifting positions, I guided his leg up over my shoulder, opening him fully to my mercy.

With one hand still pumping his throbbing member, I slipped two fingers into his entrance, curling them just so. His inner muscles clamped down around the intrusion, silently begging for more.

"That's it,"I encouraged, thrusting my fingers deep inside him."Take what you need."

He did, riding my hand with abandon as pleasure coiled tighter and tighter. His cries echoed off the tiled walls, music to my ears.

When his climax crashed over him, I swallowed every drop of essence he had to offer. He collapsed against me as though he had no bones, utterly spent.

Cradling him close, I allowed my own release to claim me, painting his stomach with thick ropes of come. We clung to each other under the fading spray, hearts beating in sync as aftershocks rippled through our joined bodies.

"I love you,"Kael whispered, gazing up at me with adoration shining in his eyes."So much it scares me sometimes."

My heart swelled near to bursting at his declaration."I love you too,"I vowed."More than anything in this world or the next. You are my everything."

Later that same day, I sat hunched over my desk, mind churning with possibilities. Kael's words echoed in my thoughts — the promise of a future free from bloodshed and danger. For too long, I had allowed fear and mistrust to dictate my actions, driving wedges between me and those closest to my heart. No more. It was time to forge a new path.

Rising with a sigh, I strode to the door, barking an order for Javier to summon my most trusted captains. Within minutes, they gathered in the study, faces etched with confusion and concern.

"What's this about dismantling the organization?"Javier demanded, voicing the unspoken doubts weighing heavily upon us all."That's crazy. Are you sure that's wise, boss?"

"Wise or not, it's necessary,"I replied without breaking eye contact, meeting each man's gaze in turn."We've lived in shadows long enough. It's time we came out."

Skeptical murmurs rippled through the group, dissent brewing beneath the surface. I held up a hand, forestalling further argument.

"I know change isn't easy,"I acknowledged."But think of the benefits — fewer enemies, reduced scrutiny, and the chance to build something lasting."Something worth fighting for, worth living for beyond mere survival.

Javier crossed his arms, expression hardening."And what happens when Novak catches wind of this? When rivals see an opportunity to strike?"

"Then we deal with them,"I retorted."Novak is already hunting us."

I could practically feel the wheels turning as they weighed the risks against the potential rewards. In truth, I shared their reservations. Abandoning the security of the familiar was daunting, especially given the opposition we would face. But the alternative — clinging to the status quo — promised nothing but stagnation and decay. Not to mention, I'd already promised Kael.

"We'll need to do it carefully,"I conceded."Protect our core interests while divesting non-essential assets. And we must do it quickly before anyone else suspects."

Slow nods greeted my pronouncement, understanding dawning on their faces. I thought they were going to protest more than they did. They saw the wisdom in my plan, even if they weren't fully convinced. Baby steps would lead the way.

Javier spoke up first, a wry grin tugging at his mouth."Looks like we've got quite the road ahead of us."

"Yes,"I agreed grimly."But with luck and a bit of ingenuity, we'll emerge stronger than ever."

Over the following weeks, we began divesting ourselves of the most illicit parts of our operations. We liquidated our stake in human trafficking networks, funneling those funds into legitimate investments like real estate and tech startups. Meanwhile, we negotiated with rival cartels to carve out new territories and establish buffer zones around our core holdings.

It wasn't being smooth sailing. Several lieutenants bristled at the perceived loss of power and prestige, grumbling about abandoning the very tactics that made us so successful. Some even threatened mutiny. But with firm guidance and the promise of greater stability in the long run, we managed to quell most of the unrest. They trusted me. That was what was making the most difference.

Perhaps the most challenging aspect was keeping our true intentions hidden from prying eyes. We couldn't risk Novak or another enemy capitalizing on our moment of vulnerability during transition. And, yes, we had to weaken ourselves to make my plans work.

So, we maintained the appearance of business as usual, even as we worked tirelessly behind the scenes to reshape the organization.

Through it all, Kael remained my anchor, a constant reminder of the life I fought to build. His presence filled the void left by the violence and deceit gradually receding from my world. With each passing day, the future seemed brighter, more hopeful.

But even as progress unfolded, danger still lurked. Novak continued his campaign of intimidation and sabotage, determined to undermine my authority. Whispers reached my ears of further dissent among the ranks, discontent with my latest decisions.

I knew I had to act decisively to maintain control and protect the fragile stability we had achieved thus far. Novak's capture became my top priority. Once he was eliminated, the rest would fall into place.

For now, I focused on solidifying alliances, fortifying our defenses, and laying the groundwork for a sustainable future.