Chapter 14 Marked and Unmasked
Valentina’s POV
I pull on a pair of army-green linen capris and a crisp white crop top, skin tingling with anticipation. My vest settles over my shoulders and I can’t hide the grin that spreads across my face. Killian waits for me, bare-chested in dark blue jeans and his cut, looking every bit the temptation he is. He’s a walking sin, and he knows it.
We step into the common room, instantly met with whistles, pounding fists, and laughter bouncing off the walls. The old ladies and girlfriends swarm me, arms thrown around my neck, pulling me into their circle. Giuliana flashes me a wicked smile from behind the bar, her own vest on, pouring shots and popping bottle caps, sending me a kiss through the noisy haze.
We make our way over to Slate, who’s hunched over his tattoo kit, eyes flicking up as we approach.
“So you’re after some ink today, Luna Fiera?” he teases, the nickname rolling off his tongue. I can’t help but giggle-I’ve grown to love the way it sounds.
“Yeah. I want Killian’s name on my ring finger, just like he’s got mine.
“No.” Killian’s voice lands flat and certain.
I arch a brow, folding my arms. “Excuse me? You promised.”
“You can have my name, but it’s not Killian. It’s Axel.”
I blink. “Axel?”
He flashes a crooked grin. “That’s right, babe. Axel Vex Calder. That’s me.”
Slate lets out a laugh, and Killian joins in. “Shit, even your name is hot,” I mutter, rolling my eyes at their
antics.
4
Killian leans close. “You hungry, babe? Want me to fix you something?”
“Grilled cheese?” I ask, grinning up at him.
“For you? Always.” He winks, striding off toward the kitchen.
e
C
As soon as he’s out of sight, I spin toward Slate, already untying the waist of my capris.
Slate’s eyes widen. “Vale, what the hell-?”
Over my shoulder, I catch Giuliana’s eye. “Stall him, Sniper. I need ten minutes.” She gives me a sly nod and disappears after Killian.
The room starts to buzz, brothers shifting, eyes on me. Screw it. I drop my pants, middle finger raised to the chorus of whistles. Laughter explodes around me as I stand there, bold in my red thong.
I plant myself in front of Slate. “I need you to ink ‘Property of Killian’ right above my pussy. Big and clear.”
He groans. “He’s gonna kill me. This is up close and real personal, Vale.”
“Come on, you’re basically family. Gia trusts you. I trust you.”
11.01
<Chapter 14 Marked and Unmasked
He wipes the skin, prepping the spot. “Why does everyone call Giuliana ‘Sniper’ anyway?”
“She hasn’t told you?” I smirk.
“Nope. Lay down and spill it. I’m running out of time here.”
“Fine, but you get the short version. The rest is up to her.” I glance around-the crowd of brothers is glued to the scene.
Slate growls, “Can we get some fucking privacy in here?”
Reluctant grumbling, but one by one, the guys file out, dragging the women with them. The room
hushes.
“That’s the power of being Sgt at Arms,” he says, a note of pride in his voice. “Third in command. They listen.”
“Impressive.” I climb onto the table, spreading out.
He gestures impatiently. “Story. Now.”
I let out a slow breath. “Our father was top tier-an assassin for the Italian mafia. Shit hit the fan. The family he worked for kidnapped me, Gia, and our mom. Mom didn’t make it out. Dad lost it, flipped on them, and we got thrown into Witness Protection. He trained us-me with knives, Gia with guns. She’s the best shot in any room. You really don’t want to piss her off.”
The needle buzzes. I barely feel it, adrenaline singing in my blood. In swirling script, he etches Property of Killian just above my mound, finishing it with the initials BRM. He smooths a clear gel over the fresh tattoo and covers it with a see-through bandage.
“That comes off in a couple hours. Now, pants up before he comes out and murders us both.”
I laugh, pulling my pants up quick, just as Killian’s voice drifts from the kitchen. I offer Slate my left hand, and he inks Axel in a perfect curve around my ring finger.
“Thanks, Slate. Talk to Gia-I’ll let her know it’s time you hear the full story. Killian’s already in the loop. It’s a lot.” I hesitate, eyes gleaming. “You know the Ropello wedding?”
He nods, jaw slackening. “Everyone does.”
“That was us. Me, Gia, my dad.” I wink and saunter off toward the kitchen, leaving Slate with his mouth hanging open and a legend to ponder.
*****
Ramsey’s POV
I stride back into the clubhouse, my anger still smoldering under my skin. I’ve been gone a while- needed to walk it off, let the rage simmer down. The fresh scratch on my cheek throbs, a brutal reminder of tonight’s humiliation. That little bitch actually managed to cut my face. And all because of Killian. Because he chose her, just for the night. I can’t wrap my head around it. I know I’m the hottest thing in this dump-curves in all the right places, softness he can’t get from those scrawny girls. She’s nothing but taut muscle and angles, and I doubt there’s an ounce of give in her anywhere.
The night with Killian felt like it meant something. He never touches the club girls-never lets them get close. Only me. Sure, he was wasted, but I got him to fuck me, right there in front of everyone. Maybe
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I’d hoped for a little privacy, a real invitation to his room. But when I hesitated, he just looked right through me and said he’d find someone else. I made my choice fast after that.
When I finish riding him, I lean in for a kiss. He barely looks at me before tossing me off like I’m nothing. I watch as he rips off the condom, flings it in the trash. If the room wasn’t so full, I’d have fished it out-maybe tried my luck. But the crowd is thick, Riff is already shoving himself at me, and
the moment’s gone.
Now, as I stand by the door, I swear I’ll have him again. This time, I’m prepared. I’ve poked holes in every condom I own.
Dinner buzzes through the clubhouse, laughter echoing. I spot Gia coming out of the kitchen and nearly choke. She’s got a property vest-who the hell made her an old lady? She struts over to Slate and settles on his lap, feeding him fries like she’s been here forever. I never saw that coming.
Then Killian emerges from the hallway, swagger and sin in every step. There’s an empty seat next to him and I know it’s meant for me. Tonight, I’m in a black halter dress, red heels, my ponytail high and makeup on point. I glide up behind him, arms looping around his shoulders, my chest pressed to his back. I lower my lips to his ear, voice a purr.
“Hey, handsome. Miss me? I missed you. Let me ride that cock again.”
Every conversation in the room dies. He goes rigid, the muscles in his back tense under my hands. An “Oh shit” rings out. Suddenly, someone yanks my hair so hard it tears a scream from my throat. Before I can react, I’m spun around and a fist cracks across my mouth, sharp and brutal. I hit the floor, tears springing to my eyes.
Blinking up, I recognize her instantly-the same girl who marked my face. She turns away, heading for the bar, her cut loud and clear: Property of Killian. My jaw drops. This can’t be real. Laughter erupts around the table, even Killian is grinning.
CD
He leans back, voice lazy and mocking. “Better get out of here before my Angel decides to finish what she started.”
I spot her stalking toward me again, eyes blazing. Panic jolts through me-I scramble up and make for the door. Not fast enough. She grabs my ponytail, jerks me back, then suddenly releases. I whirl around, breath catching as I see her holding my severed ponytail, a savage trophy. My scalp stings, disbelief washing over me.
I lunge at her, wild with fury. She moves back, but I’m not backing down. Around us, chairs scrape the floor, but a woman’s voice cuts through: “Let her handle this.” No one interferes. Fine by me-I’m ready for blood.
I swing at her. She ducks, nimble as a cat. I grab for her, but she lashes out, foot slamming into my stomach. Pain explodes in my gut. Before I can recover, she lands another punch, crunching my nose, and slaps me hard enough to make my head spin.
“You fucking bitch!” I scream, staggering, then turning to bolt for the door, blood running down my face. I don’t stop. But as I stumble out, rage boiling, one thing is certain-I’m not done. Not by a long shot. I’ll find a way to make her pay.
☐ 11:01
25.09
<Ride the Wildfire
