So, the names for Irresistible Love and Imperial Love have been changed to Mia Regina and Mio Re. Thank you to all who gave me their opinions. It really helped. I love you all.

Vote, comment, share, and ENJOY!!! Point out my errors as usual.

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(Athena's POV)

Vast array of pinewood trees outline the large property that Mike allowed Allaire to borrow for Ruiz's wedding. The sky is painted in multiple shades of tangerine and red with tints of pink embellishing the entire scenery. The water in the lake glistens from the sun rays dawning upon it, creating a serene environment.

          Mike's birthday party was the last time I was on this gorgeous property with the Bonferroni family that rarely gets together and not every member attended it, however, it was still crowded. Perks of being an elite and a billionaire. Also the king's hand.

"What about Draco?" I continue the conversation we were having in the car.

"Drac's padre (father) put his foot down and placed me in as his second in command," Allaire shakes her head as we descend the concrete steps that are covered in white rose petals.

          Considering we're ridiculously late, the wedding ceremony is almost over. Guests are all seated on the chairs with white rose petals lining the aisle in an intricate design along with the ones the flower girl scattered. The altar is decorated in vines and white roses that snake around the poles holding it together. Under it, Vincent stands with a grin, wiggling his brows right at me.

"Since when did Vincent become a minister?" I whisper to Allaire as the grooms recite the last of their vows from a piece of paper.

"He begged me to let him be the minister, and there he is. That bastard." Allaire rolls her eyes in exasperation. "He did it online last night and got ordained. Achieved the credentials and all too," she says in a monotonous manner as we decide to stand back and not interrupt the ceremony.

          "I know we have a very hard life which can end any moment, so I'll cherish every second I get to spend with you," Zack vows to Ruiz who stands with a cheeky smile on his face and mist of tears in his eyes. "Baby, I promise you it'll be till death do us part. Whoever dies first. And my chances to go first are very high."

          Everyone cracks a laugh at Zack's truth. He's sure to die first protecting Leo because that man is always in danger. "I will always love you," Ruiz promises while Vincent flicks away his fake tears.

          "They'll soon fall out of love and curse each other," I scoff, crossing my arms under my breasts. "That's how it always ends. I don't even get why people tie themselves down like that. It's disgusting."

          Allaire turns to me slowly with a look of astonishment and disgust plastered on her face. "You do realize that I'm getting married soon."

          "I do and I don't approve," I shrug nonchalantly, turning my gaze back to the altar. "He's beautiful and I believe he has a big dick which is why you're with him. Wealthy and a good name in the architectural industry too."

"I'm not marrying Christopher for his money. I love him."

          "Love is not a real thing," I sigh. "Even if you supposedly love this Christopher, I presume you love Draco more, and I wouldn't blame you. He's eye candy. Maybe he should be my next target."

          "Don't even think about it," she warns with a laugh.

          "By the power vested in me by the state of New York, I now pronounce you husband and husband. You may now kiss your groom?" Vincent looks between the two men. "Just kiss each other, you little fuckers." Snickers break out before Ruiz and Zack kiss one another and make it official. "Sign this before you both run off into the sunset." The grooms quickly put their signatures down on the marriage license and turn to the cheering guests proudly. "Now everyone better start dancing or else..."

Without wasting a second, Ruiz and Zack dance down the aisle holding hands and laughing while Vincent busts a couple moves like the other guests, including Allaire who nags me to join in. "Let's go, Athena. Show me the moves you got."

          "Does grandma not know how to dance?" Mr. Azallion directs his comment to me whilst shimmying into my personal space and taking Allaire's hand into his. "You look marvelous, sweetheart." He pecks her hand and twirls her around on his finger. Allaire goes along with it by matching each one of his moves.

          "Let me join the party," Rome pumps his arms in the air with the wretched pup in his hands. "Oh my God, Athena. You look fly as shit, girl." He screams as he continues to shake his body and inch closer to me while the guests dance their way over to the reception area which is located on the other side of the property under the humongous tent.

"Why is the dog here?" I question.

"Because women love dogs and I'm attracting so many tonight." His gaze follows a girl that giggles as he doesn't lose the swing in his body. "See. I'm predicting that her and I are going to do it under the table."

Suddenly, a hand on my forearm jerks me around to face Vincent who twirls me, dancing like a lunatic. "Looking good, tigress," he compliments, his shoulders jumping up and down. "Let loose and dance."

I shrug his hold off. "No."

***

          I stare at Maddox who chats with Mandy and Jay, my blood boiling at seeing him having a blast. A glass of champagne in his hand and a lady on his arm. What else does this bastard need? So nonchalant, not a sign of worry in his taut posture even with multiple of Leo's men around. This man is either ignorant, or he really has lost his memory, though I'm torn between the former and the latter, so I decide to join the party of three and make it a party of four.

          "I'm glad you could join us tonight, Mr. Laird," I smile with a fake chirp in my voice.

          "Thank you for inviting me," he returns the smile for even a brighter one as Mandy sidesteps to give me room before excusing herself to chat with Mr. Azallion who eyes me suspiciously with an arched brow and confusion stuck to his face.

          "Since you're supposedly dating my friend here," I place a hand on Jay's naked shoulder whilst taking a quick swig of my champagne, "I had to invite you and get to know you outside our little interaction for your interview."

          "Of course," he chuckles. "Janet is an incredible woman."

          "Very forward too," I tip my head towards Jay who shoots me a glare. "I bet your first date must have ended in a very exciting place."

          "If the excited place is the doorstep of her apartment building, then yes, a very excited place indeed," he laughs, passing her a sneaky wink.

          "About your business," I interrupt their sex on the mind session and gain their attention. "Last thing I heard was that Leo Bonferroni allegedly bought your company. Though I don't know the truth, hence I would like to know if you could clear up some of my doubts."

          "Of course," his eyes light up. "I heard that Leo Bonferroni made a deal with the board members of the company and bought it. That's one of the things I learned along with everything about myself and my family."

"You have family?"

"Not that I've been notified of," he shrugs, swallowing a bit hard. "My father was supposedly murdered and they said that my mother passed away too."

"I'm sorry," I sympathize, but laugh on the inside. "Are you going to try to get your company back now?"

"I've done a lot of research regarding this actually," he sips his drink, clearing his throat after. "I'm going to build entirely from the ground up. I've talked to a couple investors and they trust my plan and dedication to this, so let's see how it goes."

"I believe it's a brilliant idea." I lie through my teeth, but I can't have him contacting Leo. "How about I make a little donation myself? Ten million sounds good to help you out?"

          Gawking at me completely baffled, he shakes his head. "Are you sure?" His brows knit together. "Ten million is a lot of money for a man who's trying to start back up."

          "Well, you have a friend in me," I squeeze his forearm. "You can repay me when you become a billionaire again."

          "Thank you so much," he smiles genuinely, looking between Jay and I. "I really appreciate it."

          "You're welcome," I take a deep breath and leave the man with Jay to celebrate his little victory that will prove to be hell for him. I can only laugh thinking about the results.

"Long time no see, Athena," a man's deep voice slams against my eardrums and I know exactly who he is. That thick Spanish accent isn't an easy one to forget.

Turning around, I notice him standing by the bar with a usual smirk on his face that I always loathed for some reason. "Draco."

(Jon Kortajarena as Draco Avelino. 😍)

"How are you, sweetheart?" He meets me halfway, softly embracing me.

          "I wasn't expecting to see you here," I pull away, motioning him to take a seat at an empty table close by.

          Finishing his drink, he plops down on a chair as I sit next to him. "I was in the country and Allaire invited me. She's good at what she does, I must say," he admires the decoration all around including the gorgeous glass centerpiece on the table.

          "I heard you and Leo made a deal in Spain. Smart move," I arch a brow and grab a glass of red wine from the waiter.

          "Our drug cartels were clashing in España (Spain), and the men were killing each other," he sighs, waving a waiter over and ordering a glass of scotch. "I don't have a vast empire like him, so I decided to make a deal. Now we're partners in all the drug trafficking in España."

"Making more from that partnership I presume." I slowly sip on my drink as his glass arrives.

"Absolutamente," he answers. "I wonder why my father didn't do it sooner."

"And Allaire?"

His green eyes instantly dart to the woman dancing with Jackson. "What about her?"

"Your father appointed her as your..."

A frustrated groan interrupts my sentence as Draco pinches the bridge of his nose, a string of filthy Spanish curses leaving his throat. "La vejez claramente lo está volviendo loco (Old age is clearly driving him crazy)," he fumes. "How is Allaire supposed to accompany me to all the meetings when she has a good life being a wedding planner and soon getting married to that puta Christopher?" A disgusted scoff leaves his mouth. "Mierda (Shit)! I don't have any problems with her. She's my childhood friend after all, but how is she supposed to handle all this at the same time? It's impossible. But what's done is done now. I've already argued with my father regarding this, but that hijo de puta (son of a bitch) doesn't want to listen, so I can't help it anymore."

***

All the insignificant guests have already left excluding the newlywed couple, all the guards that are enjoying themselves, a couple females that work under me, Allaire, Draco, Vincent, Jackson, Maddox, Jay, Mr. Azallion, and Rome. Almost forgot the pup and Mandy. In general, all the criminals are now partying.

          "Have you been trying to avoid me all day?" Mr. Azallion saunters over to me, leaving the band of men he was having an interesting chat with while I wait for the show to begin any moment.

          "Just because I didn't approach you all evening doesn't mean I'm ignoring you, Mr. Azallion," I retort to his question, looking at the crowd swaying to the music on the dance floor. It isn't a reception anymore, but looks more like a sleazy club with sweaty men and women grinding against one another.

          "You've been in your own world all night," he picks up a drink from the bar I'm leaning against and slowly drinks it. "What's on that old little mind of yours? Talk to me."

          "Nothing," I scowl in digust as my eyes fan over Maddox making out with Jay in the corner.

          "Jealous?" He asks, turning my head to him.

"I beg your pardon?"

"You're jealous that Maddox and Janet are eating each other's faces off," he looks down, his jaw twitching a bit as he swirls his drink, not meeting my gaze.

"Why would I be?" I chuckle at his preposterous accusation.

"You've been looking at him the entire time even though he has supposedly hurt you," he gazes at me, chugging the clear liquid down his throat.

Tilting my head to the side, I narrow my eyes at him as an amused smirk curls my mouth up. With tiny steps, I get closer to him and watch his pupils dilate when I almost touch his lips before pivoting over to his ear. "Are you jealous, Mr. Azallion?" I whisper sultrily, my warm breath tickling his ear before I pull away.

Nothing but solemnity showcases on his face. Placing his glass down on the counter, he gazes at me blankly as he contemplates what to say or do. "In all honestly," he steps closer to me, a mere breath away now, "I'm jealous."

Chuckling, I look away from his intense blue orbs and shake my head. "You're terrible at reading people, Mr. Azallion. I was looking at Laird in loathe, not jealously. I want Jay and him to be together."

"Why would you want him to be with your friend?"

I snort, tucking the loose strands the broke through my updo earlier. "I do everything for a reason. It's a puzzle piece, figure it out."

"Look at me," he demands, and I oblige after a confused scoff with a cocked brow. An admirable tilt in his head is accentuated when a smile dances on his lips. "I don't want to figure him out. I want to figure you out. All of you. Every part of you."

Before I can say anything Rome dances his way to us, interrupting our chat. "I just had the best time of my life. I had a fucking foursome in one of the rooms in the mansion. Up top, bitch," he high-fives his brother for his raunchy achievement.

"The owner won't be happy when he finds out," I warn. "Where's your little bodyguard at anyways?"

"Sleeping," he points to the table in the far corner around which Mandy caresses the sleeping pup as she watches the swaying crowd dance under the blue and purple lights to the blaring upbeat music.

When the song slowly transitions into a much slower and sensual one, every man grabs a woman and pulls her close for some intimate dancing while the rest take a seat. Zack and Ruiz start the dirty dancing while five other pairs join them. "Okay, this is getting hot. Athena?" Rome puts his hand out whilst wiggling his brows.

"No," I refuse, rolling my eyes. "Go take a seat and take care of you dog." Rome sulks and walks away to Mandy.

Vincent occupies two women at the same time who disgustingly touch him. Suddenly, everyone is dancing as if they are making love. Pathetic! Draco hauls Allaire to the dance floor and pulls her into his chest. They begin their sensual bachata session with merely any room for air between them.

Mr. Azallion hums next to me. "Dance?"

"No," I shut the man down without even looking at him. A second later, he appears before me as his hands grab the counter to my sides without touching me. "What do you think you're doing?"

"What are you planning?" He tilts his head, mischief glimmering in his blue eyes that are dark under the minimal moonlight. His mouth slowly reaches down to my ear to whisper, "You're afraid that you might cum like you did this morning if I touch you?"

He chuckles while I can't help but smirk at his measly attempt to get me to dance. "Mr. Azallion, if that was an attempt to take me to the dance floor," he slowly backs his head away and looks at me as I continue, "try harder."

"Oh, I'm already hard," he winks smugly. "I'm not going to finger you while dancing even though we both know how much you'd enjoy it."

I chuckle. "Fine," I lay my palm flat. "Until this song is over."

"Quickly then," he grins and pulls me to the dance floor.

Arriving on the wooden platform resting on the manicured grass, we sway softly from side to side for a second. His hands slowly start at my thighs, traveling upwards. Even a slight touch from a man always made me want to slit that bastard's throat, but Mr. Azallion's touch is rather soft, sensual, warm, and caring at the same time, so I let loose and wrap a hand around his shoulder while he takes my other one and tangles it with his.

A smile embellishes his face as he looks up from our intertwined hands to my eyes. His other palm hovers over my waist, inching to the small of my back without a rush. His grip tightens to jerk me into his chest, hitching my breath for a quick second before a smirk forms on my lips matching his. Our foreheads press together, his hand on my back guiding my body to move from side to side in sync with his.

          He bites his lip while his hand reaches my hip to rock it against his leg that subtly lays between my feet, ignoring my gown. Untangling my fingers from his, my palm crawls to the back of his neck to hold on tight as my body rolls against his, earning a growl in return. My breasts press hard against his chest, heat radiating off our bodies so fiercely that I feel every inch of my body sear against his.

          "Fuck," he mumbles when I rock my hips against his crotch. He slants my body down, his strong arm holding me steady while the other one rests on my midriff to move my body like a wave, so softly and sensually. Jerking me up, his hand stealthily removes the brooch in my hair that held my hairdo together. The side of his alluring lips quirk up, his fingers tangling into my mane and pinning my temple to his as he whispers, "You have no idea what you do to me."

His lips brush my neck before a loud gunshot freezes our bodies for a second before I realize who got shot.

Damn it!

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Yay or nay?

What is Athena's plan for Maddox and was she really jealous seeing him and Jay kiss?

What do you think of Allaire and Draco?

Who do you guys think got shot? And who could possibly be the shooter?

Much love ❤
~Reet