Dear all, as the status promised, today I am updating this story and I am terribly SORRY for the long wait. It was NOT intentional, but I really just lacked the time for writing. But here is a long and intense chapter with many things happening and I really hope you'll enjoy and like it!

Let me know what you think please with your wonderful comments and messages, THANK YOU!! I totally LOVE them! You are always such enthusiastic fans!!

Dedicated to all of you and in particular to rain_water as a THANK YOU for your precious work with the libraries and for the awesome pictures you provide in your forum thread and then SHOUT-OUT to her BOOK: if you have QUESTIONS for our librarian, go check her "ASK THE LIBRARIAN" !! Check it out!

On the right a beautiful banner TheyCallMeMuffin made for me: thank you very much! xox

And now, enjoy!

EXTERNAL POV:  -DUBLIN, IRELAND. A FEW DAYS BEFORE THE MEETING WITH THE DEALERS-

The man stepped over the passport control and subtly indulged in a dry and sly smile when everything went smooth. No doubt about that, because he never crossed paths with the police and he was a real professional that knew how to keep his identity safe. Four were his different identities and four was the perfect number he could manage in a flawless way. A chill of cold excitement travelled his body as he paused a moment on the task he was ordered to perform; taking down such high and important shot would considerably increase his rank and reputation, and as well money. Yes, eliminating such subject meant the hit man could easily ask for higher tariff. Another dry and sly smile and then he was off.

The hit-man had received basically two distinct orders.

One was to deal with that Roman with the stars, but not killing him. Apparently that Ruslan had his own reasons for wanting to give the man the final shot and why deprive someone of their own fun? It was a minor inconvenience and meant extra work and care, but that would add to the final amount. The second was to gather information about a certain small dealer that seemed to be creating some small nuisance. The person that contacted the hit-man with that task had a rather twisted mind and asked to find the weak spot of said nuisance in order to exploit it. The man couldn’t understand why to play such subtle game; a bullet and the problem was solved, but indeed he understood a lot of money and a war for power and territory were involved and it wasn’t his place to question a job. His duty was to efficiently perform the task.

And the hunt had finally begun.

No hostages would be taken. Only dead trophies.

It was a sick but very exciting game: kill or be killed. And the man lived for that game.

First he would take care of that Sergey Balanov and retrieve the information necessary to find Roman with the stars and the idea gave him a subtle shiver of pleasure, because he had found some interesting facts about that unimportant pawn. The joy of the social networks, where people would post pictures and personal interests and data. He had obviously found out where he lived and where he worked, because you couldn’t be a highly required hit-man if you couldn’t find that little; but he was not expecting the man to be so careless. For someone that had left such previous life he was exposing himself too much and why the necessity of finding a partner? A waste of time, sure, but a very exciting piece of information. The hit-man had found the Achilles heel and was going to use it as he pleased. He wasn’t sure whether Roman with the stars had met with that man or not, or where he was, but it was worth try it, as it was the only easy link he had. If luck decided to stick with him, this job would be faster than expected, because he had to admit he could not find any trace of that Roman. Ah, he really was a professional and men like him deserved the best treatment; too bad he could not kill him himself.

The man took a bus to the city centre and immediately went to check his room and leave the little bag he had in there. Now, the little inconvenience of travelling via plane and under fake identity was that you could not bring a decent weapon with you and even a private flight might be risky. But that sort of annoyance did not concern him this time, as the connection of his employee opened up the most smooth and fast path. They had provided him with a private pilot, a Cessna 560XL and a diplomatic pass that avoided any sort of unwanted controls of his bag. Yes, undoubtedly a lot of money was involved and not just that, but he had understood their reasons even without explanation. Boss Boris was well known all around Ukraine and some parts of Russia, and even in Kazakhstan he had some business; taking down a man like him meant considerable gaining, but as well considerable risks.

The man sat in the dark and silent room studying his favourite weapon in his hands and slowly caressing the barrel, but decided it would not be needed, as he was not allowed to kill that Roman man. But it could be used for...no. He was going to enjoy the job.

In the morning he went to the place where that Sergey, or Mikhail according the new fake identity, worked and ordered a menu right from him and a pleased, sly smile crossed his lips when the man at the other side of the counter did not recognize him. Well, that was not big surprise, as only a few breathing men knew how he looked, for the rest had already paid with their life. Whenever he would meet with a client he camouflaged his looks and it was a rather enjoyable part of his job. Nobody really knew where he was from and that was good. The hit-man sat down and pretended to busy himself with a small laptop while eating the burger and fries and it was good the fast-food was full of people and tourists, because nobody noticed him sitting for longer than necessary.

He left three hours before his target’s shift was over and moved to his other target. A pretty girl with reddish brown curls and vivid green eyes; he followed her from her work-place to her little apartment and when the coast was clear, he moved. Silently his feet walked up the stairs until he reached her apartment door and sparing a quick glance he noticed how the doors had no peephole. Ah, that was an unexpected lucky strike. She had just shut the door behind her and best moment to take the girl, so his knuckles tapped the door that opened immediately, showing a surprised expression on the victim’s face.

“Helene Ryan?” The hit-man simply asked keeping his face void of any emotions.

The girl assessed the man in front of her with a confused look and then slowly nodded, remembering that maybe it was from last week. A technician was due to come over and finally fix the problem with the TV, but she sure did not expect the company to send such man. He had a rather strange look.

“Yes, that’s me. Are you here to fix the problem with the TV?”

The man had to hide a sly smirk when he promptly answered.

“Yes, I have been sent to deal with that inconvenience. If you could show me the way.” Another lucky strike.

“This way.” She motioned for him to step inside and so he moved forward and waited for her to close the door and walk in front of him, and when the careless girl gave the hit-man her back, this time to evil and devious smirk clearly showed on his lips.

In one step the man was right at her back and in a swift move, he was holding her mouth shut almost blocking her nose, and her wrists behind the back.

“Not a sound, dear Helene.” The grip at her mouth tightened and she struggled to set the arms free, but to no avail.

The girl was panicking and tried more desperately to get free from the grip, which was already hurting her wrists, thinking about all sort of horrible things you would hear in the news. How could she be that careless and stupid and let a stranger in her house without checking first? What was going to happen to her? What would he do to her? Nobody was going to hear her now, because her mouth was shut. Oh God... When flashes of vicious and horrible images passed in front of her eyes, reminding her of what the news reported months ago on that case in some other European country, she felt like going crazy with dread.

No...it could not be her.

This was not happening to her... No!!

No...no...she pleaded in her mind and heart with all she got. Please Lord, have mercy of me, please...don’t let that happen, no... Not to me, please no... Lord have mercy, please, have mercy.

“Now miss Helene, let us take a seat and have a quiet chat. If you promise to do as I say, nothing will be done to you and this will be just a bad memory.” A vicious smirked crossed his lips, as it always gave him subtle pleasure to play with his victims’ emotions. There was no way he would let the girl alive. It was dangerous. It was pointless. It was a waste of time and excitement. “So will keep silent and don’t scream? If you believe you can do it, nod.” The girl nodded immediately. So the man walked her to what was the living room and forced the shivering girl to sit on a chair. “I am going to let go, but if you scream, I will kill you immediately.” She nodded again and tears rolled down her cheeks as her heart hammered at some insane speed. When the hand let go of her, she took a deep breath and tried to turn, but the same hand took hold of her neck. “Now, no moving and no screaming. You are being good, Helene and I shall reward you.”

“What do you want?” She barely whispered and the hit-man said nothing.

Why always the same question?

“I am here for Sergey.” He used the real name on purpose, as he planned to toy with her emotions and fears before ending her life in front of that man’s eyes.

“Sergey?” She repeated.

“Yes, your boyfriend.” He paused and walked around to face her. “Oh, you don’t know, right?” She shook her head in some state of mixed confusion and panic. “His real name is Sergey Balanov and he used to work for the Ukrainian mafia. You see? He lied to you completely and now it is because of him that you are here in this situation.”

The hit-man refrained from smirking of devious pleasure as he witnessed the eyes of his victim going wide with now not only fear and terror, but as well with anger and resentment.

He was going to enjoy this job very much.

“Now, I tell you what we will do.” The girl said nothing, as she was too confused to even comprehend what was happening. How could that be possible? Mikhail was a... how could that be possible? Why? “You will call him and then hand the phone to me. We shall meet here and sort the business out and you will be free to walk away. Is that ok?”

She nodded without having actually heard a word and the man of course understood it.

No doubt he was going to really enjoy this job, as a compensation for not being able to directly kill that Roman with the stars with his own hands.

He searched for her phone in her pursue and made her dial Sergey’s number. After a few rings he answered and she barely breathed out a couple of words.

“Mikhail..” Her voice tried to say.

“Ellie? Are you ok?” Mikhail/Sergey immediately asked, picking in the voice’s tone of his girlfriend a strange note.

The man snatched the phone from her trembling hand, and then to make sure she would stay quiet he pressed the barrel of his gun on her temple. The best way to shut someone up.

“Am I speaking to Sergey Balanov?”

The man at the other side of the phone froze on the spot and for a moment he thought he had gone deaf. A thin drop of cold sweat rolled down his neck and he swallowed down.

Fuck.

“What?” He tried to say, knowing he was not sounding convincing.

“So it is you and I have your beautiful girlfriend in my hands. Now, come to her house at once and do not breathe a word about this. Am I understood?” The playful tone had left the hit-man voice, as it was time to play the real game.

“Yes.” Sergey/Mikhail only said, feeling like he was about to die. And one thought immediately crossed his head.

It was all because of that man.

Yes, it was all because of Roman.

ENNA POV:      -BEFORE THE MEETING WITH THE DEALERS-

I woke up in the middle of the night with a frightened gasp and I shot up at once feeling the covers slip down from my naked back. My heart was beating really fast and my breathing was erratic, so I tried to take a couple of deep breaths to calm down and then I felt a couple of drops of sweat slowly descend my neck; I touched them and felt my skin shivering for cold and so my eyes closed a moment and imagines of the nightmare I had flashed in front of them. I shot them open once more and cupped my mouth with my hand to avoid any sound.

Silently and with a light shift I moved from Roman and sat with the back on the head of the bed, staring at the darkness of the room. My eyes darted immediately to my side and saw he was sleeping on his back and his face looked calm; a relieved sigh left my trembling lips and then my eyes closed again at the memory of that dream. In that nightmare someone was chasing Roman and at the end he shot him right in front of my eyes and in the dream I screamed so much and felt like breaking in infinite shreds. I felt physical pain as if something had been ripped from my body, from my soul...it felt as if they had ripped my pulsing heart with bare hands. His body fell lifeless in front of me as his warm blood oozed out and I could just scream and do nothing else. I couldn’t move in that nightmare, even if I tried to jump in front of him and take the bullet in his place, I could not move. And I went crazy for the pain as I witnessed everything completely powerless.

I wished to die in that moment, because everything for me was lost and shattered. I couldn’t even comprehend life anymore without my Roman, for he was my very soul and love. He was my heart and lifeblood.

Oh dear me...what was that nightmare? Why I had to dream about such thing? Roman could not die, no. It was simply impossible. He was my soul and my life, he could not... I felt like crying and so I hid my face in my hands, shaking slightly and feeling those warm tears in my eyes staining my cheeks. Was that some premonition or... I shook my head while silently crying and told myself not to be silly and ridiculous. What was wrong with me? This was not rational, as it was just a dream generated by my fears, but ... but why I had this feeling hidden deep inside me? I shook more my head and harshly bit my lip. I was being so unreasonable and silly, but...

“Enna, what is it?” My head tilted up at those concerned words and our eyes met, and something crossed his handsome face. His warm and reassuring hands were on my face in an instant and so his lips, tenderly kissing my eyes. “Shhh...do not cry my angel. I am here with you.”

No words left my mouth, only sobs, and I felt incredibly stupid and immature. I threw my arms over his neck and pulled him against me for a tight hug; I needed to feel him close and feel his warm and pulsing skin, his intoxicating scent and his strong arms.

“Enna, what did happen? Please my love, tell me what did happen.” His voice was filled with concern, but at the same time held that usual firm and commanding tone.

“Forgive me, Roman. I didn’t want to wake you up, sorry..”

“Shh..do not say that.” He hugged me tightly and then shifted stance, pulling me on his laps and covering my trembling body with the covers. He pulled me back gently to look straight in my eyes. “Enna, tell me please.”

I took a deep breath and felt the cold and fear from that nightmare disappear once I stared at his magnetic and beautiful eyes. The warmth irradiating from his hands had me feel in peace at once and I felt extremely silly for letting just a dream carry me away at such extent.

“I had a dream, well it was more a nightmare and it woke me up and scared me and I don’t know what to say, but it felt so real and I screamed there and I wanted to move, but I couldn’t and I was about to turn crazy, because... because...” I shivered at the mere thought and refused to continue with that. No matter what, the sole idea was enough to terrify me.

“Enna, because what? Tell me.” I shook my head and he sighed out, for then caressing my lips with his thumbs. “Don’t you trust me, angel?”

“No. It’s not that, Roman. You know I trust you with my life, but..”

“But what?”

“I don’t want to say it. I am scared it might..”

“It might become real?” His words threw me back to the same frightened state of before and he saw it, because he pulled me against him and his lips stopped on mine. “You had a nightmare about me, yes?” I shook my head and I felt him smile. “Enna, it was only a dream. Now tell me what happened in the dream, yes?” I hesitated and he softly stroked my lips and my eyes closed automatically.

Roman was right; it was just a silly dream and probably it was better to tell him.

“We were somewhere and it was dark and a man was following you and he wanted to kill you and then suddenly he came out and shot you and I was there too and I couldn’t move and you fell down and ...” Roman stopped me and pressed his warm and full lips on mine once more. And again, that simple gesture washed everything away. “I am so sorry my love for waking you up for something so silly.”

“You are not silly, Enna. You have fears, yes? We talked about that and I promised you. Nothing will happen to me.” There was no wavering or the slightest doubt in his words, for his voice was firm and calm. But Roman was a human being made of flesh and blood and not some invulnerable creature made of steel and iron. However, I knew he would keep his promise. I just knew it.

“I know, I am sorry. It was just a dream and...please Roman, be careful. I have this feeling deep inside me and it keeps telling me that you are in danger and I don’t know how to explain it, but please, be careful and wear a bulletproof vest or something like that.” He chuckled at my words and I could not understand what there was to laugh. “I am serious, Roman.”

“I know you are, my angel. Forgive me. But you see, for a man in my position it is not necessary. If they want to kill me, they go for my head and for..” He mimicked to slit his throat and I shivered and he saw it. I must admit that even though it held a dark fascination to me and somehow intrigued me, it still impressed me. “Forgive me.” He softly said.

“No, don’t say that, please. Just promise to be careful, please?”

“I will.” He slowly drew us both lying down on the bed and his arms went around me, while my body was pressed on his, feeling his muscles against my skin. He rolled on his side and it was as if Roman was completely shielding me from everything. It was perfect to be in his arms. It was the safest place for me. “Now, sleep Enna. I am here with you.”

I snuggled my head on his inked and sculptured chest and wrapped one arm around his waist, going to sink my fingers in his back.

“I love you, Roman.” I murmured tilting my head up to stare at his face and he gave me tender smile and pecked the tip of my nose.

“I love you, too, my angel. You are my soul.”

And with those words I slipped in a peaceful and serene sleep, almost forgetting about that nightmare.

EXTERNAL POV: -DUBLIN, IRELAND-

Mikhail drove in a state of panic to his girlfriend’s house with a thought thundering his head. It all happened because that man, Roman, had contacted him. If he wouldn’t have contacted him, now he would be safe and his girlfriend would not be dragged into this. Why he had to show up right in Ireland? It was his entire fault.

Yes, those were his main thoughts, but how wrong were such thoughts. It was not because of Roman, but because of the little mistake the dead forger made in keeping his name in the computer files. However, this was unknown to the man.

When he arrived he found the door of the apartment opening at just one knock for then closing behind him immediately; a man was right there behind him and let him to the living room, where his girlfriend was tied on a chair with her forearms exposed and a blade right there to be used on her pale and delicate skin. He could not recognize that man, for he never met that person in his entire life. Who was he? What did he want? The girl threw him a glare that screamed of betrayal and disgust and so he knew that man had told her his previous and real identity.

“How could you?” She whispered and he didn’t know what to say.

“Silence at once.” He slapped the girl and Mikhail charged to him with a shout, but the hit-man reacted faster and almost knocked him down.“You are in no position to utter a sound or make a move. Another word or another inconsiderate action and your precious girlfriend shall die of a painful and agonizing death.”

The man let Mikhail/Sergey go and then went to close the girl’s mouth with some thick adhesive tape and she paled down when she saw him take the blade and whirl it around his fingers, for then using it to draw a long line on her boyfriend’s arm, who hissed in pain, but avoid to scream.

“I have little time and I will not waste it. I want answers and I shall give you only the time to play one game. One question and one answer. If your answer satisfies me, then good. If not, your girlfriend will pay. Shall we play now?”

“Please let her go. I will tell you whatever you want to know, but let her go. She knows nothing and she had no idea about my past, so I beg you, let her go.”

“Oh I know she was not aware of your past, but this is the funny part of the game. If I let her go, you might consider the option of lying to me and I would not like it; but if she stays, you will tell me everything I need. And now..” He grabbed Mikhail’s collar and forced him standing for then shoving him on a chair right in front of his girlfriend. The hit-man tied him there and then walked to the side of the girl, pressing the blade on her wrist. “And now let’s start. First question, where is Roman with the stars?”

Mikhail gasped and mentally cursed realizing he had been right and then sank in dread realizing he had no idea where that bastard might be. The other man saw the expression on his face and darkly smiled. Another lucky strike, for it was obvious that Roman had contacted this small rat. He was without doubts going to enjoy this, very much.

“I don’t know.” At those words his girlfriend’s eyes went wide with terror and she began breathing almost hysterically, trying to get free from the ropes keeping her prisoner of that chair.

“That is a bad answer, Sergei Balanov. I don’t like it.” And with those words he stuck the blade on the arm of Helene and drew a rather deep line, blood spilling out of it immediately. The girl screamed in her throat and twisted on the chair, tear of pain rolling down.

“No, please, don’t. Let her go.”

“Quiet.” The hit-man ordered, hitting him once more. “Another loud word and she is dead. Am I understood?” Mikhail nodded and then looked terrified at his girlfriend and wished to be the one suffering that.

“I have no idea where you can find him. I know he’s in Ireland and maybe he stays in Dublin, but I don’t know where and I cannot contact him. He contacted me at first and he found out where I live and where I work. I swear, I don’t know where he is now.”

“Why is he here?”

“He asked me about a certain huge drug lord living in the Southern coast of Ireland and said there were problems in the organization in Kiev, but he didn’t say anything else. He asked me how to contact him and I had no idea, but then gave him a name, a small smuggler that works for that man’s closest and most important dealers.”

“Give me the name of that man.”

“George Mayer.”

“Very well, we are doing better in this game, right?” The man smirked of sick and twisted light and then decided to play dirty. “Does he travel with a fake name?”

“Yes.” He immediately answered and then panicked once more realizing he was not sure what he had was his real fake identity or not; and realizing he had only a name. Nothing more.

“I want that name.”

“I don’t know it, I..” Another muffled throaty scream left his girlfriend’s throat as the man had slashed her arm in two points, more blood spilling out. Why was he doing that to her? No...not her... Not her. It was that bastard’s entire fault. “He said to call him Vasyl, but I don’t know anything else.”

“Very bad answer. How could you not know his fake name? I believe you are lying to me, isn’t that so, Mr. Balanov?” He mercilessly slashed her other arm and drew the blade up to her elbow for then moving it to her eye. “An eye for an eye, they say.”

“No! Don’t, please!”

The blade sank and more blood spilled warm and dark from her face as a deep cut showed on her cheek.

“I know nothing more about him, please let her go...” Mikhail pleaded in dreadful desperation feeling completely powerless and seeing how his girlfriend was looking at him with accusatory eyes. Oh yes; that was part of the man’s plan. Make them die while sinking in hatred and crushing guilt. “But wait, he might be armed, because he wanted to know where to find a gun.”

“Good information and you gave it to him?”

“Yes, but he was the one that contacted me.” He swallowed down, hoping it was all, but deep inside he knew he could not hope to have their lives safe. They had witnessed too much, but maybe he would let his girlfriend know and so he ranked for more information, but couldn’t find anything important to say. But something flashed his mind, thinking about the conversation they had about the night club. Roman was staying in Dublin with all changes, otherwise how could he be there without problems for days? “I believe Roman is in Dublin. I mean, I believe he stays somewhere in Dublin.”

“Oh very good, so we remember something new.” He smirked another time feeling the excitement of playing this game, but the time was over. He had something better and more exciting to do. He had to hunt down that Roman with the stars and he couldn’t afford to waste another minute with those two insignificants pawns. “And where does he stay?”

Mikhail paled down and his mouth went dry. He understood what that man had in mind; he looked at his girlfriend and whispered a sincere and drenched in guilt “forgive me” and then answered.

“I don’t know.”

“Bad answer.”

And another last muffled cry left the throat of his dead girlfriend along with fresh and warm blood oozing down and staining her shirt. The hit-man smiled and Mikhail had no enough time to curse Roman’s name and pray for his soul.

ENNA POV:

Roman pinned me against the door of my bedroom, as we were about to leave after getting ready for work, and pressed his lips on mine and I just arched and let out a rather embarrassing moan, making him smirk. It wasn’t a real kiss, but it was so intense and long that it almost left me breathless. Oh dear me, how would be to be claimed by his mouth and tongue? The idea made me shiver for anticipated pleasure and I moved closer to my love, dipping my fingers in his hair.

“Roman...” I breathed on his hard lips and his eyes penetrated mine with such intensity that I felt completely naked and the muscles of my lower parts knotted in subtle spasms of excitement. I was dying to have him without restrains, but I understood why he controlled himself and I tried not to make it more difficult. However it did not always work and it was my control that threatened to break.

“I want you, Roman. Now.” It was an order and I saw how my words affected him, for his eyes gleamed of a dark and arousing light.

His fingers travelled from my back to my ass and folded it with raw sense of possession and it dangerously inflamed me; in the motion he pulled me completely pressed on his hard body and our lengths brushed. Another suffocated moan left my mouth and his eyes smouldered of darker and more burning light. One of his legs pushed between mine and stroked my hardness with clear intention of driving me insane and my head tilted to the side as it could not fall back. Filling desire and pleasure coursing in my veins, my body began to slowly move and grind on his, and so my hips went to stroke his member too, gaining a raw and controlled growl that fuelled me even more.

I wanted Roman.

I wanted to be taken and loved by him.

Now. Here.

“Roman, take me here and now.” I said once more with commanding voice and realized how being with him drew out sides that I didn’t know to possess.

“Enna.” His strained voice caressed my ear and his lips trailed down my neck, for then returning taunting my ear. “You have work, my angel.”

“There is no way I can go to work like this.” He let out a rather dark and very sensual chuckle at my words and I completely bent my head to the side to give him complete reign, but letting my hands reach the skin underneath his shirt, planting my nails on his tattoos. “Take me now.”

“Hmm...you tempt me too much, angel.” He teased me more and I swear I was about to lose my sanity feeling his voice on my skin, his hot breaths, his hands firmly on me and his thigh slowly rubbing my hard member. “You have work, yes...” Oh dear me, he was about to drive me insane, I knew it. “But you are right, I cannot go like this.” I breathed deeper at his words and shamefully moaned at the following ones and at his sudden action. “I want to have you, Enna.” He suddenly turned me around facing the door and I felt his hands on my jeans, quickly undoing the buttons and zipper and yanking them right below my ass.

“Roman...” I panted out, trying to reach with my hands his jeans, but he stopped me and pinned my arms above my head and I felt like burning and melting for the excitement as pleasure madly ran in my veins.

I felt him took a step back and then heard the sound of his zipper and of a ripped foil; every little sound enhanced my ecstasy and my heart was about to break my rib cage. I need Roman in this very instant. I needed him to make me his and entirely his. And then I felt him press his body on mine, first keeping my arms firmly pinned on the door above my head while he stroked my pulsing length and then slowly moving my hips, pulling them backward and feeling his covered erection rubbing my butt, teasing my entrance, first the tip, then one finger and then again the tip and I was shivering completely out of control.

“Roman, you are driving me insane like this... Ahhh...” I felt two fingers and then they pulled out again grabbed my hips for then folding my globes. I gulped down almost in convulse when his hands parted them and he let out a raw and primal growl. “Roman..” I grinded on him and he hissed in pleasure, his fingers hungrier on my ass and then he penetrated me in a sudden and rather hard thrust, sending me completely insane with pleasure. “Ahhhh.... Mhhhhh...”

“Enna.. Arghh....” He groaned on my neck before claiming it with his mouth, his hands moving my hips back and forth to follow his intense and fast thrusting pace.

I was a complete mess of moans and I knew this was not going to last long. I was too excited and Roman felt in the same way, given he was taking me faster than usual and his strokes went immediately deep and very intense, very hard and it completely unleashed pleasure and lust in me because I found myself allowing him deeper and ordering him to go faster and harder, almost not believing my own ears. Was that really me? Apparently yes. Roman growled and bit into my shoulder for then slipping a hand on my erection and with a few powerful strokes and crushing thrusts, I threw my head back in a loud and long moan as I came in his hand and as he met me in the devastating climax inside me, for he had penetrated me with incredible avidity and intensity and then growled his pleasure shivering on me for the ecstasy.

He kept inside me for a moment as his arm went around my waist and his lips on my neck, feeling his chest moving in deep breaths. I let my body fell completely in his embrace and savoured the last strings of the climax still lingering in me. It had been rather fast, but very intense.

“You do know how to take my control to its limit.” He murmured on my ear and more shivers travelled my body. “But I must admit I like it.”

I said nothing, simply turned my head to face him and sinking my hand in his hair I pulled his lips on mine.

We walked to the LUAS stop and since nobody was around he wrapped his arms around me and kissed the tip of my nose and then my lips. Roman was kissing me more than usual in the last two days and as much as it made me giddy with joy, it also let me restless. It was as if he felt the need to have and touch me till he could and the idea threw me back to that heavy sense of fear and worry. I mentally shook my head and pushed it back. Remember Enna; Roman made a promise. Yes of course, he promised me to come back to me no matter what. And I promised him to wait for him no matter what.

“Your train will be here in a minute.” He said after releasing me from his strong arms and pulling the hood over his head. After a few seconds I spotted a couple of persons walking to the stop, but they did not pay any attention to us. “I will go now and see you later tonight.”

“I will miss you.” I said with a smile and I felt like a young teenager and his first crush, as if the only worry consisted in school. But it was so different for us... “See you later, my love and I love you.”

He smiled in such tender way that I closed my eyes feeling the warmth of his smile caressing my face and his fingers quickly stroked my cheek.

“I love you, my angel.” It was barely audible for me and after another smile full of love, he was gone and I felt my face on fire rethinking at what we did against the door of my bedroom.  I reprimanded myself for acting so childish and decided to focus on the day ahead of me and in no time I had reached the shop, greeted Sarah and then David and waited for Priya. Surprisingly our manager showed up and of course it meant a busier and messy day for us and my friend rolled her eyes and muttered a couple of not exactly polite remarks aimed to our manager; I must admit I somehow understood her, because he admitted persons without an appointment throwing the regular schedule out of the window. I sighed and armed myself with iron-like patience, reminding myself how much I loved this job and that made the trick.

By lunch time the four of us were completely exhausted and Priya dropped on a seat right beside me.

“Remind me why we have to run around like idiots?” She breathed out combing her long shining black hair.

“Because we love our job?” I winked at her and she stuck her tongue out and I playfully scowled. “Oh very mature, missy.”

“Oh shut up, sweetie. Let’s admit it. We have to work our ass off just because our manager is an idiot. Simple as that. When are you going to take over, Enna?”

“Priya love, aren’t you forgetting something? We lack the money.” I reminded her, as we were trying to save some for one day open our own shop, fully knowing Sarah and David would follow us.

“I know it, I know it, honey. But it’s just so frustrating and now where is he? Gone for lunch, that lazy-ass.”

I giggled at her words and she winked. Then she rolled her eyes once more and stood up with her usual charming and professional smile as a new client stepped in the shop, and I smiled to another one requesting my personal assistance in finding a new hairstyle. And so we soon reached almost three o’clock in the afternoon. Right when I was taking a break in the back, my phone rang and I saw it was Cillian.

“Enna babe, how are you? Working your pretty ass off?” He chuckled and I had the instinctive impulse to stick my tongue out, but that would be rather silly considering we were on the phone.

“And are you pretending to work while in fact you just sit in your office to avoid students asking you out?” I teased and he chuckled more.

“Touché.” He talked to someone else and then returned to me. “Sorry, I had asked a colleague of mine to cover my class on Monday, as I won’t be in Dublin.”

“Where are you going? One of your mysterious trips?”

“Nah, just going up to Belfast to meet another professor. We were discussing about co-writing an article and he seems too lazy to drive to Dublin.”

“Hmm, why I don’t believe you, Cillian?” I teased and he faked outraged surprised with a loud gasp, making me giggle.

“Bloody hell, you have no idea how these professors can be lazy, honestly. But I was calling to know whether is good or not to pass by your shop.” I couldn’t help rolling my eyes at his question.

“Cillian, since when do you care whether is a good moment or not to drop by?” I reminded him and he chuckled more. “Just stop by any time is good for you. We’ll wait for you.”

“Ok baby, so let’s say I’ll be there in thirty minutes? And with something to eat? Because sure as hell you haven’t had lunch yet.”

“Oh dear, that’s right.”

“Enna..”

“It’s been a busy morning and we are breathing just now, but it’s going to be the same soon enough.”

“Fine, I’ll make it faster and come with reinforcement for everyone, deal?”

“You are the best friend ever, Cillian; I love you.” And my words were sincere, because no matter the little discussions we might have from time to time, like the one of days ago. Cillian was my best friend, always there for me just like Priya, and he was exactly like an older brother, even though sometimes it was me acting more like an older brother. I giggled thinking about that and he asked me what was funny, but I simply said nothing. “See you soon.”

“Sure babe, love you too.” I smiled seeing everything between us was just like before.

I walked back to the shop and told Priya and Sarah that Cillian was coming with something good to eat and the manager looked at us with almost a scowling expression and I made clear none of us had lunch yet, aside him. He tried to say something, but he stopped and went to take care of a client. I loved my work, but we were not robots and we needed a break and something to eat after long rushing hours. However, lucky enough we had almost half an hour of quietness as we only had a couple of customers and one of them was that usual old lady, which was an absolute sweetheart.

When I was almost done with her and I was looking for my usual brush to comb her hair, the door of the shop opened and my natural reaction was to straighten up and greet the new person with a charming smile. A smile that froze completely half way and then completely died.

What was he doing here?

My blood froze in the veins and I felt that cold shiver slowly and painfully travelling down my spine. When Priya noticed my reaction she looked at the door and hissed in burning anger.

“What the hell are you doing here?” She demanded with such angry voice that everyone turned to look at her and then at Michael, standing at the entrance as if it was nothing, wearing his usual elegant and branded suit, heavy Rolex and that fake polite smile. A smile that I knew too well and that had me stop breathing. Why was he here?

“Michael, what do you want?” I asked feeling my mouth suddenly dry and my hands sweating cold. I wasn’t afraid he would do anything in such public place and anyway I would not let him do anything he had in mind, but I had thought he had understood to leave me alone and apparently I was wrong. I was extremely wrong. It was not easy to stand in front of him and of his devious fake smile.

“I have an appointment, Enna. In fact, I personally required for your assistance.” He smiled again and removed the dark grey coat and hung it on the open closet left there for the customers.

“What are you talking about, you asshole? We sure didn’t take any appointment for you, so just leave and leave at once.” Priya was already at my side and I shot her a look as to say to calm down. We were in the salon and the other two customers followed the exchange with a taken aback expression and then our manager decided to speak.

“Is there any problem? Priya, this is not the way to speak to a customer and I warn you.” She went to reply, but I snatched her arm and silenced her with a stern glare.

“Enna, let me go. He’s not customer, but an asshole.”

“Priya, this is not the place.” I told her and she snorted out frustrated.

“Mr. Sullivan Michael?” Our manager inquired and Michael politely nodded.

“Yes, that is me.”

“Please follow me and have a seat. In a couple of minutes Enna will be able to take care of you.”

“Oh I look forward to that.” He sent me another sick smile and his eyes lingered too long on me, making me feel terribly uncomfortable.

After he made him accommodate on a waiting chair, I discreetly spoke to the manager without anyone able to hear a single word, explaining why I was not going to take care of him and inquiring why he had taken an appointment for him. None of us did and I knew Sarah didn’t, because she well knew what happened with Michael and she hated him. Then an idea crossed my mind and I almost panicked. Cillian would be here in a matter of a few minutes and he would surely lose his temper. I could not allow it, because it was risky. Michael was a sly and very wealthy man that had no qualms whatsoever in charging someone for no reasons; I had already witnessed that.

“Please, try to understand. I will not serve him and he cannot stay here. You already know part of my past story and you remember when he suddenly appeared in our salon just to check on me.”

“Enna, that was almost two years ago. That man is here as customer and I personally took his appointment and we cannot kick him out. That would be bad for our image and for our business.”

“You do not understand.”

I tried to make him reason at the verge of hysteria, but he was being his usual stubborn self and I sighed pinching the bridge of my nose feeling a headache about to split my head in two. I took a couple of deep breaths and then shook my head and commanded myself to stay calm and absolutely void of any emotions. There was nothing to be afraid of; if he were to try something, I would not let him and anyway, it was a public place and he was not such a fool. I thought about Roman and his shielding and strong embrace, and somehow it calmed down.

I wanted to see Roman right now; I needed to see him... but I had to square my shoulders and walk there and show Michael how his game was not working.

I scrolled my hair behind my back and walked back to the salon, where I found Priya being barely held back from David and my eyes shot her another warming glare and she rolled hers, muttering something in her language, giving it was impossible to understand. My feet took me like a robot to where he was seated and with a cold and void expression and dry voice I told him to sit on the on the chair at the sink, where I would wash his hair. Oh dear me, the idea of touching him froze my blood once more and I had to swallow down. Another deep breath and I went to proceed, but he stopped me.

“Enna, I want to talk to you and you must hear me.”

“We have nothing to talk about; now, if you could just turn your head, I shall wash your hair.” I used a distant and overly professional tone, which made him glare at me.

“Don’t be like that, sugar. You know I love you and you perfectly know you belong to me, because you are mine.” Those words sounded so wrong when spoken by him and made me feel cold. They made me sick.

“I do not belong to you, Michael.” I said with firm voice. “I am not an object, but a human being. We have nothing to talk about. We are over and you never loved me.”

“Enna, don’t tell me you found another man, because I will not allow it. Who is it? That Cillian guy? He must be the one, since he always wanted to have you and made you his bitch.”

“Michael.” I warned him with a hiss and took a step back. I was not going to stand this any longer. I was not letting him insult me and my friend like that. “Please leave, now.” I ordered and went to walk to the door, but he grabbed my wrist and only in that moment, when Michael jerked up and painfully tightened the grip around it, the manager realized the mistake he made. But before he could say or do anything, the door opened and I panicked when Cillian stepped in the salon and in a couple of angry steps was right beside me.

“Let him go, you bloody asshole. Get your hands off him.”

“I was just helping Enna, as I thought he had lost his balance.” And with those words he let go of my wrist and offered me that polite smile and I widened my eyes at such blatant lie. “Everything ok, Enna?”

“Helping my ass. What the fuck are you doing here? Stalking Enna, aren’t you. Get out at once.” He went to grab his jacket, but I stopped him. Michael was just waiting for that.

“Cillian, stop it.” I ordered, but he groaned frustrated and looked at me with furious eyes.

“Stop it?” He hissed. “Enna, this piece of shit deserves a good beating, believe me.”

“That is not the solution.”

“A beating, Mr. Flannery? If you do as much as touching me with a finger, I will sue you. This is a promise.” He smirked in that sly way and I just wanted him out of my life forever. Why I did such huge mistake? Why?

“You..” Cillian went again for his jacket, but I took his hands in mine and Michael’s eyes glared with that sick and scary light of jealousy and bending closer he whispered to us.

“So it is true you fuck this slut here, ha?”

My eyes widened so much at those words and my blood went to my head that when I spoke I froze everyone there in the shop.

“I shall not tolerate any more of this. Another word and it will be me charging you. Now, leave.” We stood in front of each other for a long and tense moment and then he smiled and went to leave, not before taking a strand of my hair and turning my blood into ice for his words.

“This is not over, Enna. You will be mine, willing or not willing.” Then walked to his coat and spoke in a normal tone, as if nothing happened. “I shall leave, as I remembered of a previous appointment.” And with that he left the shop.

I dropped on a chair and felt a bad, bitter taste in my mouth, hating to feel eyes on me. Everyone in the shop had witnessed that exchange and even though only one person was actually foreign to the entire situation, it was still rather humiliating. I sank lower in the seat and closed my eyes to repress the tears of resentment and nervous threatening to roll down and I harshly bit my lip drawing blood out. I wanted Roman; I wanted to see Roman and have him here with me, to be in his arms. A shiver ran down my body and a pair of arms went around me. But it wasn’t Roman.

“I’m so sorry, Enna. Bloody hell, he’s such an asshole.” Cillian grunted and then pulled me on his chest, caressing my hair. “Hey, how do you feel? I believe you need a break. How about a coffee? Or maybe a chocolate?”

“Yes, he’s right sweetie, just go and take a breath of fresh air.”

It was all so embarrassing, but they were right. It would be impossible to go back to work without taking a small break; so I let Cillian take me for a coffee and it helped me to calm down. We sat in a quiet corner of a Starbuck’s shop right in Grafton Street and when he returned with our cups, he placed them down and took my hand.

“You better?”

“Yes, don’t worry. I was just mad for what happened inside the shop, because it has been so embarrassing.”

“Babe, who gives a shit about that. He’s an asshole and you should let me punch his face.”

“Cillian you know it won’t solve anything and he is waiting for that. I know him and I know how his twisted mind works.” I slipped my hand free and wrapped my arms around my body.

I wanted to see Roman; I needed to see him.

I sipped the hot chocolate my friend had brought me and then I smiled at him and gave his cheek a light peck.

“Thank you, Cillian. Now I have to go to work. I feel much better and actually feel rather childish for my previous behaviour.” I giggled and he shook his head.

“Are you trying to escape from me?” His question left me confused. “You don’t need to go back to work this soon. You want to leave?”

“Why you ask me that? What makes you think something so silly?” I asked trying to read his dark eyes, but he signed and squeezed my hand.

“I don’t know, Enna. I feel like you are slipping away from me and that I am losing you.”

“What are you talking about? I am right here and I am not going anywhere. Cillian?” I stood up and went to sit on his laps tilting his head up, to better look at his eyes. “Cillian, what are you talking about?” He shook his head and wrapped his arms around me, suddenly pulling me very close to him so that our lips almost touched and I instinctively pulled back. Yes, we were close and like brothers, but there was something different in the way he hugged me and stared at me, something more intimate and it threw me off-balance.

“Why you pull away?” He asked trying to pull me back, but I resisted, as again, there was something strange in his touch and it wasn’t his usual friendly and considerate hug. I thought about Roman and instantly hauled myself out of his arms. “Enna, babe...”

“Cillian, you are being strange now. Are you ok? Is everything ok? You know I’m here for you, so please talk to me. You are my friend and I love you, so talk to me. What is it? Something happened?” I asked studying his eyes and his expression, which had tensed up at my words and then he sighed.

“Nothing happened and everything is ok. I just don’t want to lose you, Enna, because I love you and I feel you are different.”

“I am not. I am still the same.”

He stared at me without saying anything and then sighed again, but this time smiling more in his usual playful way.

“You are right and I might be just very tired. I actually had a long week and many things to manage in college and such.” He was keeping something for himself and I knew it, but what could I do? He was not person easy to make talk if not ready and so I gave him a sincere hug and kissed his forehead.

“If you need me, I’m here.” I simply said and he chuckled.

“Hey, I should be the knight in the shining armour.” He joked and winked; then we both stood up and walked to the salon, where Priya was still pissed and now giving a piece of her mind to our manager, who shot me an apologetic glance. In no time we had no more chance to think about what happened with Michael as many customers showed up and the afternoon flew in a blur.

I sighed and stretched my arms in front of me feeling the weight of day on my shoulders, and tilting my head backward, I let the chilly wind of the evening refresh my face. I smiled thinking about Roman probably waiting for me at my place or wanting to surprise me before reaching the apartment. After such long and exhausting day I had the vital need to see him and be in his arms, to feel that warm sense of protection and peace that only his embrace and compelling voice could give me. My feet moved faster following the path of my thoughts, as my lips smiled more while my heart skipped faster anticipating the joy of seeing my love.

The evening was rather cold and the wind ruffled my hair and so I pulled the hood up, but let go when I saw the building where I lived and felt a hand on my shoulder. My body automatically spun around and a radiant smile formed on my face at the thought of Roman. My eyes twinkled in excitement and I went to greet him first, but I froze and my mouth went suddenly dry, impossible to swallow down what I felt in my mouth.

“Michael.” I breathed out with a barely audible sound.

I looked around and saw I was alone on the street, as it was rather late and most of the people residing here might be enjoying dinner in their houses.

It was just Michael and me.

“Enna, we are finally alone.”

Author's chit-chat:

I know, I know...another cliffhanger, right? What did you think of the chapter? Am I excused for the long wait? Were you expecting Mikhail/Sergey to be involved and then betray Roman that easily?

What about Michael? What will happen to Enna? Now they are alone in a street... But that's not all. Now we know the hit-man is in Dublin and after Roman. What will happen?

Let's see in the following chapter, right? No worries, I will update next week, so we won't wait that long.

Until next time!