(Dominik)

As I grab my watch off the nightstand, I peek into Calla's room. Once again, she's up, showered, and dressed before me. After the engagement celebration, I haven't been able to get her out of my head. I stepped outside to take a phone call and overheard the conversation between the Sullivan princess, The Perezes, and their cousin. Those fucking bitches not only bad-mouthed my brother but my second.

I wanted to step in, and just as I was thinking about it, Calla did it for me. I've never heard anyone outside of myself and my mother defend him like that. I just needed her to be like the rest of them. It made her disinterest in me a little more bearable. She's still boring. She still lacks any depth of emotion outside of the thrill of getting a new purse, and apperently anger when someone insults my brother.

I shake Calla from my head once again before rounding the divider wall that leads to the hall in my room. The bathroom is still filled with the scent of Calla's freshly applied perfume. The milky floral scent has become a morning custom for me. Every morning, she wakes up, gets ready for the day, and applies that alluring perfume in my bathroom. Our bathroom.

Damn it, stop.

Immediately, though, the image of Calla sitting at the kitchen island eating her morning peach flashes into my brain. Another daily routine I've grown to like over the last few days. The way she sits on the stool with her long, slender legs crossed is a sight as beautiful as the sunrise. Even the graceful way she brings her peach slice to her lips is like watching a swan glide across a glass-top lake. Serine and peaceful... until she opens her mouth and takes a daily jab at me, but even those I look forward to, and egg them on.

The thought of her downstairs right now puts a pep in my step. My door opens, and I enjoy the grin on my face until I see Kwan leaning against the glass railing outside my door, stopping me in my tracks.

"What's wrong?" He never greats me like this.

He pushes off the glass railing with a grim look on his face. "I was hoping to tell you before Calla found out, but I think it's too late for that."

A mask of concern and confusion slides off my face as my gaze lands on his wrapped knuckles. What the hell happened? "Tell me what?"

Stuffing his wrapped hand in his pocket, he says point blank, "Lily was attacked last night at the school library."

"The fuck!" My voice raises with shock and irritation. "Why am I just hearing about it now? Is she alright? Where is she?"

"She's a little bruised and her lip's busted, but other than that she's fine," He answer calmly but quickly. "It was late, you were already in bed so I made a judgement call. Figured she needed some rest before we handled all of this today anyway."

I start heading down the breezeway with Kwan following me. "What the hell happened? Ken was supposed to be watching her."

"The jackass was sleeping in his car while she was inside studying. I saw her leave and then saw someone follow her so I went after them, got there just in time to stop some perv from assaulting her right there in the parkinglot."

"Shit," I hiss and run my hand over my face. "You don't think it was associated with whoever threatened them, do you?" I ask. At the engagement party, I was informed that they might have found the guy and even brought them in for questioning. After several hours of intense interrogation in the Monroe's basement, it seemed to be a dead end. Still leaving the girls in a lot of danger.

Kwan tips his head to the side. "I don't think so. Seemed like an attack of opportunity." His brows pinch together as something dark flashes in his eyes. "And his goal was different than what was mentioned in the threat. If he wanted her gone, he wouldn't have bothered going for something else."

"Damn, a lead to the threat would have been great. I'm going to bust Ken's fucking face in he couldn't even protect her from some random ass. I assured Calla he was more than qualified. Fuck, Calla." I stop and duck down, trying to see through the glass and into the kitchen to see if she's there. She's not in her usual spot. Dread slowly fills me like a heavy goo, making my legs feel heavier. "Why do you think Calla knows?"

Kwan hesitates just a second before answering. "I might have heard her shout 'what the fuck' when she got to the kitchen this morning. Pretty sure Lily, didn't listen to the note I left her about hanging in her room long enough for me to get everyone filled in."

I groan as I stand up and start making my way downstairs. "Call a couple of meetings. One with with our security team and mother fucking Ken. Asshole is going to learn the lesson of the century. Then set up a meeting somewhere comfortable with Lily. I want you at both." I stop and point to him. "Do not invite Calla to either of them, especially the one with Ken. She doesn't need to see what I plan on doing to that little shit."

He nods, already pulling out his phone. "On it. I'll text you when I have everything lined up."

"Good," I jog the rest of the way down the stairs. "Do we need to call the doctor for Lily? Do you think her lip will need stitches or anything?"

"Oh no, she's perfectly fine," he says with a shake of his head. "The attack didn't seem to faze her to bad either. She was still just as mouthy when I brought her here."

"Good. We haven't broken a Monroe Priness's spirit at least." That's a relief. I can't imagine the wrath their mom would rain down on me. "Can you tell Jennie to let me know if Lily needs anything. Whatever she wants she gets."

His eyes widen with those instructions but he quickly shakes it off and nods. "I'll make sure Jennie knows."

I take a deep breath as I look around the house. "I guess I better go face the fire. As soon as I find my bride-to-be."

"Good luck," Kwan says with a pat on my back before heading for the front door.

I pull my phone out of my suit jacket and text Calla's assistant, Sarah. If anyone knows where she is, Sarah will. Report to my office.

I head past the kitchen and into the study, where my assistant, Chad, is waiting for me. He's already in his fitted black suit with a stack of papers in his hand, ready to fill me in on my day.

"Whatever it is, cancel it," I tell him as he starts reviewing my schedule. "Something came up."

"But," Chad pushes his thin, wired glasses up his short, turned-up nose as he looks down at the well-sorted schedule.

"Cancel it."

The click of heels draws both of our attention to the door. The short assistant stops and bows in greeting as her gaze shifts between Chad and me. Her perfectly pressed grey gown is adorned with a white apron, and her dark hair is pulled into a low ponytail. She looks clean and pristine, just like the head housekeeper likes.

"Mr. Song. You paged me?" She asks, her voice timid. Sarah seems to be a meek person, but today, there's an extra nervousness in her countenance.

"I'm looking for Calla. She wasn't at breakfast."

Sarah's doe eyes grow wider, and her face drains of all color. "I don't think you want to find her this morning, sir."

Well, that fills me with confidence.

"I need to talk to her. Where is she?" I insist. The more I let Calla stew, the worse it's going to get.

Sarah kneads her hands as she glances our the large glass window that looks over the back lawn. "She went to the gym to work out."

She makes it sound like she left the house, but she's not allowed to leave the house without me for her own safety. Plus, we have a personal gym here. I follow her gaze to the building Calla is more than likely in. "Thank you, Sarah."

"Of course, sir, but can I just suggested maybe giving her a day? She seems a little... upset."

"Thank you, Sarah. That'll be all." I dismiss her before turning back to Chad. "Reschedule whatever has to be done, and just cancel what you can. If someone else, other than Kwan, can take care of something, shove it off on them."

"Of course. I'll do what I can," Chad assures me.

I nod before walking back to the main room and outside to the large lawn. The chlorine from the pool fills the air, and the water lapping against the side of the pool sounds so relaxing. The backyard promises serenity in complete contrast to what's probably going on in that gym.

As I walk across the patio, I catch my reflection in the window. The man walking with all the confidence in the world staring back at me is nothing like the bundle of nerves I actually am. Maybe Calla and I haven't made any progress in the relationship department, but this isn't going to help. Plus, Ken has made me look completely incompetent as a don. I'm going to kill that man.

I pull the door open and find Calla toward the back of the gym, taking her wrath out on a boxing bag. With each swing and kick, the bag thumps, and the chains clank. She doesn't even notice me walking in, which is pretty normal. She looks great in her leggings and sports bra. Her light brown hair is pulled up in a ponytail that keeps sticking to her sweaty neck and face.

I cross the gym, dodging the weightlifting equipment. I walk right up to her, and our eyes meet. She stops mid-punch and stares at me with a look that would put me six feet under if looks could kill.

Her cheeks are red and glistening. Bare face or full makeup, Calla can slay. I clear my throat, wracking my brain where to start before looking at the punching bag. A wrinkled picture of me taped to the bag makes me take a double glance. Damn, she's big mad.

Calla pulls back her wrapped hand and lands a punch right in the middle of my printed face, making the paper pop and tear.

"You seem a bit upset." I try to stay calm, cool, and collected.

"You think!" She snaps with more fire in her than I've ever seen before. She turns toward me, unwrapping her hands.

"Look, I'm really sorry." I try to apologize. "I'm taking Ken off duty."

Calla nods and tosses one, wrapping to the ground before she starts on the other.

"And I'll get someone I trust assigned to her."

Calla's light blue eyes dart up to me in such a quick snap I think they might have sliced me in half. "You didn't trust Ken then and assigned him to my sister?"

"N-no I did." I stumbled over my words. I'm the don of the Song clan, yet this woman is putting the fear of God in me.

"But this next trusted guard, he's extra trusted I take it?" Sarcasm poisons her voice as she throws the other wrapping to the ground.

"Calla," I sigh. "You're sister's safety is important to me. Ken is going to pay, but can we just be grateful Lily didn't get hurt?"

Calla's eyes grow wide, and I swear to god, she grows an extra foot. She steps closer, her expression a mix of shock and anger. I can feel the power radiating from her, and I take a step back. She stops, her jaw clenched so tight that she might snap her teeth. "Not hurt?" Her voice is so strained with anger that it makes her lips quiver.

Yup, that was the wrong thing to say.

"Have you seen her? I assure you she's hurt." She sways and moves like a snake, ready to strike.

"I meant badly it could have been worse."

Calla nods as she turns, to probably pick the wrappings off the floor. "Like I said I'm-"

A sudden unexpected slam to my chest knocks me off my feet, sending my ass flying over my head. In a blur of confusion and pain, I find myself gapping up at the ceiling, trying to figure out what the hell happened.

I gasp, trying to catch my breath, with Calla standing over me, leg completely extended.

"What the fuck!" I wheeze as I struggle to sit up but in a rush, that completely catches me off guard, Calla is on top of me. She grabs two handfuls of my jacket and jerks me up to her face. My heart pounds against my chest. This shouldn't turn me on, but it kinda does. The passion in her eyes shows me a well of emotions that I never expected to be there, like she's finally let a mask fall from her face.

A chuckle escapes my lips, which only makes Calla's stern look harden.

"You think this is funny, Song? That this is a game?" Her voice is frighteningly calm. "Alright then, pretty boy. Let's play. Whatever happens to my sister is going to happen to you. I sleep where you sleep, don't forget that."

She shoves me back before climbing off me and starts to walk away.

"Calla, wait." I scramble to get back onto my feet and chase after her.

I reach out and grab her arm. Her attention drops to my hand, then slowly lifts up to me. I might have poked a bear, but I'm not letting her walk away this mad. At the door, I see Sarah standing just inside. Her eyes are big as saucers, telling me she probably saw more than I wanted.

"I'm going to make this right, and I am going to make sure someone I know will handle the job properly will watch over her." I try to portray every ounce of sensation I have into my promise. "And Ken will pay. I promise you that."

"What are you planning on doing? Watching her yourself?" She snaps.

I obviously can't do that, but someone I trust more than myself might work. "I already have my hands full with you peaches, but I know there's someone that you trust that can do it," I tell her.

Calla's brows pinch together as her attention drifts off, trying to figure out who I'm talking about. Realization spreads across her face before her shoulders relax, and she gives me an approving nod.

"And what about Ken?" She asks. "What are you planning on doing about him."

"I'm going to take care of him to the point you're never going to see his face around here again." I'm not sure what I'm doing with him yet, but since his action ended up with my ass on the floor, I feel like he might end up at the bottom of the ocean.

"You mean dead?" Calla bluntly asks.

I nod, though I haven't settled on that completely.

She pulls her arm from my grip, leaving my hand feeling far too empty. "Good."

I'm a little shocked. Sure, she's a mafia princess, and the women in our families know what we do, but most of the time, to make it easier on themselves, they don't like to think about, much less condone, some of our violent ways.

When my phone dings, I pull it out and see a text from Kwan. Ready to go at the docks. I shove the phone back into my pocket, knowing I'm going to have to leave Calla in this pissed-off state, but at least she isn't in full rage mode.

"I have some stuff I have to take care of," I tell her. "Before I go I'll get someone to step in for me in case you need to go anywhere." I start to head for the door, where Sarah is still standing and doing her best not to make eye contact with me.

"Wait," Calla sighs in frustration.

I turn and find her wiping the sweaty hair out of her face before she plops her hands on her hips. "Don't kill him. Lily wouldn't want you too." She sounds aggravated and won't meet my gaze. The soft spot she has for her sister shows in the frustration written all over her face.

"Whatever you say, peaches," I nod before heading out of the gym and to my car through the house. The kitchen still sits empty. On the white marble top counter, I notice the bowl full of peaches is empty. I can't have that. My peach girl needs her peaches. My peach girl? When did she become mine? If I keep trying to shake Calla from my head, I'm going to end up with brain damage.

Once in my car and out of the driveway, I make the long trek across town down to the dirty harbor. Boats tower over the dock, and deep bellowing horns skidd across the waves. The smell of fish hangs heavy in the air, but the docks are eerily empty. No doubt Kwan had the space cleared. When I get to our cargo ship, I walk up the long plank to the deck. A couple of my men stand at the top, greeting me in suits, and let me pass.

"Follow me, sir." One of the men from our security detail leads me through rows and rows of metal shipping crates, more than likely filled with different goods, both legal and illegal. When we round the other corner, I find Kwan and my top two security guards standing inside an open blue crate with Ken tied to a chair.

It looks like Kwan's already done a number on the guy. His nose is crooked and bruised, making me think Kwan might've done that when he first caught him last night. But his busted lip is fresh with blood, and his head droops. As I step into the crate, I nod to my other two security guards. "Han. MJ."

They nod back at me just as Ken struggles to lift his head. He chuckles and shakes his head. "Years of loyal service to your old man, and this is the thanks I get."

I eye Kwan next to me, who seems to be seething a little more than I expected him to. Not that I don't appreciate his loyalty to my bride-to-be and her sister, but it's a little out of character for him.

I stuff my hands into my pockets. "The thanks was assigning you to watch over my wife's sister, Ken, and yet the thanks I get is you sleeping on the fucking job." I snap my fingers. Han and MJ jump into gear. They stalk closer to Ken. We don't have to turn on our own often, but that doesn't seem to make Han or MJ hesitate.

Han takes the first swing, throwing an uppercut to Ken's jaw, making him and his chair fly backward. He grunts when he hits the floor.

"You made me look like a fool, Ken," I say, pacing around him, acting a lot calmer than I feel. A rage of disappointment and embarrassment toils within me. "In front of one of the most important families in the city—my wife's family, no less."

Ken coughs out a laugh as MJ and Han set him back up. "Jumping the gun there, don, aren't you?" His breathing is labored as his head drops back. "You really think a Monroe princess is going to go through with marrying you? I almost did you a favor letting that girl get a taste of the real world. The family would have pulled out of this agreement fast."

Rubbing his chin, Kwan starts shaking his head. A howl and short laugh come next before he mumbles, "that girl...that girl." Within a blink of an eye, Kwan kicks Ken right in the chest, sending his chair flying to the ground again. He leans, quickly pulling his gun from the holster under his arm and pointing it at Ken's temple. "That girl, has a name! And if anything had really happened to her last night, you wouldn't have even lived to see this fucking meeting, you peace of shit! You don't deserve to even breathe right now!"

Let him live. Calla's voice echoes in my head. I groan and pull Kwan back, knowing I gotta step in. "Not yet."

Kwan seethes with rage but does as he's told, stepping back and taking several deep breaths. "Fucking low life," he mumbles.

I take Kwan's gun from his hand before walking over to Ken, groaning on the ground. I crouch down, running my finger across my lips as I try to keep in the sea of rage that wants to take over. "Kenny, Kenny, Kenny." I shake my head. "We never talk about a princess that way."

"Fuck you." He wheezes out.

I grit my teeth and pistol whip him across the face, leaving a large gash across his cheek. Ken hollers in pain as I wipe his blood off on his pants and look over at Han and MJ. "Beat him to a pulp. I promised my girl I'd let him live." I stand back up and hand Kwan's gun back to him. "But accidents do happen, don't they?" I give Kwan half a smirk before turning and walking out of the container. "Bye, Kenny."