The moment Skylar stepped out of the room with the struggling Linda, Warren's phone buzzed.
••••••••••••••••••
"They're coming for the disk. Don't let them get it," the voice on the line ordered.
"You know what's on it—and how far they'll go. Protect my daughter-in-law, Lucifer."
"Yes, Father." Warren ended the call, took a long gulp of his now lukewarm coffee, and sighed deeply. He could feel it—chaos was coming. A bloodbath. And his Amore… she was both his weakness and his reason to fight. He'd protect her, no matter the cost.
He dialed a number. After a few rings, it connected.
"Keep an eye on him. Every move. Report back," Lucifer commanded, then hung up.
Minutes later, Skylar walked in, a satisfied smile playing on her lips. The top of her yellow cotton dress was stained—fresh blood, unmistakably Linda's.
"Hubby," she called sweetly. Warren opened his arms, and she gladly straddled him, her arms around his neck.
He buried his face in the curve of her neck, inhaling her calm vanilla scent. It soothed the storm raging in his chest. His arms pulled her tighter.
"Hubby?"
"Mmm?" Warren hummed, not ready to move from their little bubble.
"Look at me, Mr. B."
That name hit him like a wave of nostalgia.
'If we finally get married, I'll call you hubby. But when I'm upset or serious, I'll call you Mr. B, because then you'll be my strong, brave billionaire,' a four-year-old Skylar had once declared, arms flailing in innocence and certainty.
Warren snapped his gaze to her.
"Is something wrong? You can tell me. I'll listen—and help too," Skylar said softly, cupping his face. She'd felt it the second she stepped back in—his energy had shifted.
"I'm fine, baby. Just a lot on my plate today." He wouldn't let her live in fear. She was strong, yes, but soft—his soft girl. A marshmallow wrapped in knives.
"Oh, I can help you," she offered brightly.
"Really?"
"Yes, really. Come on." Skylar grinned, kissing his cheek.
KRUZ MANSION
"You both are what?" Mrs. Kruz screamed, shocking the couple in front of her and even Mr. Kruz beside her.
"We... we're in a... relationship," Flame stammered.
"I swear on my life, ma'am—I love Lucy. Just give me a chance. I'll make her happy every day of my life," Flame said in one breath.
He'd finally confessed. A week in, and Lucy had said yes. He needed her parents' blessing.
"Oh my God," Mrs. Kruz squealed. "My baby, come give mama a hug!"
Lucy rushed into her mother's arms, sitting beside her.
"When? How? And have you—done it? Tell me everything!" she gushed. Lucy was quick to change the subject. Mr. Kruz stood, clearly taking that as his cue. He approached Flame and patted his shoulder.
"Welcome to the family, boy. Don't break her heart or—"
"Yes, Don."
"What Don? Call me Father," Mr. Kruz chuckled.
BLACK EAGLE CLAN
"Barbie," Blaze called out, making both Venom and Barbie turn.
"Aww, go on. Your boyfie's calling," Venom teased.
"Hi," Barbie smiled, stepping beside him.
"Hello, buttercup. You look stunning."
"Thanks," she mumbled, cheeks pink.
"Ready for our date?"
"Mhm."
"Let's go," Blaze said, intertwining their fingers. He nodded at Venom.
"See you later."
"Sure."
"Bye! Use protection!" Barbie shouted over her shoulder.
"Barbie!"
"Sorry!" she laughed.
That night's date brought them closer. Barbie wasn't head-over-heels yet, but she liked Blaze enough to try. They were still in the courting phase.
Venom, though… she still felt a sting watching Flame and Lucy. But she was healing—already on her third date with another mobster. Barbie had handed her a packet of "protection," claiming, "Just in case."
SCORPIONS
"Let me see her!" Razor snapped.
"Calm down, son—"
"I'm not your fucking son!" he barked. "I did what you asked. Now let me see my mom."
"Fine. You've got five minutes."
"Five?"
"I'm being generous." Don Lucas glanced at Vans—the mobster Barbie had once dated.
"Take him to the bitch."
∞∞∞∞∞
"Mom!" Razor cried, running to the shackled woman.
"My sweet Evan… Mama missed you so much," she sobbed.
"I missed you too, Mom. I'll get you out—I promise."
WS MANSION
"Hubby," Skylar called—for the fifth time.
Still no answer. Something was wrong. Since returning from the company, he'd been off—overly cautious, even having the guards sweep the house.
After dinner, he'd kissed her forehead and murmured "I love you," then disappeared into his study. Skylar, worried and loving, had followed.
"Hubby!" she called again, louder.
That finally broke through.
"Amore," Warren said, opening his arms. She dove in, straddling and hugging him tight.
"Are you okay?" she whispered, cradling his face.
"I'm perfectly fine, Mon Amore." He wasn't ready to burden her with the truth—not yet.
"You sure?"
"Yes, doll."
She relaxed again in his embrace. Then after a pause, Skylar looked up at him, cheeks flushed.
"What does my Amore need?" he asked, voice low.
"Can we do that… thing again?" she asked shyly.
"What thing?"
"The one we did last night," she mumbled.
"I'm not sure I follow, doll."
"Oh come on, you know what I mean. Let's do it," she scoffed, making him laugh.
"You sure? Aren't you sore?"
"Uh-uh. I want it again," she said, blushing even harder.
"Whatever my doll wants," Warren whispered, pulling her into a deep, lingering kiss.