#mob!ari levinson

[jamneuromain]

Ari's Payback

Mob!Ari Levinson x Reader

Warning: Mob!Ari, Wife!Reader, Ari being petty, a lot of cursing

Summary: As your husband, Ari did what he does best: annoy you.

A/N: Happens right after this event. Part of Venomous Vows series in collaboration with @biteofcherry

Ari cursed silently in his mind.

There was an intense debate going on about whether or not he should do this.

The brain cell of stupidity argued: Do it. Let’s give her hell.

The sane part of his brain said: Let’s just kill her instead.

Okay. Maybe he shouldn’t leave both his brain cells wandering in his mind after a few too many glasses of scotch.

Plus, killing her meant that he could only enjoy the look on your face once. While initiating the plan, on the other hand …

He reached for the box, and snatched the object inside with ease.

A part of him grew curious as to why his wife did not wire her stuff.

Then, at the back of his head, a slurred, drunken voice of his own reminded him that it was his home. It was your home. It was your shared home.

Ari watches as you rummage through the house, ask the maid (he forgets her name once again, Charlotte or Shari or Shar-something) to help you rummage through the house. A while later, the valet is commandeered. Then your chauffeur.

Together, the four of you search every inch of your bedroom, your bathroom, your walk-in wardrobe, and your second walk-in wardrobe with handbags.

He pulls out his phone to take a look at the time.

Ten minutes to eight pm.

He could imagine the guests murmuring, glass clicking, heels clattering, air thickening with his men huffing out cigarette smoke.

He could imagine the guests glancing at their wristwatches – having received a pat-down at the entrance and removed all electronic devices such as their phones like taking some friggin’ SATs – and getting all disturbed, wondering if they should bolt or would FBI come surrounding this goddamn place as this could very well be the largest mob family gathering along the east coast.

Yet, he muses, they should grow accustomed to your tardiness, as there hardly were times when you weren’t late for this annual gathering since your marriage.

He finds a box of cigars in one of the drawers of the coffee table and a box of matches to go with it. He lights the cigar and enjoys the rich spicy odor of it, feeling particularly like a club owner from the 1920s, watching in the dark as the mime continues in front of him.

Well, not a mime-mime, but a –

“It can’t be just gone.” You snap at no one in particular, though it is clear as day that you are not in a good mood, while the helps you’ve summoned keep their lips shut.

Ari allows a small whiff of cigar smoke drift from the corner of his lips.

Poor them. But it’s not like you are going to bite their heads off.

“Charlene, please check my jewelry box again. Marco, my coats. George, my handbags.” You grit your teeth tightly, “It’s a necklace with a ring of pearls and a fuckin’ big-ass pink diamond in the middle. It can’t be gone.”

And it is lying in the deepest darkest corner of his safe in the study. The pleasant bitter taste of the cigar filled his lungs, ghosting Ari’s face with a faint smirk. He takes time to pour himself a glass of scotch, knowing that this fiasco will last forever since he was the thief who wants payback for your last not-so-peaceful encounter when you decided to sabotage his online meeting with the loudest porn.

“I’m sorry, Ma’am. It’s not in the jewelry box.” Charlene exits your bedroom a couple of minutes later, apologizing even if it was not remotely her fault.

“Sorry, Ma’am.” Ari’s valet, Marco shakes his head and refuses to meet his eyes with yours after coming back to the living room.

“Sorry, Ma’am.” Your driver George echoes.

You stand in the middle of your living room, hands resting above your hips, full make-up and properly dressed, with a beautiful strapless on you, and on your neck – nothing, nada.

Ari savors his scotch with his eyes closed.

First of all, in his defense, you look beautiful in anything, even a rag. Despite his hatred towards you, he is not blind. And you certainly do not need one specific necklace to bring it out in you.

Second of all, that necklace was a gift from a man before your marriage. A man who is not Ari Levinson (nor your father, for that matter). A childhood friend, to be exact. Ari has always suspected you felt a thing towards that man. Luckily, that man was off to some adventure in a godforsaken jungle in the middle of nowhere.

Ari prays that the friend of yours dies there. He could send a team of armed mercs to annihilate his opponent, but he chose not to. Ari Levinson is not a complete monster, just fyi.

Last of all, it was so worth it, making you mad.

“Fucking stupid goddamn pearls I swear-” You ignore Ari being all suited up on the couch, heading to your bedroom to check under the bed again, cursing under your breath.

The soles of your heels click on the floor hard enough to poke a hole in it.

“Fuck fuck fuckity fuck FUCK!”

He hears you lash out your fury into the soft beddings. He hears your anger pent up with no one and nowhere to aim at. He hears you curse louder.

Ari puffs the silvery smoke into the air.

See? The brain cell of stupidity tells him. Totally worth it.

[biteofcherry]

A promise that won't be upheld

part of Venomous Vows series in collaboration with @jamneuromain

mafia!Ari Levinson x female reader

summary: Your first impression of Ari isn't exactly a bad one, but it solidifies your decision to never have anything to do with him.

warnings: mafia!Ari Levinson; mob!Ari Levinson; soft dark!Ari Levinson;

Author's Note: This is sort of prelude to everything that happens. If you read the thread that started it all (and which is the core of what happens later), you will understand the title of this ficlet - why exactly this promise won't uphold 😏🤭

The sense of power doesn’t thrum through your veins as you cut across the lavish floors of the club, even though people part aside to let you through; neither it pulses as you take the spiral staircase to the VIP upper floors, where curious and hungry gazes glance your way, but no one dared to approach. 

At least not yet. Your father’s name is enough to keep most in line, but there is always someone who would be either too dumb or too drunk to make a move on you. The fact you could get rid of him with the mere mention of your last name didn’t give you a sense of power, either.

It’s the moment when you stepped down the narrow corridor that changed from lacquered black into burnt wood panels, which finally gave way into a beautiful oasis. 

Here, in the private garden sprawling above the city, you feel that rush. 

It’s not just a VIP area. To be allowed here is to be the inner circle. The very few who your father trusted. 

Or to be a monster equally influential as him.

Ari Levinson isn’t a close associate of your father. He doesn’t belong to the inner circle. He doesn’t belong to anyone, but the hell pit alone. 

But he’s here tonight. Exchanging who knows what false politeness and cutthroat deals with your father. 

You know he’s highly intelligent, brutally fast and decisive. Father wouldn’t sit down with anyone who didn’t deserve their position of power. But he’s not the kind of man you want to spend any minute with. 

Especially not on your birthday.

“I’d ask if he’s a stripper, but I’m not yet drunk enough for playing a dumb bimbo,” your friend chuckles next to you. 

She likes to play those games, especially with the dark and dangerous crowd - whom she proves to be idiots led by dicks. She’d almost cross a boundary, but make it so cute that the most ruthless of enforcers and mob soldiers were turning smitten and protective. 

Figures she’d set her sights on Levinson. Danger always lures her. On top of that, his looks also grab full female attention.

“That one is better to be left alone.” Averting your gaze from him, you turn and walk over to the further side of the roof garden, where garlands of lights are hung above a table set for a small group of people. 

Unlike your best friend, you’re not interested in poking the dragon. 

Or to even look at him too long, in case the devil snatches your soul somehow.

You prefer your partners to be more controllable. Lawyers, who have the brains and enough cockiness to make it spicy, but won’t get an upper hand over you. Mob boys who are in the higher ranks, but didn’t display alpha male behavior. CEOs who are too busy with their own empires to be hungry for having power over you. 

“He has to be a really big deal, if you’re saying that,” your friend muses, taking a seat beside you.

And he is.

Ari Levinson isn’t a man you’d want to find yourself near. Not only because of his reputation of being a ruthless and lethal leader. But because he’s not easy to control. He never would be. 

He’s a man who grips the reins of any interaction right away, twisting and pulling and lashing with a crop until any mare submits to him fully. He’s like that in business, but you have no doubt he’d be the same in any relationship.  

“Ladies.”

A voice smooth and rich as the last sips of thick, hot chocolate, resounds unexpectedly behind you. Startling you. 

When you turn, the devil himself is standing right there. His expression is neutral, void of any mischief, or malice. 

So damn controlled. To the tiniest muscle in his handsome face. 

“Mr. Levinson.” You greet him politely, hiding your annoyance at the fact you can’t read anything off his face, or his body language.

His body - impressively broad and thick, while still holding a jungle’s predator’s grace to it - isn’t stiff in discomfort, nor is it alert for a threat. It isn’t fully relaxed either. Somehow he’s perfectly balanced and in tune with his surroundings.

Yeah, definitely a man to stay away from, if you want to maintain your goal of always being in control.

Even if a small part of you wants to stretch along that body and rub your softness everywhere where he is hard.

“Wanted to pay my respects and wish you a happy birthday,” Levinson inclines his head your way. 

“Thank you.” It calms you, realizing it’s just a typical show of manners, which the mafia world puts such emphasis on while not batting an eye at killing. It’s quite comical. 

“I must admit, I’m surprised.” He adds, his tone for the first time betraying some kind of emotion.

Amusement?

“A mafia princess’ birthday being so modest? No party for hundreds of people and social media pictures? You must be setting new standards.” 

He doesn’t laugh, nor smirk, but you notice the way his blue eyes spark. It’s a short, fleeting thing, but it’s enough to grate on your nerves. It’s also enough to have your friend snort. Because of course she made nearly the same comment a few days ago, when you mentioned you just want a nice dinner and a few glasses of wine, not to party all night long.

Not only because you have enough noise and masses on a daily basis as you manage hotels and the party side of casinos - the legal front for the very illegal things your father runs. 

But because, as he called you, a mafia princess is never just a person of the evening for genuine celebration. 

You’re not naive or dumb to not know that those types of parties are a means to be shown around like a prized auction item to lure the highest bidders. Your father loves you, but you’re aware at some point he will arrange your marriage.

You want to spare yourself at least the whole circus of potential husbands, or their representatives, watching you and assessing your worth. 

“I’m not a college student on a spring break, nor a spoiled teen on a sweet sixteen.” You roll your eyes, not voicing the real reasons for the small celebration. 

Which was a tiny victory on your part, because your father couldn’t exactly show you off and wait for offers while it was only him, your friend and two cousins you were still waiting for. 

“No, you’re not.” Levinson agrees, his voice dropping an octave lower.

His eyes stay on your face, but it somehow feels as if he just dragged his gaze down your body in the most inappropriate way. You feel a warm tingle awakening beneath your skin.

“I wish you all a lovely evening. Once again, happy birthday,” he rolls your name on his tongue and his lips curve in a teasing smile.

“May it be a memorable one.”

You watch him turn and leave, moving with the confidence of a predator who knows the jungle holds no secrets from him. 

But he’s not reckless or stupidly cocky, you think. He’s simply (annoyingly) aware of his power. Which makes him all the more dangerous to be around. 

You make a promise to never find yourself in his orbit for longer than necessary. 

[imaginedreamwrite]

Since you seem really intrigued by the ceo/mob soft!dark!Ari sending his planned wife a wedding invitation to announce their relationship…

“The man is off the market,” a chipper entertainment news anchor had relayed the news with a falsified voice and a plastered smile, “the bachelor famous for running three successful corporations in Boston and New York City is engaged.”

“Exciting news for the infamous Ari Levinson-”

“That guy is gorgeous. Lucky bitch.” Jessa had scoffed with a roll of her eyes, spite and envy dripping from every word while she hastily wiped at the countertops.

Though the cheap vinyl surface wasn’t dirtied since the last time she had wiped them down, Jessa was trying to waste time until it was quitting time. It was a tactic, nothing more than a chance to stall after she’d finished all her side jobs and tasks.

“That guy is dangerous. He’s a monster,” you drew your eyebrows together and pursed your lips as the anchors continued to speak, “he’s the devil incarnate.”

“Still,” Jessa sighed airily and wantonly, “imagine a man like that, being so fucked out that your back is blown-”

“When speaking about the future Mrs. Levinson, Ari had nothing but praise and affection for his future wife, declaring her quiet, demure and beautiful.”

“Try not to miss me too much!” Jessa threw the cloth down in victory, her shift officially over and you left to finish off the night.

The urge to roll your eyes and curse after her was only prevented by the bell above the door chiming as a man wearing a four piece suit stepped inside. He seemed entirely too out of place in this dump, this hellhole suitable for a class he seemed to be out of.

“Y/N L/N?” The man approached you with a cautious glance at the cleaned counter, and then slowly sank onto the torn leather stool.

“Can I help you?” You questioned him, speculative and unsure of his intentions.

“Yes, Miss L/N.” he withdrew an envelope from his suit and slid it against the surface until the edges grazed your fingertips. “Congratulations on the wedding.”

Confusion abound, you ripped open the envelope to read what was given to you.

On the thick card stock etched in black cursive letters was the invitation to celebrate the nuptials of yourself, your full legal name ensconced, and the devil you’d just been speaking of.

“This is a mistake, some sick joke-” the door chimed again, another three men stepping into the cafe.

“-Mr. Levinson is waiting for you. The bridal suite is nearly finished being decorated.”

[janesaridoll]

Birthday princess 

pairing || woc!reader x mob!ari levinson

genera || fluff.

summary || how’s Ari dealing with someone trying to disrespect his girl.

wordcount || 2,4K

Donate to my ko-fi!

A vicious man who will go to any length to make his sweetheart smile.

Growing up, Ari enjoyed his mother's elaborate celebrations, where everything had to be extravagantly flawless—whether they were birthday parties, wedding anniversaries, or charity events. He thinks his mother did all that to compensate for her husband, his father’s harsh reality.

He especially gets excited whenever his birthday is nearing, he loved when he was ten and he loves it now, almost thirty seven years old.

Even though, it's different from when he was younger, he still enjoyed it. However, the idea of someone not celebrating their milestone were awful to him, So when he found out his precious girl never celebrated her birthday he was horrified.

He couldn’t fathom that someone not celebrating their birthday especially someone as sweet as his girl.

Your birthday was never acknowledged by your parents. Not even a happy birthday was said. Although, your siblings celebrated theirs, no one ever seemed to remember yours.

As you got older, you just forget about it. You knew you missed something, but there was nothing you could do to persuade your parents to celebrate your birthday because they always had some excuse not to.

At first, you resisted Ari's insistence on throwing you a birthday party. Therefore, Ari did not celebrate your first birthday together as he had intended while you two were together. But of course he did do something to celebrate.

He took you to an upscale restaurant, after both of you finished eating, he gave you your gift; an elegant pair of earrings. That was the first time anyone had ever given you anything. You were appreciative, till this day you never taken them off.

The following year, when your birthday approached, Ari broached the subject once more, you told him you didn't care and that what you both did last year was enough yet Ari didn't think so. He wants to give you the experience of celebrating your birthday properly.

After much persuasion, you agreed to the birthday party, Ari got his mother's party planner number in order for you to contact her to plan your birthday, he didn’t set a budget for it; just told you to do what your heart desired.

"I want everything to go as smoothly as possible, Steve, I don't want anything to go wrong," Ari says as he sips from his brownish liquor.

"Of course, I'll tell Peter to oversee everything," you'd assume from the way they're both talking seriously in their black suits that it had to be about business. No, it's Ari's princess 24th birthday celebration. Which, if you think about it, is more important.

Ethan, your bodyguard and friend, is racing with with staff members making sure everything is perfect for your birthday, including the lights, decorations, DJ, food and drinks.

“She even got Ethan to do all the work” steve mumbled to Ari who let out a chuckle “I can’t believe he’s the toughest one of our men” He sips the rest of his drink before smiling to himself “wait for me in the werehouse” Steve only nodded.

He went upstairs to the guest bedroom where you had your makeup artist and hairstylist stay because Ari doesn't like it when people are in his room.

He stared at you from the doorway, completely captivated; the expression of happiness in your eyes brought happiness to him as well; he can't believe someone could be so cruel as to not love or spoil you in the way you deserve.

"Can you leave us for a minute?" As soon as he said it, the room quieted down, and your best friend, Nat, who you met through Ari's friends, spoke up, "sure, we will be outside," she patted your shoulder. She had already dressed in a black silk dress, done her makeup beautifully with smokey eyes and her signature red lipstick that matches her hair, she looks stunning.

"You look pretty," he began, staring at you from the mirror “you do, too," you said, turning around to face him.

He takes a step closer to you, as soon as he is within reach, you wrap your hand around his neck, drawing him closer to you, tilting your heads up to lock your gaze on him smiling lovingly.

"Ethan needs a day off tomorrow," when you noticed that the party planner were demanding you gave her Ethan's phone number so she could organize everything with him rather than you, you just told them what you want the theme of your party.

He initially objected, after all, he is the toughest man. But he agreed simply because he likes you and he wants you to have the nicest and most memorable birthday celebration ever.

"Sure, anything you want." Even Ari is taking a day off tomorrow, he wants to spend it with you while business is calm nowadays.

"You spoil me a lot," you said, kissing his jaw. He smiled “that's the least I could do for you. honey"

"Thank you, I love you too much." You kissed him again. "I love you too."

"I’m leaving for a bit; I've got a business to take care of, and I’ll be back before the party starts."

"Why?" You pout. Is he going to skip your birthday? You know it was stupid. You shouldn’t have agreed. Maybe your parents is right; it is a waste of time.

"They need me there; it won’t take too long, maybe an hour max," he told you while curdling your face between his large hands and kissing your lips softly.

“You promise?” You smiled softly at him.

"Absolutely,I wouldn’t miss it for the world” he replied, you kissed him again.

“I’ll leave you now to finish, honey."

“Okay be careful”

“Always”

He left, and the girls returned to do their tasks. Wanda followed Nat into the room; it appears that your friends are already showing up, so you should finish quickly.

“Hey! Nat told me you invited Ema?” Wanda said as soon as she’s stepped beside you, “hello to you too” you turned to her smiling.

“Im sorry babe” she kissed your cheek before continuing “is it true?”

“Yes, i thought it would be rude to invite all of our friend group except her!”

Nat spoke looking at Wanda “told you”

“Yep, she’s tooooo nice” Wanda replied.

“I don’t know, Ari is inviting his friends and business partners, his mom and sisters are coming as well as their friends, so I think it would be crowded and she won’t be a bother!”

“I hope so” Nat said before looking at Wanda who was fixing her red dress, adjusting her breasts “what are you doing?”

“I’m gonna go see Ethan, wish me luck” Wanda and Ethan has been flirting a lot lately, you know they would end up together it was just a matter of time.

Everyone has arrived an hour and a half later, including your friends, Ari's friends, and family. Nat helped you dressing up in your pink gown, you wore your jewelry as well. Wanda is working as your personal photographer; she took many photos of you before you had to go downstairs so the party could begin.

When the DJ announced your entrance, everyone's eyes turned to you, yelling and clapping, while your eyes scanned the the place looking for Ari.

As soon as your gaze latched on him, you smiled brightly, relaxing for a while before getting down and everyone began to approach you, wishing you a happy birthday.

You were quite apprehensive because it was the first time you had ever been the center of attention at any form of event.

Nat gave you a microphone so you could thank everyone who came to celebrate with you, and you specifically thanked Ari, none of this would happened if it weren’t for him. You wished them a good evening.

After you handed the DJ the microphone, you felt like you were being crushed in a hug by someone, and when you looked down, you discovered it was Ari's younger sister, Amara.

“Happy Birthday!!!!!” She said screaming a bit. You laughed before hugging her back.

“Stop squeezing my girl to death” Ari teased his sister before greeting his mom and his older sister Sadie.

When Amara separated from you Sadie hugged you, as well as his mother.

"Happy birthday, sweetheart; i loved the party theme!"

"Thank you, Mrs. Levinson," you respectfully said. The elder woman scoffs at you, "sweetheart, we've been through this a lot! Please call me Freya; you make me feel old."

"Oh, I'm sorry, I'll start calling you Freya," you said hesitantly, knowing she had told you that several times but you always forgot. Your mother taught you to never address someone by their first name; instead, use Mr. or Mrs.

Sadie looked around “are we finally going to meet your family?”

Your communication with your family has diminished since you left for college; you text and call, but they don't reach out to you as frequently as you would want. It's what they've wanted ever since you were born. To forget all about you.

You gave them an invitation to your party, but they did not respond. And when you called they didn’t pick up, No surprise.

You didn’t tell Ari that, you didn’t want him to feel sorry for you. But he can see it in your face when his sister mentioned your family.

“Oh they’re busy, they couldn’t make it!” You hoped your excuse was believed and by the look they gave you they did.

After a small talk they left to join other people for dance and chatting.

Ari left you alone for a minute to talk with his friends while you drank and danced with your friends.

Hours later, it was time to cut the cake, two servants brought the cake to a table in front of you. Ari hand wrapped around your waist while your hand was on top of his, him and everyone else singing happy birthday for you.

"Make a wish!" Nat called for you, and everyone else joined her, you giggled before closing your eyes and making a wish.

After opening your eyes and blowing on the candle, everyone clapped and whistled for you.

"I want to show you something," Ari whispered in your ear. You turned around, looking into his eyes. "What?"

"Come with me," he said, taking your hand a bit further and directing you to the double massive doors, which opened immediately.

A Rolls-Royce Ghost in Champagne Rose pulled in, you could hear the stunned screams of the people surrounding you; you were as surprised as they were.

“Oh my god!!, you didn’t!!!” You looked between Ari and the car, Ethan stepped out of the car, passing the keys to Ari, who handed them to you.

“All yours baby” you jumped on him, hugging him firmly, thanking him constantly “I love you i love you i love you!!”

Nat and Wanda came close to you both “girl you have to take us for a ride!!”

“I can’t wait to show off my first car ever!!” You smiled big and jumped up and down while clapping.

Wanda smiled “let me take pictures of you with the car!” She took her phone out and you got beside the car posing while she took a couple of pictures of you.

You grabbed Ari hand wanting him in the pictures. He smiled before letting you posing him in whatever way you wanted.

If he could, he would have given you the entire world without asking, but for the time being, he will give you anything your heart desire.

Life has its own way of repaying you. While you spent the previous twenty-three years begging someone to spare you a glance, right now you could ask for anything and it wouldn’t be trouble to give.

From behind, an irritating loud noise was heard. "I told you that he is her sugar daddy!!" Everyone fell silent, wondering who it was.

Your smile faded slightly; you weren't a particularly confrontational person to begin with. People would walk all over you while you excused them. You were too kind and too afraid to ever react to anyone.

“Who said that?" Ari stated calmly yet furiously, everyone got quiet surprised at the person who is brave enough to insult Ari’s girl

Wanda and Nat exchanged knowing glances. Finally, Ema made a fool of herself in front of Ari.

They know Ari doesn't accept disrespect, especially to those who don't deserve it, and to disrespect his girl? Oh, she just dug up her grave.

“Ema did," Nat answered, unconcerned about your glares.

Ari doesn't want to ruin your first birthday celebration, but he can't let this individual get away with it.

When he observed a girl who appeared shaking with fear, everyone's gaze was drawn to her, he knew it was her, and he approached her moved in front of her eye sight, almost nothing can stand between them.

"There are two reasons for saying this; one is that you are jealous because no one has ever loved you enough to provide you with something you desired, or YOU don't deserve to be loved or cared for like i do with my girl, I believe the latter it is," he said as calm as he can be

He could hear Wanda and Nat laughing mockingly at her. Finally, someone standing up to this bitch.

“Get the fuck out of my house and don't ever think of disrespecting my girl; or the next time you won't have a tongue to talk with; are we clear?" She nodded so quickly

“Good," he said, motioning for two of his guards to accompany her out; Bucky pointed out for the DJ to play some music to keep the party going.

Wanda yelled “ oh my god i love this song”

Her and Nat went dancing on the dance floor, while everyone else seemed to have forgotten what had happened and continued to have fun.

"Are you alright, sweetheart?" Ari spoke to you in hushed tones.

"Yeah, I'm fine," you replied, smiling back. "Do you know this is the first time I've seen you in your mob mode?"

“Really??” Ari was taken aback, saying, "I hope I didn't scare you."

"You did not, thank you for standing up for me; I really thought inviting her to my party would make her nice to me," you said, "I didn't want to divide our group into two sides."

"Sometimes, honey, being nice to someone so low is not the solution; if they don't respect you, they have to go; it's either they do or they don't." His huge hands comforted you by moving circles behind your back.

You thought for a moment about what he said "Yeah, you're right"

You got closer to him, your lips almost touching, "do you want to take my new car for a ride?"

"I thought you'd never ask."

[hansensgirl]

💸 — 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 (2/3)

summary. | The mob boss has an alternate way you can pay off your debt.

pairing. | dark!mob boss!Ari Levinson x naive!fem!reader.

chapter warnings. | NON/DUBCON, dark themes, obsession, stalking, mob themes, manipulation, pet names, age gap, innocence kink, abuse of power, corruption kink, power imbalance, smoking (ari), debt, Daddy kink, control kink, rules, verbal contract, loss of employee, anxiety/fear, and more. 18+ MINORS DNI!

word count. | ~2k

author’s note. | series masterlist. here’s part two (finally)! please enjoy and don’t forget to reblog. any and all feedback (positive) is welcome. no beta, all mistakes are my own. taglist: @hansensfics. MINORS DNI! 18+ ONLY!

When you arrive at work the next day—stocking shelves at a grocery store—your boss regards you with far more contempt than before.

Your brows remain knitted as she approaches you, your uniforms matching, except she’s allowed to wear a sweater on top. You must suffer in the cold, with an aching back and sore arms and legs. She says your name to grab your full attention, which doesn’t take much, what with the boredom that drives you to death here.

“Why are you here?” Lydia asks. You’re confused. “…I work here?” you answer with a slight laugh to your tone, though you aren’t amused. You prefer to just do your job without a hitch.

“You don’t. And I don’t accept volunteers,” she nearly sneers, and you halt what you’re doing. She’s never been very nice, but this is another level. The cans of beans can wait. “What are you talking about, Lydia? Is this a joke?” you question, placing your hands on your hips.

“I fuckin’ wish. Your little mob boyfriend came around last night—said you quit,” she explains, and her words are bewildering. Once the absurdity blurs and the meaning hits you, you start to think. You rack your brain as to who would’ve done something like that.

Ari.

“Listen, I’ve already got a girl coming in later today. The job isn’t hard, s’not like I’m dying for you to stay,” Lydia sighs. Her words are harsh, but you expect nothing kind from the woman who is all too eager to fill her pockets.

“Go home. Don’t come back here,” your boss demands. You flinch from how she spits her words, watching as she walks off to harass one of your coworkers. Ex-coworkers.

You’re filled with ire as you pack your things up and say goodbye to people you’ve known for so long. As you walk home, you think about Lydia’s words. Why would Ari do something like that? You never hurt him—so why would he hurt you?

You start to worry about the grander things, too. You have no source of income anymore, just what you’ve saved. Soon, the bills will come in, and your rent will be due.

You near your home and spy a car parked outside. It’s fancy—an emulation of a vintage Impala. But it doesn’t belong in front of your dingy condominium. You know who owns it.

Some neighbours that loiter outside watch you. You’ve never been subject to their nosiness, and the feeling of scrutiny—the knowledge of judgement—is unwelcome. But that’s the least of your worries.

The mob leader is inside your home, and you have to confront him. What if Ari changed his mind about the deal? And he’s here to kill you? Your hands shake as you open the door, unable to prolong the confrontation. There is no upstairs—therefore, nowhere to run.

You swing the door open to find Ari sitting on your couch, watching the news on your television. He wears another one of his fancy suits—similar to the one from yesterday, but in a different colour. He sips something from one of your favourite mugs and sighs in relief afterwards.

You close the door behind you quietly. The locks click in place, and the sounds prompt Ari to look at you.

“Hey, hon,” he greets, giving you a charming smile. “H– Hi, Ari…” you respond, shrugging off your jacket and handing it on the lone hook. “You’ve got a nice home here,” Ari compliments, and you awkwardly press your lips together.

“Thanks,” you murmur, inching towards the kitchen. It isn’t much—the epitome of honest work. You take the compliment, though you’re unsure how you should feel. He lives in mansions bigger than you could possibly imagine. What’s so impressive about your small world?

The fact that he can turn it upside down—put a dent in it, shake it up, and it wouldn’t take much.

The television switches off, and the mob boss sighs. He stands up and saunters into the kitchen. You never realized how tall he is until now. You crane your head up to look at him, but the intensity of Ari’s gaze is too much to bear. You guide your gaze to the tiles.

“I needed to talk to you,” he starts, and you set the mug you had grabbed onto the countertop. Your thirst can wait. “Y– You have my number, right?” you ask, hoping your tone doesn’t come off as rude. Your voice is shaky with fear.

Ari grunts, eyes never once leaving your face. “You’re right. I do,” he agrees. You never gave it to him—he took it.

“But I prefer this. Being with you—talking to you, not texting,” Ari explains. You nod, briefly gazing at him before resuming your staring at the floor. Suddenly, a warm, large hand comes up to your chin and tilts your head up.

You’re forced to meet the older man’s gaze. For the first time, you note that his eyes are a beautiful shade of blue. There’s even a hint of green swirled into the oceans. “There are a few things we need to discuss. Important things,” Ari tells you.

“Like what?” you breathlessly ask. “Rules,” he says.

The thought of having rules isn’t as insulting as you want it to be. They would serve as guidelines—lifelines, little things you can hold onto for the next few months.

“C’mon, honey. Let’s go sit. I’m sure you’re tired after your long walk home,” Ari urges, guiding you to the living room with ease. You let him do whatever he wants—and that more than pleases the mob boss. But he doesn’t let you sit down.

First, Ari sits on the wingback chair you snagged from a yard sale at a decent price. Then, he pulls you onto his lap. You let out an ‘oomph!’ at the rudeness of his actions. He’s brazen and confident, everything you will never be, even in your lonesome times.

Ari lets out an exhale of relaxation, settling you on his thighs until both of you are comfortable. He holds you gently yet firmly, thumbs stroking your skin to get you to calm down.

“Doesn’t this feel nice? Right?” the older man asks, but you’re not sure how to respond. Your honesty is embarrassing, but your deceit will offend him. “I– It does,” you admit, much to your chagrin.

“Exactly—so why fight it? Why fight me?” Ari questions, and you shrug. You’ve never been good at confrontation. “I– I’m not. I’m just… confused. I’ve never done this before. I’ve never even dated anyone!” you exclaim, though your voice is nothing more than a whisper.

Ari shushes you, one of his hands rubbing circles on your back so that you don’t get worked up. “Shh… It’s okay. Don’t worry,” he tells you, his tone gentle and full of patience—kindness, perhaps even love. The idea is baffling.

“All that purity is what makes you so precious,” he whispers in your ear, nose nuzzling the side of your head. He smells of cigarettes and expensive cologne. “And that’s exactly why I want you, sweetie. You’re… innocent. Perfect. All mine…”

You sigh shakily at his words. They have you flustered. No man has ever charmed you the way he has. “Th– Thank you…”

“I’m here for you, princess. Anything you need, you come to me. Got that?” he reassures, and you nod your head. You doubt you’ll ever ask Ari for anything—but you do have a question for him.

“C– Can I ask you something?” you wonder. The mob boss smiles and gives you the go. “Did you go to my job and tell them I quit?”

A few moments of silence pass. “Yes, and I wanted to tell you this before, but I had to take care of some other stuff,” he quickly explains, but his words are slow and calm. They’re not rushed or panicked.

“You always wake up early, so I didn’t have enough time to get here before you went to work,” Ari finishes, lips pressed into a line, showing just how disappointed he is in himself.

“I– I’m not upset about that,” you clarify, looking down at your hands. “Then what is it, sugar? Hm?” he presses.

The pet names make you feel so sweet in the mind, almost hazy. You’ve always dreamed of love like this—but you know what you and Ari have isn’t love. You’ve always been naive, but you’re a realist.

“What am I supposed to do? I need money to live, Ari,” you say almost incredulously. Ari’s smile grows like he’s holding back a secret that he’s been dying to tell you.

“I told you not to worry about these things, honey,” he chides. “I’ll take care of you—as long as you follow the rules,” Ari warns, but he remains kind. So far, in your eyes, the benefits are all too enticing.

Will the rules be the other shoe that’s been waiting to drop? No, impossible—Ari is too kind to be so cruel.

“What are the rules?” you ask him. “They’re pretty simple, nothing you need to worry your little head about,” Ari coos, making you feel much more relaxed.

“Firstly, you always have to look at me when I’m speaking to you,” he begins, spreading his thighs out just a bit as he settles further into the chair. You mindlessly nod before catching yourself and correcting your error.

You reluctantly make eye contact with Ari, which bears to be too much, so you settle for staring at the beauty marks littered across his face.

“Good girl,” he hums. The praise makes you feel warm on the inside—safe, even in the arms of the most dangerous man in the city.

“Secondly,” Ari resumes, eyes remaining locked with yours. You take the time to admire the little details on his face. The freckles and beauty spot, the grey hairs in his beard, and the battle scar on his forehead slightly covered by his long locks. “You don’t call me ‘Ari,’ baby. It’s ‘Daddy’ from now on.”

The question of why—and even a negotiation to have this rule only apply behind closed doors—fizzles on your tongue. Instead, you acquiesce.

“Yes… Daddy.”

Ari lets out a small growl at your words. You actually saying the word is much better than he ever imagined. The mob boss can feel blood rushing to his cock, but he wills himself to stay strong. Not yet—it’s too soon, he thinks to himself.

“Thirdly, honey,” he continues, voice laboured and a bit gruff. “You’re not allowed to tell me ‘no.’ Ever.”

Ari firmly lays down the third law, leaving no room for your freedom. You can feel your independence slipping away, but you reassure yourself. It’ll only be for a few months. Perhaps this is for your own good. Yes, that’s it.

“Okay…” you whisper under your breath. Ari ignores your slight mishap. He knows you’ll return to being his perfect girl in no time. He understands—ever the kind man.

“Lastly—and most importantly—is that you must always listen to me, no matter what,” he gently adds. Ari runs his hands up and down your back, soothing you from how he’s completely changed your world. “Got it all, baby?” the older man asks.

You hesitate before nodding. “Good girl,” Ari coos, and you can’t help but smile. He’s sweeter than you believed. “Now, I could make you sign a contract,” he sighs, his gentle face morphing into one that looks stressed, perhaps even disappointed. There is a pang in your heart.

“But I trust you. Don’t ruin that.”

A threat hangs in the air, but you’re too grateful to see it. Ari knows this all too well, and he can’t help but feel pride over how he managed to get you to fall into his lap. What would a girl like you ever do without a strong man like him by your side? Not much, that’s what.

“I won’t, Daddy. I promise,” you eventually break the silence, and you’re gifted with Ari’s knee-buckling smile.

[rogerswifesblog]

A/N: HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO @jamneuromain here’s a little gift for you. I hope you’ll enjoy the first one shot of the little kinda series. It was supposed to be a one shot but I didn’t finish it on time so…now it’ll be a two/three chapter series! I hope you’re enjoying your birthday. I wish you the best. I won’t specify what exactly because everything what happens should be the best! Meet the best people, make the best memories and the best experiences!!!!

Between the bookshelves

My Masterlist

A/N: it’s not beta read:) there’ll be mistakes, be prepared:)

Pairing: Mob Ari Levinson x bookshop/café owner reader

Series Summary: You’re a small-town-girl living in a big city, owning her own (somewhat successful) book- and coffee-shop, a dream you had been following for years. Some of the books are little works of your own, but nobody really knew it and nobody really read them, being just small stories between bestselling novels.

And yet there was a specific client that couldn’t put down your books.

The Saturday mornings were mostly quiet and got a bit more busy in the noon, where people start waking up or curing their hangovers-for some reason you had noticed everyone liked doing it in your little coffee shop. The quiet atmosphere, smell of coffee, cake and books was calming for the people. It was just good for their headaches. Just some time to themselves. Just some…peace. That’s how you could describe your shop. Peaceful.

Most of the time they would buy a coffee, maybe a sandwich or something sweet and would sit for a while, sometimes with their headphones on, sometimes with their eyes closed or other times watching the people walk past the windows.

You enjoyed watching people.

The older people that came by because your place had an older aesthetic, the walls made from old brick stone, the shelves and tables dark wood, the couches, loveseats, armchairs and chairs all being rather vintage than modern. Always ordering the apple pie from your grandma’s recipe. Could they taste like it was an old recipe? Did it taste differently from the other pies?

You also liked watching the business people rolling their eyes during calls or while typing something on their laptops. It was really entertaining. You also always gave them a free muffin if they spilled their coffee on some (probably important) documents.

So to say, everyone liked coming here, for whatever reasons. Maybe to drink your coffee, maybe to have some peace or forget what was happening in their busy lives, instead wanting to escape in one of the books. In your cafe was everything possible, they could just drink their coffee and enjoy some snacks or disappear in a fantasy world with witches, mermaids and vampires or into a simple romance or thriller. Whatever they wanted.

And then there was him.

He came here to see you smile. To hear your voice. To get to know you.

But until now he never actually spoke to you. Not unless it was to tell you his order.

And that’s it.

Ari was the head of the mob and yet he got cold feet when it came to talking to a pretty girl.

Usually he had no problems with talking to women, even targets or other dealers but you ... .it's like he was his teenage self again (or even worse, because he actually wasn’t that nervous back then.)

He didn’t want to mess it up too soon, since you seemed like a very nice person and probably wouldn’t approve of his work. So he wanted to show you his best side-even though he didn’t know how long he’d be able to hide his true identity.

And more important, how long he’d manage to keep you safe. That was his biggest concern. That’s also why he didn’t know if he should approach you.

For now it was enough to sit in your café and watch you from afar. Like a total creep.

Ari sighed, hitting his forehead on the table with a quiet thud. What the hell was he doing? He was making a total fool of himself? He’d now go to the counter and ask for your number.

Determined he stood up and did as planned. “Hi, may I ask for-“ “Y/N, the muffins are ready!”, shouted someone from what he assumed was the kitchen. You smiled apologetically. “Give me a minute”, with that you disappeared for a moment, coming back with a plate filled with muffins.

A bright smile crept once again onto your lips when you saw the beautiful stranger still waiting at the counter. He was one of your regulars and yet you never catched his name. Nor anything else beside his usual order. “Another cappuccino?”, you saw him opening his mouth, before nodding. “Yeah, another cappuccino, thank you”, he smiled, brushing his hair behind his ear before taking out his card.

He definitely noticed the muffin decorated with heart sprinkles to his coffee, that he hadn’t ordered. Also, he got your name. This was more than he had actually expected.

And this muffin definitely meant something, right?

You watched him for a second from behind the counter, before needing to go clean up a table. You hoped he had seen the number written on the handkerchief.

He didn’t. He threw it away.

But you didn’t know that. You imagined he threw it away on purpose. Maybe he felt awkward? Or even uncomfortable? God, you have messed up. What if he’d never come back again?

Sighing you looked out of the window imagining the beautiful man talking to you about something different than just his usual order.

Two weeks. Two whole weeks Ari couldn’t go to your café and it made him crazy. Even though he didn’t know you, he missed your sweet smile. The słuchały oversized pink hoodie you liked wearing, especially when it was a bit colder, how you always wore your hair in a bun or ponytail, showing off your beautiful rosy cheeks. The way your eyes lightened up when you talked to him-he didn’t know if it was something that happened with every customer, but he liked imagining this sparkle was just for him.

Maybe it was.

Maybe it wasn’t.

But he hoped it was.

When the quiet bell sounded as he entered the café you lifted your head, having been caught up in messaging someone while there was some quiet time in the shop. There were only a few customers busy with eating and drinking, some others reading some books.

He walked up to the counter, opening his mouth to greet you, but his voice broke when he saw your slightly rosy cheeks, the soft smile on your lips. “Hello, the usual?”, you smiled at him, making him even more speechless so he just nodded.

For fucks sake what was happening to him. How the hell could you make him speechless with just a smile even though he was able to talk to twenty men with guns in hands and files longer than some restaurant menus.

Sighing, he walked to his usual table, hanging off his jacket over the chair before walking to the shelves, looking for a new book.

He found one about a complicated love story between a college student and her professor, from what he could read in the summary-but it wasn’t the plot that surprised him.

It was your picture.

You were the author.

Ari immediately took it and walked with it over to his table where he immediately started reading. He wasn’t really into romance stuff, but it was your book. It was a piece of you, in a way, and he wanted to know something about you. About the relationship you seek, the gestures that made your breath hitch and what made your heart flutter.

So he started reading.

Within a few pages he was already pulled into the story, completely losing himself in the story, interested in the problematic relationship the main characters had. Just when the main character was supposed to meet with her professor you walked up to his table with a coffee and muffin that he hadn’t ordered.

When he looked up at you and slightly closed the book you could see he was reading your book. Your cheeks turned a dark red color. Usually it wouldn’t matter who read your book but him-not him. He wasn’t supposed to know about the things you liked, about your desires and-about your sexual preferences! Jesus. Maybe he hadn’t read who the author was?

At this point you’d rather just go to bed and never leave it again. Like, really, never.

Sighing you walked back behind the counter, not noticing the lingering gaze on you.

Three hours later, Ari was still busy with the book. At this point the story was so addictive he couldn’t put it down. The main character was a total sweetheart and the professor-god what a dick he was. Such a liar. Even though he had already messed up once, he didn’t tell his lover he still had a wife. Okay, yes, they were divorcing soon but still-he should’ve told his girlfriend about it. It’s a detail you should mention. Preferably from the beginning and not letting the girlfriend find out because the wife walked into his apartment?? Jesus!

He scoffed at the book and wanted to turn the page when his phone rang. “Levinson”, he listened to his friend about having found out who had stolen guns and other weapons from him. Ari could tell his frown deepened with every second, the vein on his forehead already pulsing from anger. Fury, even. He tried to be a good man. Really. Holding back all the time-but having one of his men betray him…this was too much. It was-

“Do you want a refill?” Your sweet voice interrupted his racing thoughts, his nerves immediately calming down, the frown disappearing. Instead a smile reappeared on his lips. “I can’t. I have to go and get some …business stuff done”, he said, already standing up. It was the first time you two were so close to each other.

His Perfume smelled overpowering, but in a surprisingly good way. It made you crave this man even more than before. The smell was just heavenly. You couldn’t stop yourself from breathing it in deeply, nearly closing your eyes to enjoy it for a bit longer but instead you looked into Ari’s bright eyes. He was taller than you, bigger than you. He towered over you, but you didn’t feel threatened. You felt safe.

Fuck. Your crush was turning into something much worse.

Little did you know that’s exactly what Ari thought too.

It’s not really unusual for him being taller or bigger than someone, but with you it’s like something inside him awoke. The need to keep you close. Keep you safe. He knew how dangerous the world could be, especially for a woman like you. But he could take care of you.

He’d love to wrap his arms around you, bury his nose against your neck and inhale your sweet smell, feel your soft skin…

He had it bad. So, so bad.

A last smile crept onto his lips before he grabbed his jacket and walked over to the door, looking once again back at you meeting your gaze. You blushed at that, making Ari’s heart pound.

He’ll ask for your number. Next time when he’ll be here.

But he didn’t. The next time, two days later, he just drank his coffee and read the book. Ari was Never this curious about a book but yours was just…incredible. The love story, the whole plot. Unbelievable. And also…thinking you had such a…interesting view of sex made him curious if you’d do the things in real life, too.

Were you into the same things as the main character? Spanking? Dom and sub dynamics in real life? Being called a good girl? Fuck, he really tried not to think about these things at night. (He failed sometimes.)

“Would you like some apple pie?”, you sweet voice made him lift his head. “Oh, sure, how much-“ “no, no, that’s on the house…it’s a gift. From me.” Your gentle tone made his heart throb, while he nodded. “Thank you.”

While he watched you walk away he wasn’t sure what to do next. You were such a kind and sweet person. And he was…he wasn’t good. Far from that, actually. You two couldn’t be more different. While you were a gentle soul that gave away the food that was left after a shift to the homeless, he was capable of torturing people without blinking an eye. He was cruel, cold and furious.

He wasn’t good enough for you. He knew. And he knew he’d only make your life miserable and dangerous. Maybe he already did with spending so much time at your café. Your worlds were too far from each other for you to date. Or even be friends.

“Here you go-enjoy”, once again did your voice pull him out of his thoughts-and a gentle touch on his shoulder. “Thank you, sweetheart.”

Fuck. It just slipped. From all the reading-he forgot. It was unbelievable how your whole being influenced his behavior, how you were able to make him forget about his whole being.

Just when he wanted to apologise a shy but bright smile formed on your lips, a slight blush slowly creeping over your cheeks. Without saying anything else you squeezed his shoulder for a second before stepping away from his table, being called over by an older couple.

Even though he really wanted to read more, his phone was getting blow up with messages about the recent thefts. They knew who caused them but not where he was hiding. The fact that it was one of his men still angried him, even more because nobody could find him.

But he needed the stolen things back. ASAP. Otherwise even he could get in trouble-which didn’t happen often.

He looked at the pie, smiling as he noticed the little heart you had drawn with whipped cream. The thought of not being able to have you made his heart crumble a little.

Why couldn’t he be just a simple man with a simple life?

Because he liked the luxurious life he had.

But maybe he could try the simple way of living for once?

Oh who was he lying to, everyone he knew would say he’d never have a standard live. He liked having an expensive car, the newest phone, eating out especially in nice restaurants or nice vacations somewhere far away.

He was curious about what you liked. Maybe he could invite you to his favourite restaurant? Seeing you in a elegant long dress, your beautiful neck exposed…maybe covered in some little hickeys, marks ... ..or maybe a simple and decent day collar. Just a neck with a little ring…only the people involved would understand-and maybe some people would even compliment your necklace, not knowing what it meant.

Ari’s whole chest tingled with need.

But he didn’t want to destroy your life by pulling into the mess he was in.

Sighing he took a little bite from the pie, immediately closing his eyes in pleasure. It tasted incredible. Perfect even.

He hadn't had such a good pie in a long time.

Ari ate the pie within a few minutes, not having enough time to eat in peace since his phone was ringing all the time.

Once again when he left he could feel your lingering gaze on his back.

Next time. He’d talk to you next time.

You promised the same thing to yourself…and your best employee-well, best friend, because she couldn’t handle listening to your venting about Ari anymore.

This time he couldn’t come to your café for over two weeks, since he was after Alex, the thief. And he didn’t have much time to relax. Especially not in your café, also he didn’t want to come closer in case someone was following him-which he believed was possible seeing what was happening.

But he really missed you, even though you hadn’t had a real conversation yet. It’s just…your smile could brighten his mood, it didn’t matter how bad the day was.

When he finally visited your place again the first thing he noticed was how your frown disappeared and how you leaned over the counter slightly. “Hello! Long time no see”, you grinned at him.

Ari chuckled at your enthusiasm, immediately feeling how your presence cheered him up. “Yeah I had a lot of stuff going on…it’s complicated. I’m just glad I can finally drink a coffee here…sit, enjoy the atmosphere here…it’s probably the only place where I feel like I can forget about the whole mess with-…you know, life”, he mumbled, shaking his head slowly.

When he took out his wallet your hand touched his and you slowly pushed it away. “It’s fine, this one's on me…maybe we could…sit a bit together? Talk?”, you smiled gently, seeing how the gears in the man’s head started doing their job.

“Sounds very nice, yes. I’d love to sit and talk a bit…”, he didn’t sound entirely sure about it, but you believed him anyway. Maybe he really had a bad day. “Perfect, then you can go sit down and I’ll be with you in a minute.”

After he did what said you started preparing the coffees and a piece of brownie for each. He’d definitely like it. At least you hoped he would.

“I’m pretty sure we never really introduced-I’m Y/N, nice to meet you”, when you finally sat down Ari turned his phone around so the screen wouldn’t be visible. You really hoped he wasn’t hiding a wife or kid. Or both? Let’s not be paranoid…but still…

Ari smiled at you, pushing his phone even further away. It’s not like you’d grab it and read his messages? This guy was a bit suspicious…but you knew not to judge a book by its cover. “I’m Ari, it’s nice to meet you. I wanted to talk to you for a while now…I couldn’t never really get myself to do it”, he chuckled, making you unintentionally but your lip a bit.

Did it mean he liked you just as much as you liked him?

“I’m glad. I was curious if we’d ever say more to each other than your usual order”, your words made him chuckle again and he shook his head a bit. “Yeah that…I don’t really like changes and besides, your coffee is really good. When I find a place I like, I don’t like changing things.” Ari took a sip from his coffee to prove his point-and once again the coffee was as good as always.

He noticed how seemingly pleased you were with this simple compliment. Wasn’t it obvious how good everything here was? Especially the barista…which he wouldn’t say out loud, but he’d think about it.

“What will happen to them? Will they have a Happy End?” Ari lifted the book he had once again taken from the shelf. One of your first pieces you had tried to write and actually finish. But you were still slightly insecure sometimes-especially when the person reading was someone you’d rather like to impress.

You shrugged slowly, a teasing smirk creeping over your lip. “I guess you’ll have to come here often and finish it yourself. I won’t spoil the ending for you. What’s the fun in reading it then?” Ari shook his head amused.

“I rather like knowing what’s coming, you know? To prepare myself for it, the same in real life-especially my business. It sucks to know that you’re being lied to”, he had no idea why he was telling you this but it felt good. It’s like his heart was speaking for him, even though his brain was screaming at him to shut up and preferably leave you alone.

But he listened to his heart, for once. He wanted to listen to his heart this one time.

You placed your hand over his, squeezing gently. “I understand. It must be hard having someone close betray you…if I may ask, what did he do? And where do you two work?”, you asked. Curiosity was never your best trait, but to your defence ari was the one speaking about it first. You had the right to ask…right?

Ari stilled for a second, looking down at his phone, then his coffee, hands, back at his phone and finally back at you. “It’s office work, but I can’t tell you much more about it”, you could tell he was lying right to your face.

Did you care about it? Did you see the red flags and decided to ignore them?

Nobody ever said you always made the right choices.

“I understand. Still sucks being lied too by someone important”, you squeeze his hand again.

At least he wasn’t wearing a wedding ring. Maybe this weird gut feeling was from nervousness and not…something else. He seemed like a nice and charming guy.

On the other hand…

So did Ted Bundy.

You quickly shook those thoughts away…for now.

To your surprise you two talked for nearly two hours, before the café started to be flooded by customers and you had to go back to work. Ari left you his number, telling you to call him when you’d need any help…or just to talk.

Happily you enjoyed the rest of the shift, already thinking about texting Ari later in the evening.

Thank you for reading!

I Hope you liked it! Let me know! Support your content creators by reblogging and leaving feedback:)

Taglist: @magnificentsaladllama @jaqui-has-a-conspiracy-theory @lilsiz

[cynic-spirit]

Top of the world

warnings : fluff, maybe a little stalking I am not sure, again very long, i dont know how to create chapters.

ari levinson x yn

At Jessica's bridal shower party, the club was filled with laughter, chatter, and the pulsating rhythm of music. Y/N sat with her friends, trying to remain inconspicuous as they urged her to sing.

"Come on, Y/N! Sing for us!" Jessica pleaded, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Y/N hesitated, feeling the weight of their expectations. Singing had always been something she kept to herself, a private joy. But as her friends continued to cheer her on, their enthusiasm infectious, she found herself unable to refuse.

With a deep breath, she rose from her seat and made her way to the small stage. The room quieted, all eyes on her as she took the microphone in hand. The spotlight bathed her in a soft glow, and for a moment, she closed her eyes, letting the familiar melody of "Top of the World" by The Carpenters fill her mind.

As the first notes played, Y/N began to sing. Her voice was like liquid gold, rich and warm, wrapping around the lyrics with effortless grace. Each note was pure and clear, resonating through the room and captivating everyone present. The emotion in her voice was palpable, a blend of joy and nostalgia that brought the lyrics to life in a way that felt both intimate and universal.

People swayed to the music, caught up in the beauty of her performance. The softness in her voice carried a sweetness that perfectly matched the hopeful, uplifting tone of the song. Her expression was serene, eyes closed as she lost herself in the music, and for those few minutes, the world seemed to pause, entranced by the magic of her voice.

When the final note lingered in the air, the room erupted into applause. Y/N opened her eyes, a shy smile spreading across her face as she stepped back from the microphone.

"That's the only wedding gift you’ll get," she said with a playful smile, her gaze meeting Jessica's as she stepped down from the stage.

The crowd cheered and laughed, charmed by her humility and the effortless beauty of her performance. Little did Y/N know, that song—delivered with such grace and sincerity—had already sealed her fate. Unbeknownst to her, someone in that very room had been listening and watching with a different kind of emotion, their heart stirred by the power of her voice and the soul she had bared through song.

Ari Levinson, the imposing biker turned mobster, stood at the edge of his club, his towering 6'6" frame commanding attention even amidst the lively crowd. His well-built physique, a testament to years of rigorous training and hard living, exuded an aura of raw power. His dark leather jacket and rugged demeanor contrasted sharply with the sleek, modern design of the club. His deep-set eyes, often shadowed by the brim of his hat, now fixed intently on the stage, where the spotlight illuminated the center of his attention.

The woman being pushed towards the stage was striking. Her black hair, long and glossy, cascaded down her back like a silken curtain. Her face, framed by soft features, held an innocent beauty that was almost ethereal. She seemed both hesitant and overwhelmed, her large, expressive eyes darting nervously around the room as she made her way to the microphone. Despite her apparent shyness, there was something undeniably captivating about her presence.

As she began to sing, Ari's attention became utterly focused. Her voice, rich and hauntingly beautiful, cut through the club's atmosphere like a delicate thread of melody. Each note she sang seemed to weave directly into the fabric of Ari's being. The elegance of her performance was magnetic, and he felt a strange, inexplicable pull toward her. It was as if every word she sang resonated with a part of him he hadn’t known was longing for connection.

Ari’s hardened exterior melted away as he watched her. The sheer vulnerability and sincerity in her voice stirred something deep within him, something he hadn’t felt in a long time. His heart raced, each beat echoing the rhythm of her song, and a profound sense of recognition and longing washed over him.

As she finished, the applause filled the room, but Ari's focus remained solely on her. A soft, almost reverent murmur escaped his lips: "Sunshine." The name felt right, a private endearment for the woman who had unwittingly captured his heart with her melody.

In that moment, Ari made a silent vow. He would have her for himself, determined to make her a part of his world. The gentle yet resolute glint in his eyes revealed his newfound obsession. The woman with the hauntingly beautiful voice had unknowingly stepped into his life, and Ari was resolute in claiming her for his own.

From the day after their bridal party, Y/N was greeted with a bewildering array of gifts that began to appear at her apartment. It started subtly enough—a sleek, elegant box of gourmet chocolates with a note saying, "For your sweet voice." But this was only the beginning.

The next morning, as she opened her front door, she found a lavishly wrapped package waiting for her. Inside, she discovered a stunning designer dress, its fabric shimmering in the light. As she marveled at the quality and the price tag, a delivery arrived with a collection of high-end bags and shoes—each piece a testament to luxury. There were classic leather handbags, elegant stilettos, and ornate accessories, all presented in their original, pristine packaging.

The gifts kept coming. The following day, an assortment of dazzling diamond jewelry was delivered to her doorstep. Sparkling necklaces, intricate bracelets, and sparkling earrings filled the boxes, their brilliance casting a radiant glow over her living room. Each piece was more extravagant than the last, and while she admired the beauty of the jewelry, she was puzzled by the source.

As if that weren’t enough, Y/N found herself inundated with flowers. Bouquets of roses, lilies, and orchids arrived daily, each arrangement more extravagant than the previous. They filled every corner of her apartment, their fragrances mingling in a heady perfume that almost overwhelmed her senses. Each bouquet was accompanied by a handwritten card with poetic compliments and expressions of admiration.

Despite her gratitude, Y/N couldn't shake the feeling of unease. The sheer volume and opulence of the gifts seemed excessive, and the anonymity of the sender only added to her growing sense of confusion. She tried to inquire with the delivery services and check with her friends, but no one seemed to know who could be behind such a grand gesture.

As the days passed, Y/N found herself caught in a whirlwind of luxury and mystery. While she was tempted to enjoy the lavish presents, the underlying mystery of who was sending them—and why—left her feeling increasingly unsettled.

Y/N's curiosity had been piqued, but the gifts kept coming without a clue to their origin. One afternoon, she was home when she heard the familiar sound of a delivery arriving. Rushing to the door, she caught sight of a man in a sharp suit placing a luxurious box on her doorstep.

“Stop!” she called out, stepping outside just as he was about to leave. “Who is sending these gifts?”

The man turned slightly, his face hidden by the brim of his hat. He offered a polite but enigmatic smile. “Perhaps you could come to the club and find out,” he said, his tone light but carrying an undertone of challenge.

Before Y/N could ask more, the man turned on his heel and walked away, leaving her standing on her doorstep with a mixture of confusion and frustration.

“Club?? What club!” she called after him, but he was already out of earshot. Her questions hung in the air unanswered as she watched him disappear into the distance.

Y/N was left with the growing mystery of who was behind the gifts and why they wanted her to visit this elusive club. The intrigue and the unanswered questions tugged at her mind, leaving her with an unsettling sense of anticipation.

Y/N was perplexed by the mention of the club. Since Jessica’s bridal shower, she had avoided clubs, preferring quieter, more personal environments. The mention of a club intrigued and unsettled her in equal measure. The gifts had been so extravagant and persistent, sparking her curiosity about the identity of the sender.

After a day of mulling over her options and trying to dismiss the growing tension in her chest, Y/N decided she had to investigate. The allure of finding out who was behind these gestures—and why they were targeting her—compelled her to visit the club.

As evening approached, she dressed carefully, choosing an outfit that balanced elegance and simplicity. She chose a fitted dress that complemented her style but wasn’t overly flashy, wanting to blend in while still looking polished. She paired it with understated jewelry, just in case.

Arriving at the club, Y/N was struck by the contrast between the upscale exterior and her own reservations. The club’s entrance was grand, flanked by imposing columns and illuminated by soft, inviting lights. The bouncer at the door, recognizing her from the delivery’s description, greeted her with a nod and a warm smile, ushering her inside.

The interior was a blend of opulence and comfort, with plush seating, ambient lighting, and an elegant bar that shimmered with a variety of high-end spirits. Music played softly in the background, adding to the atmosphere of sophistication.

Y/N moved through the club, trying to find any clue as to who might have sent the gifts. As she walked deeper into the venue, she noticed a section that seemed more private, cordoned off with velvet ropes. Her heart raced as she approached, feeling the weight of anticipation and apprehension.

Just then, a familiar face emerged from the crowd—Ari Levinson. His towering presence and commanding demeanor were unmistakable. He stood with an air of effortless confidence, his gaze meeting hers with a blend of curiosity and intent.

As Y/N approached, Ari's eyes softened slightly, his lips curling into a knowing smile. “Welcome,” he said smoothly. “I see you’ve come to find out who’s been sending you those gifts.”

As Y/N stepped into the club, her eyes scanning the room for answers, Ari Levinson’s imposing figure caught her attention. He approached her with a smooth, confident stride, his presence commanding attention from everyone around him. Y/N’s heart raced as he closed the distance between them, his intense gaze never wavering.

"Who are you?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly as she took a small step back.

Ari’s smile widened, a glimmer of amusement in his eyes. "Ari Levinson," he introduced himself, his voice deep and smooth, carrying an authoritative edge.

Y/N’s brow furrowed in confusion. "Why are you sending me these gifts? I don’t know you."

Ari leaned in slightly, his proximity making her acutely aware of his presence. His gaze was unwavering, his tone matter-of-fact. "It's not uncommon for a man to shower his girlfriend or future wife with gifts."

"Future wife? Girlfriend?" Y/N repeated, her voice edged with disbelief.

Ari’s gaze softened just a touch, but his tone remained firm. "You," he said simply, as if it were an obvious truth.

Y/N’s eyes widened in shock. "Me? I don’t even know you!"

Ari chuckled softly, his gaze holding a mixture of amusement and determination. "That's exactly why I wanted to meet you. The gifts were my way of getting your attention. I think we have a lot to discuss."

Y/N struggled to process his words, her mind racing as she tried to understand the situation. "I don’t know what to say…"

Ari’s internal thoughts swirled as he watched Y/N’s reaction. He had anticipated her confusion and resistance, knowing that such a grand gesture would come with its own set of complications. The look of surprise and uncertainty on her face only fueled his resolve.

She’s even more captivating up close, he mused, his eyes tracing the delicate lines of her features. Her innocence and beauty are just as I imagined. This isn’t just about claiming her—though that’s certainly part of it. It’s about making her understand that she’s special, that she’s someone I want in my life. The gifts were just the beginning. She’ll come to see that I’m someone she can’t ignore.

As Y/N hesitated, Ari continued to watch her, his mind calculating his next moves. I knew she’d need time to adjust, but I’ll make sure she sees that what I’m offering is more than just luxury—it’s a commitment, a promise of something real and lasting. She’ll come around. She has to.

Ari’s large, strong hands gently touched Y/N’s sides, his fingers grazing her waist before pulling her close. The movement was both possessive and tender, drawing her into the warmth of his body and the solid strength of his frame.

“You see,” he said, his voice a low murmur, “you have taken something very important from me.”

Y/N instinctively placed a hand on Ari’s chest, trying to create a bit of distance between them. The firmness of his muscles beneath his shirt was undeniable, and she felt a mix of fear and confusion. “I didn’t steal anything from your club, I swear,” she said, her voice trembling slightly as she tried to assert her innocence.

Ari’s expression softened, though his eyes remained locked on hers with an unwavering intensity. He chuckled softly, the sound rich with a blend of amusement and warmth. “Oh, sunshine,” he said, his tone now almost tender, “but you did. You stole my heart.”

His fingers brushed lightly against her cheek, the touch so gentle it felt like a caress. The gesture was both affectionate and possessive, as if he were trying to memorize the feel of her skin. The tenderness in his touch contrasted sharply with the weight of his words, adding a layer of emotional complexity to the encounter.

“And now,” he continued, his gaze never leaving hers, “I cannot let you go.”

The declaration hung in the air, charged with determination and devotion. Ari’s hand remained on her cheek, his knuckles brushing softly as if afraid to break the fragile connection between them. His grip around her waist was firm but gentle, a silent promise of his intent.

In that moment, Y/N felt the full force of his resolve. The mix of his physical presence and the depth of his gaze left her feeling both overwhelmed and entranced. Ari's touch was careful, almost reverent, as if he were handling something precious and delicate. The force of his feelings was palpable, his actions speaking louder than words as he made it clear that he had no intention of letting her slip away.

For Y/N, the combination of his words and his touch created a whirlwind of emotions—confusion, fear, and an unexpected flutter of something more profound. The declaration of his feelings, paired with the intense closeness, left her grappling with the realization that this encounter was far more significant than she had anticipated.

Y/N’s voice was barely a whisper as she asked, “What do you want from me?”

Ari’s gaze remained steady and unwavering, his expression a blend of intensity and warmth. “I want you,” he replied simply, his tone brooking no argument.

She swallowed hard, her mind racing as she tried to think of a way out. “Take all the gifts back,” she said, her voice trembling with a hint of panic. “If that’s what you want, I haven’t used them or touched them.”

Ari’s smile remained, though it softened into something more reassuring. He gently brushed a strand of hair from her face, his touch delicate despite the strength he exuded. “It’s not the gifts I’m after,” he said, his voice soothing. “It’s you. The gifts were just a way to get your attention.”

Y/N’s eyes darted around, searching for any means of escape, but Ari’s presence was all-encompassing. “I’m not sure what you mean,” she said, her voice quivering. “I don’t even know you. I don’t understand why you’re doing this.”

Ari leaned in slightly, his face close to hers, his breath warm against her skin. “I’m doing this because I’ve seen something in you that I can’t ignore. You’ve stirred something in me, something real. I want you to be a part of my life.”

His words hung heavy in the air, filled with a gravity that left Y/N both unsettled and intrigued. She felt the weight of his gaze and the sincerity in his voice, yet she still struggled to reconcile his declarations with the reality of the situation.

“What if I don’t want this?” she asked softly, her eyes searching his for any sign of compromise.

Ari’s gaze softened further, though his resolve was clear. “You’ll find that you do. I’m not asking you to make a decision now. Just know that I’m here, and I’m not going anywhere. You’re important to me, and I intend to prove that to you.”

The tenderness in his voice contrasted with the intensity of his gaze, leaving Y/N caught between her fear and the undeniable magnetism of Ari’s presence.

“But I don’t want this?” Y/N asked softly, her eyes searching his for any sign of compromise.

Ari’s gaze softened, though his resolve remained firm. “You’ll find that you do,” he said, his voice steady and assured. “And I’ll convince you that you do.”

His eyes held hers with a blend of determination and warmth. As if to punctuate his promise, Ari leaned in and gently brushed his lips against the corner of her mouth. The kiss was brief but possessive, leaving a lingering warmth that seemed to imprint on her skin.

“For you are only mine now, sunshine,” he murmured against her lips, his breath warm and his tone a low promise.

The intimacy of the kiss, combined with his declaration, left Y/N feeling a whirlwind of emotions. The touch of his lips was tender yet marked with a clear sense of ownership, making her heart race and her thoughts swirl. Ari’s words and actions made it clear that he was not going to relent easily, and Y/N was left grappling with the intensity of his feelings and the future that seemed to be unfolding before her.

“You cannot fall in love with someone just like that,” Y/N argued meekly, her voice barely above a whisper.

As she spoke, Ari’s attention was focused on her, his lips tracing gentle, slow kisses along her face and neck. Each touch was tender, his lips lingering momentarily on her skin, savoring her unique fragrance. His kisses were soft and deliberate, as if he were memorizing every inch of her, making her feel both cherished and vulnerable.

“Hmmmm,” Ari murmured in response, his breath warm against her neck as he inhaled deeply, taking in her scent. He did not address her argument directly, his focus instead on the intimate act of kissing her.

His silence spoke volumes, and his gentle touches seemed to convey a deeper message: that his feelings were genuine and that he was willing to wait, to persist, and to show her that his love was real. The contrast between his soothing affection and her confusion created a palpable tension, as Y/N struggled to reconcile her emotions with the intensity of Ari’s devotion.

As Ari continued his tender torment, his lips brushing along Y/N’s face and neck, she found it increasingly difficult to suppress any sounds of pleasure or distress. The mixture of his warm breath and gentle kisses sent waves of sensation through her, leaving her on the edge.

“Please stop,” Y/N pleaded, her voice wavering as she tried to maintain her composure.

To her surprise, Ari immediately halted his movements. He pulled back slightly, his gaze locked onto hers with a look of intense focus. It was as if, in that moment, she was the only thing that mattered in his world.

“You’re scaring me,” she admitted, her eyes wide with a mixture of fear and confusion.

Ari’s expression softened, though his voice remained gruff. “Sunshine, I am a scary person,” he said, his tone carrying a blend of roughness and tenderness. “But if there is one person who shouldn’t be scared of me, ever, it’s you.”

Y/N’s eyes searched his, filled with uncertainty. “Why me?” she asked softly, her voice tinged with vulnerability.

Ari pulled her even closer, his body pressed firmly against hers. His lips came dangerously close to hers, their proximity electrifying. “You make me feel on top of the world,” he said, his voice a low, intimate murmur.

The reference to the song she had sung at the bridal shower lingered between them, a reminder of the emotional connection they shared. The song had resonated deeply with Ari, and now it served as a symbol of the feelings he was trying to convey.

In the silence that followed, Y/N could feel the weight of his words and the sincerity in his gaze. The kiss, though unspoken, conveyed a depth of emotion that words alone could not fully capture. As Ari’s eyes held hers, the intensity of his feelings was undeniable, and Y/N found herself grappling with the reality of the connection he was offering her.

Ari's gaze was intense as he leaned in, his voice a low, determined murmur. “Now I am going to kiss you,” he said, his words filled with a resolute certainty.

Y/N's eyes widened in shock, her mouth opening slightly as she tried to respond. “Wha...?” she began, but the word was cut short as Ari closed the distance between them.

His lips met hers in a fervent kiss, a collision of warmth and passion that left no room for hesitation. The kiss was deep and consuming, a testament to the intensity of his feelings. Y/N's initial surprise quickly melted into a blend of overwhelming sensation and bewilderment as Ari’s kiss conveyed a depth of emotion that words alone could not express.

His hands remained on her waist, pulling her closer as the kiss deepened, their breaths mingling in the charged space between them. In that moment, Y/N was caught in the powerful storm of Ari’s emotions, unable to escape the force of his affection and the fervency of his kiss.

Y/N felt a deep resignation settle over her as Ari’s kiss finally broke. She realized she had little choice but to accept the overwhelming presence of this powerful man who had claimed her so decisively.

“You cannot force someone to love you,” she said, her voice tinged with a mix of defiance and surrender.

Ari’s gaze remained steady, his expression unwavering. “I won’t force you,” he said, his tone both firm and reassuring. “You’ll love me… soon.”

His confidence was palpable, and his words carried the weight of his belief in what the future held. There was a determination in his eyes that suggested he was prepared to wait, to show her his love in ways that went beyond mere words. The promise of time and patience was embedded in his declaration, a testament to his commitment and his certainty that she would come to feel the same way.

[georgiapeach30513]

Underneath the City Lights Masterlist

When your father dies, and the Dirty Martini is ran by your brother, all hell breaks lose.  And the one person who knows the secret to the newest mafia family in town is you.  Forced to perform, and bought by August Walker.  Who knew it was going to take an old family friend to save you?  Hiding you away from the families is where the two of you start to fall....

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5

A/N: this fic will have dark themes. There will be moments of taking away the reader’s agency, assault, misogyny, corruption and much more. Minors DNI.

[biteofcherry]

Sweet Thrill

mafia!Ari Levinson x female reader; mob boss Ari Levinson x female reader

summary: Many would consider your job as a dancer at Lloyd Hansen’s exclusive night club to be exciting or scary, but honestly you see it as predictable and stable. It’s mostly a routine. That’s until Ari Levinson enters the club. You draw his attention and he installs himself in your space, bringing fear and thrill along with him. 

warnings: mostly consensual, but with a peppering of faint dub-con; soft dark Ari Levinson; possessive behavior; light pet play; fear kink; light Master/pet play; bdsm undertones; power imbalance; fingering; pet names; collaring; very very subtle degradation and humiliation (nothing hardcore)

You were used to the glow of the lightened platforms and curious eyes tracing your body as you wriggled against silk scarves. You entertained patrons of Hansen’s exclusive club three nights a week - a form of aerial dance with heavy drapes of silk, just with less acrobatics.  

Lloyd knew his clientele. He knew some of them are bored and looking for typical visual entertainment, with a side of members-only high class to boost their moods. Some of his guests were more sophisticated, had less boring tastes. 

Hence Lloyd’s idea to add unique performances to spice up the classic pole dancing routines, like belly dancers, or your sensual play with silk. 

Since the performances were only that - a show no touch - you felt quite comfortable and confident. And Lloyd, for all his sociopathic ticks, paid really fucking good money. Enough for you to keep studying for your degree, without having to balance three different jobs. 

Out there on the little round stage you focused on your dance and poses, sometimes a repetitive movement, and let your thoughts swim to what you needed to do the next day, or how to crack the problem in your studies; because the club’s patrons were only staring at you and no harm would come your way. No need to be wary.

Especially, since Lloyd made it very clear that his employees weren’t to be disturbed.

If it didn’t come with extra payment, anyway.

Yes, extra payment softened Lloyd’s harsh looks. Made him smirk triumphantly and have a talk with a dancer that caught someone’s attention, convincing her of the benefits.

You never considered such an offer to come your way. Your performance with silk scarves was perhaps an interesting change of pace for some, but never a desirable show they wanted to have right between their spread legs. 

That is until Ari Levinson strolled into Lloyd’s club one night. 

You weren’t even aware of his presence, your thoughts scrambling and rewriting the thesis you were currently working on in your studies as your body twisted against silk curtains, fabric slithering between your thighs and across your torso. 

You had no idea how important, or how powerful that man was. You knew, mostly from gossip and the few observations you did yourself, that Lloyd played bigger games outside of the club. You never thought he dipped as deep to the dark side to have ties to a crime lord of Levinson’s caliber. 

As you had no idea that a dark overlord of a whole fucking coast had unique tastes. 

It was as you twisted between the silk, fingers clenched on the hanging scarves as you bent back, that your gaze landed on a tall, broad man in a dark suit who stepped so close to your podium.

Most intense blue eyes caught your gaze, making you freeze in your position. It was a look of wonder and pure hunger. A dark glint to it that made your heart race, as if you were a prey that sensed a deadly predator approaching, but it also sent a jolt straight to your core. 

Patrons usually watched you with some mild admiration or interest, or disgusting type of lust. This man looked at you with desire for more than just wetting his cock in your cunt. He took in every inch of you, seemed as if he wanted to take all your thoughts as well. 

It was more scary than leering glances, or lewd comments you heard on rare occasions.

At the end of the night, just when you were ready to slip away and drive home, Lloyd called you into his office. 

For a second you feared he was about to complain about your shows not being interesting anymore, but the grin he flashed when you entered spoke of something entirely different. 

“Cupcake!” He greeted you and with a flourish invited you over to a blue, kitsch sofa. 

You sat there stunned when he told you that you’ve caught Ari Levinson’s attention - something (judging by Lloyd’s tone) that was very hard to do - and that he demanded you be exclusively booked for him.

Your shock deepened when Lloyd explained that Ari wasn’t asking for an occasional lap dance, but that you be taken off the main stage and perform in a private room. Only for him. 

He paid Lloyd in advance, to have one of the rooms adjusted to fit your silk curtains over the little platform in the center of the room. Also offered to pay a triple wage of what a standard private dance cost. An offer Lloyd had no desire to refuse, since you unexpectedly appeared to be a golden goose. 

And since Lloyd sweetened the request with a ready annex to your contract, stating that you’d be earning more for this exclusivity, you didn’t hesitate for long.

Perhaps you should have. 

Perhaps, if you knew how out of your comfort zone you find yourself in, you’d decline and argue with Lloyd over it (though you had a feeling this one time he wouldn’t be a charming psychopath, but a manipulative and threatening bastard if you affronted his powerful client with your refusal). 

That’s how you found yourself out of the familiarity of the main stage and bland stares you would have ignored, and on a round podium in a lush, dark interior of a private VIP room. 

With Ari Levinson spread comfortably on the seats, a glass of whisky in his hand, watching you intently. 

Your first evening performing only for him went quietly, somehow calming you down. He only watched you, made no comments, nor attempts to grab you. Merely asked you, between your dances, if you wanted something to drink or eat. 

On your second evening he asked how you’ve been and nodded, pleased, when you replied with a shy smile. He extended his hand to you to help you climb up onto the platform. Then enjoyed your dancing. 

Each time, however, you were unable to simply fall back into the mindless rhythm of your performance. Your thoughts wouldn’t just switch to think of other matters, because they were focused on the predator sitting in front of you. 

Every part of you seemed to be acutely aware of his presence and attention. 

He seemed fascinated. And hungry for every inch of you, inside and outside. 

It terrified you. 

How intense his scrutiny was, how dangerous it was to have a man like Ari Levinson interested in you in any matter; and how, when you went home afterwards, you bit onto your pillow to muffle your sounds as you got yourself off. 

You read about it - how adrenaline and tension from stress can be lowered with a few orgasms.

You just weren’t quite sure if you only relieved nervousness, or if you were actually turned on.

Considering Levinson’s looks, arousal couldn’t be dismissed.

He was the hottest man you’ve ever seen. Big, easily towering over you. With muscles that strained the fabric of his clothes. His hair looked invitingly soft, his beard neatly trimmed and his lips plush and kissable. 

And he kept looking at you - undressing you with his eyes, promising dark sinful things, but also seeing right through you and able to find (and use) your weaknesses. 

When you finished your dance that evening, in a pose with the silk scarves wrapped around your arms and pulling them back as you bent forward, head bow low and ass up high, Ari slowly stood up. 

He stepped close to the little stage and with the pads of his fingers tilted your chin up so you were looking up at him. 

“Almost perfect,” he purred, leaning down a little, “all you need is for your brain to turn off completely.” 

He smirked when you blinked confused.

“All these thoughts go through your head, does your brain ever stop? Do you ever go dumb, kitten?” He chuckled as your eyes got bigger. “I noticed you became more present in the scene when you started dancing for me, but there’s still so much overthinking.”  

“Come.” He patted your cheek and motioned for you to get off the stage.

After a bit of less graceful struggling with the silk scarves - mostly due to nervousness Mr Levinson suddenly caused - you were ready to get down. 

He helped you, his hand waiting for your fingers to slip into his hold. This time, once you found yourself on the floor level, he didn’t let you go. Instead, he sat down on the velvet seat and pulled you onto his lap.

You fell forward with a gasp, which turned into a squeak when he used both hands to grab your hips and make you straddle him. 

With club patrons being fully dressed, usually in suits, and you wearing a set of lingerie, you were always exposed. However, now, being seated in Mr Levinson’s lap, you felt even more naked and vulnerable. 

“S-sir!” You exclaimed, hands resting on his broad shoulders and trying to push yourself off of him. 

“Shh, settle down, kitten.” He cooed. “Nothing bad is going to happen.” 

You were about to point out that it already was, since you never had any guest touch you like he did at the moment. Much less have you straddling them. 

“We can take things as slow as you need.” He rubbed his thumbs along the band of your white, lacy panties. “I will woo you as romantically, as you wish. But this-” Ari gripped your hips tighter and pulled you even closer, your core rubbing right over his bulge- “Is the endgame, kitten.” 

“Mr Levinson.” Your fingers clenched on his shoulders as you tried to keep your breath from hitching at the delicious sensation. “I only dance for you.”

“No, kitten. You dance only for me.” Ari corrected. 

“Dance being the key word here.” You frowned, but somehow you didn’t struggle to escape his hold.

Ari Levinson wasn’t a man whom one could escape easily. Over the weeks you learned bits and pieces, through others and your own curious research. It was all shrouded in a veil of mystery and disappearances, but you understood enough to realize he was a mobster with strict rules and lethal means. 

Trying to fight him could end badly for you. At least that’s what logic suggested. 

There was another part of you, which simply found the whole interaction thrilling. 

I’m either really stupid, or I’ve gone mad, you thought to yourself as a shiver of arousal spread through your body at the dark glint in Ari’s eyes.

“Oh, kitten, you’ll be dancing for me in every sense of the word and more.” He tilted his head to the side, his gaze trained on your face then shifting down your body and back up. 

“You’re a smart girl. I know you’re going for a degree, you have ambitious plans, extracurricular activities.” 

You gulped, realizing Levinson did a background check on you. Maybe even pried into more private and supposedly secure aspects of your life. 

“I’m sure you’ve done as much research on me as you could.” Ari continued in a calm tone. “You have a vague idea of who I am, what I deal with. And, like any smart girl, you’re probably scared. Am I right?” 

You didn’t possess enough bravado (or stupidity) to deny it, so you nodded wordlessly. 

“But it also turns you on, doesn’t it?” a corner of his mouth curled in a smirk.

“No!” You denied hastily, though you felt your face heat up. 

Ari shook his head as he tsk-ed in reprimand. He squeezed your chin between his thumb and forefinger, a little forcefully, but not hard enough to cause you pain. 

Your nipples hardened instantly.   

It felt as if your body was completely beyond your control. It slipped under Ari’s control. 

“Don’t lie to me, kitten.” He warned you. 

Before you managed to utter another objection, your lips parted on a gasp as you felt Ari’s other hand settle over your mound. 

He slipped a thumb beneath the fabric of your panties; glided it over your clit and a smear of wetness that slowly sipped from between your folds. 

“Not aroused, huh?” Ari snorted as he brought his hand up and sucked your glistening slick off his finger. 

Your pupils dilated as you watched him wrap his pink lips over his thumb, your mind instantly creating an image of those lips sucking on your clit. Or your nipples. Tormenting each peak until it’s swollen and pulsing unbearably and you scream for mercy. 

“Told you,” Ari sighed in mock-disappointment, “You’re thinking too much, kitten.” 

Holding your chin in his grip, Ari slid his other hand down your body - over one of your breasts, your belly, your hip, and back down between your spread thighs. 

“Thinking about what needs to be done. Thinking of what you should or shouldn’t be doing. Thinking how wrong it is to be turned on by being scared of what a dangerous bastard like me might do to a sweet, little kitten like you.”

His whole palm slid under the waistband of your panties; big fingers cupped your mound. 

“You know what I’ll do to you?” Ari whispered, leaning close enough his lips nearly brushed yours. 

“E v e r y t h i n g.” He chuckled darkly and your whole body shook. 

“I’m going to do every filthy thing that gets this pussy wet.” Slowly, he dragged his fingers up and down over your folds. “I’m going to do everything that makes you smile. Everything that makes you happy.”

“Most of all… I’m going to do everything that turns your brain off.” 

With those words, Ari slid a single digit into your hot, tingling cunt. 

Your mouth opened, a wrecked whimper falling out. Your hands fisted the fabric of Ari’s shirt as his thumb started drawing fast, tight circles over your clit. 

It quickly became a torment, having only one finger stretching your walls, but not moving, while your clit was being rubbed mercilessly, pushing you toward a climax with astonishing speed. 

You tried to push your hips down, rock yourself on Ari’s finger and tempt him to do more with his hand. He squeezed your chin harder.

“Don’t.” He growled. “Don’t think of what you want, or need. Or what you assume I want. Your job isn’t to think. You just take what I give. I decide about everything.” 

Maybe it was the way he tormented your clit, or his words that sank you into dark cushions of mindless pleasure, but you came with a force unknown to you until now. 

None of your toys, or previous partners, made your vision go white and your body clench so painfully.

And it was only on one finger and some clit rubbing, for God’ sake! 

How braindead he’d turn you, if he fucked you with his cock?! 

Your breath was ragged, colors and light slowly registering in your blurry vision as you re-opened your eyes. You were trembling, walls of your cunt fluttering around a single finger still locked inside. Your arms felt heavy and you loosened your grip on Ari’s shirt to lazily drape them around his shoulders.

Ari let go of your chin. His hand slipped into your hair, grabbing a fistful quite gently and holding your head in place as he kissed you. 

Softly at first, treating your lips with tenderness matching the afterglow consuming your lax body. Then he amped the urgency, demanding you to give in to whatever he wanted. 

As he licked over your bottom lip and slipped his tongue in your mouth, a second finger stretched your still pulsing cunt, making you keen into the kiss. 

Ari moved his fingers this time. Increased his pace, despite your futile attempts to slow him down with the motion of your hips. 

When his thumb pressed against your over-sensitive, engorged clit, you nearly wailed.

“Can’t-” you panted against Ari’s mouth. “Too much- Too-”

“Shush.” He bit your lower lip and began tracing rapid eights with his thumb. “Don’t. Fucking. Think. Just feel.” 

Well, you felt like it hurt, but at the same time wasn’t enough. You felt like screaming, but at the same time breathless. You felt overwhelmed, but at the same time light. 

You felt like you had no grip on reality. No coherent thoughts formed in your head, only scraps of your own sounds resonating in your ears. And the sound of Ari’s voice.

“That’s it, kitten.” He praised. “No overthinking, no stress. Just a good pet for her Master to use.”

The hand in your hair eased its grip on your locks and moved down your back. Ari wrapped an arm around you and tightened his hold, trapping you to his body as he pushed a third finger in and curled them in your pussy, scraping them against a sensitive spot inside. 

He knew what he was doing, choosing to hold you in place, because the moment your cunt felt the burning stretch and his fingers pounded on that spot, your body tensed like a string. 

You screamed this time, burying your face (and your sounds) in the crook of Ari’s neck as a crushing orgasm seemed to break and melt each bone in your body. 

You bucked against him, though his hold was so strong you were unable to move much. Wave after wave of bliss rocked your body and Ari’s continuous thrusting seemed to prolong it even more. 

Tiny tremors shook your body as you melted into Ari’s huge frame. When you were conscious and facing him, his size intimidated you. Now you found comfort in it.  

Your face was still hidden in his shoulder, your head filled with nothing but buzzing and echo of your increased heart rate, as Ari’s quiet voice resounded through the haze in your empty head.

Something about bringing a box in. 

He had to be talking to someone, but you didn’t register anyone entering the room. Then you felt his hand resting on your back again, which meant he took it away for a moment, but you were so out of it you didn’t even notice. It meant he probably used his phone.

A few minutes later you heard the polite, but loud knocking on the door. Ari allowed the person to enter and you tensed.

You were straddling his lap, your thighs spread and your body all sorts of wrecked. And Ari’s fingers were still deep in your dripping pussy. Quite possibly visible to whoever entered the room. 

“Shh,” Ari murmured and patted the back of your head. “Don’t worry. You’re safe.”

You seriously doubted it, considering what kind of power you basically gave Mr Levinson on a silver plate just a few minutes ago.

But at least, it seemed he wouldn’t stretch it to someone else, or cause you any truly degrading humiliation. Well, not any more than he already has. 

Besides, even if you wanted to shoot up in an outburst of outrage, your muscles were turned into jelly and the inner fire too dimmed from an intense orgasm-fest you were just given. 

With an embarrassed squeak you buried your face deeper into the crook of Ari’s neck, to hide yourself from the stranger inside the room. Whoever it was didn’t say a word and less than a few heartbeats later you heard the door closing again. 

Everything, beside the sensual music still spilling from the speakers, was quiet. Your breath slowly evened out. 

Ari caressed your hair and back in lazy strokes, humming in pleasure as if he was petting a real kitty. You were a little offended at this sort of degradation, but it also felt so nice and comforting you didn’t exactly want it to end. 

With a squelching sound, which made you shut your eyes in shame, Ari withdrew his fingers from your cunt. He left a wet print on your ass as he palmed it. 

“Come on up, kitten.” He nudged you to sit upright.

The angle of your hips repositioning made your pulsing core press against his hardened dick. He managed not to groan, but you saw the spark in his eyes and the twitch in his jaw that spoke of the pleasurable tension he felt. 

“Now, tell me-” he tucked a strand of your hair behind your ear and traced the shell of it with his finger- “Did you like it?” 

Your gaze shifted from his face, from his incredibly piercing blue eyes. It dropped to his shoulder again, where you wanted to hide your face and pretend your body didn’t dance to the tune he played. 

“Eyes on me.” Ari tapped your cheek with his fingers. “Did you like what I did to your sweet, hot pussy? Did you like being scared of what I may do?” 

When you huffed and nodded, he tapped your cheek again. A little harder.

“Use your words, kitten. I want to hear it.” 

“I liked it.” You gritted through your teeth, annoyed that he made you say it as much as getting hot all over by admitting it. 

“Are you going to deny that you want me to do it again?” Ari smirked smugly. 

“Are you going to deny that you want to be my good pet and get spoiled and have your brain fucked out?” His dark chuckle tickled your skin as Ari nosed along your jaw and neck. 

“Mr Levinson…” Your voice wavered, as you tried to return to a more professional stance. 

It was ridiculous, really. Trying to be professional and put some distance between the two of you while dripping all over his pants like a needy slut.

“Ari.” He kissed the corner of your mouth. 

“It was hot to hear you call me Mr Levinson in your sweet voice.” He pulled away slightly and smiled. Not exactly a comforting smile, either. Rather one that meant trouble. “But I prefer you call my name. Especially when you scream it.”

“Or Master, since you’re my pretty pet.” 

You didn’t think he was joking about the last part.

Ari leaned back in his seat, but kept you sat up straight in his lap, his hands tracing the lines of your body. He wasn’t groping, simply exploring and connecting. 

“I’m serious, though.” His tone turned nearly business-like, but was less cold than you expected it to be when Ari laid down his law. 

“I consider you mine. In every sense of the word. I knew you were going to be mine the moment I saw you writhe against the silks. So sensual. So unique. So fucking beautiful.”

“And then your eyes.” Ari’s own eyes glinted with awe as he held your gaze. “Unfocused. You were so far away with your thoughts. Not even thinking about a lover as you were dancing, were you? I desired nothing more, but to have your attention on me. I wanted you to focus on me so much that you stop thinking about anything else.” 

His words stirred something hot and intriguing in you. A sort of thrill. No one has ever craved your attention. Hell, no one ever paid enough attention to you to notice when you were drifting away with your thoughts. 

Then there was the word mine.

So possessive. Scary in itself. 

The fact it was a claim of a mafia king should be terrifying. Should make you pack your things and run far, far away. It shouldn’t turn you on. 

And you probably shouldn’t be craving more of it. 

With men like him, they liked the challenge and the chase. Once that was sated they moved onto the new fascinating thing.  

You licked your lips, sliding your hands from Ari’s shoulders and placing them on your own thighs.

“Are you done now?” You asked, tilting your head in a manner mimicking Ari’s. “You got all my focus, turned off my brain. Mission accomplished.” 

“If I were done, I wouldn’t be demanding that you admit that you want me.” Now his tone did turn deeper, lower, a hint of a threat if you tried to escape him. 

“I’m not done with you.” 

You swallowed hard, suddenly fearing what more he could rip from you. 

Ari reached his arm to the side, snatching up a box that laid next to him. You forgot about the mystery box completely. 

It was rectangular and flat, with a velvet finish. When Ari opened it, your breath hitched in your lungs and a mixture of dread and excitement shot through you.

On a silky lining laid a choker made of a dozen delicate chains of white gold. It had a small, diamond encrusted golden ring in the middle, from which dropped two long, fine chains. 

Not a choker. A collar, you realized.

A collar for a pretty pet. Expensive, subtle, easily camouflaged as jewelry - but a collar nonetheless.

“Um, shouldn’t this type of commitment happen much later?” Your heart pounded in your chest, your eyes glued to the shiny fate displayed in a jewelry box. “I never played like that, but don’t, uh, Masters give collars to their slaves- or pets later in the relationship?” 

“Why should I wait when I already know that I’m keeping you forever?” Ari lifted the collar from the box and put it around your neck.

Your hand shot up, fingers wrapping around one of his wrists. He paused, but didn’t move away. Didn’t slap your hand away either. But he held your gaze. His blue eyes darkening, determination shining in his eyes unrelenting. 

“What if I say no?” Your voice was barely above a whisper. 

Ari didn’t move an inch. His face remained as stoic as seconds before. Something in his eyes seemed to soften for you. And here you were expecting a flash of anger at meeting any resistance. 

“Then you say no.” He replied simply and his mouth quirked into a cheeky half-grin. 

“And then I take other ways to convince you to say yes. I can do sweet romance. I can lavish you with surprises and gifts. I can buy out this whole club and have Hansen dance on a pole for you. If that’s what it takes for you to give in.”

“But-” he slowly licked his lips and looked at you from beneath his long eyelashes- “I think you want to say yes, so I can keep you on the edge of that thrill. You like to be scared and used. And that’s why you’re going to let me stake that claim right now.”

Your chest rose and fell with quickened breaths, but after a long moment you dropped your hand in defeat.

It was partially surrender, knowing Ari Levinson could trap you in even without your consent. However, he was mostly right. There was a part of you that was intrigued to follow into that darkness he lured you into; to see and experience the thrilling surprises and wicked pleasures he would design for you. 

“Good girl.” Ari hummed in approval. 

He locked the collar around your neck and gently ran a finger beneath it. Then he traced his hand down along the two long chains hanging from the diamond circle.

“These-” he took each chain in each of his hands- “can simply be locked around you, serving as a sort of necklace.”

And he showed you, doing exactly that - letting them fall between your breasts and then tying them around your waist, snapping two ends together. 

“Or-” Ari’s fingers trailed along your forearms, until he reached your wrists and wrapped a hand around each. “They can be attached to cuffs.” 

As hot as the idea was, you didn’t find it practical. The golden chains were so delicate that if you trashed in orgasm, or just generally writhed as Ari tormented you, they’d snap instantly. 

Unless they were used only for presentation. As a mark of Ari’s ownership over you. 

The idea of walking somewhere public, like just strolling into your classes, or a restaurant, wearing this collar and maybe even the cuffs which would look like bracelets to a clueless eye… it mortified you. 

And accelerated your pulse in arousal.

“Wear it next time you dance for me.” Ari ran his fingers along the thin chains of the collar, then along your collarbones until he reached lacy straps of your top. 

He pulled one of the straps down your shoulder. Then the other one. Then moved his fingers over the swell of your breasts and upward, along the line of two thin chains leading to a diamond encrusted ring in your collar.

“You’ll wear nothing but this when I split your tight pussy on my cock.” His tone was a molten, dark delight.

His face glowed with triumph when you whimpered at the image of being completely naked sans the ownership jewelry, sweaty and helpless as Ari fucked you into the mattress.

“With time, we’ll get you used to wearing it all the time.”

He clamped his fingers around the front of your neck. He didn’t actually put any pressure. Just the presence of his hand wrapped around your throat the same way a collar did. It made you realize instantly, that’s how it would feel to wear the collar. 

It would be a constant reminder that you belonged to Ari.  

“For now, just wear it for me when we meet.” You were actually grateful for the small steps, but remembering Ari’s earlier words you knew he’d have it his way in the end - even if he had to take things slowly with you.

“Okay.” You nodded, fidgeting with one of the chains around your waist. You felt hot all over. And kind of suffocated. “I can do that.” 

The smile Ari flashed you in return almost made you instantly want to ask how else can you please him. It made all the hardness disappear from his face, crinkles appeared around his eyes and it felt like warmth filled your belly. 

“I knew you’d be good for me, kitten.” Ari kissed you softly. 

You started to really eagerly lean into the kiss when he broke it. He stood up, easily holding you up as he moved, then eased you down on your feet. 

Fuck, but he really towered over you. Like a beast. 

“I’ll drive you home.” Ari announced as he led you toward the door, hand on the small of your back. “When you come to the club on Friday, bring a bag with some overnight necessities. I have a meeting here, but then I’m taking you home for the weekend.” 

“A whole weekend?” You nearly froze on the spot. 

For some reason, a silly thought really, you imagined your interactions to be limited to your performances in the club only. Sure, you’d maybe wear his collar outside sometime, as a reminder to yourself that three nights a week you were bending to Ari Levinson’s whims. 

He really scrambled some of your brain cells since you didn’t consider he was putting himself in your life fully. And pulling you into his life. Possibly, into a very intense life…

“Wha-” You cleared your throat, trying to sound less shaken. “Whatever for?”

“Hmm.” Ari leaned down, his hot breath fanning your ear as he purred: “To do scary things to you, the thought of which will keep you tense and wet for me.”

[imaginedreamwrite]

“I can’t go back to New York.”

“Even if you could, do you really think I’d let you leave my city? Leave me?”

[janesaridoll]

My post is in Community Label review. So I’m gonna put it down here ⬇️

Birthday princess 👸

Im gonna do masterlist later today

[hansensgirl]

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐄𝐓𝐓𝐋𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓

summary. | The city’s fearsome mob boss has an alternate way you—an innocent little thing—can pay off your debt.

pairing. | dark!mob boss!Ari Levinson x naive!female!reader.

warnings. | NON/DUBCON, see each chapter for their respective warnings.

THE ORIGINAL CONCEPT — Dark Concepts 2023

CHAPTER ONE — THE DEAL

CHAPTER TWO — THE RULES

CHAPTER THREE — THE REVISION

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐄𝐓𝐓𝐋𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 — 𝐎𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐏𝐀𝐈𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒

dark!associate!Curtis Everett x female!reader. (another reader, not ari’s)

[mrs-elsie-barnes]

Now that Bambi's been introduced to the family...

Find Bambi's intro HERE!

[boxofbonesfic]

Title: New Hire [6]

previous chapter

Pairing: Alpha!Mob!Ari Levinson x Naive!Omega!Reader

Summary: After escaping your demanding, violent father, you get your first job nannying for Ari Levinson.

Warnings: Manipulation, Spanking, Mob AU, Obsessive behavior, A/B/O Dynamics, Alpha!Ari, Dubcon, Darkfic, Breeding, Smut, MINORS DNI, Dead dove: Do not eat

A/N: hello everyone! back from my little hiatus with a brand new chapter of New Hire. i’ve been getting soooo many asks about this series, i’m so stoked everyone’s enjoying it so far! this chapter’s a little long, and… smutty, so… drink water 🤣 divider by @firefly-graphics​

This work is entirely unbeta’d, and unedited. Though I don’t own any of Marvel’s characters, this work and the plot contained inside are entirely mine. I do not consent for this work to be posted anywhere else by anyone but me. Enjoy 😘

You wake with Ari curled around your back, soft snores rumbling in his chest. It isn’t often that he’s not up before you, already waiting downstairs despite your best efforts to beat him there. His hand rests heavily on your hip, his fingers curled underneath the skimpy hem of your new pajamas. You shift, and his grip tightens instantly. Ari mumbles something in his sleep, and you giggle silently, trying hard not to wake him. 

 Turning in his arms is no easy feat but you manage, resting your palms against his chest. You’ve never really gotten to observe him at rest before; even relaxed Ari is at attention, ready to move to act if the situation were to suddenly require it. His golden hair is tousled, laying messily across his forehead. His lips are slightly parted, and you can hear the sound of his breath whispering though them. 

 He’s so handsome.

 You know your mate is attractive—you’ve known it since you first laid eyes on him. But watching him like this, he seems, you don’t know, softer. Less hard lines and jagged edges. There’s an embarrassed sort of pride that rears its head at the thought that this man had chosen you, out of every other possible option. 

 You. 

 Before you realize what you’re doing, you’re tracing the curve of his cheek with the back of your hand. He stirs with a groan, his nose wrinkling. 

 “Mm, Kitten,” he mumbles, eyes opening to slits. “Wha’ time’ssit?” You giggle, and he lets out a sleepy, frustrated hmph.

 “Early,” you answer quietly, laughing again when he groans, pulling you tighter to his chest and burying his face in your hair. Ari heaves a satisfied sigh. He’s comforted by having you so close, you can feel it in the bond. 

 “Go back to sleep,” he instructs sternly, and you laugh again. “S’too early.” The last few days had been hectic, Liam bouncing off the walls while Ari prepared for your surprise—and while you did your best to forget the sound of a man begging for his life. You feel guilty, mostly because you don’t feel as shameful and penitent as you probably should. 

 Every time the guilt begins to creep in, you remember Liam’s frightened face, and your own feral panic. 

 He deserved what he got, murmurs the dark, feral voice living in your hindbrain. Deserved it ten times over. Ari’s warm hands draw you out of your own head, the silky fabric of your new nightie bunching underneath his touch. 

 “Can hear you thinking from here, Omega,” he chastises you in a voice still gravelly from sleep. “You’re not sleeping.” Your cheeks heat so rapidly, you wonder if he can feel them smoldering against his chest. It’s not that you aren’t tired—you are. Your brain just hasn’t let you get a single moment of rest in since you’d found yourself awake just before sun-up. You just can’t stop turning the events of the last month over in your head, like you’re still trying to get a grip on them. 

 Something has happened to you in these past few weeks. Something that’s continuing to happen the longer you find yourself in the company of your mate. The slow but persistent eroding of beliefs you’d previously considered to be unshakeable. That right was right and wrong was wrong, and those lines couldn’t be confused or crossed. But now the lines are blurry and runny like paint, and it’s hard for you to tell which is which—if there was ever really a difference. 

 “Talk to me, Kitten.” You make a surprised noise in the back of your throat, twitching against him as you sink deeper into his warmth. His lips move gently against your temple. “What’s going on in that head of yours?” 

 “Just… everything,” you say quietly, glad you don’t have to find a way to avoid Ari’s searching gaze, pressed against his chest as you are. “M-my father, and Peter, and…” You trail off, not wanting to mention Clarence’s head becoming red paste on the concrete outside. 

 “Mm.” Ari hums low in his throat. “Quill is… certainly a problem.” He rolls over onto his back. Ari scrubs a hand down over the scruff of his beard tiredly. You curl up against his side, resting a timid hand on the hard planes of his chest. You remember him the way he was on the playground; determined, stubborn. 

 “Do you think… he’ll stop now?” You ask hopefully, glancing up at Ari. He leans down to kiss your forehead once again. 

 “I don’t think so, Kitten.” You can tell he wants to lie, to reassure you that it’s over, but that he can’t quite bring himself to do so. 

 “Why?” Ari looks uncomfortable, like he doesn’t want to answer. 

 “Because men in our positions don’t like to give up something for nothing, Kitten.” You feel a cool shiver run down your spine at his words. “And for Quill, sweetheart, you represent quite an investment.” 

 You can’t stop thinking about it, even after Liam has roused the two of you from your nest of sheets and blankets. 

 An investment. 

 Was that all you had been to your father, too? An investment? Something to use to trade up at the most lucrative opportunity? It keeps you distracted all day, long after Ari leaves for work. You try to keep Liam occupied, but fail as he runs circles around you easily while you’re preoccupied. 

 “Um, can I go over Mary’s house?” He asks you as he wolfs down the peanut butter sandwich you made him for lunch. There’s peanut butter smeared across one of his round little cheeks as he looks up at you with imploring eyes. You raise an eyebrow at him. 

 “Oh? Am I not cool enough for you?” You ask jokingly, and Liam, ever serious, shakes his head. You’re about to ask him what exactly constitutes cool when your phone begins vibrating in your pocket. “Hello?”

 “Kitten, are you busy?” Ari’s voice filters through the receiver. 

 “No,” you reply. “Well, only if you count getting a lesson in how uncool I am from a six year old.” 

 “Ouch.”

 “Yeah.” He chuckles at your response. 

 “I don’t suppose you could take a break from that to swing by the office with my work phone, could you sweetheart? I left it in the bedside table, that first drawer.”

 “Oh, um, sure. I could do that.” 

 “Thanks, Kitten.” Ari’s satisfied purr makes a little shiver travel down your spine. 

 “I guess you get off light today, sir,” you say to Liam, stowing your cell back in your pocket. “You get to go to Mary’s while I run an errand for Dad.” You haven’t been to the office often, maybe once or twice in the months since you’d been hired—not counting your interview. Come to think of it, you know remarkably little about Ari’s business exploits and where his money comes from, despite how easily he wants you to spend it. 

 It doesn’t take much to get Liam ready to go. You instruct him to pick out two—and two only—of his favorite toys to bring with him while you head upstairs to look for Ari’s phone. It’s precisely where he said it was, in the first drawer in the bedside table. You pick it up gingerly, squeaking a little with surprise as the screen lights up at your touch. It’s locked, of course, but you can still see bits of messages, unchecked notifications. 

 You don’t mean to look—really, you don’t—but you can’t help it, your eyes drawn down by a new notification flashing across the screen. It’s a number you don’t recognize, and one Ari doesn’t have saved. Your breath catches in your tight throat as you read them, hot tears gathering in your wide eyes. 

 Unknown Number: It’s a good offer. You won’t receive better, not for an Omega that’s been…used. 

 Your heart pounds in your chest. What offer? The urge to curl in on yourself grows. Perhaps you are too much trouble after all, more than you’re worth, and Ari’s finally realized it. Your own father hadn’t seen you as anything more than a bargaining chip, and the realization that Ari might be the same makes the blood curdle into shards of sharp ice in your veins. Your stomach rolls as you re-read the message. Used. Is that what Ari thinks of you?

 The phone vibrates again and you almost drop it, sniffling. 

 Unknown Number: I won’t wait long for an answer, you know, Levinson. And neither will Senator Ego.

 “Are we going?” Liam’s irritated whine makes your head snap up, and you wipe furiously at your wet cheeks. You hope your smile is convincing as you nod at him, unable to speak. You don’t trust your voice not to tremble and crack, so you refrain from saying anything at all as you pack Liam’s bag with trembling hands. Ari wasn’t supposed to be like your father, he was supposed to be different, better. 

 Act like a whore, get treated like a whore, your father’s venomous words play on an endless loop in your skull, no matter how many times you try to stop it. It’s the same thing he’d said to you after you dragged yourself back to the trailer from the homecoming after-party you weren’t supposed to attend, your dress muddy from the dirt under the bleachers and Philip Baker’s spend drying on your thighs. 

 That’s what he’d called you in the driveway too—a whore. Is that what you are? 

 There’s bile, burning acid in your throat as you walk stiffly up the steps to Frank Adler’s house. House isn’t really the right word for it, somewhere between “home” and “mansion”. You pick nervously at your fingernails after ringing the bell, pulling at your nail-beds until you wince. 

 “Mr. Levinson, I’ve been expecting you,” Frank greets Liam as he opens the door. Liam giggles and hides behind your legs. “Mary says she’s ‘sourced the part’, and I hope it’s not something I need to be concerned about.” He raises an eyebrow. Liam shakes his head profusely. 

 “We’re building a secret clubhouse.” He whispers, and Frank nods knowingly. “Don’t tell Mary I told you.” 

 “I won’t. I promise I don’t go into my own backyard all that much.” He says resolutely, and motions for him to come inside. “How are you?” Frank shifts his gaze to you, and without Ari there to deflect, you’re uncomfortable with the attention. Maybe that’s why he wants to ditch you. Stupid. Naive—

 “I’m fine.” The words come out stilted. “Just. Running an errand. For Ari.” 

 “Of course.” He looks down at Liam’s bag with a squint. “You packed heavy.”

 You force a smile. “I like to be prepared.” Frank smiles back at you, and you swallow thickly. 

 “Of course.” He repeats it, and you look down at Liam. 

 “Have fun, bud.” He grins up at you in a way that makes your heart ache.

 “Okay!”

 Your hands are shaking as you get the keys back out of your pocket. Ari wants you to come to the office, but you have no intention of doing that. Hot tears gather in your eyes as you navigate out onto the street. You can’t stay parked at Frank’s, but you don’t want to go to Ari. It’s not even an option to go to your father—and you don’t know where he is, even if it was. 

 You drive aimlessly for half an hour before you decide on a direction, ignoring the incessant buzzing of both your phone and Ari’s in the glove compartment until you’re forced to shut them off. There’s a twinge of his concern in the bond, but you shut it down quickly, and immediately feel its absence. 

 The house you’re looking for is on the corner after the next left you take, and you pull haphazardly into the spot out front. You’re still crying, staccato breaths making your chest hurt as you lean your forehead against the steering wheel. 

 You don’t know why you remember this address, considering you’ve only been here one time. Sessions are normally at the old bank building, since converted into offices, but you’d been here once when the office flooded, and Dr. Nicholson was forced to accommodate you elsewhere. Even so, it stuck in the gray matter of your brain, and now here you were, months later. 

 Shifting nervously from foot to foot, you wrap your arms around your middle after knocking. You’re considering leaving, fleeing back to the car when the door opens. 

 “I-I’m sorry. I just, I didn’t know where to go.” Dr. Nicholson stares at you in open shock, before she pushes her square glasses up the bridge of her nose. “I’m—I know this was supposed to only be for emergencies, and I, I—” She places a warm hand on your shoulder. 

 “Please come in.” 

 —

 Ari knows something is very wrong before Frank calls, but seeing his friend’s name appear on his personal phone drives home the worry. 

 “What’s wrong? Is it Liam?”

 “No, no, he’s fine. He and Mary are building some kind of clubhouse outside, and as far as I know there’s no power tools involved. No, it’s your mate. She seemed… I dunno. Upset. Squirrelly.” 

 Ari’s fist clenches against the desk. “How long ago did you see her?”

 “Ten. Fifteen minutes maybe.”  He curses. 

 Ari reaches out through the bond, and he feels you shut him out quickly, tasting only an echo of your fear before the link is dead and cold. 

 “Thanks, Frank. I’ll check on her.” He’s up and out of his chair before he hangs up. 

 What spooked you? Obviously seeing him kill a man hadn’t done wonders for your relationship, but he had been making real progress. Martine is waiting outside the office doors, her fist poised to knock.

 “Oh! Sir. I have—”

 “Leave it on my desk, please,” Ari replies, cutting her off with a grim smile. “I have an urgent family matter to attend to.” 

 “I see. Yes, sir.” 

 Ari takes the stairs down to the parking lot, slamming the door too hard on his way into the stairwell. He’d told you about leaving without telling him, about going places alone, unprotected—no. It won’t do to get angry with you, that won’t help him find you. According to Frank, you’d dropped off Liam and left, hadn’t mentioned anything about where you were going or why. 

 He gets into the car, dialing your number while he slots the key into the ignition with his other hand. It goes straight to voicemail. You haven’t set it up yet, and the robotic default greets him stiltedly. 

 “The number you have dialed is not available. Please leave a message after the beep. Have a wonderful day.” 

 “Kitten it’s me, it’s Ari.” He lets out a heavy breath. “Sweetheart you’re scaring me. You didn’t come to the office, you’re shutting me out…” He trails off before carding his fingers through his hair. “I can’t fix it if I don’t know what’s wrong.” He hangs up, and is dialing again as he pulls out of his parking space. One hand grips the steering wheel hard enough to force the blood out of his knuckles, and the other holds the phone. 

 It doesn’t even ring this time before it goes straight to voicemail. 

 “The number you have dialed is not available—”

 “Fuck!” He throws the phone into the passenger seat, hard. “Fuck.” He isn’t used to this, the frantic, nervous energy running through his veins, begging him to do something, anything—only he doesn’t know what to do. There are a thousand thousand scenarios, each running through Ari’s mind on their own terrible loop. Could Quill have had you picked up? Perhaps sent your father sniffing around again? He slams a fist against the dashboard. He’d felt your confusion, your upset and pain before you’d cut him out completely, and they stick in his throat, making it tight and uncomfortable. 

 He isn’t used to feeling this out of control, to not having the pieces adjusted on the board to his liking. Ari nervously fingers the silver chain peeking out from between the undone buttons at the collar of his shirt, poking the Star of David’s points into the fleshy pads of his fingers. Ari tries to calm down, breathing deeply as he pushes the unfamiliar feeling of panic down and away. 

 There’s still so much of your fear and uncertainty in the bond that it makes his chest ache. He sits there in the car, his eyes shut and hands on the steering wheel as Ari pokes at the bond again. The hard wall you’d drawn down between you was no longer quite as solid, the barest hint of your feelings trickling through the cracks. You’re safe—he exhales a sigh of relief. Not happy, but the turmoil you’d felt earlier had dissipated.

 And then, suddenly, it’s like a lightbulb turning on in his head—Ari knows exactly where you are. 

 —

 “You’re overwhelmed. And it makes sense, given everything you’ve told me.” Dr. Nicholson pats your knee with a reassuring smile. “I mean, last we spoke, you didn’t even have a boyfriend, and here you are with a mating mark, and a son, all at the same time. It can’t be easy.” You’d been on her couch for the last three hours, something of an extreme-emergency session to make up for the ones you’d missed in the weeks since your life had turned completely on its head. There had always been a reason to reschedule—Liam needed you, Ari needed you, something needed doing or finishing or starting, and you’d quickly become lost in the shuffle. 

 Your eyes are still red and puffy from the hysterical tears that had stopped an embarrassingly short time ago, around the first cup of tea Dr. Nicholson had brought for you—you were now well into your third. It’s embarassing, to be told what you’re feeling, but it’s so hard for you to pick through the maze of emotions you’d never really been allowed to acknowledge or share on your own. It makes sense now, to hear her say it. Overwhelmed. That’s exactly what you’d been feeling. 

 The knock at the door surprises both of you, and you jump, glancing nervously in the direction of the sound. Dr. Nicholson offers you a calm smile. 

 “I’ll get it. I’m sure it’s fine, you just stay here and relax.” You nod meekly, taking another sip of tea as you mull over your latest enlightenments. 

 “You’re a people pleaser. It’s okay, lots of us are. Because of the way you were required to manage your father’s emotions when you were only a child, and especially after your mother passed. You deserve to make choices for yourself. What do you want? What are your needs?”

 You bite your lip, running your finger around the rim of the mug. You don’t know. Dimly, you’re aware of the sound of the front door opening, but that isn’t what jolts you to attention. It’s like electricity passes through the bond, forcing it all the way open as you gasp—

 Ari is here. You know it as surely as you would know he was standing behind you. Goosebumps appear on your bare arms, and you rub them nervously as you listen to the sound of muffled voices with your heart in your throat. The sound of footsteps makes you jump up from your seat in the weathered old armchair. You’re not entirely sure what you want to do with your hands, so you tighten your grip on the handle of the mug until it hurts. 

 When Dr. Nicholson re-enters the room, her mouth is set into a grim line, tight at the corners. 

 “I… Well, I wanted to inform you that your mate is here,” she says, and you nod. She’s only confirming what you already know. “I know we talked about some very sensitive things, and I just wanted to make sure you know that you have agency, in your life and in your… relationship. You don’t have to do things just because someone else says you do.” She casts a rather reproachful look down the hallway. 

 “Thank you.” You scratch absently at the mark on your throat—it’s warm to the touch. “I’ll try to remember that.” 

 Ari is waiting for you on the porch, his arms folded over his broad chest as he leans against the bannister. His face is schooled into an expression of neutral calm, and if not for the tension coiling tight like a spring in the foundations of the bond, you might have believed it. Your gaze drops nervously down to your shoes as Ari stands up straight, his footfall heavy on the wooden slats as he approaches you. 

 “Kitten.” He slides a finger beneath your chin, tilting your head up. Slowly, he turns your head from side to side, his fingers trailing over his mark as he checks you over. You swallow thickly. “Are you hurt?” He asks, and you shake your head. 

 “N-no.” 

 He watches you in silence for a moment, before he turns sharply on his heel. 

 “Let’s go.” 

 You try to make yourself as small as possible as you walk back to the car, your shoulders hunched and your head down. You don’t want to draw any attention to yourself, not now when you can almost feel his fury as if it was your own. He ignores the Jeep you haphazardly parked out front, and you’re too anxious to ask him if he wants you to drive it home. Instead, you slide silently into the passenger seat of his car. You watch him make his way around to the driver’s side door as you anxiously twist your fingers together, waiting for the other shoe to drop. 

 You spend the majority of the ride in silence, sneaking furtive glances over at your quiet mate. When he pulls in to the driveway at the house, Ari cuts the engine, but doesn’t get out of the car. 

 “Why did you do that, Kitten?” He asks quietly, his hands still wrapped tightly around the steering wheel. When he does look at you, cold hard lead settles into the pit of your stomach. 

“I thought…“ He trails off, scoffing, and pinching the bridge of his nose. “I thought something happened to you, that fucking Quill—!” He cards a hand through his hair and blows out a breath. 

 “I saw the texts.” You mumble quietly, staring at your knees as you clench your hands into angry, fearful fists of your own. “T-the offer you were considering.” The silence that reigns between you is so empty that you feel forced to fill it. “An Omega that’s been used.” You spit the words out angrily as you curl into yourself. “Is that what-what I am to you?” 

 “Oh, Kitten.” Ari scrubs a hand down his face. “You weren’t supposed to see that.” 

 “That seems to be a thing with you.” You clap a hand over your own mouth. Those were not the words you’d meant to say. Something soft and accommodating was supposed to come out, not…that. 

 “Watch it.” He snaps, narrowing his eyes at you. You’re afraid of incurring his anger, but there’s another emotion there too, one you don’t really let yourself feel as often as you should. 

 You’re angry. 

 “You watch it! You—you don’t tell me everything,” you argue. You can tell that Ari is as surprised by your persistence as you are. “Y-you keep secrets from me, and, and you expect me to just… do whatever you want be-because you say so, and—” You know you’re rambling, and Ari holds up a hand to silence you. 

 “Kitten if you think after everything I’ve done to keep you that I’m letting go now, I… I must not have shown you who I am as well as I thought I did.” Ari braces his arms against the steering wheel, and blows out a frustrated breath. “It’s true, I don’t tell you everything,” he admits. “You’re… you scare easy, Sweetheart. Look at today.” 

 Your cheeks grow hot. “If I had known what was going on, I wouldn’t have 

left,” you say indignantly, and Ari scoffs. 

 “You can’t do that to me.” He levels you with a hard look. “You know you could have come to me, asked questions, instead of assuming.” You don’t have a response for that. “Kitten I was fucking terrified. I couldn’t find you, couldn’t feel you. I thought… I don’t know what I thought.” He shakes his head, and you swallow against the thick lump in your throat. You hadn’t thought, really, about what it might feel like for him to be shut out of the bond, left in the dark without a word. The bright flame of righteous anger burning in your chest dims. 

“Quill could have picked you up, anything could have happened to you,” he chastises you. “I can’t protect you when you run from me, Kitten.” He slips a finger under your chin, forcing you to look at him. “How can I keep you safe if you don’t trust me?” The space behind your eyes burns with hot, unshed tears.  

“Yes, one of Ego’s men contacted me.” He runs a hand through his hair. “But I needed to make sure I knew who our allies were before I responded, Kitten.” 

 You do trust Ari—or at least, you thought you did. You’d been scared, only thinking of your own self-preservation.

  “I do trust you,” you say in a small voice. “I just…” you trail off, struggling to put words to the emotions swimming around in your skull. “My whole life, my parents told me I had one thing to offer. Just one. And when I saw those messages, Ari, they scared me, okay?” You admit, your teeth sinking into your lower lip. “They scared me because I thought he was right. That… that I gave you what you wanted, and you’d be done with me, now.” 

 “Kitten.” Ari ducks his head until he finds your gaze, and holds it. “I put a man in the dirt for you. Do you really think I’d trade you after that?” Hot guilt warms your face. “If there was even chance that I thought this,” Ari gestures between the two of you, “wasn’t going to work, I would never have marked you.” 

 Ari is a man of his word, you know that. Every promise he’s made you, he’s kept—it’s more than anyone else has ever given you. You… you care about Ari, enough to not want to hurt him. Enough to try and keep the promise you had made him, that you would let him show you how good life with him could be. 

 “I’m sorry.” You mean it. 

 “I know, Kitten.” Somehow, his disappointment is worse than his anger. Ari unbuckles his seatbelt, and tugs the keys out of the ignition. The two of you exit the car, and head into the quiet house. You’re not quite sure what to do with yourself, and you flutter just at the edges of the room, watching Ari move through it. The tension he feels is written in his neck and shoulders. He reaches up to rub stiffly at them with one hand while he opens the fridge with the other. You watch as he twists the cap off of a beer bottle. 

 “Liam’s going to stay at Frank’s tonight,” he says over his shoulder. “We’ll go get him tomorrow.” There’s only a counter between you, but it feels like a continent. He’s right here, and he hasn’t blocked you from the bond, but it feels like you’re alone. You approach him tentatively, and though he doesn’t stop you, he makes no move to welcome you, either. 

 “Ari?” He takes another sip from his beer. You place your hand softly on top of his on the counter, and he doesn’t pull away. “I—I should have trusted you, and I didn’t. I’m sorry.” You’re tempted to touch the mark on your throat but you don’t. His gaze softens just a little, and he takes another swallow.

 “You mean that?”

 You nod. “Yes.” Ari drains the bottle, and sets it on the counter with a sharp click. “I-I really am sorry—” Ari hushes you, holding up a hand. Your breath and the words you were going to say both catch in your throat. Ari grasps your chin, and for a moment he just looks at you. You feel judged, and you can only hope you don’t come up wanting. 

 “Get upstairs.” He says sharply after a moment of holding your gaze. His thumb passes over your parted lips. “You’re going to show me just how sorry you are, Omega.” 

 You gape at him for a moment, almost asking if he’s serious, but the hard set of your mate’s jaw tells you that question would not be well received. You scramble up the stairs, but Ari isn’t behind you. You pause at the top of the stairs, waiting for him to come around the curve, but you don’t see him. The setting sun has painted the room in molten orange. You perch yourself at the edge of the bed in a pool of it, fiddling with the delicate pendant at your throat. 

When he does walk through the door, he barely spares you a look. He undoes his tie with sure fingers, and begins on the buttons of his shirt. You lick your lips nervously. 

 “Ari?” The look he fixes you with is icy enough to make you regret saying anything.

 “I don’t remember telling you to speak.” There’s a cruel, almost mocking edge to his words that makes you shiver. Your mouth snaps shut audibly, and his lips curl into a cold smile. “Good girl.” He takes a painfully long time with the buttons, slowly undoing each one. 

 “Kitten you made me very angry today,” Ari says as he folds the shirt over his thick forearm. “Do you know why?” Your tongue feels like sandpaper against the roof of your mouth as you swallow dryly. 

 “I… I shut you out,” you say tentatively, and Ari inclines his head, like he’s imploring you to continue. “And I broke my promise.” 

 “That’s a start.” He lays the shirt neatly across the dresser. “What else?” 

 “I left without telling you?”

 “Kitten you put yourself in danger.” Ari folds his arms across his chest and frowns at you. “Come.” It isn’t an Alpha command, but it doesn’t matter. Your body lurches into motion anyway. You stand in front of him nervously, and Ari fingers the hem of your shirt as his nose wrinkles. 

 “Take this off. All of it.” He watches you with dark, unreadable eyes. You’ve never seen Ari this angry with you before—naively, you had thought perhaps that he would never be. You’re still nervous to stand there in front of him, and you’re tempted again to speak, but you resist the urge. 

 It’s a strange and thrilling intersection, your fear of your mate’s reprisal and your body’s response to his need to exert dominance. You cock your head to the side, submissively exposing the side of your throat. Ari makes a low, appreciative noise, trailing his fingers across the healed mark at the juncture of your neck and shoulder. You still aren’t used to the wanton heat that is steadily growing at the apex of your thighs at the intensity of Ari’s scent, aren’t used to the wild, rampant need he inspires in you. 

 You know he can scent it, the way his nostrils twitch and his pupils dilate. There is almost as much being said without words as with them, you realize as you watch him. He’s not going to give you orders or instructions—he wants you to prove how sorry you are, to reaffirm that you’re his, that you want to be. He’s still angry, you can see it in the stiffness of his jaw, the square set of his shoulders. He’s waiting—waiting to see what you’ll do. 

 Ari doesn’t stop you when you reach for the button on his pants. You peek up at him through your lashes, waiting for reprisal that doesn’t come. The plush bedroom carpeting is soft under your knees when you drop to them, your mate silently watching as you pull his pants down his toned thighs. His cock is already half hard, the thick outline of it through his briefs makes your tongue dart out to wet your dry lips. 

 You trace the shape of him with your finger, and he throbs under your touch. As you slide the elastic band down, his cock bounces out, shiny precum beading at the tip. A soft, surprised breath escapes from between your lips, and your cheeks heat up with embarrassment when Ari laughs. He’s velvet smooth, veins throbbing hotly underneath the skin as you palm the heavy weight of his cock in your hands. 

 He hums with approval when you stroke him, straining to touch your thumb and forefinger around his girth. You lean forward, wetting your lips with your tongue before lapping tentatively at his head. Salty and musky but not unpleasant.

  Ari is watching you, you don’t need to look to confirm it. You can feel his eyes on you as you lean forward to close your lips completely around the head of his cock. His hips buck softly, forcing him deeper into your mouth. Emboldened, you cup the heavy weight of his sac in one hand, kneading it gently between your fingers. He hisses, pulling away, and the head of his cock slips from between your lips with a soft pop. You sit primly on your knees, watching as your mate palms his cock with a groan. 

 “Open your mouth, Omega. Tongue out.” You do as he says, opening your mouth wide as your tongue lolls out over your bottom lip. Ari taps his cock against the flat of your tongue, thrusting into your open mouth. He makes a lusty, appreciative noise deep in his throat and strokes your jaw with the back of his hand. 

“I wish you could see yourself, Kitten.” He says, pushing in until the head of his cock bumps the back of your throat. You gag around him a little and he curses under his breath, holding himself there for a second longer before pulling out. Your cunt clenches helplessly around nothing and tears gather in the corners of your eyes as Ari repeats the motion, sliding his cock back and forth over your tongue and down your throat. 

 There’s a growing buzz at the back of your skull, a pleasant hazy feeling that makes your eyelids droop as you nurse at Ari’s dick, tongue moving against his shaft. You tug softly at his balls, and Ari’s hips stutter, a low moan leaving his lips. 

 “Good, Kitten,” he praises you. The needy, feral thing in your hindbrain purrs excitedly. Alpha is pleased. “Need you just like this.” He thrusts all the way in until your nose bumps the trimmed hair at the base of his thick cock. Ari’s cock is halfway down your throat, drool leaking out of the corners of your mouth as you stare up at him with glassy, wet eyes. You struggle to breathe around him, short, shuddering breaths making your vision swim. Ari pulls out, stroking himself with an appreciative groan as he stares at your cock-drunk face. 

 “Bed.” You rush to obey, clamoring onto the mattress. “Present, for me, Kitten.” It sends a thrill through you, not to be able to see him as you press your forehead to the duvet, though you can feel him behind you. You shudder as he runs a finger down your soaked, messy slit, and he clucks his tongue at you. “Dripping,” he says, laughing. Embarrassment makes your face hot even as your cunt sucks at the tip of his index finger. “Enjoy sucking Alpha’s cock, Sweetheart?” When you don’t answer right away, he delivers a stinging slap that you hear before you feel, the cheek of your ass smarting.

 “Y-yes!” He soothes the sting with a gentle pass of his hand before he delivers another one. You squirm, yelping as you press your face into the mattress. 

 “Do you know why this is happening, Omega?” He asks, the palm of his hand cracking across your ass again as you let out a miserable moan. Ari’s fingers slip between the cheeks of your ass, playing at your entrance as you try to cobble together an answer. 

 “I-I d-didn’t trust A-alpha,” you whimper. You’re wetter than ever, his fingers making lewd squelching sounds as they slide through your folds. Ari pulls back only to strike you again with another sharp slap. 

 “And?”

 “A-and I—ah!” Ari’s palm connects again, and this time a sob leaks from between your trembling lips. The contrast between the thick fingers playing at your entrance and the stinging numbness is dizzying, and Ari doesn’t give you a chance to breathe, refusing to let up as he lays into you, hard. 

 “You made me worry about you,” he says, his voice low, angry. Another spank. “You shut me out.” Another, and another until you’re gasping for air, tears soaking into the sheets below you. 

 “I’m sorry! I’m sorry Alpha!” You cry, voice muffled as you wait for another round of harsh spanks that don’t come. Instead, you feel Ari’s arms encircle your waist, and you hiccough as he draws you against his chest. You wrap your arms around his shoulders, pressing your face into the hollow of his neck, sniffling. 

 “This doesn’t happen again, Omega,” he says sternly, even as he presses his face into your hair. “Understand?”

 “Yes, Alpha,” you say meekly, lifting a trembling hand to wipe at your puffy cheeks. A low, pleased rumble emanates from his chest. 

 “Good.” Ari nudges your thighs apart with his hand, cupping your swollen, messy cunt against his palm. You mewl against his throat as he sinks two fingers into your wet heat, testing your readiness. You clench around them eagerly, and he chuckles. “My needy Omega,” he says. “You want me to split you open on my knot, don’t you Kitten?” You nod eagerly, and you can hear the smug grin in his voice. “Beg.” 

 You run your tongue across your dry lips. “Please, Alpha.” 

 “I can’t hear you.” You lean away from his neck, your face warm.

 “Please—”

 “Look at me.” Slowly, you drag your eyes up to his.  

 “Please, Alpha.” Ari says nothing, but you feel his grip tighten on your hips. It’s the only warning you get before he slams you down onto his cock. The words in your throat die in a ragged moan as his cock forces them out of you. The slight sting of his entry is more than made up for by the delicious fullness that makes you groan as he presses in as far as he possibly can, his teeth bared. Your thighs tighten around his hips, fingers digging into his shoulders as he ruts up into you. 

 “Kitten this fucking pussy,” he growls, his fingers tangling in your hair as he tugs your head to the side. “Can’t get enough.” You can already feel his knot swelling at the base of his cock, and the stretch of it makes your eyes roll. Warm, heady pleasure erodes most of your conscious thoughts, and Ari is driving it, pushing you further and further, as far as he can. 

 Your legs tremble and seize about his hips as you cum, sticky pleasure rolling down your nerve endings like honey as you float. Ari fucks you straight through, holding you tight enough to bruise as he buries himself inside you as far as he possibly can. His thick cock feels even thicker for the knot locking the two of you in place, and you shudder as his teeth slide into the mark at your neck. 

 He pants wetly against your throat, holding you still as the air cools between you. Ari traces patterns on your hip with his fingers, and you press a soft kiss to his collarbone. After a minute or two, he pulls back, his mouth leaving your throat. 

 “I really am sorry.” You say in a small voice, and he sighs, his arms tightening around you briefly before relaxing. 

 “I know, Kitten.” He sighs. “I shouldn’t have kept things from you.” You try hard not to look surprised. It isn’t often that your mate admits wrongdoing, and you know it isn’t easy for him to eat crow. “I’m going to try and be better about that.” 

 “I promise not to shut you out again.” You rest your head against his chest. “And you promise to be honest with me.” 

 “I promise.” 

 “Good.” 

to be continued…

Next chapter

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[joannaliceevans-fanficblog]

Evermore: A short drabble.

It's been a while since I've written for my beloved Captain Ari Levinson. Work has been busy, and I'm just too damn tired.

It's 1am now where I live and i can't sleep and this snippet had been on my mind for quiet some time.

I know it's not edited properly, and my grammar might be a bit iffy. So please enjoy!

You sat alone on this warm spring afternoon. The wind blew, the quietness, and the sounds of the wind chiming. You knew it's been many years since he's been gone. Ripped away from you from the war.

He's been your love since you were 17. Best friends at first, then turned into lovers. He's a smart man, did anything for the people he loved, and he made sure that you were loved. Even for his baby girl, he only knew for a few months. You would do anything to bring him back, but that's not possible. Life isn't fair.

There would be times when you could feel him, smell his cologne that he wears, and his rough callused hands. All gave you butterflies. His soft hair, when he he would lay on lap. Again, you want to live these moments again. The touch, the feel his lips on you, and his hugs.

You closed your eyes, and your tears came down like a waterfall. Your heart aches for him. If you had one wish, it would be to not let him go back to Germany. If you had one more day with Ari, all would be okay.

**

The wind blew slightly, and you opened your eyes suddenly. You felt something, something so familiar to you. That familiar scent of Bergmont and Citrus and you looked around.

"Mrs. Levinson?"

[cynic-spirit]

Top of the world ii

Ari Levinson is a formidable figure, an intimidating and ruggedly handsome man who transitioned from being a biker to becoming a powerful mobster. His presence commands respect and fear, standing tall and muscular with a tough exterior that hides his deep and passionate love for Yn. Despite his rough past and dangerous lifestyle, Ari has a soft spot for Yn, and his love for her is unwavering and intense.

However, Yn doesn't reciprocate Ari's feelings, leaving him heartbroken and confused. While Ari's love is deep and genuine, Yn is conflicted. She is unsure of her own feelings, struggling to see Ari as more than just a powerful figure in her life. Her confusion stems from her inability to reconcile the man she knows Ari to be with the dangerous world he inhabits, making it difficult for her to return his affection.

Ari, aware of Yn's uncertainty, is both patient and frustrated. He tries to win her over with grand gestures and by being there for her in every way he can, but her hesitance leaves him in a constant state of longing and heartache. Despite this, he remains devoted, hoping that one day, Yn will see him as more than just a mobster and realize the depth of his love.

Ari Levinson’s love language is acts of service, and it’s through these actions that he tries to express the depth of his feelings for Yn. Whenever Ari is around, Yn doesn’t have to lift a finger; he takes care of everything, often without her even needing to ask. He’s always attentive to her needs, whether big or small, and this is how he shows his affection, even though Yn hasn’t fallen in love with him yet.

For instance, when Yn is working late on a project or writing at her typewriter, Ari will quietly step in to make sure she has everything she needs. Without a word, he’ll bring her a fresh cup of coffee just the way she likes it, place a warm blanket over her shoulders when he notices she’s cold, or even prepare a meal for her so she doesn’t have to interrupt her work. He does all of this without expecting anything in return, just wanting to make her life easier in any way he can.

Another example is when they’re out together, even though Yn may not realize it, Ari is always one step ahead in taking care of her. If they’re walking down the street, he’ll subtly guide her to the inside of the sidewalk, keeping her away from traffic. At restaurants, he’ll make sure to order her favorite dishes without needing to ask, having paid close attention to her preferences over time.

When they’re at her apartment, Ari doesn’t let her lift a finger. If something breaks, he’s there to fix it before she even notices. If she’s carrying groceries, he takes the bags from her hands and puts everything away. Even in simple things, like helping her put on a coat or holding the door open, Ari's actions are always thoughtful and intentional.

Despite all this, Yn is still unsure about her feelings for Ari. She appreciates his help and care but feels overwhelmed by the intensity of his love and the contrast between his rough exterior and his gentle actions. She’s grateful for everything he does, yet she can’t fully return his affection, leaving Ari in a bittersweet position—dedicated to serving her every need while quietly yearning for her to see him as more than just a protector.

Ari Levinson’s descent into love began the moment he first heard Yn sing. Her voice, a captivating blend of purity and emotion, struck him like nothing else ever had. In her singing, Ari found a softness and vulnerability that spoke to a part of him he had long buried beneath his tough exterior. It was as if her voice reached into his very soul, calming the storm that raged within him. From that moment on, he was utterly enthralled by Yn, unable to resist the pull she had over him.

But Ari, in his overwhelming need to be close to Yn, made a crucial mistake. He immersed himself into her life with such intensity that he inadvertently took away her sense of choice. Without fully realizing it, Ari began to control the aspects of her life that he believed would protect her and keep her close to him. His love language of acts of service, which was supposed to be an expression of his care, became a means of exerting control. He did everything for her—too much, in fact—leaving Yn feeling stifled and trapped.

Singing had always been Yn’s solace, her way of expressing herself and finding peace. But as Ari’s presence in her life became more dominant, she started to feel that her voice, the very thing that drew him to her, was no longer hers to control. In an attempt to reclaim her autonomy, Yn made a silent vow to herself: she would no longer sing. By refusing to sing, Yn found a way to rebel against Ari's overwhelming presence, to assert a small piece of her life that he couldn’t touch.

This rebellion was subtle but powerful. Whenever Ari would encourage her to sing, even in the smallest of ways, she would politely decline, her lips pressed tightly together. She no longer hummed absentmindedly while doing chores, and the piano in her apartment remained closed. Ari noticed the change, and though he never voiced it, it pained him deeply. He missed the sound of her voice, the very thing that made him fall in love with her. But more than that, he missed seeing her happy, doing something she loved.

Yn’s refusal to sing was her way of setting a boundary, a silent protest against the way Ari had taken over her life. She didn’t hate him, but she resented the way he had slowly eroded her sense of self. She knew that he loved her, and she appreciated all he did for her, but the more he tried to care for her, the more suffocated she felt. Ari’s acts of service, which were meant to make her life easier, instead made her feel as though she had no control over her own life.

Ari, on the other hand, was caught in a dilemma. He loved Yn deeply, and everything he did was out of that love. But he was slowly beginning to realize that his way of expressing love might be the very thing driving her away. He didn’t know how to fix it, how to step back and give her the space she so desperately needed without feeling like he was losing her.

The tension between them grew, silent and unspoken, as Yn continued to withhold the one thing that had brought them together. For Yn, not singing was the only way she could assert her independence in a situation where she felt increasingly powerless. For Ari, it was a painful reminder that love, no matter how well-intentioned, could not be forced. It needed space to breathe, something he was struggling to understand.

Despite this, Ari couldn’t bring himself to pull away. He continued to serve her, to be there for her in every way he knew how, even as he slowly began to realize that perhaps what Yn needed most from him was not more acts of service, but the freedom to choose what she wanted for herself.

Yn, despite her inner turmoil, does everything Ari asks her to do. It’s not out of love or even a desire to please him, but more out of a sense of resignation. When Ari says, "Let me take you shopping," Yn agrees without hesitation, allowing him to whisk her away to the most luxurious boutiques. She tries on the clothes he selects, lets him buy her things she doesn’t need or particularly want, and offers a polite smile when he looks for her approval. Her actions are compliant, but her heart isn’t in it.

When Ari says, "Let me take you to dinner," Yn nods and goes along with him. She sits across from him at the finest restaurants, quietly eating the dishes he orders, her thoughts miles away. She makes small talk, answers his questions, and listens to his stories, but there’s a distance in her eyes that Ari can’t ignore. He sees her going through the motions, responding just enough to keep the conversation alive, but it’s clear that her mind and heart are elsewhere.

If Ari says, "Let’s go for a drive," Yn dutifully climbs into the passenger seat, allowing him to take her wherever he wishes. She stares out the window as they drive, watching the scenery pass by without much interest. Ari tries to engage her, pointing out landmarks or playing her favorite songs, but her responses are minimal, her engagement superficial. She’s there in the car with him, but her spirit isn’t.

Even when Ari suggests, "Let’s go to my club," Yn complies, following him into the world he rules. She stays by his side, politely interacting with his associates, accepting their compliments and engaging in light conversation. But there’s a stiffness in her posture, a subtle tension that betrays her true feelings. Yn is present, but only in body, not in spirit. She moves through these outings as if they are obligations to be fulfilled, rather than moments to be cherished.

Ari, for all his efforts, cannot ignore what’s happening. He sees that Yn doesn’t accept his love; she has simply resigned herself to it. She complies with everything he asks, but there’s no joy, no enthusiasm, no love in her actions. Her compliance feels hollow, and it’s driving him mad. Ari hates seeing Yn like this—detached, unresponsive, as if she’s merely existing rather than living.

He’s come to realize that her acquiescence isn’t a sign of acceptance or love, but rather a surrender to a situation she doesn’t know how to escape from. She’s given up fighting against his overwhelming presence in her life, but that doesn’t mean she’s accepted him in the way he so desperately wants.

This realization gnaws at Ari. He hates that his love, which he has tried to express in every possible way, has pushed Yn into this state of resignation. He wanted to take care of her, to make her life easier, to shower her with affection, but instead, it seems he’s taken away her will, her spark. The woman whose voice once captivated him, whose spirit he fell in love with, now feels like a ghost of herself.

Ari begins to see that his efforts, his constant acts of service, and his overwhelming presence in her life have done more harm than good. He hates that he’s the reason she’s lost her light, that his love has become a burden to her rather than a source of joy. But he doesn’t know how to fix it, how to bring back the Yn he fell in love with. The more he tries to make things right, the more he fears he’s losing her completely.

Yn’s compliance, her resignation, is a silent protest against the life she feels trapped in. Ari is starting to understand that unless he changes something, unless he gives her the space and freedom to find herself again, he’ll never have the love he so desperately craves from her. And that thought terrifies him more than anything else.

The tension between Yn and Ari had been building for weeks, an unspoken conflict simmering beneath the surface of every interaction. Ari could feel it—the distance between them growing wider with each passing day, despite the fact that Yn was always by his side, doing everything he asked without complaint. Her compliance, once something he mistook for affection or even acceptance, now felt like a heavy burden on his heart.

One evening, after another dinner where Yn had politely eaten her meal in silence, Ari couldn’t take it any longer. The weight of her distant gaze, her robotic responses, and her lifeless demeanor pressed down on him like a vice. As they sat in the quiet of her apartment, with the only light coming from a dim lamp in the corner, he finally broke the silence.

“Yn,” he began, his voice unusually soft, almost hesitant, “What do I have to do to get your love?”

Yn looked at him, really looked at him, for the first time in what felt like ages. There was a sadness in her eyes, but also a resigned clarity. She took a deep breath, her words slow and deliberate as she answered him, her voice carrying the weight of all the unspoken thoughts she had held inside for so long.

“Find another doll to play with,” she said, her tone even, though there was a faint tremor in her voice that hinted at the pain beneath her calm facade.

Ari’s heart clenched at her words, and he shook his head, moving closer to her, his large frame towering over her as he reached out to gently touch her hand. “You’re not my plaything, Yn,” he said earnestly, his blue eyes searching hers for any sign of hope, any flicker of emotion that might show she still cared. “I love you.”

Yn pulled her hand away from his touch, her movement slow but deliberate, as if every inch of space she created between them was an act of self-preservation. She looked at him, her gaze unwavering, and there was a fire in her eyes now—one that Ari hadn’t seen in a long time. It was a mix of defiance and frustration, a small piece of the Yn he had fallen in love with still fighting beneath the surface.

“This is not love, Ari,” she said, her voice stronger now, carrying the conviction of her long-suppressed feelings. “This is ownership.”

Her words hit Ari like a punch to the gut, leaving him momentarily speechless. He watched as she stood up, her back straight, her chin held high. The fragile, compliant Yn he had become accustomed to was gone, replaced by the woman who had once enchanted him with her strength and independence.

“You own me,” Yn continued, her voice calm but filled with a quiet fury. “You’ve taken over every aspect of my life, leaving me with no room to breathe, no space to be myself. I’ve done everything you’ve asked, not because I love you, but because I’ve accepted that this is my life now. I’ll do whatever it is that you want, Ari, but don’t mistake my compliance for love.”

Ari’s chest tightened as she spoke, the truth of her words sinking in like a cold, hard stone in the pit of his stomach. He had never intended for his love to become a cage for her, but now he saw that in his desperation to keep her close, he had done exactly that.

“I’ll do whatever it is that you want,” Yn repeated, her voice quieter now, laced with a sadness that cut through him. “Until you finally get bored of me and leave me to my freedom.”

Ari couldn’t stand the thought of her believing that he would ever grow tired of her, that he would ever leave her. He moved towards her, closing the distance between them, his large hands cupping her face gently, forcing her to look up at him. His expression was a mix of determination and raw emotion, his blue eyes intense as they bore into hers.

“I’ll win your heart, Yn,” he said, his voice low but filled with a dangerous certainty. “By hook or by crook.”

Before she could respond, Ari leaned down and captured her lips in a brief, firm kiss. It wasn’t the passionate kiss of a lover or the tender kiss of someone trying to woo; it was a statement, a promise. As he pulled back, he gave her a small, almost mischievous wink, as if he were challenging her, daring her to resist him.

Yn stood still, her heart pounding in her chest, as she watched him pull away. There was a part of her that wanted to believe in the sincerity of his words, in the depth of his love, but the larger part of her was too tired, too broken by the overwhelming presence he had imposed on her life. She wanted to believe that he could change, that his love could become something more than ownership, but the doubt lingered, heavy and unshakable.

Ari knew that he hadn’t won her over with his words, but he didn’t expect to. He wasn’t naive enough to think that one conversation could undo all the damage he had done. But he was nothing if not determined, and now, more than ever, he was resolved to prove to Yn that his love was real, that it wasn’t just about possession or control.

As Yn watched him leave that night, her mind was a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. She knew Ari wouldn’t give up easily—he was stubborn, relentless even—but she also knew that her heart wasn’t something that could be won by force or persistence. It would take more than just words and gestures to break down the walls she had built around herself. It would take true change, something Ari had never shown before.

As the door closed behind him, Yn sat back down, staring at the space where Ari had just been. She was exhausted, emotionally drained by the confrontation, but there was a flicker of something in her heart—a small, fragile hope that maybe, just maybe, things could be different. But for now, she was determined to keep that hope buried deep within her, not willing to let it take root until Ari showed her, through actions and not just words, that he could truly love her the way she needed to be loved.

Ari had forced Yn to move in with him, and, as with everything else, she complied without protest. The mansion he brought her to was vast, sprawling over acres of land, a testament to his wealth and power. It was the kind of place that seemed to belong to another world, with its towering marble columns, meticulously landscaped gardens, and an infinity pool that stretched out towards the horizon. The mansion was as big as her entire multifloor apartment building, and it overwhelmed her in ways she couldn't fully articulate.

Yn's new life inside Ari's mansion was one of unparalleled comfort, at least on the surface. Ari had ensured that she had everything she could possibly want—her own private suite, complete with a bedroom that could rival those in the finest hotels, a lavish en-suite bathroom with a deep soaking tub, and a walk-in closet filled with designer clothes that she didn’t even have to pick out herself. Every morning, she awoke to the sight of sunlight streaming through the floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked the lush grounds, the warmth of the rays almost mocking the coldness she felt inside.

Her suite was a sanctuary of luxury, designed with her in mind, or at least Ari's perception of what she would want. The walls were adorned with soft, muted tones, the furniture elegant yet comfortable, and the bed—large enough to get lost in—was always made with the finest linens. Ari had spared no expense in making sure she had every comfort imaginable, right down to the smallest details. Fresh flowers were delivered daily, their scent filling the room, and a staff of servants was always on hand to cater to her every need.

Yet, for all the opulence, Yn felt like a prisoner. She had her own room, separate from Ari’s, which he had insisted on despite his desire to be close to her. It was a gesture that was supposed to make her feel more at ease, to give her space, but it only served to highlight the fact that this was not her home—it was Ari's domain, and she was simply an occupant, a guest who had been forced to stay.

Every inch of the mansion reminded her of the control Ari had over her life. The sprawling estate was surrounded by high walls and state-of-the-art security systems, making it nearly impossible for her to leave without his permission. Even within the mansion, she felt confined. There were no locks on the doors, no way to secure her private space, a subtle reminder that, despite the luxury, she was still under his watchful eye.

Ari made sure she had everything she could ever want, but the truth was, the one thing she craved—freedom—was the one thing she couldn’t have. The mansion was beautiful, yes, but it was also a gilded cage, and she was the bird trapped inside. She wandered through the grand halls, her footsteps echoing against the marble floors, feeling more alone than she ever had in her small apartment.

Sometimes, Yn would stand on the balcony of her suite, looking out over the estate, the city skyline visible in the distance. The view was stunning, the gardens below perfectly manicured, the pool shimmering under the sun. But all she could think about was how far away everything felt—her old life, her independence, her sense of self. The distance between her and the world outside felt insurmountable, as if Ari had placed her on an island, cut off from everything that once made her who she was.

Ari, for his part, believed he was giving Yn the world. He was proud of the life he had built for her, of the comfort and luxury he provided. He thought that by surrounding her with beauty and indulgence, she would eventually come to see how much he loved her, how much he cared. He would often tell her how lucky she was, how any woman would envy her life, how he was doing everything he could to make her happy.

But Yn didn’t feel lucky. She felt stifled, her identity slowly eroding under the weight of Ari’s constant presence and his overwhelming need to control every aspect of her life. The mansion, with all its grandeur, felt like a mockery of the simplicity and freedom she had once cherished. Every day, as she moved through the luxurious space, she was reminded of the fact that she was living someone else's dream, not her own.

The mansion was beautiful, but it wasn’t home. Home had been her small, cozy apartment, where she had the freedom to come and go as she pleased, where she could sing in the shower without fear of being overheard, where her life was her own. Now, that life seemed like a distant memory, replaced by a reality that was as foreign to her as the mansion's endless hallways and ornate rooms.

Yn complied with everything Ari asked of her, but it was compliance born of resignation, not affection. She lived in the mansion because he wanted her there, not because she wanted to be. She wore the clothes he provided, ate the food prepared by his chefs, and used the amenities he insisted on, but none of it brought her joy. It was all just a reminder of how far she had been pushed from the life she once knew.

As the days passed, Yn found herself withdrawing more and more, retreating into the safety of her room whenever she could. She rarely ventured into the other parts of the mansion unless Ari asked her to, avoiding the spaces that felt more like his territory than her own. The mansion might have been filled with every comfort she could imagine, but the one comfort she truly needed—her freedom—was the one thing she couldn’t have.

Ari and Yn had developed a routine that, on the surface, seemed idyllic and harmonious, though it was layered with unspoken tensions. Every morning, Ari would wake up early and begin his day with a rigorous workout in his private gym. Yn, still adjusting to her new surroundings, would use this time to enjoy the peace and solitude of her suite. By the time Ari was finishing his exercise, Yn would emerge for breakfast.

Their mornings started with a lavish breakfast in the grand dining room. A spread of gourmet dishes—freshly baked pastries, exotic fruits, and perfectly brewed coffee—was always prepared for them. Ari would sit at the head of the table, watching as Yn took her place across from him. Conversation was polite but minimal, with Ari often trying to engage her in discussions about her day or any upcoming plans. Yn would respond courteously but with a distance that Ari couldn’t ignore.

After breakfast, Ari would head to his study or business meetings, leaving Yn to her own devices. This was when Yn would usually take her long solo walks around the mansion’s expansive grounds. Ari had noticed this ritual and, while he didn’t fully understand it, he respected her need for solitude, even though it pained him to see her so detached.

Yn’s walks were a cherished part of her day. She would venture out, dressed comfortably in casual attire, and immerse herself in the vastness of the estate. The grounds were meticulously maintained, with winding paths that led through manicured gardens, past serene fountains, and around the edges of the property where tall trees created a natural barrier against the outside world. Yn would stroll along these paths for hours, finding solace in the beauty and solitude of her surroundings.

During these walks, Yn was free from the constraints of Ari’s constant presence. The gardens, with their vibrant colors and fragrant blooms, provided a stark contrast to the sterile luxury of the mansion’s interiors. The vast expanse of the property allowed her to be alone with her thoughts, away from the suffocating feeling of being under constant surveillance. The rhythmic sound of her footsteps on the gravel paths and the rustling of leaves in the breeze were her only companions, offering a fleeting sense of freedom.

Ari, while somewhat perplexed by her need for these walks, had come to accept them as a part of her routine. He understood that this was one of the few times when Yn could truly be herself, away from his watchful eyes. He had even taken to arranging for her walks to be uninterrupted, ensuring that her time alone was respected.

Despite his understanding, Ari couldn’t shake the feeling of sadness that accompanied his observations. He saw how these walks were not just a form of exercise or relaxation for Yn, but a manifestation of her longing for independence and escape. Each time she returned from her walk, there was a subtle change in her demeanor—a softening of her expression, a temporary relief from the burdens she carried. But it was always short-lived, as the reality of her situation awaited her back within the walls of the mansion.

Ari’s routine, filled with his own responsibilities and activities, continued as usual. However, he often found himself thinking about Yn’s solitary walks, reflecting on the distance they had created between them. It was a bittersweet routine—a reminder of his love for her and his frustration at not being able to truly connect with her.

Yn’s walks became a symbol of her inner struggle, a quiet rebellion against the life she found herself trapped in. They were moments of freedom within an otherwise controlled existence, where she could momentarily escape the constraints of Ari’s love and remember a time when she had the autonomy to choose her own path.

Ari, observing Yn's attachment to her solitary walks, decided to take a new approach. He wanted to show her that he respected her need for personal space but also make an effort to be a part of her life in a way that was less invasive, though still present. After some consideration, he resolved to join her during these walks, but with a deliberate choice to maintain silence, allowing her the solitude she sought without disrupting her sense of freedom.

One crisp, sunny afternoon, as Yn prepared for her routine walk, she stepped out into the expansive gardens, her usual calm demeanor giving way to a quiet determination. The vast grounds were as serene as ever, the gentle rustling of leaves and the distant chirping of birds creating a peaceful backdrop for her escape. She took a deep breath, savoring the fresh air, and began her walk along the winding paths.

As she made her way down one of the familiar trails, she noticed a figure moving alongside her. Startled, she glanced to her left and saw Ari walking beside her, his stride steady and his expression contemplative. His presence was a surprise, and for a moment, she halted, looking at him with a mixture of confusion and irritation.

Ari, however, did not say a word. He simply continued walking, his eyes fixed ahead, matching her pace. He wore a casual outfit, blending in with the surroundings, but his imposing stature and the quiet intensity of his gaze were unmistakable. He had decided that his presence would be unobtrusive, allowing Yn to maintain the tranquility of her walk while subtly showing that he was there for her, not just observing from afar.

Yn resumed her walk, trying to ignore the intrusion. The silence between them was almost palpable, a space filled with the unspoken words and unresolved emotions that had been building up over time. Despite the quiet, the fact that Ari was walking alongside her was a clear statement of his intent. He wanted to be a part of her life, to share in her moments of solitude without overwhelming her with conversation or demands.

As they walked in silence, Yn found herself struggling with the awkwardness of the situation. The routine of her walks, once a personal refuge, now felt altered by Ari’s silent companionship. She tried to focus on the beauty of the gardens, the vibrant colors of the flowers, and the calming effect of the natural surroundings, but the awareness of Ari’s presence was an ever-present reminder of the complexities of their relationship.

For Ari, the silent walk was both a gesture of respect and a test of patience. He wanted Yn to see that he was willing to adapt, to share in her moments of peace without imposing his own expectations. The quiet companionship was meant to bridge the gap between them, to offer a subtle form of connection that did not involve forcing her into conversations or activities she was uncomfortable with.

The walks continued in this manner for several days. Each time, Yn would start her journey alone, only to find Ari appearing beside her as she ventured into the gardens. The silence between them became a shared experience, a tacit agreement that allowed Yn to maintain her sense of freedom while still acknowledging Ari’s presence.

Over time, Yn began to accept the silent company with a degree of resignation. While she still longed for the complete solitude she once enjoyed, she also recognized the effort Ari was making. The walks, once a time of solitary reflection, now became a moment of quiet coexistence. She would glance occasionally at Ari, noting the way he respected her space despite his constant proximity.

For Ari, the silent walks were a small victory, a way to be close to Yn without overwhelming her. He hoped that by simply being there, in silence, he might gradually break through the barriers she had erected, showing her that his love was not just about possession but about a genuine desire to be part of her life in any way he could. The routine became a symbol of his persistence and patience, a quiet testament to his commitment to winning her heart.

As the days turned into weeks, Yn gradually came to appreciate Ari’s silent companionship during her walks. At first, she had been taken aback by his sudden presence, the intrusion into her cherished routine a jarring change. However, as time went on, she began to recognize the thoughtful nature behind his actions.

Ari maintained his respectful distance during these walks, his presence marked by a quiet, non-intrusive demeanor. He did not initiate conversations or try to fill the silence with idle chatter. Instead, he walked beside her with a calm and steady pace, his focus forward, allowing Yn to immerse herself in the serenity of her surroundings.

The silence between them, once a source of discomfort, began to transform into something she could value. Yn realized that Ari was not trying to control her or intrude on her space; rather, he was offering her the space she needed while still being close enough to show his support and care. His willingness to simply be there, without demanding anything from her, allowed her to experience a sense of calm and acceptance she hadn’t anticipated.

She noticed the subtle changes in her own feelings during these walks. The presence of Ari, while still an ever-present reminder of their complex relationship, had become a more tolerable aspect of her daily routine. The quietude of the garden paths, combined with Ari’s unobtrusive company, created a space where she could reflect without feeling overwhelmed.

During these moments, Yn would often find herself lost in thought, her mind drifting through memories and contemplations about her life and the changes it had undergone. The gentle rustling of leaves and the distant sounds of nature became more pronounced, and Ari’s steady, unspoken support provided a comforting backdrop to her internal musings.

Ari’s respectful silence began to speak volumes to Yn. She appreciated the way he managed to share these moments with her without making demands or imposing his own needs. His understanding of her need for solitude, paired with his silent presence, slowly softened her perception of him. It was clear that he had made an effort to adapt to her preferences, and that effort, though small, was not lost on her.

In her moments of quiet reflection, Yn started to see Ari’s actions in a new light. The walks, once a symbol of his control, began to represent a more nuanced form of affection—a silent commitment to being a part of her life while respecting her personal boundaries. She could see that he was genuinely trying to connect with her on her terms, and this realization fostered a sense of grudging respect.

Although Yn still grappled with her feelings about Ari, the silent walks allowed her to process her emotions in a way she hadn’t before. They became a time of introspection and, gradually, a space where she could acknowledge the complexity of her situation with greater clarity.

The routine of their walks continued, and with each passing day, Yn found herself more at ease with Ari’s presence. The silence that once felt like a barrier now became a bridge, connecting them in a way that was both unobtrusive and profoundly respectful. Through this subtle gesture, Ari demonstrated his understanding of her need for space while still remaining a part of her life—a gesture that, while not entirely winning her heart, was slowly earning him a place in it.

One afternoon, Ari was deeply engrossed in an important phone conversation in his study. He was so absorbed in the discussion that he lost track of time. When he finally ended the call, he glanced at his watch and realized he was running late for their usual walk. He quickly made his way downstairs, hoping he hadn’t missed Yn completely.

As he descended the grand staircase and approached the entrance to the gardens, he was pleasantly surprised to see Yn already standing by the doorway, waiting for him. It was nearly fifteen minutes past their usual walk time, and her patience struck Ari as a positive sign. He hadn’t expected her to wait for him, given her previous need for solitude and her tendency to start her walks alone.

Ari’s heart lifted as he approached her, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. He wanted to show her how much her presence meant to him, so he kept his expression open and friendly. As he reached her side, Yn turned her gaze toward him, and her eyes met his with a mix of mild annoyance and something else that Ari couldn't quite place.

"You are late," Yn said, her voice calm but carrying a note of reproach. Before Ari could respond, she turned and started walking, her pace steady and purposeful.

Ari’s smile widened as he matched her stride, his heart feeling lighter than it had in a long time. The fact that Yn had waited for him, even if just a few minutes, was a significant step in his mind. Her gentle reprimand for being late was a small yet meaningful acknowledgment of his presence. To Ari, it felt like a breakthrough—a sign that she was beginning to consider him a more integral part of her routine.

The walk began in the familiar, comfortable silence that had come to define their time together. Ari remained close beside her, savoring the quiet companionship. As they moved along the winding paths, Ari took pleasure in the subtle shifts in Yn’s demeanor. The fact that she had waited for him and engaged with him, however briefly, felt like a sign of progress.

In his mind, Ari replayed the moment Yn had spoken to him. Her words, though simple, were a reminder that she was noticing him more and becoming accustomed to his presence. This realization brought him a sense of contentment and hope. Each small gesture from Yn, each moment of acknowledgment, was a step toward the connection he so deeply desired.

As they continued their walk, Ari kept his attention focused on Yn, enjoying the quiet presence she offered and feeling encouraged by the small signs of progress. He was determined to keep earning her trust and affection, one patient step at a time.

As Ari and Yn settled into their usual dinner routine, the ambiance was serene. The grand dining room, with its elegant setting and soft lighting, was a backdrop for the evening's meal. Ari typically took the lead in their conversations, asking questions and steering the dialogue while Yn responded with brief, courteous answers. This pattern had become a comforting rhythm for both of them, marking their time together with a predictable routine.

However, this evening was different. As they began their meal, Yn broke from the usual dynamic. With a calm and composed demeanor, she looked at Ari and asked, “Why were you late for our walk today?”

The use of the word "our" in Yn’s question caught Ari’s attention immediately. It was a subtle but significant shift. In their previous conversations, Yn had always referred to their activities with a sense of distance, speaking of them as "my walk" or "your routine." But now, her choice of words suggested a degree of shared experience and ownership that Ari had not previously sensed.

This small change was like a glimmer of light breaking through a cloudy sky. Ari felt a surge of joy and hope as he realized that Yn was beginning to see their time together as something mutual, something that involved both of them in a more personal way. The fact that she had initiated the conversation, and had done so with a question that implied concern and interest, was a meaningful development in their relationship.

Ari's heart swelled with a mix of satisfaction and excitement. Her question indicated that she was engaged enough to notice his absence and care enough to inquire about it. It was a sign that she was starting to open up, to recognize him not just as a companion but as a significant part of her life. The shift from passive responses to active inquiries was a milestone that Ari had been patiently working towards.

As he processed Yn’s question, Ari felt a deep sense of accomplishment and hope. Her willingness to speak up, combined with the subtle indication of their growing connection, reassured him that his efforts were not in vain. He had been striving to build a bridge between them, and this evening felt like a solid step forward. The warmth in his chest was a blend of pride and anticipation, knowing that each small breakthrough like this one brought him closer to the bond he longed to share with Yn.

As Ari and Yn continued their dinner, Ari turned to her with a sincere expression. “I’m sorry for being late today, sweetheart,” he said, his voice carrying a tone of genuine regret. “It won’t happen again.”

Ari's apology hung in the air between them as they continued their dinner, and Yn’s polite nod was a quiet acknowledgment of his words. He understood that the journey to her heart would not be paved with grand gestures or opulent displays. Instead, it was becoming increasingly clear that Yn valued the subtler aspects of life—thoughtful actions, sincere gestures, and genuine connections.

As he sat across from her, the realization struck him deeply. For all his life as a mobster, he had been immersed in a world of excess and grandiosity. He had surrounded himself with material wealth, luxury, and power, but these were not the keys to Yn’s heart. What she cherished were the small, meaningful gestures—the moments of attentiveness, the quiet companionship, and the consideration of her feelings.

Ari reflected on how his own rough exterior and the harsh realities of his world had often overshadowed these simpler values. He had focused so much on controlling and providing for Yn through material means that he had overlooked what truly mattered to her. The little things—the sincere apology, the patience to join her in silence, the respect for her personal space—were the elements that resonated with her.

In his quiet contemplation, Ari felt a shift within himself. He recognized that winning Yn's heart would require a departure from his usual ways. It would mean embracing the smaller, more intimate aspects of their interactions—the ones that had always been overshadowed by his larger-than-life persona. It was about valuing the moments of genuine connection over the grand gestures.

This understanding was both humbling and enlightening for Ari. He realized that to truly connect with Yn, he needed to engage in the kind of heartfelt simplicity that she found valuable. This meant not only recognizing but embracing the small, meaningful actions that could forge a deeper bond between them. In doing so, Ari hoped to bridge the gap between their worlds and reach the part of Yn’s heart that had remained elusive.

As he looked at Yn, a newfound resolve took root in him. He was determined to show her that he could appreciate and embody the values she held dear, even if it meant stepping outside his comfort zone. It was a path that promised a different kind of richness—one built on understanding, respect, and the beauty of life's simpler pleasures.

The routine between Ari and Yn continued, marked by his unwavering insistence on kissing her anytime and anywhere, leaving her breathless and caught off guard. Despite this, Yn had started to appreciate the affection, even if it came with a sense of surprise and inevitability.

One evening, as Ari arrived home, he was met with an unexpected sight: the kitchen was empty, and there was no food prepared. The absence of the usual aroma of a freshly cooked meal prompted him to announce, “I’m ordering takeout.”

However, Yn, who had been quietly observing the situation, decided to step in. “There’s no need for takeout,” she said calmly, her voice firm but gentle. “I’m capable of cooking a simple meal for us.”

Without waiting for a response, she got up from her seat and walked toward the kitchen. Ari watched with a mixture of surprise and admiration as Yn put on an apron. The sight of her taking charge in the kitchen was a stark contrast to the usual routine, but it was a welcome change.

Ari’s initial reaction was one of curiosity and respect. He had grown accustomed to relying on the services provided for him and had not expected Yn to take this initiative. Her willingness to cook, despite the kitchen being less than fully equipped, was a testament to her independence and capability.

As Yn moved around the kitchen, Ari felt a deep sense of appreciation. Her gesture was not just about preparing a meal; it was a sign of her engagement and willingness to contribute to their shared life in a meaningful way. It was a small act of normalcy and self-sufficiency that spoke volumes to Ari.

He stood by, observing her as she worked with a calm efficiency. The smell of food starting to waft through the air added a comforting touch to the evening. Ari realized that this moment, though simple, was significant. It was a demonstration of Yn’s desire to be involved and contribute, and it resonated with the values he had come to understand were important to her.

Ari’s heart swelled with appreciation as he saw Yn handling the situation with grace and competence. He was reminded that, beyond the grand gestures and material displays, it was these everyday acts of care and cooperation that formed the core of their growing connection.

“I can help,” Ari offered, stepping closer to the kitchen counter. He looked at Yn, who had handed him a bowl of fresh vegetables. “Here, chop these.”

Yn handed him a mix of bell peppers, onions, and zucchini. As Ari began to chop, he found himself appreciating the simplicity of the task and the shared experience. Yn worked alongside him, adding spices and mixing ingredients with practiced ease.

In about fifteen minutes, their efforts resulted in a fragrant, home-cooked meal: a hearty vegetable stir-fry served over fluffy jasmine rice. The dish was colorful and appetizing, a testament to Yn’s skill and the teamwork that had gone into preparing it.

Yn served the meal with a warm smile, and they settled down to eat at the dining table. The meal was modest but satisfying, and as they enjoyed the food, the atmosphere was filled with a newfound sense of camaraderie. Ari relished the opportunity to share this moment with Yn, appreciating the blend of flavors and the effort they had both put into making the evening special.

“I hope it’s to your liking,” Yn said as she served the vegetable stir-fry.

“Liking?” Ari echoed, his eyes twinkling with genuine delight. “This beats Michelin star restaurants,” he added, a broad smile spreading across his face. Without waiting for a response, he pulled her in for another kiss.

Yn had grown accustomed to Ari’s frequent kisses, often accepting them with a resigned air. But tonight, as she felt his lips against hers, she noticed the sincerity in his touch. There was a warmth and intensity behind his kiss that spoke of deep affection and admiration. It wasn’t just an automatic gesture; it was a genuine expression of his feelings.

For the first time, Yn paid close attention to the way Ari kissed her, realizing that each kiss was imbued with his earnest emotions. His kisses weren’t merely habitual; they carried a depth of meaning that made her feel truly valued. This realization marked a shift in her perception, making her more aware of the sincerity behind his actions.

As Yn sat back down after the kiss, her mind began to wander. She found herself pondering a question that had been lingering at the edges of her thoughts: What would she have done instead? If she hadn't ended up in this complex situation with Ari, what would her life look like? The more she searched for answers, the more elusive they seemed to be.

She had been on dates before, but those experiences left a bitter taste. She recalled the many times she'd been stood up, left in the middle of a date without explanation, or dismissed as too plain by men who were shallow and self-absorbed. Each of those encounters had chipped away at her confidence, reinforcing the idea that perhaps love wasn't something she was meant to experience fully.

But then there was Ari—someone who looked at her as if she hung the moon. His gaze was always filled with admiration, his actions driven by a desire to care for her, even if his methods were far from conventional. He wasn’t just another guy trying to impress her; he was deeply invested in her, making it clear through his actions that she meant the world to him.

Ari’s ways had been unconventional, certainly. His domineering nature, his insistence on having her close, and his intimidating presence were things she had struggled with. But in the midst of it all, he hadn’t been cruel. He hadn’t been a jackass like the others. Instead, he had been protective, attentive, and oddly gentle in his own way.

She couldn’t deny that Ari was an imposing figure, his physique alone enough to intimidate anyone. But that strength, which could easily have been used to harm or control, had instead been channeled into keeping her safe and providing for her. His intentions were clear—he wanted her in his life, and he was determined to show her that she was worth everything to him.

As these thoughts swirled in Yn’s mind, she began to rethink everything. Perhaps Ari wasn’t the villain she had initially thought him to be. Maybe, just maybe, there was something deeper at play—something worth exploring beyond the surface of their complicated relationship.

As Yn sat in the quiet of the evening, the warmth of the simple meal they had shared still lingering, a new thought crept into her mind. When did I become so bitter? she wondered. The question startled her with its bluntness. She realized that her initial resistance to Ari hadn’t just been about him—it was about her own unresolved feelings, the bitterness that had built up over years of disappointments, failed relationships, and the constant feeling of not being enough.

Am I just taking out my resentment towards my own life on Ari? she asked herself, the thought heavy with truth. It was easier, she realized, to see Ari as the source of her discomfort, to blame him for the way her life had taken an unexpected turn. But as she reflected on his actions—the way he cared for her, provided for her, and sought to make her happy—she began to see things differently. His methods may have been unorthodox, but his intentions had always been clear and genuine.

Yn decided then and there that, while she might not be able to love him just yet, she could at least stop fighting him at every turn. It wasn’t fair to punish him for her own unresolved issues, nor was it right to treat him as the enemy when all he had ever wanted was to be close to her. At least as a good human being, she thought, I can try not to antagonize him.

She resolved to be more mindful of her actions, to approach their relationship with a sense of fairness and openness, even if her heart wasn’t fully in it yet. Ari deserved that much, and perhaps in doing so, she could find a way to heal her own wounds as well.

----

The evening sun cast a golden hue over the vast backyard of Ari’s mansion, its rays stretching across the meticulously maintained lawn. The estate was grand, with sprawling gardens, a shimmering pool, and at the far end, a pristine tennis court that was currently the focal point of everyone’s attention. The tension in the air was palpable as Ari, Steve, and Bucky sat on the edge of their seats, their eyes glued to the intense match unfolding before them.

The court was buzzing with energy, and it wasn’t just the usual competitive spirit. This match held much more weight than a simple game of tennis—it was a high-stakes bet, with two million dollars on the line. Natasha, fiercely competitive and known for her athletic prowess, was representing Ari and his crew. On the opposite side of the net stood Pamela, the fiancée of their rival, John Walker. Both women were powerful players in their own right, and the match had been neck and neck from the start.

Ari’s jaw was set in a tight line as he watched the game. His usual composed demeanor was replaced by a rare display of anxiety. Steve and Bucky, seated beside him, exchanged glances of concern. They knew what this match represented—not just a financial gamble, but a test of pride and dominance between their group and Walker’s.

On the sidelines, John Walker stood with his arms crossed, his expression smug. He had full confidence in Pamela, and why wouldn’t he? She was a formidable opponent, and as the match wore on, it became increasingly clear that Natasha was struggling to keep up. Each powerful swing from Pamela was met with a slightly slower response from Natasha, and the gap between them began to widen.

Yn, sitting a bit apart from the tense huddle of men, watched the match with a calmness that contrasted sharply with the atmosphere around her. She wasn’t as invested in the outcome as the others, at least not in the same way. For her, this was more of an observation—a chance to understand the dynamics that played out in Ari’s world. But even she could feel the stakes rising with every point won or lost.

Natasha wiped the sweat from her brow, her face a mask of concentration, but Yn could see the strain in her movements. Pamela, on the other hand, seemed to be gaining momentum, her confidence growing with each successful shot. The crowd that had gathered around the court—a mix of friends, allies, and onlookers—murmured in anticipation, sensing that the match was tipping in Walker’s favor.

Ari clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white. His mind raced with thoughts—strategies, possible outcomes, and the ramifications of a loss. This wasn’t just about the money; it was about reputation, respect, and the power balance between him and Walker. Losing wasn’t an option, but as he watched Natasha falter, doubt began to creep in.

Steve leaned forward, his eyes narrowing as Natasha missed another critical shot. “Come on, Nat,” he muttered under his breath, his voice laced with urgency. Bucky, normally the calmest among them, was fidgeting in his seat, clearly on edge.

Yn glanced over at Ari, noticing the tension in his posture, the way his gaze never left the court. She had seen him in many different states—calm, angry, even affectionate—but this was different. He was deeply invested in this, and it made her realize just how much this match meant to him. For a moment, she wondered if there was anything she could do to ease his mind, but the gravity of the situation seemed to demand that she simply observe.

The game was in its final stages now. Natasha was giving it her all, but Pamela was relentless. With a powerful serve, Pamela won another point, bringing her closer to victory. Ari’s heart sank as he saw the score, and even Yn felt a pang of concern. Natasha was a fighter, but it was clear that the odds were stacked against her.

John Walker smirked from across the court, sensing victory. He exchanged a look with Pamela, who responded with a confident nod. Ari’s grip tightened around the armrest of his chair, his frustration barely contained. Losing this match would be a blow, not just financially, but to everything he had built.

Yn’s gaze shifted back to the court, her mind racing. This wasn’t just a game—it was a battle of wills, of strength and strategy. She could feel the intensity of it all, and for the first time, she understood the depth of the stakes. As the final moments of the match played out, everyone held their breath, waiting to see who would emerge victorious.

As the tension in the air thickened, Natasha stepped off the court, sweat glistening on her forehead. She grabbed a towel and wiped her face, her breaths coming in short, sharp bursts. She could feel the eyes of everyone on her, waiting for her next move. Just as she was about to say something, John Walker’s voice cut through the silence.

“Double or nothing, Ari,” John sneered, his eyes gleaming with confidence. “Wanna go another round?”

The challenge hung in the air, and Natasha hesitated for a moment. She looked at Ari, her expression serious. “I might not win, Ari,” she admitted quietly. “Pamela’s very good. She’s got a solid serve, and she’s quicker than I expected.”

Ari’s jaw tightened, his mind racing. Natasha was his best player, but even she was struggling. He knew the stakes were high, and the thought of losing double the money made his blood boil. But before he could respond, a soft voice broke the tension.

“I can play her if you allow,” Yn said quietly.

Everyone turned to look at her. Ari’s eyes widened in surprise as he processed her words. He had never seen Yn play tennis, let alone heard her mention it before.

“You play tennis?” he asked, astonished.

“Yes, I used to,” Yn replied, her voice steady but low.

Ari looked at her, searching her eyes for any sign of hesitation. He had seen many sides of Yn, but this was new. There was a quiet confidence in her stance, a resolve he hadn’t noticed before. He was intrigued and a bit skeptical, but before he could ask more, Yn continued.

“I’ve been watching Pamela,” she said, her gaze shifting to the court where Pamela stood, awaiting the next round. “She has a strong serve, but she tends to favor her backhand too much, especially when she’s under pressure. It’s her weaker side. And when she goes for those deep shots, she often overextends, leaving her forehand side vulnerable. If I can keep her running and force her to rely on that backhand, I think I can exploit those weaknesses.”

Ari’s eyes narrowed as he listened. Yn’s analysis was sharp, and it was clear she knew the game well. He hadn’t expected this from her—she had always been so reserved, so compliant. But now, there was a fire in her eyes, a spark of determination he couldn’t ignore.

“I think I can play her easily,” Yn added, her voice filled with quiet conviction.

Ari studied her for a moment, weighing his options. He trusted Natasha, but Natasha herself had admitted that winning was uncertain. Here was Yn, who had suddenly revealed a hidden talent, offering a chance at victory when things looked bleak.

He took a deep breath, his decision made. He nodded slowly, his voice steady as he spoke. “Alright, Yn. You’re up.”

John Walker’s smirk faltered slightly as he heard this, clearly not expecting the quiet, unassuming woman to step forward. Natasha handed Yn the racket, giving her a supportive nod before stepping aside.

As Yn moved toward the court, Ari’s eyes followed her, still processing the unexpected turn of events. He couldn’t help but feel a strange mix of hope and curiosity. This wasn’t just about winning or losing anymore—it was about discovering a new side of Yn, one he hadn’t seen before.

And as she took her position on the court, ready to face Pamela, he realized that this match had suddenly become far more personal.

The match between Pamela and Yn was unlike anything the court had seen that day. The air crackled with tension, and the crowd fell into a hushed silence as Yn stepped onto the court, her expression calm but focused. She adjusted her grip on the racket, her eyes locking onto Pamela’s. On the sidelines, Ari watched intently, his heart pounding in his chest.

Pamela served first, and it was powerful—just as Yn had predicted. But Yn was ready. She moved swiftly, her body a fluid motion as she returned the serve with a sharp, precise stroke. The ball zipped across the net, catching Pamela off guard. Pamela scrambled to her backhand, just as Yn had anticipated, and returned the ball weakly. Yn seized the opportunity, sending the ball to the opposite corner with a blistering forehand. Pamela lunged, but it was too late. The ball skidded past her, landing just inside the line.

“Fifteen-love,” the umpire announced, and Ari’s heart leaped. Yn had taken the first point with ease, and it sent a ripple of excitement through the spectators.

The next few points were hard-fought, with Pamela determined to hold her ground. She fired off a series of aggressive shots, pushing Yn to the edges of the court. But Yn was unyielding. She met each challenge with a calm, calculated response, forcing Pamela to rely more and more on her weaker backhand. The rallies were long and grueling, each one testing the limits of both players. But with each shot, Yn seemed to grow stronger, more confident.

Ari couldn’t take his eyes off her. Every move she made was deliberate, precise, and it was clear that she was reading Pamela’s game like an open book. It was almost as if she had stepped into a different world—one where nothing existed but her, the racket, and the ball. He had never seen her like this before, so in control, so powerful. And with every point she won, his admiration for her deepened.

As the score climbed, the tension mounted. The match was tied, each player fighting tooth and nail for every point. The crowd was on the edge of their seats, their eyes darting back and forth as the ball flew across the court. Ari could feel the nervous energy around him, but he was only focused on Yn. She was no longer the quiet, compliant woman he had grown accustomed to. Here, on the court, she was something else entirely—a force of nature.

During the match, Yn felt a surge of determination and focus, her mind sharpening with every serve and volley. The court was her sanctuary, where she could channel her past struggles into the present fight. Despite the intense pressure and stakes, she found a quiet strength within herself, allowing her skills and instincts to guide her.

Pamela, frustrated by Yn’s prowess, attempted to provoke her with taunts and trash talk. “You really think you can beat me? I’ve played at higher levels than you could ever imagine,” Pamela sneered. “What are you even doing here? Just a little mouse trying to play with the big cats.”

Yn, however, remained unflinchingly calm, refusing to respond to the provocations. Her silence was powerful, her focus unwavering as she continued to play with precision and grace. Ari, watching from the sidelines, felt a surge of anger at Pamela's attempts to belittle Yn. Yet, he soon realized that Yn’s quiet demeanor spoke volumes. Her refusal to engage in the trash talk only highlighted her strength and dignity, making Pamela’s efforts seem petty in comparison. This realization only deepened Ari's admiration for Yn, seeing her inner strength and resilience shine through despite the adversity.

Finally, it came down to the last set. The score was neck and neck, and the pressure was palpable. Ari’s hands clenched into fists at his sides as he watched the final rally begin. Pamela served with all the strength she could muster, but Yn was ready. She returned the ball with a powerful forehand, sending it rocketing toward Pamela’s backhand.

Pamela reached for it, but her return was weak, and Yn capitalized on it immediately. She moved in for the kill, sending the ball to the far side of the court, just out of Pamela’s reach. Pamela made a desperate lunge, but the ball sailed past her, landing inside the line with a thud.

“Forty-thirty,” the umpire called, and Ari’s heart pounded in his chest. One more point, and Yn would win the match.

He glanced over at John Walker, who was visibly tense, his confident smirk replaced by a look of concern. Walker’s eyes darted between Pamela and Yn, clearly realizing that the tide had turned. Ari felt a surge of satisfaction—Walker was worried, and that meant they were close to victory.

But more than that, Ari felt an overwhelming sense of pride and admiration for Yn. He had always known she was special, but seeing her now, dominating the court with such grace and determination, he realized just how extraordinary she truly was. If it was possible to fall more in love with her, he was experiencing it now.

Pamela served again, but her composure was faltering. The pressure was getting to her, and her serve lacked the power it had before. Yn took full advantage, returning the ball with a fierce cross-court shot. Pamela raced to intercept, but she was too late. The ball skidded off her racket, sending it into the net.

Ari held his breath. The score was tied again, and it was anyone’s game. But in that moment, he saw something shift in Yn’s expression—a steely resolve that told him she wasn’t going to let this slip away. She was going to win this match, and there was nothing Pamela could do to stop her.

Yn took a deep breath, her eyes narrowing as she prepared for what could be the final point. The crowd was silent, the tension in the air thick enough to cut with a knife. She could feel the weight of everyone's expectations on her, but more than that, she felt her own resolve hardening. She wasn’t just playing to win a game—this was her moment, her chance to reclaim a part of herself that had been overshadowed by everything that had happened since Ari came into her life.

Pamela served, the ball flying towards Yn with impressive speed. But Yn was ready. She moved swiftly, her body in perfect sync as she met the ball with a powerful, clean stroke. The ball shot across the court, and Pamela scrambled to reach it, her desperation clear. But this time, Yn wasn’t giving her any room to breathe.

With a final, decisive move, Yn sent the ball rocketing toward the far corner of the court, aiming just inside the line. Pamela lunged, stretching as far as she could, but it wasn’t enough. The ball grazed the line and bounced out of Pamela’s reach, landing inbounds with a satisfying thud.

For a moment, there was complete silence. Then the umpire's voice rang out, clear and authoritative: "Game, set, match—Yn Yln!"

The crowd erupted into cheers, the sound almost deafening. Yn stood still for a moment, the realization of her victory slowly sinking in. She had done it—she had won. A small, triumphant smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she looked over at Pamela, who was bent over, hands on her knees, breathing heavily.

Ari was on his feet, his heart swelling with pride and joy. "Damn!" he whispered to himself, a broad smile spreading across his face. She had done it. She had beaten Pamela, and in doing so, she had shown everyone—and most importantly, herself—just how strong and capable she was.

He wanted to rush over to her, to sweep her into his arms and kiss her in front of everyone, but he held back, watching as Yn soaked in her victory. She had earned this moment, and he didn’t want to overshadow it with his own feelings. Instead, he clapped along with the crowd, his eyes never leaving her.

John Walker’s face was a mask of disbelief, the cocky smirk he had worn earlier completely wiped away. He looked over at Ari, and for a brief moment, their eyes met. Walker knew he had lost—not just the bet, but the respect of the people watching. Ari, on the other hand, felt nothing but satisfaction.

Yn turned to walk off the court, her eyes scanning the crowd until they met Ari's. There was a flicker of something in her gaze, something that made his heart skip a beat. She had won the match, but more than that, she had won a small victory for herself, and he was immensely proud of her. And as she approached him, he couldn't help but think that he had never been more in love with her than he was in that moment.

As Yn walked off the court, victorious and glowing with a quiet confidence, Ari's thoughts drifted away from the bet. The four million dollars that had once been at the forefront of everyone's minds now seemed utterly insignificant. The real prize wasn't money—it was something far more valuable.

Ari watched her approach, his heart pounding with something that went beyond mere pride. This woman, who had seemed so distant and resigned, had just revealed a side of herself that he hadn’t fully seen before. She had stepped up, taken control, and won against the odds. It wasn’t just about her skill on the court; it was about the fire he saw in her eyes, the determination in her every move.

To hell with the money, Ari thought. Today, he had won something far more precious. He had seen Yn not just as someone he adored, but as someone with an inner strength and resolve that made him fall for her all over again. She wasn’t just complying with his desires—she was showing him that she was still her own person, a force to be reckoned with.

As she came to stand beside him, her breathing still a little heavy from the exertion, Ari felt an overwhelming sense of admiration. This was no longer just about his relentless pursuit of her heart. It was about earning the right to be by her side, to match her strength with his own.

Yn glanced up at him, and for a moment, there was a flicker of something unspoken between them. Ari knew then that he had won something priceless today—not just her respect, but perhaps the first real step towards something deeper. It wasn’t about four million dollars anymore. To hell with that. He had won something far more valuable: the possibility of her heart.

As Yn left the court, heading inside to freshen up, the group of men gathered around Ari, unable to hide their admiration. Steve was the first to speak, clapping Ari on the back with a wide grin. "Your girl is awesome, man. I had no idea she had those skills."

Bucky nodded in agreement, still watching the door Yn had disappeared through. "She really took control out there. I haven’t seen anyone handle a match like that in a long time. You’re lucky to have her."

Natasha, who had been on the verge of losing the match, couldn’t help but smirk as she approached Ari. "You better watch out, Ari. She's not just a pretty face—she's a warrior. I wouldn’t want to be on her bad side."

Even some of the others, who hadn’t been as close to Ari, murmured their approval, exchanging impressed glances. "That was some performance," one of them said. "I wouldn’t have bet against Pamela if I knew she was that good."

Ari stood there, absorbing their words, his chest swelling with a mix of pride and something deeper, more profound. It was one thing for him to know how extraordinary Yn was, but hearing it from others, seeing their genuine admiration for her, only solidified what he already felt.

She wasn’t just the woman he was obsessed with; she was someone everyone respected, someone who could hold her own in any situation. And that made him feel even more determined to win her heart, not just through his usual methods but by truly understanding and appreciating her for who she was.

As the others continued to express their admiration, Ari remained quiet, a slight smile playing on his lips. His heart was filled with warmth, knowing that they all saw what he had seen all along—a woman who was strong, capable, and undeniably remarkable.

But beneath that pride was a growing realization that she wasn’t just "his girl"—she was her own person, and if he was going to keep her in his life, he would need to respect and nurture that independence. As he stood among his friends, he felt more certain than ever that she was worth every effort, every sacrifice, every change he needed to make.

That evening, Ari and Yn sat down for dinner as they did every day, but tonight was different. There was a palpable sense of admiration in the air, a silent acknowledgment of what had transpired on the tennis court earlier. Ari couldn’t take his eyes off her, still in awe of how she had turned the match around, how she had stepped in and saved the day without hesitation.

After a few moments of silence, Ari finally spoke up, his voice warm with admiration. “You were incredible out there today, Yn. I had no idea you could play tennis like that. Where did you learn to play so well?”

Yn looked up from her plate, meeting his gaze with a calm expression. “I’ve been playing since I was in school. My father was a tennis enthusiast, and he got me into it when I was just a kid. I started competing pretty young, and by the time I was in high school, I was playing in some serious tournaments.”

Ari nodded, genuinely interested. “That explains a lot. You played with such precision and confidence today. Did you ever think about going professional?”

Yn took a deep breath, her expression shifting slightly as she recalled her past. “I did, actually. I was on track to go to the nationals. It was all I wanted at that time—I dreamed of playing tennis on the biggest stages. I was training every day, working hard to make that dream a reality.”

Ari noticed the slight change in her tone and leaned in closer, sensing there was more to the story. “But you didn’t. Why didn’t you keep playing?”

She hesitated for a moment, her eyes flickering with a mix of old pain and acceptance. “My sister… She got very sick around the same time. The doctors said she needed surgery, and it wasn’t cheap. My parents had to make a choice between my tennis education and her surgery. It wasn’t even a question for me—I chose my sister.”

Ari felt a pang in his chest as he listened to her, understanding now the depth of her sacrifice. “That must have been hard for you.”

Yn nodded slightly, her voice softer now. “It was, but I don’t regret it. My sister got better, and that’s all that mattered to me. But it did mean the end of my tennis career. By the time things settled down, I was too far behind to catch up, so I had to let it go.”

Ari could see the strength in her, the resilience that had carried her through such a difficult decision. It made him admire her even more. “You’re amazing, you know that? To give up something you loved so much for your sister... it says a lot about who you are.”

Yn offered a small, appreciative smile. “Family has always been important to me. I guess that’s why I haven’t played much since then. It reminds me of what I gave up, but it also reminds me of what I gained—a healthy sister and the knowledge that I made the right choice.”

Ari was silent for a moment, letting her words sink in. He had always known there was more to Yn than met the eye, but this glimpse into her past, her values, and her sacrifices, made him respect her on a whole new level.

“You’re remarkable, Yn,” he said finally, his voice filled with genuine admiration. “I’m glad you decided to play today. You’ve still got it, you know?”

Yn looked down at her plate, a soft smile touching her lips. “Thanks, Ari. I guess it’s like riding a bike—you never really forget how.”

----

Ari presented Yn with the tennis clothes and racquets, his heart pounded with anticipation. He had chosen each item meticulously, hoping that these gifts would bring her joy. When Yn opened the gifts, her eyes widened in surprise, and a genuine smile spread across her face for the first time in his presence. The transformation was subtle yet profound, and it struck Ari deeply.

Seeing her smile, Ari felt a wave of emotion wash over him. The sight of her happiness, so genuine and unguarded, made him realize something fundamental about himself and his approach to their relationship. He had been so focused on satisfying his own desires—his need to win her over, to possess her affection—that he had overlooked what she truly needed from him.

In that moment, as Yn admired the gifts and expressed her gratitude, Ari felt a deep pang of realization. His expressions of love had been more about gratifying his own ego and securing his place in her life than truly considering her feelings and desires. The gifts, while thoughtful, were ultimately about fulfilling his need to see her smile rather than understanding her true needs and wants.

Ari's mind raced with this newfound clarity. He had been rough, demanding, and intense, believing that these traits would prove his love. Yet, here was Yn, her face lighting up with a simple gesture of kindness, showing him that genuine affection didn’t need to be forceful or grandiose. It needed to be thoughtful and considerate of what truly mattered to her.

Determined to change, Ari resolved to soften his approach. He would no longer let his rough edges dominate their interactions. Instead, he would focus on being more understanding and supportive, respecting her individuality and showing love in ways that truly catered to her happiness.

The realization was both humbling and liberating. Ari knew he still had a long way to go, but this moment marked the beginning of a shift in how he expressed his love. He wanted to be someone who truly valued Yn’s feelings and made her happiness a priority, rather than simply seeking validation for his own actions.

As Yn continued to smile and express her gratitude, Ari felt a deep, sincere affection growing within him. He was committed to proving that his love could be more than just a means to fulfill his own desires—it could be a source of genuine joy and support for the woman who had already given so much.

-----

In his office, Ari sat at his desk, but his mind kept drifting back to the tennis match. His friends were no different—they hadn’t stopped talking about Yn’s unexpected victory.

“Man, I still can’t believe she took Pamela down like that,” Bucky said, leaning back in his chair, a look of awe on his face. “I mean, who would’ve thought she had it in her?”

Steve nodded, still marveling at the memory. “Pamela was trash-talking her the whole time, trying to get under her skin, but Yn just shut her down without even saying a word. That’s some real ice-cold focus.”

Natasha smirked, a hint of pride in her eyes. “She wasn’t just playing tennis out there—she was making a statement. And she did it with pure skill, no showboating, just precision. I’ve gotta say, Ari, your girl is something else.”

Ari listened to them, a small smile playing on his lips. He couldn’t help but feel a swell of pride as they recounted the match. Yn had not only won the game but had also won their respect, and it was clear she had left a lasting impression on everyone.

“She really is,” Ari finally said, his voice filled with admiration. He realized that Yn had done more than just win a tennis match—she had shown him a side of herself that he hadn’t fully appreciated before. Her quiet strength, her refusal to let anyone shake her, and the way she carried herself with such dignity made him fall for her even more. The victory wasn’t just on the court; it was in the way she had earned his friends’ respect and admiration as well.

---

As Ari reflected on the moment Yn stepped onto the court, he recalled the transformation he had witnessed. He could still see her close her eyes, taking a deep breath before the match began. It was as if a switch had flipped inside her.

In that brief, silent moment, Yn’s demeanor changed dramatically. The gentle, reserved woman he knew seemed to vanish, replaced by someone entirely different—steely, focused, and unyielding. Her expression hardened, her posture straightened, and there was a fire in her eyes that Ari had never seen before.

It was a stark contrast to the Yn he was accustomed to: the quiet, thoughtful woman who navigated his world with a sense of grace and resignation. On the court, however, she became a fierce competitor, her movements precise and her focus razor-sharp. She exuded a commanding presence, showing no mercy to her opponent.

Ari was captivated by this side of her. It was as though he was seeing a hidden facet of Yn’s character, one that contrasted sharply with her everyday self. This steely resolve, this intense drive—it was a revelation, and it made him admire her even more.

It was clear to him now: Yn was more complex and formidable than he had ever realized. He had always known her as someone gentle and kind, but on the court, she was a force to be reckoned with. This new understanding of her left Ari in awe, deepening his feelings and further igniting his desire to truly understand and appreciate every side of the woman he had fallen for.

---

As they sat in Ari's office, still discussing the incredible tennis match, the door creaked open, drawing everyone's attention. A man stepped inside, his face unreadable, carrying a large, heavy-looking duffel bag slung over his shoulder.

He placed the bag on Ari's desk with a thud that resonated through the room. "From Mr. Walker," the man said flatly, his tone giving nothing away.

Ari’s eyes narrowed as he unzipped the bag, revealing stacks of cash—four million dollars, just as promised. But it wasn’t the money that caught his attention. Tucked on top of the bills was a folded note. He picked it up, unfolding it slowly.

The note was brief, written in bold, sharp letters: "You got lucky this time."

Ari stared at the words for a moment, his expression hardening. He could feel the tension in the room rise as his friends exchanged glances, sensing the underlying challenge in Walker's message.

Ari’s thoughts, however, were elsewhere. It wasn’t about the money—it never had been. His mind drifted back to the image of Yn on the court, her unyielding focus, her steely determination. She had won that match with pure skill and grit, and no amount of luck had anything to do with it.

He folded the note carefully and set it aside, his eyes meeting those of his friends. The money was inconsequential compared to what he had gained that day—a deeper understanding and a profound admiration for the woman who had silently stepped up and shown them all just how formidable she could be.

With a quiet resolve, he nodded to the man who had delivered the money. “Tell Mr. Walker," Ari said, his voice calm but laced with an underlying challenge, "that next time, luck won’t be a factor.”

Ari held the note between his fingers for a moment, then passed it around the room. Each of his friends glanced at the message, their expressions darkening as they understood the insinuation.

“You got lucky this time.” The words hung in the air, a taunt that struck deeper than Walker likely realized.

Ari’s jaw clenched as he began to speak, his voice steady but filled with a quiet intensity. "I talked to Yn, you know," he started, looking around at his friends. "She trained and played from the time she was ten years old. She gave it everything she had, and by the time she was 21, she was on the brink of going to the nationals."

He paused, the weight of what he was about to say next pressing down on the room. "But her sister needed surgery. It came down to a choice between sending Yn to the nationals or paying for that surgery. And Yn... she chose her sister."

The room was silent, the gravity of Yn's sacrifice sinking in. Ari’s gaze hardened as he glanced back at the note. "This ass thinks Yn won by luck?" he scoffed, his voice thick with disdain.

He leaned forward, his gaze sweeping over his friends. "It was a friendly match before, like always," he continued, his tone darkening. "We played, we bet, and we handed over money, much like any Las Vegas casino. But Walker? He’s made it personal now."

There was a collective murmur of agreement, a shared anger at the insult embedded in Walker’s words. To imply that someone who had given up so much, who had fought so hard, had won by mere chance—it was infuriating.

Ari leaned back, his eyes cold. "Yn didn’t win by luck. She won because she’s a damn force to be reckoned with. And Walker’s going to learn that next time, luck won’t have anything to do with it."