Bloodlines of Betrayal

The cold wind of London's night bit through Ryan Carter's leather jacket as he stepped out of the black SUV. The familiar sights of the city lights reflected off the Thames, shimmering under the street lamps. Ryan lit a cigarette, inhaling deeply, feeling the rush of nicotine calm his nerves.

Tonight was important. It was the night that would solidify his control over the streets of East London, Especially Eden street. The thought of taking over Eden street alone, made smile.

He wasn't the boy he used to be the scared kid hustling to make a living, fighting for scraps. No, Ryan had come a long way from those days. Now, he run things. He's the boss, the one people fear, the man who makes the decisions that could end lives with a nod. Ryan's gang had grown over the years, taking over territory after territory, crushing anyone who stood in their way.

But there's one man who still posed a problem. Daryl Miller.

Daryl is a brutal leader, as ruthless as Ryan but without the finesse. His gang, the Millers, a gang that controlled most of South London. Their rivalry went back years, too many deaths, too much blood spilled for peace to ever be an option. Ryan's father was murdered in one of those bloody wars with Daryl's crew, and since then, the bad blood had only grown worse.

As he flicked the cigarette butt onto the pavement, his mind wandered to tonight's event. A charity gala, wealthy people playing dress up, pretending to help the city's poor. Ryan isn't here for them. He's here for Sofia Miller, Daryl's younger sister.

Ryan's phone buzzed in his pocket. He took it out and glanced at the screen. A message from Tommy, his right-hand man.

TOMMY: We're in position. Everything good on your end?"

RYAN: All good. Keep an eye out.

TOMMY: Let's do this.

He wasn't taking any chances. Daryl wasn't stupid. He knew Ryan was coming for him, coming for his empire. And if Ryan was going to get close to Daryl, it would be through Sofia.

*GALA PARTY*

The gala was in full swing when Ryan walked in, his dark suit matching with the crowd of wealthy donors, politicians, and businessmen. The room was a swirl of expensive attires, sparkling chandeliers, and the faint clinking of glasses as champagne flowed freely. Ryan's eyes scanned the room, looking for one person in particular.

Then he saw her.

Sofia Miller stood near the bar, laughing softly at something a well-dressed man beside her was saying. She was stunning. Long dark hair, soft features, and a figure that made it impossible not to stare. But Ryan wasn't here to admire her beauty. He was here to make a move.

Ryan approached slowly, weaving through the crowd with ease. He saw the way men looked at her hungrily, but none of them would dare approach her.

They knew who she was, and they knew her brother. She was off limits to everyone. Everyone but Ryan.

As he got closer, Sofia noticed him. Her eyes locked onto his, and for a brief moment, Ryan saw something flicker there. Curiosity, maybe even recognition. But she didn't look afraid. That was good. He didn't want her afraid.

He's say beside her, then took a tumbler filled with champagne

RYAN: Enjoying yourself? Ryan asked as he reached her, his voice low, casual.

Sofia turned to him fully,

SOFIA: As much as one can at these things. And you are?"

RYAN: "Ryan Carter"

He didn't need to add anything else. The name said enough.

SOFIA: I've heard of you, she said, her voice smooth and controlled. You're not exactly someone I'd expect to see at a charity event.

Ryan shrugged, picking another glass of champagne from a passing waiter.

RYAN: You think because I'm a gangster, I'm not a good person, gangster aren't as bad as you think.

SOFIA: Indeed you aren't that bad.

Sofia chuckled softly, a sound that Ryan couldn't help but like. There was something about her that was different from the other women he'd been with. She wasn't trying to impress him. She wasn't afraid of him. And that made her dangerous.

SOFIA: So, Ryan Carter, she said, why are you really here? I doubt it's for the free drinks.

Ryan leaned in slightly, his blue eyes locking onto hers.

RYAN: Maybe I'm here for you.

SOFIA: You're kidding right? you can't be here for your enemy's sister. except you wanna kill me. Which you can't execute publicly.

RYAN: NAAAH, let's dance...

SOFIA: Seriously??

The night progressed slowly, the tension between Ryan and Sofia thickening with every passing minute. They danced around each other, exchanging flirtatious comments.

Sofia was smart, Ryan could see that. She wasn't going to be easily manipulated. But he wasn't worried. He'd play the long game if he had to.

As they stood on the balcony later that evening, Ryan took the opportunity to probe deeper.

RYAN: You know who I am, his voice low. So you know why I'm here."

Sofia didn't answer immediately. She took a sip of her drink,

SOFIA: You're here because of my brother.