BLOODY TIES

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sed; I had thought I would see an older man, someone weathered by life's choices. Instead, there stood Adrian. He was tall, with striking blue eyes and a handsome face that could easi

to him. But the truth was, my heart belonged to vengeance. Elena was taken from me too soon, an

nge?" Diego asked, walking toward

d momentarily chasing away the chill in my bones. Coffee had become my lifeline these pas

voice was soft yet serious, laced with

ce firmer than I felt. It was a mantra I held on to, a

deep into my eyes. His gaze was steady and filled with concern, a

but he cut me off, his

e you,

He had always been there, the rock in my tumultuous sea, supporting me in the wake of my sister's death. But he had never exp

t, and the turmoil inside me made it even harder. I had always seen Die

king a sip of his coffee, trying to steer the conver

lejandros, he was helping me gather information. I appre

glimmer of hope igniting within me at the thou

is?" he asked, his bro

y hiring for?" I pressed, feeling t

s, his expression serious. "Well, you know

rculated through our tight-knit circle, tales of bl

ing for the Vipers. Adrian caugh

ng down my spine at the thought of the lengths th

rian is really scary. He can unc

etermination, the words fueling my resolve. The idea of revenge was

re hiring for their vacancies: two chefs, a

iring? I mean, you know how it is, right?" I ask

This was done to avoid betrayal. They trained certain people, making their lives revolve ar

ing this under the guise of hiring workers for the compan

d, dropping the mug of co

oesn't know anything about th

ated," I argued, a knot forming

on his standards," he repl

ked, locking my gaze onto Diego's, searchin

e hiring criteria are very strict. You will go through

w do you know all this?" I asked,

t me as he collected the mugs we ha

gratitude wash over me. I appreciate

ing out of the room, leavin

ed by the weight of my mission. Revenge was not just a goal; it was my lifeline. The thought of Elena kept me awake at night. I replayed moments from ou

ringing like chimes in the wind, the way her smile could light up the darkest of days.

s I envied her for that innate fearlessness. I always played it safe, holding back while she leaped into the

uld get close to Adrian. I would expose the secrets of the Alejandr

carefully crafting a persona that would disarm suspicion. I researched the intricacies of A.A. Enterprise, pieci

en, the Alejandros' world, filled me with a heady mix of excitement and dread. The stakes were higher than

re not just a rival gang; they were as ruthless as a hungry lion feeding on its prey. Even associates of theirs could beco

if I fail? What if I lose everything? I could almost hear Elena's voice in my head, urging me t

that strength, that fierce desire to protect those I cared abou

yself for the interviews. I spent hours in front of the mirror, practicing my smile, my posture, and my answers. I needed to pr

f fear or hesitation," Diego reminded me during our l

eed to stay focused," I reassured him, tr

eart ache knowing that I might put him in danger by going after the Alejandros. But

always felt that my chances with her were slim. We had been living with her family since childhood before we were sent to Illinois by Mr. Valor. I couldn't remember much of the past, except that it was filled with laughter and i

in. Her smile could light up any room, and even the darkest corners seemed to brighten when she walked in.

wed her Adrian through the curtains at the funeral, he

sarcastically, trying t

If it weren't for my desire for vengeanc

lt the jealousy flood in as I wished I c

or him?" I had asked, my

him for having a hand in my sister's death. I hate him for being the reason my lovely sister is gone. I hate hi

roke down, and it crushed m

rongest woman I ever knew, skilled at hiding her feelings. But that day changed everything because it was the first time I s

ainly her bodyguard, who shamelessly fell for her. I knew she saw me as a friend, and that did not help with the growing feelings I ha

es and actions. I had to learn their every move. It was a dangerous game, and I prayed e