The Counterfeit Lover (War of Sins Book 3)

Punching in the security code at the warehouse, I stride inside.

To my everlasting surprise, Noelle had suddenly declared that she wanted to have a girls’ day and that she’d reached out to Sisi herself to set up a date.

Taken aback, I could only nod as she’d recounted how she hadn’t had the best time with female friendships but she wanted to make an effort because she’d felt very comfortable with Sisi and Catalina.

‘I need to step out of my comfort zone, Raf,’ she’d sighed, her head on my chest as she burrowed into my embrace. ‘We can’t live isolated from people forever, no matter how much I’d love that.’

Though it had taken me a few moments to let the words sink in, I’d soon agreed with her idea. The last thing I want is to isolate her, or make her feel lonely. I may hate the fact that we have to be apart for that to happen, but I promised her I’d make an effort.

Especially after she’d chastised me for conducting all my meetings virtually.

‘When’s the last time you saw Carlos in person?’ she’d sneakily inquired, and rightly so.

After moving in the new apartment, I haven’t met with anyone. Neither has Noelle.

And so I’d taken her advice at heart with this surprise visit.

The moment I’m inside, everyone stops moving, all turning to look at me as if I were an apparition.

‘Raf?’ Anita is the first to speak, looking at me through narrowed eyes. Panchito is by her side, sitting a little too close to her—so close one has to wonder if there isn’t anything else going on.

Since she’d found out that he’d made a deal with the devil—erm, Michele—to save her, she’d stopped teasing him as much, their interactions taking a new nuance.

But that had been my observation before. It’s already been two weeks since I’ve seen them and things might have progressed since then.

‘What a surprise,’ Thomas drawled from the next room, peeking his head through and giving me a mock salute.

‘Is Carlos here?’

‘He should be in the back,’ Anita pointed to the storage area.

‘Thanks,’ I say just as I’m about to head there.

But midway, I stop, turning slightly.

‘Is everything alright with you guys?’

A part of me feels guilty for being so absent. For two years we’ve been around each other almost daily, growing together and spending time like a true family. Even as we’d arrived in New York we’d continued to be close and on good terms.

But it had all changed with Panchito’s actions. I refrain from calling it a betrayal, though that’s exactly what it is, but deep down I can understand why he’d done it—just like I would have done it myself if Noelle’s life had been on the line.

And therein lies the dilemma, because my pretty girl had been involved. So for that I find myself in the awkward position of being unable to forgive, but also unable to kill him as my gut tells me to do.

I don’t have many limits, but Noelle is where I draw the line.

‘Yes,’ Anita replies. Panchito lowers his gaze, sighing deeply. ‘We’ve been making some headway into finding the people who killed Thomas’ family, and we’re focusing on that for now,’ she adds matter-of-factly.

The plan had been to figure out who’d ordered the assassination in order to find out who’d put the bounty on Thomas.

‘What about you?’ I nod to the two of them.

‘I’m never getting rid of the price on my head,’ Anita shrugs. ‘It’s dead or…dead. Panchito won’t either. Maybe if we get new faces,’ she muses out loud, looking back at Panchito. ‘We could do that.’

‘Or not,’ he mumbles. ‘I don’t think that’s the solution.’

‘It could be one…’

They start bickering on the merits of plastic surgery, while Thomas is back with his headphones on, running on the treadmill and ignoring me so I take that as my cue to leave.

Going to the back, I see the door is half-open. Pushing it with my foot, I step inside, finding Carlos sitting on the floor in the far end of the warehouse, his computer in his lap as he furiously types away.

‘Interrupting?’

It takes him a moment to realize I’m in the room. Glancing up, he raises a brow, putting his laptop aside and getting to his feet.

‘Didn’t see you there,’ he grunts, looking a little disheveled.

I narrow my eyes at him.

‘What was that?’ I nod towards the computer.

‘We have a bit of an issue that I was trying to get to the bottom of,’ he grimaces. ‘Come,’ he motions to a table and a few chairs.

I follow him, taking a seat and waiting for him to speak.

‘Ortega is in New York,’ he suddenly states, going straight to the topic.

‘He’s what?’ I blink.

‘I’m surprised about it myself. And I wouldn’t have believed he had the guts to come by himself if I didn’t run into him.’

My eyes widen.

‘What happened?’

‘Let’s just say that it got a little bloody,’ he smirks as he points at the scraped skin off his knuckles. ‘He got away before I could do real damage, though. Not surprising considering he’s always been a coward.’

‘Why didn’t you tell me when we spoke on the phone?’ I frown.

We’ve been conducting meetings every now and then since we’re still together in the weapons trade—for now. Yet he’d never once mentioned it.

‘I didn’t want to ruin your honeymoon,’ he chuckles. ‘I know you needed time with Noelle, especially after finding out who she really was.’

A smile tugs at my lips, and bringing my hand to his back, I pat him lightly.

‘Thanks. But if you’re in danger you know you can always count on me,’ I assure him.

I may appreciate his intention, but I don’t want him risking danger by himself. If I can help, I’ll help.

‘Is Michele involved in this?’ I suddenly ask, remembering their previous connection.

‘I don’t think so. Panchito and I did some digging and they don’t seem to be involved. But that might very well be the reason why he’s here. If Michele refused the partnership, Ortega has no standing. He needs someone to back him. Now more than ever,’ Carlos adds, angling the screen of his computer towards me. ‘Here,’ he shows me some excel sheets.

‘Those are…’

‘His accounts. We managed to hack into his off-shore accounts and lock him out. He’s basically a fish on dry land.’

‘What about the merchandise?’

Carlos smiles.

‘I might have started a string of rumors regarding his financial situation and that he might be unreliable. People are refusing to do business with him,’ he chuckles.

‘Damn, man,’ I whistle. ‘You really went all out, cornering him like that.’

‘I needed to draw him here since he’s at his weakest in this area. Now it’s just a matter of time. But…’

‘But? This all sounds great to me. It’s just a matter of time now before he falls.’

“He’s floundering. He might try to hang on to your brother since he needs him. And what’s the best way to get in Michele’s good graces?”

‘Through me,’ I groan.

Carlos nods.

‘He is aware it’s just a matter of time before I catch up with him. But if he gets desperate enough… You need to watch your back,’ he warns.

‘I can handle myself. I’m more worried about Noelle, but I’m going to hire some new guards. It’s actually one of the reasons I came here today, I need your help. You know I’ve been trying to get Guerra back off the ground, but there are very few people left. Michele ran through everyone who didn’t agree with him, and most ended up dead. I need to rebuild,’ I sigh. ‘Which is the last thing I want to do. But now DeVille is involved, too, and I gave Cisco my promise.’

Regardless of my dislike for the man, I’m not one to break my word. I’d negotiated certain terms with him, and I’m not going to break them just because I don’t agree with his methods. That doesn’t mean that I don’t intend to take advantage of this and rebuild Guerra my way. And there is only one thing I care about.

Safety.

As long as I bear the Guerra name, I will always be a target. Just like Noelle’s association with DeVille will always put her on people’s radars. It’s just the way of our world. As such, no matter how much I’d like to, I can’t just dissolve everything and take up a civilian life—that would simply mean a short life.

I might have never wanted this, but it’s the situation I find myself in and that means making the best of it. And as long as I steer the ship, I can ensure it goes in the right direction.

For a while now I’ve been thinking of rebranding and bringing the family back towards a more legal venture.

I’d already talked to Carlos about my withdrawal from the weapons trade, since that had been just a necessity in the beginning. He can continue everything as he likes after we sell the last shipment.

‘I don’t trust DeVille,’ Carlos mutters.

‘I don’t trust him either. But I can see why DeVille thrived for so long, even isolated. Nothing escapes the man.’

Carlos grunts.

I give him a short summary of my plans and he agrees to help me find some reliable people to hire.

‘How has everything been?’ he later asks, looking a little awkward while doing so.

‘Good. More than good,’ I smile. ‘I can’t believe how things turned out for us, or the fact that it might have been fate all along, as silly as that sounds. But I still blame myself for a lot of things…’

‘It’s not silly,’ Carlos, ever the skeptic, declares as he shrugs, trying to look unbothered. ‘And you need to cut yourself some slack, for fuck’s sake, man. How could you have known?’

I can’t help but chuckle at his words, since that’s exactly what Noelle had said too—that I need to stop being so hard on myself.

‘Ignorance doesn’t make my behavior any better. It doesn’t excuse it.’

‘You never saw her face, Raf. You told me yourself that the only times you were physical with her were in your cell, in the dark, while your eyes were swollen.’

My fists clench under the table at the thought of those encounters. She would visit me sometimes, but only at night, when my cell was shrouded in darkness. And the first time she’d done that… It had also been the first time she’d kissed me—a sweet, sweet kiss that even now haunts me.

‘Her voice was different, too,’ Carlos continues, and inadvertently he touches the subject I’m most sore about.

‘And who’s guilty for that?’ I give a dry laugh, my features contorting in pain. ‘You were there, Carlos. You know I did that with my own hands. I… I fucking crushed her windpipe and she still doesn’t know about it. She doesn’t know I am the reason she hates her voice…’ I trail off, almost choking on my words.

Carlos is silent for a moment.

‘Tell her,’ he finally says. ‘The longer you hide it, the harder it will be to tell her. And I don’t think she’ll like it if she remembers it first.’

‘You’re right,’ I close my eyes on a sigh. ‘It’s just… It might change everything.’

‘Or it might not. If she forgave you for how you treated her when you hated her, then she’ll forgive you for this too. Let’s face it, you did much worse.’

He’s right.

I did do much worse. And for as long as I will leave I don’t think I’ll stop making up for my mistakes.

For the dark room. For my ugly words. For my hands around her throat…

‘You’re right,’ I admit. ‘I’ll consider it.’ And try to find the right moment to tell her. It’s not something you sprung up on someone suddenly.

Hey, by the way, I want you to know it’s my fault your voice changed because I wanted to kill you. And I almost succeeded, too.

Damn it!

‘Enough about me. Tell me about everyone else and if you need any help.’

Carlos proceeds to give me an account of the time I’ve been away, and before I leave we plan my next drug appointment, which happens to be in a couple of days.

Always the good friend, he offers to come to our place to administer the drugs and help Noelle understand how the situation works and to be careful with me in case I get too aggressive.

To my great surprise, when the appointment comes, it goes without a hitch.

Noelle spends the entire night by my side, and though I don’t remember most of it, as usual, there’s a calmness that wasn’t there before when I wake up.

I’m no longer tired, agitated or simply hopeless.

‘See, I told you it’s not as bad as you made it seem,’ she winks the following day at breakfast.

With that hurdle out of the way, I can finally focus on organizing our next date—the one she’d demanded.

The club date—the most dreaded date.

Just thinking of all the men leering at my pretty girl has me almost feral. But I’d promised myself I would try—for her sake.

For it to work, though, I have to make some arrangements that would leave my claim on her unquestionable.

And so I start devising, going out into town to a specific shop to pick up some items I’m certain she’s going to be interested in exploring.

For how sheltered Noelle’s always been, she’s nothing but adventurous in bed. There are those hot as fuck times when she takes the initiative, but there are also those moments when she suggests we try something new that she’d read or seen on the internet.

We’d had various conversations on the topic and we’d discussed our likes and dislikes as well as our boundaries and what we’d like to try in the future. I’d told her I’m open to anything, but that I draw the line at involving someone else. We can do anything, no matter how crazy, as long as it’s just the two of us.

‘You’re being so silly,’ she’d laughed at me. ‘Do you really think I would ever want someone else? Anyone else?’ She’d arched a brow, and I’d go as far as to say she’d looked mildly offended I had said that.

‘Just wanted to be clear, pretty girl. I’ll never share even an inch of you. Anyone attempting to touch you would be inviting death,’ I’d replied gravely.

Killing might not be my favorite past-time. But for her, I would become a pro.

‘Good,’ she’d purred, ‘because I would kill anyone who touched you, too.’

Though I’d been serious about murdering anyone who tried to put a finger on her, I couldn’t help but laugh when the same line had come from her lips. Mostly because imagining my tiny wife attempting any type of murder is hilarious.

‘I’d pay money to see that,’ I’d joked, after which she’d tackled me, playfully getting on top of me before things had quickly heated up.

But all our discussions on the matter had given me the green light to proceed with this one step.

Friday evening finally comes around, and though I’m still not as excited about going to a club where everyone can see my little treasure, I’m willing to make a small compromise as long as she’s happy.

Making myself comfortable on the sofa in our living room, I wait as Noelle starts her fashion try on. We may go, but that doesn’t mean she can wear anything.

‘Next,’ I tell her when I see where the hem of her skirt lands—barely covering her ass.

‘You’re no fun,’ she laughs, but there’s no trace of condemnation in her voice. If anything, she has a mischievous expression on her face as she puts on yet another outrageous outfit.

Almost as if she was doing it on purpose.

‘Next,’ I say to the following one too. And the next, and the one after.

‘Noelle,’ I growl at her when she comes out wearing a flimsy see through top and yet another mini skirt for the tenth time.

Getting up, I go to her side, assessing her from head to toe.

‘This isn’t going to work,’ I tell her seriously, taking her hand and leading her back to the closet before going through all her clothes.

She leans against the door of the closet, a smile playing on her lips.

‘Surprise me, my dear husband. What is club appropriate wear?’ she challenges, and I can tell she’s enjoying teasing me a little too much.

‘You’re really testing my patience, minx,’ I shake my head at her.

Rummaging through her clothes, I select two outfits that I consider semi-appropriate. I know I can’t very well ask her to dress as a nun, much as I’d like nothing else.

‘This or this,’ I hold up the two dresses. ‘You can choose. See, I’m not that tyrannical,’ I wink at her.

Both are black, long-sleeved, with a high neckline and midi length. Already I’m thinking of everyone who’s going to see her shapely legs, and that doesn’t help the tension in my body subside.

‘Fine,’ she huffs at me, taking one of them from my hand and putting it on.

Fuck, but even her brusque and angry movements as she removes her previous garments are hot as fuck.

When she’s done dressing, she adds a pair of Mary-Jane heels that are only a couple inches high. I’m guessing she’s learned her lesson since last time.

Seeing me stare, she gives me a light twirl, looking like a goddamn fairy princess.

‘Satisfied now?’

‘Not quite,’ I smile knowingly. ‘Be a good girl and go sit on the sofa.’

She frowns, tilting her head and watching me in confusion for a second before shrugging and doing as told.

She takes a seat, daintily arranging herself, her back straight, her generous tits outlining the front of her dress despite the fact that no skin is showing. Still, her posture is perfect—perfectly ladylike.

‘Lean back,’ I command in a low tone.

She does.

‘Good girl. Now, slowly, spread your legs and lift your dress for me,’ I murmur.

Her eyes widen, but she obeys, placing her hands on her knees as she slowly parts her legs, giving me a teasing view of her pussy.

Even slower, she wraps her fingers in the material of her dress as she lifts it up, her eyes on me, her teeth nibbling at her lower lip.

‘Fucking hell,’ I groan when I get an unobstructed view of her panties, a sheer white piece of material that has a tiny stain of moisture at its center.

My mouth already waters for a taste.

‘Like this?’ she drawls in that sexy voice of hers, sliding her panties off her legs and dumping them on the ground.

‘Fuck,’ I curse, my eyes affixed to that sweet spot.

I need to keep my head in the game and this isn’t helping me at all.

Taking a deep breath, I close my eyes and count to ten, hoping to rein myself in. Turning, I grab the small box I’d bought, placing it on the table in front of the sofa.

I drop to my knees in front of her, for a moment just dragging my hands up her shapely calves and soft thighs, enjoying the feel of her smooth skin.

‘I have a surprise for you,’ my lips draw up in a smile as I meet her gaze, so clouded with desire the black of her pupils engulfs her irises.

‘Show me,’ she whispers, the sound breathy and thoroughly intoxicating.

With nimble fingers, I remove the device from its box. Pink and egg-shaped at the base, it extends outward in a small tail.

She blinks in surprise.

‘What’s that?’

‘What do you think?’ I raise a brow.

She wets her lips, simply watching me as I handle the device.

‘We’re going to a club since I promised you. But you’re only allowed to think of me. Only see me, only feel me,’ I tell her in a smooth tone, lulling her into opening her legs even wider for me. ‘You know I can’t stand the thought of anyone else coming near you, seeing you the way only I’m allowed to see you, touching you…’

She draws a sharp breath in.

‘But you like to tease me, don’t you? You think I don’t know why you want to go to a club? You want to see me on the edge, don’t you? Admit it.’

‘Yes,’ her eyes snap closed as I bring the back of my fingers against the lips of her drenched sex, a light caress that seems to make her lightheaded. ‘Yes, I want to see you on edge. I want to see you kill for me,’ she cries out as I insert one finger into her tiny opening. She’s already soaking wet, just from my voice—just from my fucking words.

She wants me to kill for her… Fuck, but she doesn’t know what I’m capable of doing for her, does she? I’d take on the entire world just to be rewarded one of her smiles, and I could not find it in me to regret it.

‘Shh,’ I whisper when her breathing intensifies, her hips wiggling on the sofa as she seeks to take more of my finger.

But this is just a taste. No matter how much I want to give her everything, I need to control myself.

Taking hold of the toy, I slide it up and down her pussy, lathering it in her wetness before I push the thick end inside of her.

Her mouth opens on a moan, her eyes wide as she looks at me in awe.

The tail remains on the outside, and before I do more, I take her panties, sliding them back up her legs.

‘Raf…’ she calls my name in confusion, as if she’s not sure exactly what’s happening.

I simply smile at her, taking my phone out and holding my thumb on the screen.

It’s instantaneous. Her back arches, her lips parted as a throaty moan escapes her.

But just as the vibrations start driving her crazy, I stop them.

‘You’re wicked,’ she accuses, breathing harshly as she meets my eyes.

‘Maybe, but I’m yours,’ I chuckle as I help her to her feet, smoothing her dress over her body. ‘Just like you are mine. And this is how you’re going to keep all your attention on me tonight,’ I lean down to murmur in her ear, bringing my lips to the sensitive skin of her neck and laying a soft kiss.

‘As if anyone else could get my attention,’ she rolls her eyes, but there’s a sly smile on her lips, as if she can’t wait to see what else I have in store for her.

Her hand in mine, we leave, getting a cab to drop as at one of the clubs downtown.

When we reach the destination, we’re able to cut the line since we have a booking. The bouncer scans us, nodding when he sees we’re clean and handing us some special bracelets.

One of the reasons I’d opted for this specific club is the tight security and the fact that they allow no weapons inside. It’s owned by an acquaintance, Enzo Agosti, and I know he keeps a tight leash on the management of his clubs.

The moment we’re in, we go down a long-winded hallway swathed in red light. There’s the slightest hint of music playing in the distance.

‘It already looks fun,’ Noelle notes, tightening her grip on my hand.

‘How was the club you went to last time?’

‘It wasn’t this fancy for sure,’ she chuckles. ‘To be honest, I went inside the first club I saw. At the time, I just wanted to get on Cisco’s nerves, and I knew that if he picked me up from a club he would fume.’

‘Well, he definitely fumed more when he picked you up from the police station,’ I add, amused.

‘You should have seen his face,’ she laughs. ‘That alone was worth the trip to the station.’

‘You’re a sneaky little thing, aren’t you?’

‘Maybe,’ she flutters her lashes at me.

Just at that moment, I drag my other hand on the screen of my phone.

Noelle jumps up, startled, turning her head towards me and giving me a scandalized look.

‘Raf,’ she gives me a playful slap.

‘It’s just the beginning, pretty girl,’ I assure her. ‘Just the beginning.’

 There’s another bouncer at the end of the hallway, and seeing our bracelets, opens one of the doors for us.

As soon as we’re inside, we’re greeted by flashing lights and blaring music. Instinctively, I bring Noelle closer to my side, holding her flush against my body.

There are two levels to the club. The dance floor and the bar are on the lower one, while the VIP tables are upstairs.

Before we could step into the crowd, there’s yet another bouncer who shows us towards the stairs, walking us to our reserved seats before a waiter comes to take our first orders.

‘I didn’t expect this,’ Noelle shouts, trying to get her voice across the loud music.

‘What?’

‘The layout. It looks more like a fancy restaurant than a club.’

‘Only the best for you,’ I wink at her.

Had I secretly chosen this so she wouldn’t be in the pit, among sweaty bodies where anyone could cop a feel? Most certainly yes.

She’s getting her club experience and I’m getting some peace of mind—and hopefully a sweet reward from her later.

The waiter comes back with a glass of whiskey for me and a low-alcohol cocktail for her.

She takes a few sips before leaving her drink on the table and moving towards the balustrade to look down into the crowd.

‘Don’t tell me you want to go there?‘ I ask as I join her, still a little horrified at the thought. There’s a certain longing on her face as she gazes at the people dancing with wild abandon, moving to the music as they let the freedom of the night envelop them.

‘They look like they’re having so much fun, don’t they?’ she sighs.

We spend a little more time sipping on our drinks, but Noelle keeps walking back to the balustrade, simply staring at the crowd.

‘That’s it,’ I finally say, resigned.

I won’t die for one night, will I?