Vendetta Love

Captive Eyes

Declan

The last 48 hours felt like hell. I couldn't think straight. Hell. I can barely breathe when it all kept rushing back into me.

The full image of her reaction broke me in more ways than one. I was left frozen from all the words splatting out in the open. Yet, all I did was begged for her. Plead even. But her eyes locked and her lips moved with the only words that sounded out from ache.

"Vendetta. Vendetta. Vendetta is set because of you."

I was at lost then. I saw it truly in her voice that held a crack. She meant what she said, even if her eyes tried to tell me otherwise. And by her words, she left me. She broke up with me by just those words.

"God damn vendetta." I breathe roughly.

I have been trying my best to still reason with her. To talk any of this out. I know she's still grieving and I take full responsible of that. But the vendetta? Our relationship ending? I can't accept it.

There's this saying that says you don't know what you have until you lose it. AND THIS ISN'T IT! I knew what I had the whole time. And I will fight with bloody hands and mouth until Kara is back in my arms again. She is only ever been mine. I won't let her go, not even for my family or this damn Mafia crap.

I would leave it all for her. For Kara Monroe.

On the downfall, Kara has found every way possible to dodge me. I expected the dry texts and voicemails. She was smart in her tactics to cut corners at school. And not seeing her, touching her, smelling the same air, locking eyes, holding hands, or f**k. Not being able to taste those lips of her was madding.

I'll take whatever attitude from her if I just get the chance to lay my hand over her chin and bring her lip to a swollen mess.

I breathe out every minute I lost from her. And from each strain I needed some form of release. So for now, all I can do was sweat it out.

I grab my bag and headed inside the gym. I don't normally come on these days. But school is hell and I knew I'll get her presence here. So fingers cross she's here for me to regain beating of my aching heart.

Just a few rounds into my workout, I began asking around. I get good news and some bad news. Yet, all may seem a trick of hers. She was still dodging me but she doesn't know I come here. I just found out she did too, and I'm taking advantage of that.

I rested my head over my punching bag. Breathing in and out. And right when a sweet voice lingers in the air. My head snapped all around the gym. Didn't take long but I found her. She was right there. Right across the room.

Kara baby. My Kara.

I take a step away and paused.

She was in the middle of talking to a worker. I recognize him. Her face was soften and I watch her ever curl. But it was in her eyes that took me at every movement. Kara had a way to hide any flaws. Yet, it was all in her eyes. Soon those eyes roamed the room and found me. Those same lips I watched parted just enough. It called to me.

I stayed put when she peeled away from the man that grip her shoulders. My jaw clench to the thought of any man touching her in the way I do. I planned his death in 5 ways before he left and she headed inside a separated room with clear glass.

"Huh?"

My anger fell when I continue my watch. I had a full sight from where I stands. I can see her. And she f*****g knew I never took my eyes away from her. Even from this distances I can tell she stiff from my graze.

"She teaches. That's her after school crap."

It adds up to the days and time. She said these were volunteer work for college but how sweet her lie was.

This day has just gotten a whole lot better.

I continue my workout but kept my eyes on the room across from me. Her class was cute. But f**k. I didn't think she'll do two back to back. She held adult and child classes. She was a skilled instructor and I see it on her forms.

Each break I get I watch closer. Each break she gets I make thinner distances.

Kara tried her best to not turn around and see me. But she failed a few times. I caught those beautiful eyes searching for me. She hid away quick but just the knowledge of knowing she was looking. f**k. I need more. I needed f*****g more.

As time went by I saw my opportunity to catch my little prey. She tried hiding in her crowd but I was waiting right by the door for her.

"Kara."

She jumped to my voice and I see her eyes widen as if I'm some kind of ghost.

I grip her arm and bring her out the way. And when I thought the familiar touch of me will ease her. It did the opposite.

"You stalking me now?" She yank her arm away.

"We need to talk." I say.

She huffed and fixed her bag. And right on cue she turns on her heels to dodge me. But I wasn't having it. I held her bag, and doing so she turn her head. She glared at my motive and looked around.

"It's just me." I assured her.

She knew better from me that I'll stock up on her. So her watch eyes were more on others in neighboring Mafias.

"Fine." She nods and lead me down a small hall. It was semi quiet here. And we have enough shade from others to see us.

Knowing this my mind wildly went haywired. All things I wanted from her snapped in my mind. All the things I wanted to say flooded my brain. Everything I have been kept from doing flooded over the second we got any form of privacy. And the knowing that we are already hot and drench in sweat filled a need.

"Talk or I'm leav-”

"Stay." My voice hitch softly enough that her tension fell.

I was desperate for her.

I step close and she didn't move from it. So I took another. I can smell her hidden aura that flares me out, it catches my air that now after so long mixes with hers. This time as we make a space she had to restrain me. But I see it on her. She was just as a mess as I was.

"Declan." Her voice rattle but when she touch my chest she balled my shirt into her fist.

"Just breathe with me." Her eyes met mine and it said the same need. "Breathe, baby. Like this."

Her eyes fell to her hand. She watched as my chest rose and falls. And just like the good girl I know she is. She does the same.

Once I see her close her eyes, I knew it was time. She can't dodge me now. We both got a little taste of what we've been missing. That starving ache was feed just enough that we can't just walk away without something more.

My hands went to touch her wrist. But the feeling spooked her. She yank away and stepped two steps back. I took one and watch her fight the natural feelings she has for me.

Which only made me smirk at her.

"Is this just some sick game to you?"

I chuckle. "You're not a video game to me, Kara."

She flares her cute nose. "What is it, Declan? Because if you came to apologize. You won't get a damn thing from me over it."

A full shock hit my core. I knew it well and I didn't expect her to ever forgive me. My action was unforgivable. But I be damn to lose the love of my life over it. I'll do whatever it takes to get her back.

"It's not that." Her eyes slitted me. "We need to fix us. I did wrong I know but, Kara, we both lied. Things can turn good from this."

"Good?"

"Baby. I'm not asking us to end some feud. I just need my Kara back. I know you need your Declan too."

"That's the thing." She strain her voice and I fought the need to hold her. "You're not my Declan."

Those words hurt and pissed me off. I closed our space and say f**k it. I allowed myself to go in. To go full in. I held her gaze up to me. No fight back. But I know that sharp tongue is ready.

"My farther is dead and you of all people ended that." She sob in anger. "The man who calls me Princess is gone forever. Staying with the man I love who took him is just.." My finger tick in a need to wipe away a tear she fought to hold.

There's not much on my line to say in such act. I haunt myself over it once the realization came to play. More now that she pushes me away from her even when I can tell she wants to betray herself and give in.

My back straight, I lock my attention on her eyes even if hers didn't. "I'm yours. I'll always be yours. I don't give a f**k about anything else."

"There's everything. We can't go on as if it doesn't exist."

"We don't have to. Just listen, baby." I pause as I take every touch of her in. It was too good. It's been too long. I fell and closed my eyes to a world I thought we could of had but now a few minor things will have to change.

"It's us, baby. We fit so perfect together. We can't lose what we have. So stay. Fight, baby. Fight for us." I finally breathe.

"Perfect? It was a lie." Her voice lace and she pushed me off her.

"We both had our reasons but it doesn't have to break us up. Our families don't-"

She shoves me hard. Pushing me to the other side of the wall. "You f*****g tricked me. All these years, you asshole."

Our distances now was thick. I see time was as at played here. And I needed to work with it.

"I love you. You give me whatever order you need to fall back to me and I'll do it. I'll wait the days. I'll wait weeks or years even. Whatever you need, baby. I'm here like I said before. Nothing makes sense in this f*****g world without you. Without us." I admitted.

Her phone rings and I grab hold. Demanding her in a coo to let it be for us.

"Babe."

Oh f**k, hearing her say that in such a way hit my nerves. I brought her in close and graze my fingers up and down her arms. Seeing her weaken to my touch made me crave her in the way I was never able to control.

"Things will be alright, baby. It will work out. We always worked out. Once you let this silly thing go and you accept our truth. I'm a call away."

She gave me those eyes as she begs for my comfort. That's when I lost it. That's when her lips parted once for a lick. My hand claw at her and I pull in. She retreated fast.

"Are you insane. You're a Barron, Declan. I'm a Monroe base on blood. Not because my father belong to that organization, but because he is the organization. You understand what that means." She shouted in a whisper. Yet, she stayed in my touch.

"Of course."

She says nothing. I watch her breathing heavily and mine does too. Her hand balls but the closer I walk my fingers up her arm they loosen. This time both our phones ring and we ignore it. Everything cease to exist for us. Just like always.

"I love you, Kara. You must know I'm not gonna give you up that easily. I don't care for the amount of blood that's needed but you are still mine."

Kara takes a step to me, a linger need. Pressing herself on me I was eager to taste her. "Declan. It's not easy but.. Our love has a huge part in this and because of that. Because we fell in.." My damn phone rang again. I go to silence it when she says, "answer. We're being call to work."

I grace her as I desperately needed her all this time. "Stay. Do not move." I turn my back slightly away from her beauty.

Answering the call I restrain any annoyance. "Hello? Yes. Oh, Hello, I'm actull.." I breathe out in hurt when I turn to see Kara had once again left me. I couldn't see her anywhere but I knew she left the building. "Um, yes. I'll meet you now."

I headed in a small diner not far from where I was. Walking in I search to find the person who'd called.

Our table was the only one occupied in this area. Everyone else was seated else where. Which tells me this person has something serious to tell me. Good or bad? I don't know, but I'll find out soon.

I pulled out my chair once I made it to the table with a woman in a dark coat and low bun. Her eyes smiled when I sat. She says hi as she softly sips her tea with both hands.

"Good evening, Mrs. Monroe."

"I order you coffee. I'm sure your taste buds enjoy that more than soda right now." I nod.

"That's kind of you. Thank you."

It got odd quick. We both sip our drinks as I waited for her to express her reason for my time. I still believe she hates me now. I killed her husband. Left her with just her kids. Plus, since the funeral she hasn't looked at me really. Pass me, through me, yes. But not at me.

Beyond that some widows of the Head Boss grew cruel. They'll required a head. And I don't know if this is her way to do so. She's too kind but who knows.

"I guess you are wondering why I called." I noded once. "Well, before my daughter left today. I sneak into her contacts and grabbed your number."

"Why?" I said a bit deep she paused and sipped her drink. "Do you think if I face the widow I created that I'll give info about the Barrons?"

She smiled lightly as she said no. "The call is pure innocent, Declan." Her cup press to the side. "But if you don't trust me that's understanding. I won't keep you long now."

She stood up and I had the urge to hear her out. "I apologize for my rudeness. Please, continue." My hand gestured for her seat. And with no hesitation she places her bag back down and sat comfortable now.

"I want you to understand a few things, Declan. I feel it is needed. This is why I called. Is it fine we speak openly?" She asked me. And I guess it has to do with the truth, the comfortability, and the depth of what she's about to say.

I allowed a curl to form. Giving her the okay to speak willing of any topic she needed to.

"To begin, I'm sorry for what happened with my daughter. She told me and.." Her face sadden a bit. "I'm sorry for what is at stake here. This won't be easy on both organizations. Many orders have been place and will be. This will be a long and hard thing."

"Well, that's a pity thing to say for someone who's calling them."

She shakes her head. "Oh no. I was raised in the average girl in such life. Just like your mother. They know if you ask." She knew them before.

"Whatever is coming I'll fight to keep Kara. Our names don't mean shit." My emotion drop and I fail to hide it. "But she has just..I'll fight my own men for her."

Her face was unreadable. I can't tell whether she finds that comforting or not. "Understand she is just like her father when it comes to such things. And it will progress more now."

"I assume but it's not like she's taking over her father's chair. Your son Marco will be now, correct?"

Her reaction had me confuse. It was like I said a lie and she knew.

"Oh dear, I thought she had told you. But that's more on the organization."

"What is?" I was very confuse now.

"Marco is not Kara's brother." What! "Marco's father is my husband's brother who was once the Boss's right-hand man before his death. And Marco's mother died at birth. But he has yes basically grew up as a sibling to my children. So when he lost both his parents and set his mark for his father's old position. It played a role."

I shook my head a bit to understand actually what she was telling me. "Wait, wait, wait. Are you saying Marco is her cousin and Kara is.."

"Yes." She nods. "Kara is the eldest. Marco will soon be her right hand man."

Right-hand man? That can't be right. Kara isn't deep into the organization like that. Is she? Could she really hide so much and actually take that chair.

"Wait, but no. Cole. He's the eldest son. Wouldn't he take your husband's chair? Kara isn't even.." I pause to try to understand but nothing floods my brain. I don't have any information on what she knows and how deep she is in. Just that Cole said she was the Monroe's special asset. But what did that truly mean.

"She is so much like her father. So much, she proven her leadership to him. And he had accepted it." She sips her drink with a grin. "You two are quite the same really. It's a beautiful love story."

I frowned a bit as I realize I may not know my Kara as well as I thought. How did I not know this? How didn't I catch the lies.

"I get why she didn't tell you. His information is black listed because of the deal Kara made with her father." She said as my eyes fall back to her.

The DEAL. Cole said that too.

"What deal? What does Kara do? Why are you even tell me about this?" Everything inside me felt a wave of angry guilt.

"Because it has all surface up now. Marco and and Kara's names has been posted. The news of who will take over will hit. And the vendetta is just the cherry on top. Anything else will add more. I thought you would like to know that anything that places out is set under Kara. Not Marco. Not me, or my sons. It's Kara."

I ignore the fact she didn't answer my other questions but this still means a great deal. Kara was hiding something big. And now all strings will be pull on her. But yet, it all kinda made sense if I think right. She was always so deep into her family's business. It had to lead to some big position.

"Was this a warning for me or my father?" I sucked all my feeling down.

"For you. You are an important person, Declan. And I do think there's another way in this but my opinion is not knowledge in this." She held her cup tightly. Which means she thought other ways on her daughter's thoughts.

I nod my head as I understood her.

"May I ask what your father says on this all?" I hear a strain in her voice. A motherly concern alerts me.

I shake my head. "Don't you worry. I made it clear I won't kill the love of my life."

She sighs as if I lie. "You're a Barron and your father is the Head Boss. Do you really think he will listen to you and not try?"

My eyes fell down a bit, knowing she's right. My father is a cruel man and with this vendetta place mainly on his son. He will do what's needed to keep me alive. But at the same time I know it's just his name he wants out.

"I will do what I can to hold him off. She won't be harm."

I'll knock the s**t out my old man again. Kara is my girl. The very reason I f*****g breathe. I'll retaliate for under her name. Whether I'm a Barron or not, I'll do it for her.

She pats my hand. "Don't promise something on another person's head. I know your father. And I know I trust you with her life. Just be careful. If you haven't seen it yet. You'll know soon. Worrying about such act is nothing on my daughter." My brows frown and unfrown as I try to understand but didn't.

She goes on to tell me some small details of things. Nothing big that the Barron Mafia can use. Just things for my own knowledge. Even her warming acceptances of me.

"You are a good man, Declan. You did everything you needed the right way." She grabs my hand and I question whether it was for me or her. "Do not hold my husband's death on you. I don't."

Even before Cole had spilled the truth I replayed the act between her father and I over and over again. I kept thinking maybe I didn't need to and things could..no. It was a life over life. And he knew that. In his eyes at the near end he knew. I couldn't let my guard down because of it. He said the words "Kara, my Princess." That's when I knew but didn't conform until Cole. But her father knew when I said her name too. We both fought to return to her and I just won.

Maybe she wanted me dead too. Without her I would be.

My eyes widen. And in seconds everything dropped. "Kara does though." Kara on his death on me.

She lets go and sips the last bit of her tea. "She is stubborn."

I chuckle softly. "Yes, she is."

"She has a determination that can be filter with other things. Such as her need to prove to her father. And this is just one of them. No one can tell her otherwise."

"I'll do what she needs to feel fulfill on it. I just want the future we planned too. I miss her." My fist claws into my skin.

"It's good to hear you say that. Keep that." She says with such a proud motherly grin.

"This isn't something that will last long. I'll find a way for your daughter and I. Even if we both have to leave it all." I promised to it.

"I see you are like your father too." My brow cross. "Knowing him for years. He also was set in such ways. Mainly if it came with love. But power. Power was stronger for him. And losing his son won't be easy. But thrive on that you speak of. It'll break through to her."

I didn't know she knew my father. But I guess it's another secret.

"I don't care for the power. It's Kara I want." I admitted. And this made her nod as she stood up from the table.

"And that's your mother. She does what she desires. You'll be a fine son-in-law, Declan. Truly."

I stand to my feet before she can walk away. Ending things when I wanted to ask more even if it's all still vague answers. She kept saying I needed to talk to Kara and only Kara can say.

"What if I set a meeting. We can fix this. Stop it even. A deal or even take someone greater down." I swallow hard as I feel defeated from her eyes. "Is there a chance someone else will step forward before her? Is there anyone that will challenge her and win?" I blurted out.

I asked because if there was someone else, any one else then Kara can still fulfill her vendetta without killing me. With that set, it would mean a bargain in a way where maybe I can get her back. We can work something out. I mean does she even want to be in charge truly?

"My husband would of liked you. You're fit well in this world. Take care. I wish the best for you and my daughter as always. But it's her call. It's her life. She is more than what the world thinks she is."

And with that I was left alone again by another female Monroe.