CHAPTER SEVEN - A KINGPIN'S BURDEN
713 Words
Standing for hours watching his henchmen load tons of cocaine-filled pallets into the cargo was excruciating. One of his clients had arranged to intercept the shipment along the shores of Spain. Meanwhile, Leonardo had been tipped off that law enforcement was on his trail, waiting at the airport. If he had used his usual air route, his goods could have been hijacked.
He observed his men struggling to lift the pallets, which weighed roughly two thousand pounds. It was a moderately loaded shipment—it shouldn’t have been that difficult to handle.
He wasn’t supposed to be supervising this personally, but every fiber of his being told him someone in his cartel was leaking information to the authorities.
Leonardo had built his empire over five years with precise calculations and relentless effort. He couldn’t let it all collapse. To the outside world, he was a respected business tycoon, but in the mafia underworld, he was the deadliest and most calculating kingpin alive. Even law enforcement couldn’t pin down the true leader of the ScareHawk cartel.
It was only a matter of time before he uncovered the traitor.
He had never lost a shipment before, and he wasn’t about to start now.
Leonardo dusted off his hands as he watched the cargo sail away. Finally, it was done. He exhaled in relief, watching the vessel disappear beyond the horizon before heading back to his lakeside mansion to cool off.
Nestled in a remote area, the mansion was his retreat whenever he needed to escape the city's glamour. The bustling metropolis only mattered when he had to show up as the CEO of his oil drilling company, attending meetings and corporate events—a facade he had carefully crafted to avoid suspicion.
Leonardo Rutherford—one of the most sought-after bachelors. His commanding presence and masculine aesthetic were unmatched. Yet, maintaining such a facade was becoming exhausting. He had no choice but to continue.
But ever since he met Scarlet Blackwood, he had started thinking differently.
Maybe city life wasn’t so bad after all. Perhaps the night he first stepped into that club two years ago had happened for a reason.
That reason being Scarlet.
The woman who made his heart race.
He reminisced about that night—the way her face seemed sculpted to perfection, how her subtle lips were so inviting. He needed to see her again.
But no. He couldn’t leave yet. He had to ensure this shipment went through under careful supervision.
He didn’t trust anyone anymore.
Sullivan, the cartel’s head supervisor, wasn’t doing a bad job, but how sure was he that Sullivan wasn’t the informant?
The thought nearly drove him mad.
He had to see Scarlet again—soon. But not today.
Not today, after slipping out at 4 AM, leaving her alone without even waiting to see her wake up.
Maybe tomorrow. Or the day after.
Maybe another time when his mind was clear and solely fixated on her.
No, it had to be this week.
The thirty million dollars he had paid was for a week with Scarlet.
Even though he hadn't yet taken his pleasure, he didn’t mind. Just being in her presence, experiencing the sensation of being near her—that was enough.
Leonardo stepped into his mansion, his thoughts bouncing between business and Scarlet. A burden that heaved on him.
“Good afternoon, sir. I’ve prepared lunch. It’s ready in the dining room,” his housekeeper informed him while dusting the lobby. She was a woman in her sixties, dedicated and discreet.
Leonardo acknowledged her with a nod but instead headed upstairs. He needed rest.
The moment he entered his private office, he collapsed into his swivel chair, rotating in slow circles, trying to clear his head. But every time he closed his eyes, images of Scarlet surfaced.
Two Hours Later
“Leonardo... Leonardo.”
He heard his name twice. The voice yanked him out of his brief nap.
Nobody ever came here unannounced—except for the housekeeper.
Then it hit him.
that should be Valeria Thompson, he groaned. knowing fully well that she was here for thier usual s*x escapedes. its a fun fare for them both but he wasn't sure if he was in the right mood to handle her now.
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