NOTE: I just wanted to give a huge shout-out to the amazing and very talented Juliana (and she's from Portugal too, just like me) who does the edits/manips for Evelin's fics, her twitter @ is JaureguiMalik25. And now she's gonna do them in English too. Show some love, fam. She's the best! Okay, back to the chapter – For a better reading when I point out in the chapter listen to the song "Gangsta by Kehlani", and when I point out again listen to "Psycho by Muse" ;)

-----

Camila Collins' Point Of View

The place was big, dimly lit, and totally away from the city. It was a perfect choice to execute my plan. Nothing could go wrong in that moment, nor in future events. Everything was thoroughly thought out, worked, and executed, so that nothing could hinder that move. After all, that wasn't a mere game of luck, but of strategy. Only the best and strongest players survived in the unequal jungle of that board game called real life. And I'd show that my entry in that game had only one goal: to win.

-Put them in that room!

*(Play song – Gangsta by Kehlani)*

I heard the deep and masculine voice yelling in the background, echoing through the vast space of the abandoned warehouse. I walked slowly into one of the rooms, which was in a much better state than the rooms where the victims of my little game would be in. I heard heavy footsteps in the cold floor right behind me, taking care to serve me. I walked to the center of the huge room, where there was a table with three chairs around, and a small black leather couch; on the left side of the room there was a small counter with an electric coffee maker and bottles of alcoholic beverages. I believe that that must have been the best they could do to bring me the minimum of comfort during those moments there.

-Untie me. – I ordered seriously.

The man who now had his face free of the black cloth that covered him, nodded quickly, approaching me within seconds, to finally untie the knot in the rope that bounded my wrists. That shit was leaving me with red marks on my skin.

-Queen. – the other murmured, almost in a tone of respect, as he approached with a small silver case.

I rubbed my fingers over the red marks on my wrists, and only then turned towards the man. I faced one of the criminals with a superior air, until lifting my hands to the locks of the silver case extended on his hands. I moved my thumbs subtly to unlock the case that opened, giving me the perfect view of my favorite little toy. A smile flourished on my lips as I stared at the golden gun with .45 caliber that glittered inside that case.

-Ah, how I missed you, baby.

I brought one of my hands to the heavy and valuable object. My little toy was fully gold-plated, having only a few black details on the grip, where contained the initials of my name carved in golden gold. The man looked at me with a fearful look before closing the case and walking away. I held the gun firmly with one of my hands, and with the other I slid the tip of my fingers on the details of the gun. I felt so much more powerful with my baby in my hands, as if I gained super powers. As if nothing and no one could affect me.

As if Karla Camila Cabello was the most powerful queen of this world.

-I can't wait to use you again.

I lifted the golden gun, leaving my arm fully straight, being supported by the palm of my hand at the bottom of the grip of the gun. I closed one of my eyes to be able to aim precisely at the small glass that was on the window in the back of the room. I cocked the gun slowly, hearing that little noise that made my blood run faster in my veins. I felt the adrenaline spread, and that pleasurable feeling of immeasurable power take over me, take over every existing cell in my body, causing that damn frenzy.

-This is for you, Christopher.

Those were my words before squeezing the trigger of my gun. The loud noise of the shot, followed by the burst of the glass made me smile satisfied. I looked at the broken glass on the floor, and consequently the hole made in the window. I still knew how to do that perfectly well.

-What was that? – one of the men asked upon entering the room.

-I was just playing. – I spoke with an almost devilish smile on my lips as I pointed the gun towards him.

-Ma'am... – he murmured as he stepped back two steps.

-Are you scared? – I asked as I walked towards him.

He didn't say anything, just continued to stare at me with his fearful eyes.

-You better be. – I murmured as I walked past him, getting out of that room.

I walked slowly down the dark and long corridor on the second floor of that warehouse. The dim lighting gave a much darker air to that place, its walls with worn paint and the dirty and dusty floor contributed to the same aspect.

-Ma'am. – the leader greeted as he approached.

I faced the tall man, who had a relatively strong body. He should be in his mid-thirties, his hair was well-cut and dark, just like his eyes. He was an old acquaintance who didn't refuse to do some services in exchange for a good amount of money.

-Where are they?

-We are putting them in that room. – he informed as he pointed to the door a few meters from us – Camila, my men are not satisfied with the amount.

-Can I know why? – I asked with a frown.

-We thought that the task would be easier. One of them was shot, and the other had his nose broken by that woman.

A small smile escaped my lips as I remembered exactly the moments when Lauren moved by rage attacked the men to defend me.

-It's not my fault if you chose the wrong men. They were slow and incompetent. And the next time they hit me hard, I'll be forced to respond. – I took a step forward – And you know I can be much worse.

He didn't say anything, just swallowed hard and nodded.

-Great.

I went on my way down the corridor towards the room where Lauren and Christopher were being placed. Upon opening the rusty door, I could see one of the men throwing Lauren's tied body on the floor, without any type of care. And to top it off, the same man kicked her stomach hard, making the woman's body turn to the other side. In a split second my whole blood boiled, and I stepped into that room moved by the hatred taking over my whole body. I roughly pulled the asshole by the shirt, pushing him against the dirty wall of the place.

-What do you think you're doing? – I asked angrily as I grabbed his jacket, pointing my gun against his chin.

The man widened his eyes, and he let a heavy and surprised breath leave his mouth. None of the other men dared to approach and stop that moment. I clenched my jaw, and pressed the tip of the gun hard on his head. He was the man who had his nose broken by Lauren.

-If you touch a strand of her hair again, I swear that I'll unload all these bullets in your head. – my words came out cold, almost sharp.

He stood still with his eyes closed, due to the fear that I could do something.

-And I'll do it gladly. Got that?

He blinked more times than he should, and nodded. I released his jacket, pushing his body once more against the wall.

-Everybody out! Now! – I shouted.

The men quickly obeyed my order, and left that room. As soon as the door closed, I approached Lauren's body, kneeling beside her, placing my gun on the floor. I accommodated myself in the best possible way to then pull the woman closer, placing her head on my lap. Lauren had a serene expression, as if she didn't even know what was happening, and she really didn't.

-I'm sorry about this, but I simply can't do it differently. – I whispered as I touched her so delicate face with the tip of my fingers – You were not in my plans, Lauren.

I sighed, and slid my thumb down her cheek, until reaching the outline of her lips.

-Maybe you're the only one who can make me fall in this game. – my hand slid over her hair, in a soft caress – But I can't let that happen.

I held her head delicately, resting it on the floor slowly. I got up, and looked around the room. On the other side was Christopher, tied up and thrown on an old mattress. I approached him and pulled his heavy body with certain difficulty off the soft object; I dragged the mattress to Lauren's body. And with less difficulty, I placed the young woman's body on top of the relatively soft mattress; I untied the knot and removed the rope around her body, to then tie up only her wrists.

-I think you're better this way. – I whispered to her, as if she could hear me – I won't let anyone hurt you again, okay? You'll get out of here soon, I promise. – those were my words before depositing a kiss on her lips.

I flashed a smile at the woman, and grabbed my gun from the floor. I walked with it towards the man who everyone thought was my husband, and according to the law, he really was.

*(Play song – Psycho by Muse)*

-What about you, honey?

I pulled the man's body roughly, leaning him against the wall so that he was sitting. Christopher, just like Lauren, was unconscious. His head hung forward; so I pulled his hair hard, forcing him to supposedly face me.

-Are you enjoying my little game, king?

A smile escaped my lips as I stared at the man in front of me; I confess that all that was pleasurable to me. Seeing Christopher Collins that way brought me a sense of happiness and satisfaction.

-I imagine so, right? You love to play heavy games, too bad that now I'm the owner of everything.

My free hand gripped his hair, on the top of his head; and with the other I brought my gun to his face, sliding the golden barrel on the skin of his face.

-I'm the queen, Collins. And contrary to what other people think, the king is the weakest piece of this game.

The golden and hard object slid hard on the lips of my husband, going up his cheek, passing by his temples.

-It was so easy to manipulate you. I find it hard to believe that people are afraid of you. – a soft chuckle left my mouth – You think you are so smart, but you're just an imitation of cheap intelligence.

I released his hair, seeing his head fall forward again. I stood and straightened my red dress, now somewhat wrinkled.

-Today is one of the best days of my life, honey. Only the first, of course. – I sighed, taking small steps with my stiletto heels – I can't wait to get rid of you, you don't know how I've been patient all these years.

I walked slowly from one side to the other, stroking my gun, while talking to him as if he was in a position to answer me.

-Putting up with you isn't an easy task. Having to play the good wife, and enduring the horrible sex that you give me is awful. – I let out with sarcasm – You fuck very badly, honey. I'm sorry to have to tell you this.

I continued to walk, without taking my eyes off his body on the floor.

-But everything has its reason, and one day you'll know. – I crouched down again, pulling his hair like I had done a few minutes ago – If I don't kill you first, of course.

I stayed in silence just staring at him, the smile of satisfaction wouldn't leave my lips.

-Have you already thought about how you want to die? – I asked as I slid the tip of the gun once again on his head – I already thought about how you should die.

I pulled away the gun slowly, and slid my tongue over the entire length of the golden and perfectly polished barrel of my gun, before pointing it to the middle of his forehead.

-Pow pow. – I mimicked the sound of shots with a smile – You really are such a sucker.

*Flashback On*

*Six years ago*

I walked among the cluster of people who were scattered around the dance hall. My eyes focused on the man with light eyes who was talking to a group of men who drank and laughed about unknown subjects to me. A waiter walked by me and gently handed me a glass of champagne; I looked at him with a confused expression, because I hadn't ordered anything.

-It was that young man who asked me to give this to you. – the blond pointed to who I wanted most.

Christopher removed his attention from his friends and looked at me with a gallant smile in his lips. I couldn't deny the man's stunning beauty, he was sophisticated and elegant. I held the delicate crystal goblet and flashed him a smile. He reciprocated the smile and raised the glass that was in his hand.

-Thank you. – I said to the waiter who soon left.

I looked again to the glorious target who was now walking towards me. I closed my eyes for brief seconds, breathing slowly.

Come on, Karla, it's just the beginning of this game.

-Excuse me. – he said politely.

I turned towards him with one of my best smiles.

-What's your name?

-My name is Karla Camila.

Christopher extended his hand to me like a good gentleman, and I quickly rested mine on his in greeting.

-I'm Christopher Collins, pleasure to meet you.

-The pleasure is mine.

That was just the first square to be advanced, before a full board game waiting for me. It wouldn't be an easy game; on the contrary, I was dealing with much better players than I thought to be in that moment. But I knew my ability, and what I'd have to do to cross all the steps and become queen. And I would do everything, give absolutely everything of me for that day to arrive. I'd bring down the king with glory.

*One year later*

-You're making me nervous, honey. – I whispered to him who smiled in front of me.

We were in one of Christopher's favorite restaurants, he only liked to go to that place to celebrate important situations. The last time we came, he had become the largest entrepreneur of the oil business in the world, which I didn't mind at all, of course. After four months in an involvement filled with dates and terrible sex for me, the young man asked me to be his girlfriend, and I readily accepted. Our relationship was perfectly stable, since I took care of always being the best girlfriend ever. I had become the woman that every self-centered and stupid man like Christopher would love to have, a perfect submissive to his wills, regardless of what they were. But that was all my choice, and I'd go to the end for one single goal.

-I'm also pretty nervous, Camila. – he gestured slightly with his hands – But I want to do this once and for all.

-Do what, honey?

I was really nervous, but because I knew what would happen, and I also knew how much that would be of extreme importance for my plans. I stared at him with a fake nervous look, waiting for his request.

-This. – he said as he opened the small black velvet box – Everyone knows that I'm crazy about you, and that no one before had make me feel this way. I'm in love with you, Camila. And I want you to marry me.

I looked at the diamond ring in the middle of the small velvet box, and soon after I looked at his light and fearful eyes. I was thrilled inwardly, everything was happening just like I wanted and had planned.

Another square advanced.

-Do you accept to marry me?

-Of course I accept, Chris.

With a wide and fake smile, I approached him and hugged him tight.

-I'm so happy, Camila. – he murmured as he pulled away.

He stared at me with a broad smile, and grabbed my hand, where he gently slid the beautiful and expensive engagement ring.

-Me too, honey.

I stared at the diamond ring around my ring finger with a feeling of victory. Another step completed.

"You are better at this game than you think, Camila." That voice in my subconscious whispered.

-I'll give you the life you deserve. – I whispered with a smirk to my future husband.

*Flashback Off*

-Are you enjoying the life you deserve? – I asked as I released him again – Cuckold!

I walked away from him, seeing his body fall to the side completely limp. I glanced at Lauren who remained the same way. Until I heard some knocks on the door.

-Ma'am. – one of the men entered the room – They are already waiting for you in the other room.

I just nodded at him who left right away. I glanced one last time at Christopher, and then approached Lauren again.

-I'm going to solve some things, but don't worry. I'm here to protect you. – I whispered, depositing a kiss on her forehead.

I got up again and straightened the dress in my body, and then ran one of my hands through my hair and walked out of that room. I saw the men on the first floor in an entertaining conversation, and walked back to the main room. Upon entering my room, I came across the people who were waiting for me.

Tower. Bishop.

-Were you visiting your detainees? – Dinah asked with a cynical smile – Or should I say your lovers?

I rolled my eyes impatiently, and walked to the desk that was reserved for me. I dropped my gun on it, and then went to the counter where the beverages were, and poured myself a small dose of Whiskey.

-You're late. – I said as I dropped the ice cubes into the glass.

-I told Dinah that we should've come earlier, but she didn't listen to me. – Normani murmured as she sat next to her girlfriend.

As soon as we heard about Lauren Jauregui's position as the investigator responsible for the Collins' theft, made by Dinah and I, of course, we had to make better decisions to reinforce our side and not be discovered. Normani's involvement was totally unexpected by me, even having the knowledge of her relationship with Dinah, I never imagined that the woman would surrender to the younger one's wills and would help us with such a risky plan. The beautiful African American woman had a bright police career, and yet she accepted to infiltrate Lauren's operation, which by pure coincidence needed new agents. Normani was our eyes, she kept us informed at all times, leaving us always one step ahead of everyone.

*Flashback On*

I crossed the huge room, hearing the sound of my footsteps on the worn floor of that abandoned warehouse. I looked through the glass window, dirty due to lack of care, there was almost no movement outside. The time wasn't suitable to have a lot of people on the street. I looked at my watch for the fourth time in less than 20 minutes, the watch hands seemed to move slower than normal, or maybe it was just the anxiety of the moment. It was already past 2AM, Christopher was properly drugged in a deep sleep at home, but I couldn't abuse the time and much less my luck. It was when the light of a car headlight caught my attention. The more than familiar car parked right in front of the warehouse's side door. The car headlights turned off, making the black car almost get lost amid the darkness of the night. I turned away from the window and walked towards one of the tables that were there, serving myself a good amount of whisky from a beautiful and refined bottle. I added some ice cubes to the glass, along with the alcohol that was already there. I swung the liquid from one side to the other, before lifting the glass up to my lips, taking a big sip, which made my throat warm.

-Sorry I'm late, I had to pick up someone. – Dinah said when she opened the door and entered the room.

I lowered the glass on the table, and faced her with a confused and apprehensive expression.

-Someone? What are you talking about?

-Calm down, I'll explain.

-You better. – I turned around, looking for a place to sit.

I heard a heavy sigh and slow steps, informing me that she was approaching. I sat on the padded armchair, to relax my body and keep calm.

-Well... You know that last time we tried, we didn't have much success, remember?

I brought the glass of Whiskey up to my lips again, which soon were wet by the strong scented alcohol. Only one sip.

-Yes.

-Because of that, I thought that we would need someone else to help us. And I took care of looking for someone trustworthy that would join us. And well, I found that person.

-I can't believe you did that. – I huffed in irritation.

-It was the best choice.

-You should've asked me! How could you make a decision without me?

-It was our best solution.

-Whatever, you could have said something before taking action.

-You wouldn't accept it. – she exclaimed a little louder.

-Obviously I wouldn't, it's dangerous!

-And you want to stay stuck? You saw that the last time was a failure. We got into the system, but the financial sector was blocked.

-We could've solved that. With time and working together. – I let out impatiently.

I got up from the armchair, walking towards the glass window again. I took a deep breath, trying to keep calm to not explode in that moment. Hacking Collins' system and having that money was a matter of honor, and I couldn't let anything, absolutely anything go wrong. But putting another person in the scheme wasn't in my plans, never was.

-I solved that for us. The solution is perfect, and totally reliable. 100% safe.

-How can I be sure? – I asked when I turned around, staring at those fearful eyes.

I saw her chest rise and fall in a heavy breathing, as if she was giving her best to maintain her decision firm. Dinah was as stubborn as me.

-I give you my word. – her voice tone came out confident as one of a king, or rather, a queen.

We stood in silence for a few seconds, as if we were sealing a new deal. I sighed heavily, but accepted with a brief nod.

-Tell the person to come in.

I saw a victorious smile born in her lips. I shook my head as her steps went towards the door, which she opened slowly.

-Well, I present you our bishop.

My eyes narrowed towards that woman who analyzed me thoroughly. For a split second I felt that insecurity take over, having a new piece in that game wasn't as simple as it seemed. Especially one that I already had seen before, and it wasn't on our side that she showed to be. The caution would now be redoubled.

-Bishop?

-I believe it's an important piece. And what we need. Don't they say that the bishop is a somewhat fast piece? That if it has a clear path it can have a good advantage? – Dinah asked as she served herself some Whiskey.

-Yes, of course. – I said without taking my eyes off our new piece.

-And you can relax. The bishop doesn't jump over the other pieces, and it only follows the sequence of squares of the same color. Our color. – she completed to then take a sip of alcohol – I'm the tower, and I got you a bishop.

-You confirm that? – I asked the "bishop".

-Yes. I know that I don't have your trust yet, but I will soon. I'll help in the king's overthrow. – Normani said in a precisely confident way.

[...]

I walked from one side to the other nonstop, that damn feeling of anxiety was consuming me. We've been in front on those computers for more than an hour and a half. The process of entering the system was much more complicated than last time. The numbers and letters sequences seemed endless, they ran on the laptop screen used by Normani. I took a deep breath and tried to concentrate. The room was dimly lit by a yellowish lamp in the back, the light from the computers' screen kept our attention trapped, as it gave us a good dose of tension and anxiety if something there went wrong.

-Done! We have to act fast! Let's go! – I heard Normani speak with the attention focused on the last generation laptop screen.

-Did you get it? – I asked with certain nervousness.

-I think so. But we need the key, so that the system doesn't identify the foreign body. Hurry! The system froze.

-Leave it to me, now it's my turn.

We were in a triple connection, each device had a job to do. Normani opened the way for me to enter the system freely and withdraw what I wanted. Dinah just waited for the amount, which would be sent to an account abroad. I started typing the numerical sequence in an out of the ordinary speed, as my eyes ran through the numbers that appeared on the luminous screen.

-We don't have much time. The system is paralyzed.

I heard Normani's voice in the back, as if I were several meters away.

-I'm almost there... – I said without stop typing the numbers that would give me all the access.

I could hear the beating of my heart, strong and frantic. In that moment, all my concentration was there. I typed the last number and clicked on the little button on the left, when a new window opened on the screen, showing the following sentence "Access to the Financial System granted". A smile escaped my lips, drawing Dinah's attention, who approached quickly.

-I hope that that smile is a good thing. – Dinah murmured hopefully.

-Keep focus, I'll transfer the amount. – I said.

The adrenaline that ran through my veins in that moment provided me an almost indescribable pleasure. The frenzy of making that moment happen was taking over me. The numbers of Collins Enterprise's account were there, right in front of me shining.

-Oh, Christopher, you have no idea who you messed with. – I whispered as I typed the amount I wanted.

-A little faster, the time will end. – Normani exclaimed nervously.

-You'll pay for what you did.

I confirmed the transfer, seeing the small stripe being filled quickly, and consequently a message box with the following sentence "Transfer complete".

-Done, we've moved some squares. Soon I'll get to the king.

*Flashback Off*

-Dinah has been acting a bit like a rebel in the last few days. – I murmured grudgingly.

It has been a few weeks that my relationship with Dinah was somewhat fragile. The last time we met, any subject boiled down to how our plan could go wrong with my decisions. All that was caused by the idea that Lauren's presence and my protection regarding her would put everything on the line.

-Look who's talking, right Camila? – she got up with a sarcastic smile on her face – You've been working alone lately.

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, trying to keep calm. I brought the glass of Whiskey to my lips, letting the cold liquid come into contact with my mouth.

-None of my decisions were executed without your knowledge. Every single one of them went through you, Dinah.

She let out a sarcastic laugh.

-I have to agree, but we can't forget that you didn't give me the right to revoke them.

-They don't need to be revoked. They had to be like this. Nothing went wrong.

We stared at each other in the center of the room, without looking away. There was a conflict of ideas, of opinions, which wouldn't be changed. The initial plan had been partially modified at the last minute, because of Lauren's interference.

-They had to be like that? We really had to lose 5 million dollars because of your little romance?

I huffed irritated by the younger one's insistence to resort to the unnecessary arguments about that subject.

*Flashback On*

After seeing the way how Lauren had been deeply humiliated by Christopher, right after the second theft of 5 million dollars, something inside me wanted to help her, wanted her to show that man that she was capable of moving forward with that case. But helping Lauren was the same as moving back a square on the board game. Would I be willing to do that?

-Dammit, Camila... Don't interfere. Just leave it alone. – I murmured to myself as I brought the cigarette to my lips.

I gave a deep drag and after a few seconds I let the smoke escape my lips in a soft puff. I looked into the room, seeing Lauren lying in the bed that was Christopher's, or rather, ours. The young woman was sleeping serenely after a cozy dinner and delightful hours of fucking wonderful sex. My head was buzzing with ideas that lingered after many conversations. The 5 million had been our biggest amount so far, our greatest asset. And of course, we had the intention to take much more, enough to leave Christopher in misery, but everything had to be done with calmness and patience. Helping Lauren was putting our work down the drain, but something in me told me that it was the right thing to do.

-You'll forgive me for this. – I murmured as I entered the room, grabbing my phone.

I dialed Dinah's number and within seconds she answered with a sleepy voice.

-Did something happen? – my best friend asked.

-Yes, I need you to do something important.

-What is so important that it couldn't wait to be told tomorrow?

I sighed and gave another drag on the small cigarette between my fingers.

-I don't want you to take the money from Heitor's account. – I said as I let out the smoke again.

A brief silence hovered during the call; Dinah sighed heavily on the other side, making me wonder if she had fallen asleep again.

-Are you going crazy? – she asked incredulously – You know that that account is only a passage, soon we'll share the amount to our accounts abroad.

-I know, Dinah. But I want it to stay there. And I want you to tell Normani to unblock the system of the laptop that Lauren discovered.

-You are drunk, aren't you? Lauren having discovered that laptop was a mistake on our part! We forgot that shit there, and Normani blocked it so that Lauren couldn't get any information from it.

-I know all that. But now I'm telling you to tell Normani to unblock it! – I spoke slowly, and then glanced at where Lauren was, still sleeping peacefully.

-We are going to lose all the money. Have you gone mad?

-We'll lose it now, but we'll gain a lot more later.

-Don't even think about it! You know that with every passing day it's getting harder to take money from that asshole. I will not lose this money.

-Dinah, do what I'm asking, okay?

-Can I know the reason why?

-Not now.

-You're doing this for her, right?

-Of course not! We just need to take a step back, and then move forward again. – I tried to sound convincing.

-Do you really think that you can fool me, Camila? You're doing this for that deputy. Can't you realize that all this is a mistake?! You'll put everything on the line for a damn fleeting romance.

-Shit! Nothing will go wrong! Do it once and for all! – I exclaimed in a louder and angry tone.

-I will not do that, Karla. – Dinah exclaimed from the other side of the line.

-Yes, you will. I want that laptop unblocked before dawn. It's an order. – I hung up the phone, seeing Lauren shifting on the bed.

I walked slowly towards the room, and put the phone on the nightstand.

-I thought you were sleeping.

-I am and I'm not.

I smiled at the sleepy way she spoke, Lauren was visibly exhausted from all that had happened that day. I brought the cigarette to my lips and gave a soft drag as I walked towards her. I got on the bed slowly, and accommodated myself on the deputy's delicious body, in a way that I was sitting on her hips. Lauren was completely naked, just like me, except for my almost transparent robe. I stared into her attentive eyes, and lifted my head to release the smoke into the air.

-Were you talking to someone? – she asked to then yawn.

I felt my heart falter in that moment. Did she hear something?

-No, I was just smoking. I'm sorry for waking you.

-It's okay, I can sleep easily. – she said with a sleepy and amused chuckle.

-I can see that.

Lauren stared at me for a long moment, and I allowed myself to stare at her the same way. The woman had an incredibly surreal beauty, I'd venture to say that she was one of the most beautiful women that my eyes had the opportunity to contemplate. I brought the cigarette to my lips again, to give one last drag; I pulled the smoke deeply and when I removed the small cigarette from my lips, I leaned my head forward so that my lips brushed over Lauren's. She remained still, when slowly I blew the smoke into her mouth; the woman sucked everything as if savoring that in the best way possible. I felt one of her hands rest on my chin, where she held and pulled to take my lips in an intense kiss, and full of arousal.

[...]

I woke up to Lauren's murmurs on the phone. Her voice sounded loud and seemingly excited. I sat up slowly on the bed, seeing the woman enter my room while she picked up her clothes scattered on the floor.

-What are you doing, Lauren?

-I need to go to the precinct.

-Did something happen? – I asked somewhat confused due to being sleepy.

She put on her jeans quickly, while trying to find her shirt in the huge room.

-My team discovered an important information for your husband's case. I need to go so that they can fully inform me of everything.

The way how Lauren was incredibly excited about the news made my day start much better. I stared at her, and accommodated myself better under the thin covers. I didn't know how to explain, but helping her with that had for a few seconds made me feel like someone better, removing just a bit of the weight that I carried on my back.

-That's wonderful!

-Yes! It's a relief! – she said as she put on her shirt.

-I'm really happy for you. – I let out sincerely.

Lauren's happiness in that instant had cost exactly 5 million dollars from my account, but I was perfectly tranquil.

She smiled at me and approached the bed. I got up and joined her; gently holding her chin.

-Thank you. – she whispered as she deposited a little kiss on my lips, a peck – Now I have to go, I'll talk to you later, okay?

I nodded seeing her leave the bedroom.

*Flashback Off*

-The biggest problem of all this is that you can't see the reality now! – Dinah almost shouted.

I was trying to keep calm as to not get into a nasty argument with Dinah, we had our disagreements sometimes, but in the end we always patched things up. We were like sisters, we took care of each other in the most pure and beautiful way, even not having the same blood running in our veins. But that didn't change the fact that a lot of the time I felt like choking her, after covering her face with kisses, of course.

-And what is the reality now? – my voice echoed in the room, drawing Normani's gaze, who remained silent just listening to the argument.

-You fell in love with someone you shouldn't. You fell in love with the person who can end your life, and mine too.

Dinah's words hit me hard. Facing the reality in which strangely I had fallen in love for someone was scary. I didn't fall in love, I didn't allowed myself to. I've handled any kind of emotional involvement like a weakness during all these years, leaving my life marked by rational goals and distractions like sex, parties and booze. But in the midst of a thoroughly calculated plan, Lauren arrived.

-Don't speak nonsense! – I let out quickly.

-Camila, listen to me. That woman is a mistake in your life, there's no way for it to work out.

I took a deep breath, feeling my head buzzing with so many thoughts.

-It's no big deal! It won't mess up our plans. – I remained firm.

-It's no big deal? We lost 5 million dollars to make your little girlfriend happy. You practically handed it to her on a silver platter. Even taking her to Switzerland, you did! The Karla from a few months ago would never have done that, ever. – she exclaimed as she walked from one side to the other.

I remained in silence. I knew that Dinah was right, I knew that all that was too risky. And that with just a misstep, I could put everything on the line.

-Your problem is the money? – I asked angrily – You want money? You'll have it!

-Camila... – she murmured.

-Normani, I want you to go back to the precinct. After 24 hours they'll notice our disappearance. I'll leave Lauren and Christopher in another warehouse on the opposite side of town. Give the idea of tracing the phones, find them and release them.

-What are you doing? – Dinah asked confused.

I took a deep breath and looked at the woman.

-I'm going to ask for my ransom, Dinah. We'll ask for 10 million dollars. And they both need to be free to get the money.

-That's very risky.

-Keep them both properly knocked out. – I said as I stared at Dinah, and then her girlfriend – And, Normani, don't forget the details.

-Yes, ma'am.

-But first, let's see our third detainee. – I said with a devilish grin.

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NOTE: When Evelin updates again, I'll translate and post it.