💘( Mending the King! )✨

THIRTY ONE

[ June Wedding ]

( 🤴🔨👸💋💑🏍 )

" You need to come clean, Alu. Not just for Moss, but for yourself too, before the guilt consumes you. And hope that Juice can find it in his heart to forgive you—because this? This is gonna destroy him. "

~ JAX TELLER to ALU ORTIZ

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DISCLAIMER: All individuals involved in the sexual acts in this chapter are eighteen years of age or older. 

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ALU'S OUTFIT 

ALU SAT CURLED UP AGAINST THE HEADBOARD, a blanket draped tightly around her trembling form. The room was dim, illuminated only by the faint light of the bedside lamp. Her knees were pulled to her chest, her arms wrapped around them as if trying to shield herself from the weight of the world. 

Across the room, Jax paced back and forth, his phone pressed to his ear, his voice low and tense as he spoke with Wayne Unser.

After a few moments, Jax hung up with a heavy sigh, slipping the phone into his pocket. He turned to face Alu, his expression a mixture of frustration and concern, "That was the Chief," he said, his voice soft but firm. "The woman's name was Laurie Allen. She died from a stab wound—bled out. The boy..." He hesitated, his jaw clenching, before he forced himself to continue, "He was shot—never made it home from school."

Alu's face paled further, her eyes staring at the wall as if it held all the answers, "Oscar killed them for the ride," she murmured, her voice hollow. "He couldn't drive his car anymore."

Jax nodded grimly, "That's what Unser thinks. He's possibly driving a black sedan now. Cops put out an APB."

A tense silence filled the room as Jax sat down beside her. He hesitated, clearly debating whether to push further, but the weight of the situation demanded answers, "Alu," he said softly, but there was an urgency in his tone. "You gotta talk to me. What the hell did he say to you?"

Alu took in a shaky breath, her eyes darting away from him, "He told me he'd only give Moss back if..." Her voice broke, and she swallowed hard, her fingers clutching the blanket. "If I tell Juice the truth."

Jax's eyebrows furrowed in confusion, "What truth?"

She shook her head, her eyes glistening with unshed tears, "I can't, Jax. If I tell him, he'll never forgive me. And I can't lose him too."

Jax's jaw tightened, "Alu, you're scaring me. What the hell did you do?"

Her breath hitched as she wiped at her face with trembling hands, "It wasn't just some random tragedy, Jax," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

"What wasn't?" His confusion was quickly replaced by a sinking sense of dread.

"Tabitha's death." 

Jax froze, his entire body tensing, "What are you talking about?"

Seven Years Ago

The heavy bass of the strip club music reverberated through the walls as Alu moved with practiced grace, her client's hands twitching at his sides, eager but restrained under the watchful eyes of security. She was mid-movement when the club's atmosphere shifted, the door bursting open with a force that made even the loud music falter.

Oscar strode in, his jaw set tight, his usual composed demeanour replaced with a fury that seemed to electrify the air around him. His dark eyes scanned the room, locking onto his office door like a predator zeroing in on its prey.

Alu's client protested as she abruptly stopped, pulling away and grabbing her robe to follow Oscar, "Sorry, baby, but the show's over," she said dismissively, ignoring his grumbled complaints. She trailed Oscar to his office, closing the door behind her as he paced like a caged animal.

"What the hell happened?" she asked, her voice soft but urgent, trying to ease the tension rolling off him in waves.

Oscar stopped, his hands gripping the back of his chair as he stared at the desk, his knuckles white, "I found the snitch," he growled, his voice low and lethal.

Alu froze, her stomach twisting, "The snitch?"

Oscar looked up, his expression sharp enough to cut glass, before slamming his fists against the desk, "The snitch from the party," he spat, his voice low and venomous. "I found out who it was."

Alu froze, her blood turning cold. She knew Oscar's temper well—knew what happened to people who crossed him.

"It was Tabitha," he said, his words slicing through her like a blade.

Her knees nearly buckled, "What?" she whispered, shaking her head in disbelief. "No, that can't be right. Tabitha would never—"

"She did!" Oscar interrupted, his voice dark and final. "She was feeding information to the cops, Alu. That raid? That was her doing."

The words hit her like a blow, and she staggered back a step, "What? No. That—that can't be right. Tabitha would never—she's my best friend! Juice's girlfriend! She—she's like family to me." 

"Family?!" Oscar's voice was cold, mocking. "She's a rat, Ana Lucía! A rat who betrayed me. Do you know what happens to rats?" 

Fear coursed through her, but she tried to reason with him, "Oscar, maybe she was scared, or maybe—"

He moved closer, his touch unexpectedly gentle as he cupped her face. His thumbs brushed against her cheekbones, his tone softening to a dangerous purr, "Darling, I know you love her. But think about what she did. She put me in danger. She put us in danger. Do you really think I can let that slide? She has to disappear," he said, his voice like velvet laced with poison.

Alu's mouth went dry, all the moisture from her body, spilling from her eyes, "Oscar, please! There has to be another way. Please don't hurt her." 

He moved closer, his hands sliding up her arms in a gesture that was both tender and controlling, "There's no other way, love," he murmured, his dark eyes locking onto hers. "You love me, don't you?"

Her breath hitched, "You know I do."

"Well, she hurt me," he said, his tone dripping with manipulation as his fingers brushed against her cheek. "And if people see you sympathising with a rat, they'll start to wonder about your loyalty. And we can't have that, can we?"

Tears welled in her eyes, her voice trembling, "Ossy—"

"Shh," he soothed, his lips brushing agaisnst her temple. "This is about us. About protecting what we've built together. You don't want to lose that, do you?"

Alu shook her head, her voice barely a whisper, "No. I'd do anything for you, baby." 

A dark smile spread across his face, satisfaction gleaming in his eyes, "That's my girl," he said, pulling her into a possessive embrace. "Tabitha made her choice. Now, we make ours."

As he held her, Alu's mind raced, guilt and fear warring within her. But beneath it all, Oscar's grip on her was unrelenting, both figuratively and literally, binding her to a loyalty that she couldn't escape—even if it meant betraying the person she once held dear. 

Tears streamed down her face as she broke down, "Every detail of that night—the robbery, the ambush, splitting up—it was all planned. The gun wasn't even loaded. He wasn't supposed to kill her." Her voice cracked, raw with emotion. "I didn't know...I didn't know he was going to kill her. I swear, Jax. She was only supposed to do some time. That's what he told me."

"You went along with it?" Jax breathed out in realisation, a hand covering his gaping mouth. 

"I didn't have a choice!" she cried, her voice trembling. "I thought I could protect her somehow, but I couldn't. And now, if Juice finds out...if he knows what I did..." She buried her face in her hands, her sobs muffled.

Jax ran a hand through his hair, his own emotions threatening to boil over, "Jesus Christ, Alu. And Juice really has no idea?"

"No," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "And if I tell him...he'll never forgive me."

Jax stared at her, a mixture of disbelief and pity in his eyes, "You need to come clean, Alu. Not just for Moss, but for yourself too, before the guilt consumes you. And hope that Juice can find it in his heart to forgive you—because this? This is gonna destroy him," he spoke from experience, knowing how much it broke Opie to find out his brothers murdered his wife. 

Alu broke down completely, her body wracked with sobs as Jax pulled her into a tight embrace. She clung to him desperately, her tears soaking into his shirt. He stroked her hair, murmuring words of comfort, though his own mind was racing.

As he went to press a kiss to her head, Alu tilted her face upward, and their lips brushed against each other. They froze, their gazes locking, the tension between them palpable. Without thinking, they collided, their lips meeting in a heated, desperate kiss.

Clothes were shed in a flurry of movement, the weight of their shared guilt and grief driving them together. But as Jax hovered over her, he hesitated, his breathing heavy, "This probably isn't a good idea," he murmured, his voice thick with restraint. "You're vulnerable right now...and I still have to sort this shit out with Tara—" 

Alu cut him off, grabbing his face and pulling him closer, "I need you right now, Jax," she whispered, her voice filled with raw desperation.

Jax's breath was heavy as he hovered over Alu, his hesitation fading under the weight of her need and his own. His eyes darkened, locking with hers as his fingers curled under the fabric of her underwear, tearing them away in one swift motion. His voice was low, rough, and filled with a possessive intensity that sent a shiver through her, "You want me, baby girl? You need me? Then take it—all of me. 'Cause right now, you're mine. Every inch of you."

As he gripped her neck—not hard enough to hurt, but firm enough to make her heart race—Alu felt an unexpected comfort in his control, a strange sense of safety in his dominance. Jax leaned in closer, his lips brushing against her ear as he growled, "You trust me, don't you? You know I'd never let anything happen to you."

And with that, he thrust into her with a force that made her gasp, his grip never faltering, as he fucked her so hard the whole room was spinning.

***

The sleek black sedan sat parked on the side of the bustling street in Charming, blending seamlessly with the city's midday chaos. The law firm's name, etched in polished brass, loomed above the entrance, but Oscar's focus was elsewhere. His hands gripped the steering wheel tightly, his jaw clenched as he stared through the tinted windshield, the tension in his body palpable.

In the back seat, Moss sat as still as a stone, his small frame hunched and trembling, eyes darting between the locked doors and the imposing figure in the driver's seat. Rosetta, sitting beside him, leaned forward slightly. Despite her own fear, she forced herself to project calm, her voice soft yet firm when she whispered, "It's going to be okay, Moss. Just do as you're told and stay quiet."

Moss nodded, his lips pressed into a thin line, but the terror in his wide eyes was unmistakable.

Oscar's phone buzzed in the cupholder, breaking the heavy silence. Without looking, he snatched it up and answered, his voice sharp, "What?"

The voice on the other end was unmistakable—Vinny Moretti, his father, with his thick New York accent carrying the weight of authority, "Oscar. What the hell are you doing? There's an Amber Alert out for that kid. Do you know what kind of heat this is bringing down on me? On us?!"

Oscar leaned back, a smug smirk tugging at his lips as he stared at the law firm entrance, "Relax, old man. I've got it under control."

"Under control?" Vinny's voice rose, a mixture of anger and disbelief. "You've kidnapped a kid, Oscar! This isn't some petty scheme—it's a federal offense! You think the feds aren't sniffing around already?"

Oscar rolled his eyes, his tone turning mocking, "Don't worry, Pops. I'm not stupid enough to leave a trail. Besides, I've got plans for the kid. Plans that'll work out for both of us."

"Plans? Your plans are going to land you in a federal prison! This isn't some game, Oscar. You're jeopardising everything. I'm ordering you to get your ass back to New York now!"

Oscar's grip tightened on the phone, his smirk vanishing, "I'm not a damn puppet, Vinny. I'm staying here until I get what I want."

"You're not a puppet?" Vinny shot back, his voice dripping with scorn. "You're a spoiled little brat playing gang banger, and your tantrum is going to cost us all. You don't get to refuse me, Oscar. Not now, not ever."

Oscar's face darkened, his tone dropping to a dangerous whisper, "I'm not coming back. Not yet. And if you think you can make me, you're welcome to try."

There was a tense silence on the line, the weight of their power struggle simmering like a pot about to boil over. Finally, Vinny spoke, his voice colder than before, "Don't push me, boy. You're walking a thin line. One wrong move, and you're on your own."

The line went dead, and Oscar slammed the phone down onto the console, his chest heaving with anger. He sat in silence for a moment, his fingers drumming against the steering wheel, before his gaze flicked to the rearview mirror, catching Rosetta's slight smirk. 

"Something funny, love?" he asked, his tone sharp.

Rosetta quickly shook her head, forcing a small, tight-lipped smile, "No, baby. Just thinking how you always have everything handled. That's all."

Oscar's expression softened into something resembling a smirk, his ego stroked. He turned to glance at Moss, who shrank under his gaze, "See that, kid? Even when everyone doubts me, my girl knows better. You'd do well to learn from her."

Rosetta swallowed hard, suppressing the lump of fear lodged in her throat. Moss reached for her hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze even as his own hand trembled. The girl stared at the gestured for a moment, but was quick to yank her hand out of his grip, not wanting to show Oscar or anyone the slightest bit of weakness. 

Oscar returned his attention to the law firm entrance, his smirk hardening into something colder, as his fingers drummed against the steering wheel again as the minutes ticked by. Despite his apparent control, a crack in his armour was beginning to show—the growing friction between him and his father threatening to unravel everything he'd built.

***

The law firm bustled with quiet professionalism, the occasional shuffle of papers or murmur of conversation filling the air. Oscar stepped through the glass doors with a commanding presence, his hand firmly gripping Moss' shoulder as he guided the boy inside. Rosetta trailed slightly behind, her face pale but composed, maintaining the façade of calm.

The receptionist, a middle-aged woman with kind eyes and a sharp bob, glanced up from her desk. Her polite smile faltered as her gaze landed on Moss, "Moss?" she asked, her voice tinged with surprise. "Sweetheart, is everything okay?"

The boy stiffened, his wide eyes darting nervously toward Oscar, who gave his shoulder a firm squeeze. 

Rosetta's forced smile, which didn't reach her eyes as she quickly stepped forward, "I'm his new baby sitter," she said smoothly, trying to deflect attention. "This is my partner, Matt," she said, motioning to Oscar. "He's just helping me out for today." 

Before the receptionist could press further, the office door opened, and Kimchee emerged, his dark eyes sharp as they scanned the room. He froze the moment he saw Oscar.

"You must be Kimchee," Oscar said, his voice dripping with a mock politeness that sent a chill through the room. He reached into his coat and pulled out a handgun, pointing it directly at the young lawyer.

Gasps erupted from the few people seated in the waiting area, and the receptionist's hand flew to her mouth.

"Everyone stay calm," Oscar announced, his tone calm but menacing. "You." He pointed the gun briefly at the receptionist. "Tell Charming PD we've got ourselves a hostage situation. And no funny business either, or the nice lawyer here gets it."

The receptionist hesitated, her trembling hand reaching for the phone.

Kimchee raised his hands slowly, his expression controlled despite the sudden threat, "Oscar, right? For a smart guy, this is kind of a dumb move." 

Oscar's smirk returned as he gestured with the gun toward the office, "Why don't we talk about this inside? Now, move!" 

Kimchee didn't argue, stepping back into the office, as Oscar pushed Moss and Rosetta inside. The heavy door slammed shut behind them with a resounding thud. 

Kimchee turned to face Oscar, his hands still raised, "You know, pulling a stunt like this isn't going to end well for you. The police will be here any minute."

"That's the idea," Oscar said, his smirk widening. He gestured for Rosetta to sit in the corner with Moss, "You two, stay put."

Rosetta guided Moss to a leather couch, forcing him to sit. 

Kimchee leaned casually against his desk, his arms crossed, an infuriatingly calm expression on his face. His dark eyes tracked Oscar's every move, but there was no fear—just disdain and defiance, "So, this is all about Alu, isn't it?"

Oscar's lips twitched in irritation.

"Yeah, I thought so," Kimchee continued, his voice cool and casual. "These are some pretty extreme measures just to get a girl's attention. You ever think maybe when a woman runs from you, it's because she's not interested?"

Oscar's grip tightened on the gun, his jaw clenching, "Watch your mouth."

"Or what?" Kimchee pushed off the desk, stepping closer. His tone was mocking, but his eyes burned with fury, "You gonna shoot me? Go ahead. But it won't change the fact that she doesn't want you. And honestly, I don't blame her."

Oscar's smirk returned, but this time it was darker, more menacing, "You think you're funny? You're her little knight in shining armour now, huh? I know how close you two are. I know she runs to you whenever she's got problems she can't handle herself."

Kimchee shook his head, his laugh humourless, "That's what this is really about, isn't it? You can't stand that she doesn't need you anymore. That she's got people who care about her—people who won't put her through the kind of hell you did."

Oscar's hand shot out, grabbing Kimchee by the collar and yanking him forward. The gun pressed against his ribs, causing Kimchee to wince, but never broke eye contact.

"You talk a lot for a guy who's got everything to lose," Oscar hissed. "You think you're some big shot lawyer—untouchable? I'll ruin you. I'll ruin her. And you'll sit there and watch, because you'll be too busy begging for your life."

Kimchee's lips curled into a smirk, "You're pathetic. You're not doing this because you love her. You're doing this because you can't handle the fact that she's better off without you. And that, Oscar, is why you'll never have her again."

Oscar let out a low growl, shoving Kimchee back against the desk. The impact rattled the room, and Moss flinched, burying his face in his hands. 

"Shut your damn mouth," Oscar snapped. "You don't know a damn thing."

Kimchee straightened, adjusting his shirt with deliberate nonchalance, "Oh, I know enough. I know she's scared of you. I know you don't respect her. And I know this whole stunt is just to force her back into your control. But let me tell you something—she's stronger than you think."

For a moment, Oscar was silent, his expression unreadable. Then he laughed—a low, menacing sound that sent shivers down Rosetta's spine, "You're cute, Kimchee," he said, his voice mockingly sweet. "Real cute. But let me explain something to you. This isn't about love. This is about loyalty. And Alu? She knows where hers lies. She'll do whatever I tell her to do, and you? You're just leverage."

Kimchee narrowed his eyes, "You're underestimating her."

Oscar leaned in, his smile razor-sharp, "No. I know her better than anyone. And I know that when push comes to shove, she'll choose me every damm time—she always does."

The room fell into tense silence as the two men stared each other down. 

Oscar finally stepped back, gesturing toward the couch with his gun, "Sit down. We're gonna wait until Alu gets here. And when she does, you'll see exactly who she belongs to."

Kimchee hesitated but eventually complied, his expression cold and calculating. He wasn't afraid of Oscar, but he wasn't stupid, either. This wasn't over—not by a long shot.

Four Years Earlier 

The dim, smoky room reeked of sweat, cigars, and desperation. Alu sat frozen on a plush leather couch, her hands clenched in her lap, her pulse pounding in her ears. Around the poker table, Vinny and his clients laughed and drank, their voices blending into a grotesque symphony of indulgence and greed. 

Her chest tightened as the older man across from her, heavyset and reeking of cologne, sent her a leering grin. He had won. Alu had been nothing more than a bargaining chip in Vinny's game—a sick prize for his client to claim.

"You're gonna have a good time, sweetheart," the man said, his voice rough. "I'll take real good care of you." 

She forced a tight smile, her stomach churning, "I just need a minute to freshen up. Then we can go." 

The man's smile widened, "Don't take too long, doll. I don't like to be kept waiting."

Alu pushed herself up on shaky legs and walked toward the bathroom, her heart hammering against her ribs. The second the door clicked shut behind her, she leaned against the sink, staring at her reflection in the cracked mirror. Her wide eyes glistened with unshed tears, and her trembling hands gripped the porcelain edge.

What was she going to do?

Pulling out her phone from her pocket, she fumbled to unlock it, scrolling to the one name she swore she'd never call again. But she had no choice. Her pride was nothing compared to the suffocating terror coursing through her veins.

She hit the call button.

"Hello, love," Oscar's voice answered on the second ring, low and smug. "Didn't think I'd ever hear from you again." 

"Oscar..." her voice cracked as she struggled to keep it together. "I...I need your help."

There was a pause, and she could practically hear the smirk spreading across his face, "Of course you do," he said, his tone dripping with satisfaction. "What happened, darling? Daddy got tired of your pussy already, huh? Or did you finally realise no one takes care of you like I do?"

Tears slipped down her cheeks as she whispered, "Vinny sold me...in a poker game. I don't know what to do. Please, Oscar. I'm so scared." 

He let out a low chuckle, a sound that made her both hate and need him, "Ah, Ana Lucía. I knew you'd come crawling back. You always do." 

Her grip tightened on the sink as she closed her eyes, swallowing her pride, "Oscar, please. I need you. I'll do whatever you want, just...get me out of here."

There was a long pause before he finally spoke, his voice quieter but no less predatory, "Say it, darling, say you're mine."

Her breath hitched, "Oscar—"

"Say it," he interrupted, his voice sharp. "You want me to come save you? Then prove to me you're done playing games. Say you're mine." 

Tears spilled freely now as she whispered, "I'm yours."

"Good girl," he said, satisfaction dripping from his words. "Stay put. I'll handle it." 

The call ended, leaving Alu staring at the darkened screen. The sense of relief she felt was quickly overshadowed by a gnawing dread. She had just traded one prison for another.

When she returned to the table moments later, she forced herself to smile through the panic, knowing Oscar would arrive soon. And when he did, there would be a price to pay. There always was.

***

The heavy oak doors of the private poker room swung open with a sharp bang, silencing the raucous laughter and clinking glasses. All eyes turned toward the figure standing in the doorway. Oscar stepped inside, his presence commanding, his dark eyes sweeping the room like a predator surveying his territory.

"Evening, gentlemen," he said smoothly, his voice calm but with an edge that made the hairs on the back of Alu's neck stand up. "Hope I'm not interrupting anything."

Vinny stood, his face tightening in irritation, "Oscar, what the hell are you doing here?"

Ignoring him, Oscar's gaze landed on Alu, who stood frozen beside the couch. His expression softened, the storm in his eyes briefly replaced by something almost tender. He extended a hand toward her, "Come here, darling."

Her breath hitched, and despite everything, relief washed over her as she rushed to him. The second she reached him, he pulled her into his arms, enveloping her in his warmth and the faint scent of leather and cigarettes, "It's okay," he murmured into her hair, his hand cradling the back of her head. "I've got you now. The viper's here." 

For a fleeting moment, it felt like the world around them disappeared. Alu clung to him, her fingers gripping his jacket as if he were the only thing keeping her afloat. And in that moment, he was.

"You shouldn't be here," Vinny growled, breaking the spell.

Oscar turned his head slightly, his arms still wrapped protectively around Alu, "Shouldn't I? From where I'm standing, you crossed a line, old man. Selling her?!" His voice dropped, venom lacing his words. "That doesn't fly with me."

"She's my whore. I do what I want with what's mine, son," Vinny shot back.

Oscar's smile didn't reach his eyes, "That's the thing, Papa...she was never yours. You want to keep doing business? Fine, just leave her out of it."

Vinny opened his mouth to argue, but Oscar cut him off, "And if you ever try anything like this again, I'll make sure you regret it."

The tension in the room was suffocating, but after a moment, Vinny grunted and waved a dismissive hand, "Fine. Take her. She's used up her usefulness anyway. But don't think this makes us square, mijo. Not for a second." 

Oscar didn't bother responding. He guided Alu toward the door, his hand firm on the small of her back.

Once outside, the cool night air hit her like a splash of water. She stopped, turning to face him, "Oscar, I—"

He silenced her by cupping her face in his hands, his dark eyes boring into hers. "Don't," he said softly, almost reverently. "You don't have to say anything."

His lips found hers, and she melted into the kiss, the world fading away once more. For a brief, intoxicating moment, it felt like they were invincible, like nothing and no one could come between them.

When they broke apart, he rested his forehead against hers, his voice a whisper, "I told you, Ana Lucía. I'll always take care of you."

Her heart ached at his words, but the possessiveness in his eyes made her stomach churn. She wanted to believe this was love, that he was her saviour and not her captor in disguise.

"You're safe now," he said, his thumb brushing against her cheek. "But you know you can't keep running from me, right?" he said softly, his tone affectionate yet firm.

She nodded, her voice barely a whisper, "I know."

"You're mine," he continued, brushing a tear from her cheek. "No one gets to touch you, look at you, think about you unless I say so. You understand me?"

A flicker of hesitation crossed her face, but she nodded again, "I understand, baby. I'm all yours."

His smile returned, softer this time, almost tender, "That's my girl."

He kissed her, his lips warm and firm against hers, and for a moment, she allowed herself to sink into it. The love, the passion—it felt so real, so all-consuming.

But as he pulled back, his hand remained firm on her waist, his fingers digging in just enough to remind her that this love came with a price.

***

Oscar's condo was dimly lit, the golden glow of a single lamp casting shadows on the walls. The city's distant hum seeped through the windows, but inside, it was quiet—too quiet.

Alu sat on Oscar's lap, straddling him on the worn leather couch. The air between them crackled with intensity, a mix of longing, anger, and something darker. She cupped his face, her fingers trembling as she looked into his eyes, searching for something—reassurance, love, anything to convince herself this was right, "I missed you," she whispered, her voice shaky but sincere.

His hands gripped her hips, his fingers digging into her skin as he leaned in, pressing his forehead to hers, "You were never his—always mine," he murmured, his tone soft yet possessive.

Her lips met his, the kiss starting tender but quickly escalating, fueled by desperation and years of separation. She moved against him, her body finding its rhythm as his hands roamed her back, pulling her closer, anchoring her to him.

"I thought about you every damn day," he said against her lips, his voice low and rough. "Every night without you, I felt like I was going insane. No one can fuck me like you can, baby." 

Her breath hitched as she whispered, "I never stopped loving you, Os. Even when I tried...I couldn't." 

A dark smirk tugged at the corner of his lips, "Damn right you couldn't" he growled, his hands sliding up her thighs, gripping her as if he could fuse her to him.

She began to move faster, their breaths mingling as the intensity between them built. His head fell back against the couch, his dark eyes locking onto hers, "You belong to me, Ana Lucía," he said, his voice a husky command.

"Yes," she whispered, her hands bracing against his chest as she rode him, her movements faltering under the weight of his words.

"Say it," he demanded, his grip tightening on her hips, making her wince. "Say you're mine." 

"I'm yours," she choked out, her voice trembling.

His hands moved up to her waist, his touch firm but not cruel. Then one hand slid to her neck, wrapping around it with a grip that was firm but not suffocating. The gesture sent a shiver down her spine—half fear, half exhilaration. The control he exerted over her sent her pulse racing.

"You feel that?" he asked, his eyes blazing with intensity as his thumb brushed over her throat. "I'm sorry, Ana Lucía...I never meant to hurt you like that," he murmured, his hand gripping her neck possessively as he thrust into her, his voice a low, broken growl. "But you push me, baby—you know how I get when you don't listen, when you make me feel like I'm losing you."

His eyes locked onto hers, dark and intense, as he tightened his hold on her, "You drive me crazy, darling. It's your fault I care this much...your fault I can't control myself when it comes to you. You make me weak, and I hate it...but I love you too damn much to ever let you go."

She nodded, her hands trembling as they rested against his shoulders, "I know."

"Good," he murmured, his grip loosening slightly as his other hand slid up her back. "Because I'd burn the whole damn world down for you, Ana Lucía Ortiz. I'd kill anyone who tried to take you from me."

Her breath hitched, and for a moment, she stopped moving, staring down at him, "Oh, Ossy..." 

He pulled her closer, his teeth grazing her ear, "You're all I need. All I'll ever need. Don't ever leave me again." 

"I won't," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "I promise."

Their pace quickened again, the room filling with the sounds of their shared passion. It was intoxicating, overwhelming, the lines between love and possession blurring with every kiss, every touch.

As they both reached the edge, he tightened his grip on her neck just slightly, his lips crashing against hers in a bruising kiss, "Say it again," he growled against her mouth.

"I'm yours!" she cried, her voice breaking as they both fell into the abyss together.

In the aftermath, they stayed tangled together, her head resting on his chest as his fingers traced circles on that tattoo that was still inked into the skin of her back, making him smirk. For a moment, it felt like they had found their way back to each other, the storm outside forgotten.

But as his hand slid back to her neck, his thumb brushing the faint mark he'd left, Alu couldn't help but feel the possessiveness lingering in his touch—a reminder that, in Oscar's world, love and control were one and the same.  

But Alu was playing her own game. 

She had mastered the art of survival, turning the cage of possession into her own playground. She had grown into a woman who knew how to thrive in a world where a man's obsession was both her prison and her weapon. She played the game with a calculating grace, her every move deliberate, her every word dripping with allure.

She wielded their infatuation like a blade, knowing that as long as they believed she was theirs, they'd protect her fiercely, blindly. And she used that protection to her advantage, securing her safety, her freedom—until the moment she no longer needed them.

Then, like smoke in the wind, she'd vanish, leaving nothing behind but the sting of betrayal and the echoes of her laughter. She would never be owned again, for Alu Ortiz was no man's possession. She was the black widow, spinning her web, drawing them in, and escaping before they realised the predator she truly was.

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