Mine to Burn King's Den

...

Late evening

Club Montoya

The bass from the club below pulsed like a heartbeat through the walls, low and seductive.

Neon lights danced across the glass, but inside Mathías Reyes's private suite, the world was quieter—darker.

The kind of quiet that came before a bullet.

Mathías sat back in the velvet armchair, cigar resting between two fingers, his other hand swirling a glass of dark brandy.

Mathías Reyes (ML)

Around him, his most trusted lieutenants stood or lounged — weapons always within reach, smiles never fully reaching their eyes.

？？？

Los envíos llegaron tarde otra vez *grunted*

？？？

[The shipment arrived late again.]

？？？

If this keeps happening, we’re going to have a problem with the Albanians.

Mathías Reyes (ML)

*exhaled smoke slowly*

Mathías Reyes (ML)

Then make sure it doesn’t happen again. ❄❄

Mathías Reyes (ML)

I don’t pay you to bring me problems, Luis. ❄❄

Mathías Reyes (ML)

I pay you to remove them. ❄❄

Luis Pérez (ML Right-hand)

*gulped* Sí, jefe. [Yes, boss]

？？？

*leaned forward* And the French?

？？？

They’ve been sniffing around the southern routes.

Mathías Reyes (ML)

*gaze sharpened* Let them sniff.

Mathías Reyes (ML)

If they get too close, I’ll cut off their tongues. ❄❄

That earned a few dry chuckles, but no one laughed too loud.

Mathías Reyes wasn’t in the mood for games tonight.

His shirt sleeves were rolled, two buttons undone at the collar, and his watch gleamed like a loaded gun.

He swirled his drink again, his voice low and smooth.

Mathías Reyes (ML)

And someone find out where the hell Valeria’s been sneaking off to. ❄

Mathías Reyes (ML)

She’s hiding something. ❄

Luis Pérez (ML Right-hand)

*raised an eyebrow*

Luis Pérez (ML Right-hand)

She’s twenty-two. Probably has a boyfriend.

Mathías Reyes (ML)

*eyes turned glacial*

Mathías Reyes (ML)

She knows better.❄❄

___

Lyssa Abramov stepped into Club Montoya like it belonged to her.

Head high, lips painted the color of crushed roses, and a red silk dress that clung like it had secrets stitched into every seam.

Lyssa Abramov (FL)

Heels clicking against the marble with a rhythm that made men turn and women stare.

Valeria’s voice rang in her head from earlier:

Valeria Reyes (ML Lil'Sis/FL BFF)

“Red? You’re seriously going to wear red? Are you trying to die?”

Lyssa Abramov (FL)

"Darling", *smirked*

Lyssa Abramov (FL)

“what’s life without a little blood?”

The lights in the club flickered like fireflies. The bass thumped through the floor.

And Lyssa, cool as ever, made her way to the bar counter, sliding onto a velvet stool like it was a throne.

Bartender

*glanced up* ¿Qué quieres, señorita?

Bartender

[What do you want, miss?]

Lyssa Abramov (FL)

*smiles* Something sweet… and strong.

Lyssa Abramov (FL)

Like revenge~

The bartender blinked, unsure if it was a joke. Then nodded and got to work.

Lyssa Abramov (FL)

*crossed one leg over the other*

She didn't glance toward the VIP balcony. Didn’t crane her neck. Didn’t fidget.

She just waited.

Because he would come.

______________________