Alicia Bennett’s life turns upside down when she’s caught in a dangerous web of lies, betrayal, and crime. After being drugged and set up by her own husband, Joshua, she finds herself entangled with Caden Ward, a mysterious man with his own dark past. Together, they uncover a powerful criminal group called the Syndicate, led by the ruthless Victor Kane. As they race to expose the truth, Alicia and Caden face constant danger, narrow escapes, and shocking revelations. But just when they think they’ve won, they realize the Syndicate’s reach goes deeper than they ever imagined.
With Kane arrested, Alicia and Caden believe they’re finally safe, but the Syndicate isn’t done yet. As they plan their next move, they discover that Kane’s arrest was only the beginning. The Syndicate is regrouping, and they’re coming for Alicia and Caden with everything they’ve got. Will they be able to outsmart their enemies and bring the Syndicate down for good, or will they become the next victims in a deadly game of power and revenge? The stakes are higher than ever, and one wrong move could cost them everything.
Chapter 1: Still A Virgin
In a luxurious private cinema, where the lights were dim and the atmosphere was rich, a high-end jewelry auction was being broadcast live. The auctioneer’s voice boomed through the room, announcing bids with dramatic flair. But Alicia Bennett wasn’t paying attention. Her mind was completely occupied by the man beneath her.
His presence was overwhelming, his intensity driving her to bite down on his shoulder, trying to steady herself. The man didn’t stop or slow down. Instead, he grunted and tightened his grip around her waist, forcing her body to move with his rhythm.
“Loosen up,” he said, his voice rough and strained.
Alicia, still biting his shoulder, hesitated. She slowly released her grip, her teeth letting go. She was about to apologize when he let out a low, teasing laugh. “That’s not the part I asked you to loosen.”
Alicia froze, her cheeks burning with embarrassment. The apology died in her throat, replaced by a deep flush of shame. But the tension between them only grew stronger, their bodies locked in a fierce, passionate struggle.
Meanwhile, the auctioneer’s voice cut through the room again. “Sold for ten million! Let’s give a round of applause to Mr. Joshua Yates!”
Hearing that name hit Alicia like a bolt of lightning. Her body stiffened, and the man noticed. He paused, his eyes flicking toward the screen where the camera zoomed in on Joshua Yates’s face. The man smirked, his lips brushing against Alicia’s ear.
“Joshua Yates, the second son of the Yates family… an acquaintance of yours?” he teased, nibbling her earlobe.
Alicia frowned, her irritation flaring. “Is gossip part of your services too?” she snapped, her voice icy.
He chuckled, not denying her accusation. Instead, his grip tightened, his movements becoming more intense, as if challenging her. The room seemed to pulse with their passion, their breaths mingling as they reached a climax.
When it was over, Alicia waited until the man was in the shower before quietly slipping away. She left a stack of cash on the chair and crept out the door, wincing at the soreness between her legs.
When the man, Caden Ward, emerged from the bathroom, he noticed the money on the chair. A smirk played on his lips as he lit a cigarette and sat down, toying with the bills. Moments later, his assistant, Hank, rushed in, clearly flustered.
“I’m sorry, Mr. Ward. I’ll have her brought back immediately,” Hank stammered, noticing the lingering scent of sex in the air.
Caden waved him off, exhaling a stream of smoke. “No need. I was… a willing participant.”
Hank’s eyes widened in shock. He noticed the faint red marks on Caden’s chest and felt his head spin. Caden had never been with a woman before, and there were even rumors about him having some secret condition. But now, those rumors seemed to be shattered.
Before Hank could process what had happened, Caden’s voice cut through his thoughts. “I want you to look into Joshua Yates’s personal life. Have the report on my desk in half an hour.”
Caden couldn’t stop thinking about Alicia. She had stumbled into his room, clearly drugged, and he had lost control. What surprised him most was discovering that she was still a virgin, despite being married to Joshua for two years. The thought intrigued him, and a satisfied smile crept across his face.
Meanwhile, Alicia returned home as the sun began to rise. She paused at the door, angry and exhausted. The man she had been with had pushed her to her limits, and she couldn’t shake the feeling that she had been taken advantage of.
Before she could dwell on it further, her phone rang. It was her best friend, Monica.
“Alicia!” Monica’s voice was frantic with worry. “Are you okay?”
“I’ve been better,” Alicia replied, kicking off her shoes.
Monica’s anger flared. “Joshua is such a jerk! If he doesn’t want to stay married, he should just divorce you! What kind of man schemes against his own wife?”
Alicia’s heart ached with betrayal. The night before had been their second anniversary. Joshua had texted her, suggesting they celebrate. She had dressed up, hoping for a change, only to be met with a drugged drink and a night of confusion.
“It’s fine, Monica. I’ll handle it,” Alicia said, though her voice lacked conviction.
Monica wasn’t convinced. “Handle it? Just say the word, and I’ll be there with my sharpest heels, ready to kick him where it hurts!”
Alicia managed a small smile, but her heart was heavy. Then Monica’s tone shifted, curiosity creeping into her voice. “But seriously, who was that guy you were with last night?”
Alicia froze. “Didn’t you hire a male escort for me?” she asked nervously.
“I did call one,” Monica said, her voice serious. “But you never showed up. He texted me this morning, saying he waited all night and didn’t see you. So… who were you with?”
Alicia’s breath caught as the realization hit her. Before she could respond, the door to her bedroom creaked open. She looked up and felt her stomach drop. Standing there, fresh from the shower with a towel around his waist, was Joshua. His damp hair clung to his forehead as he stared at her, his voice low and threatening.
“What male escort?” he demanded.