Chapter 86: Desires and Conspiracies

The next morning, under the scorching Miami sun, Rebecca and Johnny were enjoying the luxurious pool at the Hahn mansion. They were both relaxed, enjoying the life of wealth they had stolen. Rebecca was basking in the warmth of the sun on her lounge chair while Johnny, wearing sunglasses, seemed lost in thought. The tranquility was interrupted when Kevin appeared, in a hurry.

"Boss, I have important information."

"So early? What happened?" Johnny raised his eyebrows, without moving much.

"Isak... he jumped off a building."

Johnny, who had been slouched on the lounge chair, sat up abruptly, taking off his glasses with a brusque movement. "He jumped? Out of nowhere?"

"I don't know, boss. It's weird. From the little I knew of him, he didn't seem like the type to do that. And what's more, it was on the national news."

Johnny shook his head thoughtfully. "Okay, Kevin. You can go."

"Do you want me to do something about it?"

"Not yet. I need to figure out what's going on first."

As Kevin left, Johnny was lost in thought. Rebecca, without even looking at him, broke the silence with her ironic voice:

"Who was this Isak guy? What did he do in your organization?"

"He was part of Benjamin Hahn's group. He helped me a lot with everything that happened. He was a cold, calculating and brilliant guy. He had an impeccable plan to find Bella." Johnny took a deep breath. "He was a natural articulator, manipulator and... well, an excellent torturer."

"Are you going to cry?" Rebecca finally turned her head to him, with a mocking smile. "So much flattery for someone who was just another subordinate. I didn't know you were attached to the riffraff. And another thing: he deserved what happened, out of pure stupidity."

Johnny looked at her, confused. "What do you mean?"

"Aarh! Haven't you realized yet? That interview with Bella in the magazine was a trap for you. She wanted to attract you, to catch you. I don't know why you're so obsessed with her. Or maybe... you loved her and it turned into revenge."
Rebecca turned back to the sun, her voice full of contempt. Johnny was silent for a few seconds before admitting, "Okay. I loved her." Rebecca couldn't help but chuckle, but Johnny continued, "But that's in the past. Before anything else, my father had a plan, a dream. He wanted to be the king of everything around here. To do that, we needed to eliminate one of the big bad guys and his entire legacy. That's when the perfect opportunity came up: marrying Anthony Hahn's daughter. It was something no one would suspect, since we'd been friends since we were teenagers." 

"What a long story," Rebecca huffed, bored. "Save it for whoever wants to hear it, maybe your future grandchildren. Now, we need to be practical. The death of this subordinate of yours is a clear message to us. Despite the tragedy that eliminated the children of the mafia, there are still people fighting on their behalf." Johnny nodded. "Yes, I agree. But what do you suggest?" "Simple. Let's take one territory at a time. Miami is our backyard, so let them come to us. Let's not invade the territory that has clearly become Bella's and her subordinates'. When they get here, we'll eliminate them one by one." Rebecca dove into the pool with elegance, leaving Johnny alone with his thoughts. He frowned, lost in a reverie. "What if she didn't die? No, that's impossible," he muttered, before smiling as if mocking his own idea. Then he stood up and joined Rebecca in the water, while the sun's brightness reflected on the pool's impeccable tiles, illuminating a scene where alliances and betrayals were always lurking.

In New York, Bella was in her office, surrounded by her three subordinates, as they reviewed the current state of security. "Everything seems normal for now," they concluded. But a firm knock on the door interrupted the meeting.

"Can we talk?"

"Come in, please. We're done for now. Keep me posted if you find that co-pilot," Bella said firmly, dismissing her subordinates. They nodded in agreement, but gave DK crooked glances as they passed him.

Dylan closed the door behind him, walking toward Bella. "You've got some men who are truly good at what they do. Plus, they're loyal. I know you don't need it, but I want to say I'm very proud of you."

"You're right. I don't need your praise, especially since you're not my father."

"So what are we then?" Dylan stopped next to the wooden table where Bella was standing, his voice carrying a subtle tease.

"You're the father of my child. That's all."

"Really?" He leaned in, whispering in her ear. The heat of his words made Bella lean against the piece of furniture behind her. Her heart raced, her breathing became heavy, and her body felt like it was burning under the tension of the moment. But she resisted, trying to maintain her composure.

"Yes, I'm sure."

"No, you don't. And you know it." Dylan didn't give her time for answers. In one swift movement, he pulled Bella close, their eyes meeting in rapturous silence. Before she could resist, Bella gave in. Her lips met his in a kiss full of desire, longing and intensity.

Their bodies were so close that it was impossible to tell where one ended and the other began. Dylan lifted her with ease, sitting her on the table. His lips moved down her neck, causing shivers that Bella couldn't control. He knew exactly where to touch her to make her surrender. His hands slid under her blouse, exploring her body with a confidence that only time and shared intimacy could allow.

But just as Dylan began to unbutton his own pants, the door opened abruptly.

"Carter?" Bella murmured, trying to compose herself as she buttoned her clothes.

"Théo is calling you," the doctor announced, apparently oblivious to the scene he had interrupted. Bella gave Dylan one last look before leaving, frustrated but resigned.

"He's my son. I can't ignore him." As soon as she left, Carter remained in the doorway, staring at DK with a mocking smile. "You did that on purpose, didn't you?" Dylan asked, narrowing his eyes. "Hmm... that's right," Carter replied cheekily.

"As long as we're in the same house, I'm going to try to win Bella over." "Good luck. But a word of advice: don't turn this into a competition. Bella is independent and knows what she wants. Don't treat her like a trophy." 

"Advice noted," Carter replied, with little interest, as he headed to Théo's room. In Théo's room, Bella was touching her son's forehead, who was sleeping peacefully.

"Did he summon me while he was sleeping?" she asked, frowning. "He had a fever and pain, but he's already asleep now that I gave him some medicine," Carter explained.

"Really? It seems that your medicine is working well. The fever has already gone down. Thank you, Carter."

"If you want, you can go back to what you were doing. I'll stay here with him, after all, I have nothing else to do."

"If you prefer, go to the games room. There's a giant TV and lots of movies available, or if you prefer there are other games like arcade games and pool."

"Are you dismissing me again, Miss Bella? That way I'll be offended."

"I'm just giving you options, since I said I had nothing to do."

Carter smiled, but was interrupted by Theo, who opened his eyes.

"Son, how are you feeling?" Bella asked.

"Much better. But I'm hungry."

"Then take a warm bath and come down for lunch."

Theo obeyed, and Bella headed for the door, but Carter grabbed her hand. He pulled her gently, with a smile that had an air of challenge.

"How about we do what we started on the phone that day?"

Bella looked at him, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. "What?"