✔️ ILLICIT DESIRES | 18 +

Chapter 6

ROMAN

I inhale Mexico.

The air reeks of impending shambles and death. My vile hands — The Devil's tools, ready to cause great havoc — have reached their destination.

Every step I take brings me closer to the turmoil that will erupt tonight, dragging Hell up to meet the Earth and its rotten inhabitants, engulfing them in fire and burning them down into Hell.

"Welcome to Mexico, my friend," a voice greets me, warm and hollow. Francisco, a high-ranking leader in this area, pulls me into an embrace. Though, the solace is not hot as Hell. Yet, welcoming.

"You look like shit," he says bluntly, his eyes scanning my face. Of course, I look like Hell — I'm worn out after devising a massacre with the Devil on my left shoulder; my body begging me like a sub to sleep, yet my will dominating and staying awake.

"And you look like you're already stuck with one foot in the grave," I mock, patting his back with taunting empathy. "Soon, resting in peace — in Hell."

"Fuck off," he barks, shoving me away with a playful push, shaking his head. "Same old Esposito. Nothing's changed. Just a little more... seasoned as well."

"Women like their men seasoned," I reply with a sly smirk, turning his taunt into a compliment. "Let's move on. The wedding's today, and we're running out of time."

He gestures toward the waiting car. As we slide into the seats, he asks casually, "So, what's new with you? Settled down yet? Still single? Got kids?" He lights a cigarette and hands me one, the tip glowing like a tiny warning.

"Why? Planning to marry me off to your daughter?" I reply, lighting the cigarette and exhaling a trail of smoke. This is what I needed after a bottle of champagne — a taste of nicotine to calm my nerves further.

Being a protective father, his expression hardens. "Hands off my little princess, Roman. I'm serious." His little princess.

This makes me chuckle, rolling my eyes. If he knew his little princess jumped on the Devil's tool, sinning like the whore she is, he would probably step both feet in the grave and fall dead.

"Relax, Francisco. I'm not interested." I only like the taste once before moving on. Yet the taste of Gaia is still on the tip of my tongue — the only sweetness I'd like to savor again and again.

I lean back in the seat, cigarette in hand, relishing the bitter taste of tobacco, trying to forget the illicit taste I still desire after a year.

I have to focus anyway. Tonight, ominous intentions loom over Mexico. It'll turn into a battleground — and a graveyard.

*****

The ride did not take long. The distance to our destination was short; we arrived in a haze. I step out of the car and follow him toward his home — a mansion. Last time I visited him in his home, I sinned with his little princess.

"The meeting is ready in the room. The men are waiting," he announces, gesturing to a dimly lit doorway to the left. I respond with a subtle nod before he leads the way inside.

I stop short, the sight before me making me ask Lucifer if he doesn't want a massacre tonight? I mean, come on! Five men. Just five. The number is enough to rob a bank, but not enough for a massacre.

"Don't tell me this is all you've got," I growl, my voice low but sharp, my frustration leaking like my anger radiating in the room. This must be a sick joke.

"Of course not," he replies smoothly, his response calming my demons down. "These gentlemen are the leaders and guardians of the districts in Mexico. Each commands an army of men who await your orders. Whatever you need, they will provide."