Ruthless Royalty, page 1
RUTHLESS ROYALTY
J TARR
Copyright © 2024 J. Tarr. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law. For permission requests, contact Nicole Tarr on nicolejtarr2016@gmail.com
The story, all names, characters, and incidents portrayed in this production are fictitious. No identification with actual persons (living or deceased), places, buildings, and products is intended or should be inferred.
This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that neither the author nor the publisher is engaged in rendering legal, investment, accounting or other professional services. While the publisher and author have used their best efforts in preparing this book, they make no representations or warranties with respect to the accuracy or completeness of the contents of this book and specifically disclaim any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. No warranty may be created or extended by sales representatives or written sales materials. The advice and strategies contained herein may not be suitable for your situation. You should consult with a professional when appropriate. Neither the publisher nor the author shall be liable for any loss of profit or any other commercial damages, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential, personal, or other damages.
First edition 2024
Remember, even the ruthless can fall to their knees.
CONTENTS
Trigger Warnings
The Five Crowns
Chiara
Chiara
Chiara
Chiara
Chiara
Chiara
Chiara
Giovanni
Chiara
Chiara
Chiara
Chiara
Chiara
Giovanni
Giovanni
Giovanni
Chiara
Chiara
Giovanni
Chiara
Chiara
Giovanni
Chiara
Giovanni
Chiara
Giovanni
Giovanni
Chiara
Giovanni
Chiara
Giovanni
Giovanni
Chiara
Chiara
Chiara
Giovanni
Chiara
Giovanni
Giovanni
Chiara
Chiara
Chiara
Giovanni
Chiara
Chiara
Giovanni
Giovanni
Chiara
Chiara
Giovanni
Chiara
Epilogue - Chiara
Reckless Royalty
Afterword
Acknowledgments
TRIGGER WARNINGS
This book contains mature and potentially distressing content that may not be suitable for all readers. The following trigger warnings are provided to ensure that you can engage with the story in a way that is comfortable for you. Please proceed with caution.
Sexual Content with Dubious Consent
Primal Play
Violence and Physical Abuse
Consensual Non Consent
Gun Play (but not what you think)
Depictions of trauma, PTSD, depression, or anxiety.
BDSM/Power Dynamics
Possessive/Obsessive Behavior
Mentions or depictions of self-harm
Death, murder, or mentions of criminal activities
Sexual Assault
Explicit Language
Stalking
Kidnapping
Power Imbalance
THE FIVE CROWNS
The Basile Family
Cosa Nostra
Head of the Family: Vito Basile
Vito Basile, a man revered and feared in equal measure, oversees a vast empire built on a foundation of corruption and cunning. His influence stretches from the highest political offices to the darkest corners of the underworld.
Heir: Giovanni Basile
Giovanni, his only son, is a charismatic and ruthless leader in training. With a keen mind for strategy and a natural charm, he’s poised to take over the family’s operations.
At Willow Bridge, Giovanni focuses on political science and economics, mastering the skills needed for political corruption and financial manipulation.
Specialty: Organized crime, political corruption, financial manipulation.
The Mikhailov Family
Russian Bratva
Head of the Family: Dmitri Mikhailov
Dmitri Mikhailov commands respect through sheer force of will and a reputation for brutality. His operations are extensive and meticulously organized, with a keen eye for exploiting weaknesses in both enemies and allies.
Heir: Nikolai Mikhailov
Nikolai, Dmitri’s only child, is a tech prodigy with a penchant for creating chaos. His expertise in cyber warfare makes him a valuable asset to the family.
At Willow Bridge, he excels in computer science and engineering, preparing to expand the family’s cybercrime empire.
Specialty: Arms dealing, drug trafficking, cybercrime, high-level assassinations.
The Vasile Family
Romanian Mob
Head of the Family: Ion Vasile
Ion Vasile is known for his strategic brilliance and ruthless efficiency. His operations are smooth and calculated, ensuring that every move is executed with precision.
Heir: Mihai Vasile
Mihai is as intelligent and calculated as his father. Fluent in multiple languages and skilled in negotiation, he is being groomed to handle international dealings.
At Willow Bridge, Mihai studies international law and business, preparing to manage the family’s extensive smuggling and money laundering operations.
Specialty: Money laundering, smuggling, black market operations.
The Cunningham Family
Irish Mob
Head of the Family: Declan Cunningham
Declan Cunningham, a charismatic and shrewd leader, has built his empire on loyalty and fear. His influence reaches deep into the political landscape, using blackmail and intimidation to maintain control.
Heir: Connor Cunningham
Connor is known for his sharp wit and brutal efficiency. Trained in the arts of persuasion and coercion, he focuses on drug trafficking and extortion.
At Willow Bridge, Connor excels in psychology and political science, perfecting the skills needed to manipulate both people and systems.
Specialty: Drug trafficking, extortion, political influence, gambling operations.
The Reyes Family
Cartel
Head of the Family: Santiago Reyes
Santiago Reyes is a ruthless and ambitious leader, expanding his cartel’s influence with a blend of fear and rewards. His rule is absolute, ensuring loyalty through any means necessary.
Heir: Sofia Reyes
Sofia, Santiago’s eldest daughter, is as fierce as she is intelligent. With a strong understanding of business and a strategic mind, she is set to take the reins of the family cartel.
At Willow Bridge, Sofia’s studies business administration and criminology, skills essential for managing the family’s narcotics trade and territorial control.
Specialty: Drug manufacturing and distribution, kidnapping, territorial control.
CHIARA
When I stepped off the plane this evening, I had no idea what I was walking into. But finding out that my mother had gotten married in the two years I’d been abroad? That was definitely not on my radar.
First Alarm Bell: It was a goddamn private jet, not a commercial plane.
I hadn’t even known she was seeing someone, let alone that things had gotten serious enough for marriage. It would have made sense if we weren’t close or if we barely stayed in touch, but my mom is my best friend. We talk about everything.
It made me extremely fucking worried that she might have been forced into this sham of a marriage, but looking at her now, happy and wearing designer clothing with a huge diamond on her ring finger, something told me she was not forced at all.
Second Alarm Bell: my mother is not a material girl by any means. She’s as down to earth as me, and yet here she is, dressed to the fucking nines.
“What do you mean you’re married?” I exclaim as I look around the inside of the fancy as hell black car she picked me up in a few minutes ago. “You never even mentioned a guy!”
The sheepish look on her face makes me cringe, and I force myself to at least hear her out before I start swinging. She takes my hand, looks down at it and then back up at me. I realize then that she was wearing makeup as well.
Who is this, and what has she done with my mother?
“I know it’s a shock, baby, but I need you to understand that this was what I wanted, okay? Dmitri treats me really well and we love each other. I just didn’t know how to tell you how it all happened while you were in Europe,” she explains, but it still makes no sense to me.
“I don’t know, Mom, you could have texted me? ‘Hey, I met a guy and we’re quite serious.’ I think I would have appreciated that more instead of being completely left out of your life like this,“ I say an
This is honestly so bizarre to me, but I’m more hurt than anything else. Who keeps an entire relationship and marriage from their only child?
“I’m sorry, Chiara,” she says, and I can tell by the look on her face that she really is sorry. “I know nothing I say will make it up to you, but I want to start today, if you still want to be part of my life after we get to the house.”
I snort. “Why wouldn’t I want to be part of your life after all this—”
My words are cut short when I hear the sound of heavy gates swinging open and my eyes nearly pop out of their sockets as I take in the scene in front of me. ‘House’ was a polite term to describe what I was seeing. No, ‘House’ doesn’t even cover it.
It’s a fucking mansion.
An entire estate with sprawling manicured lawns, expensive cars parked in the cobblestoned driveway and even a goddamn fountain. I don’t even want to touch on how arrogantly large the mansion is because no words could possibly do it justice.
What in the fuck did my Mom marry into? Who is this guy?
“I know you’re confused,” she says, snapping me out of my thoughts. “And I promise I’ll explain it later. But for now, Dmitri is waiting inside to meet you. I just ask that you … try not to ask too many questions.”
“Oh, Mom, I have more than a few questions right now,” I murmur as the SUV comes to a stop in front of the large wooden doors. It’s only then that I noticed the guy walking down the marble front steps.
He’s wearing a black three piece suit, but I can tell this man was well-built. His blond hair is slicked back, blue eyes filled with…adoration as he looks at my mother while opening the SUV door for her.
He kisses her cheek and steps back as I get out as well, nodding slightly when we make eye contact. I don’t know how to read this man at all; not with the way he was assessing me by looking me up and down.
“You must be Chiara,” he says with a slight accent, holding out his hand to me. “Your mother has told me so much about you. I trust your flight was okay?”
“My flight was perfect, thank you,” I respond as I shake his hand. “And you must be Dmitri. I wish I could say the same about you, seeing as I only found out about you five minutes ago.”
I know, I know. That was really petty, but what do you want me to do? My mother just dropped a bombshell on me and I’m literally still reeling from that. Then to find out that this man might be a millionaire? What is my life right now?
My mother looks nervous, but Dmitri simply chuckles as he turns to her.
“I like her, she speaks what’s on her mind,” he says, then he looks at me again, eyes filled with mirth. “I understand that you’re confused about everything, but I promise that I have taken care of your mother for the last year and a half we’ve been together. I love her, and that’s not going to change any time soon. But that’s enough about me. Let’s have dinner.”
And after that whiplash, Dmitri takes my mother’s hand and leads us inside.
What the heck am I supposed to think? None of this is making sense to me at all. How did they even meet? How long have they known each other? I know absolutely nothing about their relationship, just that they’re married and he’s super handsome and wealthy.
I don’t even know where to look when we’re inside, I can just tell that everything is expensive. Dmitri mentions that my luggage will be taken to my room and I wonder how that will look.
“Will Nikolai be joining us?” my Mom asks as we walk into a massive dining room.
Dmitri nods. “He’ll be down momentarily,” he replies, sitting down at the head of the table and that’s it.
I look at both of them with a frown. Was anyone going to tell me who the hell this Nikolai is, or am I just supposed to guess? Deciding to just let it go, I scoff and sit down next to my mother just as I hear footsteps approaching us.
If I thought Dmitri was handsome, this guy could be his damn twin. Only, his blond hair isn’t slicked back; it’s styled with a rebellious edge, almost tousled. And those eyes— they’re an even icier shade of blue. A crowned skull tattoo marks the side of his neck, while a playing card diamond symbol decorates his right ring finger.
He nods at my mom and Dmitri, before taking a seat opposite me.
I feel underdressed in jeans and a t-shirt while they’re all dressed as if they’re going to a damn fashion event. He has his shirt sleeves rolled up and I can see both of his arms are literally bulging.
He sees me looking at him and smirks; I decide right then and there that this guy is an asshole.
“You must be my new little sister,” he says and cocks his head to the side. “Chiara.”
I feel my face heating up with the way he’s looking at me, but more out of annoyance than anything else. I can tell this guy is used to getting everything he wants out of life, so he won’t have the satisfaction of my discomfort.
“And you are?” I ask, keeping my voice as disinterested as possible, but that only makes him grin more.
“Nikolai,” Dmitri says in a stern voice and I turn my head to look at him. “The least you can do is introduce yourself properly since you will be responsible for her at Willow Bridge.”
Nikolai rolls his eyes and scoffs. “Christ, are you really going to make me babysit her—”
“Wait, what?” I interject, looking at everyone at the table. Everyone seems to be in on this, and yet again, I am left out. “What are you talking about? What is Willow Bridge?”
My mom looks uncomfortable next to me as she lets out a sigh. “Can we have dinner first then discuss this?” she asks, then she looks at me. “I promise that I’ll tell you everything you need to know afterwards, okay?”
Nikolai mumbles something in what sounds like Russian and Dmitri shoots him a glare. I don’t like this at all. I haven’t even been in this house for five minutes and yet again, I am being hit with surprises. The entire fucking day has been nothing but shocker after shocker.
So what the hell am I in for now?
CHIARA
Dinner is delicious but it passes in an uncomfortable silence and as soon as it’s over, I’m filled with nerves. What did I walk into when I stepped off that plane nearly two hours ago?
Dmitri gets to his feet and gestures for us to follow him into a different room. While there, he pours a glass of wine each for me and my mom, and his son pours what looks like bourbon for the two of them.
My mother sits next to me on the leather sofa, while Dmitri takes a seat opposite me and Nikolai remains standing. When he hands the glass to his father, I can see a signet ring glinting on his left forefinger.
“Now, Chiara, I apologize for how confused you must be right now. I realize nothing has made sense since you stepped off that plane today,” Dmitri starts and I can do nothing but nod.
My mom places a hand on my knee, and it makes me face her. “You mentioned wanting to study further when you came back from Europe. Are you still interested in it?”
I can’t help but frown at the direction she’s steering this. “Of course. RISD accepted me a few months ago and I’m due to start in the fall.”
Nikolai scoffs. “Rhode Island School of Design? There are better places,” he says and I glare at him.
“Well I don’t exactly have thousands of dollars laying around. I have a full ride waiting for me, and won’t have the likes of you looking down on me just because you were born with a silver spoon in your mouth.”
This seems to wipe the smirk from his face and he returns my glare just as Dmitri chuckles.
“As much as I love to hear that you have an interest in studying further, I don’t think RISD will be a good fit for you,” he says and I’m about to protest, when he holds up a hand. “My family has shares in a prestigious Academy called Willow Bridge. It’s situated in Scotland and will have everything you need to study further. Everything will be paid for, your board, lodging, whatever textbooks you may need and art supplies. All you need to do is attend from September.”
I nearly drop the wineglass I’m holding and stare at Dmitri, then back at my mom. The look on both of their faces tell me that this isn’t some elaborate hoax.
