The Don's Gambit (Blood Vendetta Book 1): Blood Vendetta, #1

By A. Hayat

Lily lives in a refugee camp with her mother and father. One day, her father is approached by some men offering him work. He takes up the offer in the hope to provide for his family, but Lily never sees him again.

Soon later, her mother is shot dead escaping some rapists in the woods. With both of her parents gone, Lily is left to fend for herself, dragged into the heartbreaking, brutal world of human trafficking, when she comes across a man named Lazarus Landucci.

A tragic tale of love and loss, taking Lily from her childhood to her adulthood, and how she continues to fight the monsters from her past, no matter how hard she tries to move on...

NOT STANDALONE AND ENDS IN A CLIFFHANGER. ALL BOOKS NEED TO BE READ IN ORDER, TO UNDERSTAND THE STORY CORRECT

• Language: English
• Publisher: A. Hayat
• Release date: Nov 22, 2022
• ISBN: 9798215204160

Book preview

THE DON’S GAMBIT

Text copyright © 2021 by A. Hayat

Cover photograph purchased from stock website

The right of A. Hayat to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act, 1998.

This book is a work of fiction. Any references to historical events, real people, real companies or real places are used fictitiously. Other names, characters, places, and events are products of the author’s imagination, and any resemblance to actual events or places or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the author.

Apart from the original work written by the author, all songs, song titles and song lyrics contained in this book are the property of the respective songwriters and copyright holders.

This book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This book may not be re-sold, or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you are reading this book and didn’t purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to the author and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

To contact the author, reach her through Instagram @agkbooks

ALSO BY A. HAYAT

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NOTICES

This is not a standalone novel and is intended to unfold over a few volumes. It ends in a cliffhanger.

This is a dark depiction of the world of organized crime and mafia, not for the faint of heart.

This story contains mature themes, sexual situations, strong language, graphic violence and explores sensitive topics which some readers may find upsetting or triggering. Reader discretion is advised. Intended for adults 18+ only.

Please do not read this series if you are easily offended. The opinions expressed by the characters in no way reflect the opinions of the author.

If you relate to any of the topics discussed, such as domestic abuse, mental health, blackmail, extortion or assault, please remember that you are not alone. Speak to somebody, or call the Samaritans, Childline, the police and so on.

Any alternating point of views are made clear with the chapter title names.

BLURB

––––––––

In the chilling depths of Lily's childhood, she escaped the clutches of human trafficking, emerging as a resilient force against the shadows of her past. Now, a skilled federal agent, Lily is on a relentless mission for justice, but the ghosts she left behind refuse to be silenced.

She crosses paths with Zayn, a mysterious and magnetic figure with a past as tumultuous as Lily's own. Their worlds collide in a tempest of desire, and what ensues is an explosive affair—steamy, passionate, and laced with an intoxicating blend of obsession and infatuation. As they navigate the treacherous dance of love and danger, Lily and Zayn must confront not only external threats but the demons that haunt their own hearts.

From the gritty underworld of crime to the sizzling intensity of their shared passion, The Don’s Gambit is a thrilling tale of love and danger. Can Lily and Zayn find solace in each other's arms, or will the secrets of their pasts shatter the fragile connection they've forged?

In this seductive journey through the shadows, the line between love and danger blurs, and Lily and Zayn must decide if their fiery passion will be the key to salvation or the spark that ignites their destruction.

prologue

lazarus

I stood at the back of an alleyway on the other side of town, in a deserted area, where nobody would be able to see me.

I was in the middle of a business transaction, with a very rich, wealthy, and filthy motherfucker, who was going to make me a lot of money.

His name was Vladimir Potter.

I had a little girl with me, with short, black hair tied up in pigtails, and I’d got her to wear a pretty little dress, ready to meet the fucking customer.

She’s fresh meat, old man, I shrugged. Twelve years old, straight from Russia.

The man narrowed his eyes, eyeing up the little girl up and down with a predatory regard, a smile forming on the corners of his mouth, as she continued to sob underneath his gaze.

She is very beautiful. What’s her name? he rasped, his fingers tracing her collarbone.

Lily, I stated matter-of-factly.

The man took out his briefcase, quickly checking over the notes he had in there.

I’ll buy her for eight million, he offered. And please tell the bitch to stop crying.

He rolled his eyes.

Bring that up to ten million, and we have a deal, I grinned, letting my hand out for him to shake.

He nodded in agreement, and shook my hand.

I’d sold ten children today.

I knew that my partner in the mafia, Damon, had told me he was against human trafficking, but I didn’t give a fuck.

I was a heartless prick. I’d do anything for money.

And right now...

Money was all I cared about.

I needed lots of it, in order to take over Damon’s position in the business.

Damon was just a means to an end.

As soon as I’d learnt all the strategies off him and explained them to the Juarez cartel, we were going to take Damon out.

And his whore Raven, too.

I guess we have a deal, the creep smirked.

She’s yours, I winked. Have fun.

And then I turned on my heel, and made my way out of the alleyway.

Ready to set up a meeting with Damon’s connect behind his back.

***

- SECTION 1 -

––––––––

1

lily

I sprung awake from my sleep, panting profusely, and I let out a blood-curdling scream, my entire body convulsing and sweating with nerves.

Not another nightmare! I hounded, clutching my body in terror.

***

I clutched my mama’s body, pmping her chest desperately, doing my best to stop the bleeding as I screamed and wept, my tears pit-pattering onto her body in tiny little droplets.

She continued to bleed out from the gunshot wound. She continued to weaken underneath my grasp.

No Mama, please stay strong! I wept. I can't live without you!

She continued to struggle, spluttering out blood, as she struggled to keep herself upright.

My time has come to an end, my baby.

Her voice was so low, numb, empty, hollow and defeated.

Barely above a whisper.

And I could feel my lungs constrict in terror, as she said these words.

I couldn’t live without my mama...

My beautiful mama...

She couldn’t do this to me.

Take care of yourself, she whispered.

No Mama! I screamed, bawling. You're going to be just fine, I know you are! You can't leave me!

I trailed off my sentence, my voice cracking.

You need to fight it, isn't that what you're always telling me?

Mama shook her head no.

She was already admitting defeat.

I love you Lily, she murmured.

And those were the last words she said, before her head lulled backwards, and she stopped breathing.

Her eyes squeezing shut tight, as I felt my lungs constrict in terror.

Watching the horror play out in front of my eyes.

My own mother dying in front of me, in my arms, when I was just a child myself.

***

I can offer you work, and safe passage, said Lazarus. You won't have to suffer in these poor camp conditions anymore. I'll take care of you, Lily.

***

You know... Vladimir murmured, cocking his head to the side, the corners of his mouth curling upwards into a smirk. You're my favourite girl that I've had the pleasure of buying. My Lily. My beautiful little Lily.

***

Pathetic little bitch! Rupert screamed.

***

What have I told you about trying to run away?! Vladimir roared, balling his hands into fists, before swinging at my jaw. Now you will be punished!

***

Stupid bitch, you'll never escape! Lazarus roared. There's no way out of this!

***

No matter where you try to run, or where you try to hide... Vladimir murmured, rubbing his chin. I'll always find you, Lily. My beautiful Lily.

***

There's no way out, Lazarus gritted through clenched teeth.

***

No way out, Rupert gritted through clenched teeth.

***

No. Way. OUTTTTT!!! Vladimir screamed bloody murder.

***

2

lily

I jolted upwards, screaming so loudly, that I could feel my heart in my throat.

It felt like my heart had stopped in my chest, as all of the painful memories made their way back to the surface.

Baby, it's okay! Zayn said urgently, wrapping his arms around my body, pulling me close, soothing me and pressing his lips to my forehead. You were having a nightmare.

He trailed off his sentence, cupping my chin in his hands.

Come on, look at me.

I drew out a deep breath that I didn’t know I was holding, as I did my best to regain my composure, and come to the realization that I wasn’t in the dark place I was many years ago.

I was at home, with my beautiful boyfriend taking care of me.

Lazarus wasn’t here.

Vladimir Potter wasn’t here.

I was safe.

I shook my head, clutching my chest as my eyes welled with tears.

I saw her, Zayn! I cried out.

Saw who? Zayn denied.

My mom.

Zayn stared at me with a timid, sorrowful expression on his face.

I miss her so much, I whispered, swallowing down a lump in my throat.

He ran his fingers through my hair gently, doing his best to give me the reassurance that I needed, and soothe me.

I know you do, he breathed. Shh baby, I'm here.

I love you, I whispered.

I thought you were getting better at shutting away your bad dreams, he commented, shrugging doubtfully.

I've been trying so hard, I mumbled, shaking my head. I don't know what's been triggering them lately.

I trailed off my sentence, a tear rolling down my cheek.

Every time I close my eyes... I gritted through clenched teeth, balling my hands into fists. I see those monsters again. I remember every bad thing they did to me!

It's in the past now babe, they won't be coming back, Zayn promised me matter-of-factly, folding his arms. I'll protect you and look after you. You don’t have a single thing to worry about.

I drew out a sigh, before wiping my eyes.

I was so thankful to have such a caring and loving partner, who stayed here for me through thick and thin.

Through the bad times, as well as the good.

I loved him more than anything.

And I knew that with him by my side...

I had nothing to fear.

I know you will, I swallowed.

I broke off my sentence, suddenly feeling dejected.

God, I'm so sorry you have to put up with me, I mumbled. What did I do to deserve you?

Don't you dare say that! Zayn gritted. You mean everything to me, baby girl. I love you.

I could feel myself burning underneath his gaze, so warm and comforted in this moment.

What time is it? I asked, smiling.

Zayn took his phone from the bedside table, holding it out in front of his eyes, letting out an exasperated growl.

7AM.

Fuck, I muttered exhaustedly.

We don't have to go in to work today if you don't want to, Zayn offered, shrugging. We could go out instead, you need cheering up.

Nah, I'm not slacking, I retorted, folding my arms. I love my job too much.

He let out an appreciative chuckle.

Okay, I'm gonna go get ready, he shrugged.

I nodded back, and made my way to the mirror to get ready myself.

3

lily

I changed into a fitted white blouse, paired with a black skirt.

I stared at myself in the mirror, smoothing my hands over my ass, swiping my mouth with lipgloss, doing my best to look presentable.

Ready? Zayn asked, straightening his collar as he made his way back into the bedroom from the bathroom.

Yep, I smiled back, dusting myself off.

You look beautiful babe, he rasped, eyeing me up and down with a predatory regard.

I could feel my cheeks burning bright red as my heart hammered against my chest.

Only Zayn could make me feel this way.

It didn’t matter how many times he complimented me...

Each time would still feel like it was the first.

If I have to walk into work to see Dawson drooling over you again, he's getting a punch in the nose, he muttered, rolling his eyes.

I couldn’t help but to giggle in response.

Don't worry babe, I'm all yours, I remarked, with my hands on my hips.

I leant up on my tip-toes to give him a kiss, tangling my fingers into his hair as his hands trailed down my back, tracing small circles on my soft, silky skin, letting out a guttural groan against me as he pulled me even closer.

If you keep teasing me like that, we'll never get to work, Zayn growled.

I let out a low chuckle against his mouth, before withdrawing myself from his body, knowing that we needed to set off for work.

4

lily

We made our way inside the headquarters, ready to go to the office to meet with the manager.

As we trudged inside, we noticed Dawson standing at a desk, ruffling through some paperwork.

How you doing, Dawson? Zayn asked, shrugging his shoulders.

Dawson ignored Zayn's comment, darting his attention towards me instead, a smirk forming on the corners of his lips.

Hey Lily, he rasped. You look beautiful.

Me and Zayn both rolled our eyes and walked past him, ignoring his comment. Dawson had always fancied me ever since I'd worked here, and hadn't been much of a fan of Zayn, since Zayn was my boyfriend.

I couldn't help but to find the whole thing amusing.

What did I do wrong? Dawson called out after us, sighing disappointedly.

I let out a giggle, as me and Zayn continued to walk and ignore him.

5

lily

We arrived at our boss's office.

You alright, boss?

I was wondering when you two would show up, he remarked, folding his arms, his eyes darting upwards, as he watched us both walk into the room.

He put his paperwork to the side, taking steps closer to us.

You're late.

Me and Zayn began scratching our arms awkwardly, knowing that we didn't have an excuse for not being punctual.

We were secret agents...

We always had to be available whenever it was required of us.

Sorry, we lost track of time, Zayn apologized quickly, running his hands through his hair stressfully.

Boss shrugged his shoulders, not wanting to waste any more time.

It better not happen again, he muttered briefly, before cutting to the chase. Anyway, there's been some mass murders in Manhattan lately. I'll need you two to investigate these, and do what you can to find out who was behind them.

Fuck, Zayn heaved. Is there a pattern between them?

It's fucking brutal, Rafael admitted exhaustedly, tapping down against the whiteboard to indicate his case notes. It seems that a serial killer is on the loose. He kidnaps the girls, rapes them and then tortures them to death.

I jolted backwards, mortified at this revelation.

What a bastard, Zayn gritted through clenched teeth, balling his hands into fists, his veins pulsating their way to the surface of his skin alarmingly as his blood began to boil.

Yeah, so as you can see, we need to get to the bottom of this and arrest this prick fast.

I bolted out of the room, with tears streaming down my face, not wanting to hear anymore.

Not wanting to hear things that would bring back the trauma that I'd tried so hard to shut away.

My own experiences...

And I was always reminded of them whenever shit like this happened, no matter how hard I tried to shut it away.

6

lily

As I watched Lily bolt out of the room, I could feel my heart shatter into millions of tiny pieces.

Knowing how hard this must have been for her to hear...

Especially after the nightmare she'd had this morning.

It killed me that no matter how hard I tried, I knew that there would be nothing I would be able to do to make her feel better.

All I could do was be there for her...

But I knew that wasn't enough to erase all of the bad shit that had happened to her in the past before she met me.

Before she had me in her life.

What's wrong with Lily? Rafael asked, jolting backwards, stunned at the fact that Lily had ran out of the room.

I drew out a deep breath that I didn't know I was holding, my chest heaving upwards and downwards.

Rape is a really sensitive topic for her, Boss, I swallowed. It hits really close to home.

I trailed off my sentence, knowing that it wasn't my place to tell the boss Lily's story.

It was something that she needed to do herself.

Please don't make her do this case, it'll kill her, I found myself saying, trembling. She'll drive herself mad.

Rafael stared at me for a long moment with a confused expression on his face, wondering what could possibly have happened to Lily, and how she could have hidden something so important from him that he hadn't been able to find in a background search.

Lily had been through so much in her life...

And she'd made it out stronger.

I see, he said finally, giving me a sympathetic nod. I understand that it might be difficult for her...

I could sense a but coming.

But you two are my best agents, I can't have you both backing out whenever you see something that upsets you, he stated matter-of-factly. You knew what the job entailed when you took it up. You have to have thick skin, you have to be able to withstand all the shit that we see on a daily basis. You can't let it get to you, it's just the circle of fucking life.

He trailed off his sentence, folding his arms sternly.

We're the FBI, we have lives to save, people are depending on us.

I drew out a deep breath.

Rafael was insensitive as fuck...

But he was right.

Me and Lily knew what we signed up for when we took the job.

It was too late to back out now.

But that didn't mean I couldn't at least try to help her.

I know, I heaved. She'll work any other case, Boss... just not cases like these.

Just not rape and trafficking cases.

I could feel anxiety swimming through my body, as Rafael's eyes bored into mine, burning me with an intense gaze.

There was so much tension in the air, that you could cut it with a knife.

Fine, he muttered finally. I'll talk to her.

I couldn't believe he'd actually given her the benefit of the doubt, and actually heard me out.

He was usually strict as fuck, and dead-set on getting what he wanted.

I couldn't thank him enough.

Thanks Boss, I said gratefully, knowing how much this would help Lily.

He gave me a brief nod, before departing from the room, to go after Lily and find where she went off to.

7

lily

I stood inside the middle of an empty room, staring out of the window, drawing out a deep breath as I regathered my composure, wiping away my tears and doing my best to get my head back into the game, and snap out of my bad memories.

Those girls needed me to save them...

I couldn't be a coward, and allow them to suffer.

Who knew when the serial killer would find its next victim?

But it just brought back so much emotional and physical pain, knowing what they were going through...

I didn't know if I was strong enough to put myself through this case.

I shook my head exhaustedly.

It had been a long time since anything had happened to me.

It was historical...

And I needed to move on.

But working a rape case would just make me relive my own bad memories.

8

lily

Suddenly, I heard a trail of footsteps behind me, which caused me to snap out of my thoughts.

I turned around, to see Rafael approaching me, with a stern look on his face.

He had thick black eyebrows, black hair, a scruffy beard, narrow green eyes, and he was always suited and booted.

Zayn tells me not to put you onto this case, he said, folding his arms.

I stared back at him with an uneasy expression etched all over me, doing my best to figure out the right words to say, now that I'd calmed down and regathered my composure.

Sir, I-

It's alright Lily, I'm not looking for an explanation, Rafael shrugged, cutting me off my sentence before I had the chance to finish it.

I blew out a small sigh.

Look, Lily... Rafael heaved. I don't know what you've been through in the past. And to be honest, it's not my business.

He trailed off his sentence.

But you're a remarkable lady with so much potential.

I drew out a breath.

You're one of the best agents on my team, and I know you dedicate a lot to the job.

Thanks, Boss, I replied gratefully, not expecting him to be so understanding.

I'm not gonna try convincing you to take on this serial murder case. It's obvious that your heart isn't in it, and when I put my agents on something, I need them to put one-hundred percent into it.

I stared back at him, wondering where he was going with this.

I'll assign you onto a drug trafficking case, try doing what you can to nail the Sicilian mafia.

I could feel my heart hammer against my chest with relief.

Thanks for understanding, Boss, I mumbled gratefully. I really appreciate it.

Rafael shrugged his shoulders.

But if you ever change your mind, I'll be more than happy to put you back onto the task with Zayn. Sometimes the best way to fight our demons... is to face them, Lily. I hope you know that.

I realized the truth in his words.

Okay, I replied flatly, needing time alone to think, because my thoughts were scrambling themselves together in my head, and getting the better of me.

I'll leave you to do your paperwork, Rafael shrugged, and departed from the room, giving me the privacy that I needed.

9

lily

I made my way through my paperwork for the day, doing my best to put my case notes together, and reach conclusions based on the findings and the photographs that had been presented to me in my file.

But my thoughts never once stopped hounding me, the entire time I'd been working.

I was lucky in life.

I was a pretty woman, with long, black hair, a nice, curvy figure, plump lips, a pointed nose.

I had a gorgeous, caring boyfriend, with dark brown hair, thick brown eyebrows, a beautiful, chiselled, stubbly face, pale brown eyes, a muscular physique, and the most amazing personality to match...

I loved him more than anything in the world, and he loved me right back.

I had got the career that I'd always dreamt of having.

Right now, at this point in time...

I was happy.

I'd worked hard for everything I had.

I'd worked hard to get to this point in my life.

To achieve everything I'd achieved.

With no hand-outs...

Nothing given to me on a silver platter.

Just blood, sweat, tears, and dedication.

But my life wasn't always like this, and that was the reason for the nightmares I still had to this day.

When I was younger, I was a victim of  human trafficking.

It went on for years and years, the  physical pain and emotional damage was unbearable.

It took what felt like forever to escape from the hell that I was living in.

Running away from the man who groomed me...

Lazarus Landucci.

And the man who tortured me...

Vladimir Potter.

My heart pounded against my chest.

Memories flooding back to the surface, taking me back to where my story began.

Right from when I was just a child...

10

lily

Rewinding time.

Back to when Lily was just a child.

And then the beautiful princess got saved from the highest tower, from the handsome prince.

Papa finished his story, before kissing my forehead, soothing me to sleep.

We were sitting inside the tent of the refugee camp.

Papa had blonde hair, blue eyes and pale skin.

He always looked so tired and worn out.

I hated seeing Papa so upset and exhausted all the time.

He cared for me more than anything else in the world.

Will I ever meet a handsome prince, daddy? I asked, as I rubbed my eyes, yawning loudly, feeling myself begin to get tired.

Of course you will, Papa promised, grinning, with his hands on his hips. You deserve to be treated like a queen, Lily. When you get older, never settle for any less!

I smiled at him, feeling comforted by his words.

Will we ever get out of this place, daddy? I asked hopefully. I want to live in New York, where all the famous people live!

Papa's face fell to a timid expression, as he drew out a deep breath, heaving his chest sorrowfully.

I don't know when we will get out of here, honey... he whispered. But we will one day, I promise you that! I'll work as hard as I can to make it happen.

I love you, daddy. Can you read me another bedtime story?

No, you need to go to sleep! he tutted playfully. Goodnight Lily.

But I'm not tired, Dad!

Tough, Papa grinned.

He dusted himself off, taking off his knitted sweater, and putting it on me, to keep me warm in the cold, damp weather.

You can wear my hoodie to keep you warm.

Wow Dad, it's really comfy! I exclaimed happily.

I know, said Papa. He drew out a deep breath, a tear rolling down his cheek. And it'll give you something to remember me by.

What do you mean? I asked, furrowing my eyebrows, confused. You're not going anywhere, are you daddy?

I could hear Papa's heart hammer against his chest, and I could feel my insides twist into knots with worry.

Wondering what he meant by what he said.

Trying to put the pieces together.

Papa shook his head, dismissing my thoughts.

Forget I said anything, he said quickly.

I still felt uneasy.

Goodnight Lily.

He kissed my forehead, before departing from the room.

It was almost as if he were trying to stop himself from crying.

A tear rolled down my cheek, as I did my best to go to sleep.

I wondered what Dad meant when he said something to remember me by...

I did my best to stop thinking about it, and go to sleep.

After all...

Papa wouldn't want me to worry.

11

papa

I made my way outside of the tent after kissing Lily goodnight, doing my best to remain strong for the sake of my daughter.

Everything I did...

I did for her, and for my beautiful wife.

I had to keep reminding myself of that whenever I felt down and low.

I didn't sleep the whole night, as my heart thumped against my chest, knowing what was going to happen in the morning.

The night turned into day, and soon, it was time for me to meet two men today.

What's taking the bastard so long to meet us? came a gruff, deep voice a few paces away from me.

I figured that it was the men I was supposed to meet, because as my eyes darted upwards, I saw Lazarus Landucci standing there.

The man who offered me the deal that I was ready to take up.

Despite it meaning that I would have to leave my family...

Fuck knows, Lazarus spat bitterly.

I drew out a deep breath, doing my best to regather my composure, and show these men that I meant business.

Show these men that I was capable of the work that they were offering to me.

I needed money to provide for my family...

It would be the only way that we would ever make it out of this refugee camp.

12

papa

Sorry I took so long, I heaved.

Lazarus turned around to face me, his eyes lighting up as he saw me.

Him and the man standing beside him, Rhys, both blunted their cigarettes, giving me their full, undivided attention.

It's fine, Lazarus reassured.

Don't you even have any fucking shoes? Rhys snarled, giving me a bitter, disgusted look as his eyes darted to my bare feet.

I swallowed down a lump in my throat, feeling utterly dejected and humiliated in this moment.

No... None that fit me anyway, I mumbled, ashamed.

Rhys rolled his eyes