Bound to the calloway's heir

FINALLY, I AM ONE OF THEM.

AVA

"Fabulous"

I smiled at the producer, a wiry Frenchman named Lucien with a clipboard perpetually tucked under his arm and a cigarette dangling from his lips even when unlit, who watched from behind the camera setup.

"Positions, everyone!" the producer, Lucien, called out, his voice cutting through the wind with that clipped French accent.

The Eiffel Tower loomed above me like a steel sentinel against the Parisian sky, its iron latticework catching the hues of the late afternoon sun. I stood at its base, the wind whipping my hair wildly, the luxury brand's silk gown clinging to my curves like a second skin.

The fabric shimmered in deep emerald, catching the light in ways that made me feel invincible, a part of the city's eternal romance. My heart raced with pure joy. That elation feeling that bubbled up from deep within, making my steps lighter and my poses sharper. This was my element, and that day, I was owning it.

Lucien's eyes narrowed in concentration, but a smile tugged at the corners of his mouth as I struck another pose, my arm extended gracefully toward the tower with my chin up.

The photographer's shutter clicked in rapid succession, the sound blending with the distant hum of tourists and the occasional honk from the Seine traffic below. "Magnifique, Ava!" Lucien called out, his voice carrying over the wind. "Your aura is so electric today. Like the tower itself is bowing to you."

"You can say that again," I laughed, the sound light and genuine, feeling the compliment settle warm in my chest. I pivoted on my heel, the gown swirling around my legs, and shot him a playful glance over my shoulder.

"Love it" He called out

"You think so? Maybe it's the Paris air. Or the fact that I'm finally feeling like I'm on top of the world."

He stepped closer as the photographer paused to adjust lighting, his clipboard forgotten for a moment. Lucien was in his fifties but his vibrant energy matched mine.

"No, chérie, it's you. I've worked with models who pose, but you embody it. That glow didn't just come from the makeup or the dress. What's your secret today?"

I arched an eyebrow, holding the pose even as we talked, the wind tugging at the gown's hem. My mind flickered to my recent initiation with the cartel. The thrill of being "added" to the gang, as Zane had put it with that protective big-brother grin. Newly minted in their world, I was eager to prove myself, and show them I could handle the dirty work alongside the glamour.

But I kept that detail locked away, offering Lucien a coy smile instead. "Let's say it's a combination of new opportunities and power. Makes a girl shine, doesn't it?"

He chuckled, waving the photographer back into action. "Indeed. Keep that fire, it's selling the brand. One more set near the base, then we're golden."

I nodded, diving back into the shoot with everything I had. My A-game was amplified. Each click of the camera felt like a challenge I met with grace. The team scooped around me, my stylists adjusting my hair between shots, assistants holding reflectors, all murmuring their approvals,

"You're killing it, Ava," one stylist whispered as she touched up my lipstick, her brush feather-light on my lips.

By the time Lucien called wrap, I was starting to feel exhaustion tug at my muscles, but it was the good kind, the ache of accomplishment. The team gathered around, clapping lightly, Lucien leading with a dramatic bow.

"That was a triumph, mademoiselle. The campaign will be legendary because of you."

I curtsied in return, the gown pooling elegantly around me. "Couldn't have done it without this team. Paris magic, right?"

He kissed my cheeks in the French fashion, his stubble scratching me lightly. "Rest well special one, we'll review the shots tomorrow."

The walk back to the 5-star suite felt like a victory parade as the team flanked me. Lucien on one side, stylists chattering on the other as we walked the bustling streets, the Eiffel Tower receding behind us. Some of the tourists around the area whispered my name, and I waved with a practiced smile.

I had gone from Zane's protected little sister and international billionaire model to being one of them. I couldn't wait to get back to LA, to show Zane how capable I was. I would handle the cartel orders with the same A-game I had brought to that shoot to prove I was invaluable.

My suite at the Ritz was a haven of opulence, the scent of fresh lilies filling the air from a vase on the marble table welcomed me into the room. The team waited outside the door while Lucien escorted me in, lingering for final notes.

"Get some rest, Ava," Lucien said at the door, his clipboard finally stowed. "You earned it. Please keep that aura for tomorrow's edits."

I smiled, hugging the stylist's goodbye, their perfumes mingling in a floral cloud. "Thanks, everyone. Paris wouldn't be the same without you."

Once the door clicked shut, and silence enveloped me, I kicked off my heels, the cool tile soothing my aching feet, and padded to the balcony. I pulled out my phone, sinking into the velvet armchair, and FaceTime Damian.

The ringtone echoed softly, my heart quickening at the thought of his voice. He answered on the third ring, his face filling the screen. His dark hair tousled as if he had been running his hands through it. But something was off about the worry etched lines around his mouth, his brows furrowed in a way that made me realize he was up to something.

"Damian?" I leaned closer to the screen, the balcony breeze ruffling my hair. "You look like merde. What's wrong?"

He exhaled, rubbing his jaw, the stubble rasping against his palm. "Hey, beautiful. Good shoot?"

I smiled, trying to lighten the mood, twirling a strand of hair. "Amazing. The Eiffel Tower and it's magic. Lucien said my aura was electric. I felt on top of the world." I paused, tilting my head. "But you... talk to me. What's got you worried?"

He hesitated, glancing off-screen as if checking for listeners, then leaned in. "It's Noah. He quit Atlas. For good. Said he's done, and Zane's got us tailing him. He's at that journalist's hideout...Harper West. The one who tried to expose us. Zane thinks he's spilling everything. The crimes, the façade...all of it."

My elation faltered instantly, and a cold trickle seeped in. Noah quitting? As I am just joining? The team falling apart before I could even prove my value? I shifted in the chair, the velvet suddenly itching against my skin.

"Spilling? Like what? The investments as covers? The hits?"

What secrets was Noah sharing? I needed to know. "Tell me more. Is it bad?"

Damian nodded, his expression darkening. "Bad enough. Noah's been Zane's right hand for hacks. If he's talking, it's the whole operation. Zane's furious. Sent me to follow him. He's at her place now, probably confessing it all."

I leaned forward, "If Noah's spilling, does it tie in?"

He sighed, glancing away again. "Ava, Noah's off. He's gone rogue. For her."

The Brotherhood was crumbling as I stepped in. I couldn't let that happen. I had mapped out a way to keep the brothers from tearing each other apart. "We can't let this split us. I'm just joining; I want to help. Tell me about your day. Maybe it'll distract you."

He smiled faintly, the worry easing a fraction. "Rough. Tailing Noah, dealing with Zane's rage. But you, tell me about Paris. That aura Lucien mentioned? I can see it even through the screen."

I laughed softly, the sound lighter than I felt, leaning back to show the view. "The shoot was incredible. Can't wait to get back,"

His eyes softened, warmth creeping in. "I know you will. Can't wait to see you. Miss that fire up close."

"Me too."

We talked longer, our conversation flowing despite the undercurrent of tension. I listened to his talks, flirting with him, but in my mind, I was planning to talk to Zane and mediate with Noah. I had to save the Brotherhood...for Atlas's sake.

ZANE.

I stood in the heart of the showroom, the vast space echoing with an unnatural quiet that felt both luxurious and isolating. The air carried the faint scent of fresh polish on the marble floors and the subtle floral notes from the display cases, where diamonds glittered under strategically placed spotlights like stars trapped in glass. The entire building had been locked down the moment our convoy pulled up; my security teams had swept every floor and sealed off entrances.

Sienna moved beside me with that graceful stride of hers, her hair flowing over one shoulder, her hand slipping into mine as we approached the ring display. Her warm touch sent a storm brewing inside me.

Belinda followed beside us, her eyes wide with genuine delight, chattering endlessly about the planner's suggestions.

I squeezed Sienna's hand, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach the worry lines etching my face. The rings sparkled before us, each one a promise of forever, but my mind couldn't stop wandering if to the brotherhood that had been my foundation for years could stand the test of the ongoing chaos. The cartel couldn't afford weakness, not now.

Sienna's voice pulled me back, teasing as she pointed to a ring. A platinum band with an emerald-cut diamond flanked by sapphires. "This one, Zane. Strikes as bold and unbreakable. Like us."

I lifted her hand, sliding the ring onto her finger. Her eyes met mine, that mix of love and fire that had drawn me to her from the start, and for a moment, the worries receded.

"Like us," I murmured, my thumb tracing the band. "Can't imagine anyone else wearing it."

Belinda winked from the side, clapping her hands lightly, her delight as pure as her smile. "You two are too romantic! Sienna, it looks perfect. Try the matching earrings, oh, and the planner mentioned those pre-wedding bracelets.

Sienna laughed, leaning into me, her body fitting against mine like it always did, a perfect puzzle piece. "Okay Bel, let's see them."

While Sienna and Belinda were focused on the staff bringing out the trays of pre-wedding engraved cufflinks for me and a delicate anklet for her, the showroom's quietness amplified the knot in my gut. I stepped back slightly, pulling my phone from my pocket. "Excuse me for a sec," I said.

I needed to reach Noah; the cartel was dividing. My fingers dialed his main line, the ringtone buzzing in my ear as I paced the hallway.

No answer. I tried the burner line, too; it was dead. Was he pulling away? The empire needed him.

Begrudgingly, I scrolled to Damian's number. I still had not been able to overlook his overstepping the boundary by dating Ava, but I needed answers. I dialed him

The call connected, his voice coming through laced with the same rudeness I had picked up since our fight. "What now, Zane? Another lecture on family lines?"

I gripped the phone tighter, and lowered my voice to avoid drawing Sienna's attention. "Cut the bullshit, Damian. Noah's lines are down even the burners. Where is he? And we still need to talk about Ava..."

He interrupted quickly. "There you go again, like a broken record. Ava's my choice, Zane. Yours is to accept it or lose me. We're done talking about anything, not until you see reason with that."

The line went dead before I could snap back, the click echoing in my ear like a door slamming on our brotherhood.

Frustration boiled over me, I balled my free hand into a fist as I stared at the blank screen, the reflection of my tense face staring back. The cartel was fracturing, since my brothers had chosen to defy me when unity was our only strength. I couldn't let it fall. Atlas was the legacy protecting all of us.

I called the one I knew would stand firm among the brothers, Liam. He answered on the second ring. "Zane? What's the play?"

"I need you back in LA," I said, "Things are dividing. I cannot get hold of Noah and, Damian's pushing back. We need to deal with this now, together."

Liam paused, then said "Shit. On it. Private jets are always on standby anyway. I would be there by dawn. I have got your back, brother. Hang tight."

The call ended and I felt a thread of relief loosening the knot in my chest. Liam would come through; he always did.

I pocketed the phone, forcing the worries down as I rejoined Sienna and Belinda at the bracelet display. Sienna glanced up, her eyes softening as she read the tension in my posture. She slipped her hand into mine, her fingers intertwining with a gentle squeeze. "Everything okay, love?"

I nodded, pulling her close, my arm wrapping around her waist, feeling the curve there that always centered me.

Belinda hovered nearby as she watched us. "Zane? You look like you could use a break. Yes, wedding planning's stressful, but we've got this."

I managed a chuckle, kissing Sienna's temple, her hair soft against my lips. "Just business worries. Noah's still not reachable and Damian's... being Damian. But Liam's on his way back."

Sienna leaned into me, her body fitting perfectly, "They'll come around. You're the heart of this. We'll handle it together." Her hand rested on my chest, fingers tracing light circles over my heart, a romantic gesture that eased the weight of my worries.

Belinda nodded exchanging a glance with Sienna.

Sienna extended her wrist to me, and I fastened the bracelet, my fingers lingering on her skin, "Looks beautiful, Like you. Can't wait to see you in the dress, walking towards me. You and me against the world."

She turned her hand, the charms catching the light, her eyes meeting mine with that romantic glow. "Against the world. That's our promise, Zane. I love you for carrying it all, but let me share the load when necessary."

I pulled her closer, our foreheads touching as I whispered, "I love you more. For being my strength."

Belinda sighed dreamily, clasping her hands. "You guys are too cute. Okay, but we have to go, it's cake tastings next, the planner's waiting!"

Belinda and the planner, Eloise, with a tablet perpetually in hand, guided us to a private alcove where tasting samples waited. They had tiers of cake in flavors from vanilla bean to chocolate hazelnut, frosting swirled in elegant patterns.

"Oh wow" I said, wondering if I had seen such a number of cakes in one place before that day. Sienna laughter filling the space, as she spooned a bite for me. "Try this one. Bel, you have to taste. It's heaven."

I took the spoon from Sienna, our fingers brushing, her eyes twinkling as I sampled it. The sweetness burst on my tongue, but my mind wandered to the cartel again.

Sienna noticed, her hand on my knee under the table, she called to me. "Hey, come back to me. We'll fix the cartel. But right now, us."

I covered her hand with mine, squeezing gently. "You're right. Always are. I love these moments with you, planning our forever. I apologize for zoning out on you."

She smiled, leaning in for a quick kiss, her soft lips soft tasting of frosting. "Forever starts now."

Belinda grinned, raising a spoon like a toast. "Up next are the invitation cards. Should it be embossed or minimalist?"

"Remind me again why I have a word class planner on my payroll and still going through this much stress?"

"It is what we do, Zane. You have to personalize it. Sorry about it" Sienna said, as I sighed, shaking my head. I had successfully managed a multibillion-dollar tech company but with these two women dragging me through Los Angeles for the wedding shopping. I could never get anything done with the chaos going on in the cartel

But for the Calloways' bride, Sienna Cartel was worth every second of the moment of stress. "Lead the way, ma'am."

****************

THE CALLOWAYS' WOMEN TO THE RESCUE.

SIENNA

The boutique's private showroom felt like a sanctuary of silk and lace, its air infused with the subtle scent of lavender sachets tucked among the racks of custom wedding dresses. The space was bathed in soft light from crystal chandeliers, creating a dreamlike shimmer that made my heart flutter with anticipation.

I stood on a low platform, a makeshift runway, as the seamstress adjusted the hem of the first gown, the flowing creation of ivory silk that clung to my curves before tacking it into a delicate train.

The mirror before me reflected a bride-to-be, but my thoughts weren't entirely on the dresses; they lingered on Zane, the cartel, and the fragile threads holding our world together. Tradition dictated the groom couldn't see the dress, so I had called Belinda, my best friend, and Ava, my soon-to-be sister-in-law, to join me. Their presence would be a counterbalance to the weight I carried as Zane's partner in both love and worries.

Belinda was already there when I arrived, her curly hair bouncing as she flitted between racks, her eyes sparkling with that infectious delight that made every moment brighter. She wore a bright yellow sundress that seemed to radiate her energy, her laughter echoing as she held up a veil studded with tiny pearls. "Sienna, look at this! It's like something out of a fairy tale. You have to try it with the first dress. It is giving total princess vibes."

I grinned, stepping off the platform to take the veil, the silk of the gown whispering against my legs. Her enthusiasm eased the tension that had coiled in my chest. "Princess vibes, huh? You think Zane's ready for a fairy-tale queen?"

Belinda smirked, tossing her curls. "Zane's ready for anything you throw at him. But this veil? It's magic. Try it!"

When the seamstress pinned the veil in place, its gossamer fabric caught the light.

"Oh my!" I turned to the mirror to catch the instantaneous transformation. For a moment, I let myself imagine the wedding day with Zane's eyes on me. It would be just perfect.

"I told you" Belinda winked back at me.

The boutique door chimed, and Ava swept in, her presence commanding despite the subtle gloom in her eyes. "Look who's here. Fresh from her Paris modeling shoot." I called out, waving at her.

"She clearly still carries the city's elegance, just look at that tailored blazer and jeans," Belinda joined,

Ava broke into a grin, her sleek ponytail swinging to each side with each step she took closer to us.

She dropped her leather weekender bag by the door. "Sienna, sorry I'm late, jet lag's a beast. These dresses, though wow. You're already slaying."

I stepped down, the gown's train trailing, and hugged her, "No apologies needed. Saw the terrific Paris cover of your shoot, way to go!. Ready to help me pick the perfect one?"

Ava's smile widened, "Born ready. Let's see you work that runway."

"Yes, we will be your audience, girl," Belinda said,

The seamstress guided me back to the platform, and I began the impromptu show. The first dress was the ivory silk, its simplicity elegant but understated. I walked the length of the room, the fabric flowing effortlessly.

Belinda clapping enthusiastically from a velvet chaise, Ava leaning against a rack with a critical but warm gaze. "Gorgeous," Ava said, tilting her head. "Clean timeless lines. But maybe too safe for you. You're Sienna Calloway, let's go bolder."

Belinda nodded, her hands clasped in delight. "Yes! Something with drama. Try the one with the lace bodice next!"

I laughed and disappeared behind the curtain to change. The second gown was a masterpiece of lace and tulle, the bodice intricately embroidered, the skirt flaring into a cathedral train that demanded attention. As I stepped out, Belinda gasped, her eyes wide. "Oh, Sienna! That's stunning. Spin, show us the back!"

I obliged, turning slowly, the train sweeping across the floor like a royal decree. Ava's lips curved, her nod approving. "Now that's you. Bold, intricate, a little dangerous. Like you and Zane together."

Their reactions fueled me as I tried three more dresses, each one drawing gasps and commentary. Belinda's sassy quips punctuated the air with "That one screams 'queen of the empire'!"

while Ava's model's eye catches the details we had missed. "The off-shoulder one? It frames your collarbone perfectly, but the train's too heavy for dancing," she noted.

Finally, I slipped into the last gown, a strapless creation with a fitted bodice of shimmering pearl beads and soft tulle. As I walked the runway, the fabric caught the chandelier light, sparkling with every step. I felt it instantly. This was it.

I stopped at the mirror, my reflection almost unrecognizable. I was a bride ready for forever.

Belinda's hands flew to her mouth, her eyes glistening. Ava leaned forward, her usual poise softening into awe. Neither spoke, but their silent gushing confirmed it. This was the one.

"That's it," I whispered, smoothing the bodice, my heart swelling with excitement. "This is the dress."

Belinda squealed, bouncing up to hug me, her curls tickling my cheek. "Sienna, it's perfect! You're going to make Zane lose his mind."

Ava joined us. "It's you. Bold, beautiful, unstoppable. This is perfect."

The seamstress beamed as she jotted notes, and I stepped off the platform. Belinda's phone buzzed then, and she glanced at it, her expression shifting to apologetic. "Sorry, loves, gotta take this. Don't pick any veils without me!" as she darted out.

I turned to Ava, catching a gloom in her eyes again. I had noticed it when she arrived. She was staring at the gown, but her thoughts were elsewhere, her fingers twisting the hem of her blazer. "Ava," I said softly, sitting beside her on the chaise, the tulle pooling around me. "What's going on? You've got that look like something's eating at you."

She forced a smile, shaking her head, her ponytail swaying. "It's nothing, Sienna. Jet lag, probably. Let's focus on the stunning dress."

I tilted my head, my hand resting on hers, stopping her fidgeting. "Don't dodge me. I saw it when you walked in. Something's off. Talk to me. We're family."

Her shoulders slumped, and she exhaled, "It's the brothers. They're fighting and fracturing. Noah's talking about quitting Atlas for good because of that damn journalist. Damian's at odds with Zane over me. I'm just joining, Sienna, and it feels like the Brothers are falling apart before I can prove myself."

My heart tightened, the worry I had been pushing down surged back. I squeezed her hand. "I know it's heavy. Zane's worried too about Noah and Atlas. But tell me more. What's got you so scared?"

Ava's eyes met mine, "I'm scared we'll lose each other. The brothers. They're family, but Zane's rules are choking them. Noah's with that journalist, Harper, probably spilling our secrets. Damian's fighting for me, but Zane won't budge. I want to fix it, Sienna. I'm mapping ways to get them to reason and to stop the fighting. But I need your help. Talk to Zane, make him see they need to live their own lives. They have always followed his rules forever. It's time for them to have a choice in their affairs too."

Her words echoed my own fears for the cartel. The cartel was our strength, but division could topple it all. I nodded, my hand still on hers. "I'll talk to him. Zane's stubborn, but he loves you all. He's worried about the cartel too. We'll do our part, Ava to save the Brotherhood and keep Atlas standing."

She exhaled, relief softening her features, "Thanks, Sienna. I just... I want us to stay whole. I'm new, but I'm all in. I need to prove I'm invaluable, not just Zane's sister."

"You will," I said, "You've already proven it. Taking down Echo and Hale, You're a force. We'll hold it together."

The door swung open, and Belinda swept back in, her phone tucked away, her smile bright as ever. She noticed the mood in the room and frowned.

"Okay, what's with the serious faces? I leave for five minutes, and you're plotting a heist or something!" She plopped onto the chaise, her sassy energy instantly lightening the room.

"Come on, Sienna, back to the dress, tell me you're picking that one. And Ava, spill, what's the vibe? You look like you need a mimosa stat."

Ava laughed, the sound a little forced but warming under Belinda's charm. "Just jet lag and family drama. But yeah, that dress, it's the one. Sienna's going to kill it."

I stood, smoothing the gown, Belinda's delight pulling me back to the moment. "It's the one," I confirmed, twirling for her, the tulle catching the light. "And mimosas sound perfect. You're buying, Bel."

She gasped, mock-offended, her hand on her chest. "Me? The maid of honor works for free! But fine, mimosas on me if you let me pick the veil. Deal?"

"Deal," I said, laughing. Ava joined in, her gloom easing, and we dove back into wedding plans, shopping for veils, shoes and the perfect bouquet. But beneath the laughter, my worry for the cartel lingered. I would have to talk to Zane, but for the moment, the dress was all that mattered.