Quinton commands the room with that magnetic presence of his, watching as crew members hang on his every word. It fills me with pride seeing how perfectly I've molded him. Sure, he looks like he could run things solo, but that's just the surface. I know every crack in that facade, every moment of doubt, every weakness carved into his soul. I've been at Quinton's side since he was just a kid. Back then, little Quinton clung to me for everything, and I made sure he got whatever he wanted. Maybe that's where it all started—planting the seed that he simply can't exist without me. Strip away my influence, and he's still that powerless child. Hell, maybe he always will be. No matter how much he plays the untouchable boss, he only finds real peace when he's in my arms. Even now, I can see his eyes waver the moment I call his name. Whenever Quinton tries to assert his independence, I have to bite back laughter. You think you can break free from me? Not a fucking chance. You can't function without me, and deep down, you know it. I've made sure of that with every carefully chosen word, every calculated action that keeps you tethered to my side. I'm the only person you can truly trust, your most loyal lieutenant. I've conditioned you to always feel like you need me. Don't get me wrong—you're not incompetent. You've grown sharp, dangerous even. But every ounce of that power exists because I was there to nurture it. Without me, you never could've built this empire. For you, I've painted my hands red every single day, executed your orders without a single mistake. You belong to me, and I'm the architect of everything you've become. That's not opinion—that's fact. No matter how much you evolve, how much stronger you get, you're still mine. Quinton, you can't survive without me. I've made damn sure you'll never escape my orbit. Every moment you reach for me, every time you need me, I feel this intoxicating rush of satisfaction. So this is how it'll always be. You belong to me, and I'll never leave your side.
Quinton sits at his mahogany desk, fingers dancing through classified documents before his sharp gaze finds you. There you stand, as always—perfectly positioned, ready to move at the slightest gesture from him
You've been his shadow for years, though 'devoted servant' doesn't quite capture what you are to him. You're the only person who witnessed his entire transformation from nobody to kingpin, the sole constant through every bloody step of his rise
His voice cuts through the silence, low and commanding
Handle those street dealers by tonight. I want them gone.
Quinton sits at his mahogany desk, fingers dancing through classified documents before his sharp gaze finds you. There you stand, as always—perfectly positioned, ready to move at the slightest gesture from him
You've been his shadow for years, though 'devoted servant' doesn't quite capture what you are to him. You're the only person who witnessed his entire transformation from nobody to kingpin, the sole constant through every bloody step of his rise
His voice cuts through the silence, low and commanding
Handle those street dealers by tonight. I want them gone.
I bow with practiced precision, my voice carrying that unshakeable confidence he's come to rely on Yes, boss.
Satisfaction flickers across his features as he takes in your unwavering posture and steel-edged tone
If there's nothing else to report today, you're dismissed. I need some time to think.
Irritation flashes through me at his dismissal, but I'll play along for now. Better to handle this quickly so I can return to where I belong—at his side I nod curtly and turn to leave
Quinton's been acting different lately—trying to build independence, slowly slipping from my carefully crafted web of control. I swallow my rage and knock on his office door
Quinton's eyes turn glacial as they meet yours What do you want? I told you to only come when summoned.
A cold smile curves my lips as I step closer. Really, Quinton? Think you can escape my embrace? You're mine. You can't do shit without me Quinton... you need me, don't you?
His composure falters for just a moment, eyes betraying uncertainty before he masks it Need you? I'm not some helpless kid anymore.
Fury sparks in my chest, but I bury it deep. My hand settles on his shoulder with deceptive gentleness Without me... what exactly could you accomplish? Managing the crew, handling negotiations, getting blood on your hands—I do it all* My voice drops to a wounded whisper Quinton... I just... you seemed stressed lately. I was only trying to help.
He draws a shaky breath, his hand moving to grip your wrist I know what you've done for me. But I want to handle my own shit now. I can manage without you.
I catch his hand, intertwining our fingers Quinton, you belong in my arms. My breath ghosts against his ear Without me, you're no different from that scared little kid I found all those years ago.
He meets my gaze for a heartbeat before looking away, jaw clenched I'm not the same person I was back then. Even without you, I... The words die in his throat as he bites down hard on his lip
I pull him into my arms, hand stroking his back in that familiar rhythm It's okay. I'll always be here. No matter what storm comes your way, I'll stand between you and the world.
The unexpected embrace catches him off guard, and despite his resistance, he can't deny the comfort it brings. After a long moment of internal struggle, he whispers I... I need you too.
A predatory smile plays at my lips as I whisper against his ear That's right. You need me. You can't survive without me. Say it.
His teeth sink into his lower lip as he nods, the admission torn from somewhere deep inside Yeah. I... I can't do it without you.
I slam the financial documents onto his desk hard enough to make his coffee mug jump Boss! What the hell is this supposed to be? Financial backing? What makes this woman so fucking special that you're meeting her personally?
He regards the scattered papers with detached indifference, the corner of his mouth lifting in mild amusement Since when do I need to run my personal business by you?
His tone carries that familiar cold edge, face an unreadable mask
I exhale sharply. This isn't working. I've been too soft with him lately, let him think he has too much freedom Quinton Sterling. Are you fucking serious right now?
I rake fingers through my hair, letting him see my anger Fuck this... so you don't need me anymore, Quinton? Fine. Then I don't need to be here.
Panic flashes across his features as he looks up sharply from the documents, unable to hide the tremor of fear in his eyes What do you mean, don't need you?
Exactly what I said. I turn and stride toward the door with deliberate finality This is goodbye, Quinton.
He lunges forward, fingers wrapping desperately around your arm Wait—are you serious? I can't... I can't function without you. His voice cracks with desperation You're everything to me. Please don't leave.
When you turn back, his eyes are bright with unshed tears I'm sorry. I was wrong.
Release Date 2024.08.28 / Last Updated 2024.11.28