“Have you perhaps forgotten the terms of our deal?” I ask through gritted teeth exactly ten minutes later as Bhyron expertly spins me on the dance floor.He looks down at me, his eyes gleaming with disinterest as he asks; “what deal?”I’m a second away from bashing his head in, God help me.“This marriage is only supposed to last two years. It’s in the contract. You can’t go around saying stuff you don’t mean to grandma. It’ll be even harder for us to separate if you get her hopes up like this. The song suddenly changes and Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect” slowly filters through the speakers, making the entire atmosphere appear even more romantic.My heart tightens as Bhyron presses me harder against his chest, giving me the full impact of those bright blue orbs. He leans closer and I stiffen in awareness as his hot lips brush my ears. When he speaks, his warm breath flows down my neck and I tremble in his grasp.“You should know by now, Little Caramel, that I’m a man of my word.” His voice is
AMANI I hear someone scream in the distance, a high pitched, bloodcurdling scream that has my toes curling with horror. It takes me three seconds to realize that the scream comes from me. “B-Bhyron…” I stutter, trying to draw his attention to the dead woman. “Bhyron, look…” My eyes are frozen on her beautiful, lifeless face. I cannot even bring myself to cry. “Are you okay…?” Bhyron turns around. The moment he stiffens above me, I know he’s seen her. The violent switch in his expression from worried to fearful is absolutely traumatizing to watch. “Grandma? Grandma!!” Bullets are still flying but he tries to crawl off me towards grandma Alice. Without thinking, I wrap my arms around him and hold him tight. “Let go! I need to check on grandma. Let go of me!” The pure, raw pain in his voice breaks the dam that holds my tears and they come flooding down my cheeks in torrents. I shake my head and hold on tighter, even when my arms and legs start to hurt from his viole
AMANI“…can you hold me…?”I take one look at those dark, vulnerable eyes and open my arms to him without hesitation. Bhyron’s entire expression lights up with relief as he steps forward. He wraps his arms around my waist and crushes my body against his, lifting me off my feet and backing me into the car. I wrap my legs around his waist and let him manhandle me without complaint.Once inside the car, Bhyron gently places me on the seat, then he stretches out and buries his head in my breasts. “Are you comfortable?” His soft baritone stirs something in my chest that has my throat clogging with tears.I clear my throat and blink back the stupid tears. “Um, yes. I am.”I don’t notice that the door is still open until Jay steps out and gently closes it. All that matters to me at the moment is Bhyron and the wonderful feeling of his weight pressed against me.We’re wrapped in our own little cocoon. For a moment, the world fades away and all that matters is the two of us.Without thinking
AMANI“…the doctors say he’s in a coma and might not make it…”I’m stunned to silence, Bhyron’s intending kiss momentarily forgotten. I lean back and hold his gaze as dread settles like boulders on my shoulders.My lips are already trembling. I can barely get a word out; “Wh-what did you say?”Bhyron’s eyes are dark and emotionless as he trails a fingertip over my cheek, saying nothing. I’m shaking now. I’m not sure, but I think my teeth are chattering.I’m yet to process that Grandma Alice was killed. Now, this? I can’t take it. My heart can’t take this anymore.Deep down, I’m wondering how Bhyron manages to look so composed. He lost a grandparent and has one on the verge of death in just one night, but aside from the look of devastation in his eyes, he still gives off his signature dark lord vibe — cool and unaffected — while I’m on the verge of having a fully blown panic attack.“He was rushed to the hospital the second I discovered he was shot. My mother and siblings are with him.
AMANIThe air is no longer thick with sexual heat. It’s burning with jealousy. I didn’t think it was serious at first, but the annoyance in Bhyron’s eyes is so potent, I can feel it deep in my soul.“Bhyron, Jay is a wonderful, handsome man, but he’s also your chief-of-security. I would never…”I must’ve said something wrong because his arms around my waist tightens and something flashes in his eyes, something dangerous.“So you think he’s wonderful. And handsome.”Oh, shit.I’m definitely enjoying this. I didn’t expect it, but the mere thought that I can make Bhyron jealous fills me with a heady sense of power. “He is.” I state shortly.I can feel the anger literally roll off of him in waves. He shuts his eyes and shockingly buries his face in my neck, holding me close.“You drive me crazy, little caramel.” He mutters. “You drive me so fucking crazy.”It takes all my self control to stop myself from kicking my feet in the air with glee.“Um… sorry?”He leans back, his eyes shining w
AMANII wake up from a fitful sleep three hours later, feeling groggy and tired as hell. One glance at the messy bed reveals that I’d tossed and turned all night. I kept having nightmares, none that I remember right away.Goosebumps rise on my skin as I survey the room, noting Bhyron’s absence. All the lights are off but he plugged in the nightlights for me before leaving. He still remembers that I’m scared of the dark.The thought fills my heart with warmth seconds before I shake some common sense into my rapidly thumping heart.We don’t want to fall in love with Bhyron Macaulay any further than we already have, now do we?All the horrible memories from the previous day come flooding back the moment I open my eyes. The attack. Grandma’s death. Grandpa’s condition.My heart twists painfully when I remember how I cried and begged Bhyron to take me along with him to the hospital. He bluntly refused, stating very clearly;“Please stay where I’m sure you’d be safe, Amani. I’m already worr
AMANIBy the time I’m done with my speech, Duncan’s mouth is half open and I know that poor man would rather swim in a lake with sharks than be here.“Ma’am, please try to understand. The boss ordered that I shouldn’t call him unless it’s an emergency. He’s incredibly busy at the moment. I understand that you’re upset, but…”My anger erupts into fully blown rage. I’m no longer just angry at my situation. I’m angry at my idiotic, hardheaded husband. I’m bloody furious.“This is an emergency, Duncan.” I say through clenched teeth. “Call him. Your time is ticking.”Duncan looks indecisive as hell but thankfully, he doesn’t have to make any decisions on his own because a second later, his phone rings. The look of relief on his face indicates that the call is from Bhyron.He answers immediately and puts the call on speakerphone.“Boss.”“Duncan, I’d like to speak with my wife.” Bhyron’s deep, clipped voice fills the room.Duncan stretches the sleek phone to me without saying a word. I’m st
AMANIThey say anger and determination gives a person unbelievable strength and I’m starting to believe it. The vanity table in Bhyron’s suite probably weighs two hundred pounds but I managed to push it to the door under five minutes.I’m sweating like a stuffed Christmas turkey when I’m done but atleast Duncan won’t be able to break the door down while I’m carrying out my plan.When I’m satisfied that the room is impenetrable, I make my way to the closet and choose the shirts that look the most expensive in Bhyron’s wardrobe.“Five thousand dollars?!” I exclaim, gaping at the price tag on one of the designer white shirts. “It better be made from heavenly silk.” I add it to the pile.Bhyron’s wardrobe is probably the most organized I’ve ever seen. His shirts are sorted in colours and even his suits are colour themed.Next, I select a handful of suits and expensive underwear. I pack up everything and dump them in the middle of the room, then I add a couple of blankets.After making sur
BHYRONAmani is deliberately trying to get on my last nerve and it takes all my willpower to force myself to remain in the bedroom when all I want to do is pay a visit to the wet bar and drink myself to sleep.I promised to be gentle with her. I promised not to hurt her, but right now, I’m feeling particularly violent. Her words are meant to hurt and they do. I hate that she’s trying so hard to push me away when all I want to do is comfort her.I despise the hatred that burns in her eyes for me. I used to find the stubborn tilt of her chin adorable as hell but now, I know it comes from a place of real hurt and hatred. And I hate it. So instead of leaving like every single fucking cell in my body tells me to do, I stalk in her direction and don’t stop until I’m hovering over her. This close, I can see the orange flames that burn in the depth of her chocolate eyes.She frowns and my heart twists painfully in response. This woman has zero idea that she holds my life in her hands. She d
AMANIA sliver of hurt flashes across Bhyron’s expression. For the next three seconds, my bitter words hang between us, fueling the explosive electricity that lingers in the air.My heart twists with a hint of guilt but I harden my jaw and hold his gaze. I want to hurt him. I want him to feel even the tiniest percent of the pain that’s currently festering in my heart.I can’t beat him up, so I’ll just use my words.“What are you waiting for?” I taunt, thrusting my hips against his. “Move! Hurry up! Fuck me and leave.”His eyes are currently the darkest I’ve ever seen, filled with anger and something else. Something even more disturbing.I fully expect him to climb off of me and leave in a fit of rage. However, Bhyron’s cock grows even harder and he pins me against the bed with ruthlessness in his eyes.Icy fear crawls up my throat as he leans over me, dragging his tongue and teeth across my chest.“Is this what you want?” He growls, slipping one of my nipples into his mouth and suckin
AMANIFear is the only emotion that clouds my senses when Bhyron snags me against his chest. Fear and the irrational need to escape.I don’t pause. I don’t let myself think. I just fight.I kick and buck and struggle against Bhyron’s fierce grip, desperate for freedom.“Let go of me! Let gooo!!”I aim for his shin but he’s bigger and faster. Bhyron swings me into his arms, bridal style, and lifts me towards the bed like I weigh nothing. The same bed he threw my best friend like she was nothing but a sack of potatoes.Unlike what he did with Zuri, he lays me gently against the pillows. Thinking I have a chance to escape, I try to roll off but a startled squeak escapes me when Bhyron climbs in, laying his entire body’s weight on top of me.I freeze, trying to scream but unable to speak past the lump in my throat. Horrifying images of being strangled or suffocated to death with a pillow has my veins thrumming with fear.Is this it? Has he finally decided to kill me and take his revenge?
BHYRON“…your presence irritates me…” Those fiercely muttered words burn through my heart like acid. For a moment, I freeze up and just stare at her, hoping she’d tell me that this is all a joke.But the only emotions in Amani’s eyes are anger and annoyance. She really meant what she said. The realization is like a blow to my stomach.I shut my eyes for a second, temporarily at war with myself. Should I just get up and leave or should I keep trying to reason with her?But even as I ask myself that question, I already know the answer. I’m not leaving. Amani can call me names from the pits of hell and try as hard as she can to push me away, but it’s not happening. I won’t go away. Not anymore.So I grit my teeth and steel my heart against the influx of hurtful words I know she still has in store for me.“What are you still doing here?! I asked you to leave.”I grit my teeth and lift a hand to grab her flailing arm. Maybe she’ll return to her senses if I touch her. Maybe she’ll recogniz
BHYRONOne of my sex workers at La Marièe almost got assaulted by a client tonight. She raised an alarm and the entire situation spiralled out of control within seconds. The news somehow travelled to the guests downstairs and the cops got involved.I spent the past four hours trying to stop La Marièe from getting closed down because of an issue that could’ve been handled with better care. Now I’m exhausted and all I want is to hold Amani and go to sleep.After taking a quick shower, I don boxers and climb into the huge bed, pulling Amani into my arms and cuddling her against my chest. She lets out a soft mewling sound that tugs at my heartstrings but settles down quickly, wrapping her arms around my middle.I’m enveloped in her scent, swathed in the softness of her skin and there’s nowhere else on this goddamn earth that I’d rather be.I’d love nothing but to shut my eyes and let sleep take me, but deep down, I know I cannot afford such luxury. I know the darkness will come… and so wi
BHYRONRamiel looks exactly like he does in the few pictures I’ve seen — angelic. Glowing.He’s dressed all in white just like I expected. A pure white African Kaftan covers his broad shoulders, flowing all the way to his ankles. His shiny blonde hair is perfectly styled and bounces on his shoulders as he walks towards us.When he gets within talking distance, I rise from my seat and Duke follows suit. Besides my grandfather, I never rise to greet anyone whether they come to meet me or I go to meet them. The thought of my old man sends a sliver of choking pain through my guts.But there’s something about Ramiel Castello. Maybe it’s those piercing blue eyes or the invisible glowing ring above his head, but I feel like I’m in the presence of royalty. “I never thought a day would come when the Bhyron Macaulay would ask to see me.” He says graciously, motioning for us to take our seats.Not one to mince words or waste time, I decide to go straight to the point.“Well, I’m sure you alread
BHYRONFinally, after twenty-five gruelling minutes, we arrive at the luxurious five-star hotel. The moment my driver opens the door and I climb off the car, my nerves twist violently as a strange sensation fleets through my heart.Silently, I turn to Duke and find him surveying our surroundings, forehead knotted in a frown.“You feel it, too?” I ask when he comes to stand by my side.“Yes. There’s something very wrong about this place. It gives me the ick.”The Crystal City Hotel is one of the most successful hotel chains in New York. Owned by a renowned Mexican businessman, the towering high rise boasts of modern, world-class amenities that are hard to find in any other hotels in the city, including expertly programmed robots instead of human attendants and complimentary self-driving cars for high-paying clients.To the ordinary eye, everything seems perfect. But to Duke and I, something is wrong.Wait…“Bhyron, take a look at the cars. Notice anything strange?”There are five iden
Starting now, I’m going to try to make this story as fast paced as possible so buckle up, readers!A lot of secrets will be revealed, characters will die, characters will be betrayed and in the end, the truth will finally be revealed.***BHYRONMy shoulders are already stiff and thrumming with tension when I arrive at the sitting room. I feel a presence behind me and turn to find Duncan a few feet away, hands tightly clasped at his back.“Return to the room and keep watch. I need you to pay special attention to Zuri. Make sure the door is open at all times and she doesn’t say or do anything fishy to my wife.”He bows. “Yes, boss.”He’s just about to leave when I stop him.“Can I trust you this time, Duncan? Will you fail me again?”He lifts his head and holds my gaze. There’s no iota of fear in his eyes. Just confidence and respect.“Last night was a stupid mistake, boss. I assure you that it will never happen again.”Three seconds tick by, heavy with mistrust, then I nod and step ba
AMANIMy eyes are firmly shut as I thrash around on the bed in search of my anchor, in search of my source of strength. But he’s not here. He’s gone. I know he is. When he was here, the piercing pain in my heart had reduced to a dull throb. The dirty, contaminated feeling that tainted my soul stayed far away, too scared of his darkness to come close. The heavy feeling in my limbs had disappeared, too. When he was here, he protected me. He shielded me from Antonio’s grubby hands. But now that he’s gone, I’m being bombarded with everything at once. The excruciating discomfort is back. My demons have returned to attack me and he’s not here to fight them off.I can hear voices in the distance and even though I’m clutched in the throes of a horrible nightmare, I still call out for him. I need him. I listen carefully, hoping I hear his voice, hoping he comes back for me.When the pain becomes unbearable, I curl into myself and hot tears slip past my tightly shut eyelids. My soul takes a