That evening, I trudged into the house, my feet aching from the day’s efforts. My mom was in the kitchen humming softly, while Dad and Brian were seated in the living room, engrossed in a lively debate about some sports game. The aroma of freshly cooked stew filled the air, a comforting reminder that home was my sanctuary after a long day.“How was work?” Mom asked, peeking her head around the corner.I kicked off my shoes and dropped my bag by the stairs. “It was good, actually,” I said with a tired smile. “Exhausting, but... good.”Brian gave me a curious look. “Good? Who are you, and what have you done with my lazy ass sister?”I rolled my eyes. “It’s only my first day."Mom chuckled. “Dinner’s ready. Come eat before you head upstairs.”We ate together, the familiar sounds of clinking utensils and light conversation grounding me. When the meal was done, I excused myself, retreating to my room. After a quick shower, I collapsed onto my bed, letting out a satisfied sigh.I thought ab
The morning began on the wrong foot. Traffic had been relentless, and by the time I finally arrived at the office, I was already on edge. As I stepped into the building, I couldn’t shake the strange tension in the air. Conversations seemed quieter, glances more furtive. But I brushed it off, chalking it up to the usual Monday blues as I made my way to my desk.Just as I was about to start my day, Naomi sauntered over, her heels clicking loudly against the polished floor. Her smirk was unmistakable, the kind that immediately put me on guard.“Well, well, look who decided to show up,” she said, her voice dripping with mockery. “What’s it like being a traitor?”I froze, my fingers hovering over my keyboard. “What are you talking about?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady despite the pit forming in my stomach.Naomi’s grin widened, clearly enjoying the moment. “Oh, don’t play innocent. You should really be careful where you leave your secrets lying around. Alaric’s looking for you, b
When I got home, the familiar scent of freshly baked cookies greeted me, and I found my mom bustling around the kitchen. She turned to me, her warm smile faltering as she caught sight of my face.“Anna?” she asked, concern lacing her voice. “What’s wrong, sweetheart, why are you home so early?”That was all it took for the dam to break. Tears spilled down my cheeks as I collapsed onto the couch, burying my face in my hands. Mom was by my side in an instant, pulling me into a comforting hug.“It’s okay,” she murmured, stroking my hair. “Whatever it is, we’ll figure it out. Just tell me what happened.”Between sobs, I recounted the day’s events—the leaked information, the accusations, Naomi’s taunts, and the humiliation of being sent home. I told her about Alaric’s belief in my innocence and the way Naomi’s face had betrayed her guilt. By the time I concluded, my voice had become hoarse, and my emotions felt as if they had been squeezed out like a dried sponge.Mom’s grip tightened, her
"I told you I was innocent," I said, a hint of smugness in my tone as I handed Alaric the recording.He rolled his eyes, his lips quirking into a half-smile. "And I believed you," he replied evenly, holding the recorder to examine it. "What’s this?""It’s a recording of Naomi admitting her crime," I said, watching his expression shift to one of intrigue.Alaric pressed play, listening intently as Naomi’s voice filled the room, each word an undeniable confession. When the recording ended, he leaned back in his chair, an impressed look softening his usually stern features."How did you manage this?" he asked his tone a mixture of curiosity and approval.I explained my plan briefly, how Mia had helped me set it all up, and how I’d baited Naomi into confessing in the restroom. By the time I finished, he was leaning back in his chair, his fingers steepled under his chin."I’m impressed," he said with a low chuckle. "You solved the issue in less than a day. Not many people can do that."The
As we drove through the countryside, the silence in the car grew heavier. I shifted uncomfortably, glancing at Alaric, who was focused on the road, his expression unreadable. To break the tension, I asked, "Mind if I put on some music?" He nodded without looking away from the road. "Go ahead." I turned on the radio and flipped through stations until I landed on a pop song I adored. A smile spread across my face as I began to sing along softly. The upbeat melody lifted my spirits, and for a moment, it felt like the world outside didn’t matter. When the song ended, I realized how absorbed I had been and glanced at Alaric. He was watching me out of the corner of his eye, an amused expression tugging at his lips. Embarrassment flooded me. "Sorry, that was… very inappropriate," I mumbled, fiddling with the hem of my blouse. To my surprise, he chuckled. "Don’t apologize. It was… refreshing." I blinked at him, caught off guard by his words. "Refreshing?" He nodded. "It’s nice to
We ran as fast as we could, weaving through the dense forest. The trees and underbrush were thick, making it hard for anyone to track us. After what felt like an eternity, the sound of footsteps chasing us faded away. We slowed, trying to catch our breath. “We lost them,” Alaric said, his sharp gaze scanning the area. “But we need to keep moving. They might double back or spread out." Though my lungs burned and my legs screamed for rest, I nodded. “Okay,” I managed, determined not to slow him down. After a while, Alaric glanced at me. “You’re exhausted,” he said, his voice softer now. “Let’s rest for a few minutes." “No,” I shook my head firmly, even though my body ached to agree. “If we stop, they might catch up. I can keep going." Alaric’s lips pressed into a line, his eyes narrowing as he studied me. “Fine,” he said after a moment, “but you’re not doing this alone." Before I could protest, he stepped closer, gently grabbing my arm and positioning me so I leaned against him. “
Alaric took off his jacket, his movements precise as he tore a piece from it. Without a word, he knelt down again and began to gently clean my legs with the makeshift cloth. “Alaric, you don’t have to do this,” I protested, trying to pull my legs away, but he held firm, his gaze unwavering. “I want to,” he said simply, his voice steady. There was something in his tone that silenced me. He worked carefully, wiping away the blood and dirt. Every now and then, his hands would pause as if checking to make sure he wasn’t hurting me. When he finished, he tore the rest of his jacket into two longer strips and wrapped them around my feet, securing them snugly. The material provided an immediate sense of relief, dulling the sting from the cuts and scratches. “There,” he said, standing up and looking down at me with a small, reassuring smile. “That should help with the pain for now." “Thank you,” I murmured, feeling a mix of gratitude and guilt for how much he was doing for me. He seemed
“Anna, wake up.”I groaned, still half-asleep, and rolled over, but the urgency in Alaric’s voice pulled me from my slumber. His hands gripped my shoulder, shaking me firmly. “What? What’s going on?” I mumbled groggily, blinking up at him. He pressed a finger to his lips, signalling for me to be quiet, and then pointed toward the door. My heart jumped as I strained my ears, and the faint sound of scuffling reached me. The haze of sleep vanished instantly. I sat up, now wide awake, as the muffled noise became clearer—footsteps, voices. My eyes darted to Alaric, who had his finger on the trigger of his gun, his expression tense. Swallowing hard, I grabbed the pistol he’d given me, my hands trembling slightly. I released the safety with a soft click, the sound unnervingly loud in the otherwise quiet cabin. The voices outside grew louder, more distinct. “Are you sure they’re in there?” one of them asked, his tone irritated. “They can’t have gone far,” another replied, sounding confi
**Explicit content ahead**He carries me into the bedroom, his grip strong but reverent, like I’m something fragile he’s afraid to break. The moment we reach the bed, he lowers me gently onto the sheets, hovering over me like he’s afraid to rush. His fingers trace the line of my jaw, down my neck, and I shiver under his touch."Take off your clothes." He looks shocked which was exactly what I was going for."What??"“I said, take off your clothes, Mr. Sinclair,” I murmur, my voice low but teasing, a sly smile tugging at my lips.He arches a brow, but there’s a flicker of surprise in his eyes—he wasn’t expecting this version of me. Truth be told, I wasn’t either. But something about being with him—with Alaric—makes me feel bold. Safe. Desired.Normally, I’d shrink away, let him lead. I’ve always been the one to follow, to please, to hope for scraps of affection. But not tonight. Not with him.Tonight, I want to claim him.I lean back into the pillows, watching intently as he slowly beg
We finally return to Alaric’s home, and as soon as I step inside, a wave of familiarity crashes into me.The scent of warm wood and subtle spice. The soft lighting. The quiet hum of the house.God, I missed this place.I slip out of my shoes slowly, letting the comfort of it all sink in. It’s only been a few months, but everything that happened between then and now makes it feel like a lifetime. My gaze drifts to the grand staircase and the tall windows, and for a moment, I just let myself breathe.We’d left Celeste with Tristan at the safehouse. He insisted on staying behind to watch her, and I trusted him—but still, a flicker of worry lingers in my chest. I hope she doesn't try anything stupid. I hope they’re okay.Shaking the thought off, I pull out my phone and call Damian. He picks up on the second ring and the conversation starts off tensed but I give him everything. I tell him about Celeste, the revelation, the name of the man behind it all, and how we finally have leverage.By
Something in me softens as I watch Celeste shrink into herself.Gone is the haughty woman who stormed into Alaric’s office, who tried to pit us against each other and stood tall beside a man she thought was invincible. Now, she’s… a discarded pawn, trembling on the edge of irrelevance.I walk over quietly and kneel beside her, lowering myself to her level so she doesn’t feel surrounded or attacked. Her eyes flick to mine, red-rimmed and wide, like she doesn’t know whether to expect mercy or mockery.But I speak gently.“If you tell us everything you know,” I say, my voice calm and honest, “Alaric will let you go. No more games, no more threats. Just tell the truth, Celeste. Help us stop him.”Her lips tremble, and I see the fight start to leave her body.“No one else has to know,” I add. “But you can’t go back to him. Not after this. And you know that.”She blinks rapidly, a single tear slipping down her cheek before she quickly wipes it away, as if she still doesn’t want to appear we
I lean against the far wall, arms crossed, staring at Celeste’s unconscious form slumped in the chair. Her long hair is a tangled mess now, falling across her face like a broken curtain. It’s hard to believe that just hours ago, she was barging into Alaric’s office in full control, heels clicking like she owned the place. Now she’s here—drugged, tied up, stripped of all that bravado.After she collapsed, Alaric had Tristan haul her through the private elevator, the one most employees don’t even know exists. No one saw us leave. No one knows where we are. The safe house is far from the city, heavily guarded, and soundproof.She stirs.I straighten instantly, watching her brows twitch, fingers flexing behind her bound back. Her eyes flutter open slowly, scanning her surroundings—and then she sees us.Alaric beside me, sharp and unreadable. Tristan near the door, arms folded. Jason to her left, silent and brooding. And me, watching every flicker of emotion play across her face.Her breat
I don’t waste a second.I grab my tablet, the folder of reports—anything that looks official enough to pass as a legitimate excuse—and head straight for Alaric’s office. I keep my expression neutral as I walk past Celeste, who’s typing away on her phone. Her eyes flick up briefly, and I flash her a tight, polite smile. She doesn’t return it.Good.Once inside, I shut the door quietly and lock it, just like he told me to.Alaric’s already up from his chair, tension radiating from his frame. He doesn’t speak at first. He just strides toward me and wraps his arms around me, pulling me into his chest like he knew it was exactly what I needed.“I heard,” he says, voice low. “Is he okay?”“He’s shaken, but safe. Damian’s got him under heavy protection now.” I pause. “It was deliberate, Alaric. A message. They wanted me to know they can get to my family anytime they want.”He pulls back enough to meet my gaze. His golden eyes are colder than I’ve ever seen them—sharp, dangerous. “That was th
After everyone had cleared out—her parents heading to bed, Brian retreating to his room with a muttered, “Don’t stay up too late,” and Ellie offering one last encouraging squeeze of her hand, i found myself lingering in the hallway.Damian was just about to leave when I called out, “Hey, Damian? Can we talk? Just for a minute.”He paused, nodding, and followed her into the quiet of the kitchen. The warm light from the overhead fixtures cast a soft glow over the space.“I wanted to ask you something,” I began, leaning against the counter, arms crossed loosely in front of me. “Back when you mentioned someone trying to interfere with your company—do you still think someone’s trying to take it over?”Damian scratched the back of his neck, looking thoughtful. “I did,” he said carefully. “Before, there were a lot of unusual movements. Strange buyout offers, shady investors trying to snag minor shares—nothing illegal, but definitely calculated. It felt like someone was testing the waters, se
The next few days felt like a breath of fresh air. It was as if the weight that had been pressing down on my chest had finally lifted, the storm inside me settling into something calmer, more manageable. Alaric hadn’t betrayed me. He hadn’t chosen Celeste over me. I had been wrong, and the truth had set everything into motion again.Work became easier, too. I could focus on the tasks in front of me without that constant knot of anxiety twisting my stomach. The reports, the meetings—everything seemed more like routine again instead of a battleground.But there was still Celeste.Every time I passed her in the halls, my stomach churned, and my gaze followed her as she clung to Alaric’s side like a vine. Her hand was always on his arm; her laughter was too loud, too eager. I hated seeing them together. It was like a punch to the gut, a reminder of everything I’d been afraid of, everything I’d once thought was true.Still, I managed to keep my composure. I focused on my work, on keeping m
His words sink deep into my chest, unraveling something raw inside me. He would do it again—a thousand times over. A shuddering breath escapes me as I stare into his golden eyes, dark and unreadable, yet filled with something that makes my heart ache. I don’t know who moves first. Maybe it’s him. Maybe it’s me. Maybe it’s inevitable. But in the next breath, I’m in his arms. His lips claim mine with a desperate intensity, as if he’s trying to brand his presence into my very soul. I feel his fingers tighten in my hair, his other hand sliding to my waist, pulling me flush against him. A gasp slips from my lips, but he swallows the sound, deepening the kiss, drinking me in. Heat coils low in my stomach, a wildfire igniting between us. Every touch, every caress, is unspoken emotion—frustration, longing, relief. My hands wander over his back, memorizing the way his muscles tense under my fingertips. He’s warm, solid, real. I tilt my head back as his lips move down my jaw, traili
"Why must you be so stubborn?" he retorts, trying to shake me off, but he's so gentle that I could hold on to him with no effort. "This has nothing to do with you Anna"I tighten my grip on his shirt, refusing to back down. “It has everything to do with me,” I counter, my voice unwavering. “You think I don’t see it? The way you flinch when she touches you? The way your jaw clenches every time she’s near?”His eyes darken, a flicker of something dangerous passing through them, but it’s gone before I can name it.“You’re imagining things.”“Liar,” I breathe.His body tenses beneath my hands. I can feel it—the internal war raging inside him, the push and pull between whatever is holding him back and whatever part of him wants to tell me the truth.“Let go, Anna,” he says, but his fingers are still digging into my waist, still holding me close.I shake my head. “Not until you look me in the eye and tell me you love her.”Silence.A heavy, suffocating silence.His lips part slightly, but n