Anna’s POVAfter Alaric left, I decided to take full advantage of the free day ahead of me. I changed into something comfortable—an oversized sweatshirt and a pair of soft shorts—then grabbed a blanket and plopped onto the massive sectional in the living room.With the remote in hand, I scrolled through streaming options before finally settling on a show I’d been meaning to catch up on. The enormous flat-screen was a luxury I had always looked forward to using, and I sank deeper into the couch, fully immersing myself in the fictional world playing before me.Hours passed in a haze of binge-watching and snacking. It was the most relaxed I had felt in a long time, and for once, I didn’t let my mind wander to things like fake engagements, intimidating fathers, or the fact that I’d told Alaric last night that I wanted him to kiss me. Nope. Not thinking about that at all.Just as I was about to start another episode, my phone buzzed beside me. I grabbed it, squinting at the unknown number o
The car ride started off peacefully, with the engine's quiet hum and streetlights' soft glow flashing through the tinted windows. Ellie had been laughing just moments ago, still chuckling over one of Damian’s ridiculous dares. But as soon as she asked the driver how long it would take to take me home, and he replied, her posture changed.She tensed, her fingers suddenly latching onto my hand with surprising force.I turned to her, confused. “Ellie—”“Where’s the usual driver?” She interrupted, her voice still smooth but noticeably sharper.The man didn’t even flinch. “He had an emergency,” he answered. “I’m his replacement.”My stomach twisted. Something about the way he said it, so casually, so unconcerned, made my skin prickle with unease.Ellie didn’t respond right away. A second passed. Then another. Her fingers twitched slightly against mine, like she was weighing her options. I heard the tiniest, almost imperceptible intake of breath before she slowly reached for the door handle
The car finally jerked to a stop after a few hours, its tires crunching over uneven ground. My heart pounded violently against my ribs as the driver turned in his seat and sneered, “Get out.”Ellie’s fingers wrapped around my wrist, and she leaned in close, her breath warm against my ear. “Remember what I said,” she whispered. “Don’t worry—I’ll be right behind you.”My panicked mind scrambled to recall her words. Run. She had told me to run the moment she gave the signal. it made me feel much better that she would be with me as I did.I swallowed hard and gave her the tiniest nod to show I understood.“I thought he told you two to get out!” The other man barked impatiently.As we stepped out of the car, I noticed Ellie subtly slipping her hand into her purse, fingers curling around something small and cylindrical. The dim lighting made it hard to see exactly what it was, but I knew better than to believe it was anything harmless.After getting out of the car, we faced our captors, the
We both froze instantly, our breath catching in our throats, unable to let it out for fear of making a sound. In the dim glow of the moonlight filtering through the warehouse’s cracked windows, I could see the same horror mirrored on Ellie’s face. “I swear I heard talking here,” one of the men muttered as two figures stepped inside. “They can’t have come this far,” the other scoffed. “I think you’re just imagining things." then silence "Fine, let’s just take a quick look.” Ellie’s grip on my hand tightened, and I could feel the faint tremor in her fingers. In the darkness, I saw her other hand inch toward her purse, reaching for the pepper spray canister again. Her lips barely moved as she whispered, “We need to leave. Slowly.” I gave a tiny nod, my pulse pounding in my ears. Luckily, the two men had wandered deeper into the warehouse, away from the only entrance. We moved cautiously, each step careful and doing everything to avoid making a sound. We were so close. Just a few
Ellie and I crept forward cautiously, our bodies still tense from the fear that had gripped us all night. The voices outside were getting clearer, but we couldn’t be sure if they belonged to a friend or foe. My heart pounded in my chest, my pulse roaring in my ears as we peeked around the rusted metal door. Then I saw them. Alaric and Damian. They stood near the cluster of black SUVs, heads bent together as they talked frantically, their expressions thick with worry. It was a rare sight—Alaric, always composed, and Damian, always carefree, now both looking visibly shaken. Before I could even process it, Ellie and I took a hesitant step forward. That was all it took. They spotted us. Their expressions shifted instantly, pure relief washing over their faces as their eyes locked onto us. They broke into a run. Ellie barely had time to react before Damian reached her first, yanking her into his arms with such force she let out a soft gasp. He buried his face in her shoulder, hi
After being treated, all I wanted was to go home and shower. Hospitals had always made me uneasy—the too-bright lights, the sterile scent of antiseptic, the hushed voices that carried an air of urgency, sadness and dread. I turned to Ellie, who was sitting beside me, scrolling through her phone. "Are you going to be fine alone? I would really like to head home," I told her, stretching slightly, my body still sore from everything that had happened. She looked up and studied me for a moment before nodding. "I’ll be fine. My parents just texted me—they’re close." Relieved, I gave her a small smile before I stood to leave. Alaric had been waiting outside, his arms crossed as he leaned against the wall, ever the picture of casual authority. As soon as he saw me, his posture relaxed slightly. "Ready?" he asked. I nodded, and together we made our way toward the exit. We had barely turned a corner when we spotted a couple walking toward us. They had an air of aristocracy abo
As our lips stayed locked, his hands roamed the entirety of my back, his touch leaving trails of fire in their wake. Then, without warning, he gripped me firmly under my thighs and lifted me effortlessly, pressing me against the wall. A gasp escaped me, but he swallowed it with another searing kiss, his lips moving hungrily over mine. His mouth left mine, tracing a path down my jaw, kissing and sucking at the sensitive skin near my ear. “I want you so bad,” he whispered, his voice thick with need. “I can’t take it anymore.” A shiver ran through me as he turned us around, still holding me effortlessly, his lips trailing down my neck. Before I knew it, I was being tossed onto the bed, the air leaving my lungs in a shaky exhale. Our eyes locked. Slowly, he reached for the hem of his shirt, pulling it over his head and revealing the body I had only caught glimpses of before. I thought I had imagined how beautiful he looked beneath all those tailored suits, but I hadn’t. His
After coming down from the intense orgasm, a heavy wave of peace settles over me, my eyelids growing heavier with each passing second and my body slowly succumbs to exhaustion. I barely register Alaric shifting beside me as he adjusts the blanket over my shoulders. His warmth is grounding, a stark contrast to the cold fear that had gripped me just hours ago.His voice reaches me through the fog, deep and soothing. "It’s okay. You can sleep now."I want to fight it. I don’t want to close my eyes. There’s still so much to say, so much left unresolved. But my body has other plans.The last thing I remember is the gentle pressure of his hand rubbing slow, comforting circles on my back, and then—darkness.----------------When I wake, everything hurts.My limbs are stiff, aching in ways I didn’t even realize they could. The soreness settles deep in my bones as a reminder of the hellish night before.For a moment, I just lie there, blinking slowly as the events of last night trickle back in
Lisa’s POV“I don’t know why she’s being so cold,” I sigh dramatically, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear as I glance at Josh beside me. “Anna always had a mean streak. She used to say the nastiest things to me back when we were… you know… ‘friends.’”Josh furrows his brows like he’s trying to remember a version of Anna that never existed. “Really?” he asks, clearly more intrigued than concerned.I nod solemnly, layering my voice with a hint of pain. “She used to make me cry, say I wasn’t good enough, pick on everything I wore… Even now, it’s like she’s still punishing me.”Josh chuckles, smirking as if he’s just discovered a grand conspiracy. “She’s probably still in love with me,” he says, running a hand through his hair like that thought pleases him too much. “That’s why she’s acting like that. Holding a grudge… Classic jealousy move.”God, you’re so easy, I think, but I school my expression and give him a supportive smile. “Maybe… Maybe you should talk to her. You know, clear
The week passes in a blur of logins, onboarding emails, and meetings where I try my best to nod like I understand everything—thankfully, I understand more than I expected. They’re still easing me into the workload. I’m mostly shadowing my mentor, assisting with research, preparing data summaries, and sitting in on team meetings. It's nothing too intense yet, but I make sure to look alert, take notes, and ask smart questions. I want to earn my place here, not just coast on charisma and a polished resume.And thankfully, despite the awkward start, I haven’t had to interact with Lisa much. We're in different departments, mentored by different analysts, and our desks are thankfully on opposite ends of the floor. The only times I catch a glimpse of her are during lunch breaks, when I feel her eyes on me from across the cafeteria like some low-budget thriller villain.I’ve learned to ignore it. She can stare all she wants.Friday rolls in before I know it. I’m just finishing up a small repo
I stir awake, a smile already tugging at my lips as I realize where I am, wrapped in Alaric’s arms, still basking in the afterglow of a blissful night. The sun rays shines gently through the curtains, casting golden warmth across our tangled bodies. I stretch slightly, careful not to wake him, and try to ease myself out of bed. But the second I move, his arm tightens around my waist. “Five more minutes,” he mumbles, voice rough with sleep. I glance at the clock, heart skipping. “I’ll be late, Alaric. It’s my first day.” He doesn't even open his eyes. Instead, he shifts closer, nuzzling his face into the crook of my neck before pressing a kiss there—slow, purposeful, and devastatingly effective. My resolve wavers instantly. It didn't even pretend to put up a fight. “Just five,” I whisper, breath hitching. “That’s all I need,” he murmurs with a devilish grin, before rolling back the covers and disappearing beneath them with wicked intent. My squeal turns into a gasp a
I stare up at the sleek glass building in front of me, its mirrored panels catching the morning sun like armour. My reflection stares back—poised, professional, and a tiny bit terrified."You’ve got this," I tell myself, shifting my folder to my other arm. I’ve done everything I could to prepare. Hours of brushing up on industry questions, perfecting my resume, and tailoring my pitch. And countless mock interviews with Alaric—him sitting on the edge of his desk in his lazy, arrogant sprawl, firing hard questions with a smirk just to watch me squirm.I smile to myself at the memory. It’s because of him I feel even remotely ready.Still... this is different. This isn’t his world. This is mine.I smooth a hand over my skirt, exhale slowly, and whisper under my breath, “You’re smart. You’re capable. You belong here.”And then I walk inside.The receptionist greets me kindly, and I’m led to a waiting area that smells like fresh coffee and expensive polish. I take a seat, crossing my legs a
Lisa’s POVThe capital smells like money and power.I breathe it in as I step out of the plane with Josh trailing behind me, already going on about how this city’s going to change everything for us. “Connections,” he keeps saying. “Opportunities.” Blah, blah. I’ve heard it all before.We weave through the arrival terminal, and for a second, I’m bored. Airports are all the same—plastic smiles, rolling suitcases, screaming kids.Until I see him.He’s leaning casually against a black luxury car parked by the curb, a phone in one hand, the other tucked into the pocket of a navy-blue coat. He’s not trying to be noticed, but God, it’s impossible not to. There’s something about him—sharp jaw, cold eyes, the kind of presence that doesn’t just enter a room but commands it.I slow down instinctively.And then a woman runs toward him.A girl—slender, stylish, dark curls bouncing as she throws herself at him. He hugs her tightly, murmuring something that makes her laugh. There’s warmth in his tou
After hours of sitting in that cold, too-bright waiting room, it's as if time blended into itself. I’ve counted every tile on the ceiling. I’ve memorized the rhythm of every footstep that passes by the hall. I’ve heard more whispered more prayers than I can remember. And then finally, the door opens. A nurse steps out, her face soft with something resembling a smile. “He’s awake,” she announces quietly. The air leaves my lungs in a whoosh. I see Mrs. Ashford’s hand fly to her mouth as Mr. Ashford pulls her into a trembling embrace. Ellie lets out a choked sob, her shoulders sagging with relief. Alaric, beside me, closes his eyes for a moment, and takes a deep breath as if releasing a tension wound tightly beneath his skin. “But,” the nurse continues gently, “he’s still weak. He can only handle one or two people at a time.” Of course. We all nod, silently agreeing. Mr. and Mrs. Ashford go first. They disappear behind the door, and for ten long minutes, we wait in thick silence.
AnnaIt’s been hours.Long, aching, heavy hours since they took the blood from me. I barely noticed the prick of the needle or the lightheadedness that followed. My body was numb. My mind was too focused on a single thing, saving him.And somehow… he made it.Damian is stable now.Those words were like a balm I didn’t know I needed. I must have cried then—relief bursting through the fear like the first sunlight after a storm—but I don’t remember. I only remember Alaric holding me, one hand on the back of my head, the other wrapped around my waist, grounding me like he always does.Now, though, the relief is fading, replaced by a new weight.Telling his family.Telling Ellie.I glance at Alaric as we walk down the hallway. His jaw is tight, his steps stiff. The adrenaline of battle has worn off, leaving him hollowed out, just like me. But he’s here. And that’s all I need to move forward.The door to the waiting room is just ahead. I can hear voices—Mrs. Ashford’s soft worry, Ellie’s an
I don't know how long we stayed like that—Alaric pressing down on Damian’s wound, me whispering prayers.The sound of backup finally crashing in loudly to my ears. Yells. Footsteps. Barked orders. But all I could see was Damian's paling face.“Medics!” Alaric shouted hoarsely, his voice raw. “Someone call an ambulance! We need a medic now!”At some point someone knelt beside us, a blur of uniform and supplies, hands taking over. I didn’t let go of Damian’s hand until they pried it from mine to load him onto the stretcher.“Stay with him,” Alaric said, voice shaking but firm. “Don’t let him go under.”I nodded numbly, stumbling after them as they wheeled him out. Alaric stayed behind to coordinate the clean-up, but I couldn’t tear my eyes away from Damian’s blood on my hands.The gun—the one I had fired—was still tucked in my waistband. I’d killed a man today. A man who nearly destroyed everything we loved.But all I could think was…Please, don’t let this be the price we pay.The wall
AnnaI know I should have stayed back.I promised I would.But it’s different this time.Something in my gut twists with dread, and no matter how hard I try to ignore it, it keeps clawing at me. I know they were walking into a trap. And knowing they were going in with backup didn’t help soothe my fears not one bit. Not tonight. Not when Elias was desperate and dangerous. Not when Alaric looked at me like he might not come back.I wait until I can no longer see the tail lights of the black SUV disappear down the road before I move.My feet take me straight to the study, to the drawer where I had stashed Alaric’s gun weeks ago. The same one I’d stolen the very first day we met—back when he had threatened me to help him.A fond smile pulls at my lips at the memory.God, a lot has changed since then.The man who once cornered me with cold eyes and threats was now the man I love and loves me. Fiercely. Wholeheartedly. I had changed too—no longer afraid, no longer unsure of my place in the