—JENNIFER—Oh, How wrong I was to think that he would care to even listen to my threat. I groaned immediately at the sight when I stepped out of the door to receive Cally. “ He got to be kidding me!! “ I stared at the big bulky bodyguard, Morris, standing at full attention at the door. “ Are you going somewhere, Mam?? “ He asked, as soon as his eyes caught me. “ No. Not certainly now.” I gritted through my teeth making him shift in his place. The elevator bell ding before the doors were opened, revealing Cally. She grinned up at me making me reciprocate it as I hugged her. “ Damn, I missed you.” She complained, pulling apart. “ I don't like holidays anymore. “ I matched her tone of remorse, leading her inside but she stopped abruptly. “ Bloody hot chocolate!! Who's that? “ Her eyes wandered behind me at Morris. “ He works with Christian and now is here to provide me safety.“ I grunted in annoyance. “As if every bad guy is waiting outside my door to get their hands on me. ” I c
—JENNIFER—The holidays had me going crazy out of boredom and since I had completed all three of my novels that I had bought three days back, I had nothing to do right now. I can't even go to a bookstore Or library because of a certain big bulky bodyguard lurking at the door. Finding no other way to kill my time, I called mom and we talked sometime. “ Is he treating you nicely?? “Mom asked after pleasantries. “ I thought you would ask if I'm treating him nicely. “ I said, sarcastically. “ Oh, didn't I ask that only?? I guess my words got misplaced. “ She teased, making me huff. “ Your mom is getting old, Princess.” Dad's voice came in between followed by a hiss. “ Stop being violent, woman. “ I laughed, understanding that Mom had surely hit him. “ Alright, Now when are you visiting us?? “ Mom had asked. “ I was thinking about coming after the new year. Since my university will be reopened, I'll come directly from there. “ I informed her. “ I wasn't talking about only you, you
—CHRISTIAN—I watched as the big screen in my office played the news about a pitiful accident in George Lopez's building. “ What's next Sir? “ James asked, eyeing the screen as well. I turned my attention to the man splayed shamelessly on the couch near the window. “ Now, If you are done relaxing, Can we talk business? “ I asked. “ No. Not until you clear my previous payments.” He answered with his eyes still closed. “ Alex! “ I chewed the name and he still didn't buzz from his place. “ I might have to target you for my next shot.” It was supposed to be a threat but does he care??“ And you want my help in targeting me?? How thoughtful. “ He sat saying this and yawned lazily. “ Get your ass here.” I barked. “ I might need a coffee first. “ He told James, ignoring me. “ Right away, Sir. “ James stood up to leave but he stopped him. “ And a chocolate milkshake for dear Christian.” He grinned up at me and I shot him a death glare. “ A-Alright Sir.” James gave me a weird look be
—JENNIFER—I asked, trying to push the smirk on display while hiding the blush on my cheeks caused by his constantly intense gaze and his gorgeous look. He can look handsome even in a plastic bag!! “ Not really! “ He said, taking a step closer to me. Damn him!! How can he shamelessly accept that he was staring. I took a subconscious step back because of the decreased distance between us but he was fast to stop me with his one hand going around my waist and pressing me against his chest. “ My choice really is ravishing! “ He whispered, huskily as his other hands went up to my hair. “ Y-Yes! The dress.. dress is gorgeous! “ I said, more to myself, hoping that he was actually talking about the dress. Before I knew it, he pulled out the binder from my ponytail, making my hair to fell down on my back. “ Wha-“ Don't you ever tie them again.” He said as he, without giving me any chance to reply, nudged his face in my hair making me go shut up.My eyes went wide when he sniffed them
—JENNIFER—Next some hours were spent without anything important as Christian was busy talking to his business associates and I just stood there, hanging on his arm. From the conversation he was having I collected that Mathew and John are business partners and most of their business is collaborated. Finally when the man named Mr. Collins left after a long, long chat with Christian and he turned to face me. “ Aren't you hungry?? “ He asked and I felt myself fueled, immediately. “ Don't you think?? “ I growled, lowly along with my stomach. Christian rolled his eyes and led me towards the food section. “ I hope they roll out of their sockets, the next time you roll them! “ I hissed beside him. “ I realise, hunger makes you cranky! “ He remarked. “ You have no idea.” I hissed back. Half an hour later we were back to the business chats and marriage congratulations when suddenly the wife of John Anderson and host of the party, asked for attention. "Alright, ladies and gentlemen, i
—JENNIFER—I stared into his eyes that were ready to drown in those deep pooles. But by the look of them I can tell that the pools are definitely filled with boiling water.The music stopped and everyone started to leave the dance floor since it was almost 12:00.But instead of staying with everyone and hooting through the countdown of new year, I was being dragged to one side. Soon I found that not only one side but the outside. In the garden of the house. His hold on my wrist was so tight that a yelp escaped my lips before he left me with a jerk in the silent garden. “What's wrong with you?? “ I almost cried at his behaviour. “ What's wrong with me?? What's wrong with you?? What the fuck were you doing there??” He growled, making me take a step back. His eyes blazed with pure fury and the vein in his forehead ticked like a time bomb. “ I-I was just dancing. “ I simply answered, trying to keep myself calm. “ And With who exactly??” He gritted through his teeth. “ A gentleman
—JENNIFER—“ What?? “ My brows furrowed. “ Dinner!! Mary took another leave. “ He informed me but my frown deepened another inch. She has started to have a lot of leaves lately. “ Oh.” I mumbled. “ You want to go out?? “ He asked, stuffing his hands in his pockets. “ We can just order something.” I said, trying to hide my nervousness. No way in hell I'm going to spend this much time alone with him going out. “ I'll cook. Come!! “ He turned to leave but I stayed rooted in my place since my reader's mind didn't provide me with the same meaning of the last word as he meant. I was pulled out of my trance by his warning laced voice. “ Princess!! Do you want me to make you?? “ And the words didn't help sorting my head at all. Another wave of embarrassment joined the previous as I quickly followed him to the kitchen with rosy cheeks. I stood at the entrance, not knowing what to do until he gave me a pointed look and sighing, I settled myself at the kitchen counter. Awkward silence
—JENNIFER—Four hours in university felt like four painful, foodless lives and when the last lecture finally was done, I literally ran out of the class as If it was on fire.When I stepped out of the campus with Cally and Celeste on either side of me, Morris was waiting for me in the parking lot near my car. I pressed my lips into a thin, annoying line. “ Ah, how can you even be displeased with this sight?? .” Cally remarked with an awed sigh. “ For real. I would have been on his feet by now.” Celeste agreed, fanning herself. “ Then what are you waiting for??” I gave her a tight lipped smile, pointing towards the feet of Morris. “ If I wasn't already having a bigass crush.” She sighed with a whining expression. I met eyes with Cally and we both whirled to watch him with our ‘tell us right now’ look. “ There's not much to tell. " She saddened her face, helplessly. “ Spit it. Whatever it is. “ I and Cally both spoke up at the same time. “ I saw this man in the Cafe I work. He vi
JENNIFER The next few days were spent with everyone celebrating my memory regaining and for our soon to be born child. Mom and Dad disclosed the whole truth about Catherine and I was just happy that they at least told me whatever it was. I was upset for being lied to but never angry. It eases their tension and we are back to normal. I looked at the clock and then towards the main door. With a sigh filled with disappointment, I had just turned back when the click of the door opening had me turning back again only to see my husband dearest entering with a bag in his hand. “You’re home.” I exclaimed, with a relieved smile while mentally thanking God. At first glance, he looked the same as when he’d left— black shirt, black pants, hauntingly beautiful face—but a closer look revealed the quiet storm brewing in his eyes. “You asked me to come home.” He watched, body still but gaze burning like an open flame, as I closed the distance between us. “So here I am.” His rough velvet
JENNIFER When I opened my eyes, my head felt heavy. It was hurting like someone had crushed it under a car wheel. With a wince of pain, I opened my eyes and the first thing I landed my eyes on was a pair of black eyes. Two moments of unblinking stare into those worry filled eyes before I took a sigh of relief. “ Christian!” I called out his name in my weak and hazy voice and saw him practically relaxing. As if a burden was taken away from her chest. “ Princess! You are awake.” His voice was filled with relief. “ What do you think?” I joked at his obvious question. A small sigh left his lips before a soft smile appeared as he bent down to kiss my forehead. “ You scared the shit out of me.” He murmured, straightening back. “ What? I don't remember anything?” I asked and he froze in his place. “ You don't remember anything?” He asked, repeating my words and emphasised on the last word. Now it was my turn to freeze in my place. I paused and all the events of the past
CHRISTIAN “Hello, Raphael.” I examined Jennifer’s stalker, who was strung up with heavy cuffs locking his arms and legs into a vertical spread- eagle position. Nails pinned his palms to the wall behind them, while black and blue bruises mottled his body like an obscene piece of abstract art. We were in the warehouse I’d bought for this specific purpose. Remote, soundproofed, and guarded enough that an ant couldn’t crawl across the floor without me knowing. Not all of my guys were okay with dirty work, which was fine. I only needed a few who were, and they’d done their job prepping the bastard for me. I couldn’t have him waiting too comfortably while I tended to Jennifer. My gaze flicked to the floor. A small pool of blood stained the smooth grey concrete. That was also fine. It will grow soon enough. Raphael’s face was so beaten up it was unrecognisable, but the heat of his glare made me smile. He had a bit of fight left in him. Good. That would make our session so much m
JENNIFER I slept in until almost noon the next day. It was the latest I’d ever woken up, but the previous day’s events had taken their toll. Even after a solid sixteen hours of rest, fogginess clouded my brain as I walked to the kitchen. Being drugged and kidnapped. Finding out my husband dearest has a brother about which I still have to ask him, Nearly dying, then getting rescued by Christian, and sort of/kind of making up with him. I’d had time to process, so it was easier to wrap my head around what happened, but yesterday was so surreal I still felt like I was walking on the edge of a dream. It was Monday, so I’d expected Christian to be at work. But when I entered the sun-splashed kitchen, I found him standing by the espresso machine, dressed in a black shirt and pants instead of his usual suit. I blinked with surprise. “You’re here.” I asked and he turned back swiftly as if pulled back harshly from another world. I guess I disturbed his thoughts. “It is my house,” he s
CHRISTIAN She’s here. She’s safe. I repeated the words in my head as I held Jennifer tight. Tiny shivers rippled through her body, and even though she was almost as tall as me, she felt fragile. Breakable. Fierce protectiveness burned in my chest. “It’s all right, princess,” I murmured. “You’re okay. You’re safe.” She buried her face deeper in my neck, her soft sobs twisting my heart like a wrung-out rag. Her hold on me felt like I was the only trustable and safe place for her. It felt like the old times, before her accident. It felt like I was holding her again for the first time in years, but this wasn’t how I’d wanted it to be. Not with her bruised, hurt, and terrified. Something struck my mind and my one hand automatically moved towards her belly. I felt my heart clenching in my chest at the thought of any possible harm to our child. The relief I’d felt at seeing her alive gave way to renewed rage. My cold gaze found Rapheal over Jennifer’s shoulder. He should pray t
Jennifer Lights washed across my vision at the force of the impact, but I didn’t have time to waste. I slammed my wrists down as hard as I could behind me until the frayed rope snapped against the protrusion. Luckily, Raphael hadn’t tied my legs, and I stumbled to the door. I almost made it before strong hands yanked me back. I hit the floor with a thud. Raphael pinned me to the ground and manacled my wrists above my head. “Let go of me!” I struggled against his hold. “You’re mine,” he said calmly, like we were at a picnic in the park and he wasn’t holding me hostage. “It’ll be so much easier if you give in, Jennifer. I don’t want to hurt you.” I couldn’t keep struggling forever. My energy was already fading, my muscles sore and my thoughts jumbled with panic. I turned my head a fraction to the right, and my breath hitched when I saw my purse lying a few feet away. My taser. I always kept it on me because since Christian forced me to do it. If I could only reach it… Raphae
JENNIFER A prickle of sensation dragged me from the dark, murky wells of unconsciousness. It started as a tingle in my fingers and toes. Then it was the hard press of wood beneath my thighs. Finally, it was the rough abrasion of ropes around my wrists and a pounding pain behind my eyes. I didn’t know what was going on. All I knew was, it hurt, and my throat was dry, and my head throbbed like someone had shoved a jackhammer or ten in there. Concrete anchors dragged down my lids. The darkness wasn’t soft and gentle like the gradual drift to sleep. It was endless and menacing, like the weight of the earth after being buried alive. I forced my lungs to expand past my rising panic. Breathe. Think. What happened? I struggled to sort through the day’s events. I remembered meeting my friends at the cafe. Morris running to the restroom. Nausea, dizziness, stumbling out for air…and the cold press of a gun against my ribcage. A voice, then blackness. Oh God. I’d been kidnapped. Th
JENNIFER A sharp stab of concern pulled my brows together. “Do you need to sit down? You don’t look so good.” Actually, I didn’t feel great either. My usual lethargy intensified and tugged at my limbs and eyelids. Morris’ face swam before me until I blinked the blurriness away. “Yes, I”—he gripped the edge of the table. “I”— his face turned ghostly white before flushing the crimson. “Stay here. I’ll be right back.” He bolted toward the bathroom. The door slammed shut. A second later, I heard the faint but unmistakable sound of vomiting. My own stomach twisted at the noise. I hoped we hadn’t gotten food poisoning, but something was clearly wrong. My vision blurred again. This time, blinking didn’t help. I stood, hoping the change in altitude would clear my head, but an instant wave of dizziness forced me back into my seat. What is going on? I’d only had tea and a pastry. Could you even get food poisoning from tea and pastries? Black dots danced in front of my eyes, and panic
—JENNIFER— As soon as our mouths collided, I felt colours bursting behind my eyelids, making them shut up automatically. Christian went frozen at my unexpected stunt and couldn't even move for a long moment. For myself, I was in shock about how the mouth of this cold man could be so warm and soft. I didn't give it any thought so I was as stunned as him at my own action and couldn't even move out of shock until I felt his hands coming up to grab my waist and he pulled me into himself. My body felt burns and chills at the same time where his fingers were digging into my skin in a firm but not painful hold. Suddenly I was too conscious about the things that his touch was making me feel. The pause we both took out of shock had me thinking for a moment that he would pull back but instead, he tilted his mouth and deepened the kiss with a sudden force that I almost lost my step. A gasp of shock couldn't find a place to escape me because of the way his mouth was perfectly occupying m