SAMANTHA'S POV I rushed to the window and looked out. The screeching noises of a mad mobile caught my attention just now. It was dark outside but the lights in the compound made it exceptionally easy to make out who was driving the red Ford. Leo had come. Earlier in fact. I shrieked, running into the walk-in closet immediately. I thought he was coming at midnight. I was not prepared for him. For what I was supposed to do. He was coming up the stairs, I could almost sense it. I hurried into the red lingerie he bought for me and I dimmed the lights. No matter what was going to happen tonight, I would have a piece of him before that. I warped something up and threw it under the bed then calmly settled down. I had a five year old scotch on the small table by the bedside and two glasses of wine, both filled up and waiting for him, like I was. He knocked. My breath seized. I shut my eyes for a second, finding my composure before I went over and opened the door.There he was, st
SAMANTHA'S POV The beeping sound ringing in ear was what woke me. That annoying thing just couldn't stop and I was too tired to think of what to do about it. I felt like I had exhaustion for dinner and my head weighed a ton. I couldn’t even open eyes. I tried to remember where I am but all my memories were coming in blur flashes. The sound went on, making my frustration worse, and building up anger inside me. Faintly , I could recognize that someone was near me, voicing out words I couldn't interpret but the moment I felt movement in my jaw, I mumbled immediately.“Make… make it stop.” “She is awake.” The strange voice uttered in surprise and was out the door before I could speak again. In less than a minute, she came back and with other people too.My eyes were half open so I could barely see them but I saw enough to tell me I'm not in my house. I'm in the hospital. The doctors put me through scans and observations for nearly an hour. All the while, I was silent, my washe
LEO’S POV I was out of breath, choked by the shock her lips gave me when I kissed them. I actually thought she would be upset. Well, I had a slap across the face but the grin on her lips told me she wasn't upset. It had been a day after the episode with Samantha. I was stewing with rage at the thought of what she dared to do. But most of all, I was angry at myself. She didn't deserve the way I treated her. She wanted my love and I made her believe she would get it. I turned into a love-deprived fool just so I could snag on her family wealth. But I didn't love her, the woman I loved died because of her. Although I know I am to blame, I still couldn't get myself to even like Samantha after that.Hell, the thoughts filled my head and seeped into my sleep and for the first time in a long while, I had nightmares that I could not drink away. It was then, while I was losing my mind about everything that I decided to call the only person that calmed my nerves; Gina Romano.Watching h
GINA'S POV I drove my car out into the dark streets of New York. Headlights flashing on my windows as cars blazed past me. The North winds sweep in to flutter my hair. I gripped hard on the steering wheel, eyes forward and brushing through the roads that curved all the way up to the villa. I had called Nanny Ann and she told me Quinn is home giving Derek a shower in the tub in his (Quinn’s) own room. I wasn't thinking of anything other than that. I just wanted to get to the house. To get away from my fears, which had grown nightmarish wings and were chasing me.The drive was chaotic and quick. I was wheeling into the villa the next moment. I left my heels at the foot of stairway, apologizing to the butler while I hurried up the steps and into Quinn’s bedroom. The door was open. Little wet footsteps were leading out of the room and I assumed immediately that Derek had left.I praced towards the bathroom, flashing my eyes at every corner, looking for him. Finally, spotted Quinn, h
Gina's POV - TWO DAYS LATER - The auction is four days away and between today and the d-day, Leo would be busy which means I have nothing to worry about, my would go on undisturbed. It is a rainy day and the cold breeze was chilling anyone on the streets. I parked my bottle some street lamps away and then walked towards Lo’s house.The guard let me in instantly and the butler had some towels bought for me. The chatty Reggie kept me company while they tried to get through to Leo.“Nothing yet?” I asked, my voice was barely audible and laced with worry.“No. He is awfully busy with preparing for his event, I guess. But-” Reggie gave me a innocent look. “I am sure he will rush back once he sees my text.”“Good.” I snuggled nicely into the sheets, letting it conceal me a bit like a child. Reggie straightened his legs playfully. We weren't talking anymore but I knew he was looking for what to say. This habit of his hasn't gone away.“Miss. If I may ask, why did you come by and w
QUINN'S POV I sat, slowly, on the bed next to her. Watching her sleep. I peeped at the alarm clock on the bedside table, It is already past nine and she is still sleeping. I could smell alcohol on her dress which she hadn't taken off. I wonder what she was doing last night? Her eyes suddenly twitched. A deep grumble escaping from her lips. I knew instantly that she was awake. I adjusted on the bed. Then readjusted, looking for a more mysterious position. I wanted to know how she would feel to find me here.The bedsheets rustled before my eyes. She was trying to get herself to wake up but that was going to be hard since she probably has a hangover. Eventually, she opened her eyes, sitting up slowly. Her hair was messy and there were bags beneath her eyes. She was squinting because of the light. For some reason I still couldn't explain, I love her morning appearance and I felt at a loss for not being the one lying on the other side of the bed.She rolled her head around. That's
GINA'S POV Quinn parked the car miles away from the government house. If we needed to be normal, a Ferrari would definitely destroy that impression. We flashed our IDs at the checkpoint and stated our destination. We were led right to the office on the second floor. An air-conditioned white tiled off with the American flag placed in the most expensive flag-holder I had ever seen. We sat close on the brown cushion. Quinn scrolled through his phone and I admired the picture of the United States president, unaware that Quinn had abandoned his phone and was looking at me until I turned. He smiled.“He is too old for you.”I frowned, raising my middle finger at him. This is the third time today he made an annoying joke. What's with him anyways. He has never been this… calm.He chuckled at what I did. “If you want to look at anything, look this way.” “At what?” He leaned forward, so fast. I couldn't even react before his face was right next to mine. His board chest almost touch
LEO’S POV I just stood there, my fingers slightly clenching the bridge of my nose. Exhaustion was evident in the silken look on my face but frown on my lips deep, dark and menacing like the glare in my eyes as I stared at the drunk Reggie drooling on my Multi-million dollar couch.I bet even God knew it was the past we shared they was keeping me from shooting him or perhaps it was just that I didn't want to wipe blood off that couch.I took a moment to exhale, letting the air flow out with the hot air. I scratched my hair in slight frustration and the looked towards the door where the butler was hiding.“Get that thing off my couch.”“Yes Sir.” He shuddered in, running like a frightened child, to wake Reggie. I left them disappearing upstairs. If I stayed a little longer, I will probably shoot them bothThe first thing I did, the instant I pushed the bedroom door open, is to fling myself on the bed, shutting my eyes immediately after.I tried to envision Gina's face when she
QUINN’S POVWhen I saw the pained look on her face, I regretted every advising her to do this. Even though she finally settled back and looked comfortable again, the feeling still did not go away.‘I adjusted the headphone and continued to listen to their conversation. I seemed to have missed a word or two while I was lost in thought.“I guessed that would be his question. Quinn still hasn’t stopped thinking about that girl.” I frowned. It was like I could see him making that small grin like he knew everything about me.“Honestly, I don’t care” Gina said, indifferently. “just answer the question.”“I will but Gina, arent’t you curous to know how all this began. I will gladly tell you along with what Quinn wants to hear.”I squeezed the car seat. Even now he stills jumps at any chance to soil my name. There was an uncomfortable silence of Gina’s lips before she finally spoke.“Since you like telling stories, go ahead.”‘Damn it.’ I smashed my fist on the steering wheel. This fucking s
GINA’S POVI rolled over on the bed, my hands flaring around unconsciously trying to find Quinn. He wasn’t in bed. I stretched out and sat up, rubbing my eyes. The room is dimly lithe by the florescent lamp by our bed stand. I searched for him with my eyes gliding from the bathroom door to the balcony. I noticed immediately that the glass door leading to the balcony was open. I climbed down, picking my night gown from the floor. I slipped through the door like a cartoon stealth monkey. Hoping I could startle him but when I saw Quinn leaned against the railing looking at my phone, I knew something was wrong.“Quinn.” I whispered softly.He turned, slowly hiding the phone behind him. “You are awake.” “Yeah.” I eyed his back pocket.“Did the cold winds wake you? I’m sorry I forgot to close the close the door.”“It’s okay.” I start towards him, with a graceful catwalk. “ I missed you so I woke up.”He smiled with his lips stretching to the left. I drew close enough, placing my head on h
AL DURO’S POVDid I ever say I hate hospitals? Well I do. Every inch reeked of detergent, disease and old people. What I wouldn’t do to get out of here but I have to suck it up. Important things required some, disgusting, sacrifices.I huffed, crosschecked the fruit basket and then I knocked. “Its Al duro.” I cleared my throat. My hoarse voice getting deeper.The door swung open. A nurse ran out immediately. A plate flew her direction. I dodged immediately. It shattered on the wall behind me.‘It’s only been two days and she is throwing things already. Woof’I gently pat on the door again. “Can I come in now?” There was a brief silence and then she spoke.“Come in.” I smiled and slowly walked into the room. The first thing that greeted me was a bowl face down on the floor then scattered roses and a woman in hospital blues biting her lip. Her hair disheveled and her face smudged with tears. She looked like she was having a schizophrenic episode. “Samantha? Can you hear me?” “Ye
LEO’S POVShe stared at me, voiceless. I scoffed. “So now you can’t talk?” Really?”She pursed her lips; fear in her eyes. I walked off, trying to blow off the rage building up inside me. It didn’t work. I shot a bloody gaze at her. She flinched a little but then composed herself. Every bit of her telling me she is not backing down easily.“You don’t scare me, you bastard.”I ignored her walking away.“Sam. Sam. Sam. Don’t push me. I’ve done everything for you. I had my business put on hold because you asked me to be here. I’ve bought everything you said you needed, snuggled you in at night. Every space of time I have is virtually occupied by you an our child. I haven’t lain a hand on a woman months before you said you were pregnant but still…” I took a moment, to suck in a breath . then I spun around to look her in the eyes.“Still you call me 50 times every day. You text me nonstop and you keep accusing me of sleeping around. You’ve gone mad Samantha. I won’t let you drive me crazy
LEO’S POVTHREE MONTHS LATERIt never rains this much in may. Tonight is different. The downpour was twice as heavy. Cold winds froze the windshield and seeped in through the windows I had cracked open. The damp road reeked of grease and motor oil. My phone is on vibrate, dancing away on the passenger seat. You would expect that I would be dying to get home; to get warm. But honestly, I wasn’t. the cold site me just fine. The chilling feeling of my bones contracting as my body iced; it is a peace I havn’t felt in a while. For a moment, I actually thought that my entire life would turn out to be a dream if I closed my eyes and let the cold enveloped me in her arms full of icy nectar. Oh how I missed the quiet. I could get used to..A hand banged against my window, jolting my thoughts. I heaved, squeezing the revolver holstered to my weight. I sucked in a breath and exhaled slowly, trying to let the anger out. That son of a bitch better have a good reason for this. I opened my eyes and
GINA'S POVI stood in front of the mirror built-in to the left door of the giant closet inside the luxury penthouse. The cold morning breeze wafts the curtains and chills my skin. I have only what nature has given me, on. My eyes are closed. It has been a very long year but nothing beat nearly losing my son to that lunatic, Leo. The people I lost and the fear I had to endure still left bone chilling memories that just couldn't fade.Well, Derek is finally far away from all this but for some reason I couldn't get the peace I thought I would. Perhaps it’s because I couldn't call. Hailey must have crossed multiple continents by now; there is no way I could get to her from a cell phone. I know where she would be eventually and after was that make me so restless. My son isn't going to see me again, not for another four or even Ten years. I wondered how I could cope. I think that is the reason I haven’t been able to feel at ease.I took a deep breath and open my eyes. The figure that stood
AL DURO'S POVI watched him stare listlessly, from the Golden Brown door to the wallpaper and back to his glass of wine but it was just to refill it and repeat the action again. Honestly, in all the time I have been with Leonardo Fernandez I had never seen him so devastated. I have to admit I found myself acknowledging that I hit the guy pretty hard. Not that I didn't like it though. Leonardo sighed heavily. It drew my attention.“You know, brandy can't help you.”He ignored me well more like he didn't hear me. His eyes are sullen, his head falling and gloom marred his features. In a way he is like an awoken corpse.“Leonardo I'm being honest.”He rose, not sparing me any glance while he walked to the bar counter in his living room to pick the fifth bottle of brandy. I sprung to my feet from the armchair I had occupied, launched towards him and grabbed the bottle.“Quit it man, you are stronger than this!”He gave me a blank stare and then grinned mockingly.“I thought so too, well,
GINA’S POVI wheeled into the parking lot of the hanger. An ambulance right behind me, roughly screeching to a halt. I hopped down, lifting a revolver gun out of the car. The ambulance door swung open and Quinn alighted. A bazooka placed on his shoulder. His radio was reporting. “Nothing living on site Boss.”He looked at his men in the ambulance. “It’s clear, move him now.” Quinn ordered. I took the front, they followed behind me. The jet just a few feet away. Three guards lay in wait with a woman. She has a thin purple scarf over her neck, covering part of her face.The doctors pushed the stretcher onward. Derek had been strapped down on so he wouldn't fall. Quinn hovering around us, watching the parameter. The doctors pushed Derek up into the craft while I stopped in front of the lady.Her face is hidden but I could tell she is smiling.“Thank you… Hailey. This means the world to me.”“You don't need to thank me. It’s Derek we were talking about here. I love him like he is my ow
GINA'S POV That long, dragging piercing sound of a faulty radio, that's the only thing I could hear when my head hit the ground. My eyes flickered and the pain in my head just didn't stop gnawing at me.I held what seemed like the bashed side and tried to pull myself up. The whole world is in chaos. Black boots stumbling back and forth beside me. Men yelling... falling. There is blood everywhere.I couldn't think but my subconscious mind is able to calculate and know that I have to flee so I did. Stomping around like I was blind. The debris of blown up rocks with jagged edges tore the skin on my feet. I groaned but I couldn't put myself together enough to tell which way is right.Someone is yelling, his voice tried to break through the screeching sound in my ear but it couldn’t. I couldn't tell what he was saying. Until… he grabbed me “Take cover.” He dragged me down with him, enveloping me in his arms. An explosion erupted the very next second. I shrunk into his enclosure, shudder