Their sweet exchange was cut short by Saben's yell from inside the house. "Mommy! Daddy! Can we play outside now?" Benedict chuckled, his hand resting on the small of Sabrina's back as they turned to head toward the house. "Duty calls," he grinned.Sabrina laughed, drying her eyes rapidly before they turned back inside. "Coming, buddy!".The rest of the morning was filled with playful chaos as Saben ran circles around the garden, his parents chasing after him with mock-seriousness. Wendy and Leslie sat on the porch, sipping tea and sharing stories, while Teresa snapped pictures of the playful trio.At one point, Saben flopped down on the grass, breathless but giggling. “You’re too slow, Daddy!” he teased."Oh, is that so?" Benedict said with a mock scowl, crouching down beside him. "I'll show you slow!" And he plunged forward, scooping Saben into his arms and twirling him around while the little boy laughed in shrieking delight.Sabrina watched them, her heart full to bursting, her sm
Dolores merely smiled, seemingly unbothered by the flames burning within Clara's eyes. "You heard me, princess. This time, you are stuck. No plotting, no fleeing. You are no different than the others.Words that stabbed like daggers and made Clara lose her control. Snarling, she attacked Dolores, her fingers scrabbling to grip the prison uniform collar. Chaos erupted in the cell as the two women wrangled, pushing and clawing at each other with ferocity that made echoes all around the block."You know nothing about me!" Clara shouted, her voice racketing off the concrete. "I am not like you am-I better than all of you!"Dolores laughed cruelly, though she was still wrestling to pull Clara away. "Better? You look where you are, you bloody genius! Just another inmate, just another number!"The crunch of fists striking flesh and the shrill scrape of feet across the floor brought guards running. Alarms blared, red lights flashing as the fight escalated. Dolores shoved Clara against a wall
Sabrina giggled and began tapping her pencil against the paper. "I'm a professional—at least in my mind," she said, teasing him. "Anyway, I want this dress to speak of everything that is us: our journey, our love, and my touch. It's not every day that I get to marry the man of my life."Benedict smirked and leaned in closer, his voice dropping into a soft murmur. "I'm honored to be your muse, Mrs. Thompson-to-be.".She blushed, her smile expanding. "You are more than a muse, Benedict. You are everything."Wendy entered the room, her sharp eyes immediately taking in the scene. "What is this? Wedding central?" she quipped, setting down a tray of tea and pastries.Sabrina grinned. She held up the sketch. "I'm designing my wedding dress, Grandma. What do you think?Wendy straightened her glasses and looked at the drawing. It was a stunning design of a beautiful lace-worked silhouette and train. The modest neckline is beautified with beaded ornaments. Timeless and modern, this one was perf
Meanwhile, Wendy Taylor-who had now begun to play the big matriarch, complete with pomp and bravado-thought that her granddaughter, Sabrina Auburn, needed more than just an ordinary engagement party but something to be told in the annals of time-a party elegant in every way, fabulous, and complete with all manner of bigwig invitees. For Wendy nothing less than perfection for Sabrina; she had won her right in happiness with Benedict to get everything.She sat in her grand drawing room, surrounded by event planners, florists, and caterers, all of whom wanted her nod of approval. Wendy, wearing her signature emerald-green silk blouse and diamond earrings, waved her hand decisively."The venue has to scream luxury," Wendy said. "Crystal chandeliers, gilded accents, and floral arrangements flown in from Paris. I want it to feel like a fairytale.".The head planner nodded, making extensive notes on a sheet of paper. "Okay, Mrs. Taylor, let's hold the Grand Imperial Ballroom?Wendy tapped he
He looked to Sabrina, gentleness in his eyes. "Sabrina, you have been my rock, inspiration, and everything for me. The very idea of family, strength, and happiness I've ever experienced—I learned it all with you. Tonight, I would like to promise you something—not just as your fiancé but as your partner in life. I promise you that I stand by your side in each challenge, cherish you each day, and love you for everything that you are.".Tears glistened in Sabrina's eyes as applause thundered out of the mouths of the guests. She walked forward, her voice firm, though she felt she was trembling on the inside. "Benedict, you once again made me believe in love once more, trust again, and believe again in the dream of tomorrow and in days of true happiness. I'll be always there for you at every step of the twist or turn that life gives us. You are my heart, home, and forever.".The orchestra swelled, and Benedict pulled her into a gentle dance. The room seemed to hold its breath as the couple
Sabrina burst out laughing, ducking down beside him. "Yes, sweetheart. It means we are going to be together forever."Saben's eyes just lit up, "So like, forever ever?"Benedict rose, joining them both, squatting beside Sabrina. "Forever ever, Buddy," he said playing with Saben's hair and smiling. "You, me and Mommy---always."They hugged very deep, and all Wendy could do was marvel at how deeply this bonding reflected the strength of her family. She watched from over a step, her heart swelling in pride and in joy.Wendy stood there, silent and still. That scene before her was the picture of happiness and oneness.Sabrina and Benedict stood holding Saben between them. She knew in this moment that she would always carry it in her heart. Sabrina's heart felt full, fuller than it had been in years."This is worthy," she whispered to herself, "is what life is all about."Leslie stepped forward and lightly touched her hand onto Wendy's arm. "You've done so much for them, Wendy. See what yo
The night eventually fell over the Thompson estate; the stars shone bright across a clear sky to cast a glowing light over a peaceful world beneath. In the private room stood Sabrina and Benedict, resting by the large window, looking outside at the nice garden with gentle, golden lights illuminated.Benedict put his arms around her from behind. She leaned forward into his grasp, placing her hands over it.“I still can’t believe how perfect tonight was,” Sabrina whispered, her voice filled with awe. “Everything felt like a dream.”Benedict rested his chin gently on her shoulder, his voice warm and steady. “It’s not a dream, Sabrina. It’s our reality. A life we’ve built together, full of love, family, and hope.”She turned in his arms, looking up into his eyes. “You make it sound so simple.”He smiled, reaching forward to brush the strand of hair from her face. "Because with you, it is. Every challenge, every obstacle-it's all worth it as long as I have you by my side."Sabrina's eyes g
It takes her a minute because she's still tense from her first orgasm and I'm even harder now that the edge is off. When she starts up though, fuck, I could come at that very moment—that is, this time I'd make Mount Vesuvius look like a fart in the wind.She's clutching the edge of the couch, thrashing about like I was her prize stallion and I have her breasts right in my face, so begging to be sucked, licked and grasped. Every time I lick her nipple, she enjoys a mini-orgasm, and the ache in my groin gets worse. I'm so hard, it hurts, and I want to come properly…. so bad. The tension inside my lower back begs me to throw her over onto all fours and ride the shit out of her, but…… she has to know I would give anything just to get her back. So, her pleasure comes first.So when it's all getting too much again, I get rid of my shirt and she's arrested a moment, taking in the new tattoos and the bigger shoulders and arms. I'm more mature. I've lived. She takes time to examine my body, an
Her fingers stroked the material. "Okay," she breathed.The boutique manager came back once more, and Eliana smiled, her voice more even now. "We'll take this one.""Good choice, Miss Thompson." The manager clicked her fingers together, obviously delighted. "We'll have it steamed and wrapped up to deliver this evening, or would you like to take it with you?"He rested against the door of the fitting room, arms crossed, suit perfect, tie razor-sharp—but jaw clenched, eyes contained, tracking her each movement in the mirror."You're staring," she said without raising her gaze."You knew you would."Eliana swung around reluctantly, glancing at him.The way he regarded her—it wasn't admiration. It was possession, and something in his eyes that bordered on restraint."Well?" she breathed. "Too much?"His gaze dropped to the V of the neckline, black, and up to her face."It's perfect," he said softly. "Perilously perfect."A silence. The whir of the boutique died under weight of air between
There was silence. Alexa was always too professional ever to say anything that wasn't absolutely imperative, but Eliana could almost feel the twitch of interest in the static."Oh, of course, ma'am. I'll alert Mr. Wolfe right away."The intercom clicked off.Eliana slowly breathing out through her nose, her fingers running along the top of the desk as if signing the lines of her own doubt.Why does the ring of his name feel like pulling on wire that had twisted hard against her ribcage?Damian Wolfe. Her shadow. Her bodyguard. The man whose lips whispered softly, and whose eyes whispered too loudly, leaving her quivering.It was not right—the way he gazed at her. The way he avoided gazing at her when he should have.As Nathaniel had been comfortable with the old version of her… Damian was comfortable with the woman she wasn't yet. With the one with burning rage, fear, and smoldering lust all twisted up in one.She sat back from her computer screen, attempting to escape in work, but he
She did not scroll to the top of her phone contact list. She did not have to. Damian Wolfe was the first on everyone else's list—just like Nathaniel Carter was. Two names. Two men. One choice she'd never been able to make.Until today.Her thumb was still hovering, her breathing even.One telephone call changed the direction of her life.Before she could get cold feet, she heard footsteps—heavy, slow, familiar.She turned.Damian stood in the doorway to her office.And something about the way he was looking at her—as if she were his shelter and his tempest—stole her breath."Eliana," he said softly. "I'm not going to press you. I swear. I just. I needed to confirm that you were okay.""I am not," Eliana said softly. "But I will be."He bobbed his head. "Good. Because I've watched you shatter and remade myself. I understand how strong you can be once you finally begin not to attempt to flee from yourself."There was something primal in his gaze, something smothered yet deeply well-wrou
Vincent smiled at her. "Does your security detail have a habit of crashing high-level meetings?"Noelle smiled to himself as he put away the tray."Men, take a five."Reluctance was there, but Vincent finally relented. "As you desire, bella."The others flowed out of the room, and he was left alone with her.Eliana stood in front of Damian, arms crossed, but her voice was filled with softness. "You didn't need to defend me like that."He leaned in over her. "I wasn't sticking up for you. I was reminding them who the hell you are.""I know who I am.""Then why are you allowing this world to destroy you just so you won't hurt?" His words cut her like glass."I'm not avoiding—You haven't even cried," Damian breathed, pulling another closer to her. "Not for the disaster Harper created. Not for Nathaniel. Not even for you."She pulled her face away. "If I do, I would not be able to stop."She waited. Then:"I'd defend you if you did."Her eyes were burning. She raised her face, and there
She hauled herself up, carefully brushing her matted hair out of her face, her heart slowed a bit now. More confident. Less frantic.Her gaze returned to the phone.No new messages.And for once, that didn't sting like abandonment.It felt like freedom.She stood, walked barefoot into the kitchen, and poured the forgotten tea down the drain. It had cooled. Like the version of herself who sat around waiting for someone else to pick her.That version had fallen silent now, too.A vibration on the counter startled her.Damian.Just his name. No note. Just a missed call.She gazed at it forever, then she murdered the screen's power. She wasn't ready—not for him, not yet. Perhaps never.She moved to the living room, attracted by the hum of the television behind her. Her brother's form glowed under the blue light, stretched out on the couch with a pillow over his face as if he hadn't intended to sleep but the rest of the world had otherwise."Saben?" she whispered.He groaned. "Mmhmm?""Did
The door closed gently, but to Eliana it was a gunshot.Her spine against the wood, she was frozen, her breathing barely more than a stillness. Her voice was still stuck in her throat, her heart bruising under the words she had said to Nathaniel-the words she had only recently realized for herself. "What have I done?" Eliana whispered into the silence, her voice faltering slightly.The Thompson estates did hulk over her in oppressive silence. The sort that did not forgive-it judged.Stumbling, she fell to the couch with her knees buckling under her. Her hand brushed against the thick cushion next to her, which Nathaniel would lean against for drawing her into himself and whisper, "You feel like home.""Then why do I feel so far from it now?" she whispered.Her phone flashed when she answered it. No messages. No missed calls. No apologies. No begging. No promises. Just her. Alone. With the wreckage of something she couldn't fix.She stared at Damian's name burning on her screen. Her t
Eliana resolved to speak with Nathaniel.Nathaniel's presidential suite door was too intimate. It repelled her.She’d memorized the weight of her hand knocking on it. The scent of his cedarwood cologne that always lingered in the hallway. The way her heart used to leap—used to believe—that she belonged here.But now, everything felt quieter.Not empty. Just. still.He opened the door after two knocks, like he’d been waiting. Like he knew.“Eliana.” His voice cracked the silence like thunder rolling in slow motion. “You’re here.”She nodded, catching her breath.He hadn't slept. Rumpled shirt, rolled-up sleeves. Hair ever so slightly too messy. Eyes ever so slightly too shattered.As if he'd been injured by her very indecision."May I enter?" she asked, knowing the response in advance. Nathaniel stepped aside. "You don't need permission."She entered as if it would be her last time ever pushing the door open.He stood there with arms crossed over chest, shoulder blade against the wall
The sun filtered a reluctant angle over Eliana's headboard blinds, tinting the floor in pale golden stripes as if someone was trying to make amends for a bitter, long-fought battle. She was lying on her side, the crescent moon charm still amazing her palm, her fingers clenched around it as if it might prevent her heart from breaking into fragments.But there was reality—that her heart was already broken. In more than one place.Tap. Light. Soothing."Enter," she breathed, already suspecting who it was.Sabrina entered, loose linen thrown over her, bearing a tray full of hot tea. She put it down on the floor without a word at all, eyes drinking in the broken pieces of her daughter's mind.Eliana sat up, legs tucked under her, hair wet from last night's rain. "May I ask you something?" she asked."Always," Sabrina replied, sitting on the bed, facing her."How did you know?" Eliana's voice broke. "How did you know Dad was the one? Was it easy?"Sabrina's eyes softened. "No. God, no. It w
The storm was over, but the earthy scent of the rain remained. Fragile mist curled from the window panes of Eliana's room; now the sun had to struggle to break free from the clouds, while everything around looked bathed in soft golden light. The world looked washed clean—fresh, mysterious, like a blank page with wet ink smeared at the edges.Eliana sat on the edge of her bed, the silver crescent pendant sitting quietly in her palm. She smoothed its curve with her thumb repeatedly, as though it would somehow open up a hidden answer to her if she pressed hard enough.The sketch Saben left lay beside her, and she’d stared at it until the ink seemed to blur and reshape itself. Damian on one side. Nathaniel on the other. And her—right in the middle, like a bridge being pulled at both ends.She hadn’t slept. Not really. Just drifted in and out of thoughts so loud they echoed inside her skull."You’re the shadow that never departed.""You were the light when I was shattering."Two truths. Tw