"So will you come?" Dante asked, his eyes fixed on her as her fingers danced across her phone's screen. "Maya?" he called her after receiving no response. "huh?" Maya glanced up, confused, clearly having missed whatever he’d said. "I was asking if you would be coming to picnic?" he repeated patiently. "When?" she asked. "Tomorrow," he answered. She responded with a thoughtful nod. "Is it only us?" she questioned. "I just told you, my whole family will be there including Carlos, Eviana, and Rosemary," he told her, slightly annoyed by her lack of attention. She chewed on her lips as she pondered over the information. "I don't think your family would want me to join," she shared her concern. "Their will doesn't matter. I want you to.." a sharp ping interrupted him, her gaze darted down, and in an instant, her attention was pulled away. She was again typing. He watched her, his mouth curving into a frown as she shifted her entire focus to her phone. "I'll go and sleep,"
"Your suspicion was right. He was in Australia," Peter, her detective, confirmed. The words hung in the air as she struggled to process them. Despite the inkling brewing in Maya's mind for weeks, the revelation struck her like a lethal bullet, knocking the air out of her lungs. She tightly clutched her chair's arms as her head began to spin. Dread consumed her. Only one question raged in her mind- why was he in Australia? Was he following her? "Where is he now?" it took all her strength to utter the words. She felt utterly weak. "He vanished again with no trace," Peter disclosed with a sigh, prompting dread to twist painfully in her guts. His features softened instantly as he noticed her horrified countenance and assured her, "But don't worry, I'll get to him no matter where he is hiding." Despite her struggle, a tear still escaped her eye. Even a momentary flash of her past was enough to trigger her panic. She wiped away her tears and schooled her countenance. Putting on a neutral
"Wow. We've been living in the city forever and even we didn't know about this place," Katty remarked before she turned her face to Eviana and asked, "How did you know about it?" "Just some research," Eviana shrugged, grinning proudly. It was a small clean space in the heart of the wilderness. Lofty mountains flanked the forest. Wildflowers in vibrant, vivid hues surrounded the spot, a crystal-clear stream meandered serenely nearby, disappearing into a larger river somewhere in the distance, and the melodious chirps of birds echoed, undisturbed by traffic noise. A lovely place. They had also come prepared to spend the night under the stars as tents lay on the side of the clearing. "Do you like it, Vinni?" Katty purred to Vincent, gently tossing him in the air and catching him. The boy giggled, giving his approval. "Your Mom is amazing, isn't she?" Katty cooed to him, referring to Eviana. She wanted him to see only Eviana as his mother. Vincent reached up and pulled her hair with
After putting Vincent to sleep, she stepped out of the tent and ventured deep into the woods to relieve herself. A flicker of unease stirred within her at the thought of going in alone but she dismissed it. The sun was up and beaming. This wasn't her first time staying in the woods anyway, back in her teen years she had taken a lot of trips with her friends. Dante was out somewhere, entertaining his endless business calls. Katty and others were sprawled across the blanket in the distance, engrossed in animated conversation. The woman made sure to zip the tent for Vincent's safety. After relieving herself, she was coming back to the tent when she realised she had lost her way. After struggling for some time, she finally found her way back only to be met with an unexpected sight. Everyone looked visibly tensed, searching frantically for something. Dante came out of a tent, his expression was strained with worry. "What's wrong?" Maya questioned as she came closer, instantly catching hi
The wind, sharp as blades, cut through them as he carried her towards the ground. The sun had already set and the night was slowly sprawling its wings across the sky. Gently, he lowered her to the ground, his movements deliberate and tender. She hugged him before he could move away, desperate for his warmth. It was too cold out here. Her teeth were chattering. Dante looked around. They had successfully landed themselves in the densest part of the woods. They were now trapped between the river and the jungle. "Let me gather some wood and then we can light a fire," he told her softly. "It's cold," she whimpered, her grip tightening, unwilling to let him go. "I know. That's why we need fire to keep us warm," he explained to her. Besides, they needed fire to stave off wild animals. She thought about it for a moment before reluctantly drawing away. He then quickly went into the woods to collect wood. As he didn't have a torch or phone with him, he had to collect the branches and st
The warmth of the bonfire bathed them in its golden hue, flickering across their heat-flushed cheeks as they surrendered themselves to each other. She shifted slightly in his lap, moaning and gasping as he kissed her without holding back. His hands were all over her body, his mouth crushing hers with a sense of urgency. She was locked in his embrace of seduction, destined to stay within them forever. His lips moved against hers, hungry and eager, determined to consume her from inside and out. Her lips were intoxicating- an addictive mixture of sweetness and raw desire. He moved his hands along the curve of her spine, a grunt vibrating with desire escaped his mouth. She was perfect. She inched away, breaking their kiss. Her lips hovered above his, tantalising his nerves, teasing his cock. Their breath mixed in one, their heart beating in sync. The flames along with mischief dancing in her blue eyes as she tilted her head backward, exposing the slope of her neck. Dante sucked in a br
No matter how much they wanted to stay here- away from the world, in their own little bubble- they had to return home. Vincent must be waiting for them. "I am certain I had closed the tent," Maya ascertained. She knew she would never compromise with Vincent's safety, even in a haze. His safety and protection were her topmost priority. "There's a chance he opened it himself," Dante guessed. "Are you serious? He is just a child. He cannot possibly reach that high," Maya argued, her voice edged with disbelief. She didn't know how it happened. She would have called it a conspiracy but who in the world could harbor animosity towards Vincent? He was just a little, innocent kid. Tears welled up in her eyes as she recalled the moment. A paralyzing fear had seized her the moment she learned about his disappearance. In that moment she raised just how much Vincent meant to her. "Why are you crying?" Dante asked, frowning. "The thought of something happening to him..........I'd neve
"You are mad at me?" he questioned, walking into the room. She turned away without uttering a word. Dante drew a heavy sigh and sauntered towards her. He came to stand beside his woman and gazed down at his son. The boy rewarded him with a bright smile, melting his heart."Hi there," he cooed, leaning closer to him. The boy sneezed, his tiny body shaking with the motion. A spray of spit landed on Dante's face."Very good," Dante sighed, leaning away. Maya's mouth curved into an approving smile."My smart boy," Maya praised her son, happy to see how he avenged her. Dante scowled. "So I am the enemy now," he stated, looking at her with slightly narrowed eyes. A hint of amusement flickered in his eyes. She didn't respond and kept swaying Vincent. Her silent treatment and ignoring games were her worst torture methods. "I didn't know she would do something like that," he shared with a sigh. She stopped in her movements and raised her gaze to his. "Sometimes she forgets she is just a
Submission isn't only for wars, love demands it too. And in love, when one surrenders, they gain the joy of belonging. To belong to someone is a blessing wrapped in love and trust. Just like the moon belongs to sky, rivers belong to oceans, she belongs to Dante. Only family and friends were invited to their wedding as they wanted to keep it low profile. She stepped out of her room to find her parents waiting. Mr. and Mrs. Diaz froze at first before gentle tears claimed their eyes as they saw her ready to start a new chapter of her life. "How do I look?" she asked sheepishly. Her wedding gown was stunning, she didn't know if she was doing justice to it. "Beautiful," Mrs. Diaz replied, approaching her. "Then why are you both crying?" Maya asked, her eyes drifting to her dad. "You'll understand the day you'll wed off your daughter," Mrs. Diaz told her while adjusting her neckpiece. Maya understood. Seeing their children start a new life must be an emotional moment for parents.
A faint cry of pain slipped from her mouth as she woke up to a crushing headache. She blinked against the harsh white light piercing her vision. "Maya," her mother called. Maya slightly turned her head to find her parents seated beside her. "Where is Dante?" she asked in a whisper. Anxiety etched across her face as she remembered the last night. They had met an accident. Dante had covered her with his body. That's all she remembered. "He is fine," Mrs. Diaz assured her. Maya searched her eyes for any lie but there was none. "My baby?" she asked dreadfully. Her heart began to hammer vigorously against her chest. She didn't know how she would endure if something had happened to her child. "Baby is fine too," she told her. Her eyes blurred with tears of relief. "Ssshh..my child. Everything is fine now," Mr. Diaz consoled her. "I want to see him," she implored through her tears. She had to make sure he was fine. She was not able to recover from the horror they experienced last ni
"We did it," Maya exclaimed, bursting with joy. The thrill lingered until the biting chill of the air nipped at her skin, causing her to tremble. Just as the cold began to seep deeper, a sudden unexpected warmth engulfed her. Startled, she turned to see Dante gently wrapping a scarf around her shoulder. His eyes filled with tender emotions.She pulled the scarf together, her heart swelling with tender love."City looks so beautiful from up here," Maya said, dazzled by the sight of lights glimmering across the hillside. Smiling, Dante stepped forward. "But this is not why I brought you here," he revealed, confusing her. She turned to look at him. He raised his hand and pointed a finger towards the sky. Her breath caught as her eyes widened in awe, her gaze drinking in the breathtaking beauty of the glittering night sky. He stood behind her, his chest touching her back. "Ain't they beautiful?" he asked softly. She nodded, caught in the beauty of the sky. He couldn't help but marvel at
Maya locked eyes with Katty. A maid had told her that Mrs. Martinez was waiting for her in the living room. She had no idea why she wanted to see her but she had a hunch that it was related to her pregnancy. She had decided she would refuse outrightly if she asked her to abort her child. Mrs. Martinez offered her a soft smile as she rose from the couch. Maya reciprocated with a hesitant smile of her own. "Since Dante isn’t around, I thought it was the ideal time to meet you." Katty started, deepening her sense of unease. "Why..why did you want to see me?" Maya asked, her guards up."You are glowing," Katty noted before adding in a friendly manner, "Pregnancy does that to you." Her eyes drifted to her belly where her grandkid was growing. The warmth in her gaze didn't escape Maya's notice."Thank you," she replied, smiling genuinely. She was glowing not because of her pregnancy but because of him. Her son was the reason behind her happiness. Dante was on cloud nine since he heard
She yanked him closer. Her hands moving with an urgency as she began undressing his chiseled frame. She traced the hard contours of his chest with her palm, the beats of his heart sending a fluttering sensation through her core. He was fascinating- sculpted like a statue. Perfection. The sexual attraction she felt for him was insane—the aching need to have his body wrap around hers. He ripped open his shirt, the buttons scattering across the floor with a sharp clatter. After that, he grabbed the fabric of her nightdress and tore it open with a ripping sound that mimicked her urgency. They both were burning in the inferno of desire. Gripping her wide hips, he drew her against his erection. With a titillating grinding motion, he moved it against her pulsating tender flesh. She moaned, her senses unraveling with need. Desire overwhelmed her to the point she wanted to cry. "Dante," she moaned breathlessly, he was teasing her relentlessly. "What do you want, baby?" he demanded in hoars
Dante charged forward, closing the distance between him and Paulo in threatening strides, his fists clenched tightly, veins taut with the promise of violence. Paulo gazed up at him in terror as Dante seized his collar and roughly hauled him to his feet. The tycoon's eyes were blazing with unrestrained fury, his face twisted into a feral snarl. Maya remained rooted to her spot. She had never seen Dante this enraged. He reeked of bloodlust- aura so intense and vicious that it made her stomach twist. He was entirely a different man.Dante’s fist collided with Paulo’s face in a sickening crack, the force whipping Paulo’s head to the side as blood sprayed from his mouth. A guttural groan escaped Paulo’s lips, but Dante didn’t stop. His knuckles slammed into Paulo’s jaw again, then his ribs, each blow delivered with merciless precision. Paulo’s body sagged under the onslaught. He struggled to get away but Dante didn't let him. He drove his knee into his stomach, doubling him over with a cho
Just then the phone was snatched from her hand. Her heart sank as Paulo emerged into her view. Standing over her, he resembled a furious storm ready to tear her apart. His glare piercing her like a blade as he cut the call, snuffing her only hope. A lone teardrop escaped her eyes. "Do you think I'm an idiot?" he snarled, his voice a low, dangerous growl. Panic surged through Maya. Her instincts took over as she scrambled backward, her wide eyes remained on his, anticipating his next move. He took a threatening stride towards her, his jaw locked tight. His features twisted. "Stay back," she warned despite the terror wrecking her nerves. She was scared for her life but she was scared for her unborn child. Her words only fueled his rage, hitting him in his head. With a violent motion, he threw the glass against the wall, the crash reverberating through the room. She flinched by his sudden outburst. "You will follow MY orders," he gritted out, eyes blazing with murderous rage. Maya did
The door slammed against the wall as it opened tremendously, startling her. Dante strolled in, his oppressive aura filling the room. Hope glimmered in her eyes and she rose to her feet, her robe slipping to expose her voluptuous curves. Each stride he took sent a ripple of tension through her, anticipation gripping her like a vice. He couldn't resist her. Hint of a smile danced over her lips as he drew near. He was a control freak and she loved that about him. She craved him to spank her, manhandle her, treat her like a whore. Her smoldering gaze traveled over his massive frame, enjoying the view. She was ready for the rough press of his body and the heat of his kiss but had not expected the sudden grip around her neck, his fingers tightening as he choked her. Shock seized her features. Fury- blazing in his eyes- cut through her flesh as he growled in her face, "Where is Maya?" Eviana's brows furrowed in confusion, "Maya? How would I know?"He choked her harder, his nails digging
Even though Dante knew it already, hearing the words spoken aloud sent a cold spike through his chest. A wave of anxiety gripped him. She was in grave danger. Why didn't she share it with him? Did she not trust him enough? His heart clenched painfully. Why did she embark on this dangerous path all alone? He couldn't realize when she slipped away from his protective embrace. One moment she was safe in his arms and the next, she was gone. He wouldn't be able to live if he lost her again. "Who took her?" he asked, freaking out from inside. "The kind of person who’ll do anything to keep you two apart," Peter replied, making Dante frown. "As surprising as it may sound, the video was taken from Maya's phone," Peter revealed, stunning everyone. "Someone stole the video from her phone and circulated it," he added. "Who?" Dante demanded, his body coiling with tension. "I am trying to trace it back to the perpetrator," Peter revealed. Dante clenched his fists, his face a dark