MIGUELThe whiskey burned as it slid down my throat, but it wasn’t enough to chase away the frustration I was feeling.I shouldn’t have left her. I didn't want to leave her.I only wanted to push her, to know if she'd break, to prove to her and myself that I had complete control, that I own her. And yet, it was difficult for me to walk away from her.Damn it!Gabriella entered my room and gave me a file. “Are you okay?” She asked after studying my face.“Yes. Is this the list?”“Yes, that's the list of everyone attending the party, so no surprises.” She took a sip from my martini, and looked at me. I knew that look. “What is it Gabriella?”“She contacted me. Asked if she can join you as a plus one.”My eyes darkened. “I told you to cut off all contact with her.”“She just called. I couldn't ignore her.”I scoffed. “She doesn't know how to let go does she?”“Are you going with her?”“Never.”“You need a plus one, should I arrange someone for you?” Gabriella asked.“No need. I'll go wi
CATALINAMiguel’s eyes were fixed on me, heavy with something unreadable. His posture had changed—more rigid, more alert.I knew this dress would catch his attention. That was the point. I didn't trust Gabriella to get a dress that would turn heads. I feel like she's out to get me.A fitted red gown hugged my curves, the fabric smooth like liquid silk. The neckline dipped low, exposing just enough skin to make a statement but not enough to be indecent. A slit ran up my leg, giving me freedom of movement, while the delicate diamond earrings I had chosen added an air of elegance. I swayed my hips rhythmically as I walked. I'm a dancer after all. I could be a seductress if I wanted. I wanted revenge for what happened with Miguel. I wanted him to desire me so much that his body hurt from it.Gabriella clicked her tongue. “You took long enough.”I smirked. “Perfection takes time.”“Getting feisty, are you?” Miguel’s jaw tightened, I saw his fingers curl into fists before he relaxed them. H
MIGUEL “Is this a joke?” I would have enjoyed the look on her face if it was a joke. But it wasn't. Pablo hated me. He always looked for my weak points, if he knew someone was close to me he'd want to use that person to get to me since he wouldn't be able to ordinarily.“I'm not joking. We have to get out of here.”“You're trying to scare me right? I'm not leaving.” I could see she was scared, but somehow she didn't want to believe me. Ever stubborn Catalina. “Why would I be Pablo's target?” She asked.“He's my enemy and you just told him you're a significant part of my life, which is a big lie. So now he's going to try everything to get to me through you, do you understand?” It pained me to think that I'd have to go extra lengths to protect this girl. If I know Pablo well, he's already planning something. “Can we go now?” I asked impatiently.She was about to say something when a sharp piercing sound filled the air. Catalina froze, she looked terrified. I wrapped my arms around her
CATALINA The next few days were bliss for me. I was feeling ecstatic. My little revenge against Miguel was so sweet that I relived the memory in my head every hour. His facial reaction was priceless. I was glad I mustered up the courage to do it. But the problem is, I hardly saw Miguel after that day. I didn't know if he was genuinely busy or just trying to avoid me. What really goes on in the Mafia underworld? I thought he had minions to do all his bidding.I slammed the spoon on the table, “Ugh….I'm tired of making these useless breakfasts.”Gabriella eyed me from where she was standing. “You don't do anything around here. Quit whining.”“I know you don't like me.”“Correct.”I sneered at her, “but you can't do anything about it, can you?”“You're becoming awfully annoying these days. Better be careful with those wings or it might just get cut off.”“Are you threatening me?” “Is breakfast usually this noisy?” It was Miguel…..I turned and there he was, still in his night attire.
CATALINA I haven't slept for days. I keep thinking about it. I tried not to, but it just happens. Miguel didn't speak to me after that night, he didn't come down for breakfast either. If this was his own way of punishing me, then he's won. I couldn't take it anymore. Why does he keep confusing me? I was supposed to hate him but these days I didn't understand the feelings I had for him. Miguel had always been like a storm to me, dangerous, unpredictable, and impossible to control. But in that shower, under the cold ice water, I saw something else. Desire. Control. A cruel kind of tenderness.I hated him.I hated him more because I wanted him.I decided to explore more of the house today, partly to keep my mind off him and partly because I was bored, and curious. I heard footsteps behind me.“You should be careful, Catalina.”Gabriella.I turned to her, crossing my arms. “What now?”She tilted her head. “Why do you still mope around knowing fully well Miguel doesn't like it.”I scof
CATALINAThe ride home was silent. My hands trembled in my lap, but I refused to show fear in front of him. Miguel’s grip on the steering wheel was firm, his expression unreadable.He had killed a man. Just like that.And what scared me most?He felt nothing.The city lights blurred past as we drove back, but my mind stayed in that fight club, in that moment when the gunshot echoed in my ears, I've never experienced anything like that.“You’re quiet,” Miguel finally said, breaking the silence.I swallowed, staring out the window. “What do you want me to say? That I’m fine? That watching you shoot a man in cold blood was fun?”His lips curved slightly. “I didn’t do it for fun. Besides, you said you were bored, I've given you something to think about for a while.”“You think this is a joke?’“It's not Catalina. Someone tried to kill us.”“You could have handled that differently. Why choose violence?”Miguel’s grip on the wheel tightened. “Violence is the only language people like Alvaro
MIGUEL “Cut it out, both of you.” I interrupted them before things got worse. It's odd, I've never seen anyone annoy Gabriella as much as Catalina. Gabriella looked ready to devour Catalina any second. I bit back the smile forming in my lips.“She started it.” Catalina argued.“You shouldn't be rude to Gabriella.”“What?” She fumed, “it's obvious you're taking her side. She's the rude one here! Threatening me and whatnot.”I put both hands in my pockets and exhaled loudly. “I'm sure it's just a misunderstanding ladies.”“I'm out of here.” Catalina said and was about to walk out when I stopped her. “Come back here Catalina. I'm not done talking.She halted and hesitated a bit before coming back.Gabriella placed a hand on my shoulder. “You know I hate insults Miguel.”“Yes. I'm aware of that.” I breathed, “apologize, Catalina.”“What?”“You heard me.”I expected her to argue with me. Instead, she turned to Gabriella. “I'm sorry Gabriella. It won't happen again.” Then she turned ba
Catalina I covered my ears as the banging on the door became louder, I prayed they wouldn't break down my door and barge in. This has been my life since my father died, debt collectors always chasing after me. If I'm unlucky, they see me outside and chase me all around town but if I'm lucky, like today, they come when I'm inside and bang on my door till they get tired and leave. They left after a while and I crawled out from under my bed where I hid. I looked around the house my father left for me, I had sold everything valuable and I still hadn't paid even a quarter of the debt we owed. All my part time jobs barely raised enough money to even feed myself. I fell on my knees and let the tears flow from my eyes, this wasn't the life I wanted to live. If I had the choice, I wouldn't choose this life for myself. My phone rang and I recognized the caller.“Hello, Catalina speaking.”“Hello Miss Catalina, I'm calling in respect for the job you applied for at our club. Congr
MIGUEL “Cut it out, both of you.” I interrupted them before things got worse. It's odd, I've never seen anyone annoy Gabriella as much as Catalina. Gabriella looked ready to devour Catalina any second. I bit back the smile forming in my lips.“She started it.” Catalina argued.“You shouldn't be rude to Gabriella.”“What?” She fumed, “it's obvious you're taking her side. She's the rude one here! Threatening me and whatnot.”I put both hands in my pockets and exhaled loudly. “I'm sure it's just a misunderstanding ladies.”“I'm out of here.” Catalina said and was about to walk out when I stopped her. “Come back here Catalina. I'm not done talking.She halted and hesitated a bit before coming back.Gabriella placed a hand on my shoulder. “You know I hate insults Miguel.”“Yes. I'm aware of that.” I breathed, “apologize, Catalina.”“What?”“You heard me.”I expected her to argue with me. Instead, she turned to Gabriella. “I'm sorry Gabriella. It won't happen again.” Then she turned ba
CATALINAThe ride home was silent. My hands trembled in my lap, but I refused to show fear in front of him. Miguel’s grip on the steering wheel was firm, his expression unreadable.He had killed a man. Just like that.And what scared me most?He felt nothing.The city lights blurred past as we drove back, but my mind stayed in that fight club, in that moment when the gunshot echoed in my ears, I've never experienced anything like that.“You’re quiet,” Miguel finally said, breaking the silence.I swallowed, staring out the window. “What do you want me to say? That I’m fine? That watching you shoot a man in cold blood was fun?”His lips curved slightly. “I didn’t do it for fun. Besides, you said you were bored, I've given you something to think about for a while.”“You think this is a joke?’“It's not Catalina. Someone tried to kill us.”“You could have handled that differently. Why choose violence?”Miguel’s grip on the wheel tightened. “Violence is the only language people like Alvaro
CATALINA I haven't slept for days. I keep thinking about it. I tried not to, but it just happens. Miguel didn't speak to me after that night, he didn't come down for breakfast either. If this was his own way of punishing me, then he's won. I couldn't take it anymore. Why does he keep confusing me? I was supposed to hate him but these days I didn't understand the feelings I had for him. Miguel had always been like a storm to me, dangerous, unpredictable, and impossible to control. But in that shower, under the cold ice water, I saw something else. Desire. Control. A cruel kind of tenderness.I hated him.I hated him more because I wanted him.I decided to explore more of the house today, partly to keep my mind off him and partly because I was bored, and curious. I heard footsteps behind me.“You should be careful, Catalina.”Gabriella.I turned to her, crossing my arms. “What now?”She tilted her head. “Why do you still mope around knowing fully well Miguel doesn't like it.”I scof
CATALINA The next few days were bliss for me. I was feeling ecstatic. My little revenge against Miguel was so sweet that I relived the memory in my head every hour. His facial reaction was priceless. I was glad I mustered up the courage to do it. But the problem is, I hardly saw Miguel after that day. I didn't know if he was genuinely busy or just trying to avoid me. What really goes on in the Mafia underworld? I thought he had minions to do all his bidding.I slammed the spoon on the table, “Ugh….I'm tired of making these useless breakfasts.”Gabriella eyed me from where she was standing. “You don't do anything around here. Quit whining.”“I know you don't like me.”“Correct.”I sneered at her, “but you can't do anything about it, can you?”“You're becoming awfully annoying these days. Better be careful with those wings or it might just get cut off.”“Are you threatening me?” “Is breakfast usually this noisy?” It was Miguel…..I turned and there he was, still in his night attire.
MIGUEL “Is this a joke?” I would have enjoyed the look on her face if it was a joke. But it wasn't. Pablo hated me. He always looked for my weak points, if he knew someone was close to me he'd want to use that person to get to me since he wouldn't be able to ordinarily.“I'm not joking. We have to get out of here.”“You're trying to scare me right? I'm not leaving.” I could see she was scared, but somehow she didn't want to believe me. Ever stubborn Catalina. “Why would I be Pablo's target?” She asked.“He's my enemy and you just told him you're a significant part of my life, which is a big lie. So now he's going to try everything to get to me through you, do you understand?” It pained me to think that I'd have to go extra lengths to protect this girl. If I know Pablo well, he's already planning something. “Can we go now?” I asked impatiently.She was about to say something when a sharp piercing sound filled the air. Catalina froze, she looked terrified. I wrapped my arms around her
CATALINAMiguel’s eyes were fixed on me, heavy with something unreadable. His posture had changed—more rigid, more alert.I knew this dress would catch his attention. That was the point. I didn't trust Gabriella to get a dress that would turn heads. I feel like she's out to get me.A fitted red gown hugged my curves, the fabric smooth like liquid silk. The neckline dipped low, exposing just enough skin to make a statement but not enough to be indecent. A slit ran up my leg, giving me freedom of movement, while the delicate diamond earrings I had chosen added an air of elegance. I swayed my hips rhythmically as I walked. I'm a dancer after all. I could be a seductress if I wanted. I wanted revenge for what happened with Miguel. I wanted him to desire me so much that his body hurt from it.Gabriella clicked her tongue. “You took long enough.”I smirked. “Perfection takes time.”“Getting feisty, are you?” Miguel’s jaw tightened, I saw his fingers curl into fists before he relaxed them. H
MIGUELThe whiskey burned as it slid down my throat, but it wasn’t enough to chase away the frustration I was feeling.I shouldn’t have left her. I didn't want to leave her.I only wanted to push her, to know if she'd break, to prove to her and myself that I had complete control, that I own her. And yet, it was difficult for me to walk away from her.Damn it!Gabriella entered my room and gave me a file. “Are you okay?” She asked after studying my face.“Yes. Is this the list?”“Yes, that's the list of everyone attending the party, so no surprises.” She took a sip from my martini, and looked at me. I knew that look. “What is it Gabriella?”“She contacted me. Asked if she can join you as a plus one.”My eyes darkened. “I told you to cut off all contact with her.”“She just called. I couldn't ignore her.”I scoffed. “She doesn't know how to let go does she?”“Are you going with her?”“Never.”“You need a plus one, should I arrange someone for you?” Gabriella asked.“No need. I'll go wi
CATALINA The kiss was rough, demanding, urgent.His hand was cupped firmly on the back of my neck, the pressure increased. I didn't know why, but I parted my lips, inviting him. A tiny moan escaped my throat as his tongue met mine. His mouth moved over mine, crushing down harder each passing second. His teeth nipped painfully at my lip, a second moan escaped me.He stopped suddenly and looked down at me. His eyes were darker now. They were filled with pleasure. Dangerous pleasure.“You don't know the things I want to do to you Catalina.” I couldn't form a response. I only looked at him. His face was that of a man overcome by lust and desires.“I own you don't I? Take off your clothes.”Like someone under a spell, I slowly began to undress. My eyes were still fixed on his. Somehow I wanted to know, what it meant to be owned by this man, what depths of pleasure he would take me to if I let him.I stood there, unclad. I hated to admit it, but the way he looked at my naked body made
MIGUEL I could see the fear in her eyes. Yes. She should be scared of me. Maybe she hadn't the slightest idea what I am capable of. How dangerous I can be. She looked down at the gun in my hand and swallowed hard. My boys went over to her and dragged her forward until she stood in front of me.“You really thought you could succeed with your childish escape plan? Do you know the punishment for defying me?” I asked her.“You tell me.” She tried to look defiant. But I could see through her. The fear she felt beneath the layers of thick skin.“Death.” I announced.“Kill me then. Death is better than this life you want to subject me to.” I admired her bravery. But I couldn't let it show. I hated disrespect. If I don't curb her now, she might turn out to be more trouble later. If I look weak in front of my people, it wouldn't be long before someone would think they can overthrow me. I pointed the gun to her head.“Are you sure Catalina? Do you really want to die?” “Will you really ki