Sage's POV I swung my head to the side and my eyes locked onto Diego's. The soft glow of the room's chandeliers cast a warm light on his face, accentuating his sharp features. I felt a flutter in my chest as our eyes held, the air thick with tension. I caught a hint of pride swirling in his gaze, mixed with surprise. A faint smile played on his lips. He didn't think I had only a single plan in mind, did he? I'd never laid my full trust in Freeman from the beginning. Before we left the house, the text I received from Violet was to confirm that he had never made it to the airport. Yes, I had been angry when we got here, but it was because he chose to betray me after everything my father had done for him. He was such an ungrateful man. Diego held my hand, taking it up to his lips and I felt a shiver run down my spine as he placed a firm, chaste kiss on my knuckles. My cheeks flushed, and I looked away, trying to compose myself. "Can I guess who you've laid your cards on?" He asked
Chapter 52 Sage's POV When I stepped out of the restroom, my eyes scanned the hallway but I caught no sign of the nameless woman who I had just spoken with. She left the restroom barely a minute ago and now, it was like she'd just vanished in thin air. Something didn't add up but I couldn't place it. I stood there for a while wondering who she was and why she was interested in my relationship with Diego. Initially, I placed her as a fling but it didn't seem like such a pass to me. Taking a deep breath, I headed back downstairs to the living room where the auction had taken place. Diego was done with his speech and a few of the guests were leaving while others were having conversations over wine. I stopped to speak with a few people as I returned to the room. Diego was on the other side and in a deep conversation with Baron Lockwood. "Congratulations Mr Lockwood on your newest property," I said to Baron and he gave me a knowing smile raising his glass. According to our agreement
Chapter 53 Diego's POV The evening had been going great from the moment Sage decided to break her plans to me about the property which was now within her grasp. But now, faced with the people who had betrayed me years ago, the galore of the night had been ruined. My eyes darted between my cousin and his fiancée, lingering longer on her. Hailey. She was the one. Now with brown hair, I remembered that she was a dye freak. I'd never gotten to see her authentic self, and I didn't care since she was happy doing whatever she wanted. I once loved her and would do anything for her. A brief, stabbing pain pierced my chest as memories of our past surfaced. But it was momentary, and I was surprised by how little I felt. The thought of her no longer had the power to cause me pain. Rather, a sense of disgust towards her was what reigned in my mind. She had been introduced by Dean as his fiancée, but since she had no dignity to save herself, she chose to openly leer at me. I smirked, recalling
Chapter 54 Sage's POV I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that settled in the pit of my stomach as I thought about the way Diego had looked at Hailey. It was just a glance, barely thirty seconds, but it felt like an eternity. I was being ridiculous, I knew that. But I couldn't help the rage that coursed through my veins. Get yourself together, Sage... get it together. I chanted internally, trying to calm myself down but it wasn't working. I was furious, and I could feel my body shaking with anger. I was mad at myself, not Diego. But somehow, his presence seemed to fuel my emotions. Was this what insecurity felt like? I'd never experienced it before. There was never anything worth feeling this way for. But now, with Diego, I felt like I was losing myself. I glanced at Diego and he was staring at me with a mixture of frustration and the tenderness I'd grown fond of. That was it. The fondness. I shouldn't be growing fond of him. No, I needed to stop whatever was happening be
Chapter 55 Sage's POV "Kian will drive you home, I need to check on some things at the office" Diego had said to me, holding the door to the car open with his head slightly poking in. We just arrived from Berlin. The flight had lasted for roughly six hours. It was the longest six hours of my life. I'd stayed in my seat throughout the flight and fought the urge to even look at him even when I panicked. He watched me and only offered his hand. I felt a mix of emotions as I wondered why he didn't hold me in his arms. This was the most words he'd spoken to me since our conversation last night. Was he avoiding me, now? "Okay" I nodded, not casting him a glance and he closed the door. He didn't look back as he walked to the other car behind. ..... When I woke up the next morning, I reached behind me out of instinct to check if Diego was there. My heart dropped when I realized that he was wasn't and I begrudgingly sat up and ruffled my hair. I'm so stupid. Taking a deep breath, I
Chapter 56 Sage's POV Theodore was seated on my chair with a laid-back expression when I walked into the conference room. I frowned immediately and shot him a warning glare and he chuckled standing up. I know he missed the power he once had but he could go relive the memories in someone else's office, not mine. He could use Alex's company as well. Violet had given me a rundown of a few things on our way here and I got to know that Alex had given him a manageable position at his company. It's probably the reason why he was confident enough to come here. "Sage..." He started coming towards me and I held out my hand to stop him "What are you doing here, Theodore?" I asked, my voice icy. He stopped walking and frowned. "Is that how to speak to your husband after so long?" I glared at him with so much hate and anger. How dare he come here and proclaim himself to be my husband? "Theodore, I don't want to remind you that we no longer have a relationship again the next time we meet"
Chapter 57 Diego's POV "Sir, we have been negligent and didn't see this coming" The head of HR, Troy muttered with his head bowed slightly as he spoke, "The team and I are willing to take any punishment" I've always known Troy to be a hardworking and dedicated man which was the reason why when I became the CEO, he was made the head of one of the most important departments. He still is as dedicated as before, but now, his words are making my mood worse. I was furious and almost boiling over with rage. What had happened wasn't his or his team's fault and the sooner he left my sight, the better it was for him. "Mr. Batcher, you may leave" Mark stepped in quickly as though he could sense the turmoil in my mind. Troy turned and left immediately with my CFO, Raphael, trailing after him. He seemed to have a lot to say but he knew better. After a few minutes of sitting in silence with white noise humming in my mind, I rose from my chair and stormed out of the conference room. Mark follow
Chapter 58Diego's POVAs I stepped into the dimly lit bar, the smooth sounds of jazz enveloped me like a warm blanket. The air was thick with the scent of fine whiskey and the hum of hushed conversations. The decor was sleek and sophisticated, with polished wood and rich leather accents that seemed to glow in the soft light.This was one of Nick's bars, he'd purchased it a few months ago and had it redesigned to suit his taste which I'd say was impeccable. I'll give that to him.I made my way to the bar, my eyes scanning the room for a familiar face and when I finally spotted him, my lips twitched unpleasantly. He was seated in a booth in the corner of the room with a woman stuck to his side.He said something into her ear that made her giggle and place a kiss on his cheek. I'm sure he promised her a night with him. He'd never change. Suddenly, he raised his head and his eyes locked onto mine. He grinned and waved me over."You came!" He smirked, the fucker sounded surprised I made t
Chapter 120Diego's POVSage kept stealing glances at me throughout the ride back home. Once, I'd caught her and noticed there was a subtle blush across her face as she did. I couldn't help but chuckle at her sudden change of attitude. Usually, she would be bolder after we had sex or made out, but today, she was acting shy. I didn't mind the change, though, but it was new, and she looked fucking cute.I don't think she knew how cute she looked acting all shy. Watching her ride my fingers to find her release was one of the prettiest things I'd ever seen. And I know this was part of the reason she kept stealing glances at me. Had she felt embarrassed? Or was it because she wanted more? It had been there in her eyes when she stared at me but I couldn't take her now. Not when she was still recovering.I turned to look at her as she stared outside the window, frowning at the bandage wrapped around her head that had been replaced by a nurse before we left the hospital. I still wasn't comfor
Chapter 119Sage's POVDiego carried me to the restroom attached to my ward, and the moment he set me down, his lips crashed on mine, capturing them in a slow, sensual kiss that set shivers running through my body. My breath hitched as the warmth of his touch spread through my body, igniting my entire system.I sighed into his mouth, moving my lips desperately to match his pace. It was a rough and passionate kiss, different from the one we shared moments ago. His hands moved to the small of my back, rubbing his thumb in circles, and slowly, he pulled the knot that held the dress as a piece. I melted against him, moaning in pleasure, everything forgotten as that moment, it was just him and I.We broke from the kiss, both breathless but our bodies were ignited with the primal desire for each other. Diego stared deeply at me, his eyes holding a glint of dark desire as he rid my body of the hospital gown. He dipped his head, and kissed my shoulder blade, trailing up to my neck and chin.
Chapter 118Sage's POVWhen my eyes opened after what I believed to be an hour later, they fell on Kian's burly frame in the middle of the room, and before him was Diego, ruffling his hair.I blinked, my eyes taking in his angry expression as he ordered Kian to find someone. Who was he talking about that made him so angry? Kian looked equally agitated, I could see that with the way his shoulders tensed.What were they talking about?"Diego," I called out almost gagging as the scent of hospital seeped into my system, filling my lungs. Gosh! I can't stand the scent of the hospital anymore. I just want to go home.Diego turned to me and the angry expression on his face earlier wore off, replaced by that of worry as he covered the distance to me. My brows shut up, worry filling my system as I thought of what it could be that had been bothering him."Did we disturb your sleep?" He asked, gently as he took my hand. I motioned to my bed and he nodded in understanding, helping me sit up. I sm
Chapter 117Diego's POVSage's lips were moving but my mind was focused on the way her face was scrunched up in faux annoyance. A small smile twisted my lips, when last had I seen her this close and freely? I'd fucking missed her and heaven knows, I would have lost my mind if she wouldn't have survived this.This time, I wasn't going to let her go no matter how much she objected. But I doubted she would, she had said nothing but smile when I told her that. That fucking smile! It had stirred something within me that I hadn't felt in days. God, whatever she had done to me, I liked it. No, I loved it."Diego!" She snapped, her voice cracked but enough to get me out of the trance she'd trapped me in. I blinked, shaking my head slightly and giving her an inquisitive lookThe frown on her face deepened. "Did you hear what I just said?""No, sweetheart. I heard nothing, can you say that again?" I smirked, raising my brows and she gave me an eye roll that made my heart jump."Stop flirting wi
Chapter 116Sage's POVIt was all a daze.I thought I had heard Diego whispering to me but my brain couldn't process a thing. I only knew that somehow, I was safe and still breathing. Still alive.*****My eyelids felt heavy as I attempted to pull them apart. My whole body felt like I was being held down by weights that kept pulling me down no matter how much I tried breaking free. This left my system numb but for some reason, I kept pushing to open my eyes.And I did.I winced painfully as the bright light penetrated my sour and tired eyes. It was as if someone was pointing a flashlight directly at my face. I snapped my eyes shut, my entire system now adjusting to the environment and before I opened them again, my nose had picked up the strong smell of chlorine and bleach, a typical smell of the hospital.I almost gagged at how strongly it invaded my nose.My blurry gaze ran through the room and then to the IV drip inserted in my hand. My head felt heavy and from it came a pang of pa
Chapter 115Diego's POVAs I sped through the highway, my heart pounded in my chest, and my entire system burned with rage. If anything happened to Sage, I would lose it. It felt as though the car chose to drive at its pace and it was getting on my nerves.It was barely two minutes after the call with Sage, but it felt like an eternity, and all I could do while cursing my luck for not being fast enough was hope. Hope that she had fought Theodore. I had heard it when she gasped out his name. How had he gotten inside? How did he breach all that security I placed around her house?I clenched my jaws and my grip tightened on the wheel as a thought hit me. Could one of my men have betrayed me? I cursed under my breath, punching the steering wheel like it were his face. If it turned out that one of the guards helped in, he would have a companion on his way to hell.My mind reeled as I finally got to the estate, Sage's apartment was located and in a minute, I was pulling over roughly before
Chapter 114Sage's POVMy heart pounded in my chest, fear coursing through my being as I squinted in the direction of the figure to make out who it was. The statue looked like that of a man and, somehow, familiar, but I couldn't place out who it belonged to. However, knowing it was familiar, heightened my fear."W.. who are you?" I asked, taking a step back as I flickered my gaze to my phone on the floor. Diego was still on call and he could help me.The person chuckled and I froze on the spot, eyes widening as recognition flowed in. I opened my mouth to speak but he stepped forward, a predatory grin lingering on his lips as he stared at me.I scrunched my face in annoyance and disbelief, gasping. "Theodore!"He smirked, then picked up my phone, ending the call abruptly. My eyes widened as he tossed the phone across the room. Dread settled in the pit of my stomach when he looked back at me. He seemed different and it was terribly. There was an unhinged look in his eyes, like he could
Chapter 113Diego's POVI watched with an intense stare as one of my men tortured the man who had harmed Violet. His face was bloodied and so was part of his body. My lips twitched, satisfied as his screams of agony cut through the air.Initially, he wanted to play it cool like the sadist he thought he was but he had underestimated my men and their methods. They could break the strongest of men with the cruel way they tortured. Most of them had served in the army while others were the finest retirees from the most dangerous mafia families I had connections with.Most people who knew the kind of men I had hired thought of me as some maniac, hence my widespread reputation of being spineless. It wasn't a lie, but only those who crossed me encountered my wrath. But these men were only part of my crew because of my grandfather's close relationship with the mafia and I'd only salvaged this relationship to my benefit.I narrowed my eyes when the man lost consciousness and hung his head. He h
Chapter 112Sage's POVI spent the rest of the afternoon binging a series I found on TV. After the call with my father, I felt less suffocated and in need of alcohol, so the brandy had been set aside and replaced with four big bags of chips and yogurt.I meant to ditch the brandy after the second glass before the call anyway; that stuff was damn bitter. It made me wonder how Diego managed to drink it.‘Thinking about him again?’ The voice in my head treacherously snarked and I scrunched my face. The thought of him has been crossing my mind sparsely whenever a commercial came up and I was back to seriously feasting on my chips.I found it quite infuriating as I had decided to end things. Thinking about him – his hot and ripped body, lips, hands – everything, would just stick with me then. It was a great deal and it was fun while it lasted. However, despite my decision, I couldn't help the subtle tug in my chest that made me wince occasionally. Coming to that conclusion had been heart-w