I nodded, hiding my fear behind a practiced smile. My hands trembled slightly as I unbuttoned his shirt, revealing his bare chest and rounded belly. He sat on the bed, patting the space beside him, motioning for me to join. I hesitated but eventually sat, keeping as much distance as I could.Rufus’s demeanor shifted, his touches becoming more forward. My skin crawled, but I played along, feigning calmness while my heart raced.Just as his hand grazed my arm again, the door flung open with a loud bang. I jerked in surprise, and Rufus turned sharply. The man who entered looked dangerous, his expression thunderous.He stormed over to us, handing Rufus the same photos Romano had given me earlier. Rufus studied them, and his face darkened with anger. Without warning, he turned to me, his eyes blazing with rage.Youhe spat, grabbing me by the shoulders and pushing me down onto the bed. His hands were around my throat in an instant, choking me as I struggled to breathe.I clawed at his arms,
His words struck me like a blow, leaving me speechless.Romano turned back to the door, gripping the knob tightly. His next words were cryptic. “The disappointment was a blessing in disguise,” he muttered.I frowned, confused. “What does that even mean?” I asked, but he didn’t answer. Instead, he opened the door and left without another word.Alone in the house, I sank into a chair, my mind racing. Flashes of everything that had happened ran through my head, and I remembered the hidden photo I’d seen in Rufus’s pocket, the one of Joey’s father. Could Rufus have been involved in his death?I thought about Romano. Who was he, really? Could he be some kind of gang leader? How much did he know?.One thing was certain,Romano was far more than just a branch manager. The questions burned in my mind, but the answers felt just out of reach.The questions weighed heavily on me as I lay down, trying to rest. Romano hadn’t returned, and the emptiness of the house only amplified my unease. What if
His smirk returned, he reached for a metal pipe and took a deep drag, exhaling thick, acrid smoke, Then with deliberate cruelty he forced my mouth open with his fingers,and blew the smoke directly into me.I gagged, the bitterness choking me,as the smoke invaded my lungs, almost immediately I felt my body grow weak, my strength draining, My visions blurred, everything dissolving into darkness.I tried to hold on to something,but the overwhelming haze pulled me under,and I lost consciousness.The flash of light burned into my eyes, forcing me awake. I instinctively rubbed them, groaning softly, only to jolt upright when I saw a familiar face, the bodyguard from the club, Romano’s right-hand man. He was pointing a flashlight at me, his expression stern.Don’t you want to go home?” he asked, switching off the light as I raised my hand to block it.I blinked a few times, adjusting to the dimness of dawn. He turned to sit properly in the driver seat, facing forward. My eyes darted to my si
My breath hitched. Their conversation seemed casual, but their body language suggested familiarity too much for my comfort. Rufus leaned in close to say something, and my mother laughed lightly, her face lighting up.What was she doing with him? And why did they look so comfortable together?A thousand questions flooded my mind. How did they know each other? Was she involved in whatever dark dealings Rufus was entangled in? The thought was too unsettling to bear.I froze, torn between confronting them or staying hidden. My heart raced, pounding louder with each passing second. As they walked closer to the bridge, I instinctively ducked behind a nearby pillar, peeking out just enough to keep them in view.“Why are you hiding?” Minho’s voice startled me from behind, causing me to jump. He held two bottles of soda in his hands, looking at me with confusion.I grabbed his arm, pulling him into the shadows with me. “Shh!” I whispered urgently, nodding toward the approaching figures.Minho
That left just Minho and me, standing together in the terminal, trying to make the most of the dwindling moments we had left. We talked quietly, sharing memories, hopes, and promises. Each word felt like a thread tying us together, even as time worked to unravel us.When the boarding announcement came, my chest tightened. I pulled him into the tightest hug I could muster, feeling his warmth one last time. He placed a gentle kiss on my forehead, his lips lingering as if trying to leave a part of himself behind.I’ll miss you, Luna, he whispered, his voice heavy with emotion.I’ll miss you more, " I replied, my throat constricted with unshed tears.As he turned to walk toward the gate, we kept waving at each other, clinging to the last seconds of connection. He disappeared down the jetway, but I stayed, watching his plane rev into the sky until it was a mere speck. The roar of the engines faded, leaving behind an aching silence. I swallowed hard, determined to hold back my tears.With
The day is Friday, June 5th. I jolted awake, rubbing my eyes to clear the sleep from them, and froze when I glanced at the clock. 8:15 AM. “Oh my God!” I gasped, throwing off the covers. I was late. My train was scheduled to leave at 9:00, and here I was, still in bed. I scrambled to the bathroom, brushing my teeth while trying to figure out what to wear. After a quick shower, I threw on a simple yellow dress, shoved my files into my bag, and rushed out the door. There was no time for breakfast, not even toast. The streets were as noisy as ever. Everston was always bustling in the mornings. Cars honked at every turn, street vendors called out to advertise, and people hurried along the sidewalks, too busy to notice anyone around them. I flagged down a cab, hopped in, and held my breath as we weaved through the endless traffic. By the time I reached the station, My stomach growled, but there was no time to stop. I managed to grab a quick iced coffee from a stand near the entranc
It was dark outside, the cool night air brushing against my skin as I ran down the street. The letter was still in my bag, its words replaying in my mind. *I’m not your real mother.* I kept running, hoping the motion would clear my thoughts, but nothing helped. I couldn’t outrun the truth. Eventually, I stopped at a bench on the side of the road and sat down, burying my face in my hands. What was I supposed to do now? Go back home and let her finish explaining? Or head to work at the club, pretending like nothing had happened? The disappointment from this morning still clung to me, but now it was overshadowed by something deeper. Who was I? Where did I come from? And why had my real parents abandoned me? The questions spun in my head, relentless and unforgiving. For the first time in my life, I felt completely lost. As I walked down the road, the cool evening air brushed against my skin, but it did little to calm the storm raging inside me. My thoughts churned like restless
Mrs parker’’s eyes darted towards me,her expression a mix of surprise and delight,my heart stopped,this must be a joke,he definitely doesn't mean me I thought,my pulse racing, surely I heard wrong. But the stillness in the room confirmed otherwise.''Are you certain, Mr Black ?’’ Mrs Parker asked,her voice soft, testing.He didn't answer,he didn't need to.The silence was his confirmation.with a nod,Mrs Parker clapped her hand ushering the strippers away.Then she turned to me,her smile sharp as a knife.” Come with me” she said, grabbing my arm and leading me out of the room.She dragged me to a private staff lounge,her grip firm as though I might escape, “ Listen Luna” she started her tone with a mix of sternness and persuasion. “This is a one time thing.Do whatever he asks,and that's it. you're done.”I am not a stripper boss,I protested, my voice trembling. I'm here to serve drinks,not sex‘’Nonsense'’ she snapped, cutting me off, “who said anything about sex?he does not want sex, he
That left just Minho and me, standing together in the terminal, trying to make the most of the dwindling moments we had left. We talked quietly, sharing memories, hopes, and promises. Each word felt like a thread tying us together, even as time worked to unravel us.When the boarding announcement came, my chest tightened. I pulled him into the tightest hug I could muster, feeling his warmth one last time. He placed a gentle kiss on my forehead, his lips lingering as if trying to leave a part of himself behind.I’ll miss you, Luna, he whispered, his voice heavy with emotion.I’ll miss you more, " I replied, my throat constricted with unshed tears.As he turned to walk toward the gate, we kept waving at each other, clinging to the last seconds of connection. He disappeared down the jetway, but I stayed, watching his plane rev into the sky until it was a mere speck. The roar of the engines faded, leaving behind an aching silence. I swallowed hard, determined to hold back my tears.With
My breath hitched. Their conversation seemed casual, but their body language suggested familiarity too much for my comfort. Rufus leaned in close to say something, and my mother laughed lightly, her face lighting up.What was she doing with him? And why did they look so comfortable together?A thousand questions flooded my mind. How did they know each other? Was she involved in whatever dark dealings Rufus was entangled in? The thought was too unsettling to bear.I froze, torn between confronting them or staying hidden. My heart raced, pounding louder with each passing second. As they walked closer to the bridge, I instinctively ducked behind a nearby pillar, peeking out just enough to keep them in view.“Why are you hiding?” Minho’s voice startled me from behind, causing me to jump. He held two bottles of soda in his hands, looking at me with confusion.I grabbed his arm, pulling him into the shadows with me. “Shh!” I whispered urgently, nodding toward the approaching figures.Minho
His smirk returned, he reached for a metal pipe and took a deep drag, exhaling thick, acrid smoke, Then with deliberate cruelty he forced my mouth open with his fingers,and blew the smoke directly into me.I gagged, the bitterness choking me,as the smoke invaded my lungs, almost immediately I felt my body grow weak, my strength draining, My visions blurred, everything dissolving into darkness.I tried to hold on to something,but the overwhelming haze pulled me under,and I lost consciousness.The flash of light burned into my eyes, forcing me awake. I instinctively rubbed them, groaning softly, only to jolt upright when I saw a familiar face, the bodyguard from the club, Romano’s right-hand man. He was pointing a flashlight at me, his expression stern.Don’t you want to go home?” he asked, switching off the light as I raised my hand to block it.I blinked a few times, adjusting to the dimness of dawn. He turned to sit properly in the driver seat, facing forward. My eyes darted to my si
His words struck me like a blow, leaving me speechless.Romano turned back to the door, gripping the knob tightly. His next words were cryptic. “The disappointment was a blessing in disguise,” he muttered.I frowned, confused. “What does that even mean?” I asked, but he didn’t answer. Instead, he opened the door and left without another word.Alone in the house, I sank into a chair, my mind racing. Flashes of everything that had happened ran through my head, and I remembered the hidden photo I’d seen in Rufus’s pocket, the one of Joey’s father. Could Rufus have been involved in his death?I thought about Romano. Who was he, really? Could he be some kind of gang leader? How much did he know?.One thing was certain,Romano was far more than just a branch manager. The questions burned in my mind, but the answers felt just out of reach.The questions weighed heavily on me as I lay down, trying to rest. Romano hadn’t returned, and the emptiness of the house only amplified my unease. What if
I nodded, hiding my fear behind a practiced smile. My hands trembled slightly as I unbuttoned his shirt, revealing his bare chest and rounded belly. He sat on the bed, patting the space beside him, motioning for me to join. I hesitated but eventually sat, keeping as much distance as I could.Rufus’s demeanor shifted, his touches becoming more forward. My skin crawled, but I played along, feigning calmness while my heart raced.Just as his hand grazed my arm again, the door flung open with a loud bang. I jerked in surprise, and Rufus turned sharply. The man who entered looked dangerous, his expression thunderous.He stormed over to us, handing Rufus the same photos Romano had given me earlier. Rufus studied them, and his face darkened with anger. Without warning, he turned to me, his eyes blazing with rage.Youhe spat, grabbing me by the shoulders and pushing me down onto the bed. His hands were around my throat in an instant, choking me as I struggled to breathe.I clawed at his arms,
There was a tense pause before Tommy added, It’s always good to have neighbors who care enough to keep an eye out. Don’t you agree?”Malia nodded enthusiastically. Absolutely We’re all about looking out for each other in this neighborhood.I forced a weak smile, my palms clammy. Of course.Tommy’s smile returned, but his eyes never softened. “Well, if you ladies ever have any concerns, feel free to come to me directly. I’d hate for there to be any misunderstandings.Malia laughed nervously. “Noted, Mr. Tommy.Have a good day, ladies,” Tommy said, his tone polite but firm.He turned and walked back toward his house, leaving me and Malia standing in awkward silence.Why did you go up to him like that?” I hissed at her.What was I supposed to do? Pretend we didn’t see anything?” Malia shot back. Besides, he seemed nice.Nice?” I echoed, staring at her in disbelief. He gives me the creeps.Malia shrugged. “You’re always overthinking, Maya. Not everyone is bad like you. She said and walked
Done, Rufus replied without hesitation.I felt my stomach churn. Was I being sold? Was this part of the plan?Wait do the other workers at Aurora innovations, aware of this other version of their boss romano.She’ll make a good prey, Rufus said, stepping closer to me until his face was mere inches away. His breath reeked of cigars and whiskey. Or perhaps just a massage? Maybe I’ll start by feeling the warmth of your body, he said with a leering laugh.She’ll make a very good distraction,Romano added, nodding in agreement, his tone betraying no concern.I forced a hollow smile, every muscle in my body screaming at me to run. Romano then took my hand, and we exited the room.Back in the quieter confines of another space, my fury erupted. What the hell is all this?” I demanded, yanking my hand away from his grip. “Whatever game you’re playing, count me out. I’m not doing this anymore. I’m not coming back here,This is sickening.Romano’s gaze darkened, his voice sharp and dismissive. “You
This sounds like a terrible idea, I said, running a hand through my hair. You’re putting my life on the line for something I don’t even understand.Your life’s already on the line, he said sharply, standing now and towering over me. Every moment you’re out there, you’re vulnerable. Romano leaned against the edge of the table, his dark eyes locked onto mine.Tonight, he began,The man will be at the casino. Your role is simple but critical,you’ll need to get inside his head and his heart.I frowned, confused. What exactly do you mean?”You’ll use your body language, your voice, and your words. Make him fall for you. Gaining his trust, Romano explained, pulling out his phone and showing me a picture of a red box with intricate carvings on its surface. “Once you’re with him, look for this box. It’s the key to everything.I swallowed hard, my mind racing. “What happens after tonight?”You’ll be returning to this casino. Coming and going from home won’t work,it’s too risky and might blow o
I reached my room, shut the door behind me, and locked it. Leaning against the door, I took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm of emotions raging inside me.As I walked home after a long day at work, a black car pulled up beside me. The window rolled down, and a familiar voice called out, calm yet commanding.Get in the car.I stopped, startled. It was Romano, sitting in the driver’s seat, his face as unreadable as ever. He didn’t even glance in my direction.Romano, what.Don’t ask questions, he interrupted, his voice firm. Just get in.For a moment, I hesitated, unsure of what to do. But something about his tone left no room for argument. Without another word, I opened the door and slid into the passenger seat.The silence in the car was palpable as he drove, his focus entirely on the road. After a while, I gathered the courage to speak. "Where are we going?"He didn't answerAfter a short drive, we pulled up to a large, dimly lit building. The glowing neon sign above read "Cas