I adjust the fabric of my turtleneck, pulling it higher over my throat to conceal the red mark along my neckline. Even though it's like ninety degrees outside, a cold chill creeps through my veins, leaving me on edge. What happened this morning between me and Maverick is a little hazy because I refuse to dwell on what transpired between us. The way he looks at me when he knows something is up… When he tells me that everything is going to be okay because he will never let anyone hurt me…I believe the things my mother used to mutter to herself. 'If you can’t stop thinking about someone. It’s because they can’t stop thinking about you too.'I should never have mentioned his mother and sister. It was a low blow, and if anyone knows what it is like to lose someone you love and admire dearly. It's me. But he is experiencing it tenfold as he lost two important people at once, and I refuse to try to imagine how that would feel. Returning my attention to my Aunt Joy. I turn my body sideways
Arnica Savage: 23 years old.Maverick Quinn: 28 years old. * Willingly drowning in the depths of my slumber, a gentle sigh is pulled from my lips when a set of large hands gently start to caress my body. It rouses a delightful tingle to dance along my feverish skin, followed by a rush of eagerness coursing through my entire being.My fantasy lover is the closest thing I have gotten to anyone showing me any true affection in the last couple of years. Riddled with past traumas, it’s difficult to let a real man into my life that I can trust. “Let me show you how good I can make you feel every morning waking up next to me, Angel.”I jolt awake the second I realise what is happening. My eyes spring wide open as I scramble out of bed upon hearing a baritone voice that has a direct line to my inner core. Swallowing thickly, I place my palm over my chest, willing my galloping heart to slow down.To my horror, I wasn’t snuggling up to some random man in my dreams. I was snuggling with a
I once was known as the Ruthless King in both the financial world and the criminal world. Well, that’s what the word was on the street a year ago, anyway.Ruthless King.Intolerant King.Just ask my ex-girlfriend who thought it would be fun to fuck my brother, Matthias, in front of a camera that was live-streaming across the net in sixty-seven countries. The memory of their betrayal still leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. The one good thing that came out of it was my drive to find Arnica Savage, who still holds my brother's heart captive without even knowing it.Me being with Arnica will drive my brother wild with jealousy that will eventually ruin his and Tessas' fake relationship.Arnica will be everyones demise and she has no idea who she truly is or who is behind her mothers death.It’s been twelve months and eight days since a war erupted between the Quinn and Lorenzo family. The war between our two families was initiated when the Lorenzo family executed my mother and little sis
Have you ever felt like life continuously keeps throwing you curveballs to see how well you can dodge them? Because I do, and it fucking sucks.I run through the revolving doors of the hotel, eager to put as much distance between Maverick and me.Though my world is still slightly spinning, and my stomach is churning, I refuse to believe that I willingly married Maverick. I rip the wedding band free from my finger and toss it onto the pavement.There is no way in hell that I am going to wear a ring that relentlessly screams I am lawfully shackled to a Quinn.Looking up and down the sidewalk, I silently begin to panic as I realise that I have no idea where I am or how I will get home. I left my shoes and purse upstairs in Mavericks’ room, and I have no intentions of going back up there to retrieve them.I was lucky to escape him this time around, the next… I doubt he will let me out of his sight so easily.A black SUV pulls up against the sidewalk and the front window rolls down. “Mrs.
Confusion engulfs Arnicas’ beautiful face as she registers what I’ve just said.“You own Fusion?” She spits out in a hushed tone, shoving my shoulder before she tries to scramble out of my embrace.I cling onto her tightly, “I do, and before you ask, no it wasn’t a coincidence as to why you were given the job on the spot with no previous bartending experience.” I admit, knowing, I may have gone the extra mile to lure her to the club after finding out that she was jobless and on the verge of losing her flat.I also happen to know that it was Matthias who got her fired from her last job in marketing, making it almost impossible for her to find another job with the hopes that she would come crawling back to him after all the pain and misery he bestowed upon her.Matthias fucking Arnicas’ best friend in a very public place was low, even for him. But I also know that he hasn’t been the same since she walked away from him and refused to acknowledge him when he would randomly show up at her
If I'm going to be blunt with myself, I need to confess that I don’t know how to feel or act around Maverick.He's a different breed compared to the other two Quinns that I've had the misfortune of meeting. A part of me feels like he wouldn’t go out of his way to personally hurt or embarrass me. But because he is a man who lives by strict rules, I sense that he will have a field day making sure I obey the rules he sets out for me to abide by, and he’d take even greater pleasure in disciplining me if I defy those certain rules.But it's the way he looks at me that confuses me the most… I don't know, I could be reading too much into it.However, it’s like I’m the only person he sees in a room filled with people which is odd because the only room I remember us being in together was the Fantasy Room, and he was obviously there because he saw that I was in trouble and needed saving. But then I have to remind myself that he is a Quinn and everything he says and does is already pre-planned
I step outside of the SUV, rubbing the back of my nape as I tilt my head and stare up at my father's mansion. My brow darkens into a scowl as I continue to glare at the looming stone structure. Mine is bigger... A lot bigger. It may seem unorthodox to express such a sentiment, but it is undeniably true and I take great pride in my current position. I have achieved success through my own efforts, without relying on others for opportunities. My father on the other hand was given his seat at the head of the Elite Family table because he is the eldest son. The Elite table is made up of five crime lords with powerful names you dare not whisper out loud. It gives you the whole... You speak of the Devil and he shall appear vibes. Exhaling deeply as if I can rid myself of the stress that consumes me, I look at Dan my driver who is standing next to me in silence. “Keep the engine running. It looks like Father has sent his soldiers on a wild goose chase to keep this meeting a secret.”
Arnica Savage isn't just Matthias's ex. She is also a Lorenzo, the abandoned daughter of the bastard Lorenzo standing before me. And I know it is my father's voice that has haunted her nightmares since she was just six years old. Her thoughts are consumed by a haunting past. A past that binds us together, leaving her unable to recall the true reason behind my father's prominent role in her nightmares. Arnica, a Lorenzo by blood, poses a significant threat to Tessa's chances of inheriting what remains of Gio's family name.In exchange for the life of my sister, I was presented with the opportunity to take the life of Gios' daughter to keep the peace between us. And due to Tessa's act of treachery, I eagerly jumped at the offer.However, eight months ago when I arrived at Gios' villa to claim what I was owed, I was informed that Arnica Savage was the daughter being presented to me. As I heard the name, a sense of familiarity washed over me. Later that night, as I reflected on the d
I adjust the fabric of my turtleneck, pulling it higher over my throat to conceal the red mark along my neckline. Even though it's like ninety degrees outside, a cold chill creeps through my veins, leaving me on edge. What happened this morning between me and Maverick is a little hazy because I refuse to dwell on what transpired between us. The way he looks at me when he knows something is up… When he tells me that everything is going to be okay because he will never let anyone hurt me…I believe the things my mother used to mutter to herself. 'If you can’t stop thinking about someone. It’s because they can’t stop thinking about you too.'I should never have mentioned his mother and sister. It was a low blow, and if anyone knows what it is like to lose someone you love and admire dearly. It's me. But he is experiencing it tenfold as he lost two important people at once, and I refuse to try to imagine how that would feel. Returning my attention to my Aunt Joy. I turn my body sideways
“Maverick. Did you hear what I just said?” Removing my hand from my cheek that still stings from Arnicas’ palm, I raise my gaze to meet Levis’. “Yes, I heard you. Was I listening? Well, no.” I state boldly, rising from behind my desk. Combing my fingers through my hair, I head towards the door. “What the fucks gotten into you this morning?” Levi hisses, hot on my heels. “If this is about last night. I’ve apologized once for how I handled things with Mrs. Quinn. You won’t get a second one out of me.”I stop dead in my tracks and spin around to face him with my nostrils flaring. “I fucking put my hands on her.” Raising my head, I meet his stunned, encased irises. “She mentioned my mother and Scarlett.”Exhaling and shaking his head, “shit.” Levi says. “When you say that you put your hands on her-”“I tried to fucking strangle the life out of her. A red haze took over me and I was consumed with rage. The look in her eyes…” My voice trails off as I swallow thickly and try to elevate my
A moan filled with pleasure escapes with my breath as my hands ball the bedsheets at my sides. Still groggy from my sleep, I arch my back as the sensation of my clit being licked and then sucked on, causes my body to shudder. Pressure builds in the pit of my stomach as my clit is flicked and a finger slides between the slick folds of my sex. “Shit…” I cry out, squeezing my eyes shut when another two fingers stretch me, thrusting deep inside me. “Come for me, Angel,” a hoarse voice growls with desperation. “Come all over my face and scream for me.”Overwhelmed by desire, I can't help but lose control. I gently grasp Mavericks' hair beneath the sheets, keeping him in place as I indulge in the intense pleasure. Ecstasy courses through my heated body, igniting a whirlwind of tremors as waves of pleasure consume me. Maverick delicately teases my sensitive clit with a flick of his tongue, and he gradually eases the pace of his tortuous fingers within me, extending the duration of my clima
After Maverick leaves the library, I pause for a moment, touring the books before making my way out and heading towards the flight of stairs to find the powder room. I could have opted for the one on the main floor, but I prefer not to engage in conversations with unfamiliar people in particular, considering that I currently have semen running down the insides of my legs. I walk down the hallway, noticing the different color doors and handles.“Mahogany door with a brass knob.” The barmans' words enter my mind at full force, trying to compel me to seek out Mavericks’ office.I swiftly pivot on my heel and head back towards the staircase. I'll just wait until we get back home to freshen up. This seems like a risky and ill-advised plan, especially if I were to be discovered. The last thing I desire is to betray Mavericks' trust and have the other members of the Elite family suspect me of being a spy.“Make it happen, Matthias, or I will personally see to it that you and Contessa lose ev
I fold over Arnica, my hair falls forward, and it tickles her heaving chest, matching my heaving lungs. “Gods, you are fucking perfect.”She runs her fingers through my damp hair, giggling. “I think a certain someone has had a little too much to drink.”I nuzzle her breasts, liking how soft they feel against my face. “You do realise that this changes everything between us, don’t you?” I pull her up as I get to my feet, my cock still buried deep inside her, until the soles of her heels touch the hardwood floor, and she is standing in front of me. “I will have your things moved back into my room before we return home.”She pulls her lower lip between her teeth and nervously starts to chew on it as her gaze shifts to the other side of the library. Her good mood disappears, and I can’t help think it’s because I’ve said something I shouldn’t have. I place the pad of my thumb on her chin, bending at the knees so we are face to face, and her gaze lifts to mine.“Tell me what is going on in t
“I’m losing my mind over you. I can’t work, I can’t sleep or think straight. My body aches for you, but I won’t force you to do anything that you don’t want to do. Give me a safe word, Angel.”Tears run freely down my face, splashing on the upper swelling of my breasts, and Maverick licks at them. How will I recover if I let him make love to me? How will I survive if I don’t let him?“I want you, Maverick,” I whisper. “The need to have you fill me is consuming and overwhelming at the same time. You have the power to hurt me. To destroy what little of me that isn’t damaged.”His gaze flits with confusion and a promise that he will never do wrong by me the same way his brother did. “Don’t compare me to my brother, Angel. This is about us. What was meant to be. You were mine from the moment I laid eyes on you. Once won’t ever be enough. You’ll crave it. Need it. Dream about it. No one will ever satisfy your body again. Don’t let your past push me away.”I nod my head, “I won’t,” I whispe
I make my way to the bar, placing my wine glass on top of the varnished counter, lifting my hand as I grab the barman’s attention.“Another refill?” He asks me, holding up a bottle of flat white wine.I don’t know what I’m currently drinking because I never bothered to ask him what he is serving. As long as it loosens the tension in my body, I'll drink it.Pushing my glass forward, “that would be lovely, thank you.” I say with a forced smile, not wanting to be here.When Maverick had picked me up from my aunts earlier this evening, he reluctantly informed me that we had to attend a prestigious event to pay tribute to one of the influential Don's he is associated with at the Elite Family estate. This venue is perfect for exclusive events, where a strict code of conduct ensures a peaceful atmosphere for all attendees.This particular Don, whose name I didn’t bother to remember, is being recognized for his outstanding achievement in leading a big project aimed at providing a safe and eng
I walk out of Mavericks' office, ignoring the dozen sets of eyes staring at me as I slide my large shades over the bridge of my nose with a little bounce to my steps. My body feels lighter, and I still feel raw. Sensitive. Full. And truly well fingered. Two of Mavericks men cast shadows behind me as they follow my movements. I wonder if they can see the slight tremble in my legs with every step I execute. Not that it matters. One of them rushes forward to hold one of the double doors wide open for me. A stream of sunlight hits my face all for a second before it is eclipsed by a large shadow that instantly has killed my mood, and I try to step around the obstacle blocking my way, but I fail. “Arnica, fancy seeing you here.” A deep voice murmurs with an underlay of surprise and lack of conviction. “Why wouldn't I come here, Matthias?” I say in a placid tone to cover the irritation in my voice. Just by being in his presence, he has killed my mood, and after all these years, seein
“Now's not the time or place, Angel. Besides, only good girls get what they ask for, and you showing up here unguarded was a seriously naughty thing to do.” She blinks at me, lowering her skirt, and she stands up. “Well, I'm sorry you feel that way, and you won't hear me begging you, Maverick.” I watch as she walks to the door and sticks her head out, looking left then right. “See you at dinner,” she calls over her shoulder. “Oh, Thomas…” She calls out to one of my barmen in a singsong voice that makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up. “Why are you calling for Thomas?” How the fuck does she know who Thomas is too?“I need a problem solver,” she says and turns to look at Thomas when he reaches her. “Hey, Thomas. Do you consider yourself to be a problem solver?" Thomas’s gaze nervously darts between me and Arnica before he finally decides to answer. “Well… I've always been told that I have a knack for solving the impossible, most times.”I bite down on my molars, silently