SimonAs the youngest of the Stanley brothers, I earned the reputation of a hoodlum despite my family's community standing. Even though some say I'm highly intelligent, my playful nature and inclination to prank people have gotten me in trouble too many times. I was even kicked out of his boarding school at one point.Sebastian tried to teach me everything he knew about the hotel business and wanted to get me to act more involved, but I refused. I told him the hotel business is "too boring," and I have other sources of income. I never clarified what kind of work I did to earn my own money, but Sebastian couldn't get me to talk about it. He is all too familiar with my secretive nature and interrogating me never did any good.This is why it's a relief that Sebastian stopped playing play pretend and got control over the business.I looked at my watch and squinted. How long was she planning to take in that store? Women...Knowing her, she could take all day, but I was willing to wait fore
Sebastian It didn't take me too long to get back in the groove once I started to focus on business again. I couldn't be distracted now. Not when there was someone out there trying to destroy my business. I haven't spoken to Delilah since our steamy night at the sex club. I figured I should give her a little break and let her enjoy her time at the bookstore. It doesn't mean I am done with her. Far from it. I have more things in store for my angel. My assistant Melanie informed me that Simon is visiting. I put Simon in charge of hiring a new Chef for the new hotel we just opened, so there was much to discuss. Simon never wanted to do much for this company, so I had to make a special request to convince him. I wonder what he does in his spare time. "What do you have for me?" I asked once Simon walked in. "Steven Malone is currently looking for a change of pace and has applied for a job with our company," Simon said. "Great. He could be an excellent addition to the hotel. Set up an
Delilah Meanwhile, I can't stop thinking about that night at the club. My body heats up every time I remember What he did to me. He didn't hold back. He touched and licked every part of my body. He made me come over and over until I begged him to stop. I know he was trying to make me long for him, and it worked. "Do these go here?" I snap back into reality when Charlie suddenly speaks to me. He is standing next to a shelf with a cart full of books. "Yeah, it's fine. Just make sure to organize them in alphabetical order," I instructed. Charlie nods and goes back to work. My phone dings. It was a text from Sebastian. What does he want me to do this time? Visit the strip club and watch him get a lap dance? I thought irritably. 'Pack your bags and make sure your passport is up to date. We are leaving for Italy next week. We will be staying there for the weekend.' the text said. What... I can't just up and leave like that! I have work to do! I typed furiously. I need to stand my
SimonI look at the attractive woman in front of me. She has long, silky brown hair and big brown eyes. Is she the type of woman his older brother likes? I had no idea. I didn't think Sebastian had a type. He admired beautiful women in general.She is visibly upset. What did my brother do to her this time?"I am sorry for asking you to meet me like this even though we just met," she laughed nervously. She twirled her hair with her fingers and avoided eye contact with me."It's no big deal. What was it you wanted to talk about?" I asked. I didn't know why I had agreed to meet her. I usually liked to avoid Sebastian's conquests as they could get clingy and annoying, but this woman seemed different. She has a calming aura surrounding her."About Sebastian. I wanted to ask..." she hesitated."You can tell me. I swear I'm not as intimidating as him," I chuckled."It's just that I am not sure what he wants from me exactly. He lied about his identity when we met, and now this...he trapped me
Simon I knew where to find Olivia and decided to show up there. It is Saturday, so I knew Olivia would be at one of the most popular and high-scale clubs called 'The Club Medusa' downtown, dancing the night away. I knew she loved to dance, so it was the perfect opportunity to sweep her off her feet since I was not a bad dancer myself. I put on some jeans and a black button-up shirt, then headed to Club Medusa. I didn't have a hard time getting in since all I had to do was to wave a five hundred dollar bill in front of the bouncer. Soon, I was inside. I scanned the entire floor. It is a habit I developed while being trained by my brilliant yet mysterious boss Ares. I spot Olivia dancing right in the middle of the dance floor. My left eyebrow rises a fraction when I see a tall and skinny guy approaching her and asking her to dance. She looks at him for a few moments, then nods in agreement. Then they start dancing. Jealousy wells up inside me as I see her swaying her hips near an
DelilahI don't know why I care, but my feelings about the trip immediately changed once Simon mentioned it was Sebastian's birthday. Maybe it is wishful thinking, but I want to believe that he wanted my company that day, and it makes me feel good. Maybe Sebastian still has feelings for me.But how do I feel about him? I wondered. I know I can't hate him no matter how hard I try, and my heart beats furiously when I am near him. And I have the strangest desire to be near him at all times.Maybe I have feelings for him. Perhaps I fell in love with him without even realizing it. And his being rich has nothing to do with it. I want the old Sebastian back. He might've been cheap and clumsy, but he was sweet. I'd rather have him than all the money in the world.I sighed and decided to stop fighting him about the trip. In fact, I am starting to look forward to it. I need to figure out what to give him as a birthday present. What do you give a man who could get everything he ever wanted? Simo
Sebastian I look at Delilah, who is leaning back on the seat with her eyes closed. She hadn't opened her eyes since the captain announced our departure. She must be afraid of flying, I thought and smirked. She'll have to get used to it since there will be a lot more of those in the future. "Hey, Delilah, why don't you open your eyes and look at the view down below?" I tap her on the shoulder. "N...no thank you," Delilah mumbled. I signal the flight attendant to come closer. "What can I get you, Mr. Stanley?" "Get Miss Gibson something to drink. Something strong. Thanks, Kate," I ordered. Delilah's eyes snapped open. "That's not necessary. I don't drink much," she said quickly and sat up. I look at her hands. They are shaking. I soften my gaze as I realize she is scared. Maybe I shouldn't have forced her to take this trip. I was being selfish. Nah, I shouldn't feel bad. I have always spent my birthdays alone, as I never had the desire to do with anyone. My brother and I are c
Sebastian I stare at the sleeping Delilah and release a sigh. I can't seem to understand this woman. Why doesn't she refuse me when I act so beastly toward her? If she would just shove me off and slap me senselessly, I would back off and never touch her again. Is she scared of him because of the contract? Did she take all my empty threats seriously? But it isn't like the contract stated she is obligated to have a sexual relationship with me. Did she not read the agreement? Maybe she is just weak. Or maybe she has feelings for me despite how I treated her like some kind of masochist. Nothing made sense to me. I tried not to feel guilty about forcing her to go down on me earlier, but my heart felt heavy. I went too far earlier, and it wasn't in my nature to do something like that. I am turning into a monster as the day goes by, and I am not sure how to tame it anymore. I secretly hoped Delilah would resist more and put me in my place. Delilah is lying on the bed naked and flat on he
Emma It's my wedding day. I feel like I'm in a daze, floating in the cloud. I can't believe this is happening to me and I'm about to marry this amazing, gorgeous man of my dreams. Things can't get any better. I look at Sam, who is running around and giggling with some of the other kids in his house. He is wearing a tiny tuxedo and looks absolutely adorable. My heart swells with love and pride. I can't believe how fast he's grown up and how lucky I am to have him in my life. As I take a deep breath, I can feel the excitement and anticipation building up inside of me. I can't wait to walk down the aisle and see my husband-to-be waiting for me. "Sam, be careful! You will trip over the decorations!" Delilah scolded him, but he only giggled louder. Delilah couldn't help but crack a smile and look at me. "Ready for your big day?" she smirks. "I don't know," I giggle nervously. She raises an eyebrow. "You don't know? You're not getting cold feet, are you?" I shake my head frantically
Jonathan I go back to the building to check on Alaric. I made sure to have Ray send someone to kill the wasps ahead of time and give Alaric medical attention if needed before my arrival. Alaric is sitting on the chair with his face and body swollen, but he appears to be breathing. "I see you survived the wasps," I comment. "Fuck you," Alaric mumbles. "I came here to give you good news and bad news," I say. He looks at me with confusion. "What?" "The good news is that Emma and I are getting married, and Sam will officially become my son," I say. "Samuel is my son," Alaric barks. "Not anymore, he isn't. You will be waiving all rights as his biological dad," I say, putting the adoption paper on his lap. Alaric glares at me as he looks at the adoption paper. He doesn't say anything for a few moments. I watch as his expression turns angrier. "I don't want to give up my rights," he says. "It's not up to you anymore," I reply. "I've already talked to my lawyer, and everything is
JonathanHere I am at the abandoned building again, three days later. I kept my promise to Alaric and didn't show up until now, leaving him in the dark. I'm sure he is covered in his own piss and starving. The thought gives me comfort. "How was life in darkness, Alaric? It's not fun, is it?" I ask after taking the tape off of his mouth. There is no window down there, so Alaric wouldn't have known the difference between day and night. "Fuck you, asshole! What the fuck is wrong with you, man?" Alaric barks. "I couldn't begin to tell you. Are you ready to confess yet?" I laugh. "Confess what? I didn't do anything!" Alaric shouts. "Ah, so we are still playing the game. Say, Alaric, are you hungry?" I ask and shake the Mcdonald's bag in my hand. "I am fucking starving, man. You left me here tied up for three days!" he says as if I don't know what I did already. I take the burger out and take a big bite. "Mmm...you know I have all the money in the world, and I can afford expensive f
Jonathan "Emma doesn't want the police involved," Sebastian says. "I see..." I say grimly, but I'm not surprised. "I don't blame her. They will ask her a lot of questions in court. It'll keep reminding her of her painful past." Sebastian nods. "There must be an alternative. I want that bastard Alaric to suffer, even if it's in an unconventional way." "Leave that to me. I'll take care of Alaric," I say with gritted teeth. Sebastian narrows his eyes. "Emma is my sister. I shouldn't put this all on you." I shake my head. "You don't understand, Sebastian. I'm taking this personally because I love Emma. She broke down in front of me and told me everything. I could see the pain in her eyes, and it broke me. I'll do anything for her, and I personally want to cause that piece of shit pain." "Alright. Just keep me updated. I have your back," Sebastian says. I nod, then head over to my meeting with someone really special who can help me with my plan. I know it's risky, but I'm willing t
Emma "Mommy! Where were you?" I smile as Sam runs toward me with his arms wide open. I pick him up in my arms, laughing. "Did you miss me?" I ask, giving him a kiss on the cheek. Sam nods his head enthusiastically, burying his face in my shoulder. "Yes, mommy! I missed you so much!" he says, his voice muffled by my shirt. I hold him tight, feeling a surge of love for my little boy. "I missed you too, baby," I say, stroking his hair. "What did you do while I was gone?" "We played cars and watched cartoons!" he exclaims, his face lighting up. "That sounds like fun," I say, smiling. "Did you eat your lunch?" "Yes, I did!" Sam replies, grinning up at me. "Good job!" I say, giving him another kiss. "I'm so proud of you." Sam giggles, squirming in my arms. "Mommy put me down! I want to go get a snack. I'm hungry!" "Okay, okay," I say, lowering him to the ground. "Go get something to eat." I say, feeling my eyes well up with tears. I hope his happiness lasts forever. Sam looks be
Jonathan I feel anger surging through me, but I keep calm for Emma's sake. I need to keep my head clear so I can think of a plan to find that bastard Alaric. And when I do, I will rip both of his arms off. "What happened to him?" I had asked her, and she shook her head. "I don't know. He broke up with my mom after I got pregnant. Maybe he got scared," Emma told me. "And your mom? Did you ever tell her any of this?" I ask. Emma looks down at her hand. "I tried once, but she got mad and beat me. She said I was just making up lies to hide the fact that I got pregnant by some loser." I take a deep breath and try to push down the rage that's boiling inside me. Emma has been through enough already, and I need to stay focused on helping her. I gently put my hand on her shoulder and give her a reassuring squeeze. "Listen, Emma. You did nothing wrong. Alaric is the one who should be ashamed of himself for what he did to you. And your mom... well, she clearly didn't handle the situati
Emma I wake up in his arms in the middle of the night, engulfed by his warmth. I feel his steady breath against my neck as I snuggle closer to him, appreciating the way his arms feel wrapped around me. It is as if I am cocooned in a bubble of safety. I trace my fingers over his chest, feeling the rise and fall of his breathing under my touch. It is a comforting rhythm. Why am I like this? Everything was perfect last night, he did everything right. He didn't push me into anything and showered me with warmth. And yet, I had my stupid panic attack and messed everything up. I touch his lips softly, careful not to wake him up. I can't believe I let my past get the best of me. I ruined the moment even though I wanted him to make love to me. I have to make things right, I think to myself, then climb on top of him to kiss him all over his body. And now he is awake, staring at me with those blue eyes, making me feel even more guilty about rejecting him last night. "Emma. You don't ha
Jonathan Fuck...maybe I am going too fast. The last thing I want is to scare her again by acting like a horny teenager. But she is not pushing me away. Instead, she took my hand in hers, still staring into my eyes. I take a deep breath, trying to calm the racing thoughts in my head. I don't want to mess this up. I don't want to push her away or make her feel uncomfortable. The cool breeze hit us both, and I felt her shudder against my arms. "Shit, you're cold. Let's get you inside," I say. "Maybe you can give me a tour of your house." She smiles. "Sure," I say, smiling at her. "I'd be happy to show you around." I start with the living room, then the kitchen. Then we move upstairs. "The upstairs has three bedrooms and a small terrace," I tell her. Emma looks around in amazement. "It's such a beautiful house." she pauses before speaking again. "Where do you sleep?" "Usually in the master bedroom," I say, gesturing towards the door at the end of the hallway. "Can I see it?" sh
Emma I run my fingers over the delicate silk of the dress. I've never seen any dress so beautiful, let alone wearing it. "Go ahead and try it on," Delilah says and smiles encouragingly. But as I hold it in front of me in front of the mirror, I feel weird. "I don't know if this will suit me," I say. "Of course, it will. Put it on immediately," Delilah orders. I laugh at her enthusiasm and then go inside the bathroom to change. I slip into the dress, and I can feel the smooth, silky fabric slide against my skin. It's like nothing I've ever worn before, and I can't help but feel a bit nervous. Will I be able to pull it off? I take a deep breath and step out of the bathroom and into the dressing room. Delilah's eyes light up when she sees me. "Oh my goodness, you look stunning!" she exclaims. "That dress was made for you." I turn to the mirror and can hardly believe what I see. The dress fits me perfectly, hugging my curves in all the right places. The color brings out the warm