My eyes widen. Am I that easy to read? He must have heard the question in my mind.“It’s nothing serious. I just have a way of reading body language.”“Well, you must be an expert at that,” I say.“I won’t call myself an expert. Let’s just say I know when I spot someone in distress.”I can’t help the smile that spreads on my lips. Dwayne stops dancing while the music continues.“My goodness, you should smile more often. You’re beautiful. I’m sure other men who have been eyeing you all night will want to tear me apart right now,” he says.“Oh, stop being dramatic,” I respond.“Trust me, I’m not. Tell me more about yourself, Natalia ,” he insists.“There is nothing much to say.”He resumes dancing and effortlessly guides me through the music. I feel an electrifying gaze on me without even turning around.“I don’t believe that. I mean, I know you’re definitely an angel. It’s an explanation for why you’re so beautiful but tell me more,” he says.I’m about to share more when the unexpected
One minute I’m yelling at him. The next minute, Nathan smashes his lips against mine. Time freezes as my mushy brain tries to process what’s happening. He pulls me closer until we pressed against each other, completely taking over the kiss. A moan escapes my lips, and I lose all sense of time and place. I’m completely blindsided by the exquisite taste of his lips. They hold a hint of the wine we had at the party.I groan as the sweet taste explodes in my mouth. I can’t get enough of him as he devours my mouth. His palm cups my face, while his other hand holds me tight, intensifying the indescribable feeling.He releases a deep groan as I press myself against him. I’m now aware of how hard he is all over. Nathan is sheer perfection. The overwhelming desire to feel every inch of him takes control my senses.I become completely lost as his hand drifts lower and firmly gripping my ass. I can’t help but moan at how perfectly it fits in his palm as if it was made for him. I part my legs, al
Before we go in, Natalia I just want to say how glad I’m that you could join me today. The children will be thrilled to have you here,” he says, dazzling smile that never fails to melt my insides. I don’t know if I’ll ever get used to seeing his beautiful smile. He looks genuinely happy that I’m here.“Thank you, Nathan . I’m thrilled to be a part of this. It clearly means a lot to you,” I express.“You’re right; I find it incredibly fulfilling to watch and assist these children in any way I can,” he says.“That’s truly commendable. I mean, it’s still hard for me to believe seeing you with children, considering your firm beliefs against family, and kids… you know what I mean,” I remark, and he chuckles.“I do. Anyways, enough about me. Let’s go in,” he says, and I nod.We make our way through the corridors of the orphanage, passing by vibrant drawings and cheerful artwork adorning the walls. I have a feeling the artworks are Nathan ’s creations. The air is filled with the delightful s
“That’s wonderful, Anne. Rainbows are so beautiful. Anne, your drawing is amazing! I love the way you use all these vibrant colors,” I compliment her. Despite being around five years old, she is drawing something so extraordinary. It’s hard not to see her natural talent.Anne beams with pride, her confidence growing with each encouraging word from me.“Thank you, Natalia ! I want to be an artist someday.”“Yes, she does. Anne has been drawing since she was three,” Nathan chimes in. I’m left in awe, amazed by this little girl’s skill.“Are you for real?”“Yes, she is quite talented, just like my other champs here,” Nathan says, and this earns him a giggle from the children.“Wow, that’s wonderful, guys. With your talent, I’m sure you’ll achieve great things,” I encourage them.“How about we draw a picture of your favorite animal together?” I ask Anne, and she beams with a smile.We eagerly begin our artistic collaboration, immersing ourselves in the activity. Laughter fills the air as
“To be honest, this experience has been so incredible. Seeing these children’s smiles and knowing we’ve made a difference. It warms my heart,” I tell Nathan “I couldn’t agree more, Natalia ” he responds warmly. “Your presence here has made today even more special. You have a remarkable way of connecting with these children, bringing out the best in them,” he adds, and my cheeks flood with heat. I’m certain I’m blushing.“Thank you, Nathan But it’s not just me. You made everything seem easy,” I tell him.“Maybe, maybe not. Anyways, I was hoping we could catch dinner,” he says.“Oh, is this related to the appearance?” I ask, and he shakes his head.“No, not at all. It’s just that I figured you’d be starving by now, and there’s a place I’d like to take you if you’re not too worn out,” he says.“Sure, you’re right. I think I am hungry,” I tell him, and he gives me that dashing smile.Nathan My heart brims with anticipation as I drive Natalia to the beach house after dinner. There’s an e
Natalia turns to me, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. “You always know how to make a person feel special, Nathan . Thank you.” I give her a shy smile in return. Instinctively, I reach for Natalia ’s hand, our fingers intertwining as we both gaze upward. It feels like our souls are drawn into the cosmic dance unfurling above. “Do you ever wonder what lies beyond those stars? What mysteries the universe holds?” “All the time, Nathan . The vastness of the universe reminds me of how much there is to discover, both within ourselves and in the world around us.” I take a moment to admire her, the soft moonlight casting a gentle glow on her face. “Do you also ever wonder what the stars are trying to tell us? Each one holds a story, a piece of the universe waiting to be discovered,” I explain to her. Natalia ’s eyes meet mine, their depths shimmering with curiosity and affection. “I do wonder, Nathan . I believe the stars hold secrets and messages meant for everyone to discov
“I won’t stop until you come right here,” I whisper into her ear, consumed by the thought of making her come. I want to feel her orgasm rock through her body, and I want to be the reason for it. The anticipation of giving her this pleasure excites me beyond measure.“Can you do that for me?” My cock is firmly pressed against her lower stomach, and it won’t fade away. Now when I’m experiencing her body in this way. With every movement, she rubs herself against me, seemingly unaware of the sensations she sends rippling through my body.“Oh, God,” she moans breathlessly, her breathing changing as her body tenses up, her movements coming in short bursts. I can sense the shudders going through her body, the waves of pleasure, and then her interior muscles clenching around my fingers in short spasms as she reaches climax. Slowly, I still my hand, letting her ride out her orgasm.I remove my fingers out and bring them to my mouth, tasting her arousal, well aware that she watches me with bate
Natalia "Arghhh," a groan escapes my lips. All I feel as I slowly come to is the delicious soreness that spreads throughout my body. Slowly, my eyes flutter open. The first thing that catches my attention is my unfamiliar surroundings. The room I am temporarily staying in has brighter colors than this dark room. My eyes adjust to the morning light filtering through the curtains. It’s the only source of light in the dark room.I stretch, my aching muscles protesting making me wince. I freeze when memories of last night rush to my mind. I ignore the tingling sensation in my body as I think of how passionately Natalia had taken me. It's a memory that will forever be in my head."Nathan ," I groan as I realize of what I allowed to happen last night. I let my guard down and had sex. Truthfully, it was amazing, and I have no regrets. I glanced at the empty side of the bed wondering where he went. It doesn’t look like no one has slept there for a while. I recall Nathan wrapping his arm arou
“You’re here!” I say, heading toward it but stop when it’s Katy who appears.“You!” she hisses. “I knew something was off. He didn’t kill you!”Before I can answer, she’s on me like a rabid cat. She claws at me, slapping every part of me she can make contact with.Startled, I raise my hands protectively over my face, afraid to hit her back and severely hurt her. As it is, Nathan already hates me for any part I might have played in the death of his father.The woman may be older and weaker, but her strikes are impactful. She shoves against me, slapping her palms against my shoulders and chest, driving me toward the rear of the deck. It all happens so fast that I don’t realize I’m so close to the glass rail until it hits my lower back.“You have to calm down!” I plead.“Why did he have to want you? You look nothing like me! But Leo always liked them younger. Tell me, did you like how he fucked you?”“What? You think I slept with your husb—” Another whack, this time right across the chin
But he saved my life. He risked himself to keep me alive. And fuck it all, I love him! I can’t just sit back and let him die.A chair is pushed and the sound of footsteps come my way. Before they reach the doors, I bolt out the entrance and am already across the street when I hear, “Natalia !”But I don’t stop. Don’t look back. My mission now is to save Nathan Natalia Irun like the Devil is at my heels, not bothering to glance back over my shoulder, because even that simple action could cost me precious seconds.For blocks, I maintain that speed, my lungs burning and the stitch on my side threatening to bring me down.When I’m far enough that I feel anyone following would have lost sight of me, I tuck myself into an alley and wait. After several minutes, I tug my cell phone out and dial Nathan , but it goes straight to voicemail.“Pick up, dammit!” I dial again, but like before, it goes to his mail.“Nathan . You have to leave your house. A man named Steven Kroos is coming. He’s bri
“The hell it is. Do you have any idea the worry you put me through? No calls or texts the last couple of—” His eyes bulge from his skull as he takes in the blood on my shirt. “You’re hurt.” “No, Dad. It’s not my blood. I’m not hurt.” He digs his fingertips into the corners of his eyes as if he’s trying to keep from crying. “I thought I would lose my mind when I found out exactly who you were with. His name isn’t Nathan Manguire . It’s Nathan Carlos .” I rear back in shock that he knows. “What?” “My gut was right, Em. He’s a fucking criminal. The worst kind.” “How do you know that?” From the study, the handsome man who visited the gallery to meet with Dad steps out. Steven Kroos . His icy-blue stare roves over me, and he smiles. “I’m glad to see you’re home safe. Especially after being in the Robertson den.” “Mr. Kroos is the one who tracked down information on Carlos . Nathan is their new godfather.” His eyes narrow on me. “But you already knew that, didn’t you?” Looking betwee
He tilts his head, his eyes raking over my face, searching. “What makes you think that?” “It was in the way he looked at me,” I say. “It’s the same wayyoulook at me. I know you said he loved your stepmother, but I swear it’s true.” “I saidsheloved him. I never said he loved her back.” He glances out the windshield, his hands tightening on the steering wheel. “Is that why you killed him? You didn’t appreciate his attentions?” “He came to the house when my father wasn’t there. I’m not even sure how he got in. But he followed me from room to room and begged me to give him a chance. I asked him to leave, told him that he was scaring me. He decided to grab me and try to kiss me. “I got out of his hold and ran to the desk drawer my father keeps his Glock in and threatened him. He still refused to leave. The moment he took a step toward me, I shot. It was meant to scare him, nothing more. I could never kill anyone. The bullet grazed his arm, but he was alive.” “You didn’t follow him out?
“You cut yourself,” I say. “It wouldn’t have been believable otherwise.” “Why did you do it, Nathan ? Why did you spare my life?” He pulls over several blocks from my house. We sit there in silence for what seems like forever, the only sound the pitter-patter of scattered rain against the windshield. “Why did you save me?” I repeat the question that’s been burning in my mind. “Your mother wants me dead, but you saved me.” Without turning to me, he replies, “Iwanted you dead.” His response is another blow to my already battered heart. But he deserves the truth. “I didn’t kill your father, Nathan . It wasn’t me.” Now he does turn to me and I almost wish he hadn’t. The shadows I’ve wondered about from the start have emerged and they’re darker and more terrifying than I could have imagined. They’re blackened with Nathan ’s fury, hate, grief, and confusion. They tear at my chest, splaying it open. Raw pain fills me at the sight of those beautiful golden eyes looking so tortured, spa
My gaze flicks from her to the elevator and to the rooftop access door, wondering if I could somehow reach either of them. And if I did, are they unlocked? As if from out of thin air, Nathan produces a piece of rope. When he tries to take one of my wrists, I make to get up again, but I’m slammed into the damned chair again. It doesn’t matter how much I fight, he easily pulls my hands behind me and ties them. “You wanted her, there she is,” he says to her, and I notice with at least a bit of satisfaction that he’s panting. I guess I wasn’t that easy to subdue. Nathan ’s stepmother comes toward me, her hips swaying. She sips her wine as she studies me. “You killed my husband.” I don’t bother to respond to her comment. She doesn’t care what I have to say. If she did, she would have asked me if I did it. And if so, why. All she cares about is revenge. The who, what, and why of it doesn’t matter to her. Turning to Nathan , I realize he’s not once asked me either. They’re the same. Part
“Mmm. Is it that or that you have Natalia Kane in your bed?”I stiffen, feeling my heart leap into my throat. She knows my name?“Who I have in my bed is none of your concern,” Nathan says.“It is when that whore killed your father! That’s right,” she adds, “I know it was her.”My heart isn’t just in my throat anymore. It seems to have stopped. Suddenly, my blood pressure drops and every pore in my body releases sweat.“John ” I hear Nathan murmur just as I pull away.There’s walking, the sound of heels clacking against the wood floors. “John was loyal to Gustavo and Leo . Of course he would be loyal to me as well.”“Then he’s useless to me,” he says.“You’ve known it was her for days and have done nothing about it!” she shouts.“It is at my discretion to decide what and when I will do something, Katy .”“The godfather only has power so long as the men respect him. How do you think they will react when they find out that instead of killing her, you’ve been fucking her?”My mind racin
Or maybe I’ll just fuck you until we both die.” Her eyes fly open, and for a moment, there are no walls between us. The pain, betrayal, and lust are bared fully. “Then fuck me,” she finally says. “And maybe we’ll die together.” My mouth is on hers then. I slide my fingers from her cunt and we both work savagely at getting rid of my clothes. All the while, we kiss with a passion that only the dying know. The instant I’m naked, I’m inside her, thrusting, burying my dick all the way to the balls, pulling back out, and slamming home again. Natalia is wrapped around me, arms and legs holding me tightly against her as she lifts her hips up, meeting each of my thrusts. We fuck like we’re drowning and these are our last gasping breaths. Deep and desperate. She fits me like a fucking glove, her pussy tight around my dick, her body molding to mine perfectly. The way she tastes, smells, feels… It all fits me like no one else ever has, and for the briefest of moments, I almost wish I’d neve
I flip it open and freeze, focused intensely on the drawing of a pair of eyes.Myeyes. Only, they’re not the way I’m accustomed to seeing them. They have the same shape, same dark spots on the irises. There’s a deep crease between them. But in the drawing, they’re slightly upturned and crinkled at the edges, and there’s a slight gleam to them, as if I’m smiling.Because I was.Several times, she called my name, grinning so widely when I looked at her that I couldn’t help but smile. She captured those moments.Does light penetrate shadows, or do the shadows drown out the light?I asked that question not long ago. The answer is both. She’s managed to light up my eyes while I’ve filled hers with darkness.Blowing out a breath full of exhaustion, I set the sketch aside. Tired, I shut my lids and must drift off instantly, because a bolt of lightning that rumbles even through the sound barriers I’ve erected around the loft wakes me. Instantly, I glance at the door.Though she has access to w