The morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow on the unfamiliar room. As I stirred from a somewhat restless sleep, a peculiar soreness in my lower body brought me back to the reality of the night before. I groaned, my inner monologue already preparing a sarcastic commentary on the unexpected turn of events.
"Oh, fantastic. Just what I needed – a souvenier of the night's questionable decisions."
I shifted in the bed, blinking away the remnants of sleep, only to notice that he was no longer beside me. The space next to me was empty, and the rumpled sheets seemed to mock me with their silent testimony to the night's escapades. I sat up, casting a furtive glance around the room as if expecting it to spill the secrets of the night.
The bathroom door was closed, and tendrils of steam curled out from under it, hinting at his presence within. My mind, still foggy from sleep, registered the blurred shape of toned muscles and the echo of movements beyond the frosted glass. A memory, more sensual than I'd anticipated, flashed in my mind, and I couldn't help but feel a twinge of arousal.
"Well, well, Melissa. Looks like someone had a workout session last night. But I'm pretty sure my gym doesn't offer that particular class."
I shook my head, attempting to dispel the fog of sleep and the lingering traces of last night's indulgence. It was a whirlwind of sensations and choices I hadn't consciously made. But, as the saying goes, "When life gives you lemons, make awkward lemonade."
I decided it was time to face the aftermath. Gingerly, I began to gather my scattered belongings, my movements slow and cautious, as if afraid to disturb the fragile equilibrium of the room. My clothes, carelessly strewn about, were retrieved one by one and neatly folded. I glanced at the bed, almost expecting it to offer a commentary on the night's events – perhaps a sarcastic remark in the form of a lopsided pillow.
Room service stood innocently by the entrance, trays of culinary delights tempting me with their aromatic allure. My gaze fixated on a glorious creation – a bacon and cheese sandwich, beckoning me like a forbidden treasure.
With a swift, guilt-laden glance around, I made my move. In one smooth motion, I snatched the sandwich from the tray, feeling a mix of victory and mischievous delight. "Sorry, bacon and cheese sandwich. Duty calls."
I slipped out of the hotel room with all the finesse of a cat burglar, my bag slung over my shoulder like a secret accomplice in my grand escape plan. The hallway stretched before me, and I tiptoed with exaggerated caution, as if the floor might betray my stealthy departure.
"Mission: The Great Escape," I whispered to myself, my own silent cheerleader in this comedic caper. As I approached the elevator, I couldn't help but feel a mix of triumph and amusement.
The elevator doors opened, and I stepped in, glancing around to make sure I wasn't under surveillance by the hotel's secret sandwich police. With a sly grin, I pressed the button for the ground floor, my eyes darting between the buttons and the hallway as if plotting an intricate getaway.
As the elevator descended, I rehearsed my excuse in case I ran into anyone. "Oh, this sandwich? It's, uh, a... late-night snack. Very crucial for, um, post-tequila recovery."
The doors opened, and I slipped out, making my way towards the lobby with the agility of a seasoned escape artist. The hotel's ambiance of hushed conversations and ambient music served as my cover, and I sauntered towards the exit, a woman on a mission – a mission for both discretion and a satisfying breakfast.
The hum of the plane's engines served as a background symphony to the whirlwind of emotions swirling within me. I gazed out of the tiny window, watching as the world below became a patchwork quilt of colors and shapes. My mind, however, was far from the scenic views.
The flight attendant approached with a practiced smile. "Coffee or tea, ma'am?"
"Coffee, please," I replied, the warmth of the beverage seeming like a comforting ally in the midst of my chaotic thoughts.
My phone vibrated, interrupting my contemplation. A text message from my mother blinked on the screen. "Debt almost paid. Come back, stop chasing money. I miss you." The words hit me with a mix of guilt and longing.
I sighed, typing out a reply with the precision of someone who had mastered the art of masking emotions through a screen. "Mom, I'm okay. Just a bit caught up with work. I'll be back soon. Love you."
The response was almost instant, a barrage of concerned emojis and a virtual hug that seemed to reach through the pixels. I felt a sting in my eyes, the wind from the plane's air conditioning playing the role of an unexpected antagonist.
The plane touched down with a gentle thud, and I was immediately jolted out of my airplane-induced daydreams. The captain's voice crackled over the intercom, welcoming everyone to the new destination with the kind of enthusiasm that would make even the most stoic traveler roll their eyes. I gathered my belongings, a seasoned professional at navigating the chaos of disembarking passengers.
As I stepped into the terminal, my phone buzzed with the tenacity of a persistent bee. My manager's name flashed on the screen – a call from the puppet master of my chaotic life, ready to pull the strings once again.
"Melissa, darling! How was the flight? Did you survive the turbulence or were you ready to audition for a disaster movie?" The voice on the other end was none other than my manager, a force of nature named Sandra.
"The flight was a rollercoaster of emotions, Sandra. I nearly auditioned for an Oscar with my dramatic reactions to the in-flight snacks," I replied, my tone a blend of sarcasm and exhaustion.
Sandra laughed, a sound that could only be described as the cackle of someone who had witnessed the most absurd spectacles life had to offer. "You're a trooper, Melissa. Now, listen carefully. Jenny will pick you up at the airport. Oh, and one more thing – Leonard Johnson is not in a good mood. Brace yourself."
Leonard Johnson – a name that sent shivers down the spine of every actor in the business. "Oh, great. Leonard 'The Taskmaster' Johnson. Is he as terrifying as they say, or does he just have a collection of really good scare tactics?"
Sandra chuckled. "Let's just say he makes drill sergeants look like kindergarten teachers. Do not – I repeat, do not – get too comfortable, and for the love of all things cinematic, control that laughter of yours. He's not a fan of joy on set."
"Got it, Sandra. Keep a straight face, maintain a solemn demeanor, and pretend my funny bone doesn't exist. Should be a piece of cake," I quipped, already envisioning the uphill battle awaiting me in the realm of Leonard's no-nonsense directorial approach.
The call ended, and I found myself weaving through the sea of eager faces at the airport. A familiar figure caught my eye – Jenny, my partner in crime and the designated chauffeur for this leg of the journey.
"Melissa! There you are, darling!" Jenny's voice was a symphony of enthusiasm as she enveloped me in a hug that bordered on the edge of a wrestling match. "How was the flight? Did you get slapped?"
Killian stepped out of the bathroom, the air heavy with steam and the aftermath of a long, hot shower. Drops of water clung to his sculpted abs, glistening like liquid diamonds in the soft light of the morning. He surveyed the room, the scent of her lingering like a playful tease in the air. Yet, there was no trace of her, only the neatly packed luggage, an empty space that mirrored the abrupt departure of a mischievous ghost."Vanished into thin air," he muttered to himself, his voice a low rumble that echoed in the room. He ran a hand through his damp hair, a cascade of droplets falling to the floor like the remnants of an elusive dream. His gaze lingered on the marks on his back, souvenirs from the night before – a testament to the passion that had ignited like a flame in the darkness.A wry smile tugged at the corner of his lips, caught between amusement and annoyance. "Well played, my dear. Well played indeed."He reached for his phone, the screen illuminating with a mix of messa
I had to get back to work. The film set buzzed with the chaotic energy, and here I was, Mellisa Lane, stunt double extraordinaire, standing on the sidelines with a front-row seat to the drama. Leonard Johnson, the director with a personality bigger than Hollywood itself, was having a heated discussion with Catherine Marsh, the leading lady of the movie "Ashes of Me." The air practically crackled with tension. I listened intently, my inner monologue went something like, "Keep your mouth shut, Mellisa, let's not stir the pot just yet." That's my golden rule when dealing with directors and divas – like a wise philosopher once said, "When in doubt, offer a tissue." So, I reached into my pocket, conjured up a tissue like a magician pulling a rabbit out of a hat, and presented it to Catherine with a charming smile. Now, I'm no therapist, but I've found that tissues are surprisingly effective in defusing tense situations. Catherine, with her perfectly mascaraed eyes and a pout that coul
My fingers unconsciously traced the neon blue stripes on my own sneakers – the beloved Mira, my trusty companions in the world of high-flying stunts. "Black with neon blue strikes, you say? Sounds familiar." Cat’s makeup artist shot me a curious glance. "Wait, Mel, didn't you have a pair just like that?" I straightened up, feigning innocence. "Oh, countless people have taste, darling. It's a common phenomenon." As they continued dissecting the mysterious woman's attire, I couldn't shake off the nagging feeling that this tale had an unexpected twist. And then, the bomb dropped. Someone pulled up a picture of the mysterious woman, her back to the camera, messy black hair cascading down her shoulders. My heart pounded in my chest as I swallowed hard, my mouth suddenly dry. That woman might have been... me? The makeup artist leaned closer to the screen, comparing the picture to my disheveled appearance. "Oh my God, Mel, that's you! That's your signature messy hair. And those sneaker
I forced a tight smile, desperately hoping it looked more like a friendly grimace. "Oh, do enlighten me, Kevin. I live for surprises." He gestured nervously toward him, who was leaning against a nearby equipment crate with the kind of smug satisfaction that made me want to disappear into thin air. "Meet Killian Anderson, son of the film investor, and apparently, today's unexpected guest star," Kevin announced with a flourish, as if unveiling a prize at a particularly bizarre game show. I resisted the urge to facepalm, opting for an eye roll instead. "Fantastic. Just what I needed today – a sprinkle of unexpected elegance and entitlement. My lucky stars must be on vacation." Killian sauntered over, a devilish smirk playing on his lips. "Well, well, if it isn't my co-star from the wildest night in Hollywood history. Fancy seeing you on set, Ms.Lane." He knew my name. Oh no, the devil did his homework. I shot him a glare that could have melted steel, my attempt at concealing the aw
"Rescue away, noble steed. Just don't forget to check your Gucci armor for any dents." “Alright, people, let's make magic happen! Action!" Leonard Johnson's voice echoed across the set, a cue for the chaos to ensue. Then I had to play into it. “Help, m’lord, help!” In a surreal twist, Killian executed a daring leap over my horse, our bodies momentarily entangled in a scripted struggle before gravity took its course. The scenario was ludicrously simple – the horse would trip over a conveniently placed rock. As we gallop down the winding path, I couldn't shake the feeling that fate was orchestrating a cosmic comedy just for my amusement. “Anderson.” I turned my head and called him The path ahead was perilously uneven, and the horse beneath me seemed to have a personal vendetta against straight lines. Killian rode beside me with the poise of someone who had, in a previous life, been a medieval knight moonlighting as a Hollywood heartthrob. "I want to invite you out for dinner
As the doctor continued his work, Killian's gaze lingered on me. It was a look that held a myriad of unspoken words, a silent acknowledgment of the absurdity of our situation. Suddenly, he broke the silence with a childish plea. "Mel, could you... you know, give me some emotional support? Hold my hand or something?" I shot him a death stare, my sarcastic instincts kicking in. "Emotional support? You've got to be kidding me. You're not a child-" He grinned mischievously. "Come on, Lane. It's not every day I gets stitched up like a patchwork quilt. A little comfort wouldn't hurt." I sighed, feeling the weight of his puppy-dog eyes. "Fine, but just for the record, this is not because I want to. It's purely out of sympathy for your poor, battered ego." He laughed, an almost musical sound that filled the room. "Sympathy or not, I'll take it. Now, come here and hold my hand, would you?" I hesitated for a moment, contemplating the absurdity of the situation. Then, with a theatrical eye
The air crackled with tension as I shot Killian a quizzical look, my eyebrow raised in disbelief. "That was not a proposal," I declared with an air of mock seriousness, crossing my arms over my chest. "A proposal must include a proper meal, candlelight, and maybe a flash mob. You know, the works."Killian, ever the enigmatic maestro of chaos, merely nodded, seemingly undeterred by my attempt to brush off the gravity of his words. He gestured to his assistant to leave.I felt a twinge of irritation bubbling beneath the surface. How dare he reduce this moment, whatever it was, to a casual exchange? Killian stood up, his tall frame casting a shadow over me. The proximity was both intimidating and oddly captivating. He met my gaze, the intensity of his eyes locking onto mine. "I don't think you can pay off your family's debt, even if you work day and night, for the next ten years, Ms. Lane."My jaw tightened, my frustration bubbling to the surface. "What do you suggest, Mr. Anderson? I'm
I sauntered into the quaint little store on the corner, its bell chiming cheerfully as I pushed the door open. The aroma of freshly baked croissants wafted through the air, instantly wrapping me in a warm, buttery embrace. I grinned, feeling victorious in my choice of the day's treat – two fragrant croissants that could rival the Eiffel Tower in their magnificence.With my delightful loot in hand, I practically skipped my way to Grandma's house, anticipation bubbling within me. As I approached her doorstep, I took a moment to compose myself, ensuring I presented the picture of the perfect granddaughter – or at least a granddaughter who occasionally remembered to bring something other than her quirky sense of humor.I knocked on the door, and after a few seconds, it swung open, revealing Grandma's skeptical expression. "Did you run out of money again?" she asked with a raised eyebrow.I rolled my eyes in mock offense. "Grandma, you wound me with your lack of faith in my financial prowe
At 9am, I received a call from Dany. Or one to be known as lady Dana Serpentine. She wanted to call me out for coffee. I enthusiastically agreed.The soft chime of the coffee shop's doorbell signaled my entrance, and I scanned the room until I spotted Dana Serpentine. Her smile was warm, welcoming, and I couldn't help but reciprocate as I approached her table."Dany," I exclaimed, giving her a light hug.She returned the embrace graciously. "Melissa, so glad you could make it. I hope you've been settling in well."I nodded, taking a seat across from her. "As well as one can, considering the circumstances."Dana chuckled, her eyes twinkling. "Oh I absolutely knows the Andersons. But it's good to see you out and about. We all need a break from the craziness every now and then."As we settled into conversation, I noticed the presence of two more figures beside Dana – Ramiel and little Seraphina. "Melissa, I'd like you to meet my kid brother and sister, again with proper introduction – R
The early morning sun had barely begun to paint the sky with hues of orange and pink when Killian's phone rang, jolting us awake from the cozy cocoon of our shared dreams. As he answered the call, the urgency in his voice mirrored the sudden shift in the atmosphere."Richard," Killian called out, glancing at me with a furrowed brow. "Duty calls. Dad needs me. Get ready, Mellisa."I groggily got out of bed, trying to shake off the remnants of sleep. Richard, Killian's loyal beta and confidant, stood by the door ready for whatever lay ahead. There was a weight to the air, a heaviness that hung like a storm waiting to unleash its fury.We made our way to the family meeting, a place I had only heard about in hushed conversations and somber tones. I couldn't help but feel a shiver run down my spine.We entered the room, the dark wood-panelled walls seemed to close in on us. At the center, George Anderson, the patriarch, stood."Killian," George's voice trembled as he spoke, "sit down. We
I gazed at Killian, who was nursing his wounded pride with a generous swig of whiskey. The glass emptied in one go, and I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at his dramatic display of defiance. He looked like a scolded little puppy, eyes cast down, lips pursed in a pout that somehow managed to be both endearing and comical."You look sad," I teased, leaning against the nearest wall.Killian shot me a side-eyed glance, a mix of irritation and resignation in his ashy eyes. "You think I'm a sore loser, don't you?"I let out a dramatic gasp, placing a hand over my heart. "I never said such thing."He huffed, a small smile playing on his lips. "But I think so."I couldn't argue with that assessment. So I leaned closer. "You know, Killian, there's a way to find out if you're truly a sore loser or not."His eyebrows furrowed in curiosity. "And what might that be?"I grinned, grabbing his hand and examining his palm with exaggerated seriousness. "Palm reading, my dear. Your fate lies in the l
George's gaze narrowed on Killian, and without warning, a whip lashed through the air. Instinctively, Killian shielded his back, sparing me from the intended strike. The crack of the whip echoed in the silence, leaving an eerie aftermath.My eyes widened in shock, and I couldn't suppress a gasp. What the hell is going on here?Killian shot me a quick glance, silently urging me to stay composed. He knew I wasn't accustomed to the hierarchy.George, continued with a stern expression. "Killian, your recent actions have consequences."I couldn't fathom what actions they were referring to."Why don't you enlighten us on what these 'actions' are?" I retorted, my frustration seeping into my words.George turned his gaze toward me, his eyes narrowing. "This is pack business, not for outsiders to interfere."Outsider? That stung. I may not have been born into this world, but I had chosen to stand by Killian's side.Killian spoke up, "Father, she is my wife. Anything that concerns me concerns
The crowd's attention shifted from the bullied girl to our confrontation, and whispers of anticipation spread like wildfire. Killian, realizing that this was a storm he couldn't control, opted for a supportive stance, ready to back me up if needed.I continued, my voice steady but loaded with a sarcasm that could cut through steel. "And let's not even get started on your definition of beauty. If I were you, I'd worry less about appearances and more about the state of your character. It seems to be suffering from a severe lack of decency."As Killian and I stood our ground, facing off against the mean-spirited teenagers who had targeted the little girl with Down syndrome, Killian leaned in and whispered a quick briefing in my ear."House Frank, these guys are the richest gold and oil traders in the country," he murmured, his expression serious. Just as I processed this new piece of information, a woman in her 30s, presumably Colette Frank as Killian had told me, stepped forward. Her d
A murmur rippled through the crowd as everyone exchanged curious glances. What could George be referring to? And who were these troublemakers he spoke of?"I want to make it clear," George continued, his voice firm, "that such behavior will not be tolerated."George continued his speech without mentioning Killian, leaving a conspicuous void in his narrative. My eyes narrowed as I exchanged a perplexed look with Killian. Something was amiss.The blonde-haired guy, radiating smugness, locked onto Killian, and a derisive smirk played on his lips. It was clear he took pleasure from George's speech.I leaned towards Killian and whispered, "Who's that guy, and why does he look like he just won the lottery of pettiness?""That's Damien."I raised an eyebrow. "Damien? I’ve never heard you speaking of him."Killian shook his head. George concluded his speech, the room erupted into applause. Killian and I stepped out of the great hall, Killian seemed disappointed. Of course. The night air was
We set up for the contest. Killian, ever the silent observer, stepped forward, a gleam of amusement in his eyes as he handed me a bow. It was a beautiful piece, crafted from silver wood and adorned with delicate carvings that seemed to shimmer in the moonlight. It was his own. "For you, my dear," he said, his voice laced with a playful undertone. "May the best archer win."My father owned a racecourse before everything else happened. I was raised on horseback. He loved his horses, so he taught me to ride every day. Archery was something I didn't need to pay to learn. A hundred yards from their abbey was designated for it. I grew up doing archery and riding horses; that's why I was so confident in performing stunt double scenes for medical films. I was not to lose to these boys.I glanced at Killian, a silent question in my eyes. He met my gaze with a reassuring nod, his confidence in me unwavering despite the odds stacked against us."Ready to show these boys how it's done?" he whi
My heart pounded as I found myself surrounded by the group of werewolf descendants, their menacing glares making it clear that this was not a friendly encounter. Richard shot me a signal that conveyed both concern and reassurance. Richard stepped forward, his posture radiating authority. "Let her go. We don't want any trouble."The leader of the pack chuckled menacingly. "Trouble found you, little beta."Before I could process what was happening, the situation escalated. The punch landed with a sickening thud, and Richard crumpled to the ground. I felt a surge of anger, but I knew I had to play it cool, at least for now.As they continued their assault on Richard, my mind raced, searching for an escape plan. This wasn't a situation I could sass my way out of. I needed a distraction, something to throw them off their game.I knew Richard'd be off to locate Killian and unleash the cavalry if necessary. But how to keep him alive for was the question. “You wanted to hang out with me, my
Amidst the vibrant and crowded party, I found myself surrounded by unfamiliar faces. The room pulsated with energy, and I could hear the classical music thumping in the background. Despite the lively atmosphere, I felt a bit lost in this sea of people.I surveyed the room, searching for a familiar face, none of which is a friend of mine. Panic started to bubble up as the realization hit me—I was on my own in a room filled with strangers. Everyone seemed to be engaged in lively conversations, greeting each other with a mysterious pound to the third left chest. It was like a secret code, and I was left out.To make matters worse, my supposed guide into this social labyrinth, Killian's mother, Mrs. Henrietta, was treating me as if I were invisible. I stood there, awkwardly trying to blend into the background, but it was clear that I was a mere spectator in this grand social spectacle.The woman hated me. A lot. I shot a quick glance at Killian, who appeared to be thoroughly engrossed in