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2024-10-29 19:42:56With Michael steadily advancing behind her, Zee ran along the common hall that held the doors to each of the halls holding a wedding.
She whipped past the double doors of the entrance and the moment she was outside the Church, she took hurried steps towards her truck.
“Elizabeth!” she heard him thunder behind her, but she neither responded nor turned back around. Instead, she fished for her car keys inside her purse, her hands trembling.
She managed to get a hold of the key and struggled to slide it into the keyhole between trying to open the car door and taking quick nervous glances behind her to catch a glimpse of an angry Michael storming towards her.
Her heartbeat had escalated. Christ! He was close…so close. Her hands fumbled frantically with the keyhole, her eyes round with fear.
Given her uncontrollable state of nervousness, she could not open the door on time and ended up turning around and backing herself against the car in surrender.
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Dark Love - A Darker Shade of Love(Completed) 13
Zee searched for an excuse to avoid or delay doing as he had said. “They are …they are not in town.” She sputtered. “Tell them over the phone.” He said emphatically. Giving up on looking for even the least excuse, she gave him an imploring gaze, a frown, creasing her brow. “There is no love in this.” She said brokenly. He didn’t respond but focused his gaze on four of his best men who had emerged from the church and were searching for him with their eyes and body movements. Upon sighting each other, they hung around his range rover, working together to tear off the balloons and ribbons that decorated the vehicle. He returned his gaze to her face, taking in the nose ring she had on. To him, it stood there as one of her obvious signatures that marked her as unruly and thoughtless.
Dark Love - A Darker Shade of Love(Completed) 14
Her parents looked at her with interest. “Oh, my dear.” Her father said. “That is wonderful. I can tell it’s pretty serious.” She nodded in confirmation. “When are we meeting him?” her mother asked. “Soon.” She answered. “But I’ll be precise when we decide.” “Are you getting married?” her mother asked. “You’re too young.” “Hey, you were twenty when I married you.” Her father reminded her mom. “She’s twenty-two going on twenty-three.” Her mother shrugged resignedly. “How long have you known him?” her father asked. “For a long time,” Zee answered wit
Dark Love - A Darker Shade of Love(Completed) 15
Zee sat before her dressing mirror and watched her phone ring, the name, Stanley flashing across the screen. She was dressed in a little black dress, her hair held in a single braid that lay flat on her head and flowed down to rest on her back. She was wearing a black choker and other red accessories, her lips painted a bright shade of red lipstick. Her eye makeup as usual was smokey. She had her trademark nose ring in her hand, about to put it on but she was reminded of Michael’s warning-when I say I don’t want to see it on you again, I mean it… She hesitated for a moment. It wasn’t like she was going out with Michael. This was Stanley and he already knew who she was. If she appeared differently, it would look like she was trying to impress him or it would look like she was trying to c
Dark Love - A Darker Shade of Love(Completed) 16
As Zee parked her truck in the parking lot of the Oxbow hotel, she sighted Stanley waiting for her outside his car. Concerning his dressing, his attempt at decorum impressed her. Instead of saggy jeans and a T-shirt bearing vulgar texts, he was wearing a fitted dark green shirt atop white pants and dark sneaker boots. His stud earrings were still on though and he was looking good. As soon as he sighted her truck, he walked over to meet her. She stepped out of the car and they hugged heartily before separating. “You look so pretty, Zee. I’ll be the envy of the room.” Zee smiled. “Thanks. You look great, like a gentleman in many ways.” “Thanks. You can say that again. Let’s go.” He took her hand and they walked towards the glass heavyset double doors of the restaurant. The door attendant upon seeing them opened the glass door and greeted them to which they answered politely. Quiet live piano music filled the room from a corner wh
Dark Love - A Darker Shade of Love(Completed) 17
A small smile touched his lips as he perused Zee from head to toe, his eyes finally coming to rest on hers. “Elizabeth, my, you look fantastic.” Inara’s eyes traveled between Zee's and Michael’s face intermittently. Zee’s eyes fell. “Thanks.” She responded, her voice slightly croaky as it came out with the hint of a wavering whisper. “Fancy us meeting here. I see you even know Mrs. Arnold.” Zee lifted her gaze back to his and gave him a slight nod while Inara smiled at him. “We are best friends,” said Inara. “I’m surprised you know each other.” “We do,” Michael responded, snaking an arm around Zee’s waist and pulling her close to his side. “She’s my girlfriend.” Inara was confused for a moment as she looked from him to Zee. Didn’t Zee just say she was there on a date? “I thought you said…” she began but caught Zee’s entreating look and furtive shake of her head which told her not to ask the question she had been about t
Dark Love - A Darker Shade of Love(Completed) 18
Michael looked at Zee. She carefully avoided his gaze. Then he looked at the red-dyed-haired boy who was looking at him expectantly. At the same time, he pulled Zee closer to his side as if he could not get her close enough. Now, he knew why she was there in the first place. What a coincidence. It was almost laughable. Only, this was not funny to him. First, she had said that she had no plans for the rest of the day, but here she was, throwing lies all over the place. She had even told this guy that he was her big brother. How clever. He did not have time for this. “Elizabeth.” His voice was dark and rough as he said her name like a command and reluctantly, she looked up at him, her fear-filled eyes, clammy. “Who am I?” he demanded. Zee started
Dark Love - A Darker Shade of Love(Completed) 19
As she wept, Michael gave her six more hard spanks, so that she was crying profusely and desperately blubbering out promises “I’ll be good… Michael p...please.” He paused with a determined raised hand, his muscles rippling underneath the arm of his fitted suit. “Will you lose the nose ring?” “Yes, please.” She blubbered. She couldn’t believe that Michael would punish her like this. No one had ever raised a hand to her before. She was practically a princess for God’s sake and she always had her way. This had to be karma because of what she had always done to Inara. She was sure of it. His palm came down punitively on her bottom again, eliciting a cry from her and more tears. When will he stop? Christ, she was dying. “Michael, please.” She pleaded. “I’m begging you, please, I’ll be good.” He paused again. “Say you’ll be good three times.” “I’ll be good…I’ll be good…I’ll be good.” She tearfully ran the lines in quick succession. She would
Dark Love - A Darker Shade of Love(Completed) 20
Zee couldn’t get into her room fast enough and she was so exhausted, she found herself going to bed early after taking a pain killer. When she woke up few hours later, she was relieved to find that the ache on her bum was almost gone. The wall clock told her it was 10:12pm. She had thought the time would be later than that. Her stomach grumbled and she went into the kitchen to find some food. The house was quiet because everyone had gone to bed. She got some bread, made herself a cup of cold tea and rapidly consumed it in the kitchen. As soon as she was done, Inara’s call came in. She didn’t feel like talking to Inara right now. She had already seen several missed calls from her. She didn’t want to talk. After the phone stopped ringing, she rose and found it ringing again. With a sigh, she forced herself to take the call. “What do you want?” she asked rudely. “You sound irritated. And what do you mean by what do I want?” “Why d
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Dark Love - A Darker Shade of Love(Completed) 138: Epilogue
ONE MONTH LATERBy evening in the Ray Mansion, Zee stood at the diner table, watching the Rays eat a meal of fried rice and turkey."Well?" She asked because she had made the food herself.Michael gave her a smile which she returned, somewhat nervously, because she was waiting for the verdict of everyone concerning her cooking.She was confident that she had done well, but she still needed comments.During her catering classes, she had learned that the customer was always right.To her, it was a debatable point, but in that regard, she planned to pick her battles so she would stand a better chance of winning."The food is perfect as always." Said Michael, giving her a wink."You always say that." She said shyly, blushing at his open flirting before everyone."Thanks." She still managed to mumble.The others at the table threw them teasing looks and smiles."Sir Dean, please say something." Zee eagerly urged Michael's father."My latest daughter, I believe that you will do excellently a
Dark Love - A Darker Shade of Love(Completed) 137
"Zee, she's a terrible person. But we have to help her." Said Inara."How? We don't know anything.""We don't have to. I have an idea already. As a staunch church girl. As a bonafide daughter of a Reverend." She gave Cassy a pointed look. "As the silly daughter of a Preacher, I have an idea we can try.""I'm sorry I called you a silly daughter of a Preacher." Cassy apologized."No problem," Inara responded and faced Zee."Let's find matches and fuel or something.""Why?" Zee asked."We are going to burn the book," Inara said and led the way inside the shed. They followed behind her and searched for a lighter.Cassy worked hard, searching too. At that moment they were working together.Cassy found a lighter and handed it over to Inara. Zee found a lantern there, so she shook it. There was oil inside.Outside, the rain had stopped. Zee carried the book out to the yard and Inara poured the oil on it. Then Cassy set the book on fire.As it started to burn, a dark malevolent voice could be
Dark Love - A Darker Shade of Love(Completed) 136
"Whatever." Cassy told Inara. "Inny, you didn't need to come," Zee told Inara. "I called you. You didn't take my calls. I had no choice." Inara responded. "That's because I was already on my way. My car won't start so I had to use the bike." "Okay. No problem." "How did you leave the house? Was Lemuel there? "No. He is out with friends. He said one of his business partners is getting married and has enlisted him as one of the groomsmen. They are having a meeting." "Okay, that's cool," Zee said. "I hate to spoil your friendship party, but I've got a game to play and interesting pictures to reveal if I don't get to play," Cassy announced.
Dark Love - A Darker Shade of Love(Completed) 135
At that moment she got a call from Cassy and reviewed it. "Hello, Cassy." "Should I send the pictures or not?" "Cassy, you have to give me time but we can go for Violet May first thing tomorrow." "Hmm. Fine, but once we are back you're sending my money or your husband sees your slutty actions." "Yes, no problem. Can I bring Inara?" "Why?" "Because she has a way with words. She might be better at convincing Violet." "No." Cassy decided. "Nice try. You want to bring support so you both overpower me? No way." "That's not my intention." "I said no. Tomorrow what time?" "I will speak with Violet and let you know." "You better be fast," Cassy said ending the call. Zee called Violet May and tried to set up a meeting. Violet May demanded to know the purpose and Zee decided to be open about it. Cassy was blackmailing her just so she would be forced to convince the sp
Dark Love - A Darker Shade of Love(Completed) 134
After a few minutes, lost in thoughts, her phone rang with Cassy's call, so she answered. "Make that one million bucks." She said. "I forgot that you're married to a billionaire." "Cassy, I don't have that kind of money." "Oh, come on. There are many places you can borrow from. Your husband, then your best friend's husband, even your parents. I mean, you have so many options. Pick one." "Nobody will give out money just like that. Money doesn't grow on trees." "You're creative. I saw the grand opening ceremony where it was mentioned that you named that new joint Dine Together. I also saw the article where you were credited for naming that other joint Pause and Eat. Turns out you do have some rare talent. So use your creativity and get the money. I didn't ask for a million. I asked for half a million, which is way beneath the original price had you and your friend's husbands just paid the damn ransom. You stole my wealthy man. This is just me ge
Dark Love - A Darker Shade of Love(Completed) 133
ONE WEEK LATER In an elegantly dressed hall, dinner guests seated around intercontinental dish-filled tables with sparkling wine filled glasses, admired the occupants on the stage. The occupants were Michael, Lemuel and their spouses. The four were dressed in dinner outfits as well. Lights flashed as photographers took pictures of the four. A large projector on stage displayed the theme of the event which showed that Michael and Lemuel's collaboration had come to fruition. The event was the grand opening ceremony of the business they had opened in San Jonas. It was an event center with a wine depot on the side. Michael owned the depot and Lemuel owned the even
Dark Love - A Darker Shade of Love(Completed) 132
Cassy waited on the bench, refusing to give up, even though thirty minutes had elapsed since she last heard from Violet May. She repeatedly tapped her foot on the floor while frequently checking the time on her wrist watch. Unable to wait any longer, she rose to her feet and gave the door a knock. "What is going on?" She asked. "Go away." Came Violet's voice from inside. "What?" Cassy was perplexed. "Go away." "I've wasted my time here. And you say I should just go away? "Yes." "Are you even for real?" "Just go away. I am having mood swings."
Dark Love - A Darker Shade of Love(Completed) 131
Outside the Cabin, at a small distance, Michael and his entourage parked by the express. Morning fog slightly blurred the air. As the backseat was opened for him, the guard told him not to bother as they would handle everything. "That's my wife." Michael said, pulling out his gun and getting off the car. "Thanks, but I won't sit here." All the other men were outside and at Michael's signal, they poured towards the cabin on foot. In a matter of minutes, they had the cabin surrounded. Inside the room where the hostages were, their captors had gone impatient. "Your husbands are not communicating." Sam's partner said through gritted teeth. "Maybe we need to send footage of one part of your bodies missing. Perhaps they need such violent motivation." Zee and Inara begged with their eyes, struggling and grunting with great efforts that merely shifted their seats slightly. They could not utter any words or cry out because by now, the guys had
Dark Love - A Darker Shade of Love(Completed) 130
Michael was furious as he dressed up. He hadn't exactly left Elizabeth without security. He had kept one of his men to tail her, but keep his distance. He felt that since she was in San Jonas, there would be no real threat to her. Gosh! He had messed up big time. If anything bad happened to her, he would not be able to forgive himself. He had already called his men and told them to get ready. His head of security was already talking to their cartel branch in San Jonas. It was funny how these things worked. Every bad guy had a superior and the superiors were connected to Dons. Only men like him had the slim chance of calling off the kind of crime being committed. He finished wearing a dark blazer over dark fitted jeans and hurried out of the room. Sitting at the backseat of the car as Marcus drove with mad speed down the quiet express road, he called Lemuel and told him not to bother coming out as he would handle everything. Lemu
