“Brilliant” he praised. “Now, give me a hug.” As he spoke about the hug, he was already pulling her into his arms for a warm hug.
At first, she was stiff, but he started saying gentle words to her. “Relax, Sweetheart. Relax against me. Let go of the pain. It’s over. I’ll be gentle with you, now. I’ll make you forget the pain. Trust me and relax. Do not fear. I know I’m hard, but I can be gentle too. And I’ve forgiven you, okay? It’s over. I have forgiven you, Baby.”
Zee started crying softly against him as he held her close to his chest. “It’s okay, Sweetheart. I won’t hurt you as long as you’re good, okay?”
“Okay.” She said tearfully.
“Good.” He cooed softly and kissed her wet cheeks. “I want to wash the pain off you, okay? I want to give you a really good bath, alright?”
“Okay
Zee woke up in Michael’s arms. He was still spooning her. She felt enveloped in him and protected. The fear of his current gentility not lasting, entered her mind. It caused her to stir with a little discomfort and instantly, she felt his arms tightening around her. “I wish we’ll stay like this for a while longer. I like it.” His words were like fine wine to her taste buds. “I didn’t know you were awake.” She said. “I’ve been awake for about a minute.” “Okay.” She said, “and I like it too.” She admitted. “But I’m hungry.” He released his hold on her. “Then let’s go and eat.” He sat up and helped her up, making her face him. “I’m hungry too, Sweetheart. I say let’s eat out. Will you like that?” Zee’s eyes lightened up. She could not wait to see the outside world after being in that cell for days. Her head bobbed rapidly. “I’ve been indoors too long.” “I know, and that is exactly why I want us to eat out.”
Zee finished the drink and returned to the bedroom where Michael was still asleep. She slid onto the bed and lay on her side with her back to him. Then she shut her eyes, feeling his palm on her shoulder, immediately. Her heartbeat quickened with panic due to what she had just done. Michael turned her, so she was facing him, his eyes falling on hers. “Where are you coming from?” Zee put a rein on her tension and managed to speak normally. “I went down to the kitchen. I was thirsty.” “There’s water in the fridge up here. Why did you go all the way down?” “It skipped my mind. I guess, after my time in the cell, I often feel like stretching my legs.” “Hmm. You left a bit stealthily tho
The next morning, Zee woke up to Michael’s absence from the bed. When she checked the time, it was 7:00 am. She got up and cleaned her teeth in the bathroom. When she came out, he was stepping out of the dressing room in a suit, his tie in one hand.“Good morning.” She greeted.“Morning, sleepyhead. Your first real try.” He said, giving her the tie.Zee accepted it and guided by practice, knotted it properly around his neck, catching sight of the angel wings tattoo he had there.He was no angel. He was dominating. The urge to throw him some sarcasm hit her. It was all she could probably get away with because if she showed him clear disrespect, she would be in trouble.“All done, Daddy.” She said, patting the finished tie on his chest.” The word Daddy was meant as a snide remark. It was sneaky, but it would do.“Thanks, Sweetheart.” He responded. Then a light frown touched his brows as he seemed to realize what she had just called him for the first time.Zee watched him arch a brow. “Da
Zee had to respond to Michael’s warning because she had known him long enough to understand that he would be expecting it. She typed-Yes, Michaeland hit the send button. Then she headed towards her car in the parking lot, which was seated among some other high-end cars. Her phone buzzed as she reached the car and it was an SMS from him again. It read- YES WHAT? WAS THAT A TYPO? Zee froze for a few seconds. She couldn’t believe he was already demanding the use of the new name she had bestowed on him. This was all her fault. She typed her response-Sorry. I meant, yes Daddy. Once she was inside t
Zee called Inara's phone and waited for her to pick up the call. After triple trills, Inara received the call. “Hey, Zee.” “What is the meaning of that comment of yours?” Zee demanded. “It’s clear. I don’t like the way you’re acting all so devoted to somebody in such a short time.” “You’re just jealous.” Zee snapped. She knew it was cruel, but she couldn’t control herself. Pat was the best thing happening to her right now. Why was Inara not happy for her? “Maybe I’m jealous,” Inara admitted. “No. In fact, I’m jealous. But that’s not the reason for my comment.” “Then what is the reason for your comment?” “I don’t like her.” “You don’t even know her.” “Do you?” “I don’t have time for this.” “Just be careful.” “Whatever. We’ll talk about this later.” “Whatever you say,” Inara said somewhat abruptly and ended the call. Zee sighed. “I just can’t believe this.” She said with exa
“It’s exactly 8:30 pm, Zee. We have to go. I should have been checking the time. I got carried away by the fun. I am so sorry.” Pat said as she rose from her seat and helped Zee up. “I’ll have to drive.” “Don’t worry. I can drive.” Zee garbled. “No way. I’m not ready to die now.” Zee laughed aloud. She was intoxicated. Pat helped her out to the car and took to the wheel. Following Zee’s drunkenly given directions, she managed to drive her home, passing through security and parking the car in the lot. Glory drove into the compound behind them and parked the car. Then he stepped out and drew closer as Pat helped Zee out of the car. “Hi.” Pat greeted. “Aren’t you the guy that was with her the other day?” “Yeah. It’s me.”
Zee woke up late in the night. The first thing she observed was that she felt calmer. There was a feeling of peace encompassing her and she could feel no pain. Michael was asleep on his side, facing her. She watched his expression. It looked peaceful. She remembered him taking care of her. She had thought he would be punishing her immediately, regardless of her condition, but he hadn’t. That had felt relieving and she was grateful. But now that she was feeling better, she dreaded facing him over what had happened. She vaguely remembered him saying her punishment would come later, while he was putting her to sleep. She wondered if she should make peace with him now that he was in a peaceful state so that he would not punish her. She hadn’t meant to be drunk, but after finishing that first half-empty drink, she had gotten a sudden urge to take more. She just couldn’t understand it. And now she was in trouble. Zee reached out her hand and touched his arm
Michael was aware of her fear as she tried to control her whimpers beside him, but he didn’t care. He didn’t want to hear her crying and pleas. All she had to do was obey the rules and she didn’t. Just one chance that he gave her and she had blown it. What did she expect? That he would look the other way? Well, that wasn’t going to happen no matter how much she begged. He would do what he had to do. It was very simple. She behaves, she enjoys him. She messes up, she cries. Period. Her friend had the sense not to get drunk, but she had the guts to flaunt curfew and then get drunk. He didn’t have to wonder what would have happened if her friend had gotten drunk too.He wouldn’t take such a chance. Hours later, his pilot announced that they were going to land soon. He briefly thought about their destination. It w
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
"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
"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.
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
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
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
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."
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
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