YVONNE"Are you sure you wanna do this?" Vlad worriedly asked."Yes," I sighed exasperatedly. He'd been asking for the hundredth time already.I cupped his face with my hands, making him look at me."Vlad, I want to do this," I told him, smiling to reassure him that I would be okay."I want to close this chapter of my life before I truly open a new one. I don't want anything to come back and haunt me in the future. I want to get rid of all my demons and leave them together with the past," I told him honestly.He stared deep into my eyes for a while."Okay..." he finally sighed. "Do you want me to come with you?""What? No!" I exclaimed. "Just stay here and wait for me," I said."Damn it. Why does it sound like you're talking to a pet?" he snapped.I chuckled, looking at the annoyed expression on his face."Don't worry, I'll make it up to you when we get home," I winked."Fine," he snorted half-heartedly. I knew he wouldn't agree to this, but I feel like I really need this before moving
(TRIGGER WARNING. May contain scenes about abuse and self-harm.)I strode into the middle of the stage when the soft, sultry tune filled the air. The bright spotlight followed every movement as I inched closer to the vertical pole, standing in the middle of the stage, my hips swaying to the melody of the sensual music.I stopped by the stainless bar, gripping it with both hands. I slowly waved my body against it while looking at the audience in front of me. Lust was clearly visible in their eyes as they seemed to undress me with their salacious stares.I looked away as I started to walk around the pole."And I'm so used to being used..."I threw my head back as I hummed parts of the song while dancing. My long hair flipped behind me. My hands moved higher on the pole while I hooked my right leg to it and then lifted my weight. I moved higher on the rod before letting myself slide around it in a fluid motion.The cheers from the crowd of men in front of the stage hyped me up. I am so us
"Bitch! What are you doing here?!"France's shrill scream woke me up from my dreamless slumber. My lids fluttered open. I looked at her with a dazed expression. It took a while before I finally realized what was going on.I fell asleep on the bathroom floor! Damn it!I stood up and quickly looked down to check my body."What did you do?!" France's panicked voice took my attention."What?" I asked nonchalantly."The show's not over yet!" she screamed."Fine," I grunted before walking out of the bathroom as if nothing happened. I headed to the door when I felt my hair pulled back."Are you crazy?!" France hissed. "Do you seriously think that the clients would like you in that state?" she pointed at my drenched clothes."What do you want me to do?" I asked unemotionally, which made her sigh in frustration. She was obviously running out of patience, but I couldn't care less."Hurry up and get changed!" she snapped. "Or do you want me to do it for you?!" she looked at me sharply.I sighed w
"Haven't you heard?" Mica frowned when I asked her what was happening.The hellhole of a place is now in complete chaos. Madam Hirushi is screaming in a different language. In the years that I was locked up here, I had already picked up some of the words she frequently used, but she was yelling too fast that I couldn't keep up.One thing is for sure. She's enraged! I've never seen her like this before."Why would I ask if I know?" I snapped at her.She clicked her tongue in annoyance but stepped forward to come nearer."One of the newbies escaped last night," she whispered behind my ear.My eyes widened in shock. Someone escaped!"W-who?" I whispered back despite already having an inkling who it was."Julia," she mouthed.My heart seemed to jump even though I was already expecting it. She escaped!Memories rushed inside me of that night long ago when I thought I could slip out of the syndicate's claws. Only to be caught shortly after that. The punishment they gave me was unimaginable.
"What's taking you so long?" he snapped as he slammed the door open again. He looked at me like I was a petulant child he needed to reprimand.I raised an eyebrow at him. This time, I was already fully clothed and had just finished fixing myself. I even put on a bit of make-up since I saw some on the vanity."Follow me. I need to discuss something," he ordered.I did as I was asked, walking behind him while looking around. If I was already in awe of the room I woke up in, my jaw literally dropped at the sight outside. It was no doubt a penthouse unit. Even though the interior design is minimalist, the whole place still screams luxury and wealth!I can't believe I stepped foot in a place like this. I kept looking around but couldn't help but get distracted by his physique. I wanted to whistle when I took a good look from his broad shoulders down to his firm butt. He indeed works out to be able to maintain this kind of body."Ouch," I whimpered when my forehead hit his shoulder when he s
"Wake up," a stern voice woke me up abruptly.For a while, I was confused when I saw the unfamiliar room I was in. It took a few good seconds before everything registered in my still hazy brain. My eyes felt heavy as I scanned the room. I could feel how they were swollen from crying."Your training will start today," the cold voice stated.I looked up to see the man who bought me. I found myself shamelessly staring at him. How can he look this good despite the silver streaks in his hair? That is the only clear giveaway of his age. His body is still so fit. I bet he can crush me with ease."Hey," he snapped his finger in front of my face right before my thoughts went dark and dirty. I jerked back in surprise."I'm talking to you," he snapped.Right. But what did he say? Training. "Training?" I voiced out my confusion. What training?"You are supposed to be my wife. I can't introduce you like that," he said, looking at me with a hint of disgust in his eyes. He was scanning me like I was
I wanted to pull my hair out while waiting for the elevator to reach the ground floor. How can I be so stupid? I didn't think this through. I don't even have a plan! What will I do once I get out of here? Where will I go? I have no money! I don't know anyone outside the ring.I definitely won't go back there! Where will I go?Damn it."But I'm already here," I whispered to myself. "I'll deal with it once I get out of here."Just then, the elevator dinged, signaling it had reached its destination. As soon as its doors opened, I ran as fast as I could. I looked around frantically, trying to navigate where the exit was.It seems like I am in the basement parking of the building. There were cars lined up in the well-lit area. I started running while looking around. I have to hurry. I don't know how much time I have to get out of here!"Damn it! Why aren't there signs?" I huffed frustratedly, my head turning left and right. I couldn't see anyone I could ask either!So I just kept running ai
I'd been standing for quite some time under the cold running water, but the heat inside me was still very much alive!"Damn you, Vladimir!" I cursed him inside my head. Is this some kind of punishment? Because it's working! I feel so damn frustrated right now!I can still feel his lips on mine. His taste still lingers in my mouth. I closed my eyes to reminisce about the feel of his rough, calloused palm against my smooth skin.I shook my head when I realized what I was doing. What is happening to me? Did that old man bewitch me?I tried so hard to control my growing desire, but as I caressed my skin with the lather, the more I felt the heat between my legs. Until I finally caved into the devil.I closed my eyes once again and let my hands wander on my body. My right hand grabbed one of my taut peaks while the other moved further down to play with the sensitive nub between my core, imagining it was Vladimir's hands worshipping my body.I slumped on the bed, buried my face in a pillow, a
YVONNE"Are you sure you wanna do this?" Vlad worriedly asked."Yes," I sighed exasperatedly. He'd been asking for the hundredth time already.I cupped his face with my hands, making him look at me."Vlad, I want to do this," I told him, smiling to reassure him that I would be okay."I want to close this chapter of my life before I truly open a new one. I don't want anything to come back and haunt me in the future. I want to get rid of all my demons and leave them together with the past," I told him honestly.He stared deep into my eyes for a while."Okay..." he finally sighed. "Do you want me to come with you?""What? No!" I exclaimed. "Just stay here and wait for me," I said."Damn it. Why does it sound like you're talking to a pet?" he snapped.I chuckled, looking at the annoyed expression on his face."Don't worry, I'll make it up to you when we get home," I winked."Fine," he snorted half-heartedly. I knew he wouldn't agree to this, but I feel like I really need this before moving
VLADIMIR"You killed them!" Jade cried, her voice dripping with bitterness and rage. "You killed my family! You should die, you monster!"I frowned. I gently grabbed Yvonne to push her behind me. She seemed reluctant, but I insisted."You know very well I wasn't the one behind your family's ambush," I told her in a low but commanding voice."But you were the reason why they were in that kind of business! You dragged them to hell when you let them join your illegal activities!" she yelled. "Leon told me everything!"I gritted my teeth. I thought she was one of the smartest women I knew. Now, I'm beginning to doubt it. Why would she believe a word that came out of that asshole's mouth?"Your father was bankrupt. He lost all your money and property to gambling!" I growled. "He kept begging me to let him join my underground business until I did! Even after that, he didn't stop his addiction. He owed people who went after them that night. I have nothing to do with it!""I don't believe you
YVONNEI ran outside. My heart beats faster the closer I get to the entrance."Yvonne!" I heard Selene scream my name despite the chaos around us. I turned to look at her. I sighed in relief after seeing that she was fine, just like Phil said."Are you okay?" she worriedly asked, her eyes surveying my body, looking for any injury."Yes," I nodded. "Stay here. I'll go out to see what's going on.""What?!" she exclaimed while following me. "Are you crazy?! It's safer here. Who knows whom the shooters were targeting? Stay here!"She grabbed my hand and held me tight."I know. But I should be responsible for this," I told her. Aside from that, I couldn't wait to see if Vlad was safe. I would die of anxiety if I didn't know his state as soon as possible."Yvonne!" she protested but kept following me."Go back there!" I hissed. "Vlad is outside. He'll never let anything happen to me.""What? Is he some kind of superhero now?" she snorted. I sighed defeatedly."Selene, please," I turned to l
YVONNE"Please be careful," I whispered. I tried to hold on to him, to stop him from leaving, but he still went after his men.I understand. He needs to help them. A lot of lives are at stake. I took a deep breath, filling my lungs with much-needed air.He closed the door behind him. Somehow, I felt safe in the familiar confines of my office, but I couldn't completely shake the guilt away.How about the other guests? The employees? They're innocent. They shouldn't have been dragged into this mess. I don't know what I would do if any of them get hurt or worse..."This is all my fault," Riva cried beside me."No shit," I muttered without looking at her. I felt bad that she was hurt, but I still couldn't help the anger that was slowly filling me from inside out.I don't know everything, but I've heard enough to conclude that she knew Jade was planning this all along. However, she never told anything to Vlad. Just like what she did back then with her father."How could you claim you love
VLADIMIR"Vlad!" Yvonne cried as I hugged her. I only want her to be safe. I need to protect her no matter what.I closed my eyes as I waited for the pain to come, but instead of the sudden, intense burning pain of a bullet piercing my flesh, I felt a heavy weight collapsing on my back.At the same time, I heard Blaze and Mike coming to help us. Mike kept firing shots, covering us while Blaze helped me get up.I was confused when I realized it was Riva's weight that fell upon me. She was hit. Blaze pulled her up and dragged her inside while I ran with Yvonne. Other guests were also rushing inside the shelter, looking for a place to hide."What the hell?" I exclaimed when we finally got into safety."I-I'm sorry," Riva gasped while looking straight into my eyes.I frowned, getting more confused. How did she get shot? Isn't she the one behind this? Maybe because I tried to take the bullet that was supposed to be for Yvonne. My jaw clenched at the thought that she was the target of those
VLADIMIRRiva just started a fucking commotion. Reporters around swarmed like bees around her, making it hard for my men to drag her away!Fuck.What is she trying to do? Did she think she could win my favor if she ruined this event?"Vlad, please!" she screamed while trying to get away from the reporters who were shoving their mics and cameras in her face."Fuck it, do something," I hissed at Blaze who quickly moved."Vlad," Yvonne muttered beside me while holding onto my hand. Her palm was cold but sweaty and I couldn't blame her.She worked hard for this. And it's slowly falling apart right before her very eyes! Fuck.I should have known Riva wouldn't stop at anything. What else does she want from me?"Wait here," I whispered to her while signaling Matias to stay beside her.I don't want anything to do with her but this is the fastest way to get rid of her. I walked past the reporters who were asking questions nonstop. Cameras were flashing left and right! Blaze and my other men cl
YVONNEI stared at my reflection in the mirror. It's been a while since I last glammed up like this. The dress hugged my body in all the right places. The slit on one side showed just enough skin but still looked elegant and sophisticated.The strapless and structured bodice complemented me well. However, I couldn't help but think that something was amiss. I let out a harsh sigh."Is there something wrong?" Vlad asked when he suddenly appeared behind me. I was so preoccupied that I didn't notice when he came. He held me in his arms, his fingers gently caressing the curve of my waist.We were in the penthouse he had just acquired. I agreed to stay with him now that he's here but I'm still keeping my unit."Nothing," I forced a smile onto my lips. "I'm just a little anxious."I told him honestly. I wanted everything to be perfect tonight and I couldn't help but worry that something might go wrong."You don't need to worry," he pulled me onto him and gently placed a chaste kiss on my lip
VLADIMIR"I missed you," she groaned, making me harder than I already was!Fuck. She's making me lose it when I didn't even plan on taking her tonight! I wanted to take things slow, but she's a fucking temptation!I can't even remember how we ended up like this. I only wanted to surprise her with this new place. Her unit was fine, but I wanted the best for her. I knew she would probably refuse to accept it, so I already had it under her name.I growled when she suddenly bit my lip in the midst of our heated kiss. All thoughts that I had quickly dissipated into the air, leaving only her.I slid my fingers into her hair, pulled her face towards mine, and forcibly captured her exploring tongue with mine, thus deepening the kiss. Our mouths fused until we needed to come up for air. I didn't let her go. We tried to catch our breath against each other's lips."Vlad," she called my name like a prayer, breaking all the reigns I'd been trying so hard to keep."You have no idea how much I've l
YVONNE"What?!" I snapped at Selene who kept gawking at me as if I was a puzzle she couldn't quite solve."Are you high?" she asked, her voice dripping with genuine confusion.I frowned. Why the hell would she think that?"Something's different today. You look so..." she trailed off while staring at me. She's seriously starting to creep me out."Stop staring!" I groaned, but she only laughed at me."C'mon Yvonne, spill the beans!" she chuckled, making me roll my eyes."Does it have anything to do with Dr. Phil?" she asked, wiggling her eyebrows.She then glanced at Dr. Phil who was busy talking to his patients. I watched as the expression on her face slowly changed. When her eyes returned to me, she seemed more confused than earlier.An audible gasp came out of her lips when she must have realized something. Her eyes widened a fraction. It would have been funny watching her reactions if it hadn't changed to an accusing one."Don't tell me..." she didn't finish but I think we both knew