YVONNE"How have you been?" Dr. Linda asked, a ready smile on her face."Uhm, just fine," I muttered.She checked the results of the tests I had undergone. They all came out normal. She told me I have no hormonal imbalance whatsoever."Would you mind if I ask about your relationship with your husband?" she asked.I chewed on my bottom lip. I think it's a bad idea to have the same therapist for us. Why haven't I thought of that before? Now I'm afraid to tell her anything without thinking it might reach Vladimir."Uhm, it's... okay?" I answered hesitantly for the lack of things to say. Should I tell her about our contract marriage? Am I allowed to do that?"Can you tell me more about it? How's your sex life?" she asked.My cheeks heated up profusely as memories of our last bout rushed inside my perverted mind. It almost instantaneously racked my body temperature up."Uhm, what about it?" I asked, trying so hard to dodge the question but she wouldn't let me off the hook, would she?"How
YVONNEI felt exhausted when I got home. The session only lasted for an hour and a half, but I felt like it drained the living crap out of me. It was both mentally and emotionally taxing.I slumped on the couch in the living room, kicking my heels off my feet. I didn't think I had enough energy to make it to my bedroom, so I stayed there for a while, just staring into nothingness.The rumbling of my stomach woke me to a start. I blinked. It took a while before I realized that I had fallen asleep on the couch. I stretched and tilted my head from side to side. My neck felt a little stiff from the uncomfortable sleeping position.It was already dark outside. I can see the city lights from the glass wall of the penthouse. It would have been pitch dark inside if not for the automatic lighting system in Vladimir's unit.I went to the kitchen to eat. Cora usually prepares dinner before she leaves. I just have to reheat them in the microwave. I glanced at the watch while waiting for the food.
YVONNE"Why don't you join me instead?" I asked in my rehearsed, sultry voice.A seductive smile was painted on my lips as I stood proud in front of him. I have long forgotten about the cold. His piercing gaze on me was enough to pull my body temperature up. Now my skin felt burning under his scrutinizing gaze.I slowly walked to where he was standing. He remained there, watching me as I approached him. I stopped just a few inches away from him."Come on, Vlad," I muttered. "Let's take a dip. The water's nice.""Bullshit," he whispered which made me burst out in laughter. I think the effect of the wine still lingers in my body."Let me turn on the heater, then," I said, still chuckling."Sure," he lazily drawled, his eyes never leaving mine.I pouted. I didn't miss the sarcasm in his voice. Why though? How long does it take to heat an entire pool? Does it take hours? Ugh.I was already imagining how nice it would be to cuddle with him in the water under the clear night sky. I sighed.
VLADIMIRHow many times does she have to remind me of my impotence?Just looking at her fills me with this unbearable need. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough to wake my buddy up.I wanted to laugh at how she was miserably failing to pretend like the cold wasn't bothering her. I can see how her lips turned blue. The water must be freezing cold but it must be what I needed right now after seeing her almost naked.Fuck. What is she trying to do?Who in their right mind will swim outside in the middle of fall? And she's only wearing her goddamn panties!Well, I guess it makes two of us since I agreed to swim with her. After the long day that I had, perhaps a swim will ease the tension in my body. I didn't stop until my limbs felt numb.I leaned at the edge of the pool while catching my breath. Then I decided to join her in the hot tub.Her eyes burned with desire as she stared me down. Damn this woman! Does she know what she's doing to me? I grabbed our drinks before deciding to join her.
YVONNE"Who are you, then?" I slurred.Damn. I'm drunk. I can feel my head spinning. The way he suddenly grabbed me only made it worse. Ugh. I almost finished the whole bottle!"I'm no hero," he coldly stated, bringing me back to the present."You are my hero!" I insisted."I am not a good man, Yvonne," he slowly stated, as if he wanted to reiterate what he meant to my thick skull.But I didn't understand. Or maybe I just didn't care. All I know is how I suddenly liked being called by that name. I love how the syllables roll on his tongue."You are," I nodded to convince him otherwise. "You just don't know it. No, you're trying to hide it, but deep inside," I pointed at his chest.Damn, it's hard. I was suddenly tempted to caress it. Shit, Yvonne. Stop it. I shook my head."Deep inside, you are a good man," I murmured. My thoughts are already heading elsewhere. I slowly slid my index finger down his pec.He grabbed my finger, pulling it away from his chest."You don't know what you're
YVONNE"It happened five years ago," he said.Five years ago?! My whole body was alerted when I heard what he said. Five years ago...Does that mean the death of his wife was connected to his erectile dysfunction? Was it the root cause of it?I gulped, bracing myself for what he was about to say.He kept quiet but I waited for him to say something. I didn't want to rush him. I could only guess how hard this must be for him. I could just imagine the trauma of accidentally killing someone you loved."I used to live the BDSM lifestyle," he began after a long stretch of silence between us.What does BDSM have anything to do with his wife's death? I wanted to ask but I decided to just listen to him."I discovered it when I was younger," he stated while staring into the dark horizon. "Some people that I used to work with introduced me to the community.""I was hesitant at first. It was something out of the norm," he paused. "But I felt compelled to attend to attend private parties due to wo
VLADIMIRRiva...The thought of her instantly awakened emotions I thought I had buried a long time ago. I'd buried it with her. Or so I thought. My jaw clenched repeatedly."Who is she?" I heard Yvonne gently ask.I glanced at her. She was looking at me as if she could find the answers written on my face. I looked away. I couldn't bear the weight of her stares. It felt like she could see right through my nonexistent soul. It's making me feel uncomfortable.I heaved out a long sigh."She's my late wife," I confirmed her suspicion. I knew what she was thinking. Her face mirrors what was inside her mind. She's that transparent."Oh," she nodded. Finally, she seemed to have run out of things to say.I leaned my head back on the edge of the tub. I closed my eyes and Riva's face instantly flashed behind my closed lids. In my mind, she was smiling at me. I can still remember her vividly.Her beauty was exceptional. From her beautifully tanned skin to her long brown hair that seemed to dance
"I fucking killed her!" That's all I fucking know!I felt Yvonne flinch but instead of retreating away from me, she even moved closer to hold me, trying to comfort me."I must have pulled too hard on her collar. I don't know! I don't know!" I pulled my hair in frustration.Oklahoma. That was her safe word. It was where we first met. She was the one who chose it.I never heard her say that word, not in any of our sessions. Not even during that night. But how would I know?I was way too consumed by lust. I cared about nothing but reaching my climax!I didn't even bother to check on her while we were at it. I just kept pounding on her as hard as I could while holding her waist and hands to keep her from falling. I was too busy chasing for my release.Even if she did say her safe word, how would I hear it when she had a gag strapped to her mouth? There was no way I would even notice it.All I could hear was the animalistic groan coming out of my throat when I finally reached my orgasm."W
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