YVONNEI chewed on my bottom lip when he sat beside me. I don't think this is a good idea. Actually, it seemed like a terrible one. I just knew it.His manly scent immediately wafted through my senses. He always smells so good. It was the only thing I could think of, damn it. How am I supposed to finish anything when my brain ceases to function around him?I shook my head to somehow clear my mind."Is there something wrong?" Vladimir asked."No," I gasped. "It's just... uh." I struggled to form coherent thoughts.Fuck. What was I doing again? Ugh!I mustered all my strength to be able to look away from him. I turned to my screen to remind myself of what I was doing."Uhm, Dave told me to make a draft of the project's mission," I told him when I finally gathered my wits."Why do you always have to talk about him?" he asked, sounding pissed.I turned to look at him. My forehead creased when I saw the serious expression on his face. What's wrong with that?"What?" I confusedly asked."St
VLADIMIRJealous?Why would I be jealous?I frowned while looking at her. Why would she even think that?My jaw clenched when I realized the reason why. I snorted and walked away without bothering to answer her stupid question.I don't know why I was suddenly pissed with Dave. But I am sure it has nothing to do with her. I'm not jealous!I shook my head. What am I doing? I've already wasted enough time helping her. I should just focus on what I needed to do. I called Blaze to finalize the plan for tomorrow."I need to leave," I told Yvonne the next day."What do you mean?" she frowned. "Are you going to leave me here?""Yes, Mike will have to go with me but the other two bodyguards will be left here with you," I tried to explain."But why?" she confusedly asked. "Is there something wrong?""No," I muttered while looking straight into her eyes. "I will leave tonight when the chopper arrives.""Why can't I just come with you? I don't want to be left here alone," she insisted."You're no
VLADIMIRIt all happened so fast. The girls escorted by Mike were able to go out without any hitch. They were led to a van waiting behind the building. It immediately sped up after the girls hopped in."Fuck," Blaze muttered while staring at the screen. "They're caught!"I looked at the screen and saw some of our men fighting with the syndicate. The girls behind them were clamoring, not knowing what to do."John, staircase, second floor!" I hissed."Copy!" I heard him reply immediately through the earpiece.The whole place turned into chaos as soon as the syndicate discovered our presence. I cursed while looking at the screens. Thankfully, John was able to help rescue the girls."Blow up the dancefloor," I ordered when I saw the girls were already near the exit. We needed a distraction. Also, I seemed to have a personal vendetta against that fucking dance floor.That is where I first saw Yvonne.
VLADIMIRI leaned back and closed my eyes. Surprisingly, I felt calm and at peace despite the exhaustion. Even the noise from the helicopter's rotors didn't bother me.The feeling of contentment calmed me down. I have avenged her. Now all I wanted was to see her. I couldn't wait until I held her in my arms. I know what I did couldn't take back all the pain and suffering she had been through. I'm not even sure if this was what she wanted. But I wanted to do it for her.All that's left to deal with is her mother. But I will take care of her some other time. For now, I just wanted to take her away from everyone."Vlad!" the sound of my name from her lips echoed inside the house as she yelled while running down the stairs."Yvonne!" I roared when she almost tripped. "Stop running!"Of course, the stubborn woman acted like she didn't hear anything."You're back!" she exclaimed when she stopped in fro
YVONNEI woke up tangled in bed with Vladimir. My cheeks blushed profusely when I remembered how he made love to my body last night.I knew it was making love. Not a hook-up or plain fucking. We made love. Is it possible even if we're not in love?A small voice inside my head kept whispering negative thoughts, telling me that Vladimir must have mistaken me for her again but I pushed it off.I turned a deaf ear to it. I knew what I felt.It was so different from all our heated encounters before. He was so gentle, so passionate.I can still feel my skin tingling from the intense sensations he made me feel."Stop staring," I almost fell from the bed when I heard him suddenly speak. I didn't notice he was already awake! My face warmed up even more.But how did he know I was staring when his eyes were still closed?"I'm not," I tried to deny but he only laughed at me."I can feel your heavy st
YVONNEI let my eyes marvel at the beauty in front of me.My lips parted in awe as I looked at the piece of paradise waiting below us. It's just so beautiful! The blue water is so clear that I can see the white sand beneath it.Now I can't wait for this thing to land! I can't wait to wade into the water!The island seemed untouched but upon a closer look, I saw that there were a few buildings near the shore.I still felt giddy when we landed on the designated helipad. He turned it off while I took off my seatbelt and headphones."How was the ride?" he cockily asked when we stepped out of the chopper.I rolled my eyes at him but didn't say anything. I looked around.Wow. Just wow. His properties must be never-ending! Good for him."Are we the only ones here?" I asked."As much as I would love the idea of that, no," he said. "This island is rented out to other people. There are in-house staff but d
YVONNEVladimir didn't even warn me!I pinched his stomach in annoyance, but he didn't seem to feel it. I buried my face into his back, waiting for my stomach to settle. I can feel it churning at our speed."Come on!" Vladimir yelled. "Loosen up! Have some fun!"I took a deep breath and tried to lift my head from him. I gasped. It took a while before I finally calmed down.I threw my head back and let the harsh wind blow my hair. He took a few sharp turns which made the ride even more exciting. We were going faster by the second and it was exhilarating!"Woohoo!" I screamed when he turned again. The water splashed around us violently because of the high speed."Hold on tight," I heard him yell, so I clutched my hands together in front of him and buried my face against his back again.After that, he sped up further into the ocean before running the jetski in circles. I kept screaming in excitement and fear.I was laughing
YVONNEVladimir drove us back to the shore. Then, he accompanied me in all the other water activities I wanted to try.We tried the kayak next and then the banana boat. They were okay but I prefer the jetski. It was way more exciting!"Hmm," I tapped my lips while looking at the list of what we could do. "What should we do next?""How about we take some rest?" he suggested."Huh? Why? Are you already tired?" I asked.A deep frown etched on his forehead as he darkly stared at me. Why? Did I say something wrong?"No," he muttered. "I was thinking about you. Aren't you tired?""No! I'm okay!" I'm practically bubbling with energy.I never thought I would be this excited over anything, but here I am practically jumping with eagerness."How about the jet blade, then?" I asked.It looked like a jet pack that was connected to a jet ski. The pictures in the brochure made it look so much exciting. It can push you up
YVONNE My days were bustling after that. There was so much to do and yet I don't feel exhausted. Instead, I feel content and happy. With the foundation's help, we were able to find most of the women's remaining family. Especially those who wanted to go back to them. We provided some of the programs that should be available if only the shelter was already complete. They underwent extensive health check-ups and counseling with our professional volunteers. Some women who didn't have anywhere to go to remained in the hideout for the meantime. They will be transferred once the shelter is built. "Can we give them jobs in the shelter?" I mumbled while looking at the personnel we needed to hire. We were looking for professionals like counselors, a psychologist, a doctor, and such. But we also have open positions that I think the girls might qualify like coordinators or even utility staff. "I think that would be a good idea," Dave agreed. "Do you think so?" I frowned. I feel somehow to
YVONNE"Vladimir!" I hissed when I finally escaped his lips. "I need answers!" "What's going on?" I snapped. "Why are they here?"He let out a long sigh. He pulled a chair to sit, then grabbed my waist to let me sit on his lap."Vlad!" I rolled my eyes. How can we talk properly when he can't seem to keep his hands to himself?Damn it! And I am just as worse! I'm like a dry leaf being burnt when it comes to him!"Okay, okay," he chuckled but still hugged me tightly. His head settled against the crook of my neck."I thought you would be happy to see them," he murmured after a while. "They could be the first refugees of your shelter."That shut me up for a while. Am I happy to see them free? Of course! I was just confused.I sighed."I'm happy to see them, okay?" I said in a low voice. "I just have so many questions.""Fire away," he said, his arms wrapping tighter around me."How did you get them out of the ring?" I asked."There's no more ring," he whispered, his lips touching my skin
YVONNE"Selene," I mumbled while staring at her."Ava!" she squealed. The name I used back in the ring suddenly sounded foreign to my ears.I gasped when she suddenly pulled me. I froze when she wrapped her arms around me.What's happening? What the hell is she doing here? Is she with Vladimir?!I glanced at him, but he only smiled at me.There were so many questions swirling inside my head. So many conclusions were forming, that I didn't know which one to jump into.Did Vladimir buy her too? I thought I was his wife, but am I just one of his sidepieces? Or perhaps I am the side chick considering he even bought a house for her.Sure, it's not extravagant like his penthouse or villa, but still..."Ava!" Selene pulled away to look at me from head to foot. "God, I can't believe it's you!" she exclaimed."Selene," I muttered, still speechless. "W-what's happening?" I stuttered, my gaze bouncing back and forth on each of them.Vladimir nodded at Selene instead of answering my question. She
YVONNE"Vlad!" I squealed when he acted like he couldn't hear someone's knocking.I tried to push him but he only grabbed my hips to hold me in place while he kept going at it! Oh my gosh! I can't believe him!"Did you lock it?" I frantically asked again.Instead of answering, his hands covered my ass to lift me from the table. My legs instinctively wrapped around his waist for support."What are you doing?!" I hissed against his ear but he ignored me.I groaned when he started walking with his dick still buried deep inside me. My eyes rolled back when he hit a spot that gave me so much pleasure.Damn it!I glanced at the door, silently wishing that whoever was knocking wouldn't dare open it. I don't know how we could face anyone in this scandalous position.Vladimir was walking while carrying me in his arms. His pants fell down to his hips while I was almost naked. My whole upper body was exposed. My skirt was bunched up on my waist while my panties dangled on my right leg!I squeeze
VLADIMIR My jaw clenched after listening to her. I can already imagine making Anderson suffer for it. Should I torture him as well? It wasn't too long ago since I got rid of Rodriguez while Hiroshi was still held captive. Just how many people do I need to get rid of because of her past? The basement would probably be filled to the brim if I kept everyone who hurt her hostage. Honestly, I don't give a damn about it. What happened to her wasn't her fault. She was a victim. "Don't worry," I muttered after a while. "I'll take care of it." She looked pale while looking at me as I spit those words with hatred. I watched her blink and take a deep breath as if trying to collect herself. "You should," she nodded. "That would be your problem anyway." I frowned. How did that become my problem? Well, now that I think about it, I realize she is right. It would probably cause a huge scandal on my part. My enemies and the media will surely feast on it once it's out in the open. But do I re
VLADIMIR"Take me to the foundation," I growled as soon as I got into the car.The startled driver nodded when I slammed the door close.Fuck it! I just lost another deal! Fuck. Fuck!I pressed my fingers against my throbbing temple. I'm getting a headache from all of this!At first, I wanted to resort to violence. Noel and Hiroshi are still in the basement. I could let off some steam through them but then I thought of Yvonne. The foundation is closer to where I am now.The thought of her smiling as she did her job lessened my stress. If I could let off some steam in more pleasurable ways, why not?I went straight to her office, not minding the employees I walked past. They all greeted me, but I chose to ignore them.I grabbed her immediately. I nuzzled against her hair, inhaling her sweet, addicting vanilla scent. It must have a calming effect since it almost instantly calmed my nerves down."Uhm... Did something happen?" I heard her ask. I just made up a lousy excuse for wanting to
YVONNEThe construction of the shelter commenced almost immediately after it was approved. In the end, I chose the site in the suburban area over the one in the countryside.I'd be lying if I'd say Vladimir's past with Riva didn't affect my decision. But I chose it mostly because of the conveniences it offers. It would be more accessible for women seeking refuge compared to the one in the countryside where they have to travel for hours before they could reach.I personally oversee the progress from time to time while working on the foundation. With Dave's help, I am slowly learning the ropes of my job. I'm getting the hang of it. Now I can do a few tasks without his help.I flinched when I almost bumped into someone on the way to my office."Good morning, Yvonne," it turned out to be Mr. Anderson. Everything good in my morning faded at the sight of him.I clenched my jaw. I hadn't seen him in a while. I don't know where he was, but I wish he had just stayed there.I nodded curtly inst
YVONNEI stared at him. Was I too obvious?"What do you mean?" I chuckled awkwardly."I was just... Uhm, I still can't believe they approved the project, that's all," I grinned and tried to sound more enthusiastic.I plastered a smile on my face while he stared at me suspiciously. My upper lip quivered but I didn't dare move until he finally sighed and let the matter go.I sighed internally. I don't know how to tell him about my encounter earlier with Mr. Anderson.Have you ever heard of the Red Ring? His venomous voice still echoes inside my head. He knows.I don't know how. All I am certain is that he knew. He wouldn't dare speak to me about it if he wasn't confident. I'm sure he wouldn't want to provoke Vladimir over hearsay.But how? Was he a client of the ring? I don't know. I'm not sure. I may have had tons of clients but I can't recall any of their faces now.I used to block out everything as much as I could. I didn't want to remember the filthy things they did to me or the dis
VLADIMIR "We still couldn't track her down, boss," Blaze reported. My fists clenched. "How can an old woman disappear without a trace?" I hissed. "She has no connections! How hard is it to trace her whereabouts?!" my voice boomed inside my office. I was so fucking pissed. My men were turning into useless imbeciles these days! The harder it gets to find her, the more I think somebody's helping her. And I have to find out who it was before they can take any action against me. I'm sure they were using Yvonne's mother in the hopes that they could get to me through her. Well, they thought wrong.Did they? A small voice inside my head seemed to mock me. Hirushi's bloodied form in the basement flashed inside my head. My jaw clenched as I tried to push the image away. I didn't do it for Yvonne. It has nothing to do with her. I just don't like what the ring does in general. I despise people like them. Yes, I run a syndicate too. But I don't prey on the weak. I don't use helpless women