I wish it was different between me and Rayon. My addiction, sad but true, I will never be able to tell him no and he knows it. This is why I am afraid of tonight. Stepping into new territories with him, the friend zone, or colleagues. I just need to play it safe and choose my outfit carefully.My small frame is accentuated by a pair of fitted jeans, which is hugging my curves in all the right places. To offset the casual look of my denim, I decide on a blouse that is as feminine as it is soft. The fabric flows around me, draping me in a gentle embrace, while the delicate lace accents the trimmed sleeves and neckline to add a touch of sophisticated charm. Happy with my choice, I stroll to the elevator, when my phone buzz."Hi, I'm on my way down."Okay, I'll wait for you then." Rayon ends the call.Checking myself in the elevator mirror before I exit. Get it together Lilly-Ann, this is NOT a date.Rayon stands at the door with his hands in his jean pocket, freshly shaved, and dressed i
Rosemary is waiting at the door for us as the car comes to a stop. I am frozen in my seat. "Rayon," I whisper shaking my head and trying to fathom what he just said. "I just wanted you to know, I'm not expecting an answer or anything from you, Ann." He smiles, leaning closer to me, and placing a kiss on my cheek. “I’m not giving up on us.” He whisper before sliding out of the car. "Now, let's go enjoy ourselves." Opening my door for me and holding his arm for me to take, I hook in, as we walk to the door like nothing happened. "Annie!" Rosemary yells, waving us over, but frowns when she notices that I am on the arm of my ex. She glares at me and shakes her head disapproving. "Hi, Rose." He grins, and she gives him a once-off look before spinning on her heels. "Follow me." She pouts, handing me a VIP pass. "I don't think she likes me." Rayon whispers in my ear. "Yeah, I got the same message." I give him an apologetic smile as we enter the club. The pulsing bass of the music thunder
I crawl onto my bed and kicking off my shoes. I pull myself in a small ball on the bed. My heart feels as empty as this apartment, surrounded by the remnants of my shattered heart. Tears streams down my cheeks, leaving behind a trail of heartache and despair. I grab my phone and dial Shane. I need him to shout at me."Hey, girl."I fight back the tears as Shane picks up. "Shane.""What happened? Did that mother fucker do something to hurt you. I'll kill him, I swear.""No, no. Well, he didn't hurt me.""Ann, what are you saying?""I don't know, Shane I'm so confuse.""When are you coming home?""Tomorrow, my flight is at 9am""Good, that's good, you need to stay away from him, Ann."I let out a soft giggle, Shane can be so overprotective. "I love you. Shane."I love you too, See you tomorrow.""Yeah, see you then." I end the call, staring at the ceiling as my phone drops to the floor. I know when I get home Shane will be ready with a long lecture, which I’m in need of.*****Packed an
Sometimes in life we take for granted the people close to us, not considering how our actions might affect their lives. We are selfishly pursuing our goals, middle-fingering the people we love, without knowing it.Stepping out into the cool air of NYC, I inhale sharply. This is the first time I’m nervous about a story. I’ve done so many undercover jobs and investigate so many people, but never did a knot form in my stomach. It’s like my body is trying to warn me something bad is going to happen, which makes it even more intriguing for me to go, but why am I nervous?Just as I’m about to cross the road a SUV stop and the back door swings open. “Get in.” The voice demands. I try to push past the car but it keeps blocking my path. “Get your fucking ass in this car!!” His deep raspy voice exclaimed, but this time more demanding.My heart starts pounding in my chest, I know if I get in, I might never get out in one piece. The front door swings open and a big man, dressed in all black, gra
Lesley’s eyes filled with sympathy as he gaze down at me, clinging on his arm, “Lilly-Ann, I can not just burst into his home and start to accuse him of catnapping. It is not how we do things. I’m sorry.” “But I know it is him, Shane tell him!” I move my gaze towards my only hope, Shane smile faintly at me as he stands from the sofa and places his hand on my shoulder. “I think you should come home with me and let Lesley do his job.” “Why won’t you belief me!!! He took my cat, he broke into my apartment, he threatened to kill me!!! Do you think I‘m making all this up?! What great friends you are!” Tears start running down my cheeks as I shrug Shane’s hand from my shoulder, grab my bag and storm out the building. “Lilly-Ann!!” Both calls my name as I exit. If they won’t help me find Honey I will do it myself. Sliding into my car I start the engine. I have no idea where Honey would be but I know who saw her last and I know where to start. Starlux Deluxe hotel, Lenkov’s new pride and jo
Driving up to the appointed place, I gather all the papers and hard drives. My stomach is doing backflips, I’m afraid, I have no clue what I’m walking into, nor do I know if Honey is still alive. I slide a can of pepper spray into my jacket pocket and shut my eyes as I take a long deep breath. You can do this. I gather all my courage and step out of the car. Heading to the entrance, I’m greeted by two of Lenkov’s bodyguards. “Papers and hard drives” The gigantic man, dressed in a black tuxedo says, holding out his enormous hand, his emotionless face, has me shivering in fear. I gulp hard and shook my head. “Honey first.” I dare say. The bold guy that’s with him starts nodding his head, “Kevin, the boss said we should bring her up.” I can tell Kevin is not pleased with his orders. “Very well then, Follow me.” Kevin says as he makes his way to the elevator. I force my legs to move as my breathing picks up, my heart is hammering in my throat as I walk deeper into the lions den. “Kevin
My heart skips a beat as I drive towards the address Kevin gave me. I did not dare to peek inside. I’m to afraid of what I might find or it might even be a bomb that will go off if you open the box. My curiosity is eating at me, but my fear has the upper hand.As I approach the massive gate of a huge mansion, I start to wonder who this belongs to, they did not give me a lot of information regarding my delivery. The wrought-iron gate is intricately designed with swirling patterns, creating an elegant yet imposing entrance to the property.Considering the size of the place and the beautiful drive way, I’ll say this people is filthy rich. As I pull up closer, I notice the driveway is framed by tall, perfectly trimmed hedges, adding to the sense of grandeur and exclusivity. Next to the tall gate I spot a name plate J.J.G, must be the initials of the owner. I kill the engine and slide out of my car, I rush to the gate and dump the package in the middle of the driveway. Just as the gate st
As we step into the studio, my eyes adjust to the dim lighting. The space is vast, with high ceiling and a concrete floor stretches out before me, polished to a mirror-like finish, that reflects the few light sources scattered around the room.The space is open and airy, with no unnecessary furniture cluttering up the room. In one corner, there is a stack of boxes, carefully labeled and neatly arranged. A few props are scattered around the space, but they are minimal and unobtrusive.The only real decoration in the room is the photographs hanging on the walls. They are an eclectic mix of portraits, landscapes, and abstract art, but they all share a certain quality that ties them together. Each image is perfectly composed, with an eye for detail and a sense of balance that is hard to achieve. As I move around the room, examining the photos, I am struck by the sense of order and control that permeates the space. Shane has created a sanctuary, a place where he can create and focus withou
Three years have passed since the death of Gustav it went public but they say it was suicide, he couldn’t take the loss of his dear wife, Lorenzo’s mother, and shot himself. I realized then how much power Lorenzo has and I have to admit it scared me a little.Anyway, Clara and Nick got married soon after returning from Finland, where they hid from Gustav. They have a beautiful baby girl named Anika. Ricardo is very protective of his baby sister. Nick was a doctor without borders, which I did not know. But he settled when they got married, and they still live in New York, he bought a house not far from us and we almost see each other on a daily bases. Clara loves the peaceful life they created together and she’s a full-time mom now.Rayon is still in the picture though, he comes to visit Ricardo a lot. He surprised me with how a good father he is, I never expected him to be so caring. He is still staying in New York as well, he met someone and seems to be happy. I didn’t see her yet th
The sun is shining brightly as the guests arrived at the grand estate for Tomson's sixth birthday party. The driveway is lined with fancy sports cars and limousines, and the valet attendants were busy parking them. As we walked up to the front door, we are greeted by a team of butlers who handed us champagne flutes filled with sparkling cider.I'm dressed in my gorgeous black gown Shane got me and Shane is dressed in his stylish pink and white tuxedo. "Wow." Shane's stunned at how many people showed up for this, but I'm used to it. Yeah, my dear friend, this is Vicky for you, she loves big events and glamor.Inside, the house is decorated with balloons and streamers in Tommy's favorite colors, and a huge banner that read "Happy 6th Birthday Tomson!" hung from the ceiling. The place is stacked with people I don't know, I scan the room for Vicky or Chad but they are nowhere to be seen. I spot Jena standing in the far corner of the living room dressed in a beautiful navy blue dress. watc
Motherhood changed me, it made me stronger.Clara, Nick, and Ricardo come strolling out of the arrivals gate of the airport. Yeah, I dialed Clara and told her to come pick up Ever-Lee and keep her safe, I will come find her when this is resolved. So they made a pit stop picked her up and flow to who knows where. She gave me a be careful speech after realizing my mind is made up, I will not run anymore. I smothered Ever-Lee with kisses and shed a few tears as I watch them disappear.“We should talk,” I say over the phone as Lorenzo answers on the first ring. “Meet me at the office.” I end the call, I didn’t give him a chance to replay or to even say a word, I’m out for blood and Gustav is at the top of my list, but I will need help, and who better to ask than a mafia boss?I have a solute plan in mind the when, where and everything. Now all that’s left is the manpower. The only way this nightmare will end is to destroy him, destroy everything he holds dear, his company, his reputation,
The smell of coffee and freshly baked croissants fills the air as we enter. Vicky is carrying Ever-Lee to an open table in the corner and I place an order for us. That is when my eyes caught the newspaper.I grab it from the counter and my whole world comes crashing down. Gustav Lenkov, realest from prison, he is a free man. “No this can’t be happening.” My hands are shaking, he will be out for blood and Rayon will be the first one he wants revenge on. “Ricardo,” I mumble and scramble to fish my phone out of my pocket. My fingers are numb and I can’t seem to dial.I inhale a long sharp breath, calm yourself Lilly-Ann, you're jumping to conclusions again, he might be a changed man and won’t even hurt a fly. But just in case, I hit the call button.“Hey, sis.”“Clara, are you okay? And Ricardo?”“We are fine, what’s wrong Ann, did something happen, you sound terrified.”“Did you see the newspaper?”“Oh, n hadn’t had a chance.”“Gustav is out of prison, I think he might try something, pl
The next morning I’m like a lovesick puppy, racing through the apartment to get everything done, so I can go to work and see Lorenzo again. I had no shut-eye I couldn’t stop thinking about him and his promise, which I want to talk to him about. How close of an eye did he keep on me, is my apartment bugged and do I have people following me? And then the question that has been bugging me the whole night, what happened with his engagement? I haven't seen him in the tabloids at all, it’s like he disappears from the face of the earth, poof gone.“So is that a yes or a no?” Shane asks, drumming the kitchen table with his fingers.“Uh, maybe,” I replied a bit confused.“You didn’t hear a word I said?”I sip shyly on my coffee hiding my face behind the cup. “Sorry.”“What has gotten into you? You are acting weird. Is it a man?” Shane grins and moves closer to me.I almost choke on my coffee.“I knew it.” Shane slams on the counter making m and Ever-Lee jump, “Is it someone I know?”Ever-Lee s
Every piece of my being is consumed by his darkness, it is arousing every piece of light I had and changing it into his.His dark eyes are pulling me in, like a moth to a flame. I’m lost in his presence, my heart is pounding out of my chest as he slowly stalks closer to me. “Stop,” I warn breathlessly. My heart, mind, and soul want to leap into his arms and wrap myself up in his warmth but…. “You have no right showing up here.” I’m a mother now and he is a threat to my only piece of happiness.“I have all the right in the world, baby girl,” A smirk pulls on his face as he looks at me.“I’m not baby girl, I’m Lilly-Ann, Lilly-Ann Anderson, Editor-in-Chief of The money maker magazine,” I say proudly narrowing my eyes at him as he slowly walks towards me with a proud smile on his face.“I know.” He whispers in a mischievous tone. “And you will always be my baby girl.” A grin that can light up the whole of London paints his face, he stops right in front of me, his eyes burning into my sou
It has been a year, Ever-lee Anderson, had made her way into the world. Yeah, not Eva or Eve-Lee. Shane said Ever-Lee because she took forever to emerge. I didn’t have the energy to fight him on the name so Ever-Lee stuck. My sister and Ricardo visited for a few days after Ever-Lee’s birth but with all the drama with her work she couldn’t stay long, but I think she missed Nick too much to stay longer, she just use work as an excuse. Chad gave me a month's leave from work, he has been so giving and kind since I started there.My big green eye baby girl has some much of her father’s looks it’s scary. Today is her four-month celebration and my return to work, I’ve been in and out, but today I’m ready to stick around, which I’m a bit nervous about. I know Jena, my geeky PA, had everything in control while I was absent, but for some reason, my nerves are chewing at me like a puppy dog with a new toy. Chad also insisted that I bring Ever-Lee to work, he set up a cot and everything I need in
Dusk brushes over the city and for the first time in a long time, I feel lonely. I had just made an agonizing decision, one that I might regret in the near future. I walked away from the man I loved, I had known for a while that our paths can not intertwine any longer. My heart feels heavy with the overwhelming love I still feel for him. I sink my head into the pillow and feel the anchor pulling me deeper into the realms of loneliness.A familiar creak of the door closing reverberates through the stillness. I jerk up to see who my intruder is.“Ann? You still awake?” Clara whispers as she tiptoes to my bed.“Yeah…” I flick the bed lamp on and push my body up. “I don’t think sleep is an option for me.”Clara sit next to me and looks at me worried. “You need rest, it's not good for you or the baby.”Easier said the done, I can’t get his face out of my head, that shattered look in his eyes. ”I know.” I pull my pillow to my chest and hug it tight, “But you didn’t see him.”“Ann, he is eng
Have you ever experienced one of those earth-freezing moments when time and everything around you seem to come to a standstill? Well, I just did. My hands press hard against his strong chest as I try to breathe. He grips my wrist in his hand and bends down to my ear.“Not in public, baby girl.” His breath fans over my skin leaving goosebumps in its wake. I blink my eyes rapidly as I gulp down the last of my sanity. “Now if you would please excuse me.” Lorenzo strolls away leaving me spellbound, with my fingers prickling from our touch.Clara comes strolling by. “Hey, what’s the matter?” She furrows a brow, “Are you feeling sick?” “Huh?” I jerk my head in her direction as I lose sight of him. “Did you say something?”“Ann, what’s going on?” She looks at me with a concerned look in her eyes.“Nothing, nothing at all.” I know Clara only met him once but fuck he is not the forgettable type, how could she invite him. I check the guest list to see if his name is on it, but it’s not.“