Damien waited for the sound of George's retreating footsteps to completely fade before turning his attention back to Eva. She looked like she was on the verge of losing her sanity, her face flushed with frustration and embarrassment as she glanced at him. The sight was enough to bring a devilish grin to his face. He found her absolutely adorable like this.âMy love,â He began in a teasing tone, his smirk widening, âitâs okay to admit you couldnât resist touching me all night long.ââI did no such thing!â she snapped, her voice rising.âI worked really hard for this body. Iâm glad my effort hasnât gone unnoticedâââShut up!ââTouch me as much as you like, darling. I quite enjoyed your fingers running all over meâââShut up! Shut up!â she screamed, her hands clenched into fists at her sides as her face turned a deeper shade of crimson. The thought of what he was implying made her want to crawl under the nearest rock and stay there forever. It would be better than dealing with this incr
With a low growl, Damien surged forward, sweeping her into his arms and laying her down on the bed. Before she could process what was happening, his lips crashed onto hers in a searing kiss.His kiss was anything but gentle. It was intense, hungry, and completely consuming. His hand cradled the back of her head, angling it just right as he deepened the kiss. His other hand roamed, exploring the curve of her waist and hips, his touch leaving a trail of fire in its wake.âD-Damienââ she gasped, trying to catch her breath.He silenced her with another kiss, his teeth gently tugging on her bottom lip before soothing it with his tongue. The sound of her soft moan sent a shiver down his spine, and he pulled her closer, his grip tightening possessively.Her hands instinctively found their way to his chest, her fingers trembling as they brushed over the hard planes of muscle. She felt the steady beat of his heart beneath her palm, the rhythm mirroring the erratic pounding of her own.âEva,â h
âDamien, thereâs someone outside,â Eva warned, attempting to pull herself free from his arms. But his grip only tightened, though he was careful not to press on her injured stomach.âI donât care.â He buried his face into her neck, breathing in the soft, familiar blend of jasmine and lavender. Three weeks of forced distance had been intolerable, and even last night felt too short. He had waited for this closeness, and he wasnât about to let go.âMr. Cross, Ms. Carter we need to change your bandages as soon as possible,â came the hesitant voice of the nurse from outside, her voice almost trembling. In front of her, Damien's formidable guards stood watch, their sharp gazes discouraging any further insistence.âIt wasn't changed last night, so it might become infected if it's not changed right now." She continued even though her voice shook and trembled, just like her hands that were holding the tray.âJust why is it my duty to come here today?â The nurse cried internally.Eva turned, p
The nurse, whoâd been holding her breath, sighed in relief and approached. She cast a smug look at the guards, who reluctantly opened the door, and averted her gaze as she entered the room. Even in his calmness, Damien's aura was intense, the nurse shivered in fear when his expression became rigid and stony upon seeing her. His eyes, glaringly dark and filled with malice, scared her.âMr. Cross, Miss Carter, I'm here to change the bandages." She stammered, even though she had already said her purpose of being here outside the door, she couldn't help but announce it again. It was quite unnerving to be in the same room as them, in particular, the man who is rumored to be a cold and ruthless person.Damien's scowl deepened when he heard the nurse. She interrupted his moment all because of that! It seems like he would have to make changes to that. Sensing his irritation, Eva squeezed his hand gently. The simple gesture softened his gaze, melting away the tension in his expression. He lo
Underground BaseDrip. Drop. Drip. Drop. The faint echo of liquid splattering against the cold, unyielding cement reverberated through the vast underground labyrinth.The air was suffocatingly heavy, saturated with the metallic tang of blood and the putrid stench of decay. The dim lighting barely illuminated the grime-coated walls, their surfaces smeared with dark stains that told stories of torment. Rusted metal bars bore blotches of dried crimson, and the distant groans of agony twisted through the eerie silence like mournful ghosts. If one strained to listen, muffled screams pierced the oppressive quiet, drifting from the far end of the pitch-black hallway.Two figures emerged at the baseâs entrance, their presence sending a chilling wave through the already frigid atmosphere. The prisoners in the cells froze mid-breath, fear carving deep lines into their faces. The rhythmic echo of their footsteps grew louder, a cadence of doom that tightened throats and sent shivers racing down s
âBig Boss! Mr. Eric! Youâre here!â Oliver exclaimed, bounding toward them with unrestrained glee. His high-pitched voice carried an unsettling enthusiasm, a jarring contrast to the gruesome scene.âLook, Big Boss, do you like it?â he gestured to the mangled man with the pride of an artist unveiling their masterpiece. His manic grin stretched wide, eyes gleaming with a deranged joy. âThis one was fun to play with.âOliver wasn't someone people could trifle with. He was insane and wouldn't hesitate at the idea of skinning a man alive or brutally mutilating them. As long as it made Damien happy, he would do it.Damien's expression remained unreadable as his gaze swept over the prisonerâs broken body. Skin flayed in neat squares, fingers severed, and nails torn off. Oliver's handiwork was as meticulous as it was horrific.Oliverâs grin widened as he gestured to the man. âSee how cooperative he is now? I just had to give him the proper motivation. Isnât it perfect, Boss? Do you like it?â h
Eric immediately set up a chair for his boss, and Damien sat down, crossing one leg over the other. He leaned back, his expression a cold mask of control.âThen letâs begin.ââWhy did you and your men target my woman?â Damien asked, his voice calm but laced with deadly intent.The manâs trembling intensified as he stuttered, âW-we were hiredâĶ Just told to rough her up, n-not kill her!ââWho hired you?â Damienâs tone darkened. He wasn't sure if the person behind what happened to Eva was one of his enemies and rivals. Maybe they found out about Eva and tried to use her against him.âI-I donât knowâĶâ the man sammered, his words faltering under Damien's piercing glare.Wrong answer.Damien frowned, the subtle movement sending a ripple of terror through the room. Oliverâs grin faded, replaced by a cold, sinister expression. He turned his sharp gaze toward the prisoner, who whimpered at the realization that he had failed.The dim, flickering light overhead cast sinister shadows across the ro
A faint smirk played at the corner of Damien's lips. The answer didnât surprise him in the slightest. Velvet Vipers was infamous for managing low-level gangs to handle their dirty workârobbery, intimidation, and petty abductions. While they werenât a significant threat to someone like Damien, their audacity to target his woman made them a problem that needed eliminating.Eric, already anticipating his bossâs next move, pulled out his phone to contact the necessary people. Damien stood, slipping on his coat as he prepared to leave. His work here was done for now.Just as he turned toward the exit, he noticed Oliver sulking in the corner, his hands gripping the knife tightly as he muttered under his breath.Damien approached the young man and rested a hand on his head. âYou did well,â he said simply before walking towards the room exit. He didn't need to see the expression on his face for he already knew Oliver would be brimming with joy.As expected, Oliver's face lit up instantly, his
âI... Iâm starting to think Eva might be trying to sabotage me. You know, with the awards coming up, and her growing popularity... I just have this feeling sheâs trying to push me out of the competition,â Christine said, her voice trembling slightly as if she was on the verge of breaking down. She knew Mark would respond to weakness, to vulnerability, just as he always had.Markâs voice was low, filled with annoyance. âWhat do you mean, sabotage you? Sheâs already got the public on her side. What else does she want?ââI donât know, Mark. But I canât shake the feeling that sheâs behind some of the things happening to me lately,â Christine continued, carefully planting the seed of doubt. âSheâs been getting more endorsements, more media attention... Sheâs always one step ahead, and I feel like sheâs using me to boost her own career. Maybe sheâs trying to push me out of the spotlight, making sure I donât have a chance to win.âMark was silent for a moment, processing the information. Chr
Eva didnât respond immediately. She could feel the seriousness in Everettâs words, and for a brief moment, the playful rivalry between them was pushed aside.Everettâs eyes softened slightly as she looked at Eva, a rare glimpse of concern flickering in her gaze. âWhat are you going to do about her? Sheâs the one who caused my accident but had that person lie he was a fan, right? Also with the recent things happening, I can tell sheâs been pulling strings, trying to break you down.âEva's expression hardened, her grip tightening on her wine glass. âIâm not sure yet. But Christineâs time is running out.â She gave a slight, bitter laugh. âI wonât let her destroy me.âEverett studied Eva for a moment, her face unreadable. âBe careful, Eva,â she said quietly, her tone more serious than Eva had ever heard. âChristineâs dangerous. And sheâs got a way of making everyone believe her sweet little act.âEva took a deep breath, looking away briefly as she processed Everettâs words. The concern wa
The day of the event arrived, and Christine was glowing with victory. Dressed in an elegant gown, she enjoyed the attention as she mingled with industry elites, knowing she was now the headlining speaker.With Eva out of the picture, this was her moment.Then the doors opened.Gasps rippled through the crowd as Eva walked in, effortlessly poised, wearing a breathtaking designer dress. The cameras instantly shifted toward her, flashing in rapid succession.Christineâs smile faltered. âWhat is she doing here?âBefore she could react, the event host stepped onto the stage, microphone in hand.âLadies and gentlemen, we have a special surprise. While there were some scheduling changes, weâre honored to have Eva here tonight.âChristine stiffened. âWhat? Thatâs impossible!âEva merely smiled, making her way toward the front.Kai had pulled the right strings behind the scenes. Even if she wasnât an official speaker anymore, she was still one of the biggest names in the roomâand the audience
Christine was livid. Every attempt to ruin Eva had backfired, and now, the industry was beginning to suspect foul play.Her carefully crafted innocent image was slipping, and she refused to let that happen.Gripping her phone tightly, she dialed Tanya, her voice sharp the moment the call connected."Tanya, listen carefully. I donât care what it takesâpull every string, bribe whoever you need to, but make sure Eva does not attend the upcoming fashion event. I want her out, completely.âTanya hesitated. âChristine, are you sure about this? Maybe you shouldâââDonât question me!â Christine snapped, her frustration boiling over. âDo you think I have the luxury of waiting? Eva is already taking the spotlight. If this continues, I wonât even be considered for the Top Ten Models Award!âTanya sighed. âFine. Iâll see what I can do. But Christine, be careful. Youâre playing a dangerous game. If this backfires, it could cost you everything.âChristine scoffed. âPlease. Eva wonât be able to prov
Christine sat alone in the dimly lit hotel, her fingers lightly tapping against the side of her untouched wine glass. The usually confident and composed woman looked lost in thought, her expression unreadable as she stared at the city skyline beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows.Everything she had planned against Eva had backfired spectacularly. Instead of destroying Evaâs reputation, she had only fueled the publicâs admiration for her. The industry was turning against Christine, and the narrative was slipping out of her control.A soft click of heels echoed through the room, breaking Christine from her thoughts.âChristine?âShe turned her head slightly, finding Tanya standing near the entrance, a curious look on her face.Tanya was one of the few people Christine trustedâor rather, toleratedâbecause she was useful. Smart, cunning, and always willing to play dirty, Tanya had been by Christineâs side long enough to know exactly how far she was willing to go to get what she wanted.âWh
A few days after Mark successfully cleared his name from the Harper Luxuries scandal, Christine sat alone in her dressing room, her perfectly manicured fingers tapping impatiently against the vanity table.She had tried everythingâsabotage, whispers in the right ears, carefully placed rumorsâyet Eva always came out unscathed. Every plan Christine devised had crumbled before her eyes, and it was beginning to drive her insane.If indirect tactics didnât work, she had to change her approach. This time, she wouldnât hide behind shadows. She wouldnât need to.Instead, she would manipulate the situation so well that Eva would ruin herself.All she needed was the perfect stage.---An exclusive fashion gala was set to take place, attended by top designers, influencers, and media elites. Both Eva and Christine had been invited as brand ambassadors for their respective labels.Christine smirked to herself. This was it. The perfect opportunity.She had carefully arranged for the mediaâs attenti
The dim candlelight cast a golden glow over the elegantly set dining table. A soft melody played in the background, filling the room with warmth. Christine had spent hours preparing thisâhis favorite dishes, the finest wine. Tonight had to be perfect.She glanced at the clock anxiously. Mark would be home soon. And she had to fix this.The front door finally opened, and Mark stepped inside. His face was tired, his eyes dark with frustration. He didnât even glance at the romantic dinner she had prepared. Instead, he sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair.âChristine, what is this?â His voice was cold.Christine swallowed and stepped toward him. âA dinner. For us.âMark scoffed, shaking his head. âA dinner? Christine, do you have any idea what Iâve been dealing with? My fatherâs furious. Investors are backing out after the Harper Luxuries. I've lost of funds.â His voice grew sharper, filled with exhaustion. âAnd do you know what people are whispering? That my own fiancÃĐe might
The silence between them was thick with unspoken thoughts, but Damien wasnât one to leave things unresolved. He turned slightly, his piercing gaze fixed on her.âWhy didnât you ask for my help?â His voice was calm but held an edge of something deeperâsomething close to frustration.Eva, who had been absentmindedly tracing the rim of her wine glass, glanced at him. A small smirk curled her lips, but it didnât quite reach her eyes.âBecause it was something I could handle,â she said simply. âLike always.âDamienâs expression remained unreadable, but his fingers curled slightly against his knee. âAnd if you couldnât?âEva shrugged. âThen I would have asked. But it wasnât time for that yet.âThat answer didnât satisfy him. He exhaled slowly, rubbing his temple. âEvaâââI know what youâre going to say,â she interrupted, meeting his gaze head-on. âYou think I should have let you take care of it. But Damien, I donât always need you to fight my battles. Sometimes, I want to win them on my own
Eva sat on the couch, feeling bored. The scandal had caused too much noise, and going homeâwhere the paparazzi were undoubtedly lurkingâwas out of the question.With a sigh, Eva reached for her phone and scrolled through her contacts. Her finger hovered over Damien for a moment before she pressed the call button.The phone rang twice before his deep, smooth voice came through. âEva.âJust her name. Nothing more. But there was something in the way he said itâlow, controlled, yet sharp with attentionâthat made her exhale slowly.âHey,â she murmured, leaning against the plush headboard.Silence. Then, âWhatâs wrong?âShe almost smiled. He always saw through her.âI canât go home,â she admitted, rubbing her temple. âThe reporters are camped outside. And after todayâs interviewâĶ theyâll only get worse.âDamien didnât answer immediately. She could hear the faint rustling of papers, the click of a pen, before he finally spoke. âWhere are you?ââPenthouse suite at the Grand Royale,â she repli