~ ANASTASIA ~
My breath catches in my throat as my brain stops working for some minutes. He continues to drag me towards his place instead. But soon enough, I try to yank my hand away from his but his grip only tightens. “You don't get to decide that for me.” I say, my voice shaking. I left that fucking mansion so I could have a place for myself. And now, after having a taste of what liberation feels like, I can't allow it to get snatched just like that. “How do you expect the greek and the Irish to believe that we are united if not for us living together?” I swallow the lump in my throat knowing I couldn't argue my way out of this situation because the bastard has a point. But… I can't give up just like that. Or can I? “What about —” “Anastasia.” He calls, his voice dropping to a low edge and I don't know, but the way he called my name sends some odd tingles straight to my core and I suddenly get the urge to rub my thighs together. I nod and he takes that as a sign to release my hand. I glance back at the car before lifting my gown to follow him. The cold night air blows some of the curls which the make-up artist had left into my mouth and I squint my eyes until we enter the receptionist area of the penthouse. I clear my throat. “Y… you said my stuffs has been moved, right?” He hums, walking towards the elevator with his back muscles flexing with every steps. I follow, watching as he scans his thumbprint and steps in. I gulp and follow him until we are the only one in the confined space. The elevator is huge enough to fit ten people but I don't even know how to explain why my feet stays rooted on the ground. I stare back at my reflection, holding my breath as I feel the temperature increasing or maybe it's just my mind. There's so much sudden heat and I slowly lick my lips nervously. Damien clears his throat and I glance at him in the mirror. “You can finally stare at me openly now.” He says in a deep vibrating voice and I can feel tingles going down my spine. “You don't have to be a peeping tom any longer.” “In your dreams.” I bite back. He fully faces me and I swallow a lump in my throat fixing my gaze on the mirror and acting oblivious to his looming existence. Then, he grabs my chin and slowly turns my head to his until my eyes meet his and I chew the insides of my mouth nervously. His eyes are brown, so brown that they remind me of my favourite chocolate. And I've always thought of brown as a bland color but his…his, have a sort of black ring surrounding them and they have specs of gold and black in them. I gulp again when I feel his eyes trailing down from my eyes to my neck and I turn my face to my side. Harshly, his hand surrounds my neck and I gasp but don't turn to him when he pulls me closer until his hot breath fans my right cheek. “Look at me.” He orders. I swallow a lump in my throat as knots form in my stomach. He squeezes my neck but I dare not look into his eyes again. They said one's eyes are the window to their soul but it was like I couldn't stare into his soul and he was the one that was staring into mine instead. I feel naked and to be honest, I think I will lose myself if I stare at them any longer. “Look at me.” He repeats again and I shiver. This isn't right. He squeezes my neck again as his thumb moves to push my chin until I'm facing him again but I stare at his forehead instead of his eyes. He chuckles. “You wouldn't want to see what happens in my dreams, babe.” Then, he leans in, squeezing my neck until I feel like he really wants to strangle me to death. And at that moment, his lips meet mine. My eyes almost pop out of their sockets as he captures my bottom lip between his teeth. My knees suddenly feel weak and I almost buckle but his hands snake around my waist, pressing me into him. The kiss is hungry and wild. It is as if he's trying to take away the remaining air in my lungs. I struggle against his hold, seething. He's not supposed to kiss me. This is pure violation of… a moan slips past my throat when I feel his tongue slipping into my mouth. He smiles into the kiss, kissing me with more vigor. The elevator finally dings and I grab his hand, trying to peel his strong grip away from my neck but he only squeezes my neck tighter and in a moment of self preservation, I bite his lip. Hard. So hard that I can taste blood. And that finally did the trick because he leans back and releases his hold on my neck. My butt meets the elevator's floor while I huff and pant for air. But the elevator's slight metallic, chemical scent, and the smell of his cologne fills my nostrils instead. His thumb slowly grazes his lip and he brings it back to his face to check the blood. My eyes widen in panic when his lips stretch into a sadistic smile. He locks eyes with me as he slowly brings the thumb to his mouth and sucks. And I use my nails to scratch the metal floor, trying to keep myself from lunging at him. Then, he releases it with a pop and his tongue peeks out to lick his lips. I inhale deeply, closing my eyes while trying to regain my composure. Then, with a final sigh, I pull my gown and stand up, shooting him a harsh glare. “Don't ever try that with me again.” I snap. He gives me a side glance as he steps out of the elevator. “You don't get to tell me what to do.” “Damien!” I march after him, seething. “Yes baby?” I sigh, rolling my eyes. “You are nuts.” He turns to me, a sadistic glint in his eyes. “Anything you say, baby.” I stop and hit my forehead with my palm in disappointment. It's about to be a long…day. And one that I didn't sign up for. That kiss will be his third and last mistake. I'm sure he thinks he's got the upper hand. He's got no clue what's coming for him and I'm just dying to show him. By the time I'm done with him, he will file a divorce. And if push turns to shove, one of us won't come out alive.~ ANASTASIA ~ The warm glow of the floor lamps and the soft hums of the air conditioning welcomes me as I step foot into Damien's penthouse — my apartment if not for his freaking involvement. But my brain wasn't focused on the plush white couches and sofas. Instead, my mind still reels from the kiss. The first kiss at the altar was vicious and fierce. It was as if he was trying to pass a point across to me. Claiming me. Punishing me. Making his stance known. And yes, it made my brain mushy and my pulse run hot. But it's the second kiss that ignites my blood and has my toes curling in my shoe even if I don't want to admit it. It was playful and something I think looks like regret lingers in my heart. I should have— “Ahhh…” I gasp in surprise when my head suddenly meets a hard coarse surface. I step back, seeing it's Damien who'd suddenly stop. “What the fuck are you thinking?” “I should be asking you that.” He scowls. I hiss, gathering my veil into my hand before rumpling
~ ANASTASIA ~I'm choosing to be reckless. I know I will probably regret this when I'm down from the high but I couldn't care less, not when my body melts against Damien's and I whimper when his tongue delves deeper into my mouth.‘This isn't right’ My brain whispers, but I push the voice back, deciding to turn a blind eye to it for now. This is Damien, my fucking high school crush who crushed me. But we are married. A contract marriage for that matter. Maybe we are just making things easier by…“Ohhhh…” I let out a long throaty moan when he cups my face and grips my hip possessively while his mouth descends to my neck, his tongue licking my throat from base to top.I let my hands roam over his bare chest which doesn't have even a spec of ink on it. And sweet Jesus, his body. Ohh, his body. I've gawked at him from afar, even lusted after it, back when he was my enemy of a neighbour without curtains and when he was the central midfielder in the school's football team when I'd joined th
~ DAMIEN ~ I have always thrived on control. Seeing people at my mercy, knowing that I have the power to mould them or break them, that I have the pen and eraser to seal their fate. Most call me monster, some devil, some even call me bastard. Well, I'm all. You may be thinking that my experience made me like this. Maybe I'd gone through some shitty moments in life, perhaps from an abusive father or an abusive mother. Newsflash? No, I didn't have any of that. My ruthlessness didn't stem from my childhood, and I wasn't like a diamond that was forged under pressure. Instead, I've always been like this. Thriving on control, brutality, beauty in blood, love for the sound of gunshot, wanting to watch the world burn. Everything. I was born this way. It was like that placenta that followed me to the world but was cooked for me to eat instead of being buried with the demons of the world. It was like my flesh that expanded as I continue to grow and now, it continues to impact those aro
~ ANASTASIA ~I think I'm going insane. Or. I've already gone insane. Jesus Christ, what have I done. I close my eyes tightly, feeling the mild tingles between my thighs. I've never been this embarrassed in my life, jeez.I slowly peel my eyes open, and I shut them again when I catch him sitting beside the bed in my peripheral vision. Jesusfuckingchrist. ‘Don’t you dare act like a hussy!’ Inhaling, I gather what's left of my pride and sit up, rubbing the remnants of fake sleep away from my face with a yawn. I spare him a glance which soon turns to a glare when I spot the amused look on his face.“What time is it?” I ask, the question coming out harsher than I'd intended.He places his palm under his chin. “An hour and fifteen minutes after you blackout from cumming around my fingers.” I feel heat pooling between my thighs as my face grows hot from embarrassment. Then, I clear my throat and throw away the duvet, hurriedly climbing out of the bed.Wrong move.Blood rushes to my head
~ ANASTASIA ~The past two days have been monotonous at best. And it consist of me avoiding Damien like the plague which is a hard thing to do because of the open settings of the fucking penthouse.Just like I'd expected, we are under something I've decided to call a house arrest because Damien said we must make them believe we are on our honeymoon and it should last for at least three to four days. This is not what I envisioned for my wedding and its honeymoon for real. Or, at least what I planned with Isabella when we were watching Cinderella. But as I grew up, I knew mine won't be normal and it will be just a childhood dream. Afterall, what's normal? I've only heard about it and I've never lived it. Other kids are not forced to learn how to use a gun at seven or forced to move undercover or under tight security.I let out a bitter chuckle as I grabbed the shot and down it in a go before grabbing the bottle to pour another one. Right now, I'm sitting in the bar area of the penthous
~ ANASTASIA ~I step deeper into the large household, mentally rolling my eyes as an old man in white and black butler outfit after speaking with Damien walks towards me.“Good evening, Mrs Vicen–”“Ms. Zhukov.” I correct.He frowns in puzzlement.“I'm keeping my maiden name.” I say, the words sounding like a lie even to my own ears.He nods stiffly. “Very good ma'am. Shall I excort you to the–”“Oh no, thanks a bunch, but I can manage.” I wonder what that bastard was thinking. Does he think I need a babysitter or something? I watch as he stands stiffly before me. He spares Damien's retreating back a glance and turns back to me.“Allow me to–”“Where's the way to the bathroom?” I ask, cutting him off. He nods in satisfaction and points to his left. “That way, then turn left and walk downwards, you will see the sign on the door.” I nod, forcing a smile. At least, he won't follow me to the bathroom. I spare him one last glance before making my way to the direction he'd given, my head
~ ANASTASIA ~The first time I saw him, I was eight years old. He was the boy who'd made my life a misery, the one who'd taken pleasure in my pain. If there's anything like hate from afar, it would be me to him. But I think I should try to say that to my under-satisfied libido and clenched thighs.I shake my head, shaking the thoughts off as I rub my thighs together one last time. I have a boy-fucking-friend and lusting for that fucker shouldn't be part of the plan.He's not just my neighbour.He's the enemy.My enemy, and my family's enemy. Damien fucking Vincenzo is a bastard hiding behind a body that looks to be sculpted by the gods themselves. And if I should get the chance, I will carve his skin, inch by every bloody inch and feed his eyes to the Vultures for everything he made me go through at Crescent high.And again. I have a boyfriend. My sinfully hot neighbor who's walking around butt naked in a fucking glass penthouse without curtains shouldn't be a distraction right?I s
~ ANASTASIA ~I was crying in my sleep. And when I woke up, my face was filled with dried tears and my nose was blocked.Good.Just how I wanted my weekend to start.I unplug my phone. The whole scene with Hector and Alexander better be a nightmare. But when I scroll through my call logs, I discovered it's one hell of a reality. I groan, crawling out of the bed.If this goes on, I might just end up a lonely Billionaire. But I still need to confirm from Hector. Like, who knows, the bitch might be lying or something. I enter the bathroom and stand before the mirror.Stormy gray eyes and chestnut brown hair stares back at me. And ‘a mess’ will be a fucking understatement to describe the current me. Like, my hair looks like a bird's nest and my eyes are all puffy and red as if I just walked straight out of a horror movie. I turn on the faucet, allowing the cool water to drop onto my hand before splashing some on my face. After brushing my teeth, I move back to my room and grab my phone.
~ ANASTASIA ~I step deeper into the large household, mentally rolling my eyes as an old man in white and black butler outfit after speaking with Damien walks towards me.“Good evening, Mrs Vicen–”“Ms. Zhukov.” I correct.He frowns in puzzlement.“I'm keeping my maiden name.” I say, the words sounding like a lie even to my own ears.He nods stiffly. “Very good ma'am. Shall I excort you to the–”“Oh no, thanks a bunch, but I can manage.” I wonder what that bastard was thinking. Does he think I need a babysitter or something? I watch as he stands stiffly before me. He spares Damien's retreating back a glance and turns back to me.“Allow me to–”“Where's the way to the bathroom?” I ask, cutting him off. He nods in satisfaction and points to his left. “That way, then turn left and walk downwards, you will see the sign on the door.” I nod, forcing a smile. At least, he won't follow me to the bathroom. I spare him one last glance before making my way to the direction he'd given, my head
~ ANASTASIA ~The past two days have been monotonous at best. And it consist of me avoiding Damien like the plague which is a hard thing to do because of the open settings of the fucking penthouse.Just like I'd expected, we are under something I've decided to call a house arrest because Damien said we must make them believe we are on our honeymoon and it should last for at least three to four days. This is not what I envisioned for my wedding and its honeymoon for real. Or, at least what I planned with Isabella when we were watching Cinderella. But as I grew up, I knew mine won't be normal and it will be just a childhood dream. Afterall, what's normal? I've only heard about it and I've never lived it. Other kids are not forced to learn how to use a gun at seven or forced to move undercover or under tight security.I let out a bitter chuckle as I grabbed the shot and down it in a go before grabbing the bottle to pour another one. Right now, I'm sitting in the bar area of the penthous
~ ANASTASIA ~I think I'm going insane. Or. I've already gone insane. Jesus Christ, what have I done. I close my eyes tightly, feeling the mild tingles between my thighs. I've never been this embarrassed in my life, jeez.I slowly peel my eyes open, and I shut them again when I catch him sitting beside the bed in my peripheral vision. Jesusfuckingchrist. ‘Don’t you dare act like a hussy!’ Inhaling, I gather what's left of my pride and sit up, rubbing the remnants of fake sleep away from my face with a yawn. I spare him a glance which soon turns to a glare when I spot the amused look on his face.“What time is it?” I ask, the question coming out harsher than I'd intended.He places his palm under his chin. “An hour and fifteen minutes after you blackout from cumming around my fingers.” I feel heat pooling between my thighs as my face grows hot from embarrassment. Then, I clear my throat and throw away the duvet, hurriedly climbing out of the bed.Wrong move.Blood rushes to my head
~ DAMIEN ~ I have always thrived on control. Seeing people at my mercy, knowing that I have the power to mould them or break them, that I have the pen and eraser to seal their fate. Most call me monster, some devil, some even call me bastard. Well, I'm all. You may be thinking that my experience made me like this. Maybe I'd gone through some shitty moments in life, perhaps from an abusive father or an abusive mother. Newsflash? No, I didn't have any of that. My ruthlessness didn't stem from my childhood, and I wasn't like a diamond that was forged under pressure. Instead, I've always been like this. Thriving on control, brutality, beauty in blood, love for the sound of gunshot, wanting to watch the world burn. Everything. I was born this way. It was like that placenta that followed me to the world but was cooked for me to eat instead of being buried with the demons of the world. It was like my flesh that expanded as I continue to grow and now, it continues to impact those aro
~ ANASTASIA ~I'm choosing to be reckless. I know I will probably regret this when I'm down from the high but I couldn't care less, not when my body melts against Damien's and I whimper when his tongue delves deeper into my mouth.‘This isn't right’ My brain whispers, but I push the voice back, deciding to turn a blind eye to it for now. This is Damien, my fucking high school crush who crushed me. But we are married. A contract marriage for that matter. Maybe we are just making things easier by…“Ohhhh…” I let out a long throaty moan when he cups my face and grips my hip possessively while his mouth descends to my neck, his tongue licking my throat from base to top.I let my hands roam over his bare chest which doesn't have even a spec of ink on it. And sweet Jesus, his body. Ohh, his body. I've gawked at him from afar, even lusted after it, back when he was my enemy of a neighbour without curtains and when he was the central midfielder in the school's football team when I'd joined th
~ ANASTASIA ~ The warm glow of the floor lamps and the soft hums of the air conditioning welcomes me as I step foot into Damien's penthouse — my apartment if not for his freaking involvement. But my brain wasn't focused on the plush white couches and sofas. Instead, my mind still reels from the kiss. The first kiss at the altar was vicious and fierce. It was as if he was trying to pass a point across to me. Claiming me. Punishing me. Making his stance known. And yes, it made my brain mushy and my pulse run hot. But it's the second kiss that ignites my blood and has my toes curling in my shoe even if I don't want to admit it. It was playful and something I think looks like regret lingers in my heart. I should have— “Ahhh…” I gasp in surprise when my head suddenly meets a hard coarse surface. I step back, seeing it's Damien who'd suddenly stop. “What the fuck are you thinking?” “I should be asking you that.” He scowls. I hiss, gathering my veil into my hand before rumpling
~ ANASTASIA ~ My breath catches in my throat as my brain stops working for some minutes. He continues to drag me towards his place instead. But soon enough, I try to yank my hand away from his but his grip only tightens. “You don't get to decide that for me.” I say, my voice shaking. I left that fucking mansion so I could have a place for myself. And now, after having a taste of what liberation feels like, I can't allow it to get snatched just like that. “How do you expect the greek and the Irish to believe that we are united if not for us living together?” I swallow the lump in my throat knowing I couldn't argue my way out of this situation because the bastard has a point. But… I can't give up just like that. Or can I? “What about —” “Anastasia.” He calls, his voice dropping to a low edge and I don't know, but the way he called my name sends some odd tingles straight to my core and I suddenly get the urge to rub my thighs together. I nod and he takes that as a sign t
~ ANASTASIA ~“Say ‘I do’.” Claud’s voice rings in my ears and I gulp.“Do you, Anastasia Zhukov, accept Damien Vicenzo as your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do you part?”“I…” I open my mouth, my eyes landing on the devilishly handsome man clad in a black suit before me. It's hard. I wonder how he said ‘I do’ so effortlessly and I gulped again. I can't subject Isabella to the gruesome fate of wedding him in my stead.“I do.” I say.The crowd erupts into cheers and my eyes dart to Alexander who's staring at me in satisfaction. I grit my teeth, glad that the veil is still covering my face.The ring bearer brings the ring and Damien steps closer to slip the golden ring with a ruby stone into my left ring finger.My hands shake as I take the second ring from the case. I hold my breath, slipping it into his extended finger as the crowd e
~ ANASTASIA ~I watch as the little crowd floods out of the room and with a swallow, I stand up too. It's suffocating. I'm suffocating. I feel like I might die if I stay in this restaurant’s private booth for any minute longer.“Nastya.” Alexander calls and I stop, sensing his soft undertone.He stands up, motioning for me to come closer. “We need to talk.”I grit my teeth, holding myself back from an outburst, watching as Claud leads Isabella out of the room.But I sit down, too tired to cry or oppose him. He sits too, taking my hands in his.“I need to apologize for today” He says and I turn my attention to him, watching him as if he'd grown two heads.“Apologize? You mean for not telling me I was going to be a political bargaining chip?” He turns his gaze away from me and nods. I pull my hands away from his firm ones. “I'm not interested in marrying Damien, Alex.”“You don't have a say in this.” He says, his voice turning harder.I grit my teeth. “You don't get to tell me what to