Joseph sat across from his niece, Gabriella. He called her his daughter because he’d paid a weighty sum to take her from his sister after her husband died in a job that went wrong. She struggled to comprehend the job’s success and their continued dedication. He had goals and no one would stand in his way. Joseph determined long ago that he’d take over every company and family that he felt failed people like him. Oh, he wasn’t getting revenge for the little guy. No, he wasn’t a martyr. Joseph saw himself as a better man wronged and he’d use any means necessary to prove it. There wasn’t any idea of providing better services or products. He wasn’t looking to lower prices, and he was sure he wouldn’t be giving anyone else a break in life. The world belonged to the takers. That’s what he did. History taught him that great families rise on the shoulders of others, and he would follow suit. “So, let me get this straight. You were doing what you
Conner watched Merina put her wig on before wrapping her scarf back on. The highlight of their vows was the kiss, but he still felt angry because Merina held things up by resisting repeating her vows. He’d enforce those vows with her because they held the vow of obedience. She’d obey him by the time he finished with her. She brought this on herself, and she knew it. Now he’d run with it. He wouldn’t always punish her, but he wouldn’t let her illegal activities go ignored because she wore his ring. He had ways to deal out punishment that would have her adjusting that attitude. They took the hotel limo back to the hotel. Merina felt Conner rushing her to the car, and she didn’t understand why he did that. No one would bother them between the house and the car. She assumed his desire for efficiency, and he wanted to expedite his return. “You got your wish, Conner. Now we’re married. What do you plan next? We host a party and tell my father
Conner must uphold his reputation. Many didn’t understand it, who lived outside of his social circle. His buddies and he long ago set up a lifestyle that they kept well hidden. When they were in relationships, their women obeyed them in everything. Domination was the name of the game. He’d not hurt or injure Merina, but he would put her in her place. He knew she was submissive. Conner knew this years ago. Her rebellion and inability to stay away from trouble led to her father. He’d ignored her for too long. Now, Conner had to punish her for her deeds and redirect her rebellious actions. After that, he’d help her explore her submissive side. He knew she was hurting and confused. Conner wouldn’t leave her side as he took her through her education. As for the prenuptial agreement, it had included a power of attorney over her. Because he couldn’t trust her to do something stupid with her family business or end her career by doing something else illegal.
Conner pushed her into the suite. He’d toyed with her all the way here. He’d slapped her butt. He didn't kiss her. He dared to leave her unfulfilled. She'd wanted to grind against the seat for some relief from the ache she felt. He'd stopped her. Merina couldn’t admit she felt a thrill and excitement as he described his friends watching him have sex and their lifestyle. Her mind pictured it, and she wanted to experience it. Merina’s interest and curiosity scandalized her. That’s why she protested. “Conner, how would you like to proceed? Do you want me to drop my panties, lean over the sofa? You can complete the task without looking at me.” Conner frowned at her words. “No, we’re going to the bedroom. You’ll take off your dress and panties. Take your breasts from your bra, leaving it on. I’ll take you from behind before the mirror. You'll witness me take what's mine.” Merina could feel her core tighten at the thought of watchi
Conner left Merina sleeping in his bed. She needed sleep because consummating their marriage made him hungry for more. He thought to step out of the bedroom to order room service. Conner wanted to inform his father to stay away, too. Instead of calling his father, he sent him a text to keep Andre away, too. He got dressed as he waited for room service, and he was thankful he did that. Conner thought it was his room service. When he opened the door, Gabriella stood there. Her face held a sly, interested look upon seeing him with his shirt. “Were you waiting for me?” Gabriella asked. She tried to sound like she purred, but she failed. Conner didn’t find it a pleasant sound. “Not really. What do you want, Gabriella?” He asked in return. Conner knew his father wanted his marriage secret, but he suspected if the sabotage increased, he’d have them with ease. Keeping it secret was pointless.Just checking if you’re open to a proper apology for
Merina didn’t know why she did it. She heard Gabriella at the door being her annoying self, and it tripped something in Merina’s mind. Gabriella being herself triggered the petty side of Merina. So off came her wig and she threw on a hotel bathrobe. Adding in the most obnoxious and crude attitude Merina made sure Gabriella didn’t get to feel superior to her again. There would be no way Merina would admit that she did it to save Conner’s hide. But she got a jab at him when Gabriella did it for her. By not denying that Gabriella hadn’t slept with Conner while he was married to Merina. Well, Gabriella accused Conner of making her the other woman. Oh, maybe she wasn’t the other woman, but she was something that Merina was sure of.It felt like it took forever to get Gabriella to leave their suite. When Conner closed the door, he turned on her. “What made you think to do that? Now I must explain this to my father.”“Yeah, well I didn’t see you denying it to her. It’s not like it’s
Merina stood in the bathroom, leaning against the stone counter. She avoided looking into the mirror because she knew she couldn’t face what she’d admitted. It was one thing to say it and pass it off as a joke. Admitting to Conner would reveal her experience. Was something else to her. Merina couldn’t stay in the room with him. He echoed what teachers, caregivers, and her father had said. ‘You are attention seeking Merina. Grow up and do better. Why are you like this? Mistakes happen, forgive and forget. Be the better person.’ Were things they said to make her accept others’ inappropriate behavior to her. She knew it all. For a long time, Merina believed it was her fault. If she improved, others would show her respect and recognition. But they didn’t and hadn’t. Nothing she’d ever done or not done before worked. Her intention was to show her usefulness to them, and then deprive them of that benefit upon her departure. In doing that, she’d prove to them she didn
“No, I couldn’t care less anymore. I don’t think I’m interested in helping anyone anymore.” Merina said to Conner. He heard Merina’s rebellious response and realized she had a second conversation going on in her head. She assumed he rejected her assistance and decided to leave. He’d not send her to jail, but as his wife, she was so much more useful. Conner’d not let her go. She had to know he’d not let her walk away. “Really, and why is that? I thought you’d want to know your father’s words. He knew everything pivoted on her, knowing how wrong she was. “What? That I’m a horrible daughter. Or I’m terrible for not going to bail him out of jail before your father showed up? No thanks I’m sure I know what he said.” She waved Conner off and dismissed everything he’d say in one fell shot. Conner frowned at her. She’d not listen to him, and whatever she looked for had more of her attention. He’d assume that she was looking for her identificatio
[SIX MONTHS LATER] The family piled out of the limousine. Baby seats and gear carried by a happy Conner, Ian, and Andre. Merina noticed her father wave at a man in a wheelchair who was being pushed by a female attendant. That was Ana’s father. He appeared to be headed into the house from somewhere in the garden. Today was Ana’s wedding and the hive of action revealed how close the ceremony was to take place. Merina and Conner had to hurry to get ready. The two grandfathers were taking care of their two little bundles, which worried Merina a little. Merina caught sight of their fathers showing off the babies to everyone who showed any remote interest. With that, the wedding planner whisked her and Conner off for the final preparations. Hair, makeup, dress, champagne, photographs became a whirlwind of excitement and activity. Security was exceptional, with news of Jeff’s wedding and news leaking about his new album. “It’s a perfect day for your weddin
[SIX MONTHS LATER] “That goes into the front living room by the main table. Please place gifts at the entrance. There’s a table for them there. Until it’s time to open them and then, while we are in the dining room having lunch, you’ll bring them into the front living room. Oh, I must go, the special guests have arrived.” Joyce said to her housekeeper as her staff rushed through her home, performing the last-minute preparations for the party. Many guests were here already and gathered in the front living room. Joyce, Merina, and Ana were all surprised to receive acceptance responses from RSVPs for their invitations. Instead of rejections or being ignored all together. Merina avoided the public eye as much as she could for the long months that the arrests and crimes made news. She didn’t want to deal with the media and the questions. Joyce could understand for Merina it’s far more complicated. She could only imagine an interview being like walking th
Jeff wanted to celebrate. His plans were going as expected. Ana agreed to marry him. He wanted everything perfect. Later that week after the party, Merina held her housewarming for their condo rebuild. Despite Merina being a wreck, it went off without a hitch. He’d learned from Conner that they’d confirmed that afternoon that Merina was pregnant. However, they didn’t know how far along she was yet. They’d have those results in a few days. He showed Ana around his home, pointing out the details he had overlooked before because of other priorities. She’d returned to the house and come prepared not to feel impressed about what he showed her. This house stood for their future and his first step towards stability in life, which Ana came to accept. “I don’t understand. If you record your album at the studio at the production studio, why do you need this room here?” “I don’t write in the studio. I don’t enjoy writing with background noise as it
Doctor Sutton arrived in less than an hour after his father called. Their fathers sat in the living room, refusing to leave until they learned what Merina had. They’d made a bet that she might be pregnant. Conner admitted they weren’t doing anything to his knowledge to prevent the pregnancy. But with all the stress and anxiety, she could have worn her immune system down and caught something. He didn’t remember her avoiding food or being ill. But Andre claimed her mother didn’t have morning sickness, so that changed nothing for him on what the cause of her illness could stem from. “Conner, I thought I said not to bother the doctor about this? If I still feel like this tomorrow, I’d make an appointment.” Merina said. Her voice appeared groggy and disgruntled to everyone. “It’s alright Mrs. O’Keefe. It’s better safe than sorry. I’m Doctor Sutton and I’m well paid for nights like this. It’s fine. Do you have any idea why you feel well? What
For the first time, Merina stepped inside the condo. He’d found an experienced designer to remodel it into a fashionable, spacious home for their needs. She moved through it. The movers had already done their job. She had only her business things needed to move in, and she had a company licenced to do that coming in later that day to set up her office. They didn’t keep a physical office because they ran on word of mouth. That meant they could work wherever their secure files were. Now she walked through the top floor of O’Keefe Industries Office building where Conner set himself up with his condo a decade ago. He liked the ease of commuting, and they were downtown with a private elevator. Staff wouldn’t be knocking on their door at all hours. The chef and housekeeper were present as day staff. They’d leave after they served dinner most nights. They had space to grow and entertain. But Conner insisted this would be their home until they had children.
Medina observed men with their differences in appearance and demeanor. “It’s like they’ve left all serious business at the door.” They’d seen Conner drop an ice cube into Dan’s lap and then they were wrestling. Jeff proposed to Ana in an unusual manner, but she still had to respond. The position he put her in. Merina was like Ana. She didn’t know how she’d respond. Conner gave her a choice that wasn’t a choice. “So, you won’t punish me or give me grief for working? You won’t belittle me in front of other people for having goals in life that don’t include what you want?” Ana asked. Her questions revolved around how he’d treated her and how he wouldn’t do it again. “That’s right. I promise there won’t be any extra details.” Jeff said to Ana. He aimed to calm her thoughts, enabling them to move forward, and for her to feel at ease enough to agree.“What about your photos with other women?” Will they end too?” Ana hated seeing those photo
Merina sat eating dinner with everyone. They ate in a more relaxed setting. They forgo the dining table for the living room. Staff disappeared, leaving Merina unsure as everyone began eating. Conner had something planned. She knew he must. That was Conner. Conner had reasons for his actions, often known only to him. It didn’t take long for Merina to notice Ana’s change in mood and her disposition changed toward Jeff. He’d worked some kind of magic on her. Merina heard something, unable to distinguish between Ana’s joyful cries and Joyce’s sounds. Conner held her back, saying they’d have fun later with everyone. Two of his friends came without lovers. When she asked how this worked. Conner said they enjoyed watching and acting as coaches. He claimed it gave an impartial opinion on how to become more creative. He offered to call someone in to show her how it worked. But Merina couldn’t see herself as the hostess getting off and ignoring her guests. Th
Jeff smirked as he followed Ana into the guest room. “What are you doing?” Ana said. Her tone demanded an answer as her eyes flashed with fury. “They told me to use this room. It’s not like we haven’t seen each other naked before. Live a little Ana.” Jeff caught Ana’s arm as she tried to leave. “Hey, you don’t want your friend and host to feel horrible, do you? We’re all adults here.” “Some more than others it seems.” Ana pulled her arm from his hand, but he didn’t step back. Jeff let his height give him the advantage. “It’s time to stop this, Ana. Sometimes I forget to drop the persona because people prefer it over the real me.” “I’ve always kept that I didn’t care for the persona or the job. You never got it, did you? I wasn’t dating you for others to see me with you. I didn’t see you for your money or your capabilities. Yet, you tell me you believe I’m lying to you. Fine, I have lied to you about two things. But only two t
Ana watched the men come toward them. A worried woman trailed behind men ready for battle. “Ana, we need to talk.” Jeff said. “You need to hear me out.” He looked stern and foreboding when he said that. Joyce came around the men and tried to avoid notice or interrupting the drama. “Nice romantic setting. It’s a pity we can’t distract the gaggle of ganders behind him. They don’t need to see this.” Merina nodded, where she stood off to the side in Ana’s peripheral vision. “We didn’t plan this, but it’s like an Edwardian romance scene. This’ll become lost on them. I believe. They won’t see the chance to use it to their advantage.” She said, her voice was low to not interrupted Ana’s words. “Sad, I agree with you. It could have become a fond memory.” “Jeff, I don’t need that. You’ve made it clear that I filled gaps in your life, but there weren’t many. But heaven forbid that my time doesn’t align your schedule. Then I