THALIAI woke up with a feeling of being knocked down yesterday. But my head was in more pain than my whole body. It was as if I was being hit internally with something hard.Hard liquor. With a groan, I sat on the bed and massaged my temple to ease the pain before I slowly opened my eyes and the first thing I saw was underwear on the floor.A color beige bra.“Is that my bra? Why is it on the floor–” I froze when my eyes scanned the room. F*ck! This is not my room! This is Damon's guest room. What the hell happened yesterday?Right! We drank because I just felt like drinking even though I'm not used to it.I clenched my fist in my chest but my soul left me.WHY AM I NOT WEARING MY BRA?!My gaze was back on the bra on the floor and sprinted without having a second thought.I wish I didn't take this off in front of Mr. Kane. I really didn't clearly remember if he was drunk too or not.The door suddenly opened. Adrenaline rushed through me as I hid my bra behind me but I remembered t
THALIAAfter long hours of sitting and lying down on my seat with Mr. Kane, in another seat on his private plane, we arrived in Russia. The sun was climbing out of the deep well of winter, but it was still brutally cold when we exited his private airport. Snow pelted my face, and I pulled up the collar of my overcoat to further shield me from this bitter weather. Why, given that winter has just begun here, did he consider going to his branch at this time?This is my second time here. The first one was with my family for a family gathering at my mother's side. I didn't enjoy it much at that time since I couldn't go out without my brother. My brother prefers to do his dissertation rather than kill time with me.He's indeed a workaholic.“You okay?” My train of thought is interrupted by Mr. Kane. I nodded in response. “Need more layers?” I shook my head and put our luggage in the car trunk.He opened the door at the backseat and let me in first. Now, we're sitting side by side and it's
THALIAMy eyes quivered as I stared at him, avoiding my eyes. It felt like he just kicked me out of his life when he said I'm fired. Literally, he kicks me out of his sight.“What are you talking about? What do you mean I'm fired?” I confusedly stood up with furrowed brows.I just don't understand. I just accidentally bumped into one of his employees and got injured a little. Does that cause me to lose my internship?"You're clumsy. You can't work with me." He turned his back and was about to exit my room, but I blocked his way to the door."Then transfer me back to the financial department.” With a sigh, I saw how his irritated look came back on his face. "What's your goal in working in my company anyway?""I need my internship to be done.""You have your father's company, your mother and Uncle Adam have each of their company. Thalia, you can just choose which of your family's companies is more suitable to do your internship." He scowled with a confused gaze on me."I have my reason
THALIAI abruptly let go of his neck and distanced my head, which made my head bump into the wall behind me. I winced in pain, but my eyes stuck on the red-haired woman behind Damon Kane.“It's you! Damon!”Mr. Kane remained staring at me as if he didn't hear the woman's voice behind him. It's making me uncomfortable because of what I was supposed to do earlier.I turned his face to his side where the woman was waiting for Mr. Kane’s response.“She called you,” I whispered and slowly untagged his arms around my waist.Our position was kinda awkward in the first place. I'm glad we're in a dark alley and a few people wandering around. The woman suspiciously smiles at me, but I can feel her confusion regarding the situation. “And… Thalia Carter, daughter of Anastasia and Caleb.” She knew me as well. She nervously laughs while tapping Mr. Kane's arm as if they were close enough with that gesture. “This is interesting to watch, Damon.”“It's not what you think, Aira.” Mr. Kane muttered a
THALIAMr. Kane stared at me with those confused eyes as the warmth from his hand on mine lingered all over me. His thumb played with my thumb and I was losing my mind at his small, yet, heart-fluttering gesture.“We didn't date.”I confusedly gaze at him. “But the article–”“They are just making up stories. Don't believe them.” He went back in searching for a band-aid in the first aid kit box to cover the cut.“It doesn't concern me. I was just wondering why she keeps following us.” I mumbled as I watched him take care of my hand.He looks so gentle and careful. He's far from what we've known as a demon boss. Or maybe he's always been like this to me but I just noticed it now. With a deep sigh, I stared at the mirror beside me. Am I really troubling him by asking him to help me? To be honest, I have no one to rely on, aside from my parents and brother. I'm afraid to tell them what happened to me. They'll get worried and be more protective twice or thrice as before.When I noticed M
THALIAThe usual day arrived again with Mr. Kane still monitoring the progress of his hotel while I was still following him like a puppy. Being his assistant was exhausting… in my legs. I want to go back to working my ass off in the office because walking around with my heels or boots was killing my toes. I pity them.When it was lunchtime, Mr. Kane and I were about to exit the hotel because he preferred to have Italian cuisine rather than local food.“Hi! Let's have lunch!” Aira's sudden appearance made me sigh. I hope she won't go shopping after lunch again.“What are you doing here? You're supposed to be at the photoshoot right now.” Mr. Kane said while he opened the back seat door of the car.“We wrapped up early.” Her eyes sparkled as her smile almost reached her ears while gazing at Mr. Kane.She didn't even look at me. I felt Mr. Kane's hand at the back of my waist as he lightly pushed me to enter the car. I don't know why my heart fluttered at his small gesture.It's nothi
THALIA“Frederick?” He only looked at me confusedly. The staff apologized and explained that the door of the storage room could only be open outside. As soon as she left, I hinted that maybe Aira knew that the door was jammed.I don't want to accuse her, but that's what I believed.Frederick and I were left alone in the hallway. His brows furrowed as he stared at me intently. What is he doing here? How did he even find me? Perhaps he heard me screaming for help.“What are you doing here in Russia?” He suddenly said sternly. “Who's with you?”He sometimes acts like my brother, aside from being clingy and forcing me to date him.“Ahmm… M-My boss–”“Thalia!” I flinched at Mr. Kane's voice, startled at his sudden appearance. “I've been looking for you everywhere.” His eyes were burning in rage as he glanced at Frederick. “But you're just here with someone unexpected.”Frederick scoffed annoyingly. “She was just locked in the storage room.”As soon as he heard Frederick’s words, he turne
THALIAMy eyes shut, and my thoughts went crazed as Mr. Kane completely devoured my mouth. Both of his hands clutch onto my cheeks, drawing me into his warm embrace.It's too warm… he's so warm… my insides are so damn warm.He gives me a kiss that I've never felt before— one of limited authority and mastered accuracy. I feel like driving him crazy because I know that all that vertigo has to go somewhere while I kiss him back as my inhibitions lose the battle. With a grip tight, I reached for his disheveled hair, afraid I'd topple over if I let go. We fought silently, lashing out at one other. It is an entirely new experience to kiss a man as wild as this. But I don't know why I'm letting him do this. It was as if I was hypnotized by his tender yet powerful burning touch. Excessively sexy and toxic to the extent that I was craving more. A kiss so intense that it feels as though one of us could pass away. I shouldn't be doing this with my boss, but if he stops, I might die from hung
THALIAAFTER A MONTH“After Michael Scott was found dead a week ago, Alfred Laverde was found dead in Whiteface Mountain in the town of Wilmington in Essex County.”Wilmington… That's where Cassie's accident occurred years ago.I avoided my eyes from the TV as my heart suddenly pounded frantically. Anyway, I continue tying the lace of my sandal while trying my best not to react as best as I can at the news.Since Frederick's father was found dead, I'm having a hard time forgetting that news. It breaks my heart to see Fred in tears while mourning for his deceased father.He actually didn't deserve it because he didn't actually kill anyone. Well, almost, and that's us. Still… Fred was a great friend and we noticed he's turning his back on us. Maybe he's blaming us for his loss.And now… my granduncle is also dead.I gaze at my mother, who doesn't even show any emotions while listening to the news. I don't feel the sorrow of losing him. He killed my grandfather, and to be honest, I shou
THALIAMy eyes began to well up with tears of conflicting feelings. Anger, worries, and longing came out all at once. He disappeared without a trace after saying he would come back, and God knows if he’s alive or not. He made me fucking worried for nothing!“Where were you?” That was the only thing I asked.“I have to take care of something–”“Then why did you have to vanish like that?” My voice cracked up in the end as I failed to control it.He avoided my eyes with guilt lingering all over his face. I don't know what to feel. But there's only one thing I could figure out after seeing him again.“To protect you from harm.”I firmly shut my eyes, tears streamed down my cheeks as his words were like hitting my chest with a knife. All he could think was to be my protector, whereas here I am thinking he might have chosen the others over me.Am I being too selfish?I wiped my face as I looked around. Good thing my bodyguards are outside the university. “What happened to Uncle Michae
THALIAI flinched as I was startled when my phone suddenly rang. I got up in bed, sighing as soon as I saw the time. It's almost three, but my eyes won't even close just a bit.My attention was switched to my phone, which still kept ringing. Who would call at this hour?I answered it without looking at the caller.“Wha–”“Thalia.”My brows furrowed at the familiar voice in the end. I checked the number, but it's unregistered.“Ca-Cassie?”“I'm sorry for barking at the wrong tree.” My jaw fell as soon as I confirmed it was her. I jump off the bed and gaze outside the window.“Where are you? Who's with you?” I desperately asked.However, I heard her chuckle and sighed deeply.“I intentionally took the chance that my mother used to work with Laverde and got in as their so-called illegitimate family member.”Her words left me baffled. So… she's not a real Laverde?“What's your reason?”“I have found evidence and took a chance to get closer to the enemy.”“Evidence of what?”“I only want
THALIAI inhale sharply as soon as I exit the building. My chest feels heavy and tightened, and I don't know how to cope with the pain deep inside of me.My fingers firmly curled around the handle of my handbag.It's just my hunch. It's just my guts. It's just my suspicion that it was Damon. But why don't I feel this suspicion is real?I hate it.My phone rang, and Damon's secretary was plastered on my screen.“How was it? Is it Damon?”“No.”Then why did that jerk get Damon's phone?I scratched my temple as I walked to my car. I entered my car with a frown.“Where did that robber find it?”“He said a woman came and sold the phone.”I paused and confusedly thought about who that woman could be.“Woman? Who?”“He couldn't recognize her because she covered almost her face.”Why do people love covering their faces? Scared of the sunburn or hiding from the authorities?Since it's a woman, there's no way Damon is in trouble. So, I don't give a fuck with that woman who stole Damon's phone a
THALIAMom and Dad quickly went to Paris last night. Leander and I left here in New York so that we wouldn't be embroiled in the quarrel with Laverde.It's my mother's family, so I'm afraid Mom will break down. I heard her screaming to Uncle Adam on the phone before they left. I sighed as I put down my spoon on the table. I glanced at Leander, who was also in deep thought in front of his breakfast.“What's gonna happen now?”“What else? Mom possibly cut her ties with them.” I tightly shut my eyes in frustration. Why are there traitors in our lives? “Are we just going to stay here and wait? Mom might break down.”Leander let out a frustrating sigh. “Dad is with her. Also, they won't let us tag along with them.”It's been two decades since that happened. Doesn't the grandfather's case have a statute of limitations? I wonder how they found evidence despite the long period since it happened. Anyway, if it really proves my granduncle was the suspect of my grandfather's death, I hope he
THALIAOne week.It's been one week since Damon went missing. I even helped in looking for him but to no avail. Not even the authorities could find Damon Kane. There's no body or anything that can lead to his whereabouts. It was as if he vanished into thin air.I was depressed and cried every night while I had this hope every day of finding him together with the authorities.My parents and Leander didn't complain about how I poured everything into this search and rescue. They can see through me how desperate I am just to find him and I was hoping he's alive and in a safe place.Uncle Michael, who caused all of this, was on the run and hiding somewhere. Where's his courage to kill off my father's happiness now? Maybe he was also the reason why Leander's secretary was abducted and injured. Leander poured his soul into finding her but was also abducted by Uncle Michael. As of now, I don't know why Leander's secretary was abducted.I refused to talk to Frederick. Not because I hate his
THALIAI mustered my courage to point my gun at the person who was about to invade the car, but I stopped to see someone as my reflection, sticking his head through the window.“Leander!”“Thalia? What the hell are you doing here?!”I immediately jerked off from the car but was greeted by a woman leaning at the car. She was wearing corporate attire without a coat, and a red stain was visible on her dirty, white sleeve. “Who is she?”“My secretary. She's injured.” Leander opened the door, and I helped him place the girl in the back seat.Why is his secretary here? Did he come to get her?A rustling sound inside the forest, followed by repeated shouts from men, made us freeze.“They followed us.” My brother growled.He pushed me inside the backseat and entered the driver's seat. He was about to start the engine hastily, but I immediately stopped him.“Wait, Damon is still not here!”“We don't have much time.”He shoved off my hand, but I stopped him again.“No! We need to wait for Dam
THALIAI immediately wrapped my arms around his neck, pulling him closer to me and kissing him harder than before. He lifted me and placed me on his lap, wrapping my legs around his waist. Our lips remained sealed. It was like we couldn’t get enough of each other, devouring one another. His hands were moving down, under my shirt, his fingers skimming over my skin, sending a rush of blood to every part of my body. His touch gave me the feeling of longing, and I relished every second he pushed his tongue and lips against mine. I lowered my hands and yanked his shirt up. He broke apart long enough to pull it over his head and toss it aside. His hands slid around my head, pulling me back to his mouth. I ran my hands down his abdomen. It was firm, with the perfect amounts of dips and ripples. His lips traveled down my neck and shoulders as he whispered sweet words in my ear. I gasped when he suddenly reclined the seat and softly moaned as I grabbed his face to meet my lips to communica
THALIAThe whole ride was filled with silence. He is driving his Ferrari while I'm here, sitting in the passenger seat with a lump in my throat. I don't know why I suddenly felt anxious being alone with Damon. The last time we saw each other, we were both fuming in our situation. But still, here I am, wanting to be with him while ignoring the supposed protocols.I gazed at him and saw his furrowed brows and solemn eyes focused on the road. Did he feel the same? Did he feel the awkwardness between us?"H-How did you find us?" I killed the silence."Actually... Leander and I talked before the abduction."I immediately gaze at him. "A-Are Are you the one who caused his wounds?" "Of course not. Do you think I'll harm your brother in that way?"I looked away while reprimanding myself for thinking he would do such a thing."N-No... you would not.""When I was going home after meeting him, Leander's secretary called me and tracked his phone." He explained, which left me with no choice but