Marco's POV Beautiful. Cozy. Peaceful. My morning could be summarized in those words. And for a fact, I had never felt that much relief in ages. The steady rise and fall of Elara's chest on mine, her warm breath that stroked my hairy body, and occasional soft sighs, made me watch her like a guardian. She was nestled in my arms, and on my broad chest, covering barely half of my build. Her eyes were closed, and fine eyelashes adorned her pretty face. The sun rays filtered in through the raised blinds and settled on her face. Oops. I reached for the remote and adjusted it, and on me, Elara simply pressed her eyes shut and didn't even try to look away. My gaze narrowed and I studied her in keen silence. “You don't have to be so dramatic to trap me in bed.”A light chuckle erupted from her. Skilled player, she groaned as if she was still sleeping. “Do you still need me here?” My calloused palm lay on the small of her bare back, and I stroked upward, caressing her spine. “No mo
Elara's POV Evelyn is calling?!With so much skeleton in my cupboard, I grabbed the phone from the top drawer, and instantly pulled away from Marco. I was only a few feet away from him. As expected, he turned to face me but didn't move. His eyes roamed along my body and did all the movements his body didn't. Finally, they rested on my hand. “Is there something I should know?”His bass echoed in the room. His tone was deeper than it was a while ago. I rolled my eyes at him, not giving any response. “You, of all people, should know,” I replied vaguely. It was hell silly if he set the flames and pretended to care. He killed Matthew, and we're still searching for the killer. I didn't want him to know we'd gone to the station, just like I also didn't want Evelyn to know that Marco was the killer. Grabbing the robe by the bed stand, I threw it on me, covering my body. “Excuse me.” I started for the door, eager to pick up the call, but it ended. “Know we've already cleaned the me
Elara's POV ‘DO NOT ENTER’My eyes locked with the writing on the inner door of his dark room. It was very much visible from this end. “Elara?” He called out, this time, louder, causing me to snap back to him. I turned to give him attention. My hand itched the back of my neck, face was red as if he caught me in the act. “Are you okay?” He asked and bit into his toast. “It seems I've been talking to myself.”I nodded and flashed a smile. “Could you repeat?”I knew I sounded weird, dumb even, but it was the only way to bail myself. I was lost in my head for a moment that I didn't hear anything he said earlier. He paused to study me in scrutiny, then sipped from his coffee mug. Done, he set it down and picked up the disposable napkin to clean up.“Violet's teacher.” He repeated, maybe started all over. “How far have you gone?” Whoa. First, he called her by her name, instead of; your daughter or little monster… or anything just so he wouldn't say her name. And now, he was acting
Elara's POV Whip. Blindfold. Cuffs. Collar. Mouth restrain. In a sexy red lingerie that marks the color of danger, I kneel, my hands pressed together, and I stretch it out, ready for my punishment. The bathroom door opened and Marco stepped out. On seeing me, he paused, a shocking delight crossed his dark eyes as he smirked. “Elara, you do realize…”“Take me, master.” I shut him up with my sultry tone. He had starved his dark desires for my sake, it was only proper I feed his demons.I stay upright, push my boobs out just so he could have a good peek. The bra is thin and fucking tiny. It covered only my nipples and areola, leaving my firm white breasts outside in the wild. His smirk broadened. I watched him in delight. Unable to fight his dangerous urge, he bent to run his fingers along the instruments placed on the glass table. First, he took the cuffs and clipped them in place. SMACK!His hand landed squarely on my jaw, causing me to gasp. My brain had yet to register why.
Elara's POV “I want out… This union, when does it end?” The words fell out of my mouth. J didn't bother to do any damage control or try to take them back. I was sitting in bed, naked, and next to Marco, who lay naked as well, with neither of us bothering to cover up. From my side eye, I watched his jaws clench. He went rigid following the unexpected question. Even though he tried not to react, his hardened expression bore rage, pain…, and betrayal. “I thought this meant something at least… I thought you were warming up to me.”I gulped dryly at his response. My heart was too weak to nurse the heartbreak. I couldn't dare imagine what my sudden question was doing to him. His mother's death… me!His non-sister's fall-out and death… me!And one morning, I wanted to end it all. ‘I do… you mean so much to me… you're my world…’Instead, I swallowed my words and looked away. He should never see me tear up. I didn't want him to talk me out of this. It was hard enough. “I'd leave somed
Elara's POV ‘Thirty more days with the devil and I finally get my freedom… but I'll play his bride and actually get married to him before the whole world. ORI remain hidden in his castle and forever be his slave…’Each second of the ticking clock grew louder, almost deafening. The more I think about my response, the harder it got. I might have gone public with him a few times, but a legal wedding which would be elaborate, was a very big deal. “I guess you need more time.” Marco's tone had a hint of mockery. Without another word, he picked up his robe that was lying recklessly on the foot of the bed and started walking out of the room. ‘ELARA!!! FUCKING THINK!!!’His back was to me as he flexed his muscles and walked away like a beast. After today, I may never get another opportunity. “Yes!”The words ripped out of my throat before I could even process them. And now that it was out, I watched it cause chaos. Marco stopped. My words hit him harder than he could fathom. I wa
Elara's POV “What did you do to Evelyn?” My tone was cold and flat, but deadly. Marco had a confused face. One of his eyebrows was raised in question. Now, his shorts were already pulled up. “What did you fucking do to her?!” I barked when he didn't give me any response.She was like the only friend left. I wouldn't forgive myself if she was also consumed by my toxic union. “Whoa, easy.” He motioned for me to calm down. “What are you talking about?”“No,” I nodded firmly. “You won't play this dumb with me. You knew she was on Matthew's business and your hands are fucking dirty.”He shrugged an ‘okay’.“Now, she wants to talk and is scared too, like her life is threatened.” I yapped and put the phone in his face but I wasn't stable enough, so he couldn't read the text. “How am I supposed to know?” He demanded coldly. “If this is a means to leave the house, you win. You didn't have to be this dramatic.”I choked on a laugh and shook my head. “Pray to your fucking stars, Marco, tha
Elara's POV ‘Who. Are. You!? Elara fucking Saint Clair!... I bet you thought you were smart enough to hide your dirty tracks! Fucking ridiculous bitch! - Evelyn.’Shocked to my bones, I forgot how to breathe for a minute or two. My palms suddenly became sweaty, hands were trembling as I struggled to hold my phone. What the actual fuck?!Thick sweat streamed down my forehead and dripped on my screen and clothes. I knew what the text meant, but I was confused. I thought she would never find out like I had all the time in the world to come clean. Oh, god. “Driver,” I dragged my suddenly stiff ass forward and tapped on the headrest. “Turn the car. Take me back to Evelyn's place.”He looked at me through the rare view mirror as if I were nuts. “We're already home, ma'am.” I could see the Conti estate's driveway barely ten feet away, but I needed to go back, and I also couldn't risk leaving Violet alone at home. “Don't make me repeat myself, Mr.”He slightly bowed in apology and dr
Elara’s POV The long trip and stress evaporated in Marco’s arms. Right here, just where I belonged, we rode in a smooth rhythm, our bodies grazing, drowning us in our warmth.Our sweat mixed just as our moans blended in a gentle symphony. He shot in harder, trapping my breath at the back of my throat. We hit climax, panting like teenagers and moaning helplessly.“Whoa,” he collapsed on top of me and buried his face in the hollow of my neck. I lazily rubbed ruffled his hair and pulled him closer to my bare body. “Thanks for coming, Tesoro.” He lazily rolled into his back. We remained silent for a moment, trying to catch our breaths. Sheets clutched across our chests, we stared at the ceiling. “Anything for you, Marco.” I turned to face him, hand tucked under my head. “So, is there something else you want to try out?”His brows furrowed. “Actually, I think I have just one tiny thing…” he reached to grab me and I pushed to the edge of the bed.“Marco!” I giggled. “Stop… please.” I s
Elara’s POV “Hey,” Marco’s steel voice stopped me from leaving immediately. He was standing on the terrace, back pressed to the railing as he smoked and sipped from his glass of whiskey.“Take my card, get whatever you want.” He pulled out his black platinum card and stretched it over to me.Quite confused, I tilted my head to the side to get a better view of him. My eyes rolled, demanding he explain further. I was already dressed and ready to meet Evelyn. “I’m not going shopping,” I mumble on my spot. “I just need to speak with her.”“Without appeasing her? That’s lame.” He shrugged. “I know girl’s meetings are sometimes lavish.” He still kept the card in between us. “Do something for fun.” I chuckled and watched him drag on his cigar, then puffed. The heels of my boots clicked as I approached him. “I’ve got my own money, Mr. Marco Conti.” “Well, I want you to spend my money, Miss Elara Saint Clair.”I pushed my bag to the back and wrapped my arms around him. He dropped the gla
Elara’s POV Evelyn texted back!I stared at the phone long enough that the screen would split from any slight pressure. Considering the way we ended and how long it took her to respond, I guessed she must have either blocked me or changed her line. Oh, my god. My emotions were all over the place. I clutched hard on my phone and started texting back. Marco noticed the sudden change in my attitude. All of my attention was diverted to my phone and he hated to share his moment, but right now, I care less about his fits. ‘That’s a mean thing to say, Evie!’ I pouted as if she could see me, then resumed typing. ‘Heavens! I’ve missed you so much!’“Tesoro, is something up?”I ignored him and clicked the send button, then palmed the phone to my chest and waited for her response. Hopefully, she would be quick.“Elara?” His tone deepened. Now, he was solely focused on me.I expelled air and grinned. “It’s Evelyn, she finally texted back.”He hummed, uninterested as I expected of him. “Took
Elara’s POV ‘I almost died, Evie… Can you not be so blinded with rage?’My fingers danced around my keyboard as I contemplated wiping the text and letting things be. A part of me wouldn’t allow it, especially since I wronged her so badly. First, I owed her an explanation, and second, I needed to be close enough to know how far Matthew’s investigation was coming up. I mean, I hated that Marco was a lover of blood, but Matthew wasn’t a saint either, and I would hate to see Marco go to jail for doing the world a favor.“Is there a problem?” Marco’s voice was soft in my ears. I spent my day trying to please him, cooking and sizzling myself as an extra dish. Now, we were cuddled in bed. His arm was over my shoulder as he pulled me to himself and kissed my head.“Nothing much.” I tapped send and locked my phone. The thoughts of Evelyn flew out the window and got blown away with the night’s air when I stared into his cool eyes. There was love and comfort, and something I couldn’t really
Marco’s POV “Francesca, sit.”My command was stern, just as my tone was cold and gripping. She looked scared to her bones. Her eyes widened, body went still for a brief moment. Her eyes darted from me to the creamy brown mess on the floor. Without further hesitation, she sat on the edge of the bed, summoning as much composure as she could. “The coffee,” I looked at the broken chunks of the thick mug. “Who was it for?”“Ma'am Elara.” She said with a gentle bow. “She demanded I make her something soothing, but I don't know why.”“Hmm,” I scoffed. “Who handled the drugs from the doctor?” “Me, Don.” She taps her bosom. “He gave me the prescription as she should…”“Hey,” I snapped her out of her wildness. “You only speak when spoken to and only reply to what is asked.”She nodded. Her face looked terrified, it wasn't odd, considering that this side of me was new to her.“Since when do you have an Espresso in your room?” My feral gaze rested on her, monitoring her like a beast. “And wh
Marco’s POV As cozy as a family, we lounged in the garden. Elara was beside me on the fancy bench lined by lilies and blooming flowers. Her head lay on my shoulder and her arms curled around my waist. I hugged her arm and pulled her in, my chin rested on her hair. I watched the little girl play freely in the garden. She chased Birdie and collapsed when Birdie was about to win. When the poor cat came to her rescue, she would hold the cat down, and run off. Elara's blood.Would our kids be this loveable and bubbly? I was a cold fucker. It would be awful if I had one resemble me, except the kid takes on Madre's genes. She was way too loveable. Violet ran in my direction and suddenly crouched on her knees. She giggled and crawled after the cat.“Baby,” Elara groaned. “You're gonna get yourself dirty.” Her motherly instinct swiftly kicked in. “Mama is tired, you'll have to wash them.”She reached for the little girl and I held her back. “Let her.” My eyes remained on the sweet sou
Elara's POV “I love you, Elara.”My heartbeat raced hard against my chest. For ages, I've waited till this day. I had planned my exact reply and how I would react, but now… I was dumbstruck.“So badly that I'd give up my life for you.” Marco continued his overdue confession, his tone was deeply laced with sincere emotions, anyone could feel it. “Elara, If you ever desire, I would give up my empire, and build a cozy family with you in the countryside.” His voice trailed off. He slightly ducked his head, but not without me seeing the glimpse of teardrop. My Marco Conti… The only man who made being a slave a luxury. “But if also wish to leave…”I didn't wait for him to finish, didn't let him try to push me away any further… and certainly didn't let my rational thoughts ruin this moment. Like a bee to hive, I latched onto him, melting into his arms like Gelato. Our worlds merged into one, with his taking a good dose of my sanity. My hands palmed his hard face and I kissed him. Hard
Elara's POV ‘Marco is a fucking bastard! A freaking piece of shit who will never deserve me!...Nor his child!’My heart was ripped into tiny shreds when I woke up to emptiness. The sedation had worn off, leaving me with subtle traces of pain from the odd burning sensation of the poison. At first, I was okay with the absence… a matter of fact, I didn't want him to know… I wanted to recover and go home. Then, Dr. Schwartz came in and informed me of my dead baby and Marco's departure. I wasn't sure how to feel… I wasn't sure if to explode…I still am not. It was how easily he chose his selfish desires over my well-being. And now, I would never live with an iota of regret for keeping his child away from him. “You're now free to go, Miss Elara.” Dr. Schwartz’s croaked voice blared. I looked down at my phone, and Marco still wasn't responding. I've been on it since last night. How cruel could the sweetest man get?Tears rolled down my cheeks and I turned away to wipe them, hiding m
Marco’s POV‘Food poisoning?!’This was the first… and she wasn't close to Evelyn for me to recklessly throw the blame. Elara wasn't psychopathic either to try to poison herself…Oh, no!My heart was racing hard against my chest. I shut my eyes and tried to even my breath, just so the nasty thought would go away. I was losing my damn mind.Like a cripple, I bent and reached for the couch at the other end, then slumped in it. Slowly, I tried to take control of my emotions. Schwartz saw it. He knew it was his cue to leave.“I’m a call away.” He set the test result on the bedside table and hurried out.I stretched my long legs and my jaws clenched. My dark eyes pinned on Elara’s weak frame.‘Did she try to abort my baby?’I couldn't help but nurse the crazy thought. ‘Marco. FERMATI! STOP!’My mind screamed at me. But I couldn't push the thoughts away. ‘The baby was three weeks old, she might have gotten a clue, right?’‘Else, why did she choose for the time I was away to get terrib