CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO*It must be fulfilled at all costs!*Ensuring she was out of the compound discreetly enough not to be seen by Janice or rouse any suspicion whatsoever to the point that he lied to the security guard, who was looking at Racheal sceptically and with confusion, that she lost her way around the large compound and found herself in the stables. The security guard nodded slowly but still gave Racheal the once-over look as she glanced at Drake before she exited. He drew in deep breaths as he slumped into the creaking twin bed. Well, at least the security guard bought the idea. He hoped...And Janice wouldn't have to know about it. Phew! What a day! Rachael... That girl is full of surprises! This is what he dreaded the most about her. Really. First, she came all the way from Scotland to London and second, swung by at the Jordan's! And the most troubling of all is that she's beginning to ask some really personal questions she shouldn't be asking at all; Why did he chang
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE*To the Orwells!*"But the question is, who will be the instrument of vengeance?" The mother asked soberly, gliding her gaze between her two sons. "Nevertheless, it is going to be a very cooperative mission. All hands must be on deck. And I mean you two must get along. But first, we will need someone to keep an eye very closely on their day-to-day life."Drake knew from the start that he wanted to be the one and not his stupid brother. He's gonna ruin so many things. And he despises working in a team. He's a solo maniac so it's a big NO.Drake signified with a show of his hand mid-air. " I will volunteer mother. You know I am best suited for this, unlike my brother." His brother chuckled softly. " Mother, let's be honest, this is a revenge game we're talking about here, brother. Let's face it, Finn is going to ruin the mission before it takes shape. He's too soft!" He chided. Calling his name made his insides churn in disgust and anger. Belittling like he's a ki
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR*Nothing More. Nothing Less*"We will see..." And the smirk that followed flashed in his mind. Having his brother in London is a terrible idea and he'd do anything to avoid that! Hence, successfully fulfilling the family's mission of revenge is his top priority. Remember, no feelings attached, and his past, detached. Simple! He sighed deeply. "Do you have feelings for Janice Jordan?" Rachael's words came to his mind again. Of course not! He can't afford to! He mustn't fall under her spell. Otherwise, his evil brother will return to his life and all hell will be let loose. Besides, he's simply messing with her. Or was he messing with his emotions? Cut the crap man! Today could have been far worse if Janice had caught him with Racheal. but thankfully, that didn't happen. So why is he all rattled and thinking about the past and his brother? But Why does he feel as if he's slowly skidding off track just a little bit?No! He slapped his face with his hands to scold him
CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE*the night she got drunk!*He seemed to have wanted it as much as she had wanted it too. He dipped lower, cupping her face in his hands as he gently captured her pouty lips into his. Her grip on his shoulders tightened, nails biting through his shirt as she moaned softly in his mouth. His body hardened. The soft sweetest sounds that she kept making were all the confirmation he needed. The kiss went from tentative exploration to frantic in seconds. She parted her lips widely to invite his tongue inside, as he plunged deeper. Her whole body shuddered with delight. He was still leaning over her while she was on the bed, which was rather uncomfortable for him to keep up with the kiss, so he slide into the bed beside her all the time their lips were still locked together in a deep passionate kiss. His big hands fisted her tousled hair as he deepened the kiss. Shockwaves moved like lightning through my bodyuntil they stopped between my legs, and she sighed softly int
CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX*Will you be my personal bodyguard?*"I have no idea what you're talking about." She croaked, still terribly embarrassed as she fixed her gaze on the floor, wringing her fingers nervously. She heard his low laugh."I can't blame you, princess. That night was...magical. Wasn't it? " His teasing husky voice sent a shiver shooting up and down her spine. Damn him! How did he have to keep casting her mind back to that night?! And making her lose control of herself too. She took several deep breaths and clearing her throat, she dared to look him in the face."Well, like I said, I have something important to discuss with you, Drake.", she spoke curtly, trying her possible best not to sound croaky. He arched his brows at her as if mocking her efforts. That jerk! She forced a smile at him as she tipped her chin daringly."Alright, Miss. Let me get myself some beer and you?""Water is fine if you don't have any soft drinks. Besides, I'm still under medication." He cocke
CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN*The deal is Struck*An awkward silence lingered.His brows pinched together in confusion. Of course, it was expected.Asking him to become her personal bodyguard out of the blue would definitely throw him in a state of confusion. "Personal bodyguard? Where is this coming from Janice?" He finally asked, the confusion still etched on his face.She smiled to herself. There's something amusing seeing him like that."Relax. Sweaty pants." She teased.He ignored the joke. His face was still grim with confusion as he await her explanation."Or maybe I should couch the question like this, will you be my personal bodyguard during my short vacation in South Africa?" She asked sternly, looking him in the eye. A small frown formed between his brows as he silently processed her offer.Truth be told, this was a rather unexpected offer. To be her personal guard? Really? Clearly, she's damn serious.He puffed out a breath."Why should I?" He quizzed sceptically.Janice had pred
CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT*A night walk*She turned to leave when he clamped a hand on her shoulder, halting her in her tracks."Let me walk you home. It's quite late." He offered softly. Her gut, once again, erupted with butterflies. This man had far too muchpower over her, and she knew that if she wasn’t careful she would give in to every desire she had."S-sure!" She stammered. Fuck her! He closed the cabin door gently and they commenced their journey past the stables and down the wasteland to the main residence. The moon was no longer hidden behind the clouds as its silver light glowed steadily in the midnight sky. The chirping of crickets and the hooting of owls broke the eerie quietness of the night as they made their way in silence. Thankfully, Drake came along with his torch to lead the way in the dark. The chilly breeze picked up, and shepulled my arms tight across her chest to hide the telltale sign that the temperature had dropped a few degrees, as her nipples hardene
CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE*Not again, Dad*Outside the open bedroom window, birds were chirping, and a nice air tickled her feet as it blew in. She must have kicked them out of my duvet somewhere during the night. She gradually opened each eye, groggily scanning her bedroom room. Her laptop was partially open on my desk-she spent some time during the night browsing through South Africa's traditions and other related stuff about her vacation country. The curtains were wide open, permitting the early morning sun to filter in. Her yesterday's worth of clothing was still hanging over the side of the hamper. The house was eerily quiet as She lay in bed, staring at nothing in particular, trying to muster the strength to get out of bed. She drew in deep breaths and exhaled slowly.She had also spent the night, dreaming about Drake Hughen. His perfect-shaped body, hard and strong underneath her naked body. They were on a vacation together, like a couple, a real couple. But she didn't exactl
*To forever and beyond…*The day of the trial had arrived, and it felt as though the world held its breath. The courtroom was filled with journalists, spectators, and photographers positioned on all corners of the courtroom doors waiting. They were all here for the same purpose: the moment the world would witness as justice decided the fate of Mr. Jordan. In other words, the downfall of the Jordans.The courtroom was so unnervingly quiet that you could hear a pin drop as every creak of a bench and every rustle of paper lingered in the tense air.Janice Jordan sat at the front with Finn beside her. Her uncle came with some family members and they sat behind the pew. Janice’s hands trembled in her lap, fingers clasped so tightly together that her knuckles turned white. She glanced at Finn beside her, his jaw set, gaze fixed on the judge as if nothing else existed. This was heavy for him especially but at last he would witness the final judgment and hopefully get the justice his late f
*He had to bear the consequences of his actions.*Janice sat in an uneasy silence, staring out the window as the news sank in, each word settling into her mind like stones dropped into water.She could hardly believe her ears. Her father has been arrested?! This was the first time such news would reach her ears. The mighty Jordan was arrested?!"Janice? This isn't the time to space out!" Finn's voice yanked her out of her reverie. She blinked repeatedly as her brain was still processing this whole unexpected turn out of events. She gulped. "What's going to happen to him, I-I don't even know what to say. He's the only family I've got, Finn," her words barely squeak out of her lips."Unfortunately, it may be nothing good, Janice. This is the moment of truth, and justice must not only be done but it must be seen to be done." A cold shiver pricked against her skin like goosebumps. As much as she tried to ignore it, it was the hard truth. Her father had done horrible things in the pa
*Was this the end of the line for the mighty Jordan family?* "Janice, I'm so sorry you had to go through this alone, " Finn said, pulling her towards him for a long hug as he stroked her hair. Janice broke into tears, sobbing as her body shook with the weight of losing a child, a part of her that she wasn't fortunate to bring into the world. She sniffed and muffled against his chest, "I didn't mean to hide this from you, Finn. This is shocking news to me as well." "It's alright, sweetheart." He said gently as he continued to stroke her hair. Then he broke the embrace and cradled her wet face in his hand, forcing her to look at him. "Look at me, Janice," he wiped her tears with his thumb. His heart tightened seeing her like this. "I promise I will wipe the tears off your face. We can always make another one." She momentarily stopped crying and looked at him wide-eyed. "You didn't even ask if that child is yours, Finn." He chuckled and shook his head. "I didn't
Chapter Three Hundred and Thirty*The unexpected and Sad Revelation*Finn's (once Drake but will be called his real name henceforth)hammered as he paced the narrow room with the burner phone clutched tightly in his right hand and his left hand frantically raking through his sandy brown hair.Every creak of the floor, every rustle outside the window, seemed like it could be Fergus’s men clawing closer.They were running out of time.With the government closing in and Fergus’s rage nearly tangible, Finn knew their only chance was to reach out to someone who could help them disappear. His father’s old friend, Yamato—a man, both feared and revered, a former militant from Japan who had once pledged his loyalty to the family.Yamato listened in silence, his deep breaths echoing through the line. Then, without a word of question or reprimand, he simply said, “Be ready. I will take care of the arrangements.”A wave of relief coursed through Finn's body at once. His father had been right af
Chapter Three Hundred Twenty-Nine*My real name is Finn Orwells and not Drake Hughen.*He knew of one place Fergus wouldn't dare to look.The drive to his special hideout was unbearable, long, and tedious. It was a rocky path in the thick of the forest but close to a river bank. He usually came here when he needed some privacy from the Jordans and planned his next revenge move. But right now, the reverse was the case. How ironic did things turn out to be? He was literally bringing his arch enemy's daughter to his secret hideout, away from the hawk eyes of his evil brother-the person he was supposed to be working alongside.Well, things had changed. Maybe he had changed, too.But right now... he had a purpose.He glanced at the passenger's seat, where Janice was sitting quietly. Apparently, she was still shaken by everything that had unfolded. Poor woman... He had to protect her even from his own family.I'm so sorry, Mother....but I think I broke the rule.He gulped. I had fallen
*At any rate, he must save Janice.*The heel of his boots pounding in her stomach sent her to the floor, retching and wheezing with her heart in her throat, threatening to explode. A crushing pain seared through her chest. She sprawled on the ground, with her eyes shut tight, gasping for air desperately. The blindfold was restricting her vision, so she couldn't see who it was, but she could feel the extreme coldness exuding from his presence. "Let's try again, shall we, darling. And this time I won't go easy on you. I suggest you answer my questions if you want to leave here in one piece and see your asshole of a father!" the menacing raspy voice roared across the empty room. The man cocked his head to the two huge guys in black and at once they heaved her roughly to the chair and tied her hands and legs to the chair. The sound of the cocked gun jolted a shiver down her spine. He took long strides towards her and trailed the gun around her exposed chest, her buttons had come undon
*He must save Janice no matter what!*"What do you mean you haven't seen her?!" Mr Jordan bellowed through the phone, his hands trembling badly."You need to calm down, Mr Jordan. Remember, this is bad for your health. I will be at the shortly. " Matt spoke as calmly as possible through the phone."Calm down? What if something happened to her, Matt?! You were supposed to take care of her and now..." He paused, taking a sharp breath as he rubbed his temples frantically to ease the tension building up inside of me.Where on earth was his precious daughter? What could have happened to her?"Please, exercise some patience, Mr Jordan, while I wait for the construction team to help me remove my door. As I explained to you, Janice just stormed out of the house and locked me inside because she took the remote with her. She must have been in a hurry or something. I think maybe she's at her best friend's house, Hannah."Mr Jordan's eyes lit up.That may be true....who else will Janice be wi
She was super excited and relieved to see Drake coming to her rescue. Tears of relief etched at the corner of her eyes. He came for her! He must have sensed that I was in danger! But how did he know where to find me....? She pondered silently as she arched a brow at him curiously. "Drake! How did you know that I'm here?" She quizzed.He shrugged, winking at her."I just know, Janice. Now come one before Matt comes out!" He urged, waving her over.Her heart jumped at the mention of Matt. That monster! She never wants to be around him ever again! For now, she has been rescued, and she can safely go home and put this whole marriage behind her.Luckily, she has the videotape as evidence to nail Matt on the cross and call off the engagement. She rushed to the car and opened the passenger's door in the front seat and settled on it, jamming the shut quickly.For now, she will have to ask questions later."You good, Janice? I hope he didn't hurt you in there?" Drake asked, although his
*...if it wasn't Drake, then I would rather not love at all.* Damn it! Matt found out already? How did he even know about this? I thought he wasn't aware of it. What do you mean, Janice? Of course, Matt had been watching you non-stop! Only a fool wouldn't be aware of the deep connection that exists between you and Drake. At this point, I wouldn't even be surprised if the maids knew as well. The voice in her head taunted her. She bit her bottom lip frantically, trying to rein in the turbulent thoughts writhing inside of her head. She had to act cool and unbothered. Pretend as if you didn't know what he was saying, Janice. Act cool and get the hell out of here! The voice rang inside my head again like a Belfry. She sucked in several deep breaths and looked up at Matt intently, a smirk curling up her lips. "I have no idea what's you babbling about, Matt," she snapped, feigning ignorance. Matt scoffed, shaking his head. "Stop lying, Janice. It's too obvious! I'm not a