I’m seething in rage.Who does the don think he is, to kidnap my daughter for ransom. Bastards!I’m loosing it! It’s already out in the press, that my daughter has been missing for weeks now, journalists are stationed outside my house, all of there fishing a little piece of information.I don’t like it. Those fucking bastards - poking their nose in what does not concern them. Soon they’ll start asking more questions, especially if the know that Tiffany’s kidnappers have made a ransom and I’ve refused to pay.It’s meant to look like a normal kidnap, but if words get out that I still haven’t paid the money, they’ll start to dig deeper.It won’t take them long to realize that the people who have Tiffany are actually business associates - a business deal gone wrong.I can’t let that happen. I won’t let that happen.I need to do something, if they knew I was on to them, that I figured out their hideout, then it’s either I have an informant among my men, or something was just not right.Whe
I’m mad and furious.I was close to finding Tiffany. These close.Fucking Dave.if he hadn’t showed up when he did, Rex would have found the safe house a lot sooner and we would have gotten there on time.Now we’re stuck in another dead in.“Anything?” I ask Rex for the 100th time.He sighed and shook his head.“Maybe you should chill,” Joe said, “I’m sure your pacing is making it difficult for him to concentrate, right Rex?”Rex nods in agreement, his eyes fixed on the computer screen in front of him. "Yeah, Mark, please. I'm trying to hack into the security system, but it's not easy. I need focus."I take a deep breath and try to calm down, but it's hard. Tiffany is out there, and every minute counts. I can't believe Dave showed up and ruined our chance to get to her. I pace around the room, trying to burn off some of the excess energy."Come on, Rex," I say, trying to keep my voice even. "We need to find her. We can't let Temper get his hands on her."Rex nods, his fingers flying a
I'm still reeling from what just happened. I can't believe I let it happen. Even more shocking, I can't deny that I enjoyed it.Stefano and I lie on the couch, our legs tangled together, but there's no tender embrace or sweet whispers. The silence between us is deafening. I'm desperate to know what's going through his mind. Is he plotting his next move? Or is he thinking about how to dispose of me once he's done with me?Stefano's gaze pierces through me, his eyes burning with an intensity that makes my heart race. I try to read his expression, but it's like trying to decipher a puzzle. He's silent, brooding, and it's unnerving.I attempt to break the silence, my voice barely above a whisper. "Stefano, what's going on in your head? What are you thinking?" He doesn't respond, his eyes never leaving mine.I feel like a trapped animal, unable to escape his gaze. Suddenly, he speaks, his voice low and husky. "I'm thinking about how much I want to keep you."I feel a shiver run down my spi
Jim,” I call on my bodyguard. “Clean this mess up”He nods once and heads out.I pick up a rag and clean my hands. The nerves of this bastard. I wonder what he was doing here in the first place.When Jim came back with the two other men, I told him. “When you’re done, search every nook and cranny of this office. I don’t know what this bastard was doing here, but I’m sure it’s nothing good”“Yes boss” he replies and I leave.I just had a sumptuous dinner, he had to come and ruin it for me. The audacity of Dave, showing his face here. Despite the warnings, did he think I was joking, about killing him if he failed to follow my instructions. He must have thought I was bluffing, because what else would give him the nerves to come into my house.I wonder how he even got in the first place, without getting informed. I had made it clear to the men at the gate to let me know whenever he shows his face. I don’t know why I’ve got incompetent fools around me. I should fire each and everyone of th
I’m pissed with myself right now. How did I let things go this far with Tiffany. Now she’s thinking I used her to satisfy my lust.Which is not true. I mean I wanted her, the way any normal man would desire a hot beautiful like her. But I don’t recall promising her that things would be different once It happened.We were having a good time. But she had to go and ruin it with her attitude. But truly what was I expecting, that would’ve a nice time and suddenly the spoilt, overbearing princess is gone.But then another, I can’t totally blame her. I mean I kidnap the girl for goodness sake. And what was that about keeping her? I must be really delusional.I was wrong. I realize that now, no one wants to be called out by their attitude by someone they just shared an intimate moment with. I had taken things too far, I had let my desire cloud my judgment and now I was facing the consequences, she’s mad and she has every right to be, any normal person would. I have to apologize.I move around
I shouldn’t do this. I should turn around and leave now. The man wants me dead for fuck sake!. He literally just shot someone dead, who’s to say he won’t do same to me.But I’m here already, there’s no turning back.“Come in” one of his numerous bodyguards says and leads me inside.“Mark,” Temper says curtly once he sees me. “Good to see you” he adds sarcastically.“Temper,” I nod once, trying to appear calm.He nods to Jim, his head bodyguard who gives me a threatening look before leaving. As if I could try anything if I wanted to.“I got your messages” I say with a deadpan expression on my face. “I wonder if you got mine”“Dave?, that was you huh? I should have known. Well, I’m glad you got to see how he ended. Try anything funny and you might be next”I chuckle humorlessly, “you really think you can still threaten me. Even after knowing I’ve got evidence that could not only destroy your life but your ambition as well. Wow Temper, you’re so predictable”Temper sneers, his eyes glin
I don’t want to listen to anything Stefano has to say. But I’m curious. What could he possibly reveal that would change anything? I’m not interested in his life story. All I want is to get the hell out of this place.Yet, a part of me wants to hear him out, to understand what drives him, to comprehend the complexity of his twisted mind.I remain silent, my eyes fixed on the door, my ears straining to hear his words.“All my life, I’ve only known survival.” He pause “ I didn’t grow up with the kind of luxury you grew up with,” he starts, his voice laced with vulnerability that’s hard to ignore, a tone I’ve never heard before.“I had to fight for every scrap of food, every moment of safety. That’s all I’ve ever known.”He moves around a bit, as though adjusting his sitting position. “It’s a tough life out there Tiffany. You have no idea how lucky you.” He inhaled and exhaled“The only family I ever knew was my grandmother, and at the age of five, I already knew I wasn’t wanted. She cons
I drive away from Temper’s mansion, my mind racing with the implications of our conversation. I know I have just poked a dangerous bear, but I had to take a stand. Temper’s game have gone way too far, and I’m determined to bring him down.As I drive, I can’t help but think about Tiffany. Where is she? Is she okay? Is she safe? I push the thoughts aside and focus on the road ahead. I need to stay focused if I’m going to get out of this alive.My phone rings, breaking the silence, I answer. Hoping it’s Rex or Joe with some news about Tiffany. But it’s an unknown number.“Hello, is this Mark?,” a woman asked, her voice trembling “it’s Dave’s wife, Sarah. I need your help. My husband said I should call you whenever the need arises.” She saidMy heart skips a beat. “Sarah, what’s going on?”“I’m at my mother’s house, it’s —" I cut in “ I know where it is. Go on,” I urge her, speeding up. “ temper’s men are outside,” she whispers “they are going to kill me and my daughter.” She criesI grip
Tiffany turns to me, her face hurt and confused. "Was that what this whole tantrum you've been throwing was about?" she asks, her voice trembling.I feel a surge of shame and guilt, knowing I've hurt her. I try to speak, but she cuts me off, turning to Stefano."And you," she says, her voice cold and venomous. "You're just as bad. Using me as a pawn in your twisted game of cat and mouse. I'm not a prize to be won, Stefano. I'm a person."Stefano looks down, guilt all over his face. "Tiff—" I try to speak, but she cuts me off."No, I've already dealt enough with my father's manipulation. I'm so over this," she says, her voice firm and hurt. She turns and walks out of the room, leaving me feeling like I've really messed up.I realize now that I should have kept my emotions in check. But why would she get involved with her captor in the first place? Is she that naive?"That wasn't a nice thing to say," Rex says to Stefano, his voice disapproving. Stefano looks genuinely remorseful.Mark
My eyes narrow at Mark. What the hell is wrong with him and why the fuck is he acting so selfish. He just shot a man, and he isn’t even concerned one bit. I get, he has every right to be cold towards Stefano. But right now, he’s acting really insensitive.“You have no idea what you’re talking about,” I whisper, taking a step closer to him, my fist clenched. “ you don’t know what he’s been through.”Mark snorts, rolling his eyes. “oh, spare me the drama Tiffany. I do not fucking care. What the fuck is wrong with you? He fucking kidnapped you Tiffany, and now what - I’m the bad guy, cut the crap. I just wasted my time. Let’s get out of here Rex, I’m fucking done with this bullshit.”“Will you chill Mark, you fucking shot someone.” Rex says, trying to calm him down.Mark shrugs “Yea so what, he fucking deserves it, I’m not sorry, look, I’m leaving.” Mark says and start moving towards the door.I’m shocked by marks behavior, What the hell is going on with him, he’s usually not like this.
I burst through the door, my heart racing with a mix of fear and adrenaline. I see Mark, Tiffany’s bodyguard, gun raised, and Tiffany’s desperate attempt to stop him. I try to dodge, But it’s too late. The bullet hits my arm with a searing pain, and I feel my self flying backwards, crashing to the floor.My other hand instinctively grabs my wounded arm, I look up, I see Tiffany’s horrified face above me. “Stefano, no, oh God no!” She screams, tears streaming down her face.Despite the agony, I manage to croak out a reassurance “I’m fine,” I lie trying to calm her down. But I know I am far from fine. The pain is intense, and I can feel blood seeping through my fingers. I glance at Mark, who looks like he’s in shock, and wonder if he meant to shoot me.“What the fuck Mark,” Tiffany says angrily ruining to my side.Mark looks distorted, his eyes darting back and forth between me and the other man whose gun is still pointed at me.“put the fucking gun down and help him, Tiffany pleads, he
“The fuck!” Tiffany exclaims as I and Rex burst the cabin door open “mark?!” She looks like she’s seen a ghost, her eyes wide open with shock and fear.The state I meet her in is not what I expected. She’s wearing old sweatpants and a worn out shirt. Her hair is damp, obviously from a shower. And she’s lost a lot of weight obviously, her cheeks sunken and her eyes prominent. But that’s not it either, she almost look… contented. A sense of calmness radiates from her, like she’s found a sense of peace in this isolated cabin.I scan the room for signs of her captive, while Rex makes a sweep the cabin, his gun drawn. But there’s no one else here. Just Tiffany, alone, looking almost … happy. The realization throws me off guard.“Tiffany?” I say but it comes out croaked“Mark?” She repeats again. Her face switching to relief as she comes forward and hugs me, throwing me off guard again.“Ohmygod we literally spoke about you this morning. Stefano was on his way to come find you. Oh my god. S
“Promise to be careful,” I say to Stefano as he sets to head back to the city.He nods, “I hate leaving you here alone” he whispers leaning into my neck and placing soft kisses. “You’ll be fine till I come back for you?” He says looking into my eyes, his gaze searching mine.My heart literally melts at his concern, I nod, “I’ll be.”“And you’ll wait, till I’m back.” He presses on, a hint of a smile playing in his lipsThat makes me chuckle. “Of course, where could I possible go. We’re in this together right?”“Right.” He replies, his voice low and gentle, he tilts my face up and presses his lips to mine.I kiss him back, savoring the moment, tasting him. I love the softness of his lips, I love how he always seems to taste of peppermint. We had spent last night cuddling, kissing and talking way into the night. I intend using the time he’s away to have a proper rest. And I’m worried about him, he didn’t sleep last night either, and if I think about it, I don’t think he’s ever had a prop
“You know what, you don’t need to answer that,” Sarah said, I heave a sigh of relief, I doubt I would have told her anyways. “Can I use the restroom?” She asked in the calmest tone you’d least expect from someone who has just been informed about the death of her husband.“Yea sure,” I and Rex reply in unisonShe gets up, “I’ll be quick mom,” she said to her mom, gives Chloe a quick peck before leaving for the bathroom“Do you think she’s—" Rex is asking when I cut in “do you think she’s going to be okay?” Thinking again, I add “of course not, that was a dumb question.”“She’s not okay now, but she’ll be. My daughter isn’t one to show emotions. She just needs time to take it in that’s all.” Her mum says “Thank you so much for your help?—"“Mark,” I respond.“Mark,” she repeats, her eyes welling up with tears “thank you.”I nod, feeling a sense of helplessness as I exchange eye contact with Rex and Joe. I want to do more to comfort her, but I know I’ve done all I can for now.Rex leaves
“It’s still not reachable?” I ask Tiffany for the hundredth time frustrated. You’d think that when you need someone urgently they’d be there to help.But no. We’ve been trying to reach Mark for hours now, his line went from ringing to no answer to now, finally unreachable.“What do we do now?” Tiffany ask wearyI sigh. “I don’t know honestly,”“We need to come up with plan B. If Mark’s not picking up then something must be wrong. Mark is always with his phone incase if emergency.” Tiffany response pacing.“ what do you suggest we do? I can’t tackle Don on my own. I’ll need help if I’m going to get us out of this alive”I rub my temples, thinking. We can’t just sit and do nothing, we need to take action. But what?I could take Tiffany with me to a different location, one Don isn’t aware of, but that would create more problems. And what happens if I’m found?, I’ll be shot dead straight away.“Okay,let’s think this through,” I say trying to calm my racing mind “do you perhaps know where
We arrive at Rex’s apartment, a nondescript building in a quiet neighborhood. I pay the driver and usher Sarah and her mom out the taxi, with little Chloe who was asleep, exhausted. Rex answers the door, a look of relief on his face when he sees us.“Uh thank God you made it,” he says ushering us inside. “We tried calling you severally.”That’s when I feel my pocket and realize I left my phone inside the car. “Fuck!” I exclaim“Mark,” Joe calls out coming from the living room “fuck you got us worried for a minute. We were this close to start looking for you.” He says heavy of a sigh of relief.“It’s fine. I’m fine. Abandoned my phone due to the chase. It was intense. I’m just glad no one got hurt. This is Sarah, Dave’s wife by the way, and her mum,” I turn to introduce them. “Little Chloe is asleep.”“Come in, come in.” Rex says, welcoming us “you’re safe now.”Noticing Sarah’s hesitance I nod, “it’s fine. They’re the good guys.”Sarah nods slightly, still looking uncertain, but she f
I can’t believe how much I’m enjoying myself. The diner is cozy and warm, and the waitress is friendly and welcoming. And Stefano…Stefano is being sweet and protective. I feel like I can trust him.As we wait for our food, I ask him about the plan. I know I can’t stay here forever. I need to go back to life. I don’t know what plans my father has or what Don’s intentions are if my father doesn’t pay up, but I don’t think we need to wait to find out, we need a plan.Stefano leans in close, his eyes locked on mine “we’ll figure something out,” he replied, his voice lie and reassuring. “We’ll get through this together.”I nod, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. I feel like I can count on him. I’m not alone in this anymore and that’s all that matters.When the food arrives i take a bite of the “kitchen sink” and my eyes widened in amazement. It’s incredible! Big enough to feed two people, the flavors and textures all work together perfectly.Stefano laughs at my reaction “that good?”