Lucas continued, "And... he invites both of you. He wanted to apologize to Ms. Hazel in front of everyone."Francisco's jaw tightened at the mention of Hazel. The memory of Andrew's offense against her flared up in his mind, reigniting his anger. "Apologize?" Francisco echoed, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "That scumbag thinks an apology will make up for what he did?"Lucas stepped closer, trying to maintain a calm demeanor."Boss, this might be an opportunity. Let him apologize publicly. It will humiliate him, and we can use it to our advantage. It shows that even someone like Andrew fears you and respects Ms. Hazel."Francisco leaned back in his chair, contemplating Lucas's words. He knew Lucas was right; a public apology from Andrew would be a powerful statement. It would reinforce his authority and protect Hazel's dignity. But the idea of cooperating with Andrew, even temporarily, left a bitter taste in his mouth."Okay, boss, tomorrow night. I will inform him then," Lucas said
Francisco blinked his eyes slowly, trying to steady himself as he walked into the room. "A... Umm... It's okay. You don't have to take permission every time from me. After all, it's your mansion too," he stammered, his voice uncharacteristically uncertain.Hazel glanced at him and offered a slight smile before returning to tidying her clothes. Francisco bit his lower lip, feeling a mix of nervousness and desire. He watched her, his mind racing. Why was he so hesitant? He had longed for Hazel to accept him, and now that she had, his emotions were a tangled mess.He tugged at his sleeves, his nerves getting the best of him. He couldn't understand why he felt this way. He wanted nothing more than to kiss Hazel deeply, to hold her close, but something was holding him back. As he looked at her back, he took a deep breath, his resolve hardening.Francisco tightened his jaw, his eyes fixed on Hazel. In a sudden burst of determination, he moved towards her swiftly, closing the distance betwee
Hazel finished her dinner before Francisco and retreated to the bedroom, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts. She had resolved to share the room with Francisco, but the uncertainty of the night ahead filled her with nervous anticipation. Would she be able to sleep next to him? Would he even let her sleep?She took a deep breath and opened her closet, deciding to change into something more comfortable. She made up her mind to use the night as an opportunity to learn more about his childhood. If he tried to get intimate, she planned to stop him and steer the conversation towards something less daunting.Just as she finished changing, she heard the door creak open. Francisco stepped inside, his presence filling the room. Hazel tightened her lips with nervousness but forced a smile, saying, “I thought you wouldn't sleep now.”Francisco raised his brows, his tone calm as he asked, “Why? Don’t you want me to come now?”Hazel tried to smile with a sound, saying, “No, it’s not like that. It’s ju
Francisco's large palm moved slowly through Hazel's hair, their gazes locked, the room charged with anticipation. Hazel's heart raced, but she tried to steady herself, reminding herself she had to stay composed, to take the lead.She moved her head slightly on the pillow, her movements deliberate and alluring. "So, what if I don't give you permission?" she asked, her voice a mix of challenge and invitation.Francisco’s fingers continued to gently rub her scalp, his touch soothing yet electrifying. "Then I will only touch you," he replied, his voice deep and filled with longing.Hazel's eyes sparkled with mischief."What if I don't let you touch me either?"Francisco exhaled heavily, the sound a mixture of frustration and desire. "Then I will only watch you."A small smile played on Hazel's lips as she pressed them together, contemplating her next move. But Francisco's intense gaze caught her action, and he spoke out, "Don't do that.""Why?""It makes me hard," Francisco admitted, his
Next morning, Hazel opened her eyes slowly, yawning as she stretched. She was lying on Francisco’s chest, his arm cradling her head. As she shifted, she felt his palm resting on her belly. Hazel looked up at the ceiling, then turned to gaze at Francisco’s sleepy face.It was the first time she had seen him still asleep. He had really long lashes, and his expression was so serene, almost boyish. Hazel kept her eyes locked on him for a few minutes, a mixture of emotions churning inside her. She then slowly sat up on the bed, careful not to wake him. Francisco remained in deep sleep. Hazel couldn't tell if he was pretending or genuinely asleep.She glanced at the table where his phone lay. The urgency of the situation hit her — she needed access to his phone. Hazel turned back to Francisco, who still hadn't moved. She felt a surge of adrenaline as she inched closer to the phone, her hand trembling slightly. She reached out cautiously, her fingers just about to make contact with the phone
Francisco sat relaxed in his chair, legs crossed, touching his forehead as if pondering his next move. In front of him knelt a mid-aged man, hands and mouth bound, his eyes pleading and desperate. Max stood beside the man, his hands smeared with blood from the recent beating."He sneaked," Max muttered, loading his gun. "Francisco, he’s an informer, I guess."Francisco's eyes narrowed, a cold glint flashing in them. Max raised his hand to slap the man again, but Francisco intervened."Stop!" he commanded, his voice calm but firm."Untie his mouth."Max complied, and the man gasped for air once his gag was removed."I didn’t do anything. I just sneaked here out of curiosity," he stammered."But, you saw a lot of things," Francisco remarked, his tone casual yet menacing."Yes, I agree I did. But I won’t tell anyone about it. I swear," the man pleaded, his voice trembling.Francisco sighed and rose to his feet."Though we didn't find anything from you, I don’t think we need to kill you,"
Hazel looked at herself in the mirror, adjusting the sleek black gown that clung to her figure with a smooth, flattering silhouette. The ruffled sleeves and sweetheart neckline added a touch of elegance, while the skirt flowed into a soft mermaid shape, finishing with a full-length hem. The gown was stunning, but she couldn't help but notice that her closet was dominated by black dresses, a reflection of her current state of mind.She made a loose bun with her hair, leaving a few strands untied to frame her face. Taking a deep breath, she looked at herself critically.She sprayed a light aroma on her neck and wrists, the familiar scent calming her nerves. She glanced at the clock and noted that they were running late. Francisco, known for his punctuality, was not yet back, which worried her slightly.Her thoughts drifted to her father’s call. He mentioned a plan for next Friday.She knew what he was hinting at: she needed to get her hands on Francisco's phone to disable the surroundin
Francisco's hands moved with tender confidence as they traced the curve of Hazel's waist. Their eyes were locked in an intense gaze, each breath they took syncing with the other's. Hazel's fingers danced down Francisco's chest, pausing at his belt."It's bursting," she whispered, her voice a soft caress.Francisco's fingers continued their gentle exploration, his voice a husky murmur, "Shouldn't it?""Doesn't a gentleman have it?"Hazel looked at him; his side face was so sharp, as well the jaw-line. Slowly her gaze moved from her lips to his apple bone, then his nipples, slowly on his abs.Hazel tilted her head slightly, a playful smile tugging at her lips.With a playful tug on his belt, Hazel led Francisco into the bathroom. The Thai glass door slid shut behind them.Francisco's phone, abandoned on the dresser, vibrated incessantly.At Andrew's party, Max checked his watch for the umpteenth time, irritation etched on his face. Francisco had assured him he would be late, but over th
The room fell silent again, the tension thick enough to cut with a knife. Dimitri, unbothered by Hazel’s sharp retort, simply smiled at her, his composure as smooth as the wine he swirled in his glass.“Ah, then it must be the sweetest regret for you,” Dimitri said, taking a sip of his drink. His voice carried a mocking lilt. “Just imagine—you’re sleeping with one of us every night.”Hazel’s expression hardened, her face a mask of controlled fury.Dimitri leaned back in his chair, sneering, “How helpless you are. Isn’t it fascinating?”The words struck a nerve, driving home the oppressive reality of her situation. Dimitri had skillfully highlighted her vulnerability, reminding her of the sheer powerlessness she felt among people who thrived on corruption and violence. Hazel could feel the weight of every eye on her, and the humiliation was almost unbearable.Without a word, she yanked her hand free from Francisco’s grip. Her voice was firm, yet laced with barely concealed frustration,
Francisco didn’t react immediately. His sharp gaze fixed on Dimitri’s hand for a long moment, as if calculating every possible outcome of this exchange. Then, finally, he reached out and clasped Dimitri’s hand in his own. The handshake was firm, neither man willing to back down, their locked hands a silent battle of wills.“I am sorry for my unprofessional attitude,” Dimitri said smoothly, his tone carrying a hint of insincerity as their hands finally parted. His smirk never wavered."So, how are you?" Dimitri asked, his voice light, though his eyes glinted with something sharper. "How’s life been treating you all these years?"Francisco pressed his lips together briefly, raising his brows in acknowledgment before answering curtly. "It’s going well."Dimitri nodded, his smile remaining as he leaned forward slightly, folding his arms.“I see,” he said, his voice casual, though the room seemed to tighten around his words.“Yeah, normally it would be good. After all, you’ve been... killi
They soon reached a secluded area where several high-ranking clan members were gathered around a grand table, each one deep in conversation. James, Lilith, and Ron—son of the Wolf Clan boss—sat among them, each turning their attention as Francisco and Hazel approached. The atmosphere here was different; there was a tension woven into the room’s decor and the careful way everyone held themselves. Conversations halted momentarily, eyes shifting toward them with mixed expressions.Francisco’s gaze swept over the group, searching. He noted familiar faces, but one key figure was missing.Dimitri!The room fell silent as Francisco and Hazel stepped into the circle. The clan members’ conversations came to an abrupt halt, their gazes shifting toward the pair.Francisco eased into a seat on the plush couch, pulling Hazel down beside him. His expression was calm, but Hazel could feel the undercurrent of tension in his movements.Lilith, seated nearby, took a sharp breath, her face hardening. He
Without a word, Hazel opened the car door and slid inside, leaving the two men standing in a charged silence. Francisco took a slow step closer to Arthur, his gaze flicking to the car window where Hazel sat, her eyes cast elsewhere. Then he turned back to Arthur, his tone low and deliberate.“Arthur,” he said quietly, “I trust you’ll remember your boundaries.”The statement was calm, almost conversational, but laced with an unmistakable edge.Arthur swallowed, feeling the weight of Francisco’s gaze.“Boss, I…” He stammered, struggling to explain, though he knew words wouldn’t change what Francisco had seen.Francisco’s gaze sharpened.“I saw everything, Arthur. Now consider, what if it happens again next time, then?”His tone was laced with an unspoken warning, leaving no room for misinterpretation.Arthur’s throat went dry, and he forced himself to respond.“I… understand, sir. And if there’s any punishment…”He hesitated, glancing up briefly before returning his eyes to the ground.
Francisco seemed to hesitate, just for a moment, before his face softened, and an almost imperceptible shift took place in his demeanor. He touched her cheek with his nose, slowly, gently.Then, he moved closer, pressing his lips against her skin in a slow, almost tender gesture.The moment was brief. As quickly as it began, Francisco released his grip, pulling away from her body. He stood there, staring down at her, his chest still rising and falling with quick breaths.Hazel took a steadying breath, shifting her gaze away from Francisco as she wrestled with the storm inside her. His words, his actions—everything about him sickened her, and she knew she could never forgive him. He had taken everything from her, shattering the life she once had. Now, she was nothing more than a prisoner in his world, bound by his relentless will.He wanted her to bear his child, to lock her in this prison forever. That, she vowed, would never happen. She would find a way, at any cost, to make sure she
Francisco and Hazel were close, their breaths mingling in the quiet room. Hazel traced her fingers along his chest, feeling the warmth of his skin. She moved with confidence, leaning in to press her lips to his earlobe and then sliding her hands down to his abs, pushing his shirt aside. Francisco let her take the lead.Settling onto his lap, Hazel wrapped her arms around his neck, her lips pressing softly along his jaw and then his neck. She took her time, her fingers exploring his chest, tracing lines along his muscles as though savoring every detail. Francisco watched her, feeling his heart race as she kissed him, giving him a playful bite on his lower lip. She was in control, and he was okay with it.Francisco closed his eyes, exhaling a low sigh as she brushed her hand over his chest, her fingers teasing against his skin. He threaded his fingers through her hair, guiding her closer, a silent invitation for her to continue.She moved slowly, her kisses trailing down his chest as sh
Francisco stood behind the sofa, watching Hazel as she lounged comfortably, legs stretched out to claim the entire space. Her silent message was clear—she wasn’t giving him any room, and she wasn’t going to make this easy.He took a slow, steadying breath. Hazel’s defiance was like a game to her, a dance of control and challenge, and while it was often silly, it sometimes gnawed at his patience.Without a word, he stepped around the sofa, his presence looming close, yet she didn’t so much as glance his way. Instead, her attention remained fixed on the TV, as if he were merely part of the scenery.With a firm but gentle grip, Francisco took hold of her legs, the unexpected touch finally drawing her gaze up to him. He didn’t hesitate, lowering himself onto the sofa and placing her legs across his lap, his fingers grazing over her skin, smooth and warm beneath his touch.Hazel took a deep breath, keeping it measured, as if not wanting to reveal any reaction. They sat in silence, the soft
“Are you having a meeting?” Hazel’s voice was light, feigning innocence as she tilted her head and looked at Francisco.Francisco’s grip on the edge of the laptop tightened, his knuckles whitening. His expression was steely, though he nodded curtly, lips pressed together. “Yes,” he replied, his tone clipped. “But I think it’s best I end it.”Hazel’s hand slipped over his, her fingers tracing gentle patterns as she let out a low, teasing laugh. “Oh, no need,” she murmured, her eyes gleaming with mischief. Leaning in, her lips barely an inch from his ear, she whispered, “We can pick up where we left off… after your meeting, honey.”Then, without warning, she brushed her lips across his jaw, lingering there before flicking her tongue against his neck in a swift, provocative gesture. Her breath was warm against his skin, leaving him stunned. She straightened, smiling at his speechless expression, and sauntered off without a backward glance.The meeting room on the laptop had fallen int
“Let’s get this over with,” Lucas muttered, his hand resting on the gun beneath his jacket.Max scanned the area with a quick, calculating glance. His gaze lingered on the shadows stretching under the skeletal beams of the half-constructed building. He nodded to the men they’d brought along. “Time to make this quick. We’ve got another job lined up after this.”They climbed the stairs in silence, the distant hum of machinery barely muffling the echo of their footsteps. The building rose fifteen stories high, though most floors were little more than concrete and rebar. On the third floor, they found a dimly lit corner where a yellowish bulb cast a sickly glow over a makeshift table. Around it stood four men, their faces shadowed, expressions hidden. One man, however, sat in the center, his face partially obscured by the dark.Max and Lucas walked to the table. Max took the empty chair across from the man, settling in with a practiced ease, crossing one leg over the other. Lucas remaine