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