"The thing is, I don’t like that person whom Diana is hanging around," Max admitted with a deep breath, a hint of unease in his voice.Francisco, sensing the weight of Max's unspoken concerns, studied his friend's face. However, Max seemed hesitant, unable to articulate the full truth. He pressed his lips together, avoiding eye contact by looking around the room, a clear sign of his nervousness.Francisco, though slightly puzzled, maintained his composure. He offered a reassuring smile and placed a hand on Max's shoulder."Then force her to the mansion."Max's gaze met Francisco's, but his response wasn't as immediate as expected. He exhaled slightly, a weariness apparent in his expression.He could force her, indeed. The authority to do so was well within his grasp. But at that moment, Max yearned for more than just control; he desired a respite, a break from the relentless responsibilities that had been pressing down on him.He entertained the idea of taking a week off, a brief esc
"Give her nitroglycerin if she feels the pain again," Diana instructed a nurse as she handed over a file.After tending to her patient, Diana walked out of the cabin, a tired expression etched on her face. Her neck ached, and the idea of a massage lingered as a tempting solution.Moving wearily, she opened her cabin door, intending to retreat to her room for some much-needed rest. However, her plans were interrupted as she spotted Ben standing there with a cake."Ben," she said, a mixture of surprise and curiosity in her voice."Ah, Diana…" he responded, rising to his feet."What are you doing here, and what does this mean?" Diana inquired, eyeing the cake with genuine surprise."I thought you needed it, so I brought it," Ben explained, a sincere gesture evident in his words.Hearing Ben's explanation, Diana's exhaustion momentarily lifted, replaced by a light smile. She took a seat in her chair, a silent acknowledgment of the unexpected sweetness that Ben had brought into her day.Be
Diana emerged from the hospital, the urgency in her steps. It was 8 pm, and she was in a hurry to return to the mansion. The need to find out where Francisco had sent Max consumed her thoughts.In her hurried state, Ben, one of her confidants and a source of support, spotted her and called out, "Diana!"Turning to face him, she replied, "Ben!""Are you in a hurry?" he inquired, noticing the tension in her demeanor."Um… actually, yes. I need to go home," she responded, not slowing down.Ben, sensing the gravity of the situation, stopped her with a gentle touch. "I will drive you," he offered.Diana, her mind preoccupied with thoughts of Max and the need for answers, declined, saying, "No… not today, dear. Okay, I am leaving. I will call you after going home, okay?"Without waiting for a response, Diana briskly walked away, leaving Ben standing with a sense of curiosity and concern. As he watched her disappear into the distance, he couldn't help but wonder about what happened suddenly
The maid, having prepared the bath for Hazel, left the room as Hazel entered the bathroom, wrapping a towel around her. The door closed behind the maid, leaving Hazel in solitude as she contemplated the inviting tub before her.Hazel's eyes fell on the inviting tub, adorned with floating rose petals, emitting a sweet and enticing aroma.A moment of contemplation passed before she moved the towel, gracefully easing herself into the warm water. A contented sigh escaped her lips as the soothing embrace of the bath enveloped her."Ahh..."She leaned back, gazing up at the ceiling, allowing the soothing embrace of the water to envelop her. At this moment of relaxation, Hazel's thoughts drifted to the events that had transpired, particularly the unexpected drive.Where can I find the drive?The possibilities floated in her mind.Would it be in his bedroom?A surge of uncertainty clouded her thoughts. She couldn't simply enter without the password or Francisco's voice.While pondering, Hazel
Hazel emerged from her room, her eyes scanning the surroundings that now felt eerily vacant. A chill ran down her spine, akin to the stillness of a vampire's mansion.Despite the bustling activity she had witnessed earlier, she found herself alone in the mansion's corridors.Tip-toeing cautiously, Hazel ventured forth. The silence hung thick, broken only by the echo of her own footsteps. A sense of foreboding enveloped her, making her hyper-aware of the clandestine nature of the mansion.As she explored, Hazel's keen observations kicked in, noticing the numerous CCTV cameras strategically placed throughout the mansion. A wave of caution washed over her, compelling her to maintain an air of normalcy, as though oblivious to the surveillance that silently observed her every move.Descending the staircase, Hazel's bewilderment deepened. The once-bustling mansion had transformed into an empty labyrinth.Where is everyone?She wondered, her voice lost in the silence that enveloped the gran
Hazel finished her dinner, but Francisco remained behind closed doors. An hour passed, and her curiosity deepened when she spotted a maid making her way towards his room. Hazel's eyebrows arched inquisitively.Contemplating whether to approach him, Hazel hesitated. If Francisco didn't open the door, how could she initiate a conversation? Deep in thought, she walked towards her room, clutching the book tightly. Upon locking the door, Hazel sighed, feeling a sense of frustration."Damn it. I need to do something. But what can I do?" She muttered, sinking onto her bed. With a determined breath, she opened the book, hoping its pages might offer solace or distraction.As Hazel continued reading the book, she stumbled upon a dialogue in Italian, seemingly spoken by a character playing both the hero and the villain, expressing feelings towards a girl. Her fingers traced the sentences, feeling the rhythmic flow of the depth of the meaning.Suddenly, as if struck by an idea, Hazel stood up, h
As Diana slowly opened her eyes, she found herself in a quaint cottage, her surroundings adorned with thoughtful decorations."Umm..."Diana murmured, her head throbbing with a dull ache.With a sleepy gaze, she took in the unfamiliar yet charming setting.The seagulls' cry outside became more apparent, drawing her attention to the nearby sea. The waves crashed against the shore, visible from the cottage's windows. However, her awareness heightened as she noticed a man's dress laid out on the bed beside her.‘Where am I?’She wondered aloud, her disorientation growing.She touched her head, trying to make sense of the situation. Her eyes darted to her attire — shorts and a bra. A sudden realization struck her."What the hell? Who changed my dress?"Diana's voice carried a mix of confusion and concern. As she recalled the events leading up to her current state, the memory of being kidnapped flooded back.‘Last night, I was kidnapped.’She thought, her eyes widening in alarm.She scanne
Hazel's eyelids fluttered open slowly, consciousness seeping back into her. The familiar surroundings confirmed her location, and the hand firmly grasping her waist belonged to none other than Francisco.Last night, he had slept with her.Hazel took a moment to steady her breath, aware that her first task was to extricate herself from his lingering touch.She could feel his hot breath against her bare neck, a sensation that both intrigued and unnerved her.‘Hot, steady breath!’She observed quietly, the realization dawning on her.‘It seems as if his breaths are calculative.’The notion that Francisco's breaths were measured and purposeful stirred a peculiar blend of curiosity.She pressed her lips together, contemplating the implications of the intimate proximity.Determined to disentangle herself from his embrace, Hazel slowly moved his hand, mindful not to disturb his slumber. The way he held her suggested a protective embrace, as if fearing she might attempt to escape.Hazel ginge
It had been hours, the room pulsed with dim red and blue lights, an eerie ambiance that cloaked its sinister purpose. The heavy scent of leather, sweat, and stale perfume filled the air. On the floor, Hazel knelt, bound and blindfolded. Her wrists were shackled with cold steel chains, the metal biting into her skin as she trembled.She was clad in tight lace lingerie, her body exposed and vulnerable.Her breaths came in short, ragged gasps, her head drooping as if the strength to resist had long since left her. The collar around her neck tugged slightly as the man looming over her adjusted the leash. Hazel whimpered softly, her voice breaking the unsettling silence.She whimpered as the sting of the whip bit into her back again.“Um…” Her voice was faint, a mixture of pain and helplessness.The man, his face hidden behind an eye mask, grinned maliciously. His big belly heaved as he leaned closer, his hand brushing against her thigh. “How does it feel to play, darling?” he hissed, his
Max nodded, his gaze steady despite the weight of the situation. Ignoring Dimitri’s sly remarks, he turned his attention to Francisco. “Francisco,” he said firmly, signaling discreetly for him to step aside.Francisco’s sharp eyes narrowed slightly, scanning Max’s expression. Something wasn’t right.Dimitri, ever the provocateur, interrupted with a smirk. “What’s this? Is everything alright, Max?”Max forced a tight smile, keeping his tone neutral. “Yes. It’s a personal matter.”Dimitri raised an eyebrow, feigning concern. “Ah, I see. For a moment, I thought my important guests weren’t being looked after properly.”Max’s lips curved into a quick, thin smile. “It’s your party, Dimitri. There’s no way it could flop.”Before Dimitri could respond, Max turned back to Francisco, his urgency thinly veiled. “Francisco, we need you. Right now.”Francisco’s piercing gaze lingered on Max for a moment, searching for answers in his eyes. Sensing the gravity of the situation, he rose from his se
Francisco’s jaw clenched as his phone buzzed again, Arthur’s name flashing on the screen. He let out a slow, deliberate breath, trying to mask the turmoil building within. The room was silent except for the faint rustle of papers and the occasional clink of glasses.Dimitri leaned back in his chair, his sharp eyes glinting with amusement as he lightly touched his lips with his thumb. He observed Francisco with a predatory curiosity, savoring the rare moment of tension in the usually unflappable man.“What happened, Francisco?” Dimitri finally broke the silence, his voice calm but laden with intrigue.Francisco’s gaze flicked at him, sharp but unreadable. Before he could respond, James interjected with a smirk, “You’re not the old Francisco anymore, are you?”Dimitri chuckled softly. “Perhaps Hazel is responsible for that change.”The room’s atmosphere shifted, charged with unspoken truths. Francisco rubbed his forehead, his frustration evident, but he didn’t rise to their bait. Instea
Hazel swayed unsteadily as the girl held her arm firmly. “Are you okay?” the girl asked, her voice soft but laced with concern.Hazel pressed her lips together, nodding weakly. “Yes… I’m fine,” she muttered, but her words lacked conviction. She tried to focus her vision, but everything was still blurry. Her head throbbed, and her body felt uncomfortably warm.“I don’t know… I’m just—” Hazel murmured, glancing at the girl who was helping her. She couldn’t make out her face clearly in the haze of her drugged state, but her touch felt steady.“You’ll be fine,” the girl said soothingly. “Let’s get you out of this dress. It’s too tight—it’s not helping.”Hazel didn’t respond. She felt aware enough to understand the situation but too disoriented to resist or make decisions. Her mind spun with the realization that she must have been drugged, and the heat coursing through her body only confirmed her suspicion.The girl carefully worked to change Hazel’s dress. Hazel felt a cool breeze agai
Hazel sat on the barstool, her frustration palpable as she tapped her nails lightly on the counter. Her voice was low but sharp as she asked the bartender for a drink, not caring what it was. She couldn’t suppress the anger and despair bubbling inside her. Francisco had taken everything—her freedom, her choices, her dignity—and left her trapped in a life she never wanted.The glass of beer arrived, and Hazel absently twirled her finger along its rim. Her thoughts spiraled as she stared into the amber liquid. Once, she had stood tall as a detective, a servant of justice. Now, she was no better than a prisoner, bound to a man whose world revolved around power and crime.She finished the drink in one swift gulp, the bitterness burning her throat. "Another, pig," she muttered, her words dripping with venom. The bartender narrowed his eyes but complied, sliding another glass toward her with a wary glance.As she lifted the second drink to her lips, a familiar voice interrupted her."Ma’am,
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.