Nan’s POVBirthdays are not worth celebrating.At least, that is what I had felt about my own. Always working and only being able to afford medicine left little money for celebrations. Not that I cared about it.But this birthday…just might change my perspective. Most of the daily staff have been re
Patti skips the table, pulling Vera along. Lionel follows them, carrying the cake with care despite his earlier criticism. The atmosphere is relaxed and happy.I try hard not to look at Lionel. I scold myself for noticing that he no longer chooses the chair closest to me, or the one that faces me. I
Nan’s POVI had never been to a cocktail party.It had been a week since my birthday dinner. Things were good, but a certain event had popped up. Lionel was obligated to attend a cocktail party a business associate was hosting.He had pleaded with me. “Come on, Nan, I need a plus one. Don’t leave me
But then Lionel comes across the business associate who invited him. “Lionel, it’s a pleasure to see you.” The man’s voice is deep, slow but cultured.“Thompson, it’s a pleasure to see you too.” There is a sincere quality to Lionel’s statement. I am surprised.“I hate to rush you straight away, but
Nan’s POV David must be certifiably insane.That is the only explanation for the nonsense spewing out of his mouth. I am unsure what I expected when he cornered me. Threats, or spiteful comments, perhaps.But a love confession? I did not see that coming. His one-sided appeal continues.“…didn’t end
But his hold on me is tight. Bruising. Fear begins to break through my rage.“If you don’t let go, I will scream.” I try to warn. But my bravo is lost.But David does not acknowledge my threat. All thoughts of revenge are now gone. He tugs at my necklace.“Take this off. I need to see it. Take it of
Third Person POV Nan Lupa…Nan freaking Lupa…Malina could not believe that gold digger’s audacity.The party had been as expected. Fundraising for some poor peasants that nobody actually cared about. Cold cunning and ruthlessness hidden behind society polite smiles and feigned interest in each other
I only pay attention to the ones that I see have potential to be one of those select few. The conversations are less boring and allow me to get a better understanding of their potential. I like to stay informed about potential allies.Thompson bowed his head to me. “That’s not a bad idea. I’ll have
Third Person POVIt had been the easiest wedding Nan had ever planned.She knew that she might have been stressed under any other circumstances. Nan had survived much worse than planning her own wedding. So this did not phase her.Scarlett and her sister had been a huge help in that regard.Nan was
He pulled out all the way and then slammed back in. Again and again. It was fast and brutal.I loved every second of it. This is what I had been craving. Lionel at his wildest and utterly crazed for me.At one point he turned me onto all fours. This new ankle only brought him deeper. Making me clenc
Nan’s POVIt should have been awkward.We were on a deserted island. The heavy weight of history of this place resting over us like a dark cloud. Exposed to the elements.It should not have been as arousing as it was.There was something about this that excited me. We were out in the open. Anyone co
I felt sick to my stomach. Everything I had uncovered had hinted at some dark origins. I could not have imagined anything like this.I could imagine it in my mind’s eye. The betrayal from the people they had led. Blood and shackles their new fate.“Only one clan remembered its original purpose. Only
Nan’s POVThis was the moment I had been waiting for.Mr. Holder had allowed us to go home and rest for a while. Correctly guessing that Lionel and I needed time to rest after that ordeal. Neither of us wanted to be far from each other that night.Mr. Holder had requested for us to meet with him at
I let the bond wash over me. Lionel pushes his emotions through. His fear, his worry, his love.I send back my own terrible fear and pain. He takes it into himself. Almost cupping it like he would a wound.There are no true words in the bond. Not really. But if there were…‘Remember…fight…remember w
Nan’s POVMy entire world was aflame.Fire filled my vision. Smoke burned my lungs. I held my breath.The fire licked at my skin. Heated my blood. Seeking to fill the hollow of my bones.The strangest thing was that I was not burning.I should have been. Any normal fire would nave incinerated me. Ye
“Yes?”“If we do this-” She begins.“Nan!” I interject sharply.I am ignored.“-and it fails…what will happen to me?” She asks tightly.He meets her gaze head on. Unflinching. “You would most likely perish.”“See?! It’s too risky!” I growl.Nan is not paying me any mind. Her attention is directed at
Lionel’s POV“Today marks your third trial.”“What is today?” I ask weakly. “Running through the forest…a treasure hunt?”Each trial had gotten progressively more difficult. I had not forgotten the man’s last words to us. Knowing that this would be the worst of all did not inspire much confidence in