Madison "What got you down this morning?" I look up and force a smile at Frida. "Nothing, I'm fine." "Bullshit. I can see it all over your face. You are upset about something. Besides, you keep messing up this morning and nearly overcooked the pastries," Frida says and narrows her eyes at me. I sigh. I don't have a lot of people to talk to, so I might as well confide in Frida. "I had a fight with Stanley last night. Well, not exactly a fight, but worse." "Stanley? Who is that? A new boyfriend?" Frida's eyes sparkle with curiosity. "Gosh, no. Stanley is my older brother, and he also happens to be Victor's best friend." I groan. Frida nods in understanding. "Ah, let me guess. Bro found out about your hanky panky with the boss, and now bro is upset." My face turns bright red, and I hang my head. "Yeah, something like that. And now Stanley is furious with me, and I don't know how to fix things." Frida puts a hand on my shoulder. "Well, nothing serious happened between Victor and
Madison When I see Gustaf's bloodshot eyes and smell his sour, alcoholic breath, all I want to do is scream. But the sound gets muffled when he presses his filthy hand harder against my mouth while pulling me to him. Does this guy ever shower? There is a putrid smell on his skin as if he has been digging in his own ass. Disgusting. "Aw, did you just try to scream?" Gustaf scoffs mockingly as he tightens his hold on me. "Well, too damn bad because no one will be coming for you this time!" He laughs like a madman and drags me toward the stairs with horrifying strength that I stand no chance of fighting against. That doesn't stop me from trying, though. The first thing I do is try to stomp his feet, but he is wearing boots, and it proves ineffective. So I change my tactics and try to bite his arm—unwillingly tasting the filth that clings to him like a second skin. Tears prickle behind my eyelids, but I bite harder until Gustaf finally releases me. "You fucking bitch!" he pushes me
Madison When Victor’s strange friends come to take Gustaf away from the stair house, I’m not allowed anywhere near them. It shocks me. Stanley is acting as if the men are part of a criminal organization or something. Still, I won’t complain. My brother beat the crap out of Gustaf, and if this is the way to prevent jail time for Stanley, then I will turn a blind eye to what is happening downstairs. Instead, I sip my tea and hum to myself while the men throw Gustaf into the trunk of a big black SUV outside the apartment. I scroll a little on my phone and glance up when I hear the doorbell ring. Stanley chooses that moment to stroll into the kitchen while only wearing his goddamn boxers. “Are you expecting someone?” “No, and put on some clothes, will you?” My brother rolls his eyes at me, and I gasp when I see him stealing my energy drink from the fridge. “Hey!” I exclaim. “I was saving that!” Stanley smirks. “Well, too fucking bad…” I glare at him, and he gives me a wink before
Victor I wake up with a terrible headache this morning. My nose feels a bit stuffy, and my throat is starting to feel scratchy. I hope it's just a stupid cold and not something more serious. Fuck, I don't have time to get sick. My phone keep ringing nonstop as soon as I open my eyes this morning. Part of me wants to ignore it and go back to sleep, but the other part of me knows I cannot do that. I have responsibilities as the boss and have people counting on me. I grab the phone and call Marco back. "What is it?" I bark. Marco sounds surprised at my abruptness. "Sorry, boss. I didn't mean to bother you on your off day, but this is urgent." "What is it?" "It's Tony's brother. He found out where our headquarters and causing problems," Marco sounds frustrated. I groan. I really don't have the patience to deal with some kid. "What kind of problems? I need more details, Marc." "He showed up at the gate and started threatening the guards. Talking about how he knows we killed his br
Madison This is the first time I visit Victor at his mansion, and my eyes are close to popping out of their sockets. How the heck could he afford this place?! Victor’s mansion looks like a Getty Images picture. It’s white and gorgeous, with a large pool before its grand doors. There are lights around it so you can take a late-night swim, and palm trees in pots are placed everywhere as decoration. I swallow. My boyfriend is this rich, yet he is choosing to date a street rat like me? I mean, Jesus, just look at the details on the door! That thing must have cost him a fortune! As I stand there, marveling at everything, the mansion’s doors open to reveal a butler. He has pouty lips and a bald spot on top of his head. Wrinkles cover his face, and he doesn’t look friendly. If anything, everything about him screams pompous bastard, especially since he holds his hands perfectly folded. When he sees me, he wrinkles his nose as if disgusted. “I’m sorry, but this is a private estate. Begg
MadisonTaking care of Victor has been interesting, to say the least. Also exhausting, which is why watching him snore next to me is making me drowsy too.Maybe I should lie down next to him and close my eyes for a bit. I earned it by giving him this nice, long massage.As I lie down next to Victor, I can feel his warmth and the rise and fall of his chest with each breath he takes. It's comforting in a way, knowing that he's sleeping soundly and that I'm right here next to him.I wrap my arms around him and slowly drift off to sleep.I don't know how long I've been asleep, but something stirs me awake, a strange sensation between my legs.I feel warm...wet...Am I dreaming about being underwater? Where is Victor?"Mmm..." a moan escapes my throat, and my eyes snap open. I look down and gasp as I see Victor's thick, black hair between my legs.Holy shit, is he eating me out right now?Victor looks up and smiles at me. "Good morning."My heart is pounding in my chest as I stare into his
Madison I stare at the necklace for a second longer before I put the box and necklace back where I found them. I’m sure there is a logical explanation for why Victor has them, but I won’t ask him about it. Things are good between me and Victor, and meh. Perhaps the antique necklace was in Gustaf’s car or something when they dumped him on the street? Or maybe, since the necklace is important to me, Stanley told Victor about it, and then he retrieved it for me as a surprise? Regardless, I’m sure Victor will explain it to me later whenever he chooses to reveal the necklace and give it back to me. I push my concern aside and eat a late lunch. At some point, Zarah calls me and asks if I can come and work at the restaurant since Frida called in sick. I agree with it since Victor is nowhere to be found and because I have a feeling Frida’s sudden fever has something to do with Stanley... I make it to the restaurant and work like an idiot through the rush hour. We call it that since it fe
Madison I step inside Victor’s office, uncertain where this meeting will lead or how I’m supposed to behave. It’s hard when your boss is also your boyfriend—Victor is sweet at home, but at work, he treats me just as another worker. “You made it,” Victor says from behind his desk. He looks down at his papers and slowly paddles back and forth in his chair without lifting his eyes to mine. “Strip.” I almost choke. “E-excuse me?” “You heard me,” he says in a low voice, his eyes still caught on a piece of paper. “Strip and take a seat on the chair in the corner. Leave nothing on.” My breath catches in my throat, but I quickly swallow it and grip my waitress outfit. My fingers are slightly trembling as I unbutton the blouse. It falls around my feet before I move on to remove my skirt, all while Victor isn’t even looking at me. His full attention is caught in the papers even as I’m naked and walking over to the chair in the corner of the room. It’s a red armchair hidden in a crook, an
SheilaI freeze, my heart racing as I look around the room, trying to spot any signs of danger. Ethan notices my distress and places a comforting hand on my arm."Is everything okay?" he asks, concern etched on his face."I don't know," I say, showing him the message from my dad. "He's telling me to leave."Ethan's expression darkens. "We should go, then. Henrik!" he calls out to my brother, who's standing at the punch bowl, chatting up one of the teachers. "We need to leave. Now."Henrik nods, his eyes scanning the room. "I'll go get the car."We rush out of the venue, and Henrik pulls the car around to the front. We jump in, and he speeds off into the night."What's going on?" I ask, my heart pounding in my chest."I don't know. But I got the same message from Dad, telling us to leave," Henrik says, scanning the parking lot.Ethan's phone buzzes, and he checks it. "My dad is telling me the same thing.""Someone is following us," Henrik says urgently as he looks into the rearview mir
Prom night.I stand in front of the mirror, admiring my dress. It's a strapless, navy blue gown that hugs my curves in all the right places. My friend Leslie helped me pick it out, and I couldn't be happier.I hear a tapping at my door, and I grin, knowing it's Henrik. I quickly open it."Ready to go?" Henrik asks.I nod, excitement bubbling inside of me. "Thanks for helping me with this, Henrik. I really appreciate it."He chuckles. "Of course, sis. Anything for you. Now, let's go before Dad starts to suspect something."We make our way outside, and I see Ethan's car waiting for us. Henrik opens the door for me, and I climb in. Ethan greets me with a smile. My heart skips a beat as I take in his handsome appearance. He's in a black tuxedo, and he looks like he just stepped out of a magazine."You look beautiful," he says, taking my hand.I blush, feeling flattered. "You don't look too bad yourself, Ethan."He smirks. "Glad to hear it. Shall we get going, then?""Ahem..."We both turn
Sheila Damien almost looks nervous at the woman, which is kind of funny to me. Isn't he supposed to be some tough Mafia boss?"Hey, Addie. This is Sheila," Damien says. "Sheila, this is my wife, Adeline."Hi," I say shyly.Adeline's eyes light up. "Sheila? Ethan told me about you!"Ethan talked about me? My cheeks warm at the thought."What are you doing here? Where is Ethan?" she asks.I look at Damien, trying to give him a chance to explain the situation, but when he says nothing, I decide to tell her myself."Mr. Damien kidnapped me from my school."Adeline's face twists into a frown. "He did what!?" she exclaimed.Damien raises his hand. "Now, hold on, I wouldn't call it kidnapping."I keep my smile intact. "It was definitely kidnapping. Some guy just pulled over next to me and told me to get inside the car."Adeline glared at him. "And why did you do such a thing?""Mr. Damien found out I am the daughter of his enemy, so he wanted to have a chat with me," I answer for him.Adeli
SheilaI don't care what Dad says. I want to see Ethan again. Last time we had so much fun together, and we connected so well!I catch him by his locker, so I stride toward him. "Ethan, hi!" I chirp.He looks at me and smiles. "Hey, Sheila. I thought you were forbidden from seeing me.""I am, but I don't care," I say determinedly.Ethan chuckles. "Being a rebel, are we?"I turn serious. "Look, Ethan. I don't care what kind of rivalry your dad and my dad have going on, but I want us to keep being friends. What do you have to say about that?"Ethan smirks and leans toward me. "Friends? I was hoping we could be more than friends."My heart does a little flip inside my ribcage. "Really?"Ethan nods, his smirk fading into a gentle smile. "Yeah, really. I've enjoyed getting to know you, Sheila. You're smart, funny, and we have a lot in common. I'd like to explore the possibility of something more than just friendship if you're interested."I bite my lower lip. "I would like that.""I wanted
HenrikI lean back in my chair as the waitress approaches us."Here's your whiskey on the rock. Let me know if you need anything else," she says with a smile.I smile back. "You know what, there is something else I need.""What's that?" she asks."I was wondering if you would spend some time with me tonight," I say.Her smile falters a bit. "What do you mean?""I mean, why don't we go to one of those private rooms and...talk? Maybe you could give me a lap dance?" I say and wink at her.Her cheeks flush. "I am not one of the dancers. I am just a server."I shrug. "What if I pay extra?"She sucks in a breath and her eyes narrow. "Are you serious? That's highly inappropriate." She takes a step back, clearly offended.But I'm not one to be deterred so easily. I lean in closer and give her a smirk. "Come on, it will be fun. I promise you won't regret it."She shakes her head and takes a step back. "I am not interested in being paid to dance for you."I shrug again. "That's too bad. But may
HenrikDang, family dramas, am I right?After causing that big scene at dinner, Dad got us all together for a private meeting."I need you all to keep an eye on your sister," he says in a hushed tone. "Don't we do that anyway?" Jonas rolls his eyes."I am serious!" Dad growls at him. "Pay extra attention to her. Make sure she doesn't see Ethan again.""You do realize they go to the same school, right? And they plan on going to the Prom together," I remind him."I will pull her out of school if I have to," Dad says gruffly.All four of us shake our heads disapprovingly. "That's a terrible idea," Oliver says. "She is about to graduate soon. You can't pull her out of school now. She will never forgive you.""Yup. Oli is right. Let her graduate at least," Aleks agrees.Dad's expression softens. He takes a deep breath, his voice reflecting a mixture of concern and resignation. "Fine. But you all need to promise me that you'll keep a close eye on her. And if anything feels off or suspicious
Sheila"Out! Get out of my house, NOW!" Dad roars, pointing at Ethan."Dad! What the hell!?" I stand up too. What is he doing and why? "Why are you saying this to Ethan?"Ethan looks as confused as me. "Sir?""I need you to leave. And make sure you and my daughter never see each other again," Dad says."I don't understand," Ethan says."Me neither," I say as I stare at my dad, completely embarrassed and horrified."Yeah, Dad. What's going on?" Henrik remarks."Hold on, everyone. Let's take a moment to understand what's happening here," Mom says, her voice steady and composed. "Victor, why are you suddenly asking Ethan to leave and demanding that they never see each other again?"Dad takes a deep breath, his anger subsiding slightly as he tries to explain himself. "It's for their own good. I can't have Damien Sky's son date my daughter."Mom looks at him curiously. "Damien Sky? Victor, why is that name significant? Why are you freaking out about him?""Damien and I go way back. And not
Sheila I changed my clothes at least three times in less than an hour. I am nervous. No, not just nervous. I am absolutely terrified of the dinner tonight. When Oliver told me he was planning on inviting Ethan over for dinner, my heart plunged to my throat. I tried to say no because I knew what my brothers were up to. They just want to invite Ethan so they can scare him in the comfort of their own home. But for some reason, I couldn't say no. Maybe because seeing Ethan in my house is much more tempting. I make a mental note to myself: I must protect Ethan from the quadruplets' wrath. And so I am standing in front of my wardrobe, looking for the perfect outfit. Nothing screams "I'm not interested" more than a casual T-shirt and jeans, but I don't want to seem too eager either. I try on a white summer dress with delicate lace details that fall perfectly around my curves. But then again, it's too girly and Ethan might think I'm trying too hard. So I put on a pair of slim-fitting j
OliverSheila is charging towards me. Her face is flushed red. She must be pissed at me and I know exactly why."How could you!?" she snarls at me."What do you mean? How could I what?" I feign ignorance which seems to piss her off even more."HOW COULD YOU RUIN MY DATE?" she roars.Jeez...so angry. I swear she has anger issues like Dad. "Don't scream at me, Sheila. I am older than you.""I don't give a hoot how old you are," she growls."What's all this commotion here?" Our father, Victor walks in and asks."Sheila is screaming at me because I scared her little date at the museum," I say gruffly.Dad scowls. "Date? What date?"Sheila's face turns pale. I can tell she is caught off guard as she didn't want to tell our father about her dating boys already. Hmm...I feel bad for her now. "She is trying to get a date for the Prom, Dad, that's all," I say in her defense."Okay...so what's the issue here?" Dad asks. "Ethan is new and he hasn't heard all the dumb rumors about me and my fam