We looked at each other, still breathless, our bodies still connected. His ears were flushed a deep red, and the sight made me smile softly. Without saying a word, I reached up and gently touched his ears, feeling the heat beneath my fingertips.I knew it was the perfect moment to clear the air, to say what I had been holding back. My hand gently touched Ezekiel's cheek, and I spoke softly, "I don’t mind if we’re like this."“Ezekiel,” I repeated his name, wanting to be sure he was listening. “If you ever feel like you need me, just ignore everything else and enjoy being with me.”He lowered his gaze slowly, and I could see the conflict in his eyes. It wasn’t easy for him—I understood that. But I also knew that once he learned the truth about my mom, his world would fall apart.But if he accepted me, that wouldn’t seem like a betrayal. It wouldn’t hurt him as much once he saw my mom’s true colors.Ezekiel didn’t respond right away. He seemed to be searching for the right words, or may
I slid the glass open, and our eyes met instantly. Isabella stood under the cascading water, her body glistening as droplets rolled down her bare skin. She smiled at me, a knowing smile, as if she had been expecting me all along. There wasn’t a hint of surprise in her eyes—only a calm, seductive confidence.She was completely naked, unashamed, tracing her fingers along her shoulder before turning fully toward me. My heart raced, pounding so hard I could feel it in my chest. The intensity of the moment hit me like a wave. She was breathtaking, her beauty undeniable, and I couldn’t tear my gaze away.Slowly, she walked toward me, the water still falling around her, and stopped inches from my body. Our eyes remained locked, the air between us charged with tension. I felt frozen, unsure of what to do, because I was so captivated by the sight of her—every curve, every inch of her skin. She was truly beautiful.Then, without a word, Isabella placed her wet hands on my shoulders and wrapped
I stepped out of the shower, feeling refreshed, and made my way to Ezekiel's room. As I stood at his door, I hesitated for a brief moment, but then I pushed my hesitation aside and knocked."Isabella!" His voice sounded from the other side, followed by a slight smile when he opened the door. Seeing him made my heart flutter. I pushed the door wider and saw him, fresh from the shower. His damp hair clung to his forehead, droplets still glistening on his skin.He was only wearing loose trousers, and I couldn’t help but admire how d*mn hot he looked. My eyes lingered, and I tilted my head playfully.“Did I disturb you?” I asked, feigning politeness.Ezekiel gave me a broad smile, his eyes twinkling.“Really? Are you trying to be polite with me now?”I pressed my lips together, trying not to laugh. He walked toward me, his movements slow and casual, almost teasing.“That would be very awkward,” he said with a grin, touching my fingers lightly as he passed by.I raised my gaze with a smirk
I exhaled, picking up my phone. No messages from Katherine. She hadn’t called or even sent a simple text. Was she deliberately keeping her distance? Or was there something she was hiding from me? I didn’t know anymore. All I knew was that whatever we had seemed to be slipping through my fingers, and I was exhausted trying to hold it all together.I tossed the phone onto the bed and turned toward the window, letting the cold air settle my thoughts. If Katherine didn’t care enough to reach out, why should I be the one trying so hard? There’s only so much patience a person can have before it runs out.Restless, I rubbed my forehead, then found myself on my feet, quietly moving through the hallway toward Isabella’s room. My footsteps felt strangely deliberate, as if drawn there by something I didn’t fully understand. I cracked the door open gently, and there she was, lying peacefully in bed, her face soft in sleep.Seeing her like that made something tighten in my chest. She was beautiful
D*mn. In those glasses, he looked so effortlessly attractive. My knees nearly buckled just from seeing him up there, all composed and professional. But I knew the side of him that was far from professional, and I had to suppress a smirk at the memory.Our eyes met for a brief second, just long enough for a spark to pass between us.As I sat back down, Ezekiel wasted no time jumping into his lecture. But as hard as I tried to pay attention, I couldn’t help but let my mind wander, admiring the way he looked up there—so composed, with that deep, calm voice filling the entire room. We kept catching each other’s gaze, quick glances here and there. I even brought my pen up to my lips, lost in my own thoughts about him.Just as I was daydreaming, a voice broke through my thoughts.“Miss Isabella, would you mind explaining what I’m discussing?”I snapped out of it to see Ezekiel watching me, one eyebrow raised, his book set on the table and the microphone pushed aside. I pressed my lips toget
I raised my brows, not really in the mood to answer her prying questions. She’d clearly been watching us closely. I took a deep breath, forcing a polite smile."I'm new here, and he’s a friend of my mom’s," I replied, keeping my voice neutral.“Oh!” Mira raised her eyebrows in surprise, then smiled back, as if the whole thing wasn’t worth any more curiosity."Well, just so you know," she added, casually shifting the conversation, "if you need anything around here, you can come to me."I nodded, not really feeling the need to reply."I think I should get going," I said, eager to make my exit."Nice talking to you," Mira said with a bright smile, clearly unfazed by my coolness.I gave her a nod, turning on my heel and leaving the classroom. Walking briskly, I made my way across campus to the administration building. Once inside, I kept my head down, weaving through the crowd of busy employees. I stepped into the elevator, pressed the button for the fifth floor and waited as it rose, eac
He pulled back for a moment, just enough to shift my position, turning me around so my back pressed against him. His hands moved up, fingers grazing my skin as he gently opened the buttons of my shirt. His lips began tracing down my spine, sending a current through me that left me breathless.Closing my eyes, I allowed myself to be completely at the moment, absorbing every sensation as his kisses traveled over my skin. The realization hit me, lingering in the back of my mind, of how deeply he’d affected me. I was falling hard for this man—his touch, his voice, his quiet intensity. But where did I stand?In the last few weeks, my feelings for him had deepened quickly, almost too quickly. But did he feel the same, or was I just an escape for him?Was I just part of my mom that he couldn’t let go? Or was there something here—something real—that we both felt but hadn’t spoken?I turned back, my mind racing with conflicted thoughts. Yet, here he was, and all those questions seemed to melt
“So, you don’t have a name? Or do you need permission from your friends to speak?” I said, letting my voice drip with mock curiosity.She blinked, visibly flustered. “I… I’m Poppy,” she managed to say, her voice a bit shaky.“Good,” I replied, taking a calm breath.“So, Poppy, if I decide to go out with Dimitri, that’ll be because I chose to go with him. Got it?”Poppy just nodded, clearly surprised by my bluntness, and I shifted my gaze to Mira, who was trying to mask her annoyance behind a forced smile.“I’m heading home,” I said coolly, meeting her gaze. “Maybe next time.”Without giving them a chance to respond, I turned and walked away, leaving them standing there, hopefully realizing I wasn’t as easily swayed or intimidated as they’d assumed.**“She’s got a lot of nerve to show you an attitude like that, Mira,” Athena muttered, shaking her head.Mira rolled her eyes, keeping her voice cool. “Really?”Poppy crossed her arms, fuming. “She acted like she didn’t know us—like she di
Ezekiel gently pushed a pinch on my buds, triggering them to rise. I moaned, since I was very wet down there. With my eyes closed, I bit my bottom lip.My movements mirrored those of a fish that needs water to breathe. I put my legs around his waist."Open your eyes!""Look at me, Isabella!"Ezekiel's words were whispered into my ears.I opened my eyes and met his stare.Damn! I could do fingering while staring at him. I am too envious; how could my mother always find the best, I wondered, tugging my bottom lip.I smiled at him and heaved a sigh of pleasure.Locking my gaze on him was another stage of intimacy. Ezekiel, however, abruptly grasped my breast in his hand.Closing my eyes, I arched my back.My bosoms were nestled in his hands.He pressed slowly and began massaging slowly. I cracked my lips in pleasure."Yes!"He was very sluggish and took his time caressing my bosom."Ezekiel, yes!" He was softly kneading my bosom with his palms.Why, he was quite skilled at it.Ezekiel’
Ezekiel led me into the luxurious hotel suite, and I immediately plopped onto the plush bed, my eyes scanning the extravagant room. The soft lighting highlighted the elegant decor, and the faint scent of fresh flowers lingered in the air.“It’s good,” I murmured, still taking it all in.Ezekiel turned the lock behind him, the soft click grounding the otherwise quiet room. He loosened his tie and unbuttoned the top of his shirt, his usual composed demeanor slightly relaxed.I glanced at him with a playful smile, unable to hide my amusement.“I arranged everything according to your taste,” Ezekiel said as he stopped at the edge of the bed, his voice low but warm."Aw... that’s sweet of you,” I replied, tugging at his tie to pull him closer. His face was just inches from mine now.“How was the meeting?” I asked, trying to ease him into conversation.Ezekiel sighed deeply, sinking down beside me. “It was okay,” he said, his tone neutral.“Did you find anything?”“Still under investigation
Kathrine paced her room, the phone pressed tightly against her ear. Her voice was sharp and unrestrained as she snapped, "Why did you need to tell her that we were together?"Robert’s voice came through the receiver, equally heated.“I told you I didn’t! Why would I?”"It’s been a week, Kathrine. Isabella and I haven’t spoken.”Kathrine’s frustration simmered. She could feel the anger bubbling in her chest.“Robert, I’m telling you—take her with you. Just… take her.”Robert chuckled, but there was no warmth in it.“Kathrine, I don’t mind. Isabella can live with me for as long as she wants. I’m not selfish like you.”Kathrine froze, her breath catching.“Selfish?” she repeated, the word cutting deep.“Like really?”The sharpness in her voice pierced through the tension.“How dare you?”Robert sighed, a weary sound that only fueled her anger.“At least I’m not like you. Dating someone younger just for their money.”Kathrine’s grip on the phone tightened, the insult stinging more than sh
Ezekiel’s question hit me like a lightning bolt.“Why do you always tell me not to say anything to your mom?” he asked, his voice calm yet probing.I froze, my body stiffening. The truth was heavy, and it sat at the edge of my lips, daring me to speak it. I had known everything from the beginning—about her lies, her manipulation—but what would happen if I admitted it all now?The thought of losing Ezekiel struck a deep chord within me. I had started this as a game, a twisted revenge against my mom, but along the way, my feelings for him had grown into something real.No!I couldn’t let him slip away. I couldn’t lose him now.Taking a deep breath, I leaned forward and pressed my lips against his. The world seemed to stop as I let my emotions pour into the kiss. His hesitation melted, and soon, he was holding me tightly, his grip firm yet electrifying.I parted his lips with my tongue, deepening the kiss as the intensity built. For a moment, everything else disappeared—my mom, her schem
I raised my gaze, feigning innocence as though I hadn’t intentionally exposed her.“Yes!” I said simply, leaning back in my chair as I spoke.Mom pressed her lips together tightly, taking a sharp breath before responding, “Isabella, that’s not true.”I shrugged as casually as ever.“Mom, I’m not lying. Dad called me this morning, and he said you guys had fun together. So, I’m just asking—do you think there’s a chance you two might get back together?”I tilted my head, my voice dripping with false curiosity, while Mom’s angry glare burned into me.Before she could respond, Ezekiel interrupted, his voice calm but firm.“Did you two go?”The question clearly rattled her. Mom looked at him nervously, her composure faltering.“No... no. There must be a misunderstanding,” she stammered, her words coming out hurriedly.I glanced at Ezekiel, but he remained composed, almost indifferent. He didn’t react at all, his face unreadable.That threw me off for a moment.Was I really the one who’d ove
Ezekiel narrowed his eyes, trying to explain himself.“Isabella, it’s not like that.”He moved closer and sat beside me.“Then why didn’t you tell her?” I shot back, my tone dripping with annoyance.Ezekiel reached out, holding my shoulders firmly.“Isabella, listen to me. It’s not what you think. It was you who told me not to say anything in the first place. And when Kathrine said all that… when she was so vulnerable, I just couldn’t. I couldn’t hurt her like that.”I stared at him, my breath shallow. His voice softened, almost pleading.“She’s done so much for me, Isabella. It’s true. She’s been there when I had no one else. She supported me mentally when I was at my lowest.”I arched my brow, my chest tightening. His words didn’t sit well with me. He was defending her—her.“Then why me?” I asked quietly, my voice trembling. I didn’t even know where the words came from, but the rawness in my chest was undeniable. It wasn’t just anger. It was something deeper—something that made me f
Kathrine was holding Ezekiel firmly as her face remained stoned, but there was a shinning of calculation visible in her eyes.Her intentions were obvious. She knew how to plant, planting seeds of guilt in Ezekiel, tying him close to her.Ezekiel’s hand lay on her shoulder, his mind churning with conflicted thoughts. His face was shadowed with tension as the toll of his choices bore down on him. He had no clear way ahead, no words to unravel the knot of feelings twisting into the knot in his chest.Kathrine’s voice cut through the silence.“Let’s talk all night long, Ezekiel.”His expression remained steady, but his mind was racing. After a pause, he nodded. It was no longer an option to say no.Not with Kathrine, she was watching him back so closely, her vulnerability a double-edged sword.Kathrine smiled gently, though underneath her sweet expression was the cleft of a victorious smirk.They moved toward the bedroom, the night falling like a heavy curtain over the house.Lying side b
Ezekiel’s brows furrowed slightly, sensing the tension, but he didn’t press further.“Is everything okay?” he asked, his voice calm but inquisitive.I smiled, trying to downplay the moment, but before I could answer, Mom spoke up, breaking the ice with her usual charm.“Yes, honey. What would happen?” she said smoothly, walking toward him. She took the ice cream from his hands with an easy grace.“Let’s eat.”Ezekiel’s gaze shifted to me, as if seeking confirmation.“Are you not coming?” he asked.Mom turned back to glance at me, her expression sharp but composed.Without hesitation, and certainly without fear, I replied, “Maybe later.”My voice was steady as I added, “In my room.”Ezekiel and I locked gazes, and the unspoken words between us hung heavy in the air. A small, knowing smile tugged at the corners of my lips, and I could see a flicker of understanding in his eyes. He knew exactly what I meant.But before the moment could stretch any longer, Mom interrupted, her voice comma
"Did you sleep with him?" Mom shouted, her voice echoing through the kitchen. Before I could respond, she shoved me hard against the counter.Pain shot through my elbow as it struck the marble edge. I winced, clutching it instinctively, but her fury only grew.She grabbed my neck, her fingers digging in as she forced my face against the cold surface of the counter.“This is all my fault,” she hissed through clenched teeth."I should have thought about your nature."“How could you be good when your DNA is the worst of the worst?”Her words stung, but her next ones cut deeper.“Just like your father,” she spat.“Always chasing after something, always trying to create a harem of his own!”The rage in her voice was like a tidal wave, and I could feel her breath against my ear as she leaned in closer.“I should gouge your eyes out for this,” she growled.Her grip tightened, and my chest constricted. My vision blurred as I gasped for air.It was too much. My instincts kicked in, and I shove