Dakota POV . . The white long limo seemed to be small, carrying only six people, including Enzo and Leon. The tension between us inside was so strong that I couldn't find the courage to even cross my legs. Sitting beside me was no other than Madam Florence, while just across from us were two people with sharp stares ready to murder me anytime. The silence was ear-piercing that even the tiny sound of a needle could be heard if you dropped it. I tried to avoid Martin's glare, focusing my sight on the scenery outside. I just wished nobody could hear the loud thumping of my heart. I was also praying that Madam Florence couldn't notice the weirdness in this spacious, but uncomfortable limousine. "Such a beautiful sight, isn't it, Dakota?" it was Madam Florence nudging my silence. "Yes, Madam. The leaves are beautiful!" I humbly told her while shifting my glance at her. She was staring deeply at me. There was something in those gazes that I couldn't fathom. "Do you like autu
It took about 10 minutes to calm down before going back to the private room. When I arrived, the food was already served, and they started eating. "I'm sorry, it took me so long!" laced with embarrassment, my head was looking down while I took my seat. "It's all right, Dakota. I was even worried something might have happened to you. Are you all right now, dear?" Madam Florence asked, concern was written all over her look. "Yes, madam. I was just a bit dizzy earlier, but I feel better now!" I explained, my orbs were avoiding a certain glare from someone across me. "That's wonderful to know. I ordered spring pasta with smoked salmon for you. I hope you like it!" "Oh! Thank you, madam. I absolutely love ~" "Mamma, she's allergic to salmon!" when suddenly the jerk across me, cut me off. He also called the server standing from the corner and pointed at my plate. "Take the food away. Give her grilled chicken avocado salad!" he dominantly uttered, and the server left right away.
Until we headed back to the tower, Madam Florence had never said anything. She remained quiet the whole afternoon. Worried I was the reason, I ambled towards her with my head looking down the marbled floor. My hands were fidgeting, and my heart was racing. She would have sensed my presence behind her because she suddenly turned around and faced me. "Madam!" I humbly spoke. "Tell me, Dakota. Tell me the truth. Did my son treat you well when you were together?" her tone was stern, and her orbs were glued on me. "In his own way, I say, he was rough but also romantic!" flashbacks of our dates and travels popped up in my mind. My heart pounded fast upon remembering how he was so possessive of me, but at the same very caring. "I never felt so secure in my life when I was with him!" I told her the truth, what could I hide now? Martin already blasted me in front of his mom. "I see!" she just nodded. She waved her hand and glanced at Andrea, one of her assistants like me, dismissing he
Friday night! I heard Shantel call my name from the office, but I feigned deaf. I kept walking till I reached the lift. But before I could push the button, she stopped my hand by playfully putting her fingers on my shoulder. "There's someone here who's trying to escape, and you think I can't tell that!" cloaked with sarcasm in her words, I just raised my brows at her. "Why are you in a hurry this time, tesoro mio?" now, she's in front of me, her back facing the lift. Her lashes were flickering, and her pouted lips were an inch close to mine. "I've an appointment, what else?" as nonchalantly as it sounded, trying to convey the message that it's none of her business where I would go and who I would be with. "Hmm! Can I go with you? It's Friday night, and the weather is getting cold. I forgot to bring my coat with me. It's still hanging in the closet!" she used her pouty lips to point at the small wardrobe I had in my office. "Or much better if we both go back there and get it!"
"Martin, is this all your doing?" her question was simple, but her tone was more an interrogation. "D*mn it, Martin! Stop doing this!" I tried to grope her hand, but she kept swaying it away. The people inside the theater became rowdy, the women were screaming in fear, and the men tried to calm them. "Marti~" "It's not me, and keep quiet. Give me your hand. Let's get out of here!" I whisper-yelled while staring at the woman beside me. "No! I'm not going with you!" she yelled back. "Where's Paul!" her eyes rummaged through the darkness, worried and scared. "D*mn it, Dakota!" whether she would like it or not, I lifted her on my shoulder and focused my eyes on the scent of everything inside. The couple of couples I passed by earlier and their seats. It was a good thing my eyes were trained to see the dark; just memorize the smell of everything around me. When I saw the neon light flashing exit, amid the riotous crowd and the woman on my shoulder's ear-piercing scream, we manage
Unknown POV . . Less than an hour ago... I was beyond furious when I found out about his plan. I was trying my best to do this job, but it looked like the man I knew really changed. I paced back and forth while massaging my temples. What would I tell the big boss now? I almost jumped to my spot when my phone rang. It was the big boss, and he wanted updates. I heaved a sigh first before sliding the green icon. "Yes!" a short answer acknowledging his presence. "You're very lucky that you're my blood. I won't let you answer me like that again in the future!" his voice was stern. I was used to the tone of his voice since I was a kid. It was no longer new to me. "So, have you done something I could be proud of so far?" I always tried to do my best to please him, even going further than what I thought I couldn't do. However, for him, they were just not enough. "None yet!" he was about to yell at me when I hastily released my backup. "But I have a plan, and you're gonna love
"What the h*ll f*cking happened?" I threw the glass of brandy on the wall, shattering it into pieces. Now, all three of them were in my small office in our hideout. Lev, Maxim, and Roman were taking glances at each other, scowling, and waiting to spill the beans. "Lev!" I called out. "You told me you take charge!" he sat straight, eyes defiantly staring back at me. Lev was my friend since I went back to Russia. Among them, he's the one I trusted with my life. "I said I'd take care of everything, but you didn't tell me Marcini was there!" his abrupt answer got me zone out. What did he say again?! Martin Marcini was at the theater! Did Shantel fail to mention that, or did she also not know? "Marcini, you said!" both Maxim and Roman nodded with the same furious stare as Lev. "F*cking sh*t!" I strode to my desk and called Shantel's number. It took a couple of rings before she answered. Her background was loud and head-splitting. "Are you f*cking celebrating in advance, Zaborowski
High tide! The sea, with its ocean-blue glory, basked underneath the clear sky. The earth's wind passing with its coldness blew on my keyed-up look. I've been in this mansion for two days, and the only rooms where I toured so far were the dining room and the living room. Martin made sure my actions were limited. He had eyes for me everywhere. His being like this caused me to feel two different things. He either warmed my heart or caused my head to boil in anger. A deep sigh left my lips as I stared at the horizon. The sea wave was calm today. Martin's mansion was situated on top of a hill. Surrounding this vast extensive place were huge trees and wild plants. The road here wasn't also that wide, one lane was good enough to occupy cars. I bet Martin engineered everything for his safety. He could always escape this place with the helicopter he had parked on one of the rooftops of Casa Al Mare, just in case. A soft blow of the wind engulfed me, hugging myself for comfort. The beige