I didn’t know that was here.” I study the open door and mentally note the seams.“You should know,” he says. “You are my wife.”The anger returns in a flash. “For how long?” I ask him. “What is your plan? You never told me. My life has turned into a roller coaster of terror. And I have no clue as to why.”“Charlene , I’m protecting you and, now, your family. Haven’t I looked out for you?”“You wouldn’t have to do that if you hadn’t brought me here in the first place!”Alfredo rubs his hand across his face. And it’s only then that I see the dark circles under his eyes. The haggard look of not getting enough sleep, the dark stubble on his chin, and something I’ve never noticed before—the concern in his eyes.No. I can’t back down. Alfredo must talk to me.“Recently before our marriage you got kidnapped by your sister Martinez, she wants you dead now because you escape the auction and will become your dad’s heiress”Liar!“Then why bring my father here? “Because clearly they are all in
“You need to thread carefully because you and your dad are in danger from the same man who had killed your mom” Alfredo said.“ My mom wasn’t killed, she died of cancer” I said.“ According to what your stepdad told you right? He and your stepmom gave information of your mom to the man who killed her in exchange of money” he said.“ But....... I paused for a while.“ You were told she died at the hospital right? He said.“ How did you even know all of this? I asked.“ I knew all of this when I got kidnapped by your dad, I was prompt to do some background check on you and I found out that there was more to your life” he said.I stood numb at the moment because I was already going crazy from every single truth that has been revealed to me in the last few days.I need to calm my head for a while , I need to ask my dad some certain questions.For two days I found it hard to just figure out anything my husband came to me, he sits beside me on the bed .“ Have you thought of anything? He as
Rhoda said so many things, and I could see honesty in her words when she spoke My mind races through everything she said to me, making a list of every cruel comment. She said Alfredo wanted me for my father money.Who else can possibly know?I start when Alfredo places his hands on my waist and pulls me closer. I sink into him, remembering how much I wanted him when I was alone in that cage and kept away from him. My anger starts to melt away. My body slips into his arms as he wraps his arms around me. His breath is on my ear, soon followed by a kiss. I try to break free, but he won’t let me go this time.“I should sleep in one of the rooms because I hate you right now, you are just too cunning” I said “My wife sleeps with me unless I decides otherwise.” His voice rumbles at my ear, hot and insistent.“I hate you,” I whisper as his teeth graze my neck, leaving a mark.“But you won’t later,” he replies. “Come to bed, Charlene.”He won’t manipulate me with sex and diamonds. I let go of
The sound of her tears slows to ragged breaths, but she holds me as closely as I hold her. Slowly, Charlene looks into my face, and I don’t hide how worried I am. I let her see how I really feel. My sad expression is unmasked. Paige parts her lips, holding her face up to mine. I kiss her gently and eagerly. My tongue parts her lips, and her mouth is willing. I pull her body hard against mine, and that electricity I thought had disappeared travels through us again.“What have I done to you?” I whisper.“Nothing,” she replies against my chest. “You’ve shown me the awful truth of this world. That’s all.”Charlene slips out of my grasp and walks over to the window. She stares blankly as she calms her breathing. I walk over to her and pull her into my arms again.“I’ll do it,” I whisper. “You’ll have proof, Charlene .”“I want you to meet someone”he said.“Who your sister Regina, the one that was raised by your dad that he never knew she was his daughter” I held her hand and take her sister
How is everyone today?” I ask cheerfully. “Is Sonya stopping by?”“Yes, we’re taking Regina shopping,” replies Jenny, her smile weakening. “Oh, would you like to come too?”I see the sullen look on Regina’s face. She’s not ready to forgive everyone yet except for Jenny whom she is closer to. “No,” I reply. “I have things to do here.”REGINA.I know I had to pretend to be cool with everyone because I do not know who they are or why they had taken me and as for what Charlene told me, I do not even believe in that shit. How can someone comes from nowhere and tell me that she is my sister when I know the truth that I was bought and raised by Ricardo. Once we get out of here I am escaping and calling Rhoda to help me.CharleneIt’s silent as we busy our mouths with food. Andrei glances at me and then motions to the maid to take my empty plate. She dutifully fills it with avocado, eggs and toast, and a strip of bacon. The smell reaches my nose and my throat spasms. Oh shit, not here.The c
I finger a tiny T-shirt decorated with embroidered green leaves. “They’re adorable.” I have to admit that my baby will have all the things I never had.“Jenny told Alfredo that you should be on a prenatal diet. It’s so exciting,” Sonya coos. “Have you thought of a name yet if it’s a girl?”“What if it is a boy?” I ask.“Alfredo would have the right to name him. But you can pick the girl’s name.” Sonya pulls out a teddy bear.“I haven’t thought about any names.”Sonya reaches into another bag and pulls out a thick paperback book. “There are tons of baby names in here. We can pick our favorites. Tiensen will be a better name. No I think Armelia is a good name that looks good for babies” Jenny said.We spend the next hour picking out baby names while snacking on imported macarons off a cut glass plate. is doing all the things that he needs to do to take care of the baby and me, and as much as I don’t like to admit it, getting taken care of by Andrei is nice. Why shouldn’t I be allowed t
Their deaths haven’t scared anyone into talking,” adds Natasha, sitting in the chair closest to the desk. She doesn’t flinch when I give her a sharp look.“Then maybe we need to look for someone that ranks higher,” I reply grimly.“We’ve looked,Alfredo,” answers Sean . “Younger men have replaced the older.”“Find someone who will talk,” I bark.They leave the office. And again, I picture the triumphant smile on Charlene face when she yanked the ring off the severed finger. My lucky girl has changed because of me. Power corrupts, and why was I so naïve to think it wouldn’t corrupt her? I brag about my power, and now, Charlene has a taste for it.I know that feeling. That rush. It’s hard to not want it once you’ve had it.But the image is replaced with another—her glowing face as she admired all the baby clothes. Laughing over names with Sonya.She’s still Charlene in her heart. Little Ms. Lucky is not gone yet.Maybe the need for revenge will pass. If it had been Jenny, I’d have punish
The old man makes a ghastly noise, a cross between a cough and cackle. He owns me and knows it. Ricardo knows he will die before he tells me anything. I curse him as I storm out of the room.CharleneNatasha stubs out her cigarette quickly as I walk toward the garage. She grabs an old plastic five-gallon container that once held paint and places it so I can sit down. I wave my hand in front of my face, dispersing the smoke. I thank her, and then we say nothing to each other. The silence is comfortable as we stare at the garden and the woods behind it. I notice then that, from the garage, one can see the entrance to the maze.Regina comes around and see us , she was going to turn back when I called her.“ Regina” I called. She turn around and her gaze met with mine.“ Do you want something or you want to say something to me ? I asked. She gave meSome smile and walk to me.“ Can I sit? She asked.“ Sure” I replied and move for her a bit, the swing is large enough for two people.“ You s
Despite my fear, I can’t bring myself to go too far. Tears are streaming down my face as I scream uncontrollably. But no one can hear me with the hallway door shut.I keep crawling, and in the dark, my hand touches something in Alfredo's jacket … his gun.And it’s enough for me to make a split-second decision. One that I hope will ultimately save our lives. I grab the gun and pull the trigger. An ear-splitting bang alerts the whole household. Suddenly, all the lights come on in every room of the house, and I hear footsteps running up the stairs. I scream again, and Vanya appears at the door, fully dressed though his brown hair is slightly ruffled.“Charlene, where is Alfredo?” he asks, wide-eyed.But before I can respond, another gunshot resounds through the bedroom, making me shriek in terror. Maya hurries toward the bedroom door and yanks his gun from his belt. His face contorts in fury as he disappears into the room. I turn back to follow him, but I’m swept up from behind by strong
“I prefer it,” I reply curtly. “Who shot the cop,Sara? Was it you or Lance?”“How do you know it wasn’t your sister?” A smirk tugs at her lips.I shake my head. “Sonya wouldn’t.” But as soon as the words leave my lips, I realize just how little I truly know my own sister.“An eye for an eye.” The sly smile widens across Sara’s lips. “One family for another. You know as well as I do that Sonya was never raised in the rules of the Bratva like you and I.”The private room is filled with an uncomfortable silence, and the waiter’s footsteps echo as he enters. He looks nervously at us and realizes no one has even picked up a menu. He hesitantly asks if we’re ready to place our orders. No one wants to eat, so I order a bottle of vodka.“No one will want to associate with someone wanted by the law,” I break the silence. “Not for this. And if you goaded Sonya into doing this—”“I didn’t.” She stops me before I can finish my accusation. “That’s why I want to talk about a truce.”The waiter ente
Charlene smiles shyly and then focuses on her salad, spearing a piece of avocado with her fork. Her gaze falls on the lone brass key in the box, and I know she’s dying to ask questions.“Technically, we don’t own it yet,” I reply. “We’re negotiating the price, and then there’s closing. The couple that owns it are excited to retire early. None of their children are interested in running the place. It’s a good location.”“What about security?” she asks, eyeing the few diners seated at random tables.“The river protects one side, and security can stay in the inn. You don’t have to open it to the public. You’ll be safe here as long as you don’t forget who you are.”Charlene puts down her fork and looks around the charming antique interior with exposed beams and wood plank floors. A large stone fireplace crackles and fills the room with warmth. The walls are a mix of wood paneling and stone accents. In the corner is a bar stocked with local craft beers. Old, framed prints and maps of the a
Just like Alfredo, these people will praise me for my brutality toward my family.Could Alfredo ever escape what was fated to happen?Could I?I don’t wait for the morning or for Regina to say come in.I unlock the door and enter her room. The couture dress is balled up and thrown on the floor while Regina lies on her bed in her old clothes that she took from Dad’s house. Her earbuds are in, and she ignores me as I pace alongside her bed. Her eyes stay trained on the laptop screen as if there’s actually something absorbing on streaming. I sit down on the bed near her and close the screen.“What do you want?” she asks crossly.I sit up straight. “I want to tell you that I’m sorry for slapping you.”“Is that it?” Regina asks, sitting up and crossing her legs.I watch my tone. “Yes, I’m sorry I slapped you, but we couldn’t risk it last night.”She rolls her eyes and replies, “Of course,My dear sister Charlene couldn’t risk something .”I look away and can’t think of what to say.“They do
Stefan frowns, and a nagging feeling descends like a chill down my ribs, letting me know that something might be wrong.“Excuse me.” I leave them and search for Alfredo.I don’t like the look on Stefan’s face, and if he’s up to something, I want it stopped now. All I want is a joyful night without drama and violence, and I’m not about to see it ruined by teenage hormones.“Charlene, good to see you.” A large hand grips my upper arm, and Ivo greets me with a hearty hug. “May we speak?”Distracted by his greeting, I nod as he leads me into the ballroom and almost outside through the French doors. “This is an impressive showing. You’ve done well for your first full event as Andrei’s wife. Any news?”My lips form a thin line. “I don’t know anything about Sonya Gregory. As far as I know, she’s gone underground.”“Of course.” He strokes his bushy beard with his overgrown fingernails. “But there was something else. An unfortunate shooting?”“I believe my husband. I wouldn’t be here talking t
“Maybe this friendship with Zara is not a bad thing,” Sean replies. “There is an advantage to your wife learning how to be a prop wife. Which means you can start treating her like one. You’ve allowed her too much freedom.”I chuckle as I pour another. “I kept her locked in a bedroom.”“A bedroom for a queen with endless luxuries and wealth,” replies Sean . “You’ve spoiled her. And she knows she can use sex to manipulate you. There’s a part of you that is holding onto her too tight. If you hold onto a butterfly’s wing, it will tear when it tries to fly away. Only when you let go will it want to return.” Sean continues with a smirk on his lips. “Make Charlene think she’s crazy for wanting to leave you. You must be like mu father”“Never.”“You have little choice,Alfredo.” Sean looks at his glass before taking a sip. “You need to turn Charlene into a Brotherhood wife. Your mom hated your father, but she wanted for nothing.”“Except love,” I reply flatly.“You loved your mother, Alfredo.
I remember what he said when Regina was first brought here.“A brotherhood wife sleeps with him unless he decides otherwise.”“I didn’t plan to … I fell asleep.” I stand and navigate my body carefully around his. “I’m going upstairs to pack.”I don’t dare look at him as I hurry out the door, past the guard.My foot lands on the step, and I immediately run the rest of the way to our bedroom. I know he won’t let me leave, and I must be crazy to think otherwise, but I’ll try anyway. I don’t have my own luggage, so I search in his closet. That’s not all I find. Behind a heavy wool dress coat, there’s a gun cabinet. I stare at them in rows shiny black and terrifyingly cold.I cover them up with the coat again.I drag the first empty suitcase out and toss it onto the bed when Alfredo enters the room. He walks slowly to the bed and watches me as I throw an armful of dresses into the case.Where am I going to wear these things?Evening gowns made of silk and satin are too fancy for me to hide i
“I don’t know much about being a wife to a husband in the brotherhood,” I blurt out clumsily.Her gaze rests on the small diamond pendant around my neck, and she frowns ever so slightly. “Is that a gift from your husband?”My hand rests on it, and I nod.“Is it real?” she asks.I nod again. “I’m pretty sure all the jewelry he has given me is real.”“Foolish girl.” She smiles thinly. “All your jewelry should be appraised and then duplicated. Youneverwear the originals. I will give you the name of a shop. Very discreet. They will pay for them, and your husband will never know. Never let your husband pick your jewelry.”My eyes widen as if she’s talking crazy. “Then how do I ask for it?”She tsks like I’m a child. “You admire a piece or find a picture of something you like in an auction catalog. Place the page on his desk. He will buy it for you. Don’t let him give you anything you can’t sell.”A chill descends my spine at her words. She’s not telling me how to be a wife.She’s telling m
Charlene shifts in her seat, sitting at the end of the couch away from Sean.“What do we need to do to get better families on this list?” I ask.Sean stares at the screen. “We can offer a gift?”Charlene stares daggers at me. “Are you talking about auctioning off my sister?”Sean glances at Charlene and then focuses on me. “Perhaps there are better ways than using marriage? You’ve had mixed luck with matrimony so far.”I scowl at Sean. “Names? What about Sammie or Taras?”“He’s married to Eva, and the Taras were no fans of Algredo’s father. A rushed marriage isn’t going to mend a blood feud. Especially a marriage to a sister-in-law,” he replies quickly.I have to restrain myself from shouting at him. “I need a better name, Sean”He looks at me coldly. “Perhaps the girl has plans for her own life.”Instantly, I remember the day when Alfredo mom said something similar about Charlene.What if that woman you brought here also made promises that you are making her break?My voice lowers. “I