"Interesting," the brunette commented.As the game went on, the beats of the dancing music continued to drive the dancers. The second round came to an end, and some of the participants began to realize they couldn't win. Aaron and Elena looked at each other, then at the cards they held, exchanging and buying challenges."I give up," the brunette threw her cards on the table, waving the white flag. She liked the game, the challenges it posed, but was more interested in what the end of the night would provide her."I think I'll fold too," the blonde next to her also gave up her cards, leaving only four players remaining."I guess it's my turn, then," Will assessed his own game, trying to put together a good enough play to ease the round, but didn't see anything too advantageous. He made his move, and smiled at Elena as she played her penultimate card."I'll pass," the blonde, Aaron's companion, raised her hands, passing the turn to him.Aaron smiled subtly at Elena, so discreetly that
"Are you sure? I'm not usually lucky," she warned."To me, you seem like a very lucky woman," he mused, sliding his eyes over her rosy lips."Red," Elena made her bet.And when the dealer collected the bets around the table, the man bet on the red color. He still looked at Elena as he spoke, indicating that he was placing the bet for her. The dealer released the small ball onto the spinning roulette wheel and waited until it stopped in a position.To the dismay of some bettors, the ball landed in a black rectangle. "Now we know that I really don't have luck. Excuse me, sir," Elena commented, with total indifference, and began to walk away from the table."Wait," the man murmured, then grabbed the woman's wrist before she could move away."Is there a problem?" she turned to him."You made me lose a lot of money here," the bettor complained, and his smile had lost half of its interest."You insisted that I choose," Elena retorted, trying to pull her wrist away without attracting attent
"What the hell is this, Damon?" Elena's voice rose, her anger palpable. "You sent me to Granger's party to take care of your business while you entertained another woman here?"Damon remained composed, his expression unreadable as he watched Elena pace back and forth across the room. But her next question cut through the air like a knife, demanding answers that he was not willing to give."What's her name?" Elena's voice was sharp, her eyes blazing with intensity."It's none of your concern," Damon replied dismissively, a hint of irritation creeping into his voice."Answer me, Damon! What's her fucking name?""Lya.""Lya... and you called her Elena!" Elena's accusation hung heavy in the air, her voice trembling with a mixture of betrayal and disbelief. "You thought she was me?" With each word, her anger intensified, until she could no longer contain it.In a sudden burst of rage, Elena lunged forward, her hand connecting with Damon's glass and sending it crashing to the ground. The am
"It was the last tangible connection to Mom," Elena murmured, her voice barely audible amidst the heavy atmosphere of despair."No, Elena. The true legacy of your mother lives on through you. That's why I fought to shield you," Gordon reassured her.Elena's tears cascaded down her cheeks like a silent river, each droplet a poignant testament to the profound anguish that gripped her soul. In the somber silence of the moment, the weight of her father's words settled heavily upon her, sinking deep into the recesses of her heart. The revelation of their dire financial situation struck her like a thunderbolt, shattering the fragile illusion of security she had clung to. And amidst the heaviness of it all, Elena couldn't help but feel a profound sense of loss — not just the company had been sold, but also hopes."But the bitter reality is that we're destitute, my love. I've had to slash every expense, and even Kesha and Felicia departed. And worst of all, I had to halt my treatment," Gordo
Elena didn't flinch when those turquoise eyes got closer than recommended. No matter what they heard or said, that connection of gazes would always be the reason they desired each other. The shades of blue complemented each other, calling out to each other.She let him come as close as he wished... or could."You do this because you know I'll wait for the drama to end. I'll wait for you to give in, no matter how long it takes," Granger finally said."It's not about the drama. What if I say I don't want you anymore?" she whispered seductively. "I've already slept with you. Why would I repeat the dose?"The man crossed his arms and smirked, with a generous dose of arrogance. In his mind, Elena was fulfilling a mere whim. In the end, she would give in and do whatever he asked. However, in reality, the woman's whim was to keep that man in the palm of her hand, only until the project was approved and she could get rid of the Donovan family. In the end, everyone had their own interest."L
At that night...Granger gently laid her down on the crisp white sheets, covering her body with his own. His eyes swam with emotion as his jaw tightened. They gazed at each other, feeling the need that drove every subsequent action and reaction. Emotions she wanted to confess died on her lips as he rose, still staring at her. Something had changed between them, and she couldn't pinpoint what it was, but his gaze told her everything she needed to know: He wanted her as much as she wanted him.This wasn't happening just because she would pay him, but because he wanted her.Granger slipped off his shoes and socks. He retrieved a condom from the pocket of the pants she had unbuttoned before sliding them off. Her mouth went dry as he hooked his fingers in the elastic of his boxers, discarding the garment. She was sure her eyes were wide, and her pupils were the size of grapes now. But, holy God, she had never been so aroused.His cock was fully erect, pointing upwards. She never knew mu
She didn't respond, just pulled her arm away and stepped out of the car. They stood before the towering Valiant East building, ready for a meeting with Aaron Granger about the project's next steps.They entered and ascended to the top floor in silence. Elena looked stunning in a sleek yet sensual pantsuit, paired with red heels. Her hair was swept up in an elegant bun, and her makeup was understated.Beautiful as a delicate rose."You know," Damon murmured, "you impressed me with the project, and it seems you've impressed Granger too." He straightened his suit. "I thought your fucking pussy was the only valuable thing about you, but it seems your brain is pretty good too." The elevator doors opened, and he stepped out.Elena was shocked by her husband's words. Granted, he was never a gentle and delicate man, but he disgusted her even more every time he was rude. She needed a moment to take a deep breath and compose herself."Mr. Donovan," Clint greeted them at the elevator exit. "Elen
The clash was sudden and violent. Their bodies entwined in a desperate struggle, fingers digging into flesh, each fighting for dominance in the battle."Laura! You've lost your mind!" Elena's voice rang out in a desperate plea, the urgency reflecting the gravity of their perilous situation. "Let go of me or we'll both plummet to our fucking deaths!""You'll be the one to die, you insolent slut!" Laura's roar reverberated through the grand hall as she pushed with all her might, fueled by a tempest of rage. "Now that the project's been approved, we have no use for you!"Their struggle intensified, a clash of wills and strength, each refusing to concede even an inch of ground."Laura, release me!"Then, in a heart-stopping twist
"It's okay" He whispered to reassure his daughter, gently rocking the baby in his arms.The girl had an inexplicable connection with her father. Every time he heard the man's voice, he stopped crying, and had been doing so since he was born. In some cases, she even attempted a smile, which always made Aaron melt.A few minutes after changing his daughter's diaper, Aaron was sitting on the armchair next to her crib. He told a story to get the girl to go back to sleep."The princess was the most beautiful girl in the kingdom, and she had never found a prince to marry..." he told her in a low voice while she looked at him with large blue halos. "The princes tried hard to get her attention, but she didn't want them" Aaron paused briefly to observe his daughter's expression, who was welcomed into her father's arms. "There was also a... a toad. Yes, a toad" he tested the term on his lips.While Aaron was presenting a story to his daughter, Elena was in the doorway, leaning against the doorf
"He is sure?" This question, coming from Aaron, actually surprises me."All the certainty in the world" I guarantee.Aaron pulls me onto his lap and his hands rest on my ass as we find ourselves again in an intense kiss.He goes down and runs his nose along the length of my neck, then places a tender kiss on the spot. All the blood in my body ignites and I see my inner goddess more than connected. Aaron trails his kisses down my lap, until he reaches my breasts. I grab his hair and pull him against me. His hot breath hitting my skin wreaks havoc on my self control.I move my hips in slow circles over his considerably large erection. Aaron lets out a muffled moan above me."Elena" my name is a prayer on your lips. Completely dominated by repressed desire, I move my hands down until I find the edge of my pajamas. His hands squeeze my ass tighter as I try to lower the fabric.We remained staring at each other for a few minutes. I rest my forehead against his when I finally pull down his
"Good morning" I respond with a smile.I do not know how to deal with this phase of ours. It feels strange to go back to the way we were, and it also feels wrong to walk away.I get up, even though I want to spend the rest of the day in bed, and walk to the living room.Aaron is sitting on the floor on the shag rug while typing something on his Mac. He appears to be very focused despite the casual setting and sweatpants."Hi" greeting.He stops for a moment and takes me in completely, letting his eyes roam from my feet to my eyes. "Did you sleep well?" It's your first concern."I tried" I shrug. I approach him slowly, not wanting to force our shaken intimacy."Hungry?" He asks. I think the last reasonably acceptable food I ate was yesterday's lunch, still at home."A lot" I answer sincerely. I sit on the sofa, very close to him."I didn't order breakfast before because I thought I would wake up late" he smiles sideways, a little embarrassed. I could say it's almost cute to see him lik
"Elena" Aaron calls. He lifts my chin with his fingertips, analyzing every detail of my face. We both know our situation as a couple, but this moment seems beyond normal. Looking at him after thinking I would be killed is like balm for my scars."I've had all the shit I could handle for one day and now I am in a hospital. When I stop and think about everything that happened, I feel so confused. I just need to rest and maybe forget… everything" I mutter quietly, letting it out.I let the tears flow down my eyes. It's a very heavy load that I've borne alone since I woke up today. I tried to be strong and push through, but with him here, I want to share. I want to forget everything, I feel ready for that.He closes his eyes, as if my pain consumes him."I am sorry" he asks in a whisper. I shake my head positively, several times. "It was my fault, the fault of the enemies I made. You shouldn't be here. I failed to protect you." Aaron says without looking me in the eye.I look for his face
I stagger to my feet, moving away from him. I still think about running, but I wouldn't be faster running than him running. Damon tries to grab my arm once again, but I quickly move away from his touch."Your death won't be quick, I want to savor it" he says. "Don't be useless, Kisha" Damon now addresses the woman who is still on the ground.She looks at him with a bad expression, one of pure hatred and remorse. Kisha gets up and picks up the revolver she dropped on the floor."Build a fire, I need closure for this bitch” he mutters and turns his gaze to me. My stomach turns with the disgust I feel hearing him quote me like that."Stay away from me, you disgusting thing” I whisper.He leans down and grabs the lapels of my coat. My face is close to yours and I can feel your hot alcoholic breath hit my cheek.I turn my face to the side, avoiding his gaze."Look at me, RoseFord" he asks in a firm voice. I do not look at him and, in response, he pulls my coat tighter, bringing my body clo
Perhaps Damon Donovan's death was God's mercy, for if I had laid hands on him, I would have torn him apart, just like Kisha. Any insult seems little to such a son of a bitch.It doesn't take a genius to know that, after Damon's death and Elena's disappearance, Kisha is involved.I open the door and go out, I need air. Breathing is difficult knowing that I do not have my wife with me, that's why I say I prefer her to oxygen, I need her more.I walk back and forth on the sidewalk. When will this hell end? When will I hold my son in my arms and look at my beautiful wife at the same time, without worrying about some maniac after my happiness?I feel the cell phone vibrate again. I answer before I even look at the caller ID."Granger" I say between nervousness and impatience."Aaron" his sweet voice fills my ears.It's her.For a moment, I think it's a hallucination. Am I really hearing your voice? A tired, low and unwelcoming tone, but it's her voice."Elena" I call in a whisper. I hear t
AARON’ POVIn my office."Sir" Welch greets, asking for the floor. With a gesture of my hand, I ask him to continue. I am in my alert mode, any information that gives me the slightest hope is valid. "We still do not have concrete information. All we can do is wait"I walk to the edge of the table and lean over it, spreading my hands across the wood. When Damon Donovan manages to get to Elena all they ask me is to calm down?"Everything that could be done was done, sir. She left her cell phone at EP and we traced her last call, it was to Anastasia" Welch murmurs."And what can be done from this?" I ask. They look at each other for a second and I get my answer in the silence; anything. "Where is the son of a bitch?" I ask, to no one in specific.Wait… wait… to hell with waiting! How the fuck can I sit around and wait for news?"Tracking Damon Donovan's cell phone turned up nothing" Welch mutters. He is sitting in a chair in front of my desk. "But…" he pauses for a second, as if he's get
"You are lying!" I turn to him with all the conviction in the world to defend my friend. I walk a few steps towards him in a moment of shock. This bastard has to be lying. Anastasia would never do that to me… would she? "She’s not like you” I assure you."Ana, please come in" is all he says, sporting a horrifying smile.And then I watch the world fall at my feet as the door is unlocked and opened. Anastasia enters the office as if she were another person, someone completely unknown to me. His posture is low, his gaze is calm, his clothes are not very elaborate and his expression is dead."That look of yours is killing me, darling. No need to feel so bad, I am sure your pathetic marital problems were the height of Anastasia's days.""You son of a bitch! How could you do this to me?" I ask."He didn't do anything that you didn't allow, Elena. But I didn't come here to bring you another family problem, but a solution""Fuck you, Damon. Everything you've done has destabilized me enough. I
The comfortable fabric makes me live in a utopia for a few seconds, until I hear the sound of the doorknob being turned. Flashbacks run through my mind and my first concern is the dot.I position myself sitting, crossing my legs. I turn on the bedside lamp and wait until Aaron enters."Hi” he murmurs. I do not answer, because what I want to say goes far beyond two letters. "It’s okay with you…you two” his tone is low and almost melodic. Aaron walks over to the bed and sits on the edge of the mattress, relatively far away from me."What happened?" Whisper."You fainted and had a bleed, you need to do some tests to get a certain result, but the obstetrician believes that this has to do with everything that has been happening in your life"Your low posture says a lot about your mood. Aaron is extremely tired; sold off."You mean… all the shit I’ve been through” I correct."Elena, please""No, Aaron. Don't ask me please, do not ask me to calm down, do not ask me for time, do not ask me fo