Amara felt suffocated inside the four walls of the gigantic mansion.She stood at the centre kitchen island, her hands deftly mixing batter for cookies and cake, the scent of vanilla and sugar filling the air. Mind elsewhere, and hands automatically moving.Beside her Martha bustled about, her apron dusted with flour as she prepared ingredients for the dinner. Despite the warmth of the sun and the gentle breeze that swept through the open windows, there was a palpable chill in the air—an icy void that had settled in Amara's heart.She tried to push aside the memories that threatened to consume her, but it was difficult.A whole damn week. It had been a week since she had discovered Rhys had a fiance since she had felt the ground crumble beneath her feet. She tried to block out the image of him standing before her, his words cutting through her like a knife as he confessed to having a woman he was going to marry one day.With a pang of hurt, she recalled the events of that day faintly—
Her heart felt like it had been gripped in a vice, her breath caught in her throat as she witnessed the scene before her. Shock coursed through her veins, followed swiftly by a tidal wave of emotions that threatened to engulf her.First came disbelief, a desperate hope that what she was seeing was just a figment of her imagination, a cruel trick of the mind. But as she watched Rhys and Anna locked in an embrace, their lips pressed together in a kiss, reality crashed down upon her like a ton of bricks.Betrayal cut deep, slicing through her already wounded heart with merciless precision. She felt as though she had been punched in the gut, the pain radiating from the pit of her stomach to every corner of her being. How could he? After everything they had been through, after all the pain he had caused her, how could he simply do this so effortlessly?Anger bubbled to the surface, hot and searing, fueling the fire of her anguish. Anger at Rhys for betraying her trust, for making a mockery
Amara's brows furrowed as she slowly took in her surroundings. The events of the previous night flooded back into her consciousness like a torrential downpour. Rhys and Anna, their lips locked in a passionate embrace, and then her own head resting on Rhys's chest as sleep claimed her. Her eyes widened in realization, and she quickly turned her head away, a knot of unease tightening in her stomach."We need to talk," Rhys insisted, his voice low and throaty as he put his hands on either side of her face trapping her. Amara refused to meet his gaze and tried to push him away. Rhys barely budged. "No," she replied tersely, her tone laced with defiance. She pushed herself and tried to push him away again.But he was undeterred. He effortlessly manoeuvred her and before she knew it, she was sitting on his lap, his arms forming a protective cage around her. She glared at him, her jaw clenched with frustration. "Let go," she demanded her voice trembling with suppressed emotion. Now he want
Strange. That’s what she had been acting all day. Fumbled movements and clumsy steps. Rhys’s jaw ticked when she again stubbed her toe on the bark of the tree. The hell was wrong with her?It took all his self-control and immense patience to not storm to the garden and carry her inside. The weather was changing, the wind was slowly becoming chilly, and it worried him. Amara had a weak immune-system. Even in childhood, she’d catch cough and cold easily. This little temptress was too stubborn for her own good.It always infuriated him how ignorant she was for her heath.His brows narrowed in a frown as he observed her through the balcony of his office. Giving him full view of the garden and her. His hands deep in his pockets and back straightened. The white shirt clung to his broad shoulders and tapered at his torso. His gaze so calculative as if he was looking at his prey and not a human. Something about her always made him feral in a way that was both concerning and astonishing. No wo
Amara was prepared to get hit by the car. But what surprised her when the car stopped just an inch away from her. And at the next second, she heard the door opening with a loud slam and thudding footsteps.She swallowed and put the kitten down, and said while looking up. “I am so sorry, the cat- “Her words died in her mouth. Eyes widened on reflex and a gasp left her mouth when her eyes collided with his fierce-grey gaze. Amara didn’t know what to name this feeling.Before she could even take a step, his hand closed around her arm in a painful grip, his fingers digging into her flesh as he seethed with anger."What the hell do you think you're doing here?" His voice was low and dangerous, his eyes blazing with fury.Amara's heart pounded in her chest as she struggled to find her voice, her mind racing with fear and uncertainty. This wasn't how things were supposed to go—fate couldn't possibly be playing this cruel game with her. She should have taken a different route. When she didn'
Rhys looked into her eyes, shining with defiance. His heart squeezed tight. She fucking tried to leave him. When he all he did was protect her. Anger simmered-red and hot. Clenching his jaw, his cupped her jaw, tilting her head back. “Is it about Anna?” He asked. Knowing damn well what her answer would be. She wasn’t trying to leave him earlier. There was a shift in her ever since the day at the restaurant.Amara’s eyes widened as she shook her head. “No.” Yes. It was because of her. She hated how it affected her.Rhys tilted his head, squeezing her cheeks painfully. His eyes reading hers like an open book. “Do you love me, Amara?” The question he wanted to ask for a long time. And this wasn’t how he wanted to it go, yet he couldn’t help it now.Amara licked her lips, his eyes following their movement stopping at her lips. “Do you?” She asked in return.Rhys nibbled on his lips. Eyeing darting to her face and resting on her eyes. Holding hers captive. “Are you still not sure? I fuckin
She came once more, uncertain if she had ever ceased. She just knew she never wanted this to end. With a firm grip on her wrists and low grunts, he pressed himself against her, each thrust more powerful than before.Amara didn’t know whose air she was breathing anymore.She knew he was dangerous, a forbidden temptation that beckoned to her with a tantalizing allure. Every instinct screamed at her to stay away, to resist the magnetic pull that drew her inexorably closer to him.But try as she might, she couldn't stop herself.The more dangerous, the better.It was as if some hidden force, some primal instinct deep within her, refused to be ignored. Despite the warnings, despite the consequences that loomed large on the horizon, she found herself unable to turn back.His lips trailing down her neck, his hands igniting fire at the slight touches.His presence was like a flame, casting a flickering light in the darkness of her world. Each glance, each whispered word, she felt herself draw
Startled by the hushed whispers reached her ears, she roused from her slumber with a groan, shifting uncomfortably. A wince escaped her lips as a sharp pain coursed through her pelvic region. As her fingertips grazed the velvety sheets beneath her, she was acutely aware of their sensuousness, almost as if they caressed her naked skin— In an instant, her eyes flew open, banishing any remnants of sleep-induced haze. Amara sat up, causing the luxurious fabric to cascade delicately around her hips. A gasp, filled with both awe and disbelief, escaped her lips as she cast her gaze downward at herself. A frenzy of terror coursed through her bloodstream, leaving behind a vivid tapestry of crimson and sapphire imprints stretching across her chest and descending towards her core. With trembling breaths, she cautiously exhaled, causing the soft coverlet to shift ever so slightly. The angry marks trailed along her thighs, mirroring the ones on her chest, intensifying her unease. In a breathless
A lush garden filled with vibrant flowers and towering trees. In the centre lies a small, serene grave adorned with a single peony. Rhys with a weathered face and gentle eyes, slowly approached, his steps heavy with the weight of memories. Raindrops fell softly, casting a melancholic veil over the scene.He smiled down at the grave and replaced the weathered Peony with a new one. “Another day, my doll.”With trembling hands, he delicately placed a fresh peony on the grave, its petals glistening with raindrops. He knelt beside it, his movements slow and deliberate. Sitting beside the grave, he gazed at it with a mixture of longing and acceptance.Twenty-five years have passed and he still couldn’t fill the void in his chest.He looked up at the sky and closed his eyes. Can you feel the rain, my love? It's as if the heavens weep with me.He reached out, his fingers brushing against the cold stone of the grave. A soft smile graced his lips as he recalled memories long past.“Do you remem
TWO MONTHS LATERRhys focused his attention carefully on the picture in his hand, slowly analyzing each detail captured within it, memorising it. His face remained void of any noticeable emotion, leaving his inner sentiments hidden from his friend’s eyes. However, Lorcan despite this, managed to catch a fleeting glimpse of longing and despair that momentarily flickered across Rhys’s dark eyes. It was an invisible twitch of his jaw and a subtle clenching of his fist that Rhys was attempting to hide. Lorcan instinctively lowered his gaze, avoiding direct eye contact with him, before repeating his previous words.A bouquet of soft pink peonies was on his lap. The one he'd never forget to bring. “Doctors said we can shift her-“ He started looking pitifully at Rhys. The man destroyed Francis and Abigail in days, and his brother behind bars, but couldn’t save his destination.“She’ll come back, right?” Rhys mumbled caressing the picture in hand. It was of them, as children.“Of course…” Lo
Two weeks laterNo matter if I am alive or not, you must always be with me, residing inside me. If I were to face death, my only wish is to spend my final moments in your arms, Amara. Whenever the rain troubles you, consider me as the raindrops. And when the warmth of the sun touches your feet, know that it is my essence within those sun rays.Rhys gripped the pen tightly in his hand, his eyes staring in darkness and he watched the stars dissipating behind the clouds in the dark sky. His heart was heavy and his eyes blurred with unshed tears.The chords of his heart were broken, his nights were sleepless. Yet he couldn't stop recalling the last look of panic and concern on her face. He should be happy that she felt something for him, but at what cost? On the verge of losing her...Whom I should ask, Amara? You are not here. Where do I search for your touches of laughter, this world is filled with silences. Where do I find happiness, Amara, when you are not here? I don't know how many
"Fuck, Amara! Don't die on me!" Rhy’s fear was palpable as he carried her inside the car, his growl echoing in the tense atmosphere. The urgency in the air increased when Lorcan swiftly followed suit, his actions mirroring the sound of distant gunshots that pierced through the day."Rhys... Rhys.." Rhys clenched his fists as she muttered through her mouth drawing in deep breaths. Her hand limply slipped through his fingers.Lorcan wasted no time in sliding into the passenger side, his eyes scanning the surroundings for any threats. With a surge of adrenaline, he pressed his foot on the accelerator, causing the engine to roar to life, matching the intensity of their situation.He felt a rush of adrenaline. It was too intense and too overwhelming as he felt sweat trickling down his back."Drive fast!" Rhys muttered as a few cars followed them. Lorcan cursed in Italian and pulled the windows down.Rhys’s concerned gaze fixated on Amara’s complexion, which appeared remarkably pale, while
A sharp agonising pain stung the side of her body as she moaned in pain. She panted as she tried to blink the blurriness away. There was a long silent pause for a moment when a scream left her mouth as her body was jerked forward. Confused and panicked she yelped as she felt something trailing down her arms.Looking down she saw blood oozing down her arms, the pain came afterwards when she realised she had a deep cut over her upper arm. The tattered piece of shirt dug into the wound as she winced at the stinging sensation. Crawling on her legs she pushed herself up as she swayed at the dizziness.With unfocused vision, she breathed heavily trying to stand still but due to weakness and exhaustion, she stumbled a step back before a large pair of hands e flushed her in a warm embrace.There was chaos all around but what stood among them was shooting sounds. Amara felt her heart pounding loudly in her chest as she looked baffled at the person behind her. Her eyes widened as she saw his fa
"Get up." Amara looked confusedly at two men towering over her. Dressed in black clothes and scary tattoos.A deep frown formed on her face, accompanied by a sense of discomfort and unease. Having remained in a stationary state for a long duration of nearly a day or so, her legs had gradually succumbed to a numbing sensation, rendering them almost unresponsive to her commands. Thus, when she attempted to move, her steps were unsteady and unstable, causing her to stumble momentarily. The guard hastily and instinctively reached out, swiftly grasping her arm. With a swift motion, he began to lead her towards the door with an undeniable urgency.A sudden surge of panic forcefully swept over her entire being, overwhelming her senses and plunging her further into a state of trepidation. It was as if a new, more potent wave of fear had washed over her, intensifying the gravity of the situation. As her gaze frantically scanned the surroundings, her eyes inevitably locked with the piercing sta
"YOU PROMISED SHEʼD BE SAFE! YOU FUCKING PROMISED!" Adrian bombarded in Rhys’s office unannounced. Rhys’s jaw ticked a subtle frown of annoyance on his handsome face."And she will be," Rhys said nonchalantly ignoring him. Rhys didn’t pay him any attention, all his focus was on his computer screen where he was looking at the files on Francis. If these filed were to be released in public, Donovon's reputation would be in ashes in less than an hour. "HOW?! YOU LET THOSE FUCKERS TAKE HER!" Adrian slammed his fists on the table as Rhys glared at him. Adrian looked dead in his brother’s eyes, his orbs dilating as his teeth clenched. "You said you won't let anyone touch her again!" Rhys tilted his head, remembering he also sent the video footage to Adrian a day ago, which explained why he was in Spain. The videotape. Ever since Rhys had seen that, he hadn't been able to sleep. The pain and humiliation his little doll went through was bone-chilling. It took every ounce in him to not do s
Amara shrieked in fear, she woke up terrified from the nightmare, her body drenched in sweat. Her heart racing and her hands trembling as she tried to catch her breath, the memory of the terrifying images still fresh in her mind. She didn't understand what she exactly saw a nightmare or twisted fragment of her lost memories. It all seemed too real to be called a mere nightmare.Reality blurred with the remnants of the nightmare, leaving her disoriented and unsure of her surroundings. Anxiety coursed through her veins, a relentless tide threatening to overwhelm her fragile sense of composure. She longed for the comforting embrace of Rhys.Yet, despite her desperate yearning for solace, she found herself hesitating to close her eyes again, afraid of what horrors the night may hold. Each moment of wakefulness was a precarious balance between the desire for rest and the dread of reliving the nightmare's torment. She was scared. Terrified. Top of FormShe patted her cheek when she felt som
He clenched his fists, teeth grinding as he looked down at her unconscious frame. The straps of the dress had slipped down to her shoulder exposing the delicate collar bones. A flash of raging blood flashed through his eyes as his dark eyes zeroed in on the hickeys on her neck descending under her blouse. It infuriated him when he saw Rhys with her, and it angered him more knowing that the bastard had her. So many days without her. "I fucking don't care. I am not backing down." He raised his head ever so gradually as his dark eyes held his Francis. Francis clenched his jaw as he said. "I can kill for her too. And I won't hesitate, not even a bit." Francis let out a frustrated sigh as he ran his hand through his dishevelled hair. He looked at Amara and another stressed breath left his mouth. He was fucked, along with his son. Not only did he mess with Rhys, but Rhys De Luca would also crush them under his feet. ***** Amara woke up with a pounding sensation and dizzy head. The firs