This is what I’m afraid of when Luca starts to ask questions about my life. And when he asks, he is the type to get the answers he wants. I’ve been hiding my pathetic self from him but failed to hide it thanks to my drunken state. Who knows if he still treats me normally if he knew that I got bullied all my life.But Luca is here, waiting for me to speak. He has been very, VERY patient that I feel like he is willing to wait for me until the end of the day. I gulp. “I once had a female friend in the past. She took pity on me when I—” When I got bullied and got locked up in the girl’s bathroom. “—when I failed all of my exams. She thought I was really pathetic.”“Then we sort of had this falling out. And we haven’t been friends or I am not on speaking terms with her now.” Because she was afraid of being targeted by the bullies after I refused to leave Gene’s side. “Since then, I have had a difficult time making friends.”“And does that bother you?”“W-well, I’m happy t
“Sometimes I was wondering if you have mood swings.”Oh, this is a first. I look to Yu’s direction who has been using that smug look of his. His knuckle was placed neatly on his cheek as he leaned, making him bend a bit for comfort. He eyes both me who has been reading the magazine next to the stand and behind me, Nina, who has been blushing during the hair session.We are at the salon, the finest in Dawn City and when I found out this morning that Nina had been cutting her own hair in the bathroom, I immediately called Yu to set an appointment for La Beau Salon.Apparently, when they heard of my name, they quickly canceled other appointments and reserved the whole shop for me. So that leaves the two of us watching girls pampering my little (ex) nuisance.Oh right, going back to Yu.“Is it because I’m now getting well with my future step-sister?” Not to mention that I could finally sleep well now and back in my bed after the reconciliation.“Yeah, not long ago you have
I would be lying that I wasn’t worried the whole time yesterday. Clarence knew about Luca and he hasn’t sent me a message since then. I tried contacting him but for some strange reason, he didn't even answer. So I gave up and considered approaching him in school.What I don’t know is that as soon as I step out of the building, I catch sight of a familiar jet-black limousine parked on the side road, next to it is none other than Clarence who has been expecting me.“Hey good morning, princess!” He says while waving enthusiastically after seeing me.I don’t know the right response so I just smile awkwardly and wave a bit. “G-good morning.” I walk in his direction and I feel like he has been staring at my face the whole time.“You look better with short hair,” he compliments. Not a hint of his usual wisecracking.“You think so?” I unconsciously touch my hair.Unlike my usual long wavy thick hair that has been tied in a ponytail, this one has more volume to it. I didn’t expe
I don’t want to show my fear yet, the thought of Clarence spreading it to the whole school and worse, to the whole town that I’m involved with Luca de Milano. And I just started being comfortable around him now! Clarence stares at me for a second before his face brightens, like an imaginary light bulb lits up above his head. Then he leans to grab my chin, rather forcefully.“My, Nina, do you really think of me that way, huh? Well, I can’t blame you after what I did to you recently.” He chuckles, darkly. I push his hand away as I glare at him. “Then, what do you want from me then?”Clarence hums a bit, walking around in circles. “I honestly wanted to be on Luca de Milano’s good side but I guess that’s already crossed out from the list.” He then faces me with a grin.“Say, parvenu, I started to like you. You have been such an entertainment from the very beginning.” He pauses for a while as he leans dangerously closer to me. What’s up with this guy and his intrusion to
Gene, I am terribly sorry for using you but I’m in a dire situation where all I ever wanted is to have a peaceful remaining year of my high school!I force a smile as I show Clarence Gene’s caller ID. “H-He’s my boyfriend from Freedomville.”Clarence’s face shows that he’s definitely not buying it. Finally letting me go before I embarrass myself any longer, I step backwards, now finally comfortable with my personal space.However, we are being gathered around by curious bystanders and I doubt I can leave here scratch-free.“I’ve never heard you mention anything about a boyfriend.”“W-well, I don’t normally share myself a lot, do I?” He doesn’t reply but instead he frowns before waving his hand. “What are you waiting for? Answer him.”Err…with some privacy, please! I turn around and answer my “fake” boyfriend. “Oh, hi, Gene!” I catch a glimpse of Clarence who has been observing me as I give a nervous laughter.“Me? Never better!” I make it as loud as possible as I walk
“Welcome back, oh, what happened to you, kid?” I am greeted at the sight of Yu casually drinking a bottle of beer while he is flipping channels. He stands up as he observes me before he smirks. “I’ve never seen you this mad since my birthday.”Oh, am I still fuming? Here I thought I have masterfully hidden my emotions so well…perhaps I have been more relaxed lately, especially since I have no reason to hide from my two guardians. “Oh, hi Yu.” Make it as normal as possible. So I smile. “It’s nothing, really.” Now, swiftly change the topic. “It’s rare for me to see you so relaxed.”Not to mention he’s not wearing his Armani black suit like he often does. He’s now wearing a red hoodie and some sweatpants which seems odd to look at first—yet, the clothes fit him like a glove. He chuckles as he ruffles my hair. He enjoys doing that a lot nowadays. “The boss made me take a week leave while he does everything on his own. Fuckin’ asshole wants to show his competence I guess?”“M-More lik
The company was actually a drive outside the city center—more specifically closest to New York. As a small town girl, I’m always used to small areas but seeing vast skyscrapers we just passed by, my neck starts to hurt after minutes of turning my head from left to right.But still, looking at the city lights were…different from the likes of Dawn City and Freedomville.“You've never been to the city, Nina?” It is a genuine question that sounds more baffling on his part.“Just once in a blue moon,” I reply while I place my hands inside my pockets. My cheeks flare up after I’ve shown how much of a hick I am in front of an affluent man.Then, a thought comes to my mind.“Yu, why did Luca choose a place like Dawn City? It’s a bit far from New York.”“Oh, as I said, we love the city as we stayed there for four years without the reliance of his parents’ money.”“Then, we realized that as most of the affluent successors studied there, the city made sure any known incident won’t reach
LUCAIt was repulsive.Listening to their presentation of a bright future for women empowerment was supposed to be promising.The objective, the solution to profit by gaining, a realistic approach to an idealistic plan.But beneath Gomez’s "flawless" business proposal to gain our interest, I could see something devious behind that facade.When I found out through a background check, I knew I shouldn’t accept him. The fact that he was aiding one of our rival companies as they profited from human trafficking, I scorned and threw his files on the floor and left.I could care less if Milano Corp will lose an important client after I treated his recommendation but we stand firm with our beliefs.We don't invest in companies that have beyond ethical practices.Andrew, my secretary, was crying his heart out as I walked out while Gomez kept yelling he would make me pay for it.Pathetic.I have my fair share of enemies trying to wring my neck but to no avail.And this is the reason why living
NINA“Are you sure you’ll be okay, Nina?”I nod as I squeeze his hands. “What’s more important is that you have to check up on her. She needs a friend.”“Thank you, babe,” he says, showing off his dazzling smile. “Should I call Yu to catch up with you?”He shakes his head. “It’s best not to let him know yet. Heather wouldn’t be pleased if I inform Yu about…this.”“Why?”He gives a sheepish smile. “Let’s just say Yu and Heather have some kind of history.”I guess that would mean it is something Luca has no right to intervene between them. “Well, I don’t want to take your time. I h-hope she’s fine, Luca. I really do.”There is a pregnant pause before he gives an upheave sigh. “I sure hope so.”I get off from the car as I am greeted with the apartment that I go to every single day. I know it’s been a week since I’ve seen the place but it brings a nostalgic feeling compared to my home in Freedomville.After I bid Luca goodbye, I head straight upstairs without any luggage as they are all
NINAIn the end, we didn’t leave the ship to see the islands Luca spoke fondly of. Instead, we overstayed in the private suite, enjoying the feeling of sex as I continue craving for it more.I don’t know what got me to do this. I’ve never considered sex as something I would enjoy. Those talks among my peers should repulsed me but now after experiencing it for the first time with the first man I’ve been infatuated with, I relish every single moment of our lovemaking.Because both of us know once we end our week vacation, we have to return to reality. And as time flies fast, we are now at Luca’s private jet heading straight to Dawn City. It will take seven hours to reach there, so we spend our time fooling around inside my room.And after the days spent with our whirlwind of sexual intercourse, we are sprawling on the bed, snuggling under the bed sheet cover as we view the night sky outside of Europe.“From the scale of 1 to 5, how would you describe our trip?” He asks while stroking m
LUCAShe’s so beautiful. Hot.Amazing.And so right for me.Men in Freedomville are foolish enough to break her self-esteem, rendering her oblivious to her own beauty. Because all the flaws I’ve seen in her—her shyness, her clumsiness, everything about her are endearing. She brings the light to my mundane, busy life. Who could have thought that my goal for perfection means nothing when I’m content with her by my side?Nina Caulfield, the original source of my conflict with my family.Yet, here we are: naked, shamelessly exposed under the bright light of the bedroom VIP suite as our bodies entangled together. I continue devouring her lips—to entice, nib, bite and suck–while not letting go even before undressing her.“Hn!” She breaks off the kiss, pulling herself away the moment I bite her lower lip hard. I unlatch our embrace as her heated body drops back on bed, her swollen lips gracefully sunder, catching her breath. As she takes a moment of rest, I take this as an opportunity t
NINA “He disappeared?” I repeat his words as a cold sweat drops from my cheek. The noise of the gym has long in deaf ears as the news slowly absorbs in my mind. “Then his company?” He shakes his head. “His company is being operated by the one which was being sold by Lucille. I don’t know which one, as the Milano family hide everything for the sake of their reputation.” Oh God. All of these happened to Luca before I met him. And to top it all up, my mother’s involvement with his dad took a huge toll on him. “Why are you telling me this, Anton?” Unfortunately, he ignores me as his attention is elsewhere. Anton’s eyes flicker as soon as his eyes wander back to the exit. As I turn, both of us can see Luca’s figure heading back to us. “Anyway, it’s best not to ask him unless he brings it up. But then again, it’s up to you, Nina. If you want to continue dating him, you have to consider all of these…” He pauses before he gives me a worried smile before patting my shoulder. “If his
NINAJust as suspected, Anton is at the sports center playing soccer with other men of different ages. When he sees me, his face brightens as he beams.“NINA!” He bellows. He excuses himself in the middle of the game as he makes a beeline from the crowd of sweaty men as he runs closer to see me.However, when his eyes wander to see the tall figure next to me, he stiffens and his legs unconsciously wobble and step backwards.I shoot Luca a glare. “Are you glaring at him?”“No, but you’re obviously scaring the poor lad with yours,” he says while giving a toothy grin. I sigh as I step forward and get closer to Anton. “Hi, Anton. Luca has something to tell you, if you don’t m-mind hearing him out.”Anton remains hesitant but hasn’t left his spot. It’s a good sign, I guess? But it gives Luca an opportunity to step forward with his long leg, stretches his hand and smiles. “We got off the wrong foot due to my poor judgment the other day, so I am here to apologize for my words.”With reluct
NINA“Are you listening, Nina?”I absent-mindedly nod as I smile, sheepishly. "C-can't we take a break, Luca?”"Not until we solve this formula. It's not that hard."“E-easy for you to say! This one has no numbers at all!”“Quadratic equations is being taught in middle school, we need to learn this first before you dive into Calculus.”Once again, Luca is in his teacher mode. He has been aching to lecture me about it since he has sworn an oath to Yu not to skip lessons while we’re on our trip. Besides, he’s more than happier to retake the mantle as my tutor.The tutorial session is the same as usual. We talk like we used to and he has been both strict and patient during today’s session. Well, except for one thing.Luca's arms wrap around my waist—which I notice he enjoys doing,as his lips give playful kisses on my neck. I shiver the moment his breath touches my skin and moan a bit as his lips touch there."L-Luca! I thought we weren't going to have a break!" The blush on my cheeks be
CLARENCE“Gene Sullivan? I’ve heard that you’re looking for me.” He’s all skinny bones.The first thing that comes to my mind the moment he turns, facing me with bandages nearly covering up his face.Seeing him in a dire state, I visibly flinch, and upon closer inspection, the bruises, especially the cut lip, the dampness of his bandaged head and a visible black eye on his left, are pretty much recent.His uninjured eye gazes at me and I’m visibly surprised that there is this intensity of his stare—instead of a victim of violence and abuse, he has the air of a soldier combating his enemy. A fighter, to sum it up. “Clarence, right? Nina talks about you from time to time.”Ah, this answers my speculation, all right. He is the “fake boyfriend”.I smile before giving an affirmative nod. “Well, I’m glad my name is mentioned from her very own lips. It’s an honor especially that she values you as her best friend. Pleasure to finally meet you, Gene Sullivan.” I extend my hand, implying comm
NINA If there is one way to phrase out how I am feeling, it should have been the feeling of bliss. Pure happiness of experiencing lovemaking from the man whom you were attracted to for a long while. Or so I thought. Sore from down below, I couldn't get up after waking up in the morning. My back even aches and the different positions Luca suggested during the second round was the cause of this. It was a miracle that I could adjust to his size and his stamina but…oh dear Lord, why the heck is he so big? Speaking of Luca, he wasn't around when I woke up. But he has cleaned me, seeing that I am wearing an oversized dress and my body is no longer drenched with sweat and err–semen. Okay, no more dirty thoughts, Nina. You’ve already done the deed last night. And seriously, how did he manage to change the bed sheets? Was I really that deep in my sleep to be unaware of my surroundings? There is a knock before Luca returns with a tray of breakfast and a plastic bag hanging on his wr
NINA It was so sudden. Earlier we were arguing, an unreasonable banter that riled me up until I wanted to be alone due to this sour mood. But now, after his revelation and his desire for me, I couldn’t lose this chance. I would be too embarrassed to admit that since I caught his lovemaking with Heather, I…was envious. And that desire outgrew my envy as relief washes over my guilt. This desire that I wanted from Luca, the man who could bring these emotions within me. Not Yu, not Clarence and not even Gene. Luca is the only one who could challenge me, who could bring out these foreign emotions bottled up in me. My greediness to have him as mine. As we lie on the bed, our passionate kisses heighten the heat right through between my legs. It’s different when I had my first kiss with him—his drunken self not too long ago. This isn’t a drunken mistake anymore. I am being embraced by the sobered Luca right now. His hands wander around my skin, exploring as his warm fingertips