ELLA'S POV "CAN I LEAVE NOW?" I managed to utter with a feigned arrogance. I stared at the his cold pair of eyes, his face was almost that with a warrior's mask. My body throbbed from the ache, I tried to rise up to the floorI slowly sat up in bed, finally feeling some strength returning to my limbs. The room smelled of him—fresh, clean, with a hint of something darker underneath. I couldn’t decide if it was comforting or unsettling. Either way, I needed to get out of here. At the same time, my head was beating with the loud noise of a hangover, however, I toned it down, and put my mind on the mission: leaving.The bathroom was just a few feet away, but amidst my steps there, I couldn't help but have seen the surrounding luxury. Everything about this place screamed wealth and power, from the polished marble floors to the massive windows that offered a breathtaking view of the city. It was all so... Xavier. When I entered the bathroom, I washed my face with cold water, but I hoped
ELLA'S POV I stepped out of the sleek, black car Xavier had organized to being me home as the evening breeze embraced my curls causing it to go in the air. Tugging some loose strands behind my ear, I stared back at the shady figure of my apartment. With a sigh, I continued in my tracks as I walked in the direction of the building,my mind flashing back to the thought of Ivy at Mr and Mrs Thompson’s.They had offered to help watch Ivy down till the night as I had told them I would return late since I had to supervise the event down till it's end. As I walked past the group of security at the gate, I couldn't help but feel a sense of dread.My heels clapped against the hard floor as I made my way towards the door of my apartment. My plan was to enter, freshen up before going to pick up Ivy at the next apartment. But to my shock, when I arrived at the door, I felt a frisson of pure shock in my veins. A low growl escaped my throat as I stared at the unfamiliar lock. That bastard landlord
ELLA'S POV My stomach churned at her words as I felt a rush of anger searing in my veins. My gaze flashed back at the heart wrenching view of my college best friend, Maggie, curled up in the arms of Matt, my ex-boyfriend. The view of the two of them together made my skin crawl as I face twisted into a sneer of disgust. I froze in my tracks, the evening breeze sending cold shivers down my spine. Maggie flashed me a look of undisguised disdain as she said, “Guess even leftovers get reheated.” Her words fueled my anger even more as I felt an urge to tear into them, how dare she? Even after betraying me years ago, she still had to courage to throw insults. My jaw tightened as I masked my anger with a serious frown not hinting any emotions. “My mommy's not trash,” I felt Ivy's grip over my fingers loosen as she squealed in my defense. My heart burned as Maggie broke into a giggle, one that only ensued my anger. “Well, what do we have here.” She turned in Ivy's direction about to beg
ELLA'S POV "He’s my husband, Ivy’s father," I heard myself say, the words tumbling out before I could think twice. There was a breathless moment as if the entire room instantaneously held its breath and then the reaction spread through the crowd like a ripple effect. The words remained ringing in my ears, it was as if, someone else said them. But no it was me – Ella Rocci, who, with uttermost shocking surprise of my life, had just stated that the man besides me was her husband!Xavier didn’t flinch one bit. Without any flinch he then moved his arm around my waist and drew me close as if it was scripted. The contact with his hand at my hip made me sizzle and buck, and the feel of his fingers and palm connecting to my body was a comfort from the unknown that I hadn’t had in years. I could feel the eyes of every single person in the room shift to us, staring with shock intermingled with confusion. It took a few seconds, and by the look on Maggie’s face, she looked as though a light had
ELLA'S POV His eyes glinted with intrigue. “And what’s that?” I let out a shaky breath, steadying myself. “We do this on my terms, Xavier. No games, no manipulation. Just what’s best for Ivy.” “And to ensure a healthy financial background in front of Ivy, we are going to be staying in my apartment for the first three months of our marriage,” I let out my voice in a gasp as I tried so hard to hide all hints of fear from my voice. I could have sworn I saw his gaze harden, his eyes brushing my body hungrily. I was ready to take a huge step, one that included me playing a game with the almighty Xavier McKinney. Xavier’s smile was slow, confident. He knew he had me, but he was smart enough not to gloat. “Deal,” he said, his tone carrying a promise I wasn’t sure I was ready for. “Yay, I finally get to show daddy to my friends.” I heard Ivy yell in joy. I frowned my face slightly as I headed back into the party. When I arrived, the whole event was in full swing, the buzzing of the mu
ELLA'S POV My senses were ransacked by his presence. Xavier. There he was, standing just meters away from my body, the pulsating beats of the music playing steadying my nerves as I started back at him. His presence stroke wagers in me, shivers running up my spine.As usual, I masked my reaction with a facade that was almost slipping off. My connection with Xavier was intense, and despite my best efforts, he could always see through me. Xavier’s gaze held a dangerous edge as he leaned closer. “You know, Ella, I remember the woman I met at the club four years ago. The one with the fire in her eyes and that seductive edge.”I couldn’t help but shiver at the memory he evoked—those nights filled with reckless abandon and desire. He continued, his voice low and smooth. “You’re just this close to slipping into my arms again. I can see it.”My heart raced as he took another step closer, the space between us diminishing. The warmth of his breath on my skin made it hard to keep my composure.
ELLA'S POV The grip on my wrist was tight— too tight. I couldn't help but feel a lash of pain as Kelvin's fingers dug deeper into my skin. I noticed a sly smile on the corners of his lips which made my stomach churn. I'd always known he had a thing for me but never did I for once knew he was this obsessed. His eyes were burning lust, rage and another emotion I couldn't quite reach.“Let go of me,” I tried to must as much courage as I could. I pulled from his grip but that didn't work, his fingers only dug deeper into the surface of my body.“Ella, you’re with some rich guy now, huh? Think you’re too good for people like me?” His voice was a low growl, oozing with bitterness and something darker that made my stomach twist. I tried to pull away, but his hold only tightened. “Let go of me, Kelvin,” I demanded, struggling to keep my voice steady. “You shouldn’t even be here.”He sneered, leaning in closer, the smell of stale alcohol on his breath. “Doesn’t matter how I got here. What ma
XAVIER'S POVElla was a lot of things— stubborn, naive, strong. But never did I expect her to be this challenging. But I'm never the type to back down easily from a challenge, three months was more than enough to make Ella mine, to remind her of that fact.She looked sexy in that dress, her curves were highlighted, and her figure was damn attractive on those stilettos. The sight of her purred something deep in me— attraction, lust, maybe. I watched her eyes flicker in an uncertain direction as I swivel in the opposite direction heading towards the mini bar.Reach forward, I shot a glance at the bar man and waved my fingers. “A shot of whiskey.” I watched the bar man fidget as he got to the job. His fingers were shaky, almost like he was alarmed by my presence. Well, everyone did. I watched him pour the golden brown liquid into a shot glass as I reached for the glass raising it. In one swift attempt, I gulped down the entire shot, the whisky's sli
XAVIER'S POV ~ NEW YORK ~I made my way into hallway and strutted purposefully towards the elevator. My mind was still reeling with confusion but I masked it as I waited for the elevator ride to come to an end.With the news of my uncle's impending arrival, it was hard to relax knowing any day from now, he'd step feet back into the mansion for reasons unknown to me. He left the McKinney household years ago, the last thing I remembered was him arguing with my grandfather, the president over the company.I vividly remembered how the president sending had sent me to my room saying he wanted to have a chat with my uncle but I knew something was wrong. I was young then, maybe twelve or fourteen, I guess.I had stayed back, standing close to the door, my ears pressed against the door. I eavesdropped on their supposed “conversation” which mostly comprised of low hushed voices.Although, I couldn't ear what they were talking about, I could tell they were arguing about something very controve
XAVIER'S POV ~ NEW YORK ~I made my way into hallway and strutted purposefully towards the elevator. My mind was still reeling with confusion but I masked it as I waited for the elevator ride to come to an end.With the news of my uncle's impending arrival, it was hard to relax knowing any day from now, he'd step feet back into the mansion for reasons unknown to me. He left the McKinney household years ago, the last thing I remembered was him arguing with my grandfather, the president over the company.I vividly remembered how the president sending had sent me to my room saying he wanted to have a chat with my uncle but I knew something was wrong. I was young then, maybe twelve or fourteen, I guess.I had stayed back, standing close to the door, my ears pressed against the door. I eavesdropped on their supposed “conversation” which mostly comprised of low hushed voices.Although, I couldn't ear what they were talking about, I could tell they were arguing about something very controve
LUKE'S POV~ MOSCOW, RUSSIA ~Madame Browne had called me numerous times, usually to attend one of her events or to maintain the illusion that we were still a healthy couple. But I never expected that call. The one call I'd waited for— my wife's go ahead. As much as I didn't want to admit it, women ran the world. Madame Browne ran the game and we all know two power driven wolves don't always flock together.I wanted power and so did she. A collaboration with her could ruin the entire McKinney family for all it's worth but she'd held back back then heard ago and now, It happened.I lit a cigarette in between my lips, the lighter flickering a red hue in the dark room. The soft smell of blood and alcohol reeked into my nostrils as I declined into my chair.My office was always this filled— I'm a freaking mafia lord so what would you expect. The liquor on my desk laid untouched, swirls of mist from my cigarette surging into the air.Beside me were two damsels— my girls, in skimpy dresse
XAVIER'S POV I reread the message on the screen to make sure I wasn't seeing things. The news of uncle Luke's coming back meant nothing but danger. He'd left the McKinney family for years, barely showed up for events and now, he was back.But for what?The answer to that wasn't registered in my mind but I knew it wasn't going to be good. Uncle Luke had a long disagreement with my grandfather, the president, because he insisted on not handing over the McKinney bussiness heritage to him. I could still remember his words back then vividly, if he wasn't the heir nobody would. I relaxed on the seat of the car, my mind flashing through thoughts. The ride to the McKinney mansion was short and quiet— the tension unspoken.I still couldn't contain the astonishment in my veins, the words on the screen replaying in my head like a spell. I could still remember the glints of malice in Madame Browne's eyes, her eyes fixing on the camera as if she knew I'd watch the livestream.Once we arrived at
XAVIER'S POV “The McKinney pharmaceuticals has just received a major partnership to extend her business to countries like Asia and Africa.” I said, my voice melting a laugh of joy.I never expected to loose it over the news but for the business empire, this wasn't just any incredible partnership, it was the company's one shot to going global across the entire world. The president would be overjoyed if he heard the newds. Ella turned to me and asked if I was for real and I replied her, saying I really meant it.I'd always knew Ella was the one woman for me, my love relationship with her was the major turnover I'd ever had in my life. Funny enough, our story began with a one night stand and now this, we now found ourselves weaved in a string of passion and love.“We need to celebrate.” I said, reaching as I placed a kiss on her lips, the warm aftertaste of strawberries on my tongue. I pulled her closer, claiming her lips again, but this time, the kiss lasted longer.The silence in the
ELLA'S POV WITHIN JUST TWO HOURS, THE LATEST MEMBER OF THE MCKINNEY FAMILY, MRS ELLA, IS NOW THE MOST SEARCHED ON PERSON IN THEWORLD.My heart nearly leaped out of my chest when I read the message on the screen. Never in my life could I have ever imagined Madame Browne's interview, which I knew was a stunt to put me off my feet, could actually be setting me up for greatness.I could still remember struggling to respond to the interviewer's words and Madame Browne grinning backstage but now, the interview had gone viral. Madame Browne had thought the interview would give me a poor image in front of the media and earn me a few nods but she guessed wrong.Instead of the news of my failure, my success had intrigued many others. The elevator's soft chime came next and we rushed out into the last floor of the hospital.The presidential floor. A glance at the presidential floor of the hospital brought back a lot of memories. I remembered how the files and registers of the presidential flo
ELLA'S POV “It's the president.” My heart skipped a beat as I heard the worker's voice. I gripped my chest, fear gripping my lungs as I tried to keep a steady breathing system.Concern washed through my veins. What had happened? An attack? I knew he was aging but I'd never expected to find a healthy agilr man as the president to have an attack. Xavier took a step further from behind me, his hands gripping mine.“Where is he?” He asked, his voice sharp edged with a roll of command. The worker, who was still worked up from the fear, found it hard to give an instant reply.After what felt like a minute, her voice finally creaked out. “H… he has been rushed to the city hospital.” The lady spoke softly, glistening sweats trickling down her forehead.“Which one?” I asked, the impatience boiling in my tone.“The city hospital.” She said and before she could flutter out other words, we raced into the hallway.I ran despite on heels. I was really worried something bad had happened to the pr
ELLA'S POV “It's the president.” My heart skipped a beat as I heard the worker's voice. I gripped my chest, fear gripping my lungs as I tried to keep a steady breathing system.Concern washed through my veins. What had happened? An attack? I knew he was aging but I'd never expected to find a healthy agilr man as the president to have an attack. Xavier took a step further from behind me, his hands gripping mine.“Where is he?” He asked, his voice sharp edged with a roll of command. The worker, who was still worked up from the fear, found it hard to give an instant reply.After what felt like a minute, her voice finally creaked out. “H… he has been rushed to the city hospital.” The lady spoke softly, glistening sweats trickling down her forehead.“Which one?” I asked, the impatience boiling in my tone.“The city hospital.” She said and before she could flutter out other words, we raced into the hallway.I ran despite on heels. I was really worried something bad had happened to the pr
XAVIER'S POV“Let's go,” I said, my eyes flashing to the most beautiful lady I've met all year, Ella. She was dressed in a purple mermaid that clung to her curves perfectly. Her hair was brushed back in a neat sweep that was packed into a bun. “I’m almost done,” I heard her say, her hands brushing a make-up brush on her cheekbones. Ella looked gorgeous today, I knew she would supercede Madame Browne's. A smile tugged at the corners of my cheeks as I walked over to where she stood. Bending my neck, i sniffed her hair seductively. I'd really missed Ella over the weaks and seeing her in a gown dropped need in my veins.She released a low breath, a moan perhaps. I gripped her neck, her eyes rising to meet mine. I brush my fingers over her lips as I pulled forward, my lips claiming hers in a hot fiery kiss.I allowed her explore my mouth, her fingers rubbing the back of my head. A minute of kissing Ella and I was already hard on all edges.I pulled her closer, my fingers gripping her st