TAYLOR MACKENZIE Diego winced as I mistakenly touched his injury. I instantly pulled away. "I'm sorry," I whispered. "It's fine." "Let's go inside, please," I said and helped him up. I carefully laid him on the bed and laid beside him. "You're gonna be fine." "Since you're here, I think I already am." I stayed by Diego's side throughout the night, tending to him and his wounds with care. Diego winced occasionally but never complained. When he had slept off, I slowly climbed down and stared at him. I needed to put the arranged food back into the refrigerator since we couldn't have our wonderful night together. I brushed a strand of hair from his forehead. "I love you, Diego," I whispered softly, pressing a kiss to his lips before settling out. After I had put the food in the refrigerator, I discreetly pulled out my phone and tapped on the crazy number that Mayor used to contact me, I would give him a piece of my mind. "You hurt Diego, you bastard. I wish you could be run o
DIEGO SALVATOREI just showed Taylor the starting and she was already shooting at the target well. I wished we had enough time, I wanted to teach her alot, I wanted her to be able to stand up for herself.I watched as she held the gun, her hands trembling slightly. "Okay," I said approaching her. "Allow me." I stood behind her, sheltering her as I gently adjusted her grip, my touch reassuring yet firm."You have to aim carefully, Taylor. You only want to hit the enemy if things gets messy," I instructed quietly, my voice a murmur close to her ear.Taylor nodded, her brow furrowing in concentration as she focused on the target ahead. With a deep breath, she squeezed the trigger, feeling the recoil of the gun in her hands. The shot rang out, hitting the target square in the chest.I took a step backwards as a bright smile broke across her face. She turned to me, her eyes shining with excitement. "Did you see that?" she exclaimed softly.I couldn't help but smile back at her infectious
DIEGO SALVATOREI woke up the next morning and Taylor was still asleep, her arms wrapped around me. I placed a kiss on her forehead and climbed down from the bed. I had a bath and dressed up before walking to the bed. I kissed her lips and she stirred, mumbling some words I couldn't understand."You've got to wake up my sweet," I whispered, kissing her lips again until her eyes shot open."Where are you going?" "Out, you know our agreement. By 2pm, you should already be at the airport."She sat up immediately. "I'm sorry I overslept.""It's okay," I caressed her face. "It's okay my sweet, just be careful. I love you." "What?" She asked."What's wrong?""You've..never told me you love me."I chuckled softly. "I always did.""You said it now and...""Shh," I whispered. Placing my hand on her thigh and trailing up to the folds. She gasped, her eyes widening but she didn't make any attempt to stop me. "Do you like this?"She gulped, lips parted. "Yes, don't stop."I massaged her folds w
TAYLOR MACKENZIEIt was now 4pm and whoever Diego said would pick me up was still yet to come. I paced nervously outside the mansion, glancing frequently at my watch. The evening air was crisp, and the streetlights cast long shadows on the pavement. I had been waiting for what felt like an eternity, and my anxiety was growing with each passing minute.I looked down the road, straining to see if Diego’s promised car was approaching when a sleek black sedan pulled up to the curb. The driver, a middle-aged man with a stern expression, stepped out and opened the door for me. "Miss Mackenzie." I approached cautiously. "Are you here for me?" I asked, my voice tinged with concern.The driver gave a solemn nod. “Yes, Miss Taylor. Mr. Diego Salvatore sent me.”Relief washed over me. "Okay," I said and handed him my suitcase which he put in the car trunk before I slid into the back seat.As he entered and started the engine, I noticed a tattoo on his wrist, it was familiar and I knew I had se
TAYLOR MACKENZIE The men took me along, not giving me a chance to understand what was happening. We arrived at the hangar and then I saw him, the sole reason for my escape. Mayor or should I say, Thompson Volkov. He stood with an air of smug satisfaction, a sinister smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "No," I whispered. “Taylor,” he greeted, his voice dripping with false warmth. “I’m so glad you could join us.” My eyes blazed with anger and confusion. “What’s the meaning of this?" "It's what it is, didn't you want to leave the country?" "I’m not going anywhere with you! I'm leaving with Diego, where is he? What have you done to him?" He waved a dismissive hand. “Oh, don’t concern yourself with Diego. He’s already met his end. There’s a bomb set to explode at the location he was held. I’m sure by now it’s already gone off.” The words hit me like a physical blow. My eyes widened in horror, and my knees buckled. "Diego," I whispered, tears filling my eyes. Su
TAYLOR MACKENZIE "Let me go," I struggled. "Stop struggling Taylor, you very much know what I'm capable of doing. So you'd better cooperate," Thompson said. I glared at him, if only he knew how much I hated him. I fought the tears and almost left my eyes, I couldn't be crying all the time even though it hurts as hell. The door opened, and a harsh, cold light flooded the cabin. I squinted as the blinding glare revealed a line of stern-faced guards waiting outside. Mayor pulled me out, his grip firm, and unyielding. He guided me down the steps and onto the tarmac. This was it, Hawaii. The start of my prison and life of hell, if I knew it would end like this, I wouldn't have bothered to include Diego in it. I missed him alot. I sniffed as tears filled my eyes, Mayor had hurt me terribly but what could I do, I was weak and unable to stand up from myself. I inhaled deeply, my eyes darting around, to take in the sprawling, heavily guarded airport that stretched out before me. If
TAYLOR MACKENZIEMayor pushed me inside the room and followed, his gaze never leaving me. “This is your room. Get used to it, because it will be your world for the foreseeable future. I trust you’ll find it comfortable, though I doubt you’ll be inclined to appreciate it just yet.”I turned to him. "You're enjoying this aren't you?" I asked.He chuckled softly. "We'll talk later, I have matters to attend to." Before I could respond, he turned on his heel and left the room, slamming the door behind him with a resounding thud. "Mayor!" I screamed, running to the door when I heard the lock click, sealing me inside. "Asshole, let me out!" I pounded on it with my fists, but it was futile. He'd never let me out. I sank to the floor, my back against the door, and my face buried in my hands. Tears streamed down my cheeks, Diego was gone, and now I was alone in a place where my freedom was nothing. I was alone, trapped, lost. I wept hard, pouring out all my emotions, I couldn't think of any e
TAYLOR MACKENZIEAfter so much debating, I sat down. Across from me was Mayor who was already eating.“Try the roast beef,” Mayor said, his voice smooth but carrying an edge. He gestured toward the plate in front of me.I returned my stare to his face. "You're really enjoying this aren't you?" "Enjoying what?""Control."He chuckled softly. "Who wouldn't."I rolled my eyes, hesitating before picking up my fork, the clink of metal on porcelain echoing through the room. I took a bite and chewed slowly, it was really magnificent but I made sure my face and expression was unreadable."How is it?" He asked."Don't know, don't care.""Oh, come on Taylor. You should appreciate the cook," he motioned towards a lady at the far end of the dinning room, her head bowed is submission. "Oh," I exclaimed and took another bite. “It’s good,” I said finally. "That wasn't hard, was it? At least you put a smile on her face."I settled down my fork, looking at him. "I hope you know I'd do and give anyt
TAYLOR MACKENZIEThe evening was approaching and I knew it was time for the so-called party Mayor wanted me to attend. I'm sure he wanted to parade me and show his friends he conquered the woman Diego thought he could protect and the woman Donovan thought he own.I stood in the balcony, finding a moment of solitude before I would be summoned to start dressing for the party. I inhaled deeply as the cool night air provided a brief respite from the suffocating atmosphere of the mansion and Mayor. I leaned against the railing, lost in thought, when I heard the soft sound of approaching footsteps .On looking, I saw Mark emerging from the shadows, his presence expected."Miss Taylor," Mark said, his tone neutral but curious. "It is time.""Oh," I exclaimed. "Is that so?"He nodded and turned to leave."Mark!" I called, stopping him. He stopped and faced me. "Yes, is there something you want to talk about?" He asked.I inhaled. "Yes, I need to share something with you. A secret."Mark’s ex
TAYLOR MACKENZIE"How did you get in? I locked the door," I said to Mayor who was on the bed with me. "Are you sure? Well, let's assume you did, this is my house, Taylor. There isn't any room I cannot access."I shifted from him. "What do you want?""Heard you refuse to eat dinner yesterday, so I want you to eat breakfast with me.""I don't want to.""I'm not asking, Taylor. And you know better than to disobey me." He stood up, adjusting his shirt. "Now, Follow me."I watched him leave and hesitated before following him. We arrived at the dining room where a sumptuous breakfast was already laid out. My stomach rumbled immediately and I knew I was really hungry."Seat my dear," he pulled a chair out for me. I hesitated before seating on it and he sat at the opposite end. "Eat up," he said and started eating.I didn't argue with him and immediately started eating, it was delicious and I had been hungry since yesterday. The meal passed in tense silence, with Mayor occasionally glancing
TAYLOR MACKENZIEMayor dropped the cigar and drink at the same time and stood up. His presence was as commanding as ever, his dark eyes studying me with an inscrutable expression. Mark stepped forward and whispered something into his ears. Mayor's gaze didn't leave me and when Mark was done, he walked away, so did all other guards.I gulped. I didn't like this, why would I be alone with him. He started approaching me with a measured calmness and almost immediately, he spoke. "I trust you’re feeling better?" My fist clenched at both my sides, his voice was smooth but carried an undertone of authority.I gulped again, nodding as my eyes flickered slightly. "Yes, I’m fine.""Good," he said, his gaze piercing. "I heard you tried escaping that's why it happened."I Inhaled deeply. "Yes, that's what happened. I was unlucky this time around, but I know I'll-""You're lucky my mood isn't messed up, Taylor," he cut me. "Today, I got a huge deal, you want to know whom it's from?""I have no
TAYLOR MACKENZIEI raised brow. "Really?" I asked, standing to my feet and dusting my clothes before leaning on the edge of the bed to support myself. "You seem to know alot about me, Mark. Tell me, what else do you know?""That you want vengeance for Diego Salvatore, whom Mayor killed."I became silent, my defiance faltering as I heard him speak. "I did some research, Taylor. However, fighting Mayor won't give you what you want?"I lowered my gaze, shutting my eyes close. "What must I do?""Do you trust me?" He asked and I looked up at him, meeting his gaze. "Bullshit, I don't even know you." "You don't have to. All you have to say is yes, you don't need to know someone to trust the person." "But I.." I stopped, struggling with the conflicting emotions swirling inside me. "I.." "You should take some time to think about your choices. Mayor’s patience is wearing thin, and if you persist in your escape attempts, the consequences will be severe.”I inhaled. My hands clenching at bot
TAYLOR MACKENZIE We got to the car and Mark carefully lowered me into it. "Behave," he said and just as immediately as the words came out, he slammed the door shut and got into the driver's seat. The car drove off with two other cars trailing from behind and I wondered what the company was for. "Why are we being followed?" I asked. Mark didn't answer me and I scoffed, he was an asshole. "Do you dispise this place that much?" "Well, from what happened earlier, I think you should have had your answer already." "Listen, trying to escape won't help you. You-" "Don't try to convince me, I'm not staying." "You cannot get away from Mayor, Taylor. No matter how you run, this is his city, it's impossible for you to hide from him and if... If someone helps you escape, that person will be killed. His family, relatives, Mayor will find all of them. So, don't look at us as monsters, we're just trying to save our heads." I exhaled, why should I believe him when they were all loyal.
TAYLOR MACKENZIEThat evening, I ate dinner alone and due to Mark's watchful eyes, I knew I couldn't carry out my escape plan just yet. I'm sure he felt something was off about me. I retired to sleep after listening to his lousy lectures about being nice in the mansion. Whether he liked it or not I wasn't staying here for any reason. The next day came and after a restless night of fitful sleep, I waited for the early light of dawn before making my move as I knew I had to act quickly.I made my way to the small room which wasn't locked and headed for the window in the basement. I opened it fully, and tied the rope. Once I was done, I climbed out, carefully lowering myself to the ground.This was it, it was really happening? I was gaining my freedom. However, my moments of rejoicing was cut short when I felt the rope loosen. "No, no!" I whispered and hurriedly myself. My feet hit the grass with a soft thud, and I winced with relief, not even imagining what would have happened if the
TAYLOR MACKENZIE"What?" I asked, extremely shocked, personal guard."If you need me to repeat myself, I will. I said, I am Mark, your personal-""No! Stop," I cut him. "I heard you just fine, I just.." I stopped, my gaze hardening. “I don’t need a guard. I need to get out of here.”Mark’s expression remained unchanged. “I’m here in case you want to talk to anyone or need anything.""Didn't you hear a word I said?""I did. However, my role is to ensure you’re comfortable and secure.”"Hello Mark! I am not comfortable, this environment sucks and I don't like your company either. Leave me alone!" "It's my fault you're not comfortable and I apologize. However, I'll make sure you're more comfortable and secure from now on." My eyes narrowed in disbelief. “Comfortable? Secure? Is that what Mayor told y'all to say? To act? All I need is to leave this place. And if I wanted to talk to anyone, it wouldn’t be someone who’s loyal to Mayor. They’re all working for him. You’re probably no diffe
TAYLOR MACKENZIEAfter so much debating, I sat down. Across from me was Mayor who was already eating.“Try the roast beef,” Mayor said, his voice smooth but carrying an edge. He gestured toward the plate in front of me.I returned my stare to his face. "You're really enjoying this aren't you?" "Enjoying what?""Control."He chuckled softly. "Who wouldn't."I rolled my eyes, hesitating before picking up my fork, the clink of metal on porcelain echoing through the room. I took a bite and chewed slowly, it was really magnificent but I made sure my face and expression was unreadable."How is it?" He asked."Don't know, don't care.""Oh, come on Taylor. You should appreciate the cook," he motioned towards a lady at the far end of the dinning room, her head bowed is submission. "Oh," I exclaimed and took another bite. “It’s good,” I said finally. "That wasn't hard, was it? At least you put a smile on her face."I settled down my fork, looking at him. "I hope you know I'd do and give anyt
TAYLOR MACKENZIEMayor pushed me inside the room and followed, his gaze never leaving me. “This is your room. Get used to it, because it will be your world for the foreseeable future. I trust you’ll find it comfortable, though I doubt you’ll be inclined to appreciate it just yet.”I turned to him. "You're enjoying this aren't you?" I asked.He chuckled softly. "We'll talk later, I have matters to attend to." Before I could respond, he turned on his heel and left the room, slamming the door behind him with a resounding thud. "Mayor!" I screamed, running to the door when I heard the lock click, sealing me inside. "Asshole, let me out!" I pounded on it with my fists, but it was futile. He'd never let me out. I sank to the floor, my back against the door, and my face buried in my hands. Tears streamed down my cheeks, Diego was gone, and now I was alone in a place where my freedom was nothing. I was alone, trapped, lost. I wept hard, pouring out all my emotions, I couldn't think of any e