TAYLOR MACKENZIEDarkness had covered the sky and we retired to sleep. I laid on my bed, facing the ceiling. Who was I kidding, my brain was crowded with lots of things and I couldn't think straight. I sat up and left my room.I knocked softly on Diego's door and he opened up. "Taylor, what's wrong?" I bit my lower lip softly. "I... I can't sleep alone," I admitted softly, my vulnerability showing."What happened?" He pressed, slowly taking my hand in his."Just.. let me stay with you, please.""Okay," Diego nodded. "Come stay with me." We settled into his bed, facing each other. "You feel good?" Diego asked. "Mmmm. Thanks," I whispered. I faced the other side and shut my eyes close when I felt his body press against mine from behind and his soft air against my ear."I won't let anyone hurt you, Taylor. You're safe here."I smiled and was about thanking him when I felt his hand reach the elastic of my short. He slowly pulled it down and rested his cold hand on my ass cheek. I gul
DIEGO SALVATOREI and Taylor exchanged glances before Olivia's voice snapped."I'm guessing nothing, unbelievable people," she said and walked into the kitchen, taking Taylor with her.I left the two ladies to be. I didn't want Olivia coming here because I didn't want Donovan to trace us here, but I couldn't hide this place from her and I'm sure as fuck that she was followed by one of Donovan's men. Sooner or later, he'll show his annoying face, and I'll be ready to put him where he belongs. It's been a week since Olivia came around and she's refused to leave. Actually I'm grateful for her presence because Taylor wasn't feeling lonely. I sat, typing my way on my system and watching them, they were playing a board game and Olivia seemed to be cheating. She made it too obvious that I'm sure Taylor noticed it but because of her kind nature, she pretended not to know. The atmosphere which was calm and relaxing was suddenly shattered with the unmistakable sound of a gunshot echoing thro
TAYLOR MACKENZIE"What happened?" Olivia was the first to speak while I stood behind her as Diego returned to the apartment. Diego didn't answer immediately but when he did, I felt my whole world shatter. "It's Donovan, he's giving me an option to kill within three days or he'll come for Taylor."I took a step backwards, it was about me again. Diego sensing my distress, reached out, placing both hands on my shoulder. "Calm down, Taylor. I won't let him take you. I promise."Tears filled my eyes as I stared at him, Donovan was their father and they couldn't fight him, what was I thinking? "What are you going to do then?" Diego inhaled deeply. "I guess I'll have to kill Mayor." "What?" I asked."This isn't up for negotiation, Taylor," he said."You should have a choice, you should..." I hesitated. "Maybe... maybe you should just let me go," I said softly, my voice trembling slightly. "Bullshit, Taylor. Donovan isn't getting his hands on you." "But-""Enough!" He snapped. I sank on
TAYLOR MACKENZIEI hesitated before approaching him. He took my hand and led me to seat on his lap. A gasp escaped my lips as I felt his straining cock. "You feel that? It's calling on you, my sweet." I faked a smile and stared at Diego. "That's not what we're talking about. I do not want you to get blood on your hands.""If you don't want it, I won't get blood on them.""I'm serious, Diego.""So am I."I looked into his eyes, he'd probably be telling me the truth. "Fine," I whispered and kissed his lips. "I believe you.""Not like you have another choice. Be careful, you and Olivia. I'll be leaving for a while, you guys should stay guarded." "Where are you going?" I asked.He leaned forward, kissing the skin of my neck. "To get you back."He didn't want to tell me where he was going, I didn't know if it'd be wise to press on or not. I eventually nodded and he lifted me in his arms. "Wherever you're going, Just... come back to us, okay?"He smiled. "Let's get some sleep," he sai
TAYLOR MACKENZIEI had a bath and got dressed into one of the dresses Diego had bought for me, he had really changed my wardrobe and lifestyle. I was combing my hair when Olivia showed up. "What's up?" She asked.I looked up. "I don't know, the sky?"She chuckled. "Don't be worried, Diego's got it covered." I smiled. "I hope.""You done? let's go."I stood up and gave her a smile. "Let's go." We headed out and met him standing by his car, phone in hand. He had been doing that for a two days and I'm trying to make myself believe that there's a solution to this madness we're in."You're here," he started, walking close to me. "Take care of yourself, Diego. No bad news," Olivia said."Sure, no bad news," he nodded nonchalantly, like dying meant nothing to him. However it meant alot to me, I'd probably follow him to the grave if I loose him, that was how attached I was. "Be careful," I said as he took my hand in his."I'll be back before you know it," he reassured."You'd better be,"
DIEGO SALVATOREAs soon as the words came out, Thompson's men pulled out their weapons, intending to kill me but Thompson held up a hand, halting their aggressive stance."Why would you come here, openly declaring your intention to kill me?" He asked, his voice calm but tinged with curiosity."Because I happen to change my mind. I realized killing for Donovan isn't worth it.""Donovan asked you to kill me?" He asked, surprised. "Apparently. I would have gone ahead to ask him why but that's an information I'll receive later." Thompson chuckled. "A bloody old man indeed. So, you're telling me Donovan asked you to kill me and you came here, only to change your mind." "Affirmative. However I have a deal for you."He chuckled, a deep rumble of amusement echoing in the room. "A deal? You have guts, I'll give you that. But my men are armed, and they could end you right now."My lips quirked in a faint smile and I gestured towards a nearby skyscraper, its windows reflecting the distant s
TAYLOR MACKENZIEI opened my eyes to a dark environment, I didn't even know how I lost consciousness. Before I could comprehend what was happening, I heard the sound of a ship's engines rumble to life. My heart missed a beat and I sat up, I remembered what happened. Fear and desperation gripped my heart as I huddled in a corner, they shot Olivia, where was she? How was she doing? Where was Diego. I looked around me, lights penetrating through small holes. I took a step forward to have a look and noticed I was in a shipport and my current location was inside a cold, dimly lit container. A loud clang filled my ear and the door opened. Bright light hit my eyes and I shut them close, unable to identify who was approaching. It was when he gripped my arm that I felt the pain, it was Jason."Hello, Taylor. Hope you're ready for the trip because we're going to the United States." I glared at his figure. "I will never give up any information."He chuckled. "You might not talk now, but when
DIEGO SALVATORE"No!" I yelled as I watched in horror, my worst fears realized in the blink of an eye. The container Taylor was in hit the water with an explosive splash, and started floating away. My heart pounded with frantic urgency as I dove into the icy waters of the seaport, propelled by a desperate need to reach Taylor before it was too late. The container which was punctured by several bullet started filling with water rapidly. I struggled against the current as bullets continued to rain down from Jason's men, creating chaotic splashes around me. Holding my breath, I reached the container and retrieved the metal dissolver from my pocket. My hands were trembling as I applied it to the padlock, the minutes ticking away with agonizing slowness as I struggled to keep my focus.Finally, the metal dissolved, and I ripped the door open just as the container submerged further into the depths. Water rushed in, swirling around me as I struggled to maintain my grip on consciousness.
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