TAYLOR MACKENZIEThe car ride felt like an eternity for me. I had controlled my bleeding nose and was quiet in the confined space. It wasn't a new thing as Jason and his mother locked me up on several occasions. I felt the car halt to a stop. The truck was opened and the light hit my eyes that I squinted. "You're riding with us," was all I heard before I was dragged from the trunk and pushed into the backseat where Donovan sat. He smiled on seeing me. "You look shitty," he threw a white handkerchief towards me. "Clean all those blood." "What do you want from me?" I asked."I said, clean the fucking blood," he repeated."So what? Are you going to kill me?" I asked defiantly.Suddenly, he grabbed my neck pushing me backwards and slamming my head against the car window. A shout escaped my lips before he slammed his strong palm against it, sealing both my nose."When I talk, you listen, you know why? Because you're my whore and I'mma fucking kill and dispose your carcass where not eve
TAYLOR MACKENZIE"Oh no," I whispered. Emy dropped the tray of steaming food she held on the table and walked back to the kitchen, totally ignoring me. Tears filled my eyes, this was bad. I hurriedly knelt down, parking the glass particles when I got cut. "Oh my God!" I heard the girl exclaim and stand to her feet, her eyes were wide with concern as she immediately reached out to me, her voice soft and kind. "Are you alright?" she asked gently, her hand grasping my trembling fingers."I..I.." I stammered and looked at Mr. Donovan who's stern expression remained unmoved as he regarded me with cold detachment. "Careless," he muttered under his breath, his disapproval palpable. "As always.""I'm sorry, I... I'm sorry," I begged, wondering what he'd do to me next. The girl helped me up, a soft smile playing on her lips. "It was an accident, we all saw it. I'm Olivia by the way. That's my brother, Diego," she introduced but since I was aware the Diego of a guy had been staring at me sin
DIEGO SALVATOREI sat by the poolside, a tumbler of whiskey in hand, and my gaze fixed on the rippling water. I thought of how Donovan acted with that servant girl, and wondered if staying back for her sake was worth it. I've killed some people in my life, assholes who messed up with me, but I decided to stay so my so called father wouldn't harm a good for nothing girl. Someone I didn't even know about. I wouldn't lie, I felt a stink when Donovan struck her. I mean, she's a girl, a woman for christ's sake and he shouldn't have hurt her, including the bruises she had on her face and body. Who was this girl Donovan had under him, and why was I against the idea of she being involved in his dirty games.I gulped down a mouth full of whiskey, I was over thinking things. Donovan and I had separate lives and if there's something we promised each other, it's to not interfere in the other person's arrangement. I pulled out a cigarette, and lighted it up. Just as I smoked it peacefully, the
TAYLOR MACKENZIEI increased my pace to my room, I didn't just share a kiss with Diego, what was I thinking? It definitely wasn't a deliberate act, it was an accident. I slammed the door to my room shut, sat on the ground and hugged my legs. What did I just do? I hope he understood it was a mistake, I just wanted to thank him for saving my life, the falling into the pool to see his reaction just came up and wasn't part of my plan. I was going to swim out when I saw him dive in, he came to get me, seems like the Salvatore children were going to be my liberation, I just needed to be on their good side all the time. I already got Olivia and soon I'll get Diego. The next morning, I woke up to myself sleeping on the ground. I must have forgotten myself while thinking and slept on the ground. I stood up and headed to the bathroom. When I was out, I was informed by Emy that Donovan has gone out for an emergency meetup, I was grateful he was gone, the man gave me the scare of my life."Tak
DIEGO SALVATOREWhen I said I'd give Taylor something to think about, I didn't imagine myself getting carried away by her smell, and her taste. It all started when I kissed her, her lips in my mouth tasted different, her tits standing and pressing against my chest almost turned me into a madman. However, when it was about getting fun and interesting, I felt something inbetween her legs, something really interesting. I felt her hymen with my fingers.I’m pretty sure I don’t give a fuck about virgins, they are no fun. Amateurs, hassles, nuisance and generally not good in bed. However, Taylor although being a virgin, captured my attention. This was so going out of hand. I trudged into my study, I wouldn't think about Taylor now, she's a story for later. I sank into my leather chair and stared at the sleek polished machine in the name of a laptop waiting on my desk.I opened it and was greeted by the usual cascade of notifications. One message, however, stood out starkly in my inbox:
TAYLOR MACKENZIEDiego guided me gently to my room, his steps slow and deliberate. Once inside, he helped me sit on the edge of the bed. “Are you okay?” he asked.I nodded, but tears began to well up in my eyes."I'm fine, I mean... How can I not be? This is my life, it is literally, so I have to be fine.""Taylor-""I'm fine, Diego. I'm-" I broke down, sobbing uncontrollably. Diego on the other hand just stood by, his hands clenched into fists at his sides as he watched me with a stoic expression. Why was he just there, staring at me like I was the first person he's seen crying. I sniffed, continuously stealing glances at him severally, he looked like he was waiting for me to be done before he can say whatever he wanted to say."What are you doing?" I asked between tears."What am I doing?" He asked. I lowered my gaze. "Do you have to be so heartless?" I asked."Elaborate." I sniffed again, glancing up at him through my tears. “Why are you just staring at me?” I asked, my voice b
DIEGO SALVATOREThe somber mood of the memorial service of my mother hung heavy in the air. I stood by the grave, flanked on my right by Olivia and the other side by Donovan.This wasn't my kind of thing, the hushed words and quiet tears, this wasn't a place I would love to be. However, she was mother, Isabella Salvatore. She died in a car accident five years ago and although the authorities said it was an accident, I knew it wasn't one. I was still on her case, when I find the entity responsible for the accident then I can have peace. I glanced at Donovan, acting so righteous like he played the role of a good husband. A more reasonable reason I hated funerals, it was filled with people with fake personalities, pretenders who deep inside would pass a knife through you if you woke up tomorrow. Olivia touched me, I'm sure she noticed how I glared at Donovan. "You don't want to create a scene." "Believe me, I wish I could." She gave a smile. "Thanks for coming, it means alot." I re
TAYLOR MACKENZIEI watched feeling grateful as Diego walked away. He knew about me, knew I was weak and couldn't defend myself, maybe that was why he stood up for me when Jason showed up. I concluded he took me to be weak. However, I wasn't weak on purpose. The frustration I passed through with Jason and his mother was enough to shut me up and take my confidence away. I felt vulnerable right now. Although he said nothing changed, I was uncertain whether Diego would now see me differently, perhaps as someone unworthy of his respect or affection. Nevertheless, I owe him my life and will remain on his good side. I walked towards Emy who was seated alone, the party was ending and the caterers were packing up. "I'm making nothing for dinner, Taylor. Have something to eat from the caterers."I smiled. We both started tidying up as the guests started leaving, plating dishes and cleaning up spills, the clatter of utensils creating a background noise.When the house was quiet, signaling the
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