NADIA'S POV
In a presidential suite, the dark brown curtains were drawn lightly, limited light seeped into the room, making it hard to see the faint rays of sunlight. My pounding head spins as I look around my surroundings, and I instantly regret drinking so much. Panic curses through me, as I can't immediately recognize where I was. I can tell I'm in a room, but who's room? The last thing I remembered was Sophia bringing me to a club and leaving midway our conversation. I groan, rubbing my eyes and hoping I'm seeing things properly– the alcohol burning in my system is still making me confused. I tried to roll over, suddenly I became aware of the heavy arm draped around my waist. My head quickly whipped to the side and I prayed that the heavy hand belonged to Sophia, maybe she came back for me and brought me to a room. But my worst fears were realized, and I brought my palm to my lips, trying to contain the scream of horror, when I found a naked man lying beside me. He's not just a naked man, his body is embedded with different drawings of tattoos. “Fuck!” I cursed, looking down to find myself also naked. The slight discomfort between my legs makes me painfully aware that I tossed my virginity out of the window and had no memory of it. I immediately gasped, palming my face, as some memories from last night flooded my head. “No, no..” My eyes stung and I glanced at him, he was still sleeping, his sturdy chest heaving up and down in rhythm to his breathing. Truth be told, he was handsome, his jaw outline carved out perfectly, like that of a professional sculpture. But I need not be told they are just looks, he was a man and has a dick, just like Logan, so they are just the same. “I need to leave -” I said, searching for my clothes, but they were already damaged. I paused my lips into a deep thin line, praying I wouldn't wake him up. I slowly lifted his huge arm that was draped around my waist, replacing it with a pillow and slowly climbed down from the bed. I hurriedly went to the wardrobe and changed into a polo and long pants that looked very big on me. I also found a baseball cap, which I wore to cover half of my face. As fast as one could blink, I stumbled out of the room. Gosh, I really feel sore between my legs. Was he that huge? 'I'll attend to that later, first I need to leave this place’ I mumbled, walking faster, along the long passage with different rooms. Finally, I was out of the club's building, with my head lowered and steps hastened, I walked to the direction of my adoptive parents house, it's a few blocks from here. The sting of their betrayal was still fresh, but I'm not going to let myself be a weakling in front of them. I'll go grab my bags and items, then I'll leave their lives for good. Reaching closer to the house, my heart tugged with emotions, which I ignored and went head on. I didn't have to knock or use the doorbell, as the door was slightly opened, I slowly pushed it open and went inside. The deafening silence indicated that no one was around, but who would leave their house open and go to work? I shrugged as it wasn't my business and went upstairs to get my stuff in the room, which once belonged to me. As I got closer to the room, I heard muffled groans and moans, which could only come from people who were fucking themselves. My heart race picked up immediately, as curiosity got the better of me and I hastened my steps. In a swift swing, the door was flung open, and my eyes met with Logan's, who was busy giving it hard to his wife. I quickly swallowed the lump in my throat, my heart panged with pain and I looked away immediately. They could've found another spot to do it, not in my room, although the room doesn't belong to me anymore. They brought the sheets to their chest, their eyes burning with anger, especially the girl's and I swear I can predict the next thing she was going to say. “You?!” She barked, glaring daggers at me “What are you doing here? Which part of leave did you not understand last night? Oh wait! You think my parents will take you back, if you came to plead with them? Delusional, aren't you?” She sneered, letting out a mocking laughter. “Calm down love, don't get so worked up because of her.” Logan said, his gaze eyeing me in a disgusting manner, as he pulled her shoulder and kissed her. The same bed where we shared our kisses, wishes and cuddles, I smiled, grateful that we didn’t do anything more than kissing and cuddling. “She's still standing there, my gosh! leave here, you just interrupted our time. Weren't you thinking about how to knock when entering a house or room that doesn't belong to you, how on earth did you get in?” Vanessa frowned, her hatred and resentment towards me obvious. “I came to grab my stuff and beside the door was opened, so I walked in. You can continue whatever You're doing, I promise I won't look.” I said, and turned to my wardrobe. “Shameless!!,” Vanessa hissed. It didn't take me a long time, and I was packing. I just grabbed my important stuff, and then I turned to them, meeting their resentful gaze. “I'm done.” I made to leave, but paused, turning my gaze back to them, “Uhmm a quick reminder, the bed's wood isn't too strong it might break sooner than later, so many lies have been told there.” With that said, I turned around and left immediately. I could hear Vanessa swearing curses at me, I chuckled and moved faster. Out of the neighborhood, unsure of where to go, with my bag hung on my shoulder and my stomach making a gurgling sound. I think I've remembered where to go and live, in the outskirts of the town, there seems to be abandoned houses. I can check one of them and stay there for the meantime. Lost in thoughts and unaware of the car speeding towards me, as soon as I noticed, I made a stop for it to drive past me, but instead it halted in front me, the doors opening, revealing masked men. I suddenly remembered what Sophia told me last night. Fear engulfed me, I had to run but was cornered by two of them, who came at me with full speed, before I could say anything, I felt a painful hit on the back of my head. I first saw stars before my vision got blank and I collapsed.LUCIANO'S POVI woke up to find the girl from last night gone, only for her to replace her waist with my pillow, how childish. I at least expected her escape, so I'm not really surprised. I got up and went to the wardrobe to grab my clothes, wash and change into them.My gaze darted to the bed, lingering on the faded blood mark on the bed, making my memory drift to last night. Like every other night, I came to Seduction Suite, but tonight I decided to stay in the club and not a room, especially after Jeff, my right hand man, told me it was filled, and I won't be noticed easily.I was immersed in my whiskey and weed, when my gaze suddenly trailed to the club’s entrance and saw her walked in with a woman who I assumed to be her friend, their faces wasn't quite vivid under the dim light, but she looked familiar and that got my attention, especially dressed in a dirty wedding gown.Suddenly she got missed in the crowd, and I couldn't see her again. My eyes secretly roamed the entire pla
NADIA'S POV My head hurts, I feel really uncomfortable, I wince, and slowly open my eyes. I tried to reach for my head to massage it, then realized my hands were tied. My consciousness hit and I opened my eyes widely, trying to sit up very well. “She's awake.” His cold voice echoed in the car. I was in the middle of two bulky men, their faces were masked, leaving only their cold and piercing gaze, which was fixed on me. Is my fate this cruel? Can't I really stay away from problems? Tears formed in my ears as I lowered my head. “Heyy, look here!” the man on my left said, using his gun to shake my body. I slowly raised my head, allowing my tears to flow, “Where are you taking me to?” My mouth quivered, as the question left my mouth. “No questions, keep shut and do as you’re told.” his warning voice rang in my ear. Sophia's words kept ringing in my head, as the urge to tell them I have nothing to do with the emperor was strong. I couldn't say that to them, I'm yet to know why the
NADIA'S POVWhile he was gone, I tried to flip, so the chair could get off me, because it was pressing on me harder. But I couldn't, I was tied to the chair. Any more attempts might wound me, So I stopped and laid still on the floor, waiting for him to return, though I wished he'd never return.It wasn't long, I heard slow yet calculated footsteps walking towards me, I knew it was him, I couldn't do anything, but crawl slightly away from where I was. His laugh echoed in the room, and the next thing, he grabbed my hair.“Running away, junior Azura?” he mocked, dragging me up by my hair. He was with a knife which he used to cut off the rope that held me to the chair. I knew my wrists and legs were bruised, I could feel the pain from how tight the rope had been tied.His grip was still firm on my hair, while his eyes stared intently at me. If his hands were to leave my hair, I'm sure I was going to fall flat to the ground. I'm tired, my whole body aches.He pushed my face up to look at
NADIA'S POVMy head and my body ached terribly as I tried to open my eyes. My eyes, which were finally opened, took in my surroundings and I found out I was on a soft bed, a large and luxurious room. I sat up slowly, the only thing I could remember was beaten up by those heartless men.Wait? Did they change their mind and decide to treat me nicer, by bringing me into a room?I heard footsteps approaching, suddenly the door knob was twisted and the door was opened. Nervousness shot through my system as my gaze remained on the door, my heart thumping hard in my chest.The door swung open and a doctor walked in, he was followed by a young man, who had piercings and an eagle tattoo on his arm. He must be one of them, I thought.“You're awake, how are you feeling?” The doctor beamed with kindness as he took a close glance at me.I did not respond as my gaze was still fixed at him, it was as if I forgot how to talk. He seemed to sense the nervousness in my eyes and smiled gently. “I mean yo
LUCIANO'S POV Doctor Johnson told me the girl's health was better than last night and that she recovered pretty fast. There is an ointment he gave me to apply on her bruises to heal them faster.After Johnson left, I decided to see her myself. I went into the room only to find Laila, my cook and only female servant. She does most chores inside the house alone. I was going to ask her where the girl was, when the door to the bathroom suddenly opened revealing her cute scarred face and petite figure wrapped in a towel that was barely covering her.She gasped as soon as her gaze landed on mine, like a teenage boy, I felt my heart fluttering. Her gaze was fixed intently on me, I could already tell that she didn't recognize me, of course she was quick to leave after that night.My gaze lingered on her lips, her cleavage and her thighs, and she instantly crossed her feet, and lowered her head. My mind raced wildly with evil thoughts, as I stepped closer and closer to her, I placed my finger
NADIA'S POVI was jolted awake from sleep, by the pungent and choking smell of tobacco. I coughed and opened my eyes clearly, to see him - the man from the other day. He was seated calmly on one of the couches in the room, his long legs crossed together. His face covered with smoke flakes, he was smoking, immersed sorely in it.“How can someone be so handsome, yet beautiful, even when doing the most random things?” I thought, trying to push away the thoughts that were flooding my mind.He seemed to realize that I was awake, because he suddenly looked at me, causing my heart to start thumping. His gaze swept over my body, lingering on my thighs before he looked up to me again and got up.I swallowed nervously and lowered my head, avoiding meeting his piercing gaze. It felt stark naked under those gaze.He strode slowly towards me, coming to sit at the edge of the bed. His arms caught my waits and yanked me towards him, my skin tingled as his scent wafted into my nose, a mixture of toba
LUCIANO'S POVI was in my office when Jeff called me, and Informed me about holding one of Carlos' men captive. Carlos escaped with the rest of his men, but the one that was held captive had a reputable rank and could be of importance to me.I immediately went to the basement, the heavy scent of flood wafted into my nose, I shrugged, I was used to it already. Noticing my presence, my men unlocked the cell for me and I went in.Jeff really knows how to make me happy. The man was tied up in the chain, any movement he made was going to scrape his bare skin, although he was bleeding and seemed out of strength. I circled him, and finally stopped in front of him.“Has he said anything?” I asked, still facing him.“No, boss.”I hummed, and grabbed my gloves that were sent out for me on the table. I pinched his chin, raising his head.“What's your name?”He cowered in fear, upon seeing my face and I instantly smirked. “Mario” his lips quivered.He's too cowardly to be among Carlos' right han
NADIA'S POVI thought I was dreaming not until I opened my eyes, and saw him next to me. All these while he's been the one touching me, his fingers roaming around my body, tingling my flesh.He clasped my mouth shut, upon realising that I was awake. My heart was pounding hard in my chest, as if it was going to jump out, my nervousness and adrenaline already kicked in.What's he trying to do?I struggled to get away from him, just like every other time, I failed. He was still, holding me firm and unmoving like a log of wood or more so an immovable mountain.“Let me go!” I tried to bite off his palm, which covered my mouth.After several attempts, he let me go, his hooded and lust filled gaze etched on my face. My eyes were stinging with tears, which were threatening to fall. Why am I crying now? I thought, trying hard not to let them fall.“What do you want from me?” I asked, glaring at him.His eyes darkened, his lips curving into a smirk that made my skin crawl. He leaned in closer,
NADIA“Miss, are you okay?” I turned to the guard and nodded, but his gaze was fixed at Damon, glaring daggers at him. Damon's expression remained unfazed, rather a smirk was etched on his face, as if daring Luciano's men.“Let's get going, I was about to leave before you guys came.” I said, trying to ease the tension.Luciano's men nodded and we left. All through the drive home, my unsettled mind continued to ponder, it's no new news that Luciano wouldn't know about what happened today and the mere thinking of what he might do, scares the shit out of me. At some point, I thought of talking to his men so they wouldn't disclose It to him, but I knew better than that, he was their boss and no matter what happens they will spill everything to him.If meeting Damon at the bookstore today was going make Luciano go ahead with his threat ... .no way, I can't even think about that.My heart began to race rapidly the moment the car pulled into the vast and spacious estate, taking a deep
NADIA It's been weeks already, with Luciano and I barely speaking to each other, I barely see him not to talk of crossing paths with him. If he was avoiding me or was just too busy at work, I have no idea. These past weeks, I've been feeling a lot of things, tired, when I actually did nothing, sleepy and extreme dizziness. My sleep wasn't as peaceful as it was before. I kept seeing myself, or rather, the little version of me, as a kid, laughing and playing around in a huge mansion. The sounds of her laughter were filled with so much happiness and contagious playfulness. Amidst her happiness, a deep voice called out her name, his voice dripping with love and genuine affection, but then, the name he called wasn't Nadia. Vesper, he called her Vesper. He was calling her to stop running, but she kept running, her laughter growing louder and echoing in all corners of the mansion.I was desperate to see his face, to know who he was, but just each time, I failed. He either seems to disappe
NADIAThe house felt like a hollow shell without Luciano. For a month, he had left without a word, leaving me to wonder if it was because of that night. Although I still bore the scars, not on my body, but deep in my heart, and everytime i passed his closed bedroom door, the memory of his drunken rage haunted me.Yet, there was a part of me that couldn’t help but yearn for him, a part of me that couldn’t let go. Something in his eyes that night had looked broken,desperate and betrayed, and that’s what made it so hard to resent him fully.With Luciano gone, it was easier going outside, venturing beyond the walls of the mansion, although his men never ceased to follow me around wherever I went, but they gave me breathing space. On one of those outings, I met Damon, the man from the restaurant.I had just finished walking through a local bookstore, holding on to the small bag of novels, when he appeared. “Hi Nadia, we met again.” he smiled softly, waving at me.I waved back and looked aw
AUTHORLuciano's anger was triggered by his father and brother, at his mother's memorial service.A day Ago,Luciano stood at the vast, ornate hall where his mom's memorial service was being held. His jaw was clenched so tightly that it ached. He knew that behind the facade of those gathered belied the insincerity of their whisper. Not any one of them had a single sympathy for the woman who they claimed to mourn, they only cared about their power, appearance and no one was more obvious to flaunting those than Luciano's father, Silas Moterno.Dressed proudly in a black suit, Silas held court at the center of the room, a picture of a grieving widower. His words were laced with honey, his demeanor composed, yet the sight of him filled Luciano with fury and hatred, so intense it made his vision blur. Silas, standing tall, had stolen everything from Luciano, his mother, his childhood, Damon, and every semblance of his peace.Luciano's hand clenched tightly into fists by his sides, his rag
NADIAI was already done with the business files Jeff returned home. I'd told him to increase it a bit more which he did, working on this file for a while. I could only say that Luciano was intelligent and professional with the dealings of his company. Time flew by and it was night already. Luciano wasn't home yet, so I returned to my room. Later in the night, I woke up because I was having a nightmare. Amidst my thoughts, I heard slow, and unsteady footsteps approaching my room, before I could react, the door burst open, revealing Luciano's imposing figure.He staggered through the door, muttering under his breath. The heavy whiff of alcohol followed, consuming the air, as soon as he walked into the room.Was he drunk? I frowned and got up to help him. “Luciano, are you okay?” I asked, for some reason, feeling deeply worried.He laughed, a bitter, hollow sound. “Am I okay?” his words slurred, his voice mocking. “Why wouldn't I be? My family's circus, my brother's snake, my father,
NADIAI still couldn't believe that Luciano would murder my adoptive parents and take Vanessa. Why didn't he kill Vanessa also? The more I thought about it, the more confusing it was. If I hadn't seen him kill Sophia, maybe I wouldn't believe it, but I was there when he killed Sophia.Logan might be my Ex and the last person I'd ever want to talk to, but he couldn't make up such a lie. He was sure about what he was saying, even over the phone.There's a way to find out.Luciano was in his study, when I went up to him. I wouldn't lie, I was scared, I was afraid, the courage I had managed to gather, all faltered in the face of his intense gaze.“This is my study, not your room.” “Luciano, did you kill my adoptive parents?” He paused what he was doing and turned to look at me. His gaze darkened, a flicker of surprise dancing in his stormy eyes, as he took a deliberate step towards me. His calm demeanor only served to heighten the tension in the air.“Who told you that?” he asked, his
NADIADespite Luciano's normal attitude, I still couldn't shake off the sight of Sophia's dead body. Few days back, he returned home very late and I happened to go to the living room to retrieve my phone which I left there earlier. The first thing I heard was hurried steps, I hid to see who it was, only to find out it was Luciano's men, Jeff and Luke. They were heading to his room. Their faces etched with worry, but what caught my attention was the blood stains on their hands.Once they had gone a very good distance, I made sure to not make any noise and followed them. The door was slightly opened and I could hear whatever they were saying. Luciano seemed to be deeply hurt, his voice was laced with pain, yet rage. He had a clash with his brother and some other groups, I didn't quite remember their names. It was because of Sophia's death. They'd attacked him, to eliminate him. At this point, I needed no more evidence or words to believe that Luciano was a Mafia boss and did shady bus
NADIA By the time I was awake, Luciano was already gone. After what happened in his study, he had come to the room last night, and only let me be, when it was already daybreak. I could remember that, plus when he cleaned me up and applied some ointment. Cleaning me up after intercourse, was something he never forgot to do, after which he'll tuck me back to sleep.The workload Jeff returned home was getting lesser each day. I'll have to remind him to bring back more work. Later, while I was watching a TV show in the living room, an idea popped into my mind. The sudden thought of it only made my heart race, since no one was at home, and Luciano might not find out, I headed to his study room. Maybe I could find something that'll give me more clue about who he really is, or what exactly he was into. I went into his study, checking out every document I saw there. I had no knowledge that there was a device installed in the office, which would notify him when someone apart from him went i
NADIALuciano didn't leave the house for the rest of the week. Jeff brought over some files for him, and he worked from home. Although he is not going to admit it, I knew it was because of my injury. The thought of it brought a warm feeling to my chest. I already told him it was gone, but he chose to act deaf on it, so I let him do what he wanted.This time, I was the one trying to start a conversation with him, trying to talk to him. But each time, he finds excuses to dismiss me, probably still angry about me trying to cook. But that doesn't make sense, I can't keep making food orders for a long time. I'd wanted to prepare a quick dish, to fill myself, who knew the knife was going to slip from my hand and slit my leg and who asked him to home to witness it?Feeling fed up with his cold shoulders, I decided I was going to talk to him, no matter his excuse this time, I'm going to find a way to talk to him. A part of me decided against it, but I shrugged it away. Despite his cold attit