Chapter 4.
Axel carried her effortlessly to her room, her small frame pressing against his chest, arms wrapped securely around his neck. Her head rested gently over his heartbeat, and for a moment, he let himself enjoy the warmth of her dearing everything far from holy. When he reached her bed, he placed her down with a care that contradicted the storm raging inside him. He adjusted the duvet over her body, fingers twitching with restraint. Damn! He was doing everything in his power to not rip her clothes off and grope those heavy tits that were pressing hard against his chest some while ago. He wanted to kiss her forehead. Then trail those kisses downward, tasting every inch of her until he reached the place he shouldn’t be thinking about—sweet, tight pink cunt. But he clenched his fists and forced himself to step back. “I am not a baby, Axel. Stop treating me like one,” she pouted, shifting her head against the pillow until she was comfortable. His jaw tightened. That pout. That fucking pout. His fist tightened. She will do a freaking good job with those lips wrapped firmly around his cock. “Go to bed, baby girl. You need to wake up early.” His voice came out rough, edged with something he refused to acknowledge. She nodded sleepily, adjusting the duvet again. He forced himself to turn around and walk away, each step heavier than the last. As soon as he shut the door behind him, he glanced down at his bulge. Fuck. His cock throbbed painfully. Just the sight of her tiny pout had made him hard. How the hell was he supposed to keep his hands off her? But first, there was something more important. He needed to find out who the motherfucker stalking her was. Because when he did—when he finally had proof—he wouldn’t spare him. The Next Day Hazel stepped out of her room, neatly dressed and ready for school. The grand staircase stretched before her, looking more like a mountain than mere steps. She exhaled and took them slowly. Descending was far easier than ascending. By the time she reached the dining hall, she felt a wave of relief. Axel wasn’t there. Good. That meant she could enjoy a peaceful morning. She ate quietly, savoring the silence. But just as she stood to leave, a familiar scent filled her nose, wrapping around her senses before she even saw him. Cologne. Her stomach flipped, her fingers tightening around the strap of her bag. She turned her head slightly and found him walking toward her—sophisticated, composed, effortlessly powerful. He looked different today. His hair was styled in loose curls, falling over his forehead in a way that made him look even more dangerously attractive. His eyelashes seemed thicker, his sharp eyes almost glowing, and his skin—God, his skin—had a radiance she couldn’t quite explain. Her heart started to race as he closed the distance between them. Why did she feel like this every time he was near? Their gazes locked, the air between them shifting. Her cheeks burned as his eyes traveled over her, lingering on the curves of her hips, sliding down to her legs. She felt more exposed under his gaze than anywhere else in her life. She told herself to look away. But she didn’t. Instead, she stared, drinking him in, memorizing the sharpness of his jaw, the way his shirt clung to his body. She didn’t even realize how lost she was until— “Your hands will do a lot better than your eyes, little one.” His voice was deep, teasing, edged with amusement. Hazel’s stomach did a ridiculous flip, but she ignored it, rolling her eyes at his words. “Where are you going, dressed so differently?” she asked, her tone dismissive. His smirk didn’t fade. “You don’t think I kill people to make money, do you?” She crossed her arms. “It’s as simple as telling me you’re heading to work, right?” He chuckled, shaking his head. “You’re running late. I assigned a driver to take you in the new BMW outside.” His voice was casual, but his next words made her freeze. “It’s always been your dream car since you were a baby, so I decided to get one for you.” Her breath hitched. She hadn’t even told him that. She’d loved BMWs since she was a child, but her father had never bought one for her—he preferred larger, more imposing cars. Yet Axel remembered. What was she supposed to think about that? Emotion clogged her throat, but she swallowed it back. “Thank you.” Her voice was soft, almost hesitant. But his expression had already shifted back to unreadable. Cold. Distant. “Get going. This isn’t Texas. You’ll run late.” And just like that, he walked past her, stepping into his car. Three other cars followed behind him, his usual security detail. Hazel exhaled. She’d known him her whole life, and yet, sometimes, she felt like she didn’t really know him at all. ***** Stepping out of the car, Hazel’s heart swelled with excitement. Finally. The college they had dreamed about for years was no longer just a picture on a screen or an article in a magazine. Tracy and Armstrong appeared beside her in an instant. “You took so long,” Armstrong murmured, pulling her into a hug. “I didn’t wake up early,” she admitted, squeezing him briefly before stepping back. “And I had to eat before leaving the house.” “We’re finally here,” Tracy whispered, eyes shining. “We’re finally here together,” Armstrong added. Hazel stood at the entrance, her boyfriend’s arm around her waist, her best friend beside her. She should have felt complete. Armstrong leaned down, pressing a soft kiss against her lips. She kissed him back, but— There was no spark. There never was. People talked about feeling fireworks when they kissed someone they loved, but Hazel never felt anything. To her, kissing was just… an act. Nothing more. “You know what?” Tracy huffed, rolling her eyes. “I think I need to get myself a man!” Armstrong and Hazel chuckled at her dramatics. But inside, Hazel felt a strange emptiness she couldn’t explain. *********** The evening dragged on. Boredom settled into Hazel’s bones, and she found herself in the lavish bar of the house. Her eyes skimmed over the endless rows of bottles before landing on one that looked like juice. It tasted like juice too—sweet, smooth. She curled into the couch, turning on her favorite Telemundo show. Minutes passed. Then a scene appeared on screen. A sex scene. Hazel’s fingers clenched around her drink as Will’s hands slipped between Rachel’s legs, her moans filling the room. Something tightened inside her. Her thighs pressed together. Her mind drifted—unwanted, uninvited—to Axel. His hands. His fingers. His touch. Her breath came quicker. What would it feel like to have his hand between her thighs? Just like Will and Rachel? Heat pooled between her legs, and before she could stop herself, her hand moved to her breast, squeezing softly. A whimper left her lips. And her head rolled backward. Then— “What are you doing, Hazel?” The deep, rocky voice sent ice through her veins. Her eyes snapped open. Axel stood there, watching her. And the way he was looking at her… She swallowed, but it was too late. She had already been caught. Fuck! Axel’s dick was already twitching at the innocent look in her eyes. He gulped down as he stared at the sexy and round sight of her round breast. He wanted to scream at her and yell at her for being so naughty, but he couldn't even help himself, his voice betrayed him to it. And he desired her graver than the freaking urge to drive a stake to a traitor's heart and rip him open. He stared down at the position of her hands, her innocent face, the Tv screen then back to drink on the table. “Fucking goodness momma.” Why are you drinking that? He lowered himself to her level, the moment he spot the drink she was drinking, but she only pouted the more. “What are you doing, give me back my drink.” she cried out into a moan, and fuck! his shaft made a quick throb. “You are drunk, momma. Hold on I will take you to your room.” he breathed out softly trying not to stare at her tits. Trying to resist the hold she had on him. But… “No,” Hazel pouted. “I am not drunk, I just want to feel that way.” she pointed at Rachel that was panting from the orgasm she had and Axel inhaled slightly. A muscle in his jaws tightened. And the urge to bend her over and dick her for straight an hour nagged. He let out a soft exhale, struggling to hold onto the tiny thread of restrain. “I am not your boyfriend, little one.” He cautioned and made to jerk her up but she made him fall back to her, his face pressing into her heavy tits. “You were not my boyfriend when you said you were going to fuck my brain back to a reset factory.” her voice came out barely above a whisper and it made his dick throb even more. His eager hands cupped her boobs, mistakenly, and she pressed them harder into her boobs. Sensation tickled her skin. “Ummmm....” Hazel let out a soft moan and that was the height of it. It was all it took for him to lose every ounce of restraint. His breath hitched. The muscle in his vein tightened, urging him to act. His hands found her clothes, and he ripped them off her body. A breathless gasp escaped Hazel’s lips as his hands brushed her skin in the process. Axel’s eyes darted and his jaws twitched instinctively at the sight of the heavy round tits that welcomed him. “Fucking Hell.” Axel rasped—running his tongue against his lower lips. His hand moved closer, cupping them into his palm. “Goodness momma! These tits are so beautiful.” He didn't give her a chance to reply before lowering his head and wrapping his mouth against her nipples. Hazel stiffened at the feeling of his hot tongue against her nipple. Her knees bucked and she sank further in the three-seater. “Goodness!” She arched. Yelping at the pleasure that kissed her skin. Her hand tangled against his hair, pulling hard on the stand of his hair—dragging him closer info herself as if he could be any closer. His tongue ran against her nipples, sucking and bitting gently while savoring her expression. Hazel’s back arched. “Oh my fucking goodness.” she squirmed—whining in the pleasure of his tongue. Hee pussy throbbed at every suck, desiring more than she could express. Axel’s hand fondled the other boobs. Kneading and sucking on the other. Goodness! His cock made a gentle throb and he licked against her nipples, groaning at the perkiness. “Go on baby girl, moan for me.” his soft breath caressed her breast and she shuddered, her eyes tightening into a heavy fist. “Fuck it!” She cried out in pure ecstasy, her body jerking up in pleasure as he rolled his tongue around her nipple. Her hands fisted against his hair, hard enough like she was going to leave a few small indentations in his head. Her legs wrapped around his waist while he pushed into her, sucking more and more, his shaft, jerking vigorously in his trouser. Her body stiffened as his teeth graced her nipple. And something in her stomach tightened. Axel knew the feeling she was about to have, but he didn't stop, not a bit, instead his hands cupped her breast even more, sucking in more like he had been deprived of breast. The smell of her Arousal filled him In and heavens…. He wanted to go down to her pussy and lap greedily on her pussy juice. But, he couldn't. He didn't. Knowing how she tasted meant owning her forever. He would never be able to hold himself back from wanting to taste her, from my eating her. From claiming her as his forever. Hazel’s back arched. Pleasure kissed her skin sending a knot of sensation across her stomach. She tugged at the chair, trembling underneath him. “Oh my fucking goodness, Axel. I am going to pee.” She cried out helplessly pleasure. “That's not pee, that squirt, baby girl.” he corrected her amidst sucking and she whimpered as her pussy walls tightened really hard, her body jerked in pleasure and her orgasm hit hard at her inner walls. She let out loud squeals as her body convulsed under the pressure. “Oh my fucking goodness, Axel.” Her cries filled the air. While her body shook. Her heart pounded and she gripped the chair, clutching firmly onto it as she squirted all over his stomach trembling from the pleasure that overrode her. “Excellent, baby girl. Excellent!” Axel remarked, watching her jerk in pleasure. He got on his feet, staring down at the place she had bathed him. He let out a satisfactory pur. “I wish to not wash this baby girl, I wish to just dry it and keep it close to my nose, Just so I can inhale the nice scent of your pussy forever!” His eye wondered around her helpless quivering body and his cock kicked hard. Wouldn't it be fun to have her writhe underneath him? With his shaft perfectly buried against her hole? This A letter to his friend. “I am sorry Marco, but this is the beginning of a journey I can not guarantee an end to.”Chapter 5. The Next Day Hazel woke up to the cruel embrace of a sharp headache. Pain pulsed through her skull, pounding in sync with the heavy weight of last night’s memories crashing down on her. The events replayed vividly, piercing through her mind like shards of glass. Her chest tightened, a sharp sting blooming deep within her as though a dagger had been lodged into her heart. She could barely breathe. The ache was unbearable, making every second of last night’s events all the more hauntingly clear—etched into her like an inescapable, permanent mark. Axel. The way his hands had moved over her skin. The way his tongue had stolen her breath, guiding her into an intoxicating pleasure she had never known. A shudder crawled up her spine, heat rushing through her body as the memory threatened to consume her again. Hazel felt cheap. She had a boyfriend. A good one. Yet, last night, she had shamelessly thrown herself at Axel—and worse, he had denied her at first, yet sh
Chapter 6. Hazel stared at the nasty-looking Axel, her heart pounding against her ribcage. She wanted to stop him—to yell at him and tell him to stop. But. She couldn't. Her body wanted it, and it arched so bad yearning for him—desiring whatever it was he had done to her body yesterday. Axel's grey eyes locked against hers. His hands found her under thighs and he scouted her to the edge of the marble stand. A gentle gasp escaped the corners of Hazel’s lips and her hands hurriedly found the sink, clutching onto it for dare life—their eyes not letting go of each other. The tension in the air thickened and awkwardness wrapped a grip against it—their heart pounding in rhythm to the breath that they took. Hazel could barely fix her thoughts together. She felt trapped under the haze of his mesmerizing gaze—that sent a squirm of sensation across her spine. “First.” The silence in the air shattered as Axel’s deep velvety voice shimmered through the air. “I am going to
Chapter 7. Hazel stared at the message on her screen, her lips twitching into a smile as a wave of heat rushed through her body. A shiver of pleasure curled down her spine, anticipation already sparking beneath her skin. She slipped into a red lace lingerie set, the delicate fabric clinging to her curves. A sheer lace jacket draped over her shoulders, leaving her stomach exposed. As her fingers traced the smooth skin of her waist, her gaze locked onto her reflection in the mirror. She wanted to act like she was only going there to retrieve her pants. But deep down, she knew the truth—her body ached, her core pulsed with need. The fire between her legs couldn’t be ignored. And only he had the antidote to the wetness that had gathered from a single text. All her worries from seconds ago were suddenly gone—replaced with nothing but the thoughts of getting her pants back. At least, so she said to herself. Tying her hair into a sleek ponytail, she turned slightly, admiring the cu
Chapter 8. “Position that ass into a doggy, momma, let me lick your plate clean!” he purred, and she gasped at the rawness of his words, In one flipped, he turned her around her face pressing into the table while her ass shoot out into the perfect doggy he craved for. “Ummm....” he moaned as he stared at what looked to him like home. “Fucking goodness!.... Momma.” Axel grunted licking on his lower lips. His dick budged at the sight of her dripping pussy and damn! Damn, every restrained because he desired more than to finger her—he desired more than just to suck. A warm heat crept against Hazel’s cheeks as shyness rasped embarrassed claws against her skin. But there was something different. Another feeling lingered like a whispered secret. Safety. It has never been a thing to question when Axel was in the picture. As shy as she was, she could get herself to pull up. She couldn't get herself to walk away. Anticipation rested underneath her skin and she waited for his
Chapter 9 The soft glow of the morning sun spilled through the curtains, casting a golden hue across Hazel’s skin. She stirred slightly, her fingers brushing away the last traces of sleep from her eyes. Stretching languidly, she inhaled deeply, and the familiar scent of Axel’s cologne filled her senses, wrapping around her like a memory. A small smile touched her lips as she sat up, instinctively pulling the duvet higher over her bare chest. The events of the previous night echoed in her mind, sending an involuntary shiver down her spine. Her hair was a wild mess from all the tossing and turning, and she absentmindedly ran a hand through the tangled strands. “Sleepyhead,” Axel’s deep voice cut through the silence, laced with amusement. Her gaze snapped to the side, locking onto him as he stood near the grand, gold-framed mirror. Hazel swallowed hard. Axel was a vision of raw masculinity—his body still damp from the shower, water droplets tracing a sinful path down his sculpted ch
Chapter 10. Hazel lay on her bed her hands clutching her teddy to her body, the thought of Axel and the strange lady replaying in her head. She placed her chin on the top of the teddy while she hugged it to herself, her hands stroking the teddy’s soft hair. The thought of Axel and the strange lady being a thing was suddenly interrupted by the silent beeping of her phone. She pulled out of her worries and glanced over her phone, it was her friend Tracy. She let out a soft smile before picking up the call. “Hello,” she whisper softly and Tracy giggled from her own end. “Hello Hazel, how is the weekend going?” she chuckled happily, and Hazel rolled her eyes at how dramatic, vTracy never failed to be. “Quit being dramatic, young lady.” “How can I even quit? When that's all that made me Tracy.” she pouted before letting out another round of chuckle. “You never cease to amaze me.” Hazel's hand dug into the scalp of her teddy as she talked softly into the phone. “How are
Chapter 11. After a healthy amount of foreplay, Axel pulled her into his arms and covered them comfortably under the duvet, his left hand stroking her hair gently while his right hand fondled her boobs until she drifted into nature. Axel stared at her all through her peaceful sleep. After several hours of waiting, Riyyan left Axel’s house angrily and in tears. The Next Day Riyyan walked down their spacious-looking stairs, her face stretched out into a deep frown. She was dressed in a yellow singlet and black shorts, along with some fluffy yellow slippers that matched her clothes. Her hair was wrapped up in a messy bun, and her phone was firmly held in her hands. “You came home quite late yesterday. Sorry, I couldn’t wait for your return before going to bed. I suppose your meeting was a great one with the time spent.” Hylex, Riyyan’s closest friend, winked at her the moment Riyyan walked closer. Riyyan walked up to the chair and slumped into it without saying a word. “
Chapter 12. The next day. Hazel pulled out of her room and ascended the spacious stairs, wearing a bright smile and a nice outfit that complemented her looks and exposed some side of her belly. As usual, some part of her belly would always want to be seen. She smiled inwardly as she kept thinking about a few words she had with Axel the night before. “I don’t want you stuck in pleasure, momma. You are too young for this.” It does sound like he stole away from her the pleasure her body needed, however, it eased her mind knowing that he wanted her to be the good girl she used to be, and that alone proved to her that he was not just interested in teasing her and bringing her orgasm. As usual, the walk down the stairs was quite draining, but she managed to pull down without tripping, like before. “Good morning,” she greeted one of the maids that were a bit older than the rest, and the not-so-old lady greeted her with a bow. “Young master requests that you eat and wait for him.” He u
Epilogue. Hazel and Axel had decided to give Daniella and Daniel a little one and it turned out a female. Just like the best parents they have always been inspired to be, they fulfilled all their couple's goals and still suited their children's needs. Axel returns to the game after several years and he becomes the real mafia lord! Having sub-regions of the mafia clans under his control. He makes peace with Hazel’s brother and makes him a part of the game, so he can make his own Money. Axel and Hazel never stopped going out on dates, traveling to any country of their choice every month, going on vacations, and loving each other unlimitedly.Alex and Alexia finally gave back to a baby girl and she looked really beautiful, she took a bit from Alex's beauty and a bit from Alexia’s beauty two. Axel gives Alex one of his companies to have to himself and he managed it happily.Life kept going on great for them and they all kept overcoming every trial in life. This is the end of this beauti
Chapter 101. Author’s Pov. Axel walked into the beautiful pent house room and dropped Hazel on the bed. “Nasty sexy lady. I can't believe you are craving Daddy's cock after getting a nice quantity of it this morning.” Hazel stood up from the bed immediately. “How am I not to crave that beastly cock of yours, Daddy. When you make my legs quiver by the mare sight of you.” she trailed her hand around his body and he held her hand. “Urghhhh momma. You are so nasty. You said a quickie momma. Remember we can't just keep them out there yeah?” Hazel's face dropped and she pouted her lips. “You are no longer interested in me yeah? Is that the reason you don't want to pleasure me? Is that the reason you don't want to eat me out? First?” she pouted and his finger pressed against her lips. “Not any further momma. You know I will gladly eat that juicy pussy of yours. He replied with a smile and Hazel smirked feeling fulfilled. “I see you want Daddy to eat you out so badly, you will
Chapter 100. Six Years Later Hazel sat on the bench chair in their penthouse, watching her children run around. “Wait for me! Wait for me!” Daniella called out, chasing after Daniel, who had two sweets in his hand. The driver had dropped them off at the penthouse a while ago on Axel’s orders, and as usual, a few guards stood around. Even though Axel had completely left the game, he was still used to the old lifestyle of being treated like a god. As Hazel watched the beautiful sight of her children playing, a smile suddenly appeared on her face. She reflected on the journey of six years ago—her labor had not been an easy one, and it had left her deeply shaken. She had labored for twelve hours, and throughout those long hours, Axel never left her side. He stayed with her, watching her in pain, unable to eat because she wasn’t eating. He could barely do anything except hold her hand, comfort her, and pray for her to get better. His hands constantly roamed her belly, and he kept k
Chapter 99. Author’s POV Four months later Alex walked into the room with Alexia. The lights flickered on, revealing the breathtaking sight before her. The penthouse was decorated beautifully—red flowers, red balloons, and delicate ornaments complementing the elegant space. Alexia turned slightly, her heart pounding, but then her gaze landed on Alex. He was down on one knee, a ring in his hand, his eyes full of love and determination. She froze, stunned. Of course, she had known he would propose—eventually. But what took her completely by surprise was how soon it had come. “Yes! Yes! I will marry you!” she squealed in delight, stretching out her hand eagerly. A slow, satisfied smile spread across Alex’s lips as he slid the ring onto her finger. Alexia stared at it, her heart soaring. Then he stood, pulling her into a tight embrace, wrapping his strong arms around her small frame. He pulled back slightly, locking eyes with her before lowering his lips to hers in a soft, linger
Chapter 98, Author’s Pov…. “Momma…how… how long have you been standing there?” he asked knowing that he had heard all his conversation with her father. Hazel ignored his words and turned immediately. Axel cursed and turned the gas off but before he could get to her she had taken the elevator and he had to wait for the elevator to be ready. Axel hurriedly imputed the number and the elevator threw opened, walked in and after a while he was standing next to the floor. He opened it as fast as possible and he walked in to meet Hazel laying on the bed with tears in her eyes. “Momma….” he let out in a soft voice and she gave him a hard glare. “You monster!” she cursed raspily and he dug his nails into his hand. “Listen to me momma… I promise I can explain.” “Explain what?” she scoffed. That you kill? That you are a murderer? How could you keep such nasty things away from me? How could you?” “I was going to tell you, momma…i pro…” “Lies!” she sobbed snapping the words out of her
Chapter 97. Author’s POV. Hazel and Axel had been married for three months now, and it was safe to say they were the perfect couple. Everything was going their way, and Hazel was being treated like the queen she was. Axel, the man who had always adored her, never changed—not even after marriage. He continued to pamper her, meet her needs, and spoil her in every way possible. That morning, Hazel stirred awake after a long night of passionate love-making. What she hadn’t anticipated about pregnancy were the cravings—especially her insatiable desire for Axel. Her hormones were wild, and her sexual appetite had only intensified. Luckily for her, Axel never tired of indulging her, always eager to fulfill her needs. Though they had to be careful with certain positions due to her pregnancy, he still made sure she was well satisfied. She sat up slowly, blinking away the sleep from her eyes, only to find Axel missing from the bed. A deep pout formed on her lips as she let out a groggy groa
Chapter 96. Author’s Pov. Axel lashed the whip gently on her boobs and she quivered in pleasure. “Oh, Daddy! Fuck!” She cried out and he stared at the red imprint on her breast?” the hot red mark made his body quiver, he was getting into his dark side yet again. “Will you cum without Daddy’s permission again?” his voice was deep and very husky. “No! Never Daddy!” her pussy clenched and itched and she felt the urge to be touched so damn bad. “Urghhhh… Daddy! Fuck! She moaned tossing her head restlessly on the bed. Axel dropped the whip and reached for her boobs. He dropped the ice cubes on her boobs and her body stiffened! “Heavens! She arched and he flashed her a devilish grin. “That cube is not allowed to fall off momma.” Hazel whimpered at the feeling that flushed down her body. Laying on the bed with her hand and legs cuffed apart Hazel could only arched in pleasure with the desire to touch herself. “Oh, Daddy! fuck! please touch me…. oh shit!” her pussy it
Chapter 95. Author’s Pov. Hazel’s leg hooked from the intensity of the pleasure but she was not tired yet! She loved that he said he was not done with her. “On your ass momma.” a gentle command that got her seating up immediately. His hand gripped her wrist and he pulled her out of bed. “Kneel.” Hazel's Kneel met the ground in one rough moment. “Good Girl!” he remarked and sucked on his lower lips gripping her chin into his hand cupping and rubbing on it gently. “You are going to be taking Daddy into your mouth like you always want to. okay?” “Okay!!!” Hazel nodded her head eagerly staring at Axel’s erect dick. Her hand suddenly reached for his dick and she spared him a glance as though she was asking for his permission. He nodded his head to her gently and she let out a soft moan. “I am going to take Daddy like I always have Daddy…. I am going to make him moan whole in deep throat him.” “Nasty! Nasty!” he howled taking her hair into his hand. Hazel struck he
Chapter 94. Axel walked into the spacious decorated room with Hazel in his hand, still looking beautiful in her wedding dress. He dropped her to her feet and flashed Hazel a smile. “You would be getting all of me tonight momma! all of me! you are my wife now!” he whispered to Hazel with a grin and Hazel smiled happily at him. “I will pull out of my dress first! then you afterward.” he leaned and kissed her gentle lips. Hazel kissed him right back, pulling him closer by wrapping her arms around his neck and deepening their kIs. They both disengaged from the hug afterward and Axel started off by pulling his suites while he made Hazel watch him. Their room was looking all gloomy, decorated with red light and a few night candles to spice the moment. Axel was done stepping out of his clothes and this time it was Hazel. He reached for her zippers behind him and started helping her to unbox it. After few minutes of kissing and chanting while undressing her. the clothes were