"I'm telling you Mara, he's got a thing for you," my coworker, Ashley said."I don't care if he has a thing for me. I have a boyfriend AND he's our old, perverted boss." I rolled my eyes. "Why would I ever want to have anything to do with that?"She smirked at me. "I would do it. Money is power baby."She got out of her seat and gave me a stern look. "You should come get drinks with us tonight.""I'll think about it," I said as Ashley sighed.I wasn't a fan of "going out." It wasn't because I didn't enjoy hanging out with my friends and drinking, but having one shitty experience seemed to be enough for me. But, I also knew that it was time for me to get out of the house, so giving Ashley the benefit of the doubt was the best option."Let me know," she finished before walking out of the room.I checked the time. I had a meeting with my boss, Mr. Cline, in five minutes. I was his personal assistant, but I basically just did his job for him. Made the powerpoints, wrote the flash cards, p
A M A R AMy mouth dropped open. "What the fuck?""Amara?" Jake dropped the girl's hand. "What are you doing here? I thought you would've been asleep.""Obviously not." I looked at the girl next to him. She was short. And she definitely knew about me."Don't bother texting me. I won't be home tonight either. Or ever, for that matter.""Wait... Amara! I can explain," he pleaded."I don't want to hear it," I sneered as I jetted out of the bathroom. Texting Ashley was all I could handle right now. I would spare her the details for later.I immediately drove to Lara's apartment and grabbed her house key from under the front welcome mat.I walked in and there were wine glasses sitting on the table. This didn't seem like something her family would do, but I guess there were still some things I didn't know about her.After stumbling around her house looking for her, I decided to go to her bedroom. The door wasn't shut all the way, and I could hear the sound of giggling on the other side. She
A M A R AGroggily, I woke up and aggressively shut off my alarm. It had just turned twelve in the afternoon and I needed to start looking for jobs-despite my antagonizing headache.+I got out of bed and headed to the bathroom for a shower. I was sure Sebastian could smell me from his room.After showering, I put on one of my interview outfits. Hopefully there would still be some going on today, and hopefully they would take me without scheduling one prior."Well don't you just look delicious," Seb jokingly flirted.I smirked. "Thanks Seb. Are you ready to go?""Do you want anything to eat? I'm sure you're hungry."My stomach churned. "Ah- I'm ok. I'll pick something up along Mag."He nodded and we left. I dropped him off at work and drove farther downtown to the business district.After about ten minutes, I finally managed to find a parking spot. One of the downsides of living in the Windy City was the traffic.I walked down the street completely oblivious to where I was going and w
A M A R AFlashbackTRIGGER WARNING - CONTAINS GRAPHIC MENTIONS OF DOMESTIC ABUSE"Angelo what are you doing?" He backed me into the wall. I started having a panic attack. "It's me, Amara." My breathing was ragged. "Put the gun down," I pleaded."Why would I do that? Your family embarrassed mine. Winning every fight. You're all cheaters," he accused."B-but we don't. I'm your girlfriend Angelo think this through. You train with us."He shook his head with an evil look in his eyes. The slide of his handgun took a hit at my face. I started bleeding. "Angelo stop. My family will kill you when they find out about this.""Your family is gone. It's just you and me babe," he confessed."What are you talking about?""We killed them."My eyes widened. "W-what?""You heard me. They're all dead. It's just you and me now Amara," he sneered, a smirk forming on his face.My eyes welled with tears, but my body was filled with rage. I took this opportunity to gain control over the situation.While ta
A M A R AI couldn't believe he was making me move in with him. What was his problem? He had to know that I wasn't a snitch, especially after the life I came from.My thoughts were interrupted by the ringing of a phone."This is Amara," I mumbled."I'm on my way to your apartment. We're picking up your things. We need to move you in as fast as possible," he complained, annoyed. I didn't know why he would be, after all, this was his decision.This was going to be awkward. "Most of my things aren't even there. You'll have to go to a different address.""Well I'm at your apartment now. 3B?" He asked.Wait a minute. That was my old address. Shit. I never updated it. "Oh my god whatever you do, do not knock on that door.""Why? Are you selling drugs on the side? That would explain why this place is so nice," he joked sarcastically."What? No. Just wait for me to get there before you do anything.""Too late," he said as he hung up on me. You've got to be kidding me.+I sprinted out of Seba
A M A R ATRIGGER WARNING - MENTIONS OF EATING DISORDERS"Holy shit," I gasped as I ran my fingertips over the marble countertops. "This place is amazing.."After looking around for quite some time, I decided it would be a good idea to get my stuff out of my car.I walked outside and asked the guard if he knew of anyone who could help me. He said that there was a maid and she would be able to. Her name was Sandra.I went back inside and looked around for Mr. Moretti's maid. After searching for a while, I finally found the laundry room, where she was folding some white sheets."Hi, My name is Amara. Mr. Moretti might have told you about me?" I asked, scaring her on accident.She jumped when I spoke. I could tell she wasn't expecting a visitor. "Yes dear he did. I'm sorry you startled me. I wasn't expecting you so soon."We shared a laugh and she followed me out to my car. We carried all the boxes in and up to my new room. "He is asleep right now. I would be as quiet as possible. I have
A M A R A"Everyone, this is Amara. She's new to the team," Lucian introduced me.I smiled smugly. They all looked extremely unimpressed. "I'm a Hale," I informed them.Multiple gasps filled the air. A few girls started whispering. How welcoming.I walked up to the groups of people and shook their hands. They were hesitant at first, but warmed up to me after a while. Most of them were kind, and a few just did not want to talk.I saw the same ginger from his office glaring at me. She whispered something to her friend beside her and they snickered. It seemed they were still acting like high schoolers.I decided to walk over to them and introduce myself, "My name is Amara, nice to meet you."They gave each other side glances and acted like I was a literal piece of shit, "I don't think we asked who you were, Amy."Amy? Really? "That's cute. The next time you try to make fun of me, make sure you have nothing in your teeth.""Bitch!" She yelped, her head covering her teeth. "Let's go Kelsey
A M A R AI leaned my head against the shower tile. I understood that part of the reason I ended up soaking wet tonight when I got home was because I was too stubborn to ask for a ride, but for him to leave me alone? That's fucking low. Sighing, I stepped out of the shower before I would start to look like a prune. As I started unwrapping my towel, I realized that I forgot clothes. After rewrapping my towel, I looked outside the bathroom door to make sure no one was coming. It seemed clear, so I ran on my tiptoes to my room. I immediately shut the door and sighed when I reached my room, but when I turned around, I was greeted with Mr. Moretti himself. "What are you doing in here?" I asked sternly. "I came to talk," he said without keeping focus on my eyes.I pouted my way over to the boxes on my floor and took a pair of pajamas to my closet. Quickly, I changed and came out to face him. His gaze never left me once. "Are you done?" I crossed my arms over my chest. "If you want to
A M A R AJudging by my shitty time keeping skills, I was guessing I was at least 7 months pregnant.It has been a while since I was kidnapped, and I figured no one even cared to look for me anymore.Angelo noticed my weight gain and figured out about the pregnancy. He was angry at first, but now he wanted to use my baby as leverage.He had been making sure I had plenty in nutrients. He wanted to raise the child as his own, making him believe Lucian Moretti was the real monster.Despite the food I was getting, security in my room was tightened. My hands and feet were also permanently tied together. The only time I got out of restraints was when I needed to eat or use the bathroom.Occasionally, I was beat in the face or legs. Angelo's men were informed to stay away from my stomach and back.His minions really thought I needed a punishment today."You're a stupid slut!" One man said as he punched my face multiple times.I felt the blood running down my nose. I sniffled and glared at th
A M A R AI woke up on a freezing cold floor. Memories of yesterday running through my head. I was pregnant. The man I loved thought I betrayed him. I was kidnapped.I was spooked by the sound of a bang on the other side of the door enclosing me in here. I brought my knees up to my chest and hugged them. My stomach growled.The handle on the door turned and the one man I was afraid of walked into the room. He smiled at me evilly."Do you know how hard it was to get to you Amara?" He held his hands behind his back and walked slowly forward.I stayed silent. I had no idea how to approach the situation. I wasn't the only life at stake anymore."Speechless huh? You've changed. I remember how you used to be a screamer," he sneered at me."I'm hungry." That was the only thing I could think of saying.Angelo smiled at me and pulled out his phone. "Bring in some food. Now."I sighed in relief, "thank you."Angelo squatted down to my level and asked, "Amara, why were you covering your stomach?
A M A R ATWO WEEKS LATERIt had been two weeks since our date. I had the most perfect time and I couldn't get it out of my mind. Lucian had been extra happy as well.Because he was back at work trying to figure out who was stealing from him, I had been sitting at home with Sandra bored out of my mind. I was just about to take my second shower of the day when I got the urge to throw up.I ran to the toilet and puked. Suddenly, I smelt a whiff of the cinnamon air freshener in the bathroom and felt nauseous again. I continued to puke for a while.I reached over to the counter to grab my phone. I checked my period app. Oh my God. I was late.After cleaning up, I grabbed my keys and drove to the nearest convenient store. I couldn't be pregnant. Right? I was on birth control. It was probably just a false alarm. Probably just a stomach bug.I purchased a couple of tests anxiously. The lady working at the counter could sense my uneasiness."Miss, there's a bathroom in the back if you want to
There is smut in this chapter. If you don't want to read the mature scenes you can skip to the next chapter! For you smut lovers, enjoy!A M A R AAfter about an hour of talking with Sebastian, I decided it would be best for me to come home so that I could get ready for mine and Lucian's date. I did as he asked and didn't wear heels.I hoped he liked tennis shoes because that was the best he was going to get.At around 7 there was a knock at my door. "Are you ready, Mar?" I heard Lucian ask.He's never called me Mar before. I liked it when he said it. "Ya! I'm coming," I said as I hopped out of bed.When I opened the door Lucian was standing outside wearing a sporty outfit like mine. I was relieved that I didn't mess up my outfit choice.His biceps were looking larger than normal and I couldn't help but stare at his figure. I'd never seen him in casual outfits like this. Only suits."I'm not used to seeing you in stuff like this," I said as I stepped out of my room."I'm normally not
L O R E N Z O M O R E T T II received a call from Roman Hale and his brothers the day of Thanksgiving. I knew Lucian was suspicious of my behavior, but I needed to meet with them. I gave the address to Roman and waited their arrival in my safe house across the city.After about an hour, the doorbell rang. All three of the Hale brothers stepped into my home. Roman was even bigger than Lucian. They were absolute units. It was no surprise they made a name off of fighting."Mr. Moretti, thank you for meeting with us," Roman said as he reached his hand out to shake mine.I took it, my respect growing for the family. "Call me Lorenzo. Let's go to my office so we can talk."They nodded and followed me out of the room, guards trailing behind them."I'm sure you've heard of Angelo De Martinez by now?" Isaiah asked.I nodded at them, "yes, he's left quite the impression.""He's holding Gio, our dad, captive," Marco stated."How do you know this?" I queried. That was a large accusation to make.
A M A R ABy the time we reached The Viper, every single person in Lucian's financial department was there. Rachel included. Again.I knew the bitch was hiding something, I just couldn't figure out what. I was back in the security room waiting for her lying face to walk through the door, but to my surprise, she never did.After a while of impatiently watching people speak, it was finally over, and I went to find Lucian to ask him why she wasn't included in the meetings.I looked around for a while, until I found him talking with Rachel at the bar. I felt jealous and made my way over to them."Lucian, can I talk to you?" I looked at him, then to Rachel, then back at him."In a minute, I'm a little busy," he said before turning back to Rachel. He seemed to wave her off like she was of no importance.She smirked at me and faced him again. I rolled my eyes. I was sure Gabe would hear me out.I walked over to where Gabe was standing. He took a long drag at his cigarette before waving me ov
This chapter is in the POV of Amara's oldest brother, Roman.R O M A NI T A L Y, 5:49 P.M."Isaiah what the hell?" I glared at him and my other brother, Marco."What? We just wanted pizza," Marco said. He reminded me a lot of Amara. I frowned at the thought of her."We don't have time for that right now. Now that we know dad's alive and Angelo has him, we need to focus on getting him back." I crossed my arms. "For all we know he could have Amara too.""Roman, we still need to eat," Isaiah replied as he rolled his eyes and set the pizza down on a table.I sighed and grabbed a slice. The whole situation was fucked. Our mother was losing herself wondering if Amara or my dad were okay. We were able to contact my dad after the accident, but Amara has stayed completely off the grid. We didn't even know what happened to her, or if she was still alive.Suddenly Marco jumped out of his seat. "We're getting another call from Angelo's number.""Well pick it up!" I rose from my seat as well.Mar
She was sitting on a couch in the living room, her mascara smeared. Once she saw me she ran over immediately, "Oh my God, Amara! Thank God you're ok." She started rambling about how she was scared and how she couldn't find me."Ashley! I'm fine. That's all that matters," I reassured her.She nodded quickly."Who were those guys? I can't believe that happened."I hated lying to her, "I don't know. I ran back in because I realized I forgot my clutch and I needed it.""Jesus, you're crazy." Her once scared demeanor turned angry in a second, "Where's that bastard that pulled you into the fighting? I swear I'll-""Ashley. He's the one who kept me safe. I promise nothing is going to happen to me," I said as I wiped some tears off her cheeks. "Kade is going to take you home ok?"She nodded and started gathering her things. I walked her out to the car and waved her off before heading back in to see Lucian.Sierra looked relieved when I entered, "Amara, I'm so glad you were there to help Lucian
A M A R AONE WEEK LATERA week of Lucian and I ignoring each other had gone by. His parents were going to be here for another week, and I learned that his sister, Ava, and her fiancé were going to be making an appearance as well. Reason being, Thanksgiving was coming up.I helped Sandra around the house. Anything that would keep me busy and distract me from thinking about him."Amara, why don't you get some rest? You've been working extra hard lately," Sandra looked concerned.She had a right to be. I had barely been getting any sleep, and any person who saw me could tell. The bags under my eyes looked like bottomless pits.I nodded at her and headed upstairs to my room. Lucian just so happened to be leaving his.I sighed and avoided eye contact. I could hear his footsteps stop, but I didn't turn around to look. Before I had the chance to get in bed, I received a call from Ashley."Hey Ash.""You sound tired.""I am well aware. What's up?""Wanna go clubbing later? You can rest up no