G I O V A N N AI drove faster as the rain began to fall. My foot hovered above the accelerator, waiting for a straight piece of road. The mountain roads were winding, narrow, and slick, and the weather was only making things worse. I just wanted to get home to the warm embrace of my girlfriend. Work has been shitty the past few days and I was hoping that she'd be able to help me through it.Thunder roared, echoing off the surrounding mountains. Raindrops began pelting the windshield. I flicked on the headlights and the wipers.I'd always loved the rain, but the storm seemed a little much.A bright light flashed, followed by a loud CRACK. I jumped and jerked the steering wheel, sending the car skidding across the wet pavement. My tires squealed in protest and I could smell burning rubber. The back end of the car fishtailed from side to side, and I felt the rear left tire go off the edge of the road.The car tipped precariously, the back wheels losing traction on the loose dirt. The w
G I O V A N N AI was placed on the couch. "Can you get a first aid kit? She's bleeding and shouldn't lose any more." Claire told Avery, tearing my shirt as gently as possible.Avery hesitated and I knew she didn't want Claire touching me."I got this. Go."Avery's footsteps got fainter and fainter, indicating she went to get the kit."You can leave. I'll take care of this."Claire shook her head and continued tending my wounds. "No, she wouldn't be able to handle you being alone with me. I'm a professional, remember? She sure wouldn't have a problem with you being treated by one, will she? If we have a misunderstanding, that's a whole different story."Claire was right. But, I didn't think my girlfriend would appreciate leaving the two of us alone. She's already wary of Claire."I know, but I don't want to cause trouble. We broke up years ago, Claire.""Yeah, and we've moved on. No harm, no foul.""Have you?" I shot back.Claire's hands froze and she looked up at me, before she could
G I O V A N N AIt has been a week since the accident and things were still awkward between Avery and me. She was cold and distant. We were hardly talking.She'd come home late and leave early. I didn't even know what was going on with her.I'd tried to talk to her about it, but she'd brushed me off, saying that she was tired and not in the mood to discuss anything."I'm going to be home late tonight, I have a lot of brand shoots to catch up on. I'll grab a bite out with the guys." She informed me, not even bothering to look at me."And you're only informing me of this now?""Look, Giovanna. It's a busy month and the studio is crazy. I'm sorry, okay? Just deal with it.""Giovanna? So, we're now on first name basis, huh?" I was hurt. She hadn't called me Gio in a while."Yeah, I definitely do not have time for this. I'll see you later." She shook her head, and grabbed her bag. She walked out of the room without even saying goodbye.I was upset and frustrated. I didn't know what to do
G I O V A N N AI shook my head. "No, I don't. We have a strong relationship, Elle. We're not like that.""But, it doesn't make sense.""Right, and I can't stop thinking that it's my fault. That maybe I did something wrong, and I just don't remember.""Or maybe she's just stressed and busy. You should talk to her about it, ask her.""I've tried, but she just brushes me off. She won't even call me by my nickname anymore. I think we need a break. Maybe moving in together after just a year of being together was a big mistake, and now we're paying for it."Do you think it was a mistake, Gio?""No. I don't regret it, Elle. I love her, and she's the best thing that has ever happened to me. I just wish things were different.""Maybe they will be. Don't give up. Fight for your love. She's probably just busy and not pissed at you. Stop thinking you're always the problem, G. You're a sweetheart.""Thank you." I sifhed, feeling like a weight has been lifted off my shoulder. It felt good venting t
G I O V A N N A"Excuse me." She said to the others in the room as she looked at me in shock. We walked outside and she caught up with me, grabbing my arm."Hey, Gio. Calm down, will you?"I didn't answer, but turned to her and grabbed her hand, leading her to the parking lot where our cars were."Hey! Stop, will you? Let's talk about this." She called out, and when we were in front of my car, I released her and faced her."What's going on, Gio?""Do you know what time it is?" I gritted out. "What? It's 7:30 pm, Gio. What the fuck is wrong with you?""7:30, huh?" I gritted out, taking deep breaths to control my anger. "Get inside." I growled, opening my car door."What? No. I came with my car.""Avery, now." I barked."What's your problem?" She was annoyed and angry now."Get inside the fucking car. Now!"She flinched, glaring at me and opened the passenger's side, getting inside and slamming the door loudly. "Asshole." I heard her mutter under her breath in annoyance. I took deep
E L L E"This is the worst birthday ever," I sighed, biting my lips.Giovanna shared a look with Avery and shook their head, she was probably tired of hearing me say that throughout the drive. They had insisted on me following them to the mall to pick a few dresses to uplift my mood. And I was wearing one of those dresses right now on the way to wherever they were taking me. They said it looked perfect on me and I shouldn't bother taking it off.It was weird, but I didn't argue with them. Today is my 28th birthday and the only person who wished me were Avery and Giovanna. No calls from my parents, or even Mikhail. Nobody. It made me worried and hurt. Did he forget? We spoke on the phone throughout the night, and he didn't remember it was my birthday the next day? I tried to call him earlier, but his phone was switched off.What the hell?The car stopped outside a hotel and we stepped out."I still don't get it," I said as we made our way into the lobby."You'll see," Giovanna smile
E L L EI walked out of the shower and grabbed the towel from the counter. The music from the television downstairs filled the house, and I couldn't help the smile that spread across my face.It was almost ten, and the party had ended a few hours ago. My family and friends had gone home. Giovanna and Avery had spent the last hour helping me clean up and pack the presents. They said they needed to rush home and take care of some urgent business.So, they left.And, it was only Mikhail and I.It had been a long day. But the most fun I'd had in a long time. I didn't think the day would end like this, with him at my house.He was downstairs, making us dinner while I took a quick shower.I wrapped the towel around me and walked to the closet and found a pair of shorts and Mikhail's loose tee-shirt. After getting dressed, I walked back into the bathroom and quickly blow dried my hair, leaving it slightly damp.I went downstairs and found Mikhail sitting on the couch, drinking a glass of win
WARNING! This chapter contains detailed sexual content and it's rated 18+E L L EMikhail walked us over to the bed and laid me gently on the bed, his eyes locked with mine."Last chance, baby.""Yes."He lowered his head and captured my lips with his.It was a slow, soft, sensual kiss, filled with so much meaning and my heart jumped.My fingers found their way under his shirt and pulled it up and he broke the kiss long enough to pull it over his head and tossed it onto the floor.He unbuttoned my shorts and shirt and slid it off my body, revealing my black thong and bra, his hands roaming over my legs."I can't believe you're letting me have you, baby.""Me neither. It feels like a dream.""This is very much real." He breathed and pressed his lips against my neck, trailing kisses down to my chest.I lifted my head and bit his lip, tugging lightly.He unclasped my bra and threw it onto the floor, his tongue swirled around my left nipple, and I moaned.He cupped my breasts, and I gasped
L A N AI walked into the hotel bar, my golden dress catching the attention of everyone in the room. But, I had my target for tonight.I graciously sat on the barstool and waved the bartender over."Hi, can I have a vodka, please.""Of course, ma'am." I smiled and crossed my legs, looking at the people sitting at the tables, or drinking at the bar.This was a perfect opportunity to get what I needed."Here's your drink, ma'am." The bartender set the drink down in front of me and I nodded."Thanks." I grabbed the glass and sipped the bitter alcohol, my eyes scanning the room.There.The perfect one.His eyes were already on me, his beer belly protruding. There was no physical attraction, but I needed to do what needed to be done. And which other person to drop the case against trying to find my ken than the Data Protection Officer himself (DPO) himself?He wasn't the head of the department, but he had the information I needed. The case against trying to find me and the people behind th
E L L EMikhail left early the next morning, promising to check on me soon. My father was at the office, since I wasn't mentally in the right state of mind to handle the company for now.My mom was out to catch up with some old friends, so it was just Varian, myself and the heap of securities my father and Mikhail had hired to watch over me.Seriously, but hiring up to twenty people just to guard me is a bit over the top. But after experiencing what happened two weeks ago, I understood their concerns and why they took so many measures. And to be honest, I felt protected knowing that there were people that would fight for me if need be. My phone dinged, signaling a text message. Varian was busy playing video games and the living room was on the other side of the house, so no one would disturb me.I smiled, seeing a text from Mikhail.Mikhail: I miss you.Elle: I miss you too.Mikhail: What are you doing?Elle: Nothing. Just laying on my bed.Mikhail: Should I order you and your broth
L A N AI sat in front of the three men I trusted so much and paid a hefty sum for their services. I knew they were the right men for the job, and they were willing to do whatever it took.Emory has been waiting for her chance to take down her arch nemesis, Elle, and now she finally had her chance.But these men just had to ruin it for me.They bowed their heads in shame, looking like a bunch of pathetic fools. My anger was beyond controllable. I could barely keep my shit together.I've had a perfect plan, but the damn men ruined it."What happened?" I asked calmly, though it was more like a threatening question."We’re sorry, mistress. She escaped before we could get a hold of her.”I stood to my feet, walking towards them and glaring into their eyes."How did she escape? I gave you guys all the necessary information and resources. How did she manage to escape? You're supposed to be the best, but you failed. You failed me.""Mistress, please forgive us. It wasn't our fault.""Not you
E M O R YONE MONTH EARLIER My stiletto heels clicked as I walked majestically towards the restaurant. I was putting on a shimmery red dress and silver heels, feeling superior and on top of the world.My make up was well done and my body was banging in this dress. Childbirth has been the worst thing to happen to me, but all thanks to my doctor who prescribed a pack of ozempic for me, and now, I'm finally back to the way I used to be.I'm the queen, and everyone is going to kneel before me.My C-section scar has healed perfectly, leaving just a faint mark. I'll be able to get it removed once I get enough money.I took multiple drugs to stop my boobs from producing more milk, to stop my hormones from going crazy and I finally feel normal again.The only downside is that my hair has started falling.My hair was a beautiful, luscious, silky mane and it's one of the reasons why people loved me. But, my hair is no longer healthy.I blame that damn baby for sucking the life out of me and ma
E L L EMikhail and I sat side by side on the dining table. My parents and brother were across from us.It was awkward, and no one spoke for the first couple of minutes.My dad cleared his throat."So, how long have you been seeing my daughter, Mikhail?"Mikhail finished chewing his food and wiped his mouth with a napkin. "Six months now, sir.""And, what do you plan to do with my daughter in the future?""Dad!" I scolded."What? Am I not allowed to ask these questions? You're my daughter.""I know, but, Dad.""Mr. Marino, with all due respect, I plan on marrying her. I love your daughter so much, sir. I would do anything for her. Anything. And, if she'll have me, I would be the happiest man in the world."My heart skipped a beat and my stupid brother wriggled his eyebrow, giving me a smirk."Are you sure about that?" My dad asked."Positive. I would like to have your blessing, sir. I know I'm not good enough for her. I know I can never deserve someone like her. But, I promise that I'
E L L ETwo Weeks LaterThe nightmares hadn't stopped.It had been two weeks since the incident, and the bruises and cuts were healing, but the memories were still there.The feeling of helplessness and the fear were still haunting me. Anytime I close my eyes, the scene flashes in front of my eyes, making me wake up in the middle of the night, panting and sweating.My therapist had prescribed a few sleeping pills to help me cope, but they were no use.I had a lot of restless nights.The man in the black suit was always there.Waiting for me.I was scared, but I knew the pills were supposed to help. So, I continued taking them.I was staying at my parents' house as my house was currently being renovated and repaired.The security was also beefed up.I was lucky to have survived that.The moment my mom saw the condition I was in from the hospital, she had broken down when she was told what happened. She became even more overprotective and she and my dad with Variant decided that I was
E L L EI heard a beeping noise and a faint sound of footsteps. It felt like I was floating, and the beeping was getting louder and louder.My body felt numb, and my eyes were heavy. It was cold, and the sheets were rough.I didn't know where I was.The beeping was too loud, and the footsteps were getting closer and closer. My eyes fluttered open and I winced at the bright lights, before closing them again.My head was pounding and throbbing painfully, as if it was about to explode. My mouth was dry, and my lips were chapped. I could taste the blood in my mouth and it made me nauseous.The footsteps stopped, and the voices were clearer."Is she going to be okay?""What's wrong with her?""When is she going to wake up?"I opened my eyes slowly, adjusting to the bright lights and looked around. I was in a hospital room. The beeping sound was coming from the machines and the footsteps were doctors and nurses.I could see people standing near the door, their voices low.I tried to speak,
E L L EThe day I wasn't looking forward to finally arrived. The end of our mini vacation.Mikhail and I were in his car as we drove out of the mini heaven and back into the city.He looked calm, but I knew he wasn't looking forward to this any more than I was.My new car has been moved to my house the previous day, I would rather sit in the car with Mikhail than drive behind him. At least, I get to enjoy passenger princess benefits.Mikhail had one arm resting on the steering wheel and his other hand was holding mine, our fingers intertwined.As much as I hated to leave the house, the mini vacation had given me and Mikhail the space and time we needed. I didn't think it was possible for our bond to become even more stronger, but it did. Everyday with him feels like the first, of not just falling in love with him, but also discovering new things about him.Who would've imagined that the man who couldn't get his eyes off of me and I the same at the gala was mine and now, I get to live
E L L EI was watching Mikhail swim, his shirtless body glistening as the sunlight hit him.God, he looked gorgeous.I was sitting by the pool, and my eyes were glued to him, as he swam laps. I was wearing a sexy two piece bikini and Mikhail couldn't keep his eyes off of me. I knew exactly how to distract him.Ever since we had that talk last night, I could sense the difference in his behavior. He was more open and affectionate, which was good, but the fact that Lana had already tried to call him twice today, meant she wouldn't give up.He blocked her number right after though, and I suggested he came out for swimming to help him take his mind off of things since it was one of his favorite things to do. But, every time he went underwater, he would lift my legs and touch them.He swam closer to me, pulling my legs up so he could stand between them, and I wrapped them around him. His hands wrapped around my ass and he squeezed, causing a soft moan to escape my lips."Mm. You drive me c