MIRELLA’S POV
Cole is the picture of hot perfection with eyes of the warmest shade of green and a smile so sexy, it had women stare with thirst in their eyes, hoping for a piece of him. Can you blame them though? Well, unfortunately for them, he was my husband of five years, and tonight, it was one of those rare nights when he wasn’t consumed with his work and had taken me out to a bar for some good time.
The bar was a cozy, fancy spot, dimly lit with a soft glow from the vintage bulbs hanging from the ceiling. The hum of low conversation flowing around us and clinking glasses was the perfect ambience. Cole led me to a corner booth, his hand firmly gripping mine as if to reassure me that tonight, he was all mine. Yet, there was something nagging the back of my mind. Something felt off and for the life of me, I couldn’t place it.
We slid into the booth, and he signaled to the waiter. "Two double Old Fashioneds, please," he ordered with that confident charm that always made my heart skip a beat. As the waiter walked away, Cole turned his attention back to me, his green eyes sparkling in the low light.
"I missed this," he said, his voice low and intimate. "Just the two of us, no distractions."
I smiled, feeling a flutter of happiness. "Me too. It's been too long."
He reached across the table, taking my hand in his. "I'm sorry I've been so busy lately. I promise to make it up to you."
I squeezed his hand, feeling the warmth of his skin against mine. "Just being here with you is enough."
The waiter returned with our drinks, and we clinked glasses, toasting to a night of reconnecting. As we sipped our cocktails, the world outside seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of us in our own little bubble.
For a while, my doubts dissolved into thin air. Maybe he wasn’t hiding anything from me. He leaned in to kiss me, and I was quite aware of the fact that I was tipsy. I giggled against his mouth, and he chuckled in response.
“You look so fucking hot,” he said, his gaze smoldering as his eyes dipped briefly to my lips.
My heart thumped with anticipation. “Might be because I’m dating the hottest man on this earth.”
Then there it was again: the look in his eyes like he was hiding something. His smile faltered, a crestfallen look dancing in his gaze. He cupped my cheek, swallowing hard.
“You know that I love you, right?” he whispered.
This time, my heart quickened with fear. “Is everything okay?”
He glanced behind me, and before I could turn, he whispered rather frantically, “I’m so fucking sorry, babe. I really am.”
“What is going on?” I asked, my voice shaking slightly.
Before he could respond, a shadow fell over our table. I turned to see a man standing there, his expression unreadable but intense. Cole’s hand tightened around mine, and I could feel the tension radiating from him.
“Cole,” the man said, his voice low and firm. “We need to talk.”
Cole’s face paled, and he let out a shaky breath. “Not now, Jake. Please.”
Jake’s eyes flicked to me, then back to Cole. “It can’t wait. You know that.”
I looked between the two of them, my anxiety mounting. “Cole, what is this about?”
Cole squeezed my hand, his eyes filled with regret. “I didn’t want you to find out like this,” he said quietly. “But there’s something I need to tell you.”
The world around me seemed to blur as I struggled to comprehend what was happening. “Just tell me, Cole.”
He took a deep breath, his eyes never leaving mine. “There’s been... complications at work. I didn’t want to worry you, but... it’s serious.”
My heart pounded in my chest. “What kind of complications?”
Jake cut in, his voice urgent. “Let’s just say it involved a lot of money. Unfortunately, your husband took money from someone he shouldn’t have, and now he can’t pay it back.”
I stared at them in shock, my mind racing. “What?”
“He took money from me,” said a new, deep voice.
I turned to see an Italian man standing behind Jake, his presence imposing and dangerous. My blood ran cold as I realized who he was.
The fucking Mafia.
The man stepped closer, his eyes locked onto Cole. “You didn’t think you could just walk away from this, did you?”
Cole’s grip on my hand tightened. “Ermest, I was going to pay you back. I just need more time.”
Marco’s smile was cold and unforgiving. “Time is a luxury you no longer have.”
Fear surged through me, and I looked at Cole, desperate for answers. “Cole, what is he talking about?”
Cole’s eyes were filled with regret. “I... I borrowed money from Ermest to cover some business expenses. Things didn’t go as planned, and now... now we’re in trouble.”
Ermest’s gaze shifted to me, and I felt a chill run down my spine. “Your husband is in debt to the tune of half a million dollars. And if he can’t pay, well, let’s just say there are other ways to settle the score.”
I swallowed hard, my mind struggling to process the gravity of the situation. “What do you want from us?”
Ernest's smile widened. “I want my money. And if Cole can’t pay, I’m sure we can find other ways for him to work it off. Good thing he had that clause covered.”
Cole stepped forward, his voice shaking. “Leave her out of this, Ernest. This is between you and me.”
Ernest’s eyes narrowed. “You should have thought of that before you took my money and put her up as collateral.”
“You did what?” I spat, my voice dripping with venom.
“I was going to pay him back, babe,” Cole stammered, desperation in his eyes, “ I swear,”
“I have half a mind to kill you right now,” I seethed. “You took a loan from the Mafia and put me as collateral?” The back of my mouth went sour, my voice breaking. “Is that why you wanted to come out with me? Just how much more fucking stupid could I be? I really thought you were taking me out for a date,” A single tear rolled down my cheek before I could stop it.
“Babe—”
“Now if you two are done,” Ernest’s cold voice cut through the tension like a knife, “I’d like to take my collateral. You have a week to bring me the money or her head rolls.”
A chilling silence fell over the room as Ernest’s words sank in. My heart pounded in my chest, my body frozen with fear. Cole looked at me, his face pale and stricken with guilt. In my head, a million thoughts ran wild. My husband of five years put me as collateral for a loan from the most feared man in the city.
"Ernest, please,” Cole pleaded, his voice cracking. “Give me more time. I’ll find a way to get the money.”
Ernest’s gaze was unyielding. “One week, Cole. No more, no less. If you fail, your wife pays the price.”
He signaled to his men, and before I knew it, they were upon me. Panic surged through me as they grabbed my arms, pulling me away from Cole.
“Wait!” I screamed, struggling against their grip. “Cole!”
Cole lunged forward, desperation in his eyes. “No, please! Don’t take her! I’ll get the money!”
Ernest watched with cold detachment as his men dragged me toward the door. “Remember, Cole. One week.”
The room spun as I was forced outside, my heart pounding in my chest. “Cole! Don’t let them take me!” My voice was shrill with terror.
Cole’s face twisted with anguish as he reached out, but the men held him back. “I’ll get you back, I promise!” he shouted, his voice breaking.
The door slammed shut behind me, and I was shoved into a black SUV. The cold leather of the seat pressed against my skin as the engine roared to life. Tears streamed down my face as the reality of my situation set in.
The men sat silently beside me, their expressions stoic and unfeeling. I tried to calm my racing heart, to think of a way out, but fear clouded my thoughts.
We drove for what felt like hours, the city lights blurring past the windows. Finally, we arrived at a secluded mansion on the outskirts of town. The gates creaked open, and the SUV rolled up the long driveway.
I was roughly pulled from the car and escorted inside. The grandeur of the mansion did nothing to soothe my terror. Ernest’s men led me to a dimly lit room and left me there, locking the door behind them.
I sank to the floor, my mind racing. How had my life spiraled into this nightmare?
Ernest POVCalm, Nervous, Reticent.Not even close to what I'm accustomed to.Ladies collapse on the ground at my feet.They grovel for me to touch them, my shoes.And trust me when I say that my touch is quite hot.However, this one? I'm not convinced the transaction was worthwhile for her.Indeed, she has an incredible appearance. It's the only reason I consented to her arrival. Her large, full, soft lips, her honey-colored hair, and her eyes that give you the impression that you can answer a million mysteries at once.I think of the outfit she was wearing and how nice it felt to swat her behind while she was wearing it as I run my teeth over my lips. When Cole pointed her out, I was startled to see that she had tattoos all the way up her calf. She's so, well, intriguing, and he's so neat. Her doe eyes clinched the deal, and her petite, fragile body, which I want to crush, rip apart, and put back together.Her footsteps are quiet as she walks inside the room.She walks over to where
Mirella POVI was led back to the room after breakfast and instructed to remain there.Which I did throughout the day.I was served fruit for lunch, and for some reason, I was able to fall asleep in the meantime. The door to the room opens as I sit by the window, gazing out at the ocean."Miss." I look over and find the little child from before standing there. He says, "Would you like to go to the beach?""Am I permitted?""If you wish to leave, I have permission to take you down.""Please remain with me. I turn my back on him and resume looking out the window, my mind still a chaotic mix of ideas.Was I loved by Cole?Or did he not see me at all?Was I nothing at all the time?You ponder about a lot of things when you are alone yourself with your thoughts. Makes you consider things that, in the absence of life's distractions, you would not often spend time on.A girlish chuckle comes to my attention, and the room's door is pulled open. A female walks in wearing a little black dress a
Ernest POVJake says to me as I sit across from him in front of the fireplace, "You were meant to keep her." He just returned after working on a few jobs, and he doesn't usually spend the night here. Unless his demons come to bother him.They torment us all, but especially me.I sigh at what he said."Dog." He passes me a crystal tumbler of whiskey and I turn to face him. "She could be useful to us.""For?"He smiles. "Marriage. The males will definitely be kind at first.Staring into the flames, I respond to him, "You all get enough pussy."Indeed, but one who lives in? As like this is the greatest idea he has ever had, he nods."Jake, we don't rape women.""Whoa." He raises his hands. That was not uttered by anybody. We could give her money. Many times."No," in response. Though we are many things, it is not who we are. And during our lives, we've committed a lot of bad things."Dog."Each of us turns.With his arms folded in front of him and his gaze fixed on the ground, Phillip st
Mirella POVI'm sitting by the window, still in my wet clothing, when Phillip enters with his head down. I'm sleepy and it's becoming dark, but I'm not sure whether I want to go to bed yet."Miss." As I look up, I notice that he is reaching out his hand and it has a key. I grab the key to my home from him. "Please exit the building." I follow him out the door. I approach the open front door and see two black automobiles with three guys leaning on them and talking to each other. All three halt as I go outside, and two of them give me a straight look.He doesn't."You all look wet," remarks one of them.He's not as big as Ernest, but he still reminds me of the arrogant guy sitting next to me at the dinner table with his hair well combed back and a green shirt on. However, I haven't said anything to get you this wet, sweetheart. Is it only my appearance? A part of me should be repelled by his wink, but I'm not. There's something comfortable and cozy about him, and that's risky."No, I ge
Ernest povWhen I return to my room, she is fast asleep. I ought to have moved her to a different room. It would have been the prudent course of action. Her possessions and scent are already starting to overtake mine, and I don't want that to happen. She's changed out of the outfit she was wearing before, and all the lights are on.She now sleeps in pyjamas that have dogs all over them.Robin enters, glances at her resting area before turning to face me. His only statement is, "Sean doesn't like her."That signifies something different to what others may believe it means, but I know what it means.She is liked by Sean.I'm familiar with Sean.It should come as no surprise given Sean's broad interests."Dillan is standing at the entrance. Robin gives her a glance. He says, "Should I wake her?" making sure to check with me first."No, she wouldn't be useful." He walks out after me.I don't understand why that dickhead continues coming here. After the first time, you would think he would
Mirella povI eventually fainted on his chair. After taking a shower, he got into bed and didn't say anything to me. I don't know why, but when I woke up, I was back in his bed.I'm relieved that he's not here with me when I wake up and go to my luggage to get some fresh clothes before taking a shower. He's brushing his teeth while standing at the washbasin when I go into the bathroom. He looks through the mirror at me.He's adept at simply looking instead of talking.He is unlike anybody I have ever met.I suppose I'm grateful for it.I promise you, I've encountered some very unscrupulous characters in my time.I turn to face him, set my belongings down, and turn on the shower before starting to undress. I don't feel self-conscious about my appearance. From an early age, my parents instilled in me the belief that beauty is subjective, meaning that if you have a persistent notion that something has to be altered, you will continue to dwell on it until you come to despise it.When I was
Ernest looks up at me, his eyes sizing me up before they close on mine. He enquires, "Are you heading to a club?"I thought I looked nice. I had to attempt the outfit after seeing it on Pinterest."You left out the location. Glancing back over my shoulder, I begin. "I can switch if something more ostentatious is needed where we're going." I enquire, "Am I riding with you?" as I turn back to face him and follow him as he walks to his vehicle."Enter," is his stern reply.I follow his instructions, sighing, and get in beside him. His gaze briefly lingers on my exposed thigh before averting his gaze as the vehicle accelerates."Where are we heading?" With my hands folded on my lap, I ask.He doesn't respond."Well, it was a terrific day for me. Read a novel about a girl who was abducted and realised, "Oh, hey, that's me," while catching up on work. I laugh and see that he's perplexed by my attitude."Are you a reader?""No."Well, at least he responded to that one, so I win!"Are we eati
Ernest povI ought not to have.I made a mistake.I also don't make a lot of errors.However, this was among them.Before getting in the vehicle with her, I ought to have had sex with someone else.I could have had all my fucking issues fixed with that.I kiss my lips and run my palm over my face as she enters. She should be spanked since it took her longer than two minutes.What's wrong with that? Still, I think she would like it.Fuck it. She approaches us, and I shake my head. She walks up to the single seat that is available, which is directly next to me, and places her hand on the back of it. Everyone is silent, all eyes on her."May I take a seat here?" I feel like everyone at the table is staring at me, waiting for an answer to her inquiry. "Hey?" She scans the room, nodding to the guys sitting at the table, then turns her gaze back to me. She asks again, a little more bite in her mouth, "Can I sit here?"I eventually say, "Sit," and she does exactly that—pulling out the chair,
Ernest povI ought not to have.I made a mistake.I also don't make a lot of errors.However, this was among them.Before getting in the vehicle with her, I ought to have had sex with someone else.I could have had all my fucking issues fixed with that.I kiss my lips and run my palm over my face as she enters. She should be spanked since it took her longer than two minutes.What's wrong with that? Still, I think she would like it.Fuck it. She approaches us, and I shake my head. She walks up to the single seat that is available, which is directly next to me, and places her hand on the back of it. Everyone is silent, all eyes on her."May I take a seat here?" I feel like everyone at the table is staring at me, waiting for an answer to her inquiry. "Hey?" She scans the room, nodding to the guys sitting at the table, then turns her gaze back to me. She asks again, a little more bite in her mouth, "Can I sit here?"I eventually say, "Sit," and she does exactly that—pulling out the chair,
Ernest looks up at me, his eyes sizing me up before they close on mine. He enquires, "Are you heading to a club?"I thought I looked nice. I had to attempt the outfit after seeing it on Pinterest."You left out the location. Glancing back over my shoulder, I begin. "I can switch if something more ostentatious is needed where we're going." I enquire, "Am I riding with you?" as I turn back to face him and follow him as he walks to his vehicle."Enter," is his stern reply.I follow his instructions, sighing, and get in beside him. His gaze briefly lingers on my exposed thigh before averting his gaze as the vehicle accelerates."Where are we heading?" With my hands folded on my lap, I ask.He doesn't respond."Well, it was a terrific day for me. Read a novel about a girl who was abducted and realised, "Oh, hey, that's me," while catching up on work. I laugh and see that he's perplexed by my attitude."Are you a reader?""No."Well, at least he responded to that one, so I win!"Are we eati
Mirella povI eventually fainted on his chair. After taking a shower, he got into bed and didn't say anything to me. I don't know why, but when I woke up, I was back in his bed.I'm relieved that he's not here with me when I wake up and go to my luggage to get some fresh clothes before taking a shower. He's brushing his teeth while standing at the washbasin when I go into the bathroom. He looks through the mirror at me.He's adept at simply looking instead of talking.He is unlike anybody I have ever met.I suppose I'm grateful for it.I promise you, I've encountered some very unscrupulous characters in my time.I turn to face him, set my belongings down, and turn on the shower before starting to undress. I don't feel self-conscious about my appearance. From an early age, my parents instilled in me the belief that beauty is subjective, meaning that if you have a persistent notion that something has to be altered, you will continue to dwell on it until you come to despise it.When I was
Ernest povWhen I return to my room, she is fast asleep. I ought to have moved her to a different room. It would have been the prudent course of action. Her possessions and scent are already starting to overtake mine, and I don't want that to happen. She's changed out of the outfit she was wearing before, and all the lights are on.She now sleeps in pyjamas that have dogs all over them.Robin enters, glances at her resting area before turning to face me. His only statement is, "Sean doesn't like her."That signifies something different to what others may believe it means, but I know what it means.She is liked by Sean.I'm familiar with Sean.It should come as no surprise given Sean's broad interests."Dillan is standing at the entrance. Robin gives her a glance. He says, "Should I wake her?" making sure to check with me first."No, she wouldn't be useful." He walks out after me.I don't understand why that dickhead continues coming here. After the first time, you would think he would
Mirella POVI'm sitting by the window, still in my wet clothing, when Phillip enters with his head down. I'm sleepy and it's becoming dark, but I'm not sure whether I want to go to bed yet."Miss." As I look up, I notice that he is reaching out his hand and it has a key. I grab the key to my home from him. "Please exit the building." I follow him out the door. I approach the open front door and see two black automobiles with three guys leaning on them and talking to each other. All three halt as I go outside, and two of them give me a straight look.He doesn't."You all look wet," remarks one of them.He's not as big as Ernest, but he still reminds me of the arrogant guy sitting next to me at the dinner table with his hair well combed back and a green shirt on. However, I haven't said anything to get you this wet, sweetheart. Is it only my appearance? A part of me should be repelled by his wink, but I'm not. There's something comfortable and cozy about him, and that's risky."No, I ge
Ernest POVJake says to me as I sit across from him in front of the fireplace, "You were meant to keep her." He just returned after working on a few jobs, and he doesn't usually spend the night here. Unless his demons come to bother him.They torment us all, but especially me.I sigh at what he said."Dog." He passes me a crystal tumbler of whiskey and I turn to face him. "She could be useful to us.""For?"He smiles. "Marriage. The males will definitely be kind at first.Staring into the flames, I respond to him, "You all get enough pussy."Indeed, but one who lives in? As like this is the greatest idea he has ever had, he nods."Jake, we don't rape women.""Whoa." He raises his hands. That was not uttered by anybody. We could give her money. Many times."No," in response. Though we are many things, it is not who we are. And during our lives, we've committed a lot of bad things."Dog."Each of us turns.With his arms folded in front of him and his gaze fixed on the ground, Phillip st
Mirella POVI was led back to the room after breakfast and instructed to remain there.Which I did throughout the day.I was served fruit for lunch, and for some reason, I was able to fall asleep in the meantime. The door to the room opens as I sit by the window, gazing out at the ocean."Miss." I look over and find the little child from before standing there. He says, "Would you like to go to the beach?""Am I permitted?""If you wish to leave, I have permission to take you down.""Please remain with me. I turn my back on him and resume looking out the window, my mind still a chaotic mix of ideas.Was I loved by Cole?Or did he not see me at all?Was I nothing at all the time?You ponder about a lot of things when you are alone yourself with your thoughts. Makes you consider things that, in the absence of life's distractions, you would not often spend time on.A girlish chuckle comes to my attention, and the room's door is pulled open. A female walks in wearing a little black dress a
Ernest POVCalm, Nervous, Reticent.Not even close to what I'm accustomed to.Ladies collapse on the ground at my feet.They grovel for me to touch them, my shoes.And trust me when I say that my touch is quite hot.However, this one? I'm not convinced the transaction was worthwhile for her.Indeed, she has an incredible appearance. It's the only reason I consented to her arrival. Her large, full, soft lips, her honey-colored hair, and her eyes that give you the impression that you can answer a million mysteries at once.I think of the outfit she was wearing and how nice it felt to swat her behind while she was wearing it as I run my teeth over my lips. When Cole pointed her out, I was startled to see that she had tattoos all the way up her calf. She's so, well, intriguing, and he's so neat. Her doe eyes clinched the deal, and her petite, fragile body, which I want to crush, rip apart, and put back together.Her footsteps are quiet as she walks inside the room.She walks over to where
MIRELLA’S POVCole is the picture of hot perfection with eyes of the warmest shade of green and a smile so sexy, it had women stare with thirst in their eyes, hoping for a piece of him. Can you blame them though? Well, unfortunately for them, he was my husband of five years, and tonight, it was one of those rare nights when he wasn’t consumed with his work and had taken me out to a bar for some good time.The bar was a cozy, fancy spot, dimly lit with a soft glow from the vintage bulbs hanging from the ceiling. The hum of low conversation flowing around us and clinking glasses was the perfect ambience. Cole led me to a corner booth, his hand firmly gripping mine as if to reassure me that tonight, he was all mine. Yet, there was something nagging the back of my mind. Something felt off and for the life of me, I couldn’t place it.We slid into the booth, and he signaled to the waiter. "Two double Old Fashioneds, please," he ordered with that confident charm that always made my heart ski