I didn’t know how long I cried for. I wasn’t even sure if I was crying out of frustration, sadness, or just sheer exhaustion. All I knew was that Jesse held me close, his arms wrapped protectively around me and I needed that much. I didn’t know how long we stayed like that. Minutes? Hours? Eventually, Jesse carefully lifted me into his arms. I felt weightless, exhausted, and too drained to protest."Come on," he murmured, his voice softer than I had ever heard it. "Let’s get you home."I didn’t respond, just buried my face against his chest as he carried me out of the building. The cool air brushed against my skin. I was too lost in my own thoughts, too numb to care about anything else.He reached his car, and instead of placing me in the passenger seat, he slid into the back with me still in his arms. "Drive us home, then you john, take her car home." he instructed one of his men, who nodded without question before getting into the car.By the time we arrived at his house, Jesse d
Soon, there was a knock at the door.“Come in,” Jesse ordered without taking his eyes off me.The door opened and two of his men walked in, each carrying a tray loaded with food. I sat up slightly on the bed as they approached, blinking in surprise when I realized they weren’t just carrying one tray, but two.I raised a brow. “Wait… two trays?”Jesse leaned back in the chair beside the bed, looking far too pleased with himself.I blinked again, then laughed. “Jesse! Just how much do you think I’m going to eat?”He shrugged, utterly unapologetic. “I want you to eat as much as possible. You haven’t been taking care of yourself lately.”“Hmph,” I muttered playfully, folding my arms.I knew I was being a little dramatic, a little childish, but I didn’t care. Around him, I felt like I could let go—no need for walls or composure. I felt light. Safe. Free.After setting the trays on the table, his men gave Jesse a respectful nod and quickly left the room, shutting the door behind them with a
Athena clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms as she stormed out of Julius’s office. Her face burned with humiliation, but the anger rising inside her burned hotter.“How dare he speak to me like that?” she hissed under her breath, heels clicking furiously against the marble floors. “Why is he investigating it now?”She reached the end of the corridor, then turned sharply, pacing like a caged animal. Her mind raced.Bella… That bitch.Athena’s lips curled into a sneer. “She did it on purpose. I know it.”She hadn’t expected Julius to double back and check the surveillance. Not this late. Not when things had seemed so… quiet.“I didn’t even get a chance to erase the damn footage,” she muttered, running her hands through her hair in frustration. He’s getting suspicious. That little stunt she pulled—getting him to look into things—she’s smarter than I gave her credit for.But Athena wasn’t going to lose.Her eyes narrowed coldly as she stopped pacing, her mind working rapid
JULIUS POVI leaned back in my chair, swirling the dark liquor in my glass, eyes narrowed as Aiden stood before me like a soldier awaiting judgment.“So why did she call you?” I asked, my tone calm. I was really curious as to what Athena was trying to do. .Aiden hesitated, shifting uncomfortably. He looked younger than usual today. Or maybe better. “She said… she said I should always update her on your movements, sir.”I scoffed under my breath. “On my movements?”He nodded, gaze dropping to the floor.“Is that all?” I asked, leaning forward slightly.“Yes, sir,” he replied quickly. “That’s all. She offered me five thousand dollars in exchange for it. Said it would be easy money.”I watched him for a long beat, the silence stretching between us. He didn’t flinch, didn’t look away — which I noted.I set the glass down, fingers tapping against the desk. “Okay,” I said finally. “Keep playing along with her.”His brows rose, confusion flickering across his face. “Sir?”“You heard me.” I
Bella’s POV"Jesse, you still don’t wanna tell me where we’re going?" I asked again, as one of his men was dragging my suitcase behind me as we walked toward the car.He didn’t even flinch. "Nope."I narrowed my eyes on him. "Seriously?""You’ll know when we get there," he said, opening the car door for me with that frustratingly smug smile of his. "Trust me, baby."I sighed dramatically but slid into the seat anyway. "You’re lucky I like surprises.""We both know you love surprises when I’m the one giving them," he said smoothly, kissing the back of my hand as he got in beside me.We drove straight to the private airstrip—because of course Jesse had a private jet. Sometimes I forget how ridiculously rich he was.“Let’s goooo, baby!” he said, full of boyish excitement as he led me up the steps.I’d never seen him act this way, but I was happy."Jesseeeee!" I whined, laughing, as he pulled me onto the plane like a child going to Disneyland.Inside, everything looked like a luxury hotel
Jesse immediately kissed me. I was taken by Surprise. He then leaned down to pull off my clothes. Straightening up he unbuttoned my blouse and unhooked my bra, lifting it up to free my breasts. The fingers of his other hand went down to my pussy. He inserted three fingers inside me. I let out a soft moan. His mouth was harsh and demanding, hurting my round nipples a little as he bit and sucked them. I knew if I told him it was hurting, he would stop, but I didn’t want him to stop. I loved the semi-painful feeling. His dick was now even more huge as it came back into my hand seeking the pleasure that only a woman's hand can give. As my fingers gripped it, stroked it and squeezed it I felt him grunt in pleasure. As he was sucking on my breasts, I took his head in my hands and drew him back towards my lips. As he glanced up at me I asked him, "Would it be alright if I sucked your dick?"His smile was so sweet as he told me, "Fuck, Bella, Yes." I just blushed back at him and told him,
The moonlight bathed everything in a soft silver hue. I had just slipped on one of the silky robes provided by the resort when I decided to go check out the rest of the property—curious about the place Jesse had brought me to. He was still lounging on the bed, half-covered by the sheets, looking too tempting for his own good.“I’ll be right back,” I told him.“Hurry, or I’ll come dragging you back myself,” he teased with a lazy smirk.I grinned and stepped out.Moments later, while Jesse leaned back, stretching his arms behind his head, a soft knock came at the door.“Come in,” he said absentmindedly.The door creaked open, and a young, strikingly beautiful staff member stepped inside, her hips swaying with a tray of freshly folded towels. Her name tag read Elsa.“Sir,” she said, her voice low and sultry. “I’ve brought extra towels for your evening comfort.”“Just leave them by the door,” Jesse replied without looking at her.But Elsa didn’t move toward the door. Instead, she set the
The Next MorningSunlight never quite touched this place, but the ambient glow of the starlit sky filtered in gently through the expansive windows. It was a strange kind of beauty—otherworldly, like we’d fallen into a dream that didn’t want to end.I stretched under the silky sheets, feeling the warmth of Jesse beside me before I even opened my eyes.“Good morning, Mrs. Roberts,” his voice was a smooth rumble against my neck, lips brushing my skin.“Mmm,” I mumbled, still drowsy. “Stop calling me that. I’m not officially your wife.”“You will be,” he whispered confidently. “Soon.”I turned to face him, eyes still half-closed, “You’re too smug in the mornings.”“And you’re too cute when you’re sleepy,” he teased, leaning down to kiss my nose.Then he got out of bed.“Get dressed,” he said, throwing a robe gently at me. “Something simple. You don’t need to look too fancy… you’re about to get wet.”My brows rose instantly. “Jesse.”He grinned, wicked and playful. “Relax, it’s not what yo
Jesse didn’t wait.He didn’t have time.He stood tall, voice cutting through the confusion like a sword:"You were lied to," he said..""Anna drugged me. Stole my memories. Tried to turn me into a pawn."Gasps.Shouts."But I remember now," Jesse said, voice rising."I remember everything."He looked at each of them in turn, letting them see it."Bella saved me," he said.Jesse swallowed hard.Emotion strangled him for a moment.But there was no time for sentiment now.He pointed toward the battlefield beyond the walls."Anna’s forces are tearing Dominion apart," he barked."We have to join the battle and subdue Anna"A roar answered him."To the gates!" Jesse bellowed.And they moved—like a storm unleashed.The eastern gate flew open.Jesse led his forces through it, armor gleaming under the sun, sword blazing in his hand.Dominion's soldiers—nearly overwhelmed—saw him charge into the fray and rallied like men rising from the dead.Bella—fighting atop the crumbling battlements—turned
Bella drew her own sword then—long, silver-edged, a gift from her late father.It gleamed in her hand like a promise.She turned to Kael."Stay at the walls," she said. "Command from here."Kael frowned, catching the dangerous light in her eyes."My lady—""I'm going down there."She didn’t give him a chance to argue.She descended the inner stairs two at a time, the battle raging louder with every step, until she burst into the courtyard where fresh soldiers were rushing to reinforce the lines.They parted instinctively as she passed—eyes wide, faces awed.Bella didn’t stop.She charged through the outer gate just as another battering ram crashed uselessly against the thick stone, and then she was in the heart of it.Sword raised.The first enemy soldier lunged toward her.Bella sidestepped easily, driving her blade into his ribs with clean precision.Another swung a heavy axe at her head.She ducked low, slicing across his knee, sending him crumpling to the dirt.Her training kick
She met Marcus’s hard gaze head-on."Stand aside when Anna attacks. Protect Jesse if he’s targeted. That’s all.""And what about Anna?" someone called from the back.Bella’s smile was cold and sharp."I’ll handle her."Marcus was silent for a long moment.The entire clearing seemed to hold its breath.Finally—he nodded once.Hard."If Jesse fights for you," he said,"Then so will we."Bella's breath caught.Not relief.Not yet.There would be no real relief until Jesse stood beside her, whole again.But it was something."Swear it," she said quietly.Marcus drew his sword.Pointed it to the sky."I swear it," he said.One by one, the soldiers behind him echoed the oath—hands raised, fists pounding against chests.Bella closed her eyes for half a second. Dominion would not fall today.Kael stepped closer."My lady," he said urgently,"we must return. Anna's forces will reach the outer walls within the hour."Bella nodded.She gave Marcus one last hard look."Stay true," she said."Or
She glanced to her left where Rovan rode beside her, his horse’s breath steaming in the frozen air."The eastern watchposts have fallen?" she asked calmly.Rovan nodded."Yes, my lady. Minimal casualties. Dominion forces are stretched thin defending the outlying trade routes, just as you predicted."Anna smiled faintly.Bella thought she was clever—moving silently, rebuilding her little empire in the shadows.But she had grown soft.Love. Loyalty. Sentiment.All the weaknesses Anna had carved out of herself years ago.Bella had them in abundance.And Anna would use every one of them to crush her.The estate was visible now in the distance.Even from here, its silver towers and iron gates gleamed under the pale moonlight like a fortress carved from a dream.Anna narrowed her eyes.Soon, it would be hers.She raised her hand, signaling a halt.The army stopped instantly—trained, disciplined.She turned in the saddle to face them, her voice cutting through the cold air like a blade."Ton
And soon—she would pay for it with everything she loved.Anna stood above the valley cliffs, her black-gloved hands gripping the stone railing as she watched her forces disappear into the misty hills.Her smile was razor-sharp now.Because the truth was—This was never about Jesse alone.No.This was about Dominion.About power.About taking everything Bella had rebuilt after her fall — and grinding it beneath Anna’s heel.She wanted Dominion for herself.The empire.The resources.The power it held over every shadowed trade route and underworld contract on the continent.Jesse had just been the bait.The excuse.And Bella, foolish in her sentimentality, had handed her the perfect justification by kidnapping him.Anna turned to Rovan, her second-in-command."We won’t just retrieve Jesse," she said, her voice smooth and deadly."We’ll seize Dominion itself."Rovan’s brows furrowed slightly. "But my lady, Dominion’s forces—""Will be fractured," Anna interrupted coolly. "Once the borde
Small at first.Barely noticeable.Then it grew worse.His entire body tensed, muscles locking, breaths becoming shallow and fast like he was fighting something.His hands gripped the blanket tightly, knuckles white.I sat up immediately."Jesse," I whispered, reaching out to touch his arm.He flinched violently at the contact, a sharp cry tearing from his throat—a sound so broken, so full of fear, it shattered something inside me.He wasn’t awake.Not fully.He was trapped somewhere deep inside himself."Jesse," I said again, firmer this time. "It's me. Bella. You're safe."He thrashed once, fists clenching like he was trying to fight invisible enemies.Sweat beaded on his forehead.I caught his wrists carefully, not restraining him, just anchoring him to something real."Shh..." I whispered, leaning closer. "You're safe. No one’s hurting you. I'm here."Slowly, his breathing hitched—sharp, jagged gasps breaking through the fog.His eyes snapped open, wild, unfocused.He looked right
I brought him his tea, just like every other morning since he returned.But this time, when I placed it in his hands, he didn’t immediately drink it.He just... stared at me.Longer than usual.Long enough that the hairs on my arms prickled.Like he was trying to see something inside me.Something he couldn't quite remember.I sat beside him, keeping a careful distance.“How are you feeling?” I asked gently.He tilted his head slightly, confusion flickering across his face.“I feel like... I should know you,” he said finally, his voice rough from sleep and something deeper.My throat tightened.“You do,” I whispered. “You will.”He frowned, as if struggling inside his own mind.“I keep seeing... flashes. A hand reaching for mine. Laughter. A... necklace?”He pressed his fingers to his temple, frustrated.“It’s all broken. Like... like pieces of glass.”I reached out slowly, letting my hand rest lightly over his.“You're remembering,” I said, voice trembling with hope. “Even if it’s sm
His eyes locked on mine.No memories.But something shone there.He stepped closer, holding the tiny flower out to me.“You’re beautiful,” he said softly. “Just like this.”My throat tightened painfully.Tears pricked the corners of my eyes.I took the flower carefully, cradling it between my fingers like it was the most precious thing I’d ever been given.“Thank you, Jesse,” I whispered.He smiled.Really smiled.For the first time since I brought him back.Jesse’s smile.The one I’d fallen in love with once before.The one I was falling for all over again.We spent the rest of the afternoon in the gardens.I told him small, harmless things—stories about the flowers, about the diffMarcust statues scattered around the estate.He listened closely, his attention sharp whenever I spoke.At one point, he reached out and brushed a leaf from my hair, his fingers lingering near my cheek longer than necessary.He didn’t understand why he wanted to touch me.Didn’t remember.But he still did.
Down the maintenance shaft.Through the hidden door.Into the cold breath of the night.We made it to the transport just as the first alarm howled through the estate.I shoved Jesse inside, climbed in after him, and Kael slammed the door shut.The vehicle peeled into the tunnels like a bullet, shields cloaking us from heat sensors.Behind us, the estate lit up with searchlights and shouting guards.Too late.I held Jesse close against me as we sped away.His breathing was shallow.His body stiff.But he was here.Alive.Mine again.I looked down at him—this man who had fought so many battles for me without ever asking for anything back.And I whispered the words I should have said a long time ago.“I’m never letting you go again.”We made it back to Dominion just before sunrise.The sky was still dark, bleeding into deep violet as we pulled through the hidden tunnels beneath the estate.Kael handled the security re-entry codes.Justin coordinated the sweeps to make sure no foreign tra