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[Juliette’s POV] It twirled, feeling around, licking. Tremors rushed up my spine from my toes dangling next to his ears. Strong lips closed upon that sweet spot and pressed against the bud, then his tongue licked and rubbed and prodded possesively…. Warm tingles swept up under my skin like ice, jolting the pink tips of my breasts forward, wanting—no—needing the same attention he was giving my wet lips. Slurp. Suck. Slurp! ‘Keep them wide open, kitten….,’ whispered that deep attractive voice. ‘Wide…. Open. And concentrate. No coming till I say so.’ He blew gently across the tiny time bomb and I could feel its petals quivering with sheer anticipation. ‘Mmph!’ Slipped through my quivering lips. Eyes shut tight to muster that last ounce of strength to suppress that momentous mind-blowing explosion of gorgeous light. ‘Ralph! I squealed. ‘A little more, kitten.’ His tongue drove in. My head threw back, bumped against the headboard. But the pain was nothing compared to the
[Juliette’s POV] CLANK! ‘You little slut! How dare you talk to me like that! Do you know who I am? Get your manager here!’ The shadow of a dwarf with a ball under his Hawaiian shirt shot past me just as my hand fired out at the orange flowered collar. ‘Let me get it, Felix.’ I said to the boss of the diner. ‘Ya sure?’ He huffed, his cheeks red from anger, his eyes narrowed with the same fury and concern. ‘If anything happens to you—.’ ‘Jesus Christ, Felix, it’s been three weeks. Aren’t you tired of it?’ I glared at the monster in a BOSS suit. That slick golden hair was already flicking my nerves. ‘I got this.’ Nudging the real boss aside, I swapped out the apron, pulled down my sleeves and cuffed it as I strolled casually through the row of bar stools and booths. The last button closed up, I straightened my shirt then pulled my hair into a maître d'hôtel bun before arriving in front of that pompous ass. ‘Good evening, Sir. My name is Jeswee Kunnau—.’ ‘Ku, what?’ He check
[Jewel’s POV]Her phone screen blackened. She looked up and caught her own reflection in the car window. A frown. Everything’s set: the invitations have been sent out—she had checked through every single one of them, and they were real—the addresses, the names—she made sure that they were stamped and sent out; the venue has been secured—VL Hotel—the grandest one in the U.R.T, and the dream spot for every woman and every girl’s dream wedding; the menu has been booked—specially crafted by the three star Michelin chef Alan Bamsey. She even went to the venue an hour earlier, just to make sure that the agreed set-up wasn’t a fluke.Indeed, when she came through the door, the decor—from the floor to the stage prop—were exactly as the hotel had promised. So why did she feel the jitters? Could it be that the ceremony was set in the afternoon? But Ralph had assured her that he would have a meeting to go to, so the timing is perfect. Moreover, this is just an engagement party. Not the real
[Randy’s POV]He didn’t think much about the Don’s sudden visit. Maybe the son of a whore wanted to have a drink with his father-in-law. Randy couldn’t stop smiling. The master is back. With the Don on his side, Randy can do anything; the Virtuses will be his circus, at his mercy, his slaves, monkeys jumping to his every whip and command. Never mind that his allowance is limited—those idiots would gladly give him theirs. And he could spend like a king again–his precious princess won’t give him that look again. Never mind his bitch wife—she could fuck any man her pussy wants. That slut. How dare she cut him loose once the Don moved in with his stupid plans. What kind of a plan is that anyway: work and get paid? Why work when you can get money for free? Goddamn it, that bastard. If the Demon knew what his chosen heir had done with the family business, he’d rise from his grave and slit the damn boy’s throat before he could whip out his fucking gun. The door to his study opened and
[Juliette's POV]I managed to grab his shirt. And then—’Urgh!’I was blown back, struck the kitchen floor, the thin flesh of my back barely cushioning my crash. Then a yelp of pain and fear burned the air, rolling and thrashing about. ‘Felix!’ I jumped onto my feet, my hands on my apron. Pat! Pat! Pat! The fabric fluttered in a frenzy. Get it! Come on! Come on, Juliette!Pat! Pat! Pat! It was out and I dashed forward, on my knees. ‘It’s out! It's out!’ I cried to the rolling and screaming man. ‘Fucking shit!’ He panted heavily as I checked the arm that had caught fire. It looked red. ‘Can you get up?’ I shouted through the winds of the roaring blaze. ‘We need to move. Now. It's getting bigger!’And I helped the big guy to his feet. ‘I haven't locked the front door!’ Felix cried, holding his arm. Smoke was stuffing my nose. My insides are melting like cheese on a torch. In a glimpse, the kitchen stove and the flicking flames from the storage door beside it sent a chill of dea
[Juliette’s POV]I swivelled around my waist to face that handsome face of darkness and danger, and all I saw was gentleness… and guilt. And everything that I wanted to say vanished instantly. He gave my cheek a light push and I was facing the bathtub tap again. ‘Stop distracting me.’ His voice was hoarse again, as though he was resisting the pain inside. I stared at the plastic wrapping around the sling—the added protection to my injured arm–and the tears swarmed up to my eyes again. ‘Fuck,’ he growled—his fingers paused. ‘Are you hurting again?’ The same fingers were about to lift from my scalp when I sniffed again and chuckled. ‘I’ve never felt better.’ I flipped around again to show him—a bright smile on my face. But it didn’t make the knit in his brows go away. He pushed the same cheek, turning my face away, and resumed massaging my foamy scalp. ‘You’re good at this,’ I whispered, trying hard to send a reassuring smile through my voice. And he replied in the same serious
[Juliette’s POV] ‘I used to think I’m good. I’ve got the Virtus’ gift afterall. The born strategist who’ll lead the family.’ A dry chuckle strangled the cool air around us, particularly him. ‘But I’ve done enough to be undeserving of…of an heir.’ Silence constricted the air. I turned to snuggle my cheek against his shoulder, wanting to refute him, but he wouldn’t let me. ‘So it’s not your fault, Juliette. It’s….’ The swell in his throat bobbed furiously against the back of my head. The muscles in his body tightened. ‘It’s all me.’ I finally got around to face him, my freed hand cradling his strong, righteous jaw. ‘We’ll keep trying then.’ His hand covered mine and pressed my palm deeper into the warm skin of his face, as though wanting me to feel the rush of blood beneath it, to tell me that he’s a person, not the devil he was made to be. ‘I don’t care what you are, Ralph Virtus,’ I whispered fiercely. ‘I love you too. I love you. Got it?’ I tilted my face a little to ma
[Ralph’s POV]She was trying hard to please me. Was it out of fear that I’d leave her?The revelation jolted upright and held her face to take a good look and a tear rolled down her steamed cheek. ‘Did you not hear what I said? I’d kill myself if you got hurt—.’ Two round purple eyes glistening like diamonds glared at me. ‘Did you not hear what I said? I said we’ll keep trying!’ More tears rushed down. ‘I want to have your baby. Do you not understand that? You fucking idiot!’ My throat thickened. Does she not understand that some things can’t be rushed? I want a child too. But even more, I want her by my side eternally. How the hell can that happen if she twisted her other arm?!Calm down. I brushed the hair from her face and held it more firmly. Then, I kissed her pouting lips. Her lashes battered in forgiveness. So I kissed her again and, immediately and eagerly, she kissed me back. When the kiss ended, I scrutinised her face, every curve and shape, as my thumb felt the plumpnes
[Juliette’s POV]Before the door came to a close behind me, Pauline said—-or whispered—beating me to the first word, “I think your father made it very clear over the phone yesterday, Juliette.” Here goes. I grabbed the iPad tightly and lifted my chin, not responding to a word until I sat down, and I took the seat next to Papa. The more Pauline spoke, the softer and more scratchy her voice got, which pains me to listen to it. I had to fight the urge to wince in sympathy. “So, here’s the deal, Juliette. Hand over the evidence you have, and we’ll back you up as CEO of Lux Corp.” I was stunned speechless. This was totally unexpected. Instead of giving me a laundry list of excuses, or berating me for scaring away all the investors, Papa is asking for the evidence I have at hand. He only wants the evidence? But—. “I don’t get it,” I blurted, completely taken aback. “I’ve shown it to you before. But you still chased me out.” My anger had swarmed in. “YOU THREW ME UNDER THE BUS.” Paul
[Juliette’s POV]The thought of dancing under the moonlight, amidst the warm sea breeze, has never crossed my mind until Ralph suggested it. “You’re such a bore.” He smiled with a teasing gaze as I did two twirls. He caught my waist at the perfect moment and pulled me close, snuggling my curves against his frame. That proud toothy grin of his made my heart lose its rhythm, and I lowered my chin to hide the heat in my cheeks. Hooking his elbow around my waist, he leaned in and whispered into my ear, “Why are you blushing?” “Because you’re handsome,” I whispered back and felt a shudder up my spine. Damn, that’s cringey. Thank God, he laughed at the right moment, or I’d have blushed harder. I grabbed more of his back to snuggle deeper and let my left cheek rest on his chest of muscles. Then, very naturally, a sigh of peace and relief left my lips.And very naturally too, he chuckled softly before planting a kiss on the top of my head. “Phase 1 over, kitten.” I closed my eyes to savo
[Juliette’s POV]Things turned out according to Ralph’s prediction. Papa’s gold mine got the news of my findings about Lux Corp and raced against time to meet me. Since there were over a thousand of them, from every corner of the world, Ralph suggested that I meet them all at once. With the help of an ally, we managed to rent a private island that was off the grid and had everyone gathered there for my presentation. It would be a massive one as I would be talking to thirty at a time. Am I nervous? Of course, I am. Even with Papa’s training, the nerves were still there. “You’ll be fine, kitten.” Ralph kissed my fingers, then brushed a loose strand behind my ear. “Numbers are your game.” “I know.” I checked the cue cards for the forty-first time. “But that doesn’t take the nerves away. It’s all your fault. You’ve turned it into some fucking TED talk.” Ralph chuckled. “Even if you cursed out there, it’ll be fine.” An hour later, I was done explaining to the audience of fifty ultra
[Juliette’s POV]“Those VIPs of his casino?” I asked, still in disbelief. He flashed a nodding grin, and I jolted upright, a surge of admiration and awe to my face, and I beamed, grabbing his hands in excitement. “That’s what you’ve been up to?” Then, logic jetted in. “But how? Papa and I are the only ones with that list. And those ultra rich don’t listen to anyone but Papa.” “They listen to the one who leads the people doing their dirty jobs.” I stared speechless at the man who once saved me from a drug lord, and tried to sever all ties with the mafia, get his clan members cleaned up, and reform his family business. This man had done his best to go against the impossible, push the flow and ride the currents. Never once did he bow to failure, except to learn from it. Now, he’s back in the shadows, unable to shake off the darkness and his past, yet he shines far brighter than anyone. Papa may be standing in the light, but he’s as shady as a shady businessman can get. He was study
[Juliette’s POV]I woke up to the most handsome face and the scariest pair of eyes staring at me in the fiercest silence. “Ralph?” I grabbed my throat. “Damn, what’s wrong with my voice? I sound eighty years older.” A glass of water appeared before my eyes and a low, sexy voice gruffed. “Drink.” The cool rim wedged between my lips and the sweetest water carefully slipped in. I sipped hungrily, emptying the glass with a sigh of satisfaction, and a Kleenex pressed the corners of my mouth. “Why did you put sugar in water?” He laid my head cautiously on the pillow. “I put nothing in the water.” “But it’s sweet.” My eyelids felt heavy. “Sleep.” My eyes flew open. It was my turn to stare at the beast till he asked what’s wrong, and I told him. “You’re upset.” “Because you were sick.” “Was I?” I checked myself for scars, and memories of the past forty-eight hours swiftly slotted back into my calendar. Ralph worry-stricken face calling my name repeatedly, stroking my face to get a
[Ralph’s POV]Robert’s gaze shot a warning that was the same as mine: it’s a trap. I held a finger to my lips—an instruction for him to not be heard—and he solemnly nodded. Then, I said, “Why?” “It’s Juliette.” The voice sounded secretive and rushed. “I can’t explain anything. But I’ll get her out. You have to take her away.”It was then I smelled danger and shot forward in my seat to the desk where the phone rested. Still, something feels off. “Why should I trust you?”There was a pause and then a sigh. And then the same voice lowered and exhaled. “Her child needs her, doesn’t he?” Fuck. Fuck that dumb Ben. Fuck that smartass lawyer. The fact that he knew about Milo set off all the red alarms. I sprang into action, like the pathetic Ben who had lost that darn phone and leaked all the secrets. The desperate rush to fix everything right. Oh, her crying had weakened. I rubbed her back in a comforting way, the way her housekeeper always does whenever she’s upset. She pulled back and
[Juliette’s POV]Way to go, Juliette. You fell for your father’s old tricks, and then you fell for some stranger’s weird tricks. Just because he knows your name and says it out loud, you got into his car. Great. I’m going to be trafficked as a sex slave. Milo. I’m never going to see him again. And Ralph. A clean tissue entered my view. My view was misty, so I blinked to clear it, and then realised that I was crying. Quickly, and embarrassingly, I grabbed the offer and dabbed my eyes. The man cleared his throat and repeated my name, and I gave a cold chuckle. “Yes, my father sent you, didn’t he? To get rid of me.” Both open palms waved frantically. “No, Miss! I mean, Madam. I mean, Dona.” “Who the fuck are you?” I wailed. “Just tell me. I can take it!” God, I sound pathetic. But I can’t seem to stop. “W-wait—.” His phone was out, slapped to his ear, and it rang once, then a voice came on, loud and clear. “Yes.” That deep gruff. I spun around like a deer caught in headlights.
[Juliette's POV]Paul caught a glimpse of his bleak future and plonked onto his seat in a pale face. The shareholders around Paul shared his misery while others stared puzzled at Harold Lux as he moved towards the throne at the front of the conference table. He moved past me as though I had never existed, and cold guilt stabbed my chest. “Young people.” Papa sighed. “Give them one tiny piece of candy, and they think they own the entire formula.” Everyone ignored Papa’s invitation to return to their seats. Then, Uncle Jerry stepped forward to deliver the King’s instructions. “The contract is in your email.”“What contract?” I jolted a curious look at Pauline who was reading off her mobile screen, her brows growing closer with surprise and anger. . I felt a crack in my hope and made a lunge like Paul’s.“Don’t sign it!” I yelped, desperation clawing the air. “If you invest more money, Lux Corp would pop like a bubble! The debt’s too huge—we’d be bankrupt before the casino’s ready!”W
[Jewel’s POV]This idiot. She glared down as the baby drank quietly. How dare he ignore my calls! Is he an idiot? We can’t even tell how long those two idiots are going to take, and he wants a baby now? Her finger tips caressed those tiny plump cheeks, and her mouth curled up in a loving smile. It’s not that I don’t want a baby. Heat of worry and anxiety swarmed to the back of her eyes and knocked her eardrums. The Virtus princess perked up with vigilance. Hugging Milo closer to cocoon him from danger, her gaze bounced between the main door and the bedroom door, her Virtus mind calculating and reciting the drill. Bedroom, lock door 1, bathroom, lock door 2. Two knocks. Three knocks. One knock. The Virtus code. Jewel crept closer to the tiny slit between the main door and its frame, and a familiar voice hissed through. “Peach.” Instantly, she unlocked, and the door flung back—only to shut tight. She was in the arms of the man who’d never stopped loving her since they first met. D