The man's tranquil face showed that he was in a moment of relaxation, far from all the power that surrounded him at other times."Hi," Arabella felt she should say something. In fact, she could barely take her eyes off his face. "Hi, Arabella," his husky voice thundered, as if they were in the midst of a storm. Arabella grew weak in the same second, and her legs needed a lot of effort not to fail her.Damon leaned against the doorframe and crossed his arms. He had enough experience with women to know that his body was a charm difficult to quench. The man observed the woman at his door. A woman of medium stature and stratospheric beauty."I would like to apologize for earlier. I shouldn't have thrown myself at you," she regained her posture, just not to seem completely shaken while he was perfectly fine, in the center of his own universe.Damon stepped away from the doorframe, making room for the pretty to enter his dimly lit apartment. She walked into the space, the living room, an
He knelt between her legs, and in that moment, Arabella felt like the most powerful woman in the world, for Banks was on his knees before her. And he was, in every possible way.Damon's fingers traced the delicate fabric of Arabella's lace panties and pulled them down her legs. It did not take long for her to be naked.Having Arabella the way he wanted, the way he had dreamed for several days, the way he fantasized in the shower and during lonely nights, Damon leaned in. His face was positioned between the woman's legs, and Arabella placed them over the man's broad shoulders."You have no idea how much I've longed to taste you again, Principessa."The instant his tongue found the woman's moisture, pure moans were heard. That sound was like gasoline for the man's hunger, which was summed up in flames.He could not believe that someone could be so beautiful. But she could, even more so without her clothes. Every detail of Arabella was important, memorable, praiseworthy. The well-defined
But it did not happen. Arabella could not bring herself to feel bad for what she had done.She knew she was taking more risks than she should, and that if Mason found out, he would make her suffer even more. But that wasn't enough to make her regret having another night with Banks.The beautiful woman lazily opened her eyes, looking around to find something familiar. It did not take long for her to spot Damon Banks in the bathroom. The glass walls allowed her to see him in full, every part of his body sculpted by gods. He was facing her, his eyes closed as he used both hands to rinse the shampoo from his hair.Arabella admired that enviable sight. Indeed, it would be a good painting if there were an artist in front of him. It was also a fact that moments before, Damon had been beside her in bed, admiring her details and thinking about how beautiful she was. It wasn't about feelings, just physical attraction. Arabella Collins was a sculptural woman, not admiring her would be astonis
Ana nodded solemnly. "It seems like he returned earlier."Arabella could not shake the feeling of unease that settled in the pit of her stomach. But before she could utter another word, the door swung open once more, announcing Mason's entrance."Leave," he ordered Ana with a curt nod."Excuse me," Anastasia hastily exited the room, her departure almost frantic.Arabella rose from her seat, a mix of apprehension and anticipation swirling within her. She half-expected Mason to stride over to her, to confront her with his demanding presence. But he chose another path, one that led him away from her, towards the liquor cabinet. Despite the early hour, he poured himself a drink with practiced ease, the clinking of ice against glass echoing in the tense silence of the room."I am back, wife. Aren't you going to come to me and suck my fucking cock?" he chuckled morbidly. Arabella remained silent. "My mother is being buried today, thanks for asking," he continued."Do you want me to go to
As husband and wife stepped through The Cosmopolitan's doors, they became the center of attention. It was a dinner in support of a charity auction, with a master of ceremonies guiding the event on stage, but that did not stop people from diverting their gaze to Miss Collins as she passed by.The place exuded wealth, a lot of wealth. Everyone there seemed gilded, each one more powerful than the other. The glasses in graceful hands, the million-dollar heels, the tailor-made suits, the displayed jewels; how fortune seemed so commonplace."This way," Mason said, leading his wife to the table near the stage. He loved the way everyone looked at him with envy.On the table were napkins embroidered with the guests' names. Arabella sat beside Mason, as the seating arrangement suggested. The master of ceremonies was presenting a Renaissance painting before the guests could start bidding. The tables had their respective plaques for guests to place their bids."What is the cause of this event?
Banks's eyes were lit by the many lights of the casino. The greenish streaks were so captivating that Arabella had to make an effort to look away.And along with the attraction that man exuded, Arabella also felt guilt. She felt guilty for, earlier, agreeing to work with Mason to incriminate Damon. She felt like a fraud in front of Damon.But what other option did she have?"Thank you. But I am sure you let me win," she said."I am a gentleman," Damon said, shrugging with indifference."A gentleman would not make me lose a million dollars," she retorted, raising an eyebrow slightly."Point for you," the man murmured, and smiled soon after. A subtle sideways smile that made Arabella's nervous system fail."I know. Now, if you will excuse me," Arabella said, dodging to continue her way to the restroom.Arabella was surprised that Damon was still talking to her. She thought that after he "Won the game" and managed to sleep with her again, he would start ignoring her, completely discardin
"Then we're more than friends, because we fuck a lot, all the time. Understand, Sabrina, nothing will change between you and me. Whether Arabella is with me or not. Whether Arabella is married or not. I do not want you.""It will change when your reputation is at stake," she threatened.When Damon decided to break up with Sabrina, he did not think she would become a problem. The model used to be a woman always balanced and mature for the kind of relationship they had. However, at that moment, the man realized he was dealing with the devil."For you to be threatening me, you have no idea the level of fuck we have," he said, just to provoke her."You would not tarnish your image over a fuck," Sabrina insisted."Since my sex life is so interesting, let me correct you. It was more than one.""You can't be serious...""I think we're done here, right?" he interrupted her.And then it was Sabrina's turn to be surprised. She had known Damon for many years, and had never seen him defend a rel
"Incident?""A man approached Miss Collins."Damon's blood boiled the instant those words reached his ears. He felt an almost physical pain at the thought of anyone hurting Arabella. The only thing his brain could assimilate after the concern was anger.The man did not think twice before grabbing the woman's arm and pulling her closer to him. The brief contact was electrifying for both; perhaps more for one than the other. Damon took a few seconds to savor Arabella's sweet scent before he could speak. "I need you to stay safe."Arabella looked at Damon's hand on her arm, and then at his face. The tourmaline eyes were beautiful, just as she remembered. It was as if that image would never be erased from her mind. A chill ran through her body with the realization that that man did not belong to her.Arabella felt bad for not being able to throw everything into chaos and be with Damon. It hurt her heart that Mason would not allow her happiness.She took a deep breath, which only served
The cold rain outside seemed to intensify the warmth emanating from the crackling fireplace. Arabella nestled herself closer to the flickering flames, her mind consumed by the storm of thoughts swirling within her."Here," Damon's voice, soft and soothing, broke through her reverie. He offered her a steaming cup, his eyes reflecting a silent understanding."Thank you," Arabella murmured, accepting the cup with a small, grateful smile. Though she held it in her hands, she seemed more drawn to the comfort of Damon's presence than to the warmth of the drink.As Damon settled beside her, Arabella felt a hesitant longing stirring within her. She turned towards him, their eyes meeting in the flickering firelight, and in that moment, words seemed unnecessary. There was a silent communion between them, an unspoken understanding of shared pain and solace.Without a word, Arabella leaned into Damon's embrace, seeking refuge from the tempest of emotions raging within her. His arms enveloped
ONE YEAR LATERThe atmosphere was as funereal as the situation itself. The sun hadn't visited that part of the city since the previous day, as if it were also in mourning. Heavy clouds and timid splashes of rain were present, which only made the day seem less happy.A white tent chapel had been placed in the mansion's garden. It was a large space, enough to accommodate the thirty people present. The dark wooden coffin was centered in the chapel, open so everyone could see Victor's limp, pale body.White chrysanthemums decorated the coffin. Those were traditional flowers at wakes, and they meant "Golden flower”, from the Greek.Three of Victor's friends were next to the coffin, crying softly and drying their tears with a tissue as they recalled their journey. They were long-time friends. Their suits were as dark as the sky, representing perhaps eternal mourning.That was the garden of the mansion that Arabella had bought months before. She barely had time to get used to the place.Anas
HOURS LATERAs Damon stepped into his city apartment, a heavy silence greeted him, amplified by the absence of any illumination. The darkness enveloped him like a heavy cloak, its weight pressing down on his shoulders as he traversed the familiar space. He made no move to flick on a light switch, preferring instead to let the shadows consume him, mirroring the desolation that gnawed at his insides.Approaching the drinks table, he reached for a decanter, his hand moving with practiced precision as he poured himself a potent measure of whiskey. The liquid glimmered faintly in the dimness, casting fleeting reflections against the polished surface of the glass. With a solemn sigh, he lifted the drink to his lips, the fiery liquid igniting a dull ache in his chest as it slid down his throat.Leaning against the window, he gazed out at the city sprawled before him, its towering buildings reaching up towards the inky sky like silent sentinels. The nocturnal metropolis seemed to pulse w
The interior of the vehicle was permeated with Banks's scent. He wore an excessively good perfume, not exactly strong, but rather striking. It was the kind of smell that only a person with a lot of money would have.The door was closed, and because she was in a complete trance, Arabella was scared. Christopher wisely remained outside so that he would not hear the conversation.Banks, with her naturally dark charm, twirled the ring on her middle finger while pretentiously ignoring Arabella. His gaze was directed forward, but so far away that it did not even seem like he was in that country.The woman moved closer to the door, as if it were possible to merge with the car. Damon noticed the movement, but did not bother to assure her that she did not need to be afraid. Because maybe she needed it."Everything is fine with you?" Arabella whispered so quietly that she wasn't sure she was heard, even with all the silence that surrounded them.Damon remained silent, and then he sank deeper in
And with that, everyone burst into prolonged applause. Some even stood up, but no one really knew the intention behind the speech. All that was left was for him to say Arabella's name, with each letter."Thank you all for coming. And if it's not too much to ask, be loyal. do not love me, but be loyal" Damon walked away from the pulpit and went down the stairs as he had gone up; ignoring all the eyes on you.In turn, the master of ceremonies returned to say a few words. "I am flattered by the opportunity to hear you, Mr. Banks. Now, for the entertainment of our audience, I would like to call to the stage Mr. Landwy, the evening's violinist."Arabella waited until the first chords of the violin sounded before muttering something to her father and standing up. People did not notice when she walked in long strides to the bathroom, as at this moment wine glasses began to be served throughout the room.Arabella thought that she could take refuge in that luxurious environment for the rest of
TWO DAYS LATER. NEW YORK.The dress shone when the few lights that filtered through the window touched it. The fabric was thin, sliding across the white skin with each subtle movement. The blue silk was a pure, almost innocent tone.Arabella was sitting in the backseat of the Bentley, and, next to her, Victor was also watching the view of the New York streets as the car passed through them. They were silent, as on many other occasions, but they were not uncomfortable. At least not with each other.Victor's treatment was having some effect. The best doctors in the city were taking care of him, at Damon's request, paid for by Damon.The father wore a tuxedo, the daughter wore a beautiful sky blue dress, along with long gloves in the same color. Her brown strands were tied into a high bun, with a few curls perfectly curled and loose.And when the car stopped in front of the Banks Nouveau building, the lady felt her hands sweat inside her gloves. There were countless photographers outside
Banks took a deep breath. Their brief moment of silence was enough to make Colton and Spencer's hearts race."You are up to your neck in this story, but she's not. Arabella's the only good part of this whole shit. Think about that before you backtrack," Spencer muttered, just in case.And to say those words did not reach Banks would be a lie. He felt them as if they were punches to his face, but he knew how to pretend to be careless. Because, deep down, maybe he agreed."I do not usually go back"Damon, seeing that the conversation had come to an end, turned his back to the inspector. He even glanced at Colton. Banks made a subtle sign with her index finger and the security guards returned to the car."But in any case, when you decide to join people in destroying me, find stronger allies" he muttered before entering the door that his driver kept open.The first car made a subtle maneuver inside the warehouse and slid out, followed by the second.And then, just then, Colton approached
TWO DAYS LATERThe lights of New York were known throughout the world. The city awakens, with people bustling around and never, ever stopping. It was a place famous for everything it showed, but few people knew what New York was hiding. Few knew the shadows of the most illuminated city in the world.The shadows were in the suburbs, in isolated areas that not even the sun could reach. Where the streets were muddy, buildings were abandoned and people cried without hope.In a less busy area, where the asphalt ended and the dirt streets began, there was an abandoned warehouse. It was an unfinished building, with exposed bricks and half-shattered pillars.The smell from the warehouse was unsanitary.Dust had dominated the four corners of the room, and everything that was there was abandoned. There were crates at the ends of the warehouse, covered with a dark, dirty tarpaulin.Spencer Davis was in the warehouse, sitting in a chair almost as old as the one he had in his office. Behind the ma
SOME HOURS LATERWith a graceful stride, Arabella entered the conference room, commanding attention in her ensemble — an elegant green dress complemented by sleek heels. Her hair, neatly pinned back, accentuated her sharp features, and as she walked, there was an air of confidence about her."Good afternoon, gentlemen," she greeted, her voice carrying a polite tone subtly infused with determination."Miss Collins," Louis Tompson, the lawyer, rose from his seat upon her arrival, extending his hand in a gesture of sympathy. "My condolences for the divorce?"Arabella's response was swift and resolute. "Not at all," she declared, dismissing any notion of condolence.Seating herself across from Mason, with Tompson positioned at the head of the table, Arabella's eyes met Mason's with a mixture of disdain and relief. Gone was the power he once held over her — she was free now, and she made sure he knew it."Now, the purpose of this meeting is to align the restructuring of the companies," th