I found Greg at the hotel bar, visibly nervous, his leg shaking with anxiety.
“Why all the fuss, my old friend?” I called for his attention.
“You know why... That damned woman is here, ready to strike, and you're playing house with your secretary!” Greg shouted, losing his composure.
“Watch your mouth before you insinuate anything about Elisabeth!” I slammed my fist on the bar, drawing attention, and kept my fierce eyes on him.
Looking around, he motioned for me to sit beside him, ordering our whiskey shots.
“Sorry, I just can't easily accept what that cursed woman did...” My friend said, downing his drink in one go. “You know Victor is dead because of her. That ambush in the desert was to lure you in. Me, her... Damn it!”
Greg slammed his glass down forcefully, trembling with nerves. I observed his
“Patrick, if you want to stay away from me after what I tell you... Promise me you'll let me quit and leave?” Turning her body with heavy eyes, Elisabeth looked determined.“I promise that no matter what you say, I'm not going anywhere!” I smiled, caressing her cold, wet cheeks.“You say that because you don't know everything...” She sighed, gathering courage. “I was once engaged, but not in the way all women dream of... The person I shared my adolescence with until the beginning of adulthood was simply a monster in disguise, which I had the misfortune of discovering in the worst way.Lis sobbed a few times with her back to me. I adjusted myself, pressing my chest against her back and running my nails along her arms in a caress, making her comfortable enough to continue with her real nightmare.“The jealousy and possessiveness started to increase in college. I thought it was just a phase, maybe even hormones... I don't know, I didn't want to see the signs.” Slapping her forehead with
“That's why you still live haunted... He is chasing you!” I sighed, determined to eliminate this bastard once and for all.“Yes, I started moving from city to city, searching for new beginnings, but he always got close. When I arrived in Seattle with a new identity, my grandmother's illness had progressed significantly, and I had to settle into a well-paying job to afford her nursing home.” Lis smiled hopefully. “In five years, this monster hasn't found me, so I finally feel like I can start over and be happy... But you need to know and understand the risks of being with me. If he finds me and knows about us, your life will also be in danger.”“I accept the risks!” I replied firmly, leaving no doubt about my decision. “Elisabeth, I need this bastard's full name, so I can put an end to this.”“Are you crazy? No, you are not going to confront him!” She stood up nervously, biting her nails. “I didn't tell you this for you to start a fight. I won't let him hurt you or find me.”“You need
POV: ELISABETHMy body tingled under the hot water that bathed my skin as Patrick moved up my legs, tracing around my buttocks, where he pinched and delivered a bold slap.“Hey?” I protested, laughing, receiving an intense kiss as he pinned me against the wall, placing his arms on either side of my head, his gaze intense. “What is it?”“I need to ask you something, but I don't want you to get mad at me.” Patrick sighed, serious, considering his words. “You don't want me to investigate your past, and that's fine. However, I need the full name of the person who hurt you to ensure our protection now, in the present.”“Patrick...” I turned my face nervously, but he brought me back to look at him with his finger.“Please, it's just for protective measures,” he reaffirmed.“The CIA is not like the army
I finished the sentence, and Pablo laughed, drawing everyone's attention.“Wow, forgive me, Mr. Morgan, but that explains why you know how to recruit talents for drama...” He chuckled, being reprimanded by María.“Miss Heloise was already on her way out. Please, Mr. Morgan, come in. Let's start our meeting.” Alexandre nodded toward the door.We passed by her, and Heloise was staring at Patrick. As I walked past her, Heloise grabbed my arm and pulled me to whisper in my ear:“Be careful with him. He seems like an honorable and protective man. Usually, monsters seem to be nice people.” Heloise chuckled softly. “However, Patrick Morgan took something extremely valuable from me, and I'm not talking about money!”I pulled my arm back forcefully, adjusting my posture. The CEO was about to start an argument with his ex-wife when she
I'm not sure exactly when I fell asleep, but I was awakened by the sound of an ambulance and sirens. I looked around; the CEO and Greg were not in the car. Furthermore, I opened the door and found my building on fire, several injured people on the sidewalk, and the police cordoning off the area.“What's happening?” I spoke in shock, running towards the flames, being restrained by Patrick, who held me in place.“It's too late; everything was lost inside.” He explained, keeping his arms around my trembling body.“It was him!” I looked at the CEO in despair, alarmed, running my hands over my forehead and stepping back, cornered and distressed.I looked around, searching for any imminent danger, any sign that the damn man was back. Until a pain hit my chest and a strong pressure took over my mind.“My grandmother...” I whispered, running towards the car we came in.Patrick ran after me, and when I opened the passenger door, he closed it, restraining me.“Lis, it was just a gas leak; I tol
I cradled Elisabeth in my arms, stroking her back as I looked around. Her ex-boyfriend seemed determined to instill fear, which revealed a lot about his character. He sought to intimidate, to show how vulnerable and accessible she was.“Lis, I need the name of this damn guy,” I kept my tone firm.She shivered in my arms, wiping her face on my shirt and lifting her chin towards me.“Patrick, I need to leave,” she replied, looking fearful and sighing. She tried to pull away, but I held her in place. “Please, don't try to stop me.”“I won't try; I will.” I stared at her coldly. “Running away is not the solution. He found you here in Seattle, based on what you said about your ex. This bastard has the resources to find you even in hell.”I sighed, holding her hands as she sobbed amidst the tears.“I can't put you at risk, either. Don't you understand?” Pulling her hands sharply, Lis turned her back. “He could have thrown you from up here; we might not have arrived in time... This damn guy
“Would you like me to take Elisabeth to a warehouse? Only then will you release my children...” She trembled.“Are you sure he has your children?” I furrowed my brow. A cunning man wouldn't be foolish enough to kidnap children, which could attract the attention of the police or the press.“What? Why would he lie?” She spoke in shock.“To scare you and make you do everything he orders!” I took another step forward, standing in front of the gun. “He's using you; let me help you.”“No, you're lying!” She shouted, cocking the gun. “Back off!”In a quick move, I disarmed her by hitting the gun under the handle, making it jump and fall to the ground, along with the cell phone I had inadvertently dropped in the action. Caroline hurriedly crouched down, trying to reach the gun. I kicked it back towards Greg, who promptly picked it up and aimed it at the nurse.&ldquo
POV: ELISABETHI woke up with a start, looking around and trying to identify where I was. Had I fainted? The room was luxurious, with dark walls and soft lighting from crystal chandeliers. The imposing furniture stood out, featuring a large canopy bed with a dark wooden headboard. The room was decorated with classical artworks, an elegant fireplace, and exotic collectibles. As I got out of bed, my feet touched a Persian rug, reinforcing the atmosphere of luxury and mystery.I looked for my heels but couldn't find them. Carefully, I opened the door and heard male voices. Following the sound, I reached the stairs and noticed two men conversing while drinking. Greg was the first to notice me and whispered something into the CEO's ear before leaving.“I'm glad you're awake,” said Patrick, extending his free hand toward me. I descended the stairs and was led by him to the sofa. “Are you feeling better?” I nodded, still a bit nervous. “I'm sorry for getting you involved in all this mess…I..