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6: Trusting Him
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2025-03-05 05:44:06"Mr. Avancii."
Gina’s voice was flat, unimpressed. Maria stiffened, her heart stalling in her chest. Luca, on the other hand, remained completely unbothered. He didn't even turn to acknowledge Gina properly—just kept his hand possessively on Maria’s thigh like nothing had changed. Gina exhaled sharply, shifting the tablet in her arms. "Never in all my years of working here did I think I would ever hear you say that." Maria blinked, confused. Luca, however, smirked. "What, ‘fiancée’?" His voice was smooth, amused, as if he found her disbelief entertaining. "That," Gina said pointedly, "and watching you actually use your office for something other than business." Maria’s face flamed, but Luca only chuckled. "You wound me, Gina." "Do I?" she deadpanned. Luca let out a low laugh, finally straightening to look at her fully. "You need something?" Gina pinched the bridge of her nose. "You have a meeting in five minutes." Luca tilted his head. "And?" "And," Gina gritted out, "your presence is required. Which means you need to stop—" she gestured vaguely at him and Maria "—whatever this is." Luca exhaled dramatically, as if this were a great inconvenience. "Fine," he drawled, then turned back to Maria. Maria swallowed as his dark gaze met hers, something wicked flashing in his eyes. "Looks like you’re off the hook, sweetheart," he murmured. Maria sucked in a breath, pretending her stomach didn’t just flip at the teasing in his voice. Luca, still smirking, finally released her, his hands dragging leisurely down her thighs before he pulled away completely. Maria let out a slow breath, smoothing down her dress as she hopped off the desk, careful to keep her legs steady. Gina watched the exchange with thinly veiled exhaustion. "Are we done?" she asked, expression unreadable. "For now," Luca said lazily. Gina muttered something under her breath that sounded suspiciously like, "I need a raise," before pivoting on her heel and leaving the office, heels clicking sharply against the marble floor. The door shut behind her. Maria exhaled. She turned back to Luca, ready to say something—maybe scold him, maybe ask what the hell just happened—but before she could, Luca was speaking again. "You’re going back to Edwards’ company today." Maria blinked. "What?" "To finalize the divorce." Luca leaned against his desk, arms crossed over his broad chest, expression unreadable. "The sooner it’s done, the better." Maria hesitated. She wasn’t sure why she felt… uneasy. Maybe because actually finalizing the divorce made everything feel real. Permanent. But it was permanent. Edwards had made sure of that. Maria swallowed hard and nodded. "Alright." Luca studied her for a moment, then pushed off the desk. "After that," he continued smoothly, "we’ll go ring shopping." Maria’s breath hitched. "What?" "You heard me." His voice was casual, but his eyes glinted with something deeper. "Can’t have a fake engagement without a ring, can we?" Maria opened her mouth, then shut it again. He wasn’t wrong. But the thought of standing in a jewelry store, letting Luca slide a ring onto her finger… it made something in her chest squeeze uncomfortably. "Okay," she said finally. Luca’s lips twitched, like he knew she was overthinking. "Good girl." Maria’s stomach flipped. Luca turned, walking toward his desk, but just before he sat, he threw over his shoulder, "You won’t be going alone, by the way." Maria frowned. "What do you mean?" "You’ll take a car, a driver, and two bodyguards." Maria stared at him. "That’s not necessary." "It is." Luca’s voice was firm now, all teasing gone. "Edwards won’t like that you’re cutting ties with him completely. He might try something." Maria hesitated. Luca wasn’t wrong. Edwards had always been controlling, always made her feel like she was something to be possessed rather than loved. And after what happened the last time she saw him… Maybe having security wasn’t such a bad idea. She nodded. "Alright." Luca’s gaze flickered over her, satisfied. "They’ll also help you pack your things from his place," he added. Maria stiffened. "I—" She swallowed. "I hadn’t thought about that." Luca raised a brow. "Where did you think you were going to stay?" Maria shifted. "A hotel, maybe." Luca let out a soft, exasperated laugh. "Not happening, sweetheart." Maria frowned. "Then where—?" "With me." Her breath caught. "Luca—" "No arguments." His tone left no room for debate. "You’re moving into my house." Maria stared at him, stunned. It was too much. Too fast. And yet… She didn’t protest. Because deep down, she knew she could trust him. She’d grown up with Luca. He was her brother’s best friend. She knew him. And that was the real reason she wasn’t fighting this. Not because of the deal. Not because she had no other options. But because, when it came to Luca Avancii… She knew he wouldn’t let anything happen to her. She took a slow breath. "Okay," she murmured. Luca smirked. "That’s my girl." Maria’s stomach twisted at the way he said it—possessive, claiming. He stepped closer, crowding into her space again. Maria barely had time to react before he tilted her chin up with two fingers, gaze locking onto hers. "One last thing before I go," he murmured. Maria barely had time to inhale before his lips crashed against hers. She melted instantly, hands curling into his shirt as he deepened the kiss, his tongue sweeping into her mouth, taking, claiming—ruining her for anyone else. Maria whimpered softly, pressing closer, letting herself drown in him for just a moment longer. Then—his hands moved lower. She gasped against his lips as his fingers skimmed beneath her dress, brushing against the soft cotton of her underwear. Luca groaned. "This," he muttered against her mouth, "is a problem." Maria barely had time to process his words before she felt him—adjusting her underwear, smoothing it back into place as if it had been teasing him the whole time. She knew she should be mortified. But all she felt was heat. A deep, consuming warmth that settled low in her belly as Luca pulled back, smirking. "Wouldn’t want you looking too flustered when you see your ex, now would we?" he murmured. Maria’s breath was shaky. She forced herself to glare at him, even as her legs threatened to give out. "Go to your meeting, Avancii." Luca chuckled, stepping back completely. "See you later, sweetheart." And with that, he strolled out, leaving Maria standing there, flushed, breathless, and completely, utterly ruined.
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THE PRICE FOR HIS NAME 7: Tables Turned
It was still morning.Not more than two hours since she had walked out of Edwards’ company, but now she was on her way back.Maria sat in the back seat of the car, her body tensed as the other vehicle followed closely behind in the steady rhythm of traffic. The ride was smooth, the city moving at its usual pace, but she barely noticed any of it. Her thoughts were tangled in the heat sitting low in her stomach, the lingering sensation between her thighs that refused to fade.She clenched her legs tighter, willing herself to ignore it."Why did I let that happen?"Her fingers curled into the fabric of her dress as memories of Luca’s touch played in her mind.The rough drag of his calloused fingers up her thigh.The firm press of his lips against hers.The teasing way he had adjusted her underwear, like he had every right to.A shiver ran down her spine, her nails digging into her palm.Luca Avancii was dangerous.And the worst part? She had let him. She had leaned into it, craved it, le
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-07THE PRICE FOR HIS NAME 8: A Seat On His Throne
Maria stepped into SpitFire Autos, the air thick with the scent of gasoline, leather, and a lingering trace of Luca Avancii.She had barely settled in before his secretary, Gina, informed her that Luca was still in a meeting."You can wait in his office, Miss Dominic."So she did.Maria stepped inside, her heels clicking against the sleek black floors. The space was nothing like Edwards' sterile, lifeless office. Luca’s was lived-in. Controlled chaos.Dark walls. Polished wood. A liquor cabinet against one wall, a gun safe against the other. Papers scattered across his desk, blueprints of cars, notes written in his sharp, unmistakable handwriting.The chair behind the desk was large, commanding, like a throne.Maria ran her fingers over the edge of the desk, imagining him here—seated, leaning back, his sharp eyes assessing whoever sat across from him. Judging. Calculating. Owning.Her stomach tightened.She turned away, deciding to busy herself with the bookshelves instead. But before
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-10THE PRICE FOR HIS NAME 9: The Cost Of A Signature
They were already there before he got there.Edward Kale had been drinking and partying at The Monarch, an elite nightclub reserved for men like him—rich, powerful, and untouchable. Or at least, that’s what he thought. One moment he was sipping on whiskey, Grace draped over him in a sequined dress, and the next, hands had grabbed him, dragging him through the back of the club. He had fought, of course—he had money, influence—but his protests were drowned by the pounding bass of the music. No one saw him leave.By the time his head cleared, he found himself sitting on a cold metal chair, wrists bound behind him. The room was dimly lit, one single ceiling bulb swinging slightly, casting long, jagged shadows on the concrete walls. The air smelled like damp earth and motor oil, the kind of place where secrets were buried—literally.Men in dark biker helmets stood like statues around him, unmoving, faceless, armed. His pulse hammered in his
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-12THE PRICE FOR HIS NAME 10: The Morning After
Maria woke to warmth.Not just the kind that came from thick blankets and soft sheets, but the kind that seeped into her bones, a heavy, steady heat pressed against her back.Her eyelashes fluttered as consciousness slowly returned, the memories of yesterday drifting into focus—Edward, the divorce papers, the rings, Luca—Her breath hitched.Luca.The realization sent a bolt of awareness through her.He was behind her.Close.Too close.Maria’s entire body went rigid as she took in the situation. Luca wasn’t just lying beside her—he was molded against her, his chest pressed to her back, his arm slung low around her waist.His warmth surrounded her.His scent—smoke, leather, and something darkly spiced—lingered in the air, wrapping around her senses like an invisible cage.She barely breathed.She needed to move.Slowly, carefully, Maria tried to inch forward.
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-12THE PRICE FOR HIS NAME 11: A Day In The Avancii Estate
Luca had already left for work when Maria began exploring.She wasn’t sure when he had slipped out, but by the time she finished having her bath, the house was quiet, the lingering scent of his cologne the only trace of his presence.It left her with nothing but time—and an entire estate to acquaint herself with.The Avancii estate wasn’t as large as she had expected. It was grand, yes, but not the overwhelming kind of wealth that screamed opulence. Instead, it was refined, designed for comfort rather than excess.The main house had seven bedrooms, meant to accommodate Mr. Collins—or Cole, as Luca called him—along with the two cooks, and now, Maria herself. The rest of the staff lived in the boy’s quarters, a separate building housing the gardeners, security, fish workers, house keepers, and drivers.A swimming pool gleamed on one side of the house, reflecting the early morning sun.And beside it, a small patch of land lay stubbornly bare, unlike the rest of the land.Maria paused, ti
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-13THE PRICE FOR HIS NAME 12: Crossing Boundaries
Maria hesitated at the doorway, fingers trembling against the smooth wood.She should leave.She should ignore the way Luca’s voice had curled around her like smoke, whispering promises in the dark.But her body was already betraying her.Slowly, she turned back.Luca had shifted his laptop to the side, his chair angled toward her as if making space just for her. His dark eyes flickered with something undeniable, unreadable—a warning and an invitation all at once.Without speaking, he lifted a hand, fingers beckoning.And Maria moved.Each step felt heavier, like the air had thickened around her, wrapping her in something hot and electric.When she reached him, Luca’s fingers wrapped around her wrist—warm, firm, commanding. He pulled her closer, guiding her onto the desk with effortless strength.Maria let out a soft breath as the cool surface kissed the backs of her thighs, but she barely noti
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-14THE PRICE FOR HIS NAME 13: The Ministration On His Desk
Maria's breath stuttered, her body trembling as Luca's mouth moved over her, slow and deliberate, tongue lapping through her slick folds with practiced ease.He had been at this for minutes now-teasing, tasting, savoring.Maria was a wreck against the mahogany desk-legs spread wide, robe fallen away, the cool air making her nipples pebble, heavy breasts rising and falling with each desperate breath.Luca's grip on her thighs tightened, fingers flexing against soft skin as he pinned her open.He was loving her like this-bared, breathless, needy.He could feel the way she pulsed against his tongue, taste the way she was already soaking for him, her body offering itself up, willing, desperate.And he loved that she still had the nerve to act like she wasn't.Maria let out a ragged little moan, fingers tugging at his hair, trying to pull him deeper, closer.Luca let her.Let her take what she needed.
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-15THE PRICE FOR HIS NAME 14: Unspoken Boundaries
Morning light streamed through the sheer curtains, casting golden streaks across the bed. The sheets beside her were cold.Maria turned her head, staring at the empty space where Luca had been.Gone.She wasn’t sure why she expected anything different.Her thighs still ached from last night—her skin tingled with phantom touches, and her lips were swollen from the way he had kissed her, claimed her, devoured her. She squeezed her thighs together, remembering the way he had pulled her apart with nothing but his hands, his mouth, his voice.And yet… he had left without a word.Maria let out a slow breath and sat up, pulling the sheets over her bare body. The heavy silence of the room felt suffocating.She hated this.Hated how her heart clenched at his absence.Hated how she missed him.Last night wasn’t supposed to mean anything—at least, that’s what she told herself. It was just a moment of weak
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-16
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THE PRICE FOR HIS NAME 63: The Ice Between Us
The bed was cold.Maria stirred beneath the sheets, blinking against the morning light filtering through the curtains. Her hand instinctively reached across the mattress, searching for warmth, for the familiar solid presence of Luca.Nothing.Her stomach clenched.She sat up slowly, pushing back her hair as she glanced toward the en-suite bathroom. The door was open. Empty.He left.A heavy sigh escaped her lips as she turned to the nightstand. His watch was gone. His phone charger was missing.Luca always left something behind when he was in a rush—his cufflinks, his laptop, something. But today? It was as if he had made sure not to leave a single trace of himself in their bedroom.Maria swallowed hard.He was still angry.She had known it last night, had felt it in the way he looked at her, in the way he let her go without a second glance.But some part of her had foolishly
THE PRICE FOR HIS NAME 62: His Wrath
Maria had just stepped out of the shower when her phone vibrated on the vanity counter. Wrapped in a short robe, she picked it up, her fingers already expecting a message from Luca or one of the estate staff.But when she saw the sender—an unknown number—her stomach twisted.Unknown: We need to talk. It’s about Luca. It’s important.Her pulse quickened. The text was vague, but the weight of it was enough to send a chill down her spine. Who the hell—?Her instincts told her to ignore it. Could be a trap. Could be nothing.But something gnawed at her, an uneasy curiosity that she couldn’t shake.Maria walked over to her laptop, typing the number into a tracing database. A minute later, the result flashed on the screen.Edwards Kale.Her mouth went dry.Why the hell is he texting me?She hadn’t spoken to Edwards in months, not since he tried to ruin her image at the ball. He had humiliat
THE PRICE FOR HIS NAME 61: Ashes Of The Night Before
The morning was bright—deceptively bright, as if the events of last night had never happened. The sun hung high, casting golden light over the estate, birds chirped in the distance, and the scent of fresh dew clung to the air.But the only evidence of the blood spilled in the dark hours before lay in the red stains the housekeepers were scrubbing off the stone pathways."Twenty-one men," one of the younger maids whispered, glancing over her shoulder as she wrung out her cloth, the water in her bucket turning pink. "That’s what Mr Collins said."Another housekeeper, older and more experienced, clicked her tongue. "And not one of them managed to step past the second courtyard.""They said snipers took them out before they even reached the main house.""Who were they?""Idiots, clearly."A gardener, kneeling beside a row of blood-speckled roses, muttered, "Only fools come for Luca Avancii in his own home and expect to leave alive."The staff exchanged uneasy glances as they worked. Some
THE PRICE FOR HIS NAME 60: The King's Territory
Luca had just returned to the bedroom, his bare feet making no sound against the polished floors. He had done a final sweep of the estate, ensuring everything was in place, every guard stationed, every camera functional. Nothing and no one could get past his security.Maria was waiting for him, curled in their bed, the soft glow of the bedside lamp illuminating her in a way that made his chest tighten. She watched him enter, her gaze trailing over his body as he pulled his shirt over his head and tossed it aside.Her breath hitched.The intricate tattoos on his arms, chest, and back stretched over his sculpted muscles like stories etched in ink and flesh. She had traced them many times before, memorizing the sharp edges, the elegant script of her name on his collarbone, the lion, the serpent, the marks of power and blood.Without a word, she reached for him.Luca let her pull him onto the bed, his hands already seeking her warmth. Maria straddled his lap, her fingers ghosting over hi
THE PRICE FOR HIS NAME 59: A Proof Of Blood
The day stretched long and uneventful for Maria.She had woken up to an empty bed, Luca already gone, his scent lingering on the sheets beside her. When she attempted to get up, determined to shake off the heaviness in her limbs, she was met with an insistent force of housekeepers, cooks, and even the gardeners—each of them reminding her of Luca’s strict orders.As she reached for her phone, hoping to distract herself, the screen lit up with a notification from an unknown number.Maria sat on the edge of their bed, her fingers trembling as she hovered over the video file sent by the unknown number. The message beneath it made her stomach twist into knots."Do you really think you’re safe with a man like him?"Her throat felt dry. Slowly, she clicked on the file. The screen flickered to life, revealing a dimly lit warehouse, its concrete walls stained with something she didn’t want to identify. The camera was shaky, as if whoever was holding it was nervous.Then she saw him.Luca stoo
THE PRICE FOR HIS NAME 58: The Return Of Luca Avancii
Luca stood before the mirror, running a hand over his jaw. The scruff that had once covered his face was now neatly shaved, exposing sharp cheekbones and a jawline carved from discipline. His suit, tailored to perfection, was one of the latest collections from Avancii, a testament to the empire he had built.He adjusted the cuffs of his jacket, buttoning it with precision before grabbing his watch from the nightstand.Maria stirred in bed, her hand resting on the space where he had been moments ago. Her brows furrowed slightly in her sleep, as if she could sense his absence even in unconsciousness. Luca exhaled, stepping closer. He brushed a gentle kiss to her forehead, lingering for just a second.“I’ll be back soon,” he murmured.Then, with one final look at his sleeping wife, he straightened and walked out.The morning air was crisp as Luca stepped out of the sleek black car, his freshly shaven face and sharply tailored Avancii suit making a statement before he even spoke a word
THE PRICE FOR HIS NAME 57: A King's Rage, A Queen's Burden
Maria barely had the strength to push open the front door. Every inch of her body ached from the endless meetings, the relentless pressure of keeping the company afloat, and the sheer weight of existing without Luca's presence. She had tried—God, she had tried—to be strong, to hold up the empire while her husband drowned in grief. But every night, when she stepped through these doors, it became clearer that she was breaking, piece by piece.Tonight, however, something was different.The estate was darker than usual. There were no staff moving about, no distant hum of quiet conversation. The air felt thick, suffocating, almost unnatural in its silence.Then she saw him.Luca sat at the dining table, still as a statue, his back to her, staring blankly out the window into the cold abyss of the night. His usually immaculate appearance was a wreck—his shirt was wrinkled, half-unbuttoned, and his dark hair was a mess as if
THE PRICE FOR HIS NAME 56: Hell In Hay Port
By dawn, Hay Port City was in chaos.The museum explosion was just the beginning. The entire Corinder Art Museum had gone up in flames, reducing priceless paintings and sculptures to smoldering ash. First responders arrived to a scene of utter devastation—blackened ruins, bodies charred beyond recognition, smoke still curling into the night sky like the last breath of the fallen.The tabloids wasted no time."Terror Strikes Hay Port: Corinder Museum Explosion Leaves Dozens Dead!""Who Wanted the Elite of Hay Port Dead? Massacre at Exclusive Art Event!""The Mayor, The Minister, The Actresses—Who’s Behind the Slaughter of the City's Most Powerful?"The headlines screamed conspiracy. Politicians whispered behind closed doors, the wealthy holed up in their mansions with doubled security, and the police scrambled for suspects. But no one had answers. No threats had been made. No terrorist groups had clai
THE PRICE FOR HIS NAME 55: Ashes Of Kings
By 1 PM, the news broke."Gina Frazer, General Secretary of SpitFire Technologies, confirmed dead after a tragic explosion at a local hospital. Authorities suspect foul play."Her name was everywhere. On TV. In tabloids. On social media. A photo of her—cold, lifeless—flashed across every screen. People mourned. Investors panicked. And behind the headlines, enemies celebrated.It was the second tragedy in less than a week.Just days ago, Grace Kale—wife of Edwards Kale and Co-Ceo of Kale Industries had been found dead in her prison cell after being arrested for stabbing Gina Frazer. Some called it karma. Others called it cover-up. But now, both women were gone, and the war between SpitFire Technologies and Kale Industries was about to get bloodier.Luca didn’t attend the press conferences. He didn’t make a statement. He didn’t show up in public to demand justice.He did nothing.Not a single tear.Not a
