Knox secured Serena's slender body with the plush quilt just before the door opened and Mrs. Ricci came in. It was as though Knox could already feel her presence before she even got there.“Master. Madame.” The older lady greeted in a crisp, all-business tone, giving Knox and Serena deep bows. Then she stood straight again, moved toward the night stand and placed the trail she was holding there before retreating from the couple once more. Mrs. Ricci's footsteps were all slow and purposeful as she made her way across the bedroom towards the bathroom, clearly already knowing exactly what needed to be done. Serena hugged the soft quilt tighter around herself, feeling pretty awkward and embarrassed as she heard the stern butler pottering around unhurriedly getting the bath ready just on the other side of the door. She remembered meeting Mrs. Ricci's eyes briefly and felt her cheeks flush despite trying her best to keep her shit together.Serena knew little about this particular st
Serena's mind was in absolute turmoil, unable to stop replaying Knox's jaw-dropping question from earlier in the bathroom. She had tried repeatedly to get him to explain what he meant by that. But the man had stubbornly avoided giving her a straight answer no matter how much she prodded and pushed after that mind-meltingly hot, passionate kiss.‘Seriously, what did he mean by that?’ she had asked herself for what felt like the hundredth time."Don't worry about it. Focus on getting ready for brunch." This was the only response she got from him after her incessant questioning. Serena’s thoughts were an absolute muddled, chaotic mess ever since he had so nonchalantly dropped that crazy bombshell on her. Part of her desperately kept wanting to believe that Knox had just been trying to feel her out or test her reaction to something along those lines - maybe get a sense of her boundaries when it came to that kind of thing in the bedroom. However, another part of her couldn't shake
Then he rose gracefully from the sofa. He cut an incredibly striking figure in a simple yet undeniably elegant and sexy outfit that accentuated his very tall built.He wore a neat black T-shirt that hugged his broad shoulders and muscular chest with the top few buttons left tantalizingly undone to reveal a teasing glimpse of his tattooed toned pecs. The sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, showing off his strong corded tattooed forearms.The shirt was paired with a black fitted jeans that skimmed over his narrow hips and sculpted thighs like a second skin, leaving little to the imagination about the impressive physique hidden beneath.He moved towards her and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. "You look beautiful, as always."Serena blushed. "You aren’t bad yourself," she said softly.With that, they finally headed downstairs to the dining room for brunch. Serena couldn't deny how much more comfortable she actually felt in the flat sandals. Not that she'd ever admit that
Killian's hands flew up to his throat in a frantic, instinctive motion. His fingers clawed desperately, trying to pry off the unseen, malevolent force that was gradually crushing his windpipe. His eyes bulged in their sockets, looking wild with terror as his face rapidly took on a deeply alarming shade. Harsh, ragged wheezes were the only sounds he could force out. Each one sounded more labored than the last while his body suddenly rose from his seat and was suspended several feet in the air by the same power. A black miasma began swirling around Killian's struggling form. Tendrils of mist coiled tightly around his limbs and torso, restraining him while they sapped away his strength. The lavish dining room had fallen into a shocked, breathless hush. Every eye was fixed in stunned horror on the dreadful scene playing out before them. Crystal glasses trembled on the table, their contents rippling furiously as if in sympathy with Killian's plight. The adorned chandeliers sway
In the short time she had been immersed in this strange new world as Knox's wife, she had quickly learned that he was not a man to be trifled with, especially when it came to matters concerning her. His possessiveness and claims of ownership over her were utterly unshakable. Any perceived slight or threat to his prized possession would be met with swift, brutal punishment. Yes, Killian had an infamous knack for always getting on everyone's last nerve with his crude jokes and lecherous comments. His sharp tongue and complete lack of filter had landed him in hot water more times than anyone could count. But beneath that abrasive exterior, he also possessed an undeniably likable charm and warmth that could lighten up even the darkest of moods with his bright smile and boisterous laugh. For all his obnoxious flaws, it was hard not to be fond of the loud-mouthed jackass. His vibrant personality simply drew people in, like a human embodiment of sunshine cutting through the glo
Enzo's commanding presence instantly drew every eye in the room, including those of President Bolting and his daughter Serena. An oppressive hush fell over the gathered crowd as all attention became focused on the imposing figure before them. He wasn't alone though - accompanying him was the equally intimidating Meredith. Her statuesque frame exuded the same untamed aura of raw power and danger that seemed to swirl around Enzo like a force field. Enzo lifted one of his massive hands as he prepared to unleash the full brunt of his own supernatural powers to shatter Knox's grip over Killian. But something totally unexpected and inexplicable happened. A strange, shimmering golden glow began to emit from Killian's body, spreading rapidly across his skin until it exploded outward in a blinding bright light. The force of the blast was a volcanic, deafening boom of released energy that reverberated like rolling thunder, shaking the very foundation of the building. It was
Walter's heart swelled with pride at his wife’s steadfast devotion. He never thought she would agree to elope with him without hesitation, leaving behind a life of luxury. However, that pride rapidly disintegrated into constant fear and desperation as they struggled to start fresh away from their hometown. With no financial resources left after Walter's family disowned him, they were forced to begin from scratch in a new city where no one knew their names.And start from scratch they did - scraping by on what little money Walter could make from taking whatever menial jobs he could find. Waiting tables, cleaning toilets, hauling boxes... it didn't matter how demeaning the work was as long as it paid enough to keep a roof over their heads and some food on the table.Elizabeth, who had never worked a day in her life, tried her best to adapt. She took up mending clothes for the neighbors and sold homemade jams at the local market. She did everything to contribute to their meager inc
President Bolting's gaze remained transfixed on Enzo without blinking even for a second as a myriad of emotions played across his features. The lines etched deep around his eyes and mouth seemed to deepen as memories from years past flooded back, overwhelming him with their intensity. Part of him felt an immense surge of gratitude toward this mysterious, powerful man who had quite literally saved his family all those years ago when they were at their most desperate and vulnerable. If not for Enzo's timely intervention, who knows what terrible fate may have befallen his beloved wife and their two unborn children? The thought sent a chill down President Bolting's spine even now. He could still vividly recall the crushing despair and hopelessness that had consumed him back then, when it seemed all was lost. And then Enzo had appeared like some dark guardian angel, offering salvation when he had all but given up hope.Yet another part of the President felt a creeping sense of tre