QUINN'S POV
His piercing eyes, once bright with laughter, now seemed like they were staring right through my soul.
For a moment, I looked at the man sitting beside me, struggling to find remnants of the little boy I once knew, but I couldn’t.
"You should have already investigated me," I continued, trying to keep my voice steady. "I was kicked out ten years ago, and I was just a child at that time."
Bryan's expression remained unyielding, his jaw clenched in a fierce determination. "Do you think you're innocent?" he spat, his words laced with venom. "Let me tell you, not a single person in your family is innocent."
Before I could respond, Bryan grasped my arm, pulling me out of the car. I stumbled, my heels scraping against the pavement.
We were parked outside what looked like a villa, secluded and isolated. The desolate landscape and vast emptiness engulfed us.
"Bryan, please," I begged, trying to wriggle free.
He dragged me upstairs, his grip unrelenting. I stumbled, my feet barely keeping pace with his long strides. As he tossed me onto the carpet, the luxurious surroundings became a distant blur.
I scrambled to my feet, desperate to escape, but Bryan's grasp was relentless. He pinned me against the floor, his eyes blazing with anger.
"No, Bryan, stop!" I pleaded, tears streaming down my face.
But he remained unmoved, his face was like a mask of stone. I struggled, kicking and scratching, yet he subdued me with ease.
Just as exhaustion claimed me, I whispered his childhood nickname, "BRY."
The silence that followed was defeating. Bryan's gaze locked onto mine, and for an instant, I saw a flicker of recognition in his eyes.
"So, you do remember everything," he said, his voice low and threatening. "Do you remember the promise you made me too – to be my bride?"
A shiver traced down my spine as Bryan's eyes burned with a fierce passion.
"I won't let you go," he vowed, his words piercing my heart like a dagger. "I'm going to take revenge on everyone in your family, including you."
Memories came flooding back– the laughter, tears, and cherished moments. The little boy I once knew had vanished, now replaced by a ruthless stranger.
"Bryan, please," I begged, my voice barely audible over the pounding of my desperate heart.
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As I stepped out of the villa, the bright sunlight hit me like a shock after the darkness I had endured. The beautiful mansion now felt tainted, ruined by the painful memories it held. I looked around and saw the perfectly groomed gardens and the servants quietly doing their jobs.
It surprised me to see them; I thought I was alone with Bryan last night. Had they been told to stay away, or did they choose to ignore my cries for help? Their silence now felt like a betrayal.
Determined to escape, I started walking. My feet carried me far from the villa's oppressive atmosphere. The quiet was a relief, but my mind was still a whirlwind.
After what felt like hours, I finally saw a bus stop. My heart raced with hope; freedom was within reach.
As I waited for the bus, a passerby approached, concern etched on his face. "Are you okay? Do you need help?" He asked, nodding toward the bruises on my skin.
I had an overwhelming need to shield myself from his attention, unsure of whom to trust. I shook my head, forcing a weak smile. "No, I'm fine. Thanks." The lie felt bitter.
The bus arrived, and I boarded, grateful for the anonymity. I found a quiet corner seat and let the engine's hum soothe me.
The bus rumbled on, carrying me toward an uncertain future. But I vowed to reclaim my life.
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Last night's events replayed in my mind like a haunting melody. Bryan's words still echoed.
"Do you know? I've been waiting for you to grow up for a long time," he mentioned, his breath hot against my ear.
I recall the desperation in his voice, the anguish in his eyes. His words seemed laced with an unsettling possessiveness.
"I've been waiting for you, waiting for you to recognize me, Quinn!" he said.
"You're right here, but I dare not get…get close...I miss you every day, and suffer a lot." He stammered in frustration.I remember struggling, calling out his name, but Bryan's determination was unyielding.
"You're mine now," he declared, his voice dripping with possessiveness. "If you don't want to listen, I don't mind saying it all the time. You're mine, you'll always be mine, and you'll never be able to leave me."
I trembled beneath Bryan's grasp, fear running through my veins. But in an instant, his expression transformed.
Bryan's eyes burned with intensity, his gaze piercing mine. He claimed my lips in a fierce, passionate kiss. It was as if he sought to devour me, to consume the fear and uncertainty between us.
I felt his anger dissipate, replaced by a hunger that left me breathless.
His kiss was a mix of soft and rough - tender yet demanding, gentle yet fierce.
I tried to push him away, but Bryan's arms wrapped around me, holding me captive. His tongue danced with mine, igniting a spark within me.
For a moment, I forgot the terror of the past few hours. Forgot the villa, the isolation, and the threats. All that remained was Bryan's lips on mine, his warmth enveloping me.
But as suddenly as it began, the kiss ended. Bryan pulled back, his chest heaving. Our eyes locked, and I saw the turmoil within him.
I stared, unsure how to react. The kiss had left me wondering.
"Bryan, please," I begged, my voice barely audible. "Let me go."
His eyes flashed with pain, and for an instant, I saw the boy I knew.
"No," he whispered, his lips brushing against mine once more. "I won't let you go. Ever."
I was trapped, caught in a web of Bryan's making. His desire and longing had awakened something within me, but I knew I couldn't surrender.
Not yet.
---------------As his hands began to wander across my body, I clenched my eyes shut, bracing myself for the worst. The anticipation was suffocating. My heart raced with every touch.But as Bryan's lips left mine, I felt the chill of reality creeping back in. The warmth of his breath vanished, leaving me exposed and vulnerable.Yet, his hands refused to release their grip. They roamed my body, sending shivers down my spine. Every caress was like a whispered promise of what was to come."Bryan, please," I whispered again, this time my voice was barely audible, and my mind began racing with warning signals. My thoughts screamed resistance, but my body surrendered. This body betrayed me. His touch ignited a fire that spread through my veins like wildfire. I felt my defenses melting, my muscles relaxing into his soft caress.His fingers traced the curve of my neck, sending tremors through me. "You're mine, Quinn," he whispered, his breath hot against my skin.His lips claimed mine once m
I drifted back to reality, my memories releasing their hold on me as I reluctantly sighed. My body felt heavy, weighed down by the remnants of Bryan's touch. Every joint ached, still stiff from the tension.Eva's concerned eyes met mine, filled with unspoken questions. I knew she saw the bruises, the physical evidence of Bryan's torment. But she didn't pry, she didn't ask the questions lingering on her lips.Instead, she enveloped me in a gentle hug, guiding me toward the couch. "Let's get you comfortable, okay?" Her soft voice soothed my vulnerable nerves.Eva handed me a steaming cup of tea, her eyes filled with empathy. "Drink this, Quinn. You're shaking."I wrapped my hands around the warm mug, letting the soothing aroma calm my soul.As Eva helped me settle in, my phone’s jarring ringtone pierced the silence. I stared at the device, paralyzed and unresponsive. The screen displayed Bryan's name, taunting me. Not even a minute to myself? I sighed.Eva picked it up, hesitating for
QUINN'S POV“I don’t bite, so what are you afraid of?” Jasper asked so casually as he held my wrist.I tried to break loose and to my surprise, he didn’t bulge, he let me go. “I’m just a little jumpy, mostly around those who gain joy from others' pain ”, I added, wondering where I got the nerves to speak to him so bluntly.His smile faltered for a moment, before he chuckled. “Fair enough. I deserved that”His acknowledgment took me by surprise. I expected him to get defensive, but he wasn’t.He studied me silently for a moment with genuine concern on his face before trying to reassure me.“You’re safe with me, Quinn. I promise” as if sensing my uneasiness.“Okay, how about we start over? As friends?” He added, extending his hands for a handshake.I stood puzzled, trying to imagine what went wrong with Jasper Brown today. My eyes scanned his table, he’d barely touched his drink, so I couldn’t easily pass him off as being drunk.He wiggled the hand in front of me, informing me that it
We settled into a quiet corner table, surrounded by the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. Anna's eyes locked on mine, her expression serious. We placed our orders and waited for the barista to take her leave."We haven't seen each other in a long time" she said, sounding sincere, “How are you doing recently?” I raised an eyebrow, cutting to the chase. "Skip the small talk. We don’t need to talk to each other like that, just tell me what you want?"Anna's expression changed, as she breathed in, fiddling with her fingers. "Have you visited your Mother's grave lately?"I scoffed, sensing where this was going. "I was there yesterday."Her eyes widened "So you know already.""Yeah, I know. My mom’s ashes are gone. I reported it to the police, I’m waiting for the results" I said, my anger rising.I looked at her uneasiness and got disgusted by the act. “Don't tell me you came over to show me you care?”“You’ve heard all the recent things Quinn, including our big brother's situation. You’re so
-----------------I know what he wants to do, “Bryan, please don’t” I started pleading. He paused, with his expression softening a little bit. The assistant added "She’s right Sir, I’m not sure if this is the right timing. And nobody knows how those journalists will report this, you know, in the hospital."After a brief moment, Bryan nodded, and we took a U-turn toward the other door.I felt really relieved.As soon as we settled inside the car, my eyes met a slightly frustrated Bryan. I wondered what was on his mind. "Do you really not want anything to do with me?" He asked.Unsure of my reply, I decided to change the topic. “Do you have someone following me? How did you know I was in the hospital?”Bryan’s brows furrowed, "I’m just trying to protect you."Protection?His eyes intensified again. “If you were really pregnant, is it possible that you'd abort it without telling me?I hesitated a little bit, I didn’t expect that question from him.His hands moved to my thighs as he rubb
BRYAN’S POV"I want to go home," she whispered.Exactly what I had imagined.Always running away when necessary, my grip on her tightened. I couldn't let her go. Not now, not ever."I'll never let you go," I muttered, my voice barely audible.Quinn's eyes widened, and she tried to push away, but I held firm."Bryan?" she muttered, her voice low and soothing.I didn't answer. I couldn't. My mind was racing with thoughts of losing her again.Why did she always want to leave? Didn't she understand that I have suffered enough, waiting so long for her?I knew her family had come to her for help. They have no option but Quinn. This time, I am ready. I will clear all obstacles, and make sure nothing stands in our way.I'll show her she's mine. I'll make her fall in love with me, no matter what it takes.My eyes locked onto hers, and I saw the fear creeping in. But I knew it was mixed with something else – an attraction.She feels it too. She just doesn't know it yet.————————-EVA’S POVAs I
I remained outside the hospital room, watching through the glass window. She seemed to be having a nightmare. Her face contorted, her body twitching underneath the sheets. Matt's eyes were filled with concern, he was almost panicking. He was holding her hand and speaking softly to calm her down as he stroked her hair. Such care and compassion. Very touching.He didn't even realize I'd been all by myself sitting right here.I took a deep breath, I couldn’t bring myself to go in. So I remained outside, resting against an arm pole besides me. A few minutes later, Matt stepped out, looking around. "Hey, Bryan's gone?," he asked, taking a huge heave of relief."I know," I replied. "He probably has an emergency.”Matt's expression turned thoughtful. "Okay, so…I’m curious. How does she know Bryan and Jasper? He eyed me intently. “It doesn’t look like it’s all about that day.”I hesitated, chuckling a little bit. “Things are actually more complicated than you think, Matt.”He stared at me,
QUINN’S POVI walked through the front door of my apartment, exhausted from my hospital stay. The past twenty four hours had been a blur of tests and treatments.Before leaving the hospital, I had been bored out of my mind, flipping through TV channels and scrolling through my phone.As I entered my living room, I dropped my bag onto the couch and collapsed beside it, letting out a deep sigh. I closed my eyes, feeling the softness of the cushions envelop me. Suddenly, my phone buzzed on the table.I reached for it, unlocked the screen and saw a message."Congratulations, Quinn! We are pleased to inform you that you have been awarded the prestigious Academic Excellence Scholarship."A mix of emotions swirled inside me.This scholarship is a gift, an attempt to buy my forgiveness just like when we’re kids. Just then, Eva emerged from the bedroom looking all concerned.“I didn’t think you were home.” I said, surprised.“Why didn’t you let me pick you up?” She asked as she settled beside
Then, we both spoke at once."I think—" he started."You should—" I began.We both stopped, realizing we had spoken simultaneously. He smiled wryly. "You go first."I shook my head. "No, I think it's best I listen. Mine will come in later."His stares were becoming intense, so I lowered my gaze, unsure of what to say. He took a step closer, his eyes never leaving mine. I felt this pile up of emotions as he drew nearer.Without thinking, I reached out, taking his hand, feeling the spark of connection in my heart's pulse. Bryan managed to give my hand a gentle squeeze."My lawyer was able to recover my companies from Jasper," he announced. "Unfortunately, Jasper didn't put up a fight."I looked up at him. "That's good news, Bry."He nodded. "Yes, and I've also placed the companies in the hands of one of my trusted shareholders. He'll take care of them."I felt this sadness, knowing he wouldn't be there to oversee his business empire anymore. "How long will you be here?" I asked abruptly,
QUINN'S POVThe ride home was very quiet, the most reserved ride I’ve ever had. I couldn’t hear a dime. I might have been present, but everything about my spirit, soul and body was absent.It hurts so much that I blame myself for being so hard on him all this while. The times he’d drop gifts and letters at my doorstep consistently every day. It might not have been a great ride, but Bryan loved me more than anyone else in this world would have. No words, no whimpering, just my eyes flowing with unending tears. “Quinn, you need to stop crying,” Eva advised, breaking the silence.But I couldn't. "I will never get over this pain I’m feeling" I confessed. “He’s all that I have.”“Now I feel bad that you never acknowledged me. I’ve been with you through what? Thick and thin and Bryan’s all you have?” Her words struck me and I could feel the pain in her voice.“I’m sorry Eva, that’s not what I meant. It’s just that…." My tone turned apologetic but she quickly hushed me.“Shhh_ I’m here for
-----------------"Whose child?" Quinn pressed, her brow furrowed in confusion.Thornton hesitated before speaking. "Your father, Sutherland, had a romantic affair with his second cousin, which resulted in your birth."Quinn and I gasped in unison. "What?" we exclaimed, shock and disbelief laced on our faces.Thornton continued, his voice filled with sadness. "He did marry your mother, despite the families being against them. I suppose it's because he loved her. I found out about their relationship because my first wife was a friend of your mother's."Officer Maddie's eyes widened in surprise. "What in heaven's name is going on here?" she asked, her voice firm, but I could tell she was confused.Thornton's expression turned cold. "When I threatened to expose Sutherland's secret if he dared to speak a word about Braxton's murder, he was terrified. He feared for his reputation and kept quiet all these years."Quinn's face twisted in anger and hurt. "His reputation? That's all he cared ab
BRYAN'S POVWe walked into the police station, hand in hand, with Eva following close behind. "Excuse me," I said to one of the officers, "we'd like to speak with the officer in charge of Jasper Brown's investigation."The officer looked at us, obviously recognizing me, and asked us to wait. He stepped away for a minute before returning to escort us to a private room.Eva opted to wait outside, so we left her in the lobby. Inside the room, we met a lady who looked barely above middle age. "Hi, I'm Bryan Braxton, and this is _"Quinn Sutherland." She continued."We have information about Jasper Brown and his accomplice, Mr. Thornton that we would love to share with you."The officer, whose name tag read "Officer Maddie," looked at us with interest. "What kind of information?" she asked.We stared at each other and I spoke up. "We would like to be recorded."Officer Maddie nodded. "I see. Well, we've had Mr. Brown in custody, and we could use any additional information you can provide.
QUINN'S POVEva and I were still reeling from the shock of Matt's betrayal, lost in our own thoughts, when the doorbell rang again. I let out a frustrated sigh and made my way to the front door angrily."I thought I asked you to leave, Matt!" I yelled, but my voice trailed off as I took in the figure standing before me. It was Bryan."Matt?" he repeated, his brow furrowed in confusion. "Matt was here?"I nodded silently, still trying to process the sudden change in events. As I gazed at Bryan, I couldn't help but notice how worn out he looked. His eyes seemed sunken, and his face was laced with deep lines. This wasn't the stern, looking Bryan I had grown accustomed to; this was the Bryan I remembered from my childhood.I gulped down the huge form of saliva in my mouth. It took everything in me to not jump on him right now and hug him so tightly. I missed him so much. Bryan's eyes scanned me from head to toe, taking in my almost invisible baby bump. I felt a flutter in my chest as our
QUINN'S POVEva's voice broke the silence. "Did you know Jasper was involved in such terrible things?"I paused, thinking back to the times Jasper and I spent together. He had been so charming and perfect, leaving no hints about his dark secrets.I shook my head, "I had no idea," I replied. "He seemed like the perfect gentleman."Eva nodded in approval. "Exactly! That's what makes it so scary. He is so good at hiding his true nature. However, when he spiked your drink and food, that was a sign of a drug dealer. Trying to force himself on you was also a sign of a rapist. I'm glad you had nothing to do with him in the end. I can't imagine _"I felt a shiver run down my spine as I remembered that night. "I did sleep with him," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper cutting her short.Eva's eyes widened in shock. "Are you saying...," she gasped, "Is he the father of your baby?" she asked, her voice trembling.I quickly shook my head. "No, no, it's not that. It's just that... I don't r
BRYAN'S POVI lounged on my couch, crunching on a crispy snack, when my attention drifted to the TV screen that flickered with breaking news. The anchor's serious tone caught my eyes."Breaking news: A high-profile sting operation has led to the arrest of Jasper Brown, the newly appointed CEO of Aurora's conglomerate, on charges of sex trafficking and distribution of hard drugs. The investigation carried on by a journalist, spanning several months, has uncovered a complex web of illicit activities involving some of the city's most influential figures."The anchor's words hung in the air, as the screen behind her displayed a mugshot of Jasper, his usual smirk being replaced by a scowl followed by blurry footage and photos from the club, taken by the undercover photographer. "The evidence, obtained through a daring undercover operation, reveals shocking scenes of exploitation and abuse. Photos and videos, taken from within the club, show victims being coerced into sex work and patrons
JASPER'S POVI stepped into the dimly lit club, the pounding music and throbbing lights enveloping me like a warm embrace. This was my domain, my sanctuary. The place where I could let my guard down and be myself. Most especially, it maintained its aura of exclusivity.I made my way through the crowded room, nodding to familiar faces and exchanging brief hello's. The smell of smoke and sweat filled the atmosphere and I breathed it in deeply. I felt alive.I spotted one of my girls, a stunning blonde, dancing on stage. She caught my eye, winked and smiled, and I giggled. She was mine, one of my best earners, Stella.I continued to make my way towards the VIP section, where my partners and I conducted our... business. We deal with more than just drinks and music here. We dealt in secrets, in desires, and in the forbidden.I made it all happen.The Devil's Kiss was my pride and joy, a massive facility with over 80 rooms, each one designed to cater to a specific desire or fantasy. We had r
MATT'S POVIt's been two months since everything changed. Two months since the turn of events and Bryan has been all over the news, his saga with Eva at the hospital, news about his health and his resignation as CEO of Aurora corporation. It's not been easy for anyone seeing his constant appearance on the television.I myself have been working tirelessly behind the scenes, gathering evidence and building a case to ease his feelings. I've had a few close calls. Like the last time I was snooping around the warehouse, I almost got caught. But I didn't give up. I couldn't give up. Not after everything I've seen and everything I've learned.Jasper's treatment of those around him has been horrifying. He manipulated, used, and hurt people without a second thought. And Quinn...I knocked on the door, and she opened it, looking more beautiful than ever in this pregn glow. This newfound peace definitely agrees with her, and it's amazing to see. "Hey Matt! It's good to see you," she snapped, ope