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 more, and I felt
---------------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
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
Chapter 01_DINNER WITH MEI strolled across the sidewalk, my feet barely touching the ground as my heart beamed with excitement. It's my nineteenth birthday today, and the world seems to be unfolding its arms, embracing me with open possibilities.The news I had just received still resonated in my mind, like a sweet melody_ a scholarship for my outstanding academic performance. All the late nights, early mornings, and endless cups of coffee finally paid off.For the first time in my life, I felt the weight of my academic struggles finally lifting. I envisioned a bright future ahead of me. My dreams were within reach now.My excitement grew with each step. I turned onto my street. I couldn’t wait to share the news with Eva, my best friend and confidant. She called me earlier, she's probably waiting for me at home.I met Eva first at Eclipse, one of the biggest secluded clubs in the city where I worked part-time. Our friendship blossomed from that fateful night, and we became inseparab
BRYAN’S POVI checked my watch for what felt like the hundredth time. The meetings dragged on, my schedule was usually chaotic, but somehow she still managed to occupy my mind.I leaned back sipping the scotch, letting my fingers rest on the armrest, lost.I had been watching her eagerly since I moved back to the country. Her vulnerability and strength intrigued me.Her refusal to give up, even when things seemed impossible, inspired me. Her innocence, too, was very captivating.She’s even prettier now than I remember. Time has transformed her into a stunning young lady. Her beauty wasn’t just skin-deep, it radiated from within.Our childhood memories flooded back into my head – the laughter, the backyard barbecues. Our families' close ties made us inseparable. I recalled the countless times we explored the neighborhood, sharing secrets and dreams. A small smile formed on my lips.She is breathtakingly beautiful, with a slender yet athletic build. Her long silky hair framed her oval fa
His eyes roamed over me, lingering on every curve, filled with a hunger that made my skin crawl. "Stunning," he whispered, his breath caressing my ears.His fingers began to trace the curve of my cheek. I shut my eyes in disgust, trying to shake him off, but he held tight onto me. His touch sent shivers down my spine as I panicked.Jasper’s grin broadened as he continued, his hands sliding down towards my chest. I felt my face flush with humiliation and I wished the ground would open and swallow me whole.Just then, Mr. Jenkins, intervened awkwardly, "Mr Jasper, please, she's just a waitress, she doesn’t engage...ah...sexually with clients"Jasper chuckled, his little laugh made my body vibrate.“Well, then I’d be her first. She doesn’t get to decide, I make the decisions.” He added.Eva rushed towards us, kneeling. Her eyes were pleading.“I’m so sorry Sir, for my negligence. It was all my fault. Take…take me instead. I’ll go with you, I’ll do anything. Just let Quinn go, please. She’
BRYAN’S POVAs I opened the door for Quinn, her bewildered expression amused me.Her nervousness was so obvious that I couldn’t help but smile at her awkwardness.Once she settled in, I started the car and pulled away.My mind flashed back to the incident that forced me to reveal myself.Her current reaction mirrored the frantic nervous feeling I felt that day, watching her go through that attack.That night, I had saved her from Jasper’s grip. Her eyes were terrified when I looked back, her breathing heaving. Tension stirred within me and I screamed.“Get her to the hospital this minute.”Asthma.I remembered. She was asthmatic.My heart swiftly raced as I swiftly moved closer, cradling her fragile form.“Hang in there, help is on the way”, I assured him.Suddenly, her eyes rolled back and she slumped forward, fainting.Her friend caught her. “Get an ambulance, now!” I had barked at whoever stood close.The minutes ticked by like hours as we waited for the paramedics. Soon the ambulan