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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 myself drowning in the depths of his desire.
Our bodies merged, pressed together on the cold floor. Bryan's hands explored every curve, every contour. His touch was a gentle torture, teasing me, and so tantalizing.
My mind warned again of danger, of vulnerability, but my body craved his too. Every stroke, every kiss, chipped away at my defenses.
As his hands slipped beneath my clothes, I felt the room spin. All the reasons and rational thoughts fled, overwhelmed by raw desire.
"Bryan," I gasped, my voice lost in his mouth.
His response was a low growl, his body pressing closer. We moved in perfect sync, our hearts racing as one.
The world outside suspended, leaving only the two of us, with our racing heartbeat and the ache of longing, we were lost in this whirlpool of passion.
For a fleeting moment, I forgot the fear, the uncertainty. Forgot everything but Bryan's touch, his lips, his all-consuming desire.
And when our bodies finally parted, gasping for air, I knew I was lost.
Trapped in Bryan's web, I couldn't escape the truth: I was his. Body and soul.
As Bryan rolled off me, I lay still, my chest heaving. The silence was suffocating, heavy with unspoken emotions.
Bryan's hands rummaged through his hair, his eyes flashing with frustration. He sat up, with his back facing me, and took a deep breath.
I sensed a mix of regret and self-reproach in his gesture. He had given in to his desire, and now he was grappling with the consequences.
My eyes drifted to Bryan's tense shoulders, my thoughts tangled. I felt vulnerable, exposed, and uncertain.
When Bryan finally turned to me, his eyes burned with intensity. "Look at me," he demanded.
I hesitated, then met his gaze.
For an instant, we just looked at each other.
Bryan's expression softened, his voice low and rough. "I didn't mean to lose control."
I searched his eyes, seeking sincerity.
Then his jaw clenched. "I won't promise what I can't keep." He added.
His words stung, but I knew better than to expect easy apologies from him.
BRYAN’S POV
I stood up abruptly, leaving her there, lost in her thoughts. Her eyes followed me, they were still vulnerable.
I felt terrible, a pang of guilt piercing my chest, knowing I had been too rough, too demanding.
But it was all her fault, she’s been driving me crazy all evening, trying to push me away.
Too stubborn for her slender figure.
I only realized how rough I’d been on her when I saw her shaking vigorously, the tears welling up in her eyes. My instincts screamed at me to comfort her, to apologize, but my pride refused to surrender.
In an attempt to calm her fear, I leaned in, without thinking.
As I crashed my lips on hers. The kiss, so fierce and demanding. It was a kiss of possession, anger and frustration. I wanted her to understand, but I lost track of my actions after that.
She didn’t fight back.
She didn’t resist.
She just remained there.
Without any more words, I turned and walked away, leaving her crumpled on the floor. I grabbed my keys and stepped into the cool night in an attempt to clear my head.
As I got into my car, I started the engine in silence. It was just me and the sound of my car in this cruel world.
“Why does she keep pushing me away?” I muttered, eyes fixed on the road.
I mean, it’s supposed to be the other way, despite all I went through because of her and her family.
“You’re mine” I growled, the words echoing through the car as I drove, consumed by my thoughts.
“I’ll break you, Quinn,” I whispered, “till you realize that you’re mine, completely.”
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
I set her down on the edge of the tub, quickly stripping off her wet coat and shoes."Get undressed," I ordered, handing her a towel.Her eyes were fixed on mine, holding a mixture of resistance and desperation."Please, Bryan," she whispered.What was she pleading for? But something in my chest twisted.I helped her out of her wet clothes, my fingers brushing against her chilled skin."Get in the shower," I said, adjusting the water temperature.She stepped under the warm steam, her eyes closing in relief.I stood there, lost watching her, my mind racing.What was I even doing, taking care of her?But I couldn't shake off the feeling that I needed to protect her. As Quinn showered, I fetched a change of clothes from my room and placed them on the bed.Soon she emerged, wrapped in a towel as I handed her the clothes."Put these on when you're done" I said, trying to sound detached.Her eyes met mine, and for a moment, I thought I saw something there. Something like longing but it quickl
I finished gathering my belongings, rolling my box out of the house. Eva had the most pitiful face on. She wrapped me in a tight hug. "Promise me you'll often call and stay safe," she whispered, her voice trembling.I nodded, trying to reassure her. "I will, Eva. Don't worry."It's another morning, except that this is a not so bright one. I looked around Bryan's bedroom, my temporary prison.As I began to pack the few belongings I'd be taking with me. I was doing this. I was staying there, in this gilded cage, until I figured out my next move."I can do this," I said to myself, trying to sound convincing. "Maybe, I can stay here, play the part, and bide my time. It's not going to be forever. Just until I figure out what to do"But the truth was, I had no idea how to escape Bryan's grasp. He had eyes and ears everywhere, and if I tried to run, he'd find me. Underneath the moon and the stars, he'd find me.I shuddered at the thought, pushing it aside as I lifted the carton, moving it to
MATT'S POVI navigated through the crowded hallway of Eclipse, scanning the area for Eva. We needed to talk, and I'd been waiting for a chance to grab her attention.As I spotted her, I caught her eyes and nodded subtly towards the backyard. She nodded back in understanding as we both slipped away from the crowd.Once we were outside, Eva turned to me, her expression serious. "I've been waiting for you to resume work for the longest," she said as her eyes scanned me with a mixture of concern and curiosity.I let out a small laugh, trying to downplay the severity of my injuries. "I'm better, Eva. Just a few bruises here and scratches."But she wasn't buying it. She rolled her eyes, and took a step closer to me. "Are you ready then to tell me what's happening? Who did this to you?" she demanded, her voice firm.I tried to brush it off, resorting to the same excuse I had given them earlier. "I had already told you guys, I got into a fight..." But Eva wasn't having it.She cut me off m
I stood outside the sleek, modern building, checking the address on the piece of paper for what felt like the hundredth time. This was it – the office of Mrs. Stone, Jasper's lawyer.I took a deep breath, smoothing out my dress and mentally preparing myself for the meeting.As I pushed open the door, I stepped into an elegant lobby. The receptionist looked up from behind the desk, smiling politely."Can I help you?" she asked."I'm here to see Mrs. Stone," I replied, trying to sound confident. "I have an appointment."The receptionist nodded, typing something into her computer. "Of course, Mrs. Stone is expecting you. Please, take a seat, and I'll let her know you're here."I sat down in one of the plush chairs, flipping through a magazine I saw on the desk to distract myself. I came for something important – something that could change my entire life.After a few minutes, the receptionist called out to me. "Mrs. Stone will see you now."I stood up, taking a deep breath as I followed
QUINN'S POVI watched Matt.A million questions flowed through my mind. He was lying. I didn't know how, but my instinct told me he was hiding something.Seeing his battered body made me want to puke. Who could have possibly done this to him? I thought back to our previous discussion.Could it be Jasper... or Bryan?Just because his story wasn't adding up, it seemed too convenient and too rehearsed.He tried to speak, his voice low, almost coming off as a whisper "Concerning our previous discussion, Quinn... permit me to take that back?"I narrowed my eyes, my grip on the ice pack tightening. "What are you talking about, Matt?" Matt's gaze fixed on mine, his eyes pleading. "About... what I said. I was mistaken. I didn't mean to—"My anger boiled over. "Mistaken?" I repeated, my voice rising. "You showed me a picture, Matt. You told me things. What are you trying to take back?""I…I just didn’t want you to end up with him." He stammered, his eyes darting between Eva and I. "Yes, I got
MATT'S POVI slowly opened my eyes. Everything hurt. My body felt broken. I tried to move, but the pain shooting through me was unbearable.I remembered the beatings. I also remembered the sound of my bones cracking, the feel of my skin tearing. I was lying in a dark room, chained to the wall. I struggled to sit up, but it hurt too much."Jasper..." I whispered. I was angry, but I couldn't do anything.I waited, hoping someone would come and help me. But I knew I couldn't trust anyone. Not even myself.I slowly sat up, wincing in pain. One of the men soon stepped in, bringing me a bottle of water. "Hey, Man, you're finally awake? you've been out for days," he announced.I took the water, my hands shaking as I unscrewed the cap. I took a sip, feeling the cool liquid soothe my dehydrated throat.Just as I was starting to feel a bit better, another guard, Jake, spoke up. "I'll go tell the boss that he's awake," he said, as he made his way to exit the room.I shot them both a cold stare.
QUINN'S POVI slowly opened my eyes, grogginess clouding my mind. Where was I? The last thing I remembered was...was Jasper's face. And then everything went black.A gentle voice spoke beside me. "Quinn, can you hear me?"I turned my head, wincing at the pain that shot through my temples. Eva's face came into focus, her eyes filled with concern."Wh-what happened?" I stuttered, trying to sit up.Her hands gently pressed me back onto the bed. "Don't try to move, Quinn. You're in the hospital. You were hurt pretty badly."Hurt? Hospital? Memories began to flood back – the house, the fight, Jasper's desperate eyes...Eva narrowed her eyes slightly. "If you weren't still recovering, I'd be tempted to slap some sense into you," she snapped, her voice firm but laced with worry. "What were you thinking, pulling a stunt like that? You scared me half to death."I looked down, feeling a sting of guilt. "I'm sorry, Eva," I mumbled.Her expression softened a little bit, but her tone remained stern
JASPER'S POVI stood outside Quinn's house, my eyes fixed on the door. I had been trying to apologize, to make her understand what really happened. But she wouldn't listen.Just as I was about to give up, Eva appeared beside me. "What are you doing here?" she asked, her voice firm.I turned to face her, but her eyes weren't on me. They were on Quinn's car, parked in the driveway. Her expression suddenly changed, as she stared point-blank at me. "What did you do to her?" she demanded.I opened my mouth to explain, but Eva wasn't interested. She pushed past me, rushing toward the front door. "Quinn!" she called out.I followed her, my heart racing. Eva burst through the door, and a few seconds later, her scream filled the air. I rushed inside, my eyes scanning the room.That's when I saw her. Quinn was slumped on the floor, her wrist... I felt a wave of horror wash over me.I rushed to her side, as we both tried to suppress the flow of blood. We couldn't do much, she was losing conscious
QUINN'S POVI pulled into the driveway, my heart still heavy with emotions. I had nowhere else to go, no one else to turn to. Eva's house was my only refuge, and my sanctuary.I grabbed the spare key from underneath the mat and let myself in. The silence was deafening. Eva was always home, always waiting for me with a warm smile and a listening ear.But today, the house was empty.I walked through the rooms, calling out for her, but I got no response. I checked the kitchen, the living room, even the backyard. She was nowhere to be found.I realized that she was probably at the club, working her shift. I just hadn't been lucky enough to catch her at home today. I felt a wave of disappointment hit me, but I knew I could try to reach her later, or she could turn up soon, with a reasonable explanation and a warm hug.But until then, I was alone.I wandered around the empty house, feeling lost and angry. I had never felt so disconnected from everything and everyone. The silence itself was w
Revealing Quinn. She was back.Her eyes widened with shock, as though she stumbled upon something she couldn’t believe."What did you just say? You placed a bet on me?…" She asked as she moved forward."Ugh?" Quinn repeated, her voice trembling with anger and hurt. "You used me as a tool in your game?"Her eyes moved between Jasper and me, as if searching for answers. But I could see the accusation and betrayal already written all over her face."How could you, Jasper?" she whispered, her voice cracking with emotion. "How could you do this to me?"Jasper's smirk disappeared. He took a step back, realizing he had been overheard. "Quinn, let me explain—" he started.But she wasn't having it. She cut him off, her voice rising in anger. "What am I to you? Some kind of prize to be won?"The room fell silent. I knew I had to say something, but I didn't know where to start.She wiped the tears that were threatening to fall." I came to pick up my phone" she announced. The phone was right on