The night wrapped around us like a velvet cloak, thick with anticipation and the promise of what was to come. My heart raced, each beat a thunderous reminder of the kiss we had just shared—a kiss that felt less like a tender connection. I had dared to challenge Thiago, and now, I was bracing myself for the consequences.I watched him as he stepped back, his eyes never leaving mine. There was something in his gaze, something more than just desire. It was a warning, a silent promise that he would not let this go unanswered."You have no idea what you’ve just started, wifey," Thiago said, his voice a dangerous purr that sent a tremor through me, straight to my core.I squared my shoulders, refusing to back down. "I’m always ready, darling," I replied, my voice steady even as a storm of emotions raged inside me.His smile widened, a predator’s grin that sent a thrill of fear and excitement skittering down my spine. "We’ll see about that."Without another word, he turned and walked out of
My fingers trembling slightly as they slid the last button from its loop, I felt a shift in the air between us. Thiago’s shirt hung open, revealing the sculpted muscles of his chest, and the heat of his skin radiated toward me, drawing me closer. My breath hitched as I realized the depth of what was about to happen—not just in the physical sense, but in the way this would change everything between us.Thiago’s gaze was fixed on me, his eyes dark and filled with a hunger that sent a thrill through my body. He reached out, his fingers tracing the line of my jaw before tilting my chin up so that I met his gaze. The intensity in his eyes was almost too much to bear, and yet I couldn’t look away.“You have no idea how much I want you, wifey,” he murmured, his voice low and rough, sending shivers down my spine. “Every single time you look at me this way is a struggle.” Thiago made guide my hand against the middle of his groin and I felt him hard again.This turned me on, eventually.My hea
I woke up the next morning to find the bed empty beside me. My head ached slightly from the lack of sleep, but that wasn’t what concerned me the most. The lingering warmth on the other side of the bed told me Thiago had only recently left. I sat up, staring at the rumpled sheets where he had slept, my thoughts drifting to the night before.Shaking my head, I tried to push the memories away, but they clung to me like a second skin. What happened between us was... intense, to say the least. I couldn’t let it distract me, not with so much at stake.With a sigh, I reached into the bedside drawer and pulled out the small pack of contraceptive pills I kept hidden. Popping one into my mouth, I swallowed it dry, a small comfort in the face of the chaos my life had become. Thiago and I had a contract, and while one of its clauses addressed the possibility of pregnancy, the very thought of carrying his child made my skin crawl.I couldn’t deny the raw, carnal pleasure he gave me—a satisfaction
The flight to the Maldives was uneventful, but the tension between Thiago and me was too awkward especially whenever I caught his eyes pinned on my short skirt. Every glance, every subtle movement, seemed charged with the unspoken electricity that had been building between us. He didn’t say much during the flight, which only made me more anxious about what was waiting for us once we landed.As the plane descended over the crystal-clear waters of the Maldives, I couldn’t help but marvel at the breathtaking beauty of the islands below. The turquoise ocean stretched out endlessly, dotted with tiny, pristine islands, each a secluded paradise. But I knew better than to let the scenery distract me. This wasn’t a vacation—this was business. And with Thiago, business always came with strings attached.When we arrived at the luxury resort where we would be staying, I was greeted with a level of opulence that left me momentarily speechless. Private villas over the water, each one with its ow
“My terms were simple, wifey, each answer I make shall require you to strip something off your clothes.” He straightforwardly answered as he rested his back on the couch while never taking his eyes of me.It would seem that Thiago was really anticipating my next move whether if I would oblige. “You’re impossible! You are treating me like a whore, Thiago!”“Oh, wifey, don’t you really have no sense of foreplay in you? We’re only having some little fun since interrogating me would only sound boring, isn’t it? Why don’t we spice it up a little bit.”I couldn't believe how smug Thiago was, even in moments when I needed him to be serious. His idea of a game—stripping off my clothes for every question I wanted answered—was not only insulting but downright infuriating. I felt my anger simmering beneath the surface, but instead of giving him the satisfaction of a reaction, I turned on my heel and walked out of the room.I needed air, space—anything to clear my mind from the absurdity of it
I leaned against the cool bathroom tiles, trying to slow my breathing. The tension between Thiago and me was reaching a dangerous peak, and I knew I had to be careful. His possessiveness was suffocating, and I was teetering on the edge of something I wasn’t sure I could control. I splashed cold water on my face, hoping to clear my mind. But as I looked at my reflection, I could still see the lingering fear and confusion in my eyes. What was I doing? This arrangement with Thiago had started as a means to get my revenge and a way to secure my future. But now...now it was spiraling into something darker, something I couldn’t easily escape.I dried my face and straightened up, trying to muster the strength to face him again. But when I opened the bathroom door, I found the suite empty. Thiago was gone.For a moment, I felt a pang of relief. Maybe he needed some space to cool off. But then a wave of unease washed over me. Where had he gone? Was he planning something?I hurried to the win
The air outside the hotel was thick with tension as I hurried out, my mind racing. I had to stop Thiago. The thought of him confronting Jacob, an innocent man, out of some twisted sense of jealousy terrified me. If I didn’t make it in time, who knew what Thiago might do? My heart pounded in my chest, each beat a reminder of how little time I had.But just as I reached the entrance, a hand grabbed my arm, yanking me back. I turned sharply, ready to fight off whoever it was, only to see Lucia, her face flushed and her breathing labored. She must have chased after me the moment I left the room."Madam Ceo, wait!" she gasped, holding onto me as she tried to catch her breath. "You can't go. If President Bermudez finds out you’re there, it’ll only make things worse."I pulled my arm free, my mind made up. “I don’t care, Lucia. Jacob is innocent. Thiago’s jealousy is out of control, and I’m not going to stand by and let him ruin someone’s life because of it.”“Do you really think you can sto
The night felt heavier as I returned to the hotel room, the silence almost suffocating. Lucia gave me a concerned look before excusing herself to her own room, leaving me alone with my swirling thoughts. I paced the room, trying to piece together what was happening. Thiago’s sudden shift in behavior, his cryptic warning—none of it made any sense.I couldn’t sleep. My mind was a whirlpool of anxiety, each thought dragging me deeper into uncertainty. Why was Thiago so adamant about leaving? What was he planning? The answers felt just out of reach, taunting me with their elusiveness. I couldn’t even confront him since he had not return to our hotel room. Where could he be out now this late?Unable to stand the oppressive quiet any longer, I decided to step out onto the balcony, hoping the fresh air might clear my head. The breeze was cool against my skin, but it did little to calm the storm inside me. Below, the resort grounds were quiet, the sound of the ocean’s waves the only thing
The ride was silent, save for the hum of the engine and the occasional crackle of the radio. I kept my gaze fixed out the window, watching the city blur past us like a living, breathing entity. But even as the streets unraveled, my thoughts remained tethered to Thiago.His hand rested on mine, grounding me, yet his tension was palpable. He was deep in thought, his jaw clenched and his eyes fixed ahead as though he could see past the horizon and into the Syndicate’s next move.“Thiago,” I murmured, breaking the quiet.He turned his head slightly, his attention snapping to me. “What is it?”“I just...” I hesitated, unsure how to voice the maelstrom of emotions swirling inside me. “I don’t know how you do this—carry the weight of everything and still keep going. It feels... impossible.”His lips twitched into a faint smile, though it didn’t reach his eyes. “It’s not about feeling ready or capable. It’s about knowing there’s no other choice.” He paused, his gaze softening. “And now, it’s
Thiago didn’t let go of my hand as we ascended the stairs. His grip was firm, grounding me, even as my thoughts spiraled with fear and adrenaline. The Syndicate was no longer just a distant, malevolent force—it was here, closing in on us. Yet, with Thiago at my side, I felt an unshakable determination building within me.When we reached the roof, the cool night air hit me like a wave. The city stretched out below, glittering and oblivious to the danger lurking in its shadows. Thiago scanned the area quickly, his sharp eyes taking in every detail.“Over here,” he said, guiding me toward a corner where a makeshift ladder had been propped against the edge. It led to the adjacent building, lower and less exposed.“Is this part of the plan?” I asked, my voice tinged with sarcasm as I eyed the rickety ladder.His lips twitched. “Improvisation. You’ll love it.”I shot him a look but didn’t argue. Thiago went first, his movements swift and practiced, as if danger was his second nature. Once h
The tension was suffocating as we returned to the safe house, now bolstered with additional security. Thiago didn’t speak much on the way back, his focus razor-sharp, but I caught the occasional glance he threw my way—each one laced with a mixture of worry and resolve.Inside, Raven had set up a makeshift lab, her equipment humming as she worked to crack the device’s encryption. Thiago paced the room, his movements restless and predatory, while I sat with Sebastian, tending to his injuries.“Do you think it’s real?” I finally asked Thiago, breaking the heavy silence.He stopped pacing, his eyes meeting mine. “I don’t know,” he admitted. “But I’m not willing to bet lives on the chance that it isn’t.”His honesty was both comforting and terrifying. This was the man who never let his guard down, who always seemed to have a plan. Seeing him uncertain made the stakes feel even higher.Raven’s voice cut through the room. “Got it.”We all turned toward her as the device’s screen flickered to
The safe house was no longer safe. The Syndicate's broadcast left us with no illusions about their reach or their intent. Sebastian’s battered face haunted me, but it was the image of myself, bound and helpless, that twisted my gut. The message wasn’t just a threat—it was psychological warfare, designed to break Thiago’s resolve.Raven paced the room like a caged predator, her fingers flying across her tablet as she pulled up surveillance feeds and encrypted communications. “They hacked our network,” she muttered. “But this wasn’t just about showing off—they wanted us to see this.”Thiago stood by the window, his silhouette rigid against the faint glow of city lights. His silence was unnerving, his usual controlled demeanor fraying at the edges.“Thiago,” I said softly, stepping closer. He didn’t turn, but his shoulders tensed at my voice.“We’re running out of time,” he finally said, his voice low and rough. “If we don’t move fast, they’ll kill him.”“They won’t,” Raven interjected.
The weight of her words hit like a freight train. Thiago’s hand found mine again, his grip firm. “Let them try,” he growled. “They’ll regret it.”But even as he spoke, I could see the flicker of unease in his eyes. He was already calculating, planning—looking for the weak link in their chain.“We’ll meet you at the safe house in twenty,” Thiago said before ending the call. He turned to me, his expression resolute. “You stay here.”“No,” I said, my voice firmer than I expected. “We’ve been through too much for me to sit on the sidelines now. I’m coming with you.”“Bridgette, this isn’t up for discussion,” he snapped, frustration lacing his tone. “The Syndicate isn’t playing games. If they get their hands on you—”“Then I’ll fight,” I interrupted, standing my ground. “I’m not some fragile piece on a chessboard, Thiago. I’m in this with you, no matter how dangerous it gets.”For a moment, the tension between us was palpable, a battle of wills neither of us was willing to lose. Then, with
The weight of the moment pressed down like a stormcloud, suffocating the air between us. Thiago’s battered form was still tense, his fists clenched at his sides. Across the dimly lit room stood a figure that could have been his reflection, but something in the stranger's eyes—a darkness, a smirk that bordered on malice—set him apart.Thiago's voice cut through the silence, sharp as a blade. "What the hell are you doing here, Marcus?"The man tilted his head, his smirk widening. "Is that any way to greet your twin brother? You wound me."I froze, the words ricocheting in my mind. Twin brother? How had Thiago kept something like this from me? The thought of another Thiago—one so similar in appearance yet radiating danger—sent a shiver through me.Thiago stepped forward, his body shielding me instinctively. "You're supposed to be gone. You promised you'd never come back."Marcus chuckled, a low, sinister sound that made my skin crawl. "Promises, promises. But then again, you’ve always be
Thiago’s fists clenched at his sides, and I could feel the storm raging inside him. He glanced at me, his eyes softening for a brief moment. Then he turned back to Sebastian, his stance unwavering.“You want me? Fine,” Thiago said, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade. “But let them go—everyone else. This ends with us.”“No!” I interjected, grabbing his arm. “You can’t just hand yourself over.”Thiago turned to me, his hand covering mine. “Bridgette, I’ve fought men like him my whole life. This isn’t just about me—it’s about keeping you safe.”His words sent a pang through my chest, but I refused to back down. “We’re stronger together. If you go alone, he’ll win. You know that.”Sebastian’s laughter interrupted our moment. “How touching,” he sneered. “But you’re running out of time.”Lila, who had remained quiet until now, stepped forward hesitantly. “Sebastian,” she said, her voice trembling. “There’s no need for this. You’ve already proven your point.”Sebastian turned
The estate fell into chaos, the echoes of the gunshot ricocheting through its halls. My heart pounded as I stood frozen in the control room, Thiago’s command to stay behind warring with the primal urge to follow him. The monitors in front of me flickered, showing Helena, Gabriel, and Thiago splitting up, each taking a different route to secure the house.I clenched my fists. “No. I can’t just stand here.”Ignoring my better judgment, I grabbed a small pistol from the table and slipped out into the dimly lit corridor. The storm outside roared, wind and rain battering the windows, as if nature itself sensed the brewing confrontation.I followed the faint sound of muffled footsteps down a side hallway. Rounding the corner, I found Lila standing over one of our unconscious guards, her face a mixture of guilt and resolve. She was holding a gun, her hands shaking as she stepped toward another door.“Lila!” I called out, aiming my weapon at her.She froze, her head whipping around to face me
Helena drove us to a secluded estate perched on a cliff overlooking the ocean. The sound of waves crashing against the rocks below was almost hypnotic, a stark contrast to the turmoil in my heart.“Inside,” Helena ordered, ushering us through a hidden side entrance.The interior was sparse but fortified, the air heavy with the scent of salt and steel. Gabriel immediately began checking the perimeter, while Helena secured the doors and activated a set of monitors displaying live surveillance feeds.I stood frozen in the middle of the room, my arms wrapped around myself. My thoughts were a whirlwind—Thiago’s face, his voice, the way he’d shielded me without hesitation.Helena approached me, her expression unreadable. “He’ll make it. Thiago always does.”“Do you even care?” I snapped, my voice laced with bitterness.Her eyes narrowed, and for a moment, I saw a flicker of pain. “You think I don’t? He’s my brother.”“Then why did you leave him?” I demanded, tears streaming down my face.“B