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
The days of chaos felt like years, but it all came down to this—a final showdown with the Syndicate that had haunted our lives. The safe house was silent as we prepared, each of us locked in our own thoughts. Thiago stood at the window, his gaze hard as steel, while Raven briefed the team on the plan.“We’ve isolated the Syndicate’s main server,” Raven said, her voice steady. “It’s housed in an underground facility beneath their headquarters. We take it down, and their entire operation collapses.”“And the leadership?” Thiago asked without turning.Raven hesitated. “They’ll be there. If we’re lucky, we can take them alive.”“No,” Thiago said firmly, his eyes finally meeting hers. “We’re ending this for good. No loose ends.”The room fell silent. No one dared to challenge him.I stepped forward, my voice cutting through the tension. “What’s my role?”Thiago turned to me, his expression softening slightly. “You’re staying back. This is too dangerous.”“No,” I said, my resolve unwavering
One evening, thiago suddenly asked me to join him for dinner on the terrace. The table was set with candles and flowers, the soft sound of waves in the distance creating a romantic ambiance.“You went all out,” I teased, taking in the sight.“Only the best for my wife,” he said with a smile, pulling out my chair.The dinner was perfect—delicious food, easy conversation, and the glow of the setting sun painting the sky in hues of pink and gold. But as dessert was served, Thiago grew quiet.“Bridgette,” he began, his voice steady but laced with emotion. “There’s something I need to say.”I looked at him, my heart skipping a beat.“When we first met, everything between us was... complicated. Contracts, deals, and obligations clouded what should have been simple. But through it all, you showed me something I didn’t know I needed. You showed me love—real, unconditional love.”Tears filled my eyes as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small velvet box.“I don’t want contracts or co
The morning light filtered softly through the curtains, casting a gentle glow across the room. I woke to the feel of Thiago’s steady heartbeat beneath my ear, his arm wrapped protectively around me. For the first time in a long while, I felt at peace—truly at peace.I shifted slightly, lifting my head to look at him. His face was relaxed in sleep, his features softened, a faint trace of a smile still playing at his lips. It was a rare sight to see Thiago so at ease, and it made my heart swell with affection.He stirred, his eyes slowly opening, and a sleepy smile tugged at his lips when he saw me gazing at him.“Good morning, my love,” he murmured, his voice rough with sleep.“Good morning,” I replied, my hand tracing the outline of his jaw. “I could get used to this.”Thiago chuckled softly, his hand finding mine, interlacing our fingers. “We’ve earned it. All of it. We’ve fought too long for peace, Bridgette. It’s time to enjoy what we’ve built together.”I nodded, a warmth spreading
The morning light filtered through the sheer curtains of our bedroom, casting a soft, golden glow on everything it touched. I stirred, feeling the warmth of Thiago’s body pressed against mine. His arm was draped possessively over my waist, and even in sleep, he seemed reluctant to let go.I turned to face him, marveling at the peaceful expression on his face. It was a rare sight—Thiago without his usual commanding aura, just a man completely at ease. I reached up to brush a stray lock of hair from his forehead, and his eyes fluttered open, the dark brown depths locking onto mine.“Good morning, Mrs. Bermudez,” he murmured, his voice rough with sleep but filled with affection.I smiled. “Good morning, Mr. Bermudez.”He shifted, propping himself up on one elbow as his other hand trailed lazily down my arm. “I could get used to waking up like this.”“You should,” I teased, leaning in to press a kiss to his lips. “You’re stuck with me now.”His lips curved into a grin against mine. “That’s
The morning sunlight streamed through the windows of our bedroom, casting a soft, warm glow over everything. I stirred slightly, feeling the comforting weight of Thiago’s arm around me. My hand instinctively rested on my stomach, the thought of the tiny life growing inside filling me with a mix of awe and happiness.Thiago was already awake, his fingers idly tracing circles on my belly. He looked at me with a boyish grin, the kind that made me fall in love with him all over again.“Good morning, Mama,” he said teasingly, leaning in to kiss my forehead.“Good morning,” I replied, laughing softly. “Someone’s in a good mood.”“Why wouldn’t I be?” he said, his eyes lighting up. “I’m about to become a dad. I already feel like the luckiest man alive.”I shook my head fondly, sitting up. “You’re going to spoil this baby before they’re even born.”Thiago’s grin widened, and I noticed a glint of mischief in his eyes. “Speaking of spoiling…” he began, standing up and walking toward the closet.
Bridgette’s request wasn’t just a craving—it was a quest. And if my wife wanted dumplings from Hong Kong, then by God, she’d get them.I wasted no time. Within the hour, I’d arranged for a chartered plane and coordinated with my team overseas. The chef at the restaurant Bridgette loved was more than happy to whip up a fresh batch of her favorite dumplings.As the jet roared through the night sky, I couldn’t help but smile to myself. Bridgette didn’t realize the lengths I’d go to for her. For most people, this might seem excessive, but to me, it was just another way to show her how much she meant to me.By the time I returned to Monaco, the city was still asleep, the first light of dawn just beginning to creep over the horizon. I stepped into our home, carrying the carefully packed dumplings like they were treasure.I expected to find Bridgette asleep, but instead, I was greeted by the faint sound of sniffles.“Bridgette?” I called, my voice gentle as I followed the sound.I found her
(Thiago’s pov)It started as an ordinary day in the Monaco mansion. I had just finished preparing Bridgette’s morning smoothie—strawberries, bananas, and a hint of almond milk, exactly how she liked it. As I handed her the glass, the doorbell rang.I frowned. “Expecting someone?”Bridgette shook her head, taking a sip of her smoothie.I opened the door and was greeted by my new secretary, Ava. She held a wicker basket overflowing with fresh fruits. “Good morning, Mr. Bermudez,” she said with a polite smile. “I brought these for Mrs. Bermudez. I thought they might help with her cravings.”Her gesture was thoughtful, and I appreciated the effort. Ava had been efficient and professional since she started, but I hadn’t expected her to take an interest in Bridgette’s wellbeing.“Thank you, Ava. That’s very kind of you,” I replied, taking the basket.Bridgette, who had moved closer to the door, peeked over my shoulder. The moment she laid eyes on Ava, I saw her expression shift. Her brows fu
I took a step back, my breath coming too fast. I needed space. Air. Something solid to hold on to, but all I had were shifting lies.Santiago watched me, his smirk fading into something more dangerous—anticipation. Like he was waiting for me to break.I wouldn’t give him that.I forced my voice steady. “You don’t get to decide for me.”Santiago sighed, almost bored. “You think you have a choice?” He gestured lazily with the gun. “You were born into this world, hija. You don’t just walk away from it.”Victor stepped forward, his hand subtly shifting toward his jacket. “She’s not you, Santiago.”Santiago laughed. “And you still think you can save her?” His amusement vanished in a blink. “I’m giving her a way out. If she’s smart, she’ll take it.”My heart pounded. “And if I don’t?”His expression darkened. “Then you’ll regret it.”A flicker of movement. A breath of warning.And then Victor lunged.I barely had time to react before he was on Santiago, knocking the gun aside. A shot rang o
The old pier stretched before me, silent except for the rhythmic lapping of the waves against the wooden posts. A single lamplight flickered above, casting long shadows across the damp planks. My heart pounded as I scanned the area, my breath visible in the night air.I checked my phone again. Midnight. I was a few minutes early, but whoever had sent the message wasn’t here yet.Or maybe they were watching.A gust of wind sent a shiver down my spine. I crossed my arms, not just against the cold, but against the gnawing uncertainty clawing at my insides. This could be a trap. Thiago could have sent the message, luring me here to force a conversation I wasn’t ready for. Or worse—someone else, someone more dangerous, could be behind it.I turned, about to leave, when I heard footsteps. Slow. Measured.I spun back, my pulse skyrocketing as a shadow emerged from the darkness.It wasn’t Thiago.Victor.His sharp features were cast in half-light, his expression unreadable as he stepped towar
Thiago kissed me like he was trying to brand himself into my soul—like he could erase every doubt, every betrayal, with the heat of his mouth.And for a moment, I let him.For a moment, I kissed him back, gripping his shirt like it could anchor me to something real.But reality crashed in just as fast.I shoved him away, breathless, my lips still tingling from the force of him.His chest rose and fell, his dark eyes locked onto mine with a heat that burned straight through me.“No,” I said, voice hoarse.Thiago’s jaw tightened. “Bridgette—”“No,” I repeated, stepping back. “You don’t get to do that. You don’t get to lie to me, manipulate me, and then kiss me like I’m supposed to forget everything.”His hands curled into fists at his sides. “I wasn’t lying to you.”“Really?” I let out a bitter laugh. “Then why do I feel like I just walked into a trap?”Thiago exhaled sharply, dragging a hand through his hair. “I didn’t tell you because I knew you’d react like this.”I crossed my arms.
I forced myself to meet Santiago’s gaze, schooling my expression into something unreadable. If he was here, breaking into my penthouse in the middle of the night, it wasn’t just to chat.He wants something.I wasn’t going to give it to him.“You have about ten seconds to explain why you’re here before I call security,” I said, gripping the wine bottle so tightly my knuckles ached.Santiago smirked, the kind of lazy, self-assured grin that made my stomach twist. He took a slow step forward, completely unfazed by my threat. “Security?” he mused. “Mmm… You could call them. But we both know they won’t get here in time, mi amor.”His voice was smooth, practiced, laced with the kind of confidence that came from knowing he held all the cards.I refused to let him see the flicker of unease tightening in my chest.“I don’t have time for games, Santiago.”“I know,” he said, tilting his head slightly. “Which is why I’ll get to the point.”In one fluid motion, he reached inside his suit jacket. I
His lips moved against mine with a slow, deliberate hunger, as if he was savoring every second of my surrender. I should have pushed him away. I should have turned and walked out of this penthouse, out of his life, like I swore I would.But the second his hands gripped my waist, pulling me closer, every ounce of resistance melted away.Thiago knew my body too well. He knew exactly how to unravel me with a single touch, how to make me forget logic and consequences. His fingers trailed down my spine, sending a shiver through me, his kiss deepening until I was breathless.I tore away, gasping, my palms flat against his chest. “Thiago—”His forehead rested against mine, his breathing just as uneven. “Don’t tell me you don’t want this.”My fingers curled into his shirt, torn between desire and the storm raging in my mind. “It’s not about what I want.”He exhaled, a humorless chuckle escaping him. “Then what is it about, Wifey?”That nickname. The way it rolled off his tongue like a promise
The hallway felt too small, too suffocating with both men standing there—Victor rigid with frustration, Thiago exuding that quiet, commanding presence that had always been my undoing.I should tell him to leave. I should push past this moment and pretend my heart wasn’t beating too fast, that I wasn’t already losing this battle.But I didn’t.Instead, I met Thiago’s gaze head-on. “What do you want?”He tilted his head slightly, studying me, before stepping closer. Too close. The scent of him—expensive cologne, faint whiskey, something distinctly him—wrapped around me like a noose.Victor shifted beside me, his tension palpable. “You’re wasting your time, Bermudez. She’s done with whatever game you’re playing.”Thiago let out a quiet chuckle, his eyes never leaving mine. “That so?” His fingers twitched at his side, like he was resisting the urge to touch me. “Because she hasn’t told me to leave yet.”Damn him.Victor exhaled sharply. “Bridgette.” His voice was low, a warning.I swallow
The silence stretched between us, thick with words left unsaid. Victor's gaze remained steady, unwavering, as if he could will me into understanding the danger I was walking into. Maybe he could see the fracture lines forming beneath my skin, the way I was slowly unraveling under the weight of my own choices.But what choice did I have? Thiago was a shadow I couldn’t outrun. No matter how far I went, how fiercely I tried to carve out a life separate from him, he was always there. And worst of all, some part of me still wanted him to be.I exhaled sharply, shoving past Victor toward the kitchen, needing space—needing something to ground me before I lost myself completely in this never-ending push and pull. I reached for the half-empty wine bottle on the counter and poured myself a glass. My hand trembled slightly as I took a sip, the bitter liquid burning down my throat.Victor followed but didn’t say anything right away. He just leaned against the counter, arms crossed over his chest,
The silence between Victor and me stretched, taut and suffocating. He watched me like I was a puzzle he had almost solved but was too frustrated to finish.“Bridge,” he finally said, his voice softer now. “You don’t have to do this alone. You know that, right?”I swallowed against the lump in my throat. Victor had always been my safety net, the one person who saw the mess I was and still chose to stand by me. But even he couldn’t save me from myself.I turned away, rubbing my arms as though that could shake off the cold creeping into my bones. “I’m tired, Vic. Can we just—can we not do this tonight?”His eyes darkened, but he nodded once, reluctant. “Fine. But this isn’t over.”With that, he left, the door clicking shut behind him. I waited, standing frozen in place until I heard his footsteps fade down the hallway. Then, with a shaky breath, I turned and pressed my forehead against the door, letting my eyes close.Not five minutes later, my phone vibrated on the counter.I didn’t wan
The weight of Lucia’s words lingered long after she was gone, settling over me like an unwelcome shroud. The air in my apartment felt heavier, thick with the ghost of Thiago’s presence.I set the wine glass down with a soft clink, pressing my fingers against my temples. My head throbbed, not from the alcohol but from the war waging inside me. Thiago was a storm—unrelenting, consuming, and I was the fool who kept stepping into the rain without an umbrella.I forced myself to move, needing to shake off the static thrumming in my veins. One step, then another, until I was standing before my bedroom mirror. The woman staring back at me looked like a stranger. There was defiance in her eyes, yes, but beneath it, something else lurked—uncertainty.My gaze dropped to the ring, still snug on my finger. I could almost feel the phantom trace of Thiago’s touch lingering there. My hands curled into fists. I should take it off. I should have done it the second he walked out that door.With a sharp