I exhaled sharply, forcing myself to meet his gaze. “You don’t own me, Thiago.”His lips curled into something that wasn’t quite a smile. “Don’t I?”The arrogance in his voice sent a bolt of irritation through me, breaking through the haze of his proximity. I shoved against his chest, forcing some distance between us.“Get over yourself,” I snapped. “I came with you because I need answers. That’s it.”Something flickered in his expression—something dark and unreadable—but he stepped back, giving me space. “Then let’s go.”I hesitated for just a second before following him out of the elevator.His suite was exactly what I expected—expensive, sleek, and impersonal. Like a place meant to impress, not to live in.Thiago loosened the cuffs of his sleeves as he walked toward the minibar. “Drink?”“No.” I crossed my arms, staying near the door. “Just talk.”He poured himself a glass of whiskey, swirling it before taking a slow sip. “Where do you want me to start?”I clenched my jaw. “Why did
The elegant ballroom shimmered with chandeliers and buzzed with animated chatter as it was turned into a splendid venue for commemorating my father's real estate company's tenth anniversary. The hall was crowded, and people sipped their drinks while enjoying the music of a live band playing soft tunes in the background. A scene full of charm and elegance that somehow couldn't fill the void I felt deep inside me despite all the beauty and luxury around. Amidst the crowd, I found myself wandering aimlessly as my steps took me in no particular direction. A gentle smile graced my lips, concealing the fatigue that weighed heavily on me as I warmly welcomed my father’s guests. Meanwhile, I scanned the crowd but couldn't spot my husband, Derick, anywhere. It felt like he was intentionally distancing himself from me, especially ever since he learned about my struggle to give him the one thing he longed for the most—a child. It was distressing for me, but it became even more painful when
THE NEXT MORNING, the sound of my phone startled me awake. I squinted at the screen and groggly groped for it. The name flashing across it caused my blood to stop—Romeo, my Dad.Heart thumping, I jumped off the bed, fumbling to respond, but the ringing stopped just before I could swipe the screen. Two seconds later a text alert showed up.**COME HOME RIGHT AWAY** In all caps locked.There was no space for justification or explanation for his calling of me. Simply as usual, just an order.I hurriedly got up, still wondering why my father suddenly wanted me to go home right away. But what made me suddenly confused what what on earth was I even doing in an unfamiliar room?I was so certain, this wasn’t my hotel room. My head still hurts due to hangover but I know that I must get up and come home right away. And as my feet nearly tripped from the scattered clothes on the floor, that was the only time when everything else came flooding my memories about what happened last night.“Shit.” I
I skirted through the crowd of people in the ballroom while attempting to concentrate on my goal. It was a whirlwind of color and laughter. I had to look for someone who could assist me in securing my future. But my confidence started to falter as I looked around the room. Each of these men exuded confidence and elegance.What if I wasn't enough? What would happen if I was unable to find someone who could help me?My thoughts were interrupted by the sound of a bartender’s voice, low and smooth. “You look like you could use a drink.”I turned to find the bartender standing before me, holding out a glass of wine and pouring me some. He was dressed impeccably in a black and white uniform.I forced a smile, taking the glass from him. “Thank you. I suppose I do.”He raised the bottle to pour some on my glass. “This might be quite hard on you”“I can manage,” I echoed, clinking my glass before taking a sip. The wine was crisp and cold, but it did little to calm the nerves fluttering in my s
The man and I moved our conversation to a more secluded place away from the loud noise of the ball. And before I knew it, I found myself already escorted inside his hotel room. “I have about three questions before we begin with our deal.” He suddenly uttered, pushing me against the long, creamy white bed.I was certain that if my eyes were shut now, then I was probably dreaming.There was no other possible explanation for the way my body tingled, the way my breath hitched in my throat, and the way my mind raced with thoughts that I had never dared to entertain before.It all seemed so too good to be true, as the man lurred his body before me. He was like a walking, breathing embodiment of desire. His dark, tousled hair framed a face that could have been chiseled by the gods themselves, his piercing eyes a shade of blue that bordered on ethereal.He was close, too close, his presence consuming the air between us. His broad shoulders seemed to block out the rest of the world, leaving o
When I opened my eyes again, the room was already bathed in the warm embrace of morning light, as if the sun itself had been waiting patiently for me to join the world. My head pounded slightly, fragments of what happened last night lurking just beyond my memory's grasp. Yet, the first thing I did was quickly check my clothes. And I felt some sort of ease knowing they were still intact, although messy from lying on the bed all night. Some relief washed over me—I guess nothing had happened with that blonde stranger and me again. I swung my legs over the edge of the bed to make another escape, but the door creaked open just as I was about to do so. My heart skipped a beat. There he stood—the same blonde from the night before was walking in, carefree and undressed in just a bathrobe that hung loosely, revealing his toned abs and chest, and a towel tied around his waist. He didn’t seem surprised to see me awake."And where do you think you’re going, damsel?" he asked, a smirk playi
The event at the auction had been nothing short of chaotic. The tension in the room was so thick it felt like I could slice through it with a knife. My heart pounded in my chest, each beat reverberating in my ears as I tried to make sense of everything that had just happened. As the event organizers attempted to calm the storm, Thiago leaned in close to me, so close that I could feel his breath against my ear. “We need to leave. Now,” he whispered, his tone urgent, almost desperate. “Before your former family decides to do something against us.” The way Thiago had spoken to me, the intensity in his gaze—it left me reeling, completely off-balance.A shiver ran down my spine at the urgency in his voice. Without a second thought, I followed him, my mind racing with a million questions. Who was this man, really? Why had he kept silent for so long about his connection to Cynthia, my former mother-in-law? And what was it about Thiago that made my father speak to him as if they were old a
The soft click of the attache case echoed in the otherwise silent room as Thiago set it on the table between us. The tension was palpable, and I found myself holding my breath, unsure of what to expect next. With a practiced ease, he flipped open the case, revealing a stack of documents neatly tucked inside a long brown envelope. His movements were deliberate, almost predatory, as he withdrew the papers and slid them across the table toward me."Read it carefully, damsel," Thiago's voice was smooth, yet it held an undercurrent of command that made my skin prickle. "This contract is binding, and I expect you to understand every clause."I hesitated, my fingers trembling slightly as I reached for the documents. Thiago's eyes were fixed on me, his gaze intense, almost as if he was stripping away every layer of my defenses. It was unnerving, the way he looked at me, and I found it hard to meet his eyes for more than a few seconds. Instead, I focused on the papers before me, hoping that re
I exhaled sharply, forcing myself to meet his gaze. “You don’t own me, Thiago.”His lips curled into something that wasn’t quite a smile. “Don’t I?”The arrogance in his voice sent a bolt of irritation through me, breaking through the haze of his proximity. I shoved against his chest, forcing some distance between us.“Get over yourself,” I snapped. “I came with you because I need answers. That’s it.”Something flickered in his expression—something dark and unreadable—but he stepped back, giving me space. “Then let’s go.”I hesitated for just a second before following him out of the elevator.His suite was exactly what I expected—expensive, sleek, and impersonal. Like a place meant to impress, not to live in.Thiago loosened the cuffs of his sleeves as he walked toward the minibar. “Drink?”“No.” I crossed my arms, staying near the door. “Just talk.”He poured himself a glass of whiskey, swirling it before taking a slow sip. “Where do you want me to start?”I clenched my jaw. “Why did
The weight of Victor’s words settled deep in my chest long after they were spoken. I stared down at the amber liquid in my glass, but it offered no answers. Only more questions.Had I already lost the ability to choose? Had Thiago already decided for me?Victor sighed, rubbing his jaw as if he were debating something. Then, he leaned forward, elbows on his knees, and met my gaze.“I need to tell you something,” he said.A chill skated down my spine. “What?”He hesitated. Just for a second. And that alone sent warning bells ringing in my head.“Victor,” I pressed.His lips parted, but before he could speak, his phone buzzed sharply on the table.He glanced at the screen, and whatever he saw made his expression darken.I frowned. “What is it?”Instead of answering, he stood abruptly, snatching his jacket from the chair. “You should stay here tonight.”“What?” My heart stuttered. “Why?”His jaw tightened as he typed something on his phone. “Thiago’s looking for you.”Cold dread curled in
I clenched my fists, my pulse hammering in my ears. “I don’t have to choose anything.”Javier let out a quiet chuckle, his gaze steady, almost expectant. “That’s where you’re wrong, mija.” He leaned forward, his voice dropping to a whisper. “You’ve already chosen—you just don’t realize it yet.”A chill ran down my spine.Thiago stepped between us, his broad shoulders cutting off Javier’s view of me. “If you’re done playing riddles, we’re leaving.”Javier exhaled sharply, clearly unimpressed. “You’re a fool if you think you can keep her out of this, Bermudez.” His gaze flickered back to me, dark amusement in his eyes. “And you, Bridgette… you’re an even bigger fool if you think you can outrun your own legacy.”Something in my chest tightened, but I refused to let it show. I lifted my chin, forcing steel into my voice. “Watch me.”Javier just smiled. “Ah, mi pequeña tormenta,” he murmured. “We’ll see how long that defiance lasts when the world comes crashing down.”Before I could say an
The air in the car felt suffocating. My pulse pounded against my ribs, but I refused to let my panic show.Thiago's expression had turned to stone, his body tense beside me. "How does he know we're here?"Mateo shrugged, too casual. "Your father has eyes everywhere, Bermudez. Did you really think you could waltz into Madrid unnoticed?"Thiago exhaled sharply. His fingers tapped against his knee in a slow, calculated rhythm—a sign that he was thinking, strategizing.I forced my voice to stay steady. "What does he want?"Mateo tilted his head, considering me. "To see you, of course. He’s given instructions for you to be brought to him—immediately."Brought. Not invited. Not welcomed.My fingers curled into fists. "And if I refuse?"Mateo’s smirk deepened. "Then you already know what happens next, princesa."I swallowed hard.Thiago shifted beside me. "She’s not going anywhere she doesn’t want to." His voice was calm, but the edge beneath it was lethal.Mateo chuckled, but his eyes remai
Thiago watched me carefully, gauging my reaction. He was waiting for me to flinch, to back down—but I didn’t.Instead, I met his gaze head-on. “Fine,” I said, my voice steadier than I felt. “Let’s do it.”A slow, satisfied smirk curled on his lips. “That’s my girl.”I ignored the way my pulse jumped at those words. “Do you have a plan, or are we just throwing ourselves into the fire and hoping we don’t get burned?”His smirk widened. “Oh, we’re the fire, princesa. And it’s time they learn that the hard way.”He turned, already pulling his phone from his pocket. “Pack a bag. We’re leaving in an hour.”I blinked. “Wait—what?”Thiago didn’t even look up as he typed out a message. “You wanted to go on the offensive. That means moving fast.”Panic warred with the determination burning in my chest. “Where are we going?”He finally met my gaze, and for the first time, I saw something beyond amusement and arrogance. I saw purpose.“To the last place they’d expect us to be.”A chill ran down m
Thiago’s entire posture shifted—controlled, calculating. His fingers tightened around his knife, but he didn’t move. Not yet.The blade against my throat pressed in just enough to sting. Not enough to cut. A warning.“Let her go,” Thiago said, his voice dangerously soft.The man behind me chuckled. “Now, now. You of all people should know how this works.”A shiver ran down my spine. They weren’t just some random attackers. They knew Thiago.I felt my captor shift slightly, his grip tightening. “Put the knife down, Bermudez.”Thiago’s jaw clenched. His knife hovered midair, hesitation flickering for just a second.Then, without warning—He threw it.Not at the man holding me.At the other attacker.A sharp cry echoed as the second man collapsed, the knife buried deep in his thigh.The split second of chaos was all I needed.I jerked my head back, slamming it into my captor’s nose. He cursed, his grip faltering.I didn’t waste time. I dropped, twisting free just as Thiago lunged.His fi
I clenched my fists, forcing myself to keep my expression neutral. If this was a test, then I couldn’t afford to let them see any hesitation. Lucia grinned, sensing my frustration. “Don’t look so tense, Bridge. You wanted in, remember?” I shot her a glare. “You’re enjoying this way too much.” Thiago, who had been silent, stepped closer. His presence sent a ripple of awareness through me, but I refused to react. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a single item—an old-fashioned stopwatch. “You have sixty seconds,” he said, pressing the button. I barely had time to register his words before Lucia shoved me—hard. My balance wavered, and the next thing I knew, I was tumbling down a small incline, my arms scraping against rough earth as I hit the ground with a grunt. I groaned, rolling onto my back, but before I could get up, Thiago’s voice called down to me. “Fifty seconds.” Shit. I scrambled to my feet, heart pounding as I took in my surroundings. The woods stretc
The next morning, the training began.Lucia wasn’t gentle. She didn’t ease me into it, didn’t give me time to hesitate.“Again,” she snapped as I stumbled back from a sharp blow to my ribs.I gritted my teeth, lifting my arms to block her next strike. My muscles burned, my breath came in ragged gasps, but I refused to fall.“Sloppy,” Lucia muttered. “You’re thinking too much. Stop trying to predict—react.”Thiago stood in the corner, arms crossed, watching. He hadn’t said a word since we started.I hated that I wanted his approval.I lunged forward, aiming a punch at Lucia’s side. She dodged effortlessly, then swept my legs out from under me. I hit the mat with a grunt.“Better,” she admitted. “But not good enough.”I glared up at her. “You love this, don’t you?”She smirked, offering a hand. “A little.”I ignored her and pushed myself up.Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Thiago’s mouth twitch like he was fighting a smile.Lucia clapped her hands. “Alright, let’s move on. Time to ge
Lucia gripped the wheel so tightly her knuckles turned white. “Somebody better start talking before I drive this damn car into a wall.”Victor ran a hand down his face, still tense. “Santiago attacked Bridgette. Thiago handled it.”Lucia’s eyes flicked to the rearview mirror, locking onto me. “You handled it, didn’t you?”I swallowed, my fingers still curled into fists. The weight of the gun’s grip still felt imprinted on my palm.“She shot him,” Thiago confirmed, voice rough.Lucia nearly slammed the brakes. “You what?”“He was going to kill me,” I snapped, defensive. “I didn’t have a choice.”Silence.Then Lucia exhaled, shaking her head. “Damn it, Bridge.”Victor, however, was focused on something else. “He’s not dead?”Thiago’s lips curled in something almost amused. “No. But he’ll wish he was when he wakes up.”Victor cursed. “We should’ve finished him off. Now he knows Bridgette isn’t just some pawn—he’ll come for her harder.”My stomach twisted. He was right. This wasn’t the ki