Thiago’s hand stayed firmly around my waist as we left the grand ballroom behind. The noise of the party fading as we walked down a quiet corridor. My heart somehow was still racing from the confrontation with my father, and my thoughts were spinning with everything that had happened. I was relieved to be away from the chaos, but something about Thiago’s demeanor kept me on edge. For some reason, it was like Thiago wasn’t just leading me away to cool off. And I had my presumption to be correct when we stopped in front of another door at the end of the hallway. It was unlocked, and I glanced at Thiago, confused. “What are we doing here?” I asked, my voice low, and my pulse still racing from earlier. I thought, perhaps, he just wanted to put more distance between me and my father, to shield me from the prying eyes of the partygoers. But there was something in his gaze, a seriousness that unsettled me.Thiago leaned down, his lips brushing lightly against my ear, and whispered, “Yo
The tension in the air was suffocating as I stood next to Thiago, watching Jasper greet us with that unsettling smile of his. His demeanor was calm, too calm for the situation we had just walked into, and it set off every alarm in my body. Despite the opulence of the room and the grandeur of the event outside, I could feel the danger lurking beneath Jasper’s false pleasantries.“Thiago, well my dearest cousin, I have the finest wine here for you. Would you like to try it too?” Jasper greeted, flashing a grin that never quite reached his eyes. He gestured casually toward a decanter on the side table, two glasses already prepared. But as Thiago didn’t bother, Jasper resorted to saying, “Well, didn’t expect to see you here.” Thiago didn’t move. His grip on my hand was firm, his body tense. I could feel the intensity rolling off him, the calm surface barely concealing the storm underneath.“No,” Thiago replied, his voice icy. “I’m not here to drink, Jasper.”Jasper arched an eyebrow, th
The ride home from the event was quiet, but in a comfortable way. I leaned back into the soft leather seat of the car, letting out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding. My mind was still reeling from everything that had happened—Jasper’s underhanded schemes, the unexpected encounter with my father, and the sheer tension that seemed to follow us wherever we went. But Thiago’s presence beside me was the one thing grounding me, keeping me from unraveling completely.I glanced over at him, his profile illuminated by the soft lights from the dashboard. He looked as calm and composed as ever, but I could see the subtle tightness in his jaw, the way his hands rested firmly on his knees. He was always in control—always the one making sure everything was handled. And tonight had been no different.“I’m sorry,” I said softly, breaking the silence.He looked over at me, his brow furrowing slightly. “For what?”“For… tonight. For my father showing up like that. For everything Jasper is doing.”
As Thiago pulled me closer, the soft rhythm of the waves mirrored the steady beat of his heart. His kiss grew more intense, filled with a passion that left me breathless, a fire igniting between us that made me forget everything else. His hands slid down my back, anchoring me against him, and in that moment, the world ceased to exist. It was just him and me, wrapped in the warmth of each other’s embrace.When we finally pulled away, our foreheads rested against each other, our breaths mingling in the cool night air. I felt lightheaded, like I was floating on some cloud I never wanted to come down from. Thiago's eyes bore into mine, his gaze so full of affection and tenderness it made my heart flutter all over again.“You know,” he said softly, his voice low and husky, “I wasn’t expecting tonight to go the way it did.” A small smile tugged at his lips. “But being here with you… none of the rest matters.”I felt my cheeks heat, my lips curving into a smile of my own. “You always have a
FEW DAYS LATER, and I have returned to my normal routine at the Bermudez group company building felt like a breath of fresh air. After the whirlwind of the Zorich party and the chaotic encounter with my father, it was nice to settle back into the comfortable rhythm of my life with Thiago. He had been supportive, always encouraging me to focus on my work and reminding me that I was capable of overcoming any obstacle that stood in my way. Each day, I found myself immersed in projects that would help me tackle the Martinez Corporation, my father’s company. It felt empowering to take control and strategize ways to weaken their hold in the market. I had gathered intel and crafted plans with my team, determined to prove that I could outmaneuver them, despite my father’s influence. As I settled into my office on a Monday morning, the sun streamed through the large windows, casting a warm glow over my workspace. I smiled as I glanced at the framed photo of Thiago and me on my desk, our f
The following morning, the sense of unease still lingered, but I couldn’t afford to let it consume me. After everything, I knew I had to keep moving forward. The moment I entered my office, I felt a rush of determination settle in. My plans to defeat the Martinez Corporation weren’t going to derail just because of a cowardly threat. If anything, this only fueled my resolve. Lucia greeted me with a worried look, but I brushed it off. “I’m fine,” I reassured her, though I wasn’t sure if I was trying to convince her or myself. “Let’s focus on today’s agenda.” The morning passed smoothly enough, though my mind kept drifting back to the dead rats, the threat. I couldn’t help but wonder who was behind it. Could it be someone within my father’s circle? Or was it someone I’d overlooked? By noon, Thiago called me, his voice steady yet laced with concern. “How are you holding up, Wifey?” “I’m okay,” I sighed. “Trying to stay focused. Have you heard anything from your team yet?” “I have some
Almost a week after the event, and chaos abruptly came to ruin my afternoon at the office.I leaned over my desk, eyes scanning the documents spread across it, trying to focus. The expansion plans for New Zealand were critical, and I had been working tirelessly on them for weeks. The stakes were high, especially knowing that Martinez Corporation was trying to edge their way into the same market.I paused, rubbing my temples as the realization hit me once again—this wasn’t just business. My father, Romeo Martinez, was clearly trying to test me, pushing back against everything I had worked for. It wasn’t enough that he had humiliated himself at the Zorich Group’s party, throwing a tantrum and being shut down by Thiago. Now he wanted to challenge me on an international scale, in front of potential investors, to make me look weak. “He’s really testing me,” I muttered under my breath. I couldn’t let him win. Not again.I picked up my phone and dialed Lucia. She was my go-to for anything
The stress was mounting, and I could feel the weight of it pressing down on my shoulders. For hours, I sat in my office, combing through reports, investor feedback, and legal documents, trying to piece together a plan that would save our New Zealand project. My head was spinning, my frustration rising with each passing minute as I struggled to find a solution. Every strategy I came up with seemed to fall flat, and every step forward felt like two steps back. My father’s meddling, combined with the Zorich Group’s calculated moves, had thrown everything off balance. How did they manage to pull this off so quickly? I wasn’t prepared for this—none of us were. My father had always been ruthless, but this was a direct attack on everything I’d built. I gripped the edge of my desk, trying to keep my hands from trembling. I couldn’t afford to break down now.The door to my office suddenly swung open, and Thiago stepped in. His tall, commanding presence filled the room immediately, and despite
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
The tunnel was suffocatingly narrow, the air thick with smoke and the echoes of Sebastian’s laughter still reverberating behind us. Each step felt heavier than the last, the weight of exhaustion and adrenaline threatening to buckle my knees. Thiago’s grip on my hand was firm, grounding me amidst the chaos.“Keep moving,” he urged, his voice a sharp command that left no room for hesitation.Gabriel led the way, his flashlight cutting through the murkiness of the passage. The flickering light painted ominous shadows on the walls, and every sound—every drip of water or distant creak—felt like an approaching threat.“Where does this lead?” I asked, my voice trembling.“To an access point near the docks,” Gabriel replied without turning around. “If Sebastian hasn’t already blocked it.”I swallowed hard, dread coiling in my stomach. The explosions, the relentless pursuit—it all felt too orchestrated, too perfect.“This is a trap,” I whispered, glancing back at Thiago.His jaw tightened. “Ma
Raven pulled the van into a nondescript parking garage, shutting off the engine. The sudden silence was deafening.“Why are we stopping?” I demanded, my voice shaking.“Because we need help,” Raven replied, her eyes scanning the shadows.A figure emerged from the darkness—a tall, lean man with a scar running down his cheek. His presence was commanding, his sharp eyes taking in the van and its occupants with practiced ease.“Gabriel,” Raven greeted him with a nod.“You’re late,” he replied, his voice smooth and calm. His gaze shifted to me, lingering for a moment before turning back to Raven. “And you
The safehouse felt like a cage. The air was thick with tension, every creak and groan of the old building amplified in the silence. Thiago was relentless, his mind working overtime as he barked orders into his phone and coordinated with his team. Raven, though bruised and battered, insisted on joining the strategy discussions, while I stood in the corner, my thoughts swirling.Sebastian’s message wasn’t just a threat—it was a promise. And I knew he would make good on it.The knock on the door shattered the tense quiet. Raven and Thiago exchanged wary glances, both reaching for their weapons. I moved behind them, my pulse quickening as Thiago approached the door.“Who is it?” he called, his voice sharp.“It’s me. Marcus,” came the muffled reply.Thiago hesitated, glancing at Raven, who nodded. He unlocked the door, revealing Marcus standing in the dim hallway. He looked disheveled, his suit wrinkled and a faint cut on his cheek.“Marcus?” I asked, stepping forward. “What happened?”He
The cold glow of the timer on the tablet seemed to cast a shadow over the entire room. My knees weakened, and I gripped the edge of the table to steady myself. The numbers ticked down relentlessly, each second a hammer driving the nail of panic deeper into my chest.00:59:58.Raven’s voice cut through the haze. “We don’t have time to freeze up, Bridgette. We need a plan.”Thiago, still groggy but regaining his composure, sat up on the cot, his eyes narrowing as he stared at the screen. “Sebastian doesn’t play games without an ace up his sleeve. He knows you’ll come for your father.”“I have to,” I said, my voice trembling but resolute. “This isn’t negotiable.”Thiago reached for my hand, his grip warm and firm despite the strain etched across his face. “Then we make sure it’s not a suicide mission.”Raven began pacing, her mind visibly racing. “He’ll expect you to come alone. If you don’t, he’ll kill your father. But if you do, he’ll still have the upper hand. We need to turn the tabl
Thiago moved with the precision of a predator, his men flanking him as they closed in on the shipping containers. The air was thick with smoke, the sharp tang of gunpowder biting at his senses. Every step brought him closer to Bridgette—and to Elijah, the man who had dared to take her.Through the chaos, his focus remained unbroken, his thoughts a constant loop: She’s alive. I’ll get to her. I won’t fail her again.Raven’s voice crackled in his earpiece. “Thiago, we’ve spotted movement near the north perimeter. Looks like they’re relocating someone—probably her.”“On it,” Thiago replied, signaling his team to shift course.The weight of the detonator in Elijah’s hand felt oppressive, each step he took tightening the invisible leash around my neck. My mind raced as I searched for an opening, a way to warn Thiago without triggering Elijah’s wrath.We stopped near a black SUV parked at the edge of the docks. Elijah’s guards surrounded us, their weapons trained on every shadow. The tensio
The safehouse buzzed with urgent energy as Thiago’s men prepared for war. Weapons were cleaned, maps unfurled, and strategies whispered in low tones. Yet amidst the chaos, Thiago stood apart, silent and brooding, the crumpled photograph still clenched in his fist.Raven approached cautiously, holding a headset. “We’ve intercepted chatter. Elijah’s team is on the move. They’re transporting something—or someone—to a secondary location.”Thiago’s jaw tightened. “Where?”“Industrial docks. West side,” she replied. “But the security is heavy, Thiago. This isn’t just a rescue mission—it’s a trap.”“I don’t care.” His voice was like ice. “They took Bridgette. I’m not waiting for them to make their next move.”Raven hesitated, her brow furrowing. “You’re running on emotion. That’s dangerous. Think this through—”“I am thinking,” Thiago snapped, his eyes blazing. “They want me distracted, weakened. They think I’ll hesitate because of her. But they don’t know Bridgette—she’s stronger than they
Before anyone could react, one of Thiago’s men—someone I’d trusted—moved. He turned his gun on Thiago, the sharp sound of the safety clicking off echoing in the tense air.“What are you doing, Ramirez?” Thiago growled, his eyes narrowing.Ramirez hesitated, his face conflicted. “It’s not personal, boss. Elijah… he made an offer I couldn’t refuse.”Thiago’s expression darkened. “You just signed your death warrant.”Ramirez’s gun wavered slightly, but Elijah’s voice cut through the tension. “Enough of this.” He gestured toward me. “Bring her to me.”Raven moved instantly, stepping in front of me, her weapon raised. Thiago lunged at Ramirez, disarming him in one swift motion before using the man as a human shield. Chaos erupted as shots rang out, the confined space turning into a battlefield.Thiago was a blur of movement, taking down one man after another with ruthless efficiency. Raven’s aim was deadly, but the sheer number of enemies overwhelmed us.“Bridgette!” Thiago shouted, his vo
The explosion's aftermath left a ringing in my ears. Thiago’s hand never left mine as we sprinted through the crumbling hallways of Victor’s estate. Shouts and gunfire echoed around us, but Victor’s words—He wants Bridgette—were louder than anything else.“What does he mean, Thiago?” I demanded, my voice shaking as I struggled to keep up. “Why would Elijah want me?”Thiago didn’t answer immediately. His jaw clenched, and his eyes scanned every shadow, every corner, as if Elijah himself could emerge at any moment.“It doesn’t matter,” he finally said, his tone clipped. “I’m not letting him touch you.”The determination in his voice sent a shiver down my spine, but it wasn’t enough to quench my growing fear.Raven’s voice crackled over the comms. “Thiago, we’ve got two SUVs outside, ready to extract. We need to move now.”“Copy,” he replied, his grip tightening on my hand as he pulled me toward the exit.As we burst through the estate’s main doors, the night was ablaze with chaos. Raven