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
Another day has come nad here I was sitting in my office, the soft hum of my laptop filled the room, but the tension in the air was palpable. I glanced out the window, the bustling city of Chicago reflecting the chaos swirling in my mind. We were in the midst of a crisis with our New Zealand expansion. The investors had pulled out, and it felt like the ground beneath us was crumbling. Just when I thought the situation was beyond repair, Thiago walked in, exuding that confident energy that made my stomach flip.“Hey Wifey, I’ve got news you would surely want to hear,” he announced, leaning against my desk, a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth.I raised an eyebrow, skepticism creeping in. “What kind of news? Is it bad? Because if it’s about the investors, I don’t know if I can handle any more disappointment right now.”Thiago chuckled, the sound smooth and teasing. “It’s not bad at all. In fact, I think I’ve found a way to turn this around.”“What do you mean?” I asked, trying t
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
The elevator ride to my apartment was silent except for the dull hum of the machinery. My fingers hovered over the ring on my hand, debating whether to rip it off before I stepped through the door. But I didn’t. I couldn’t. I stepped out into the hallway, my heels clicking against the polished floor, my pulse a steady drumbeat in my ears. As I neared my door, a whisper of hesitation curled in my chest, but I ignored it. My fingers trembled only slightly as I unlocked the door and stepped inside.The lights were already on.I froze.And then…“I was beginning to think you’d changed your mind.”Thiago’s voice curled through the space, rich and smooth, wrapping around me like a silk noose. He was there, lounging in my living room like he belonged. A bottle of wine sat open on the table, two glasses half-poured. Like he’d planned for this. Like he knew I’d come.My breath stuttered. “You broke into my apartment.”Thiago smirked, tilting his head. “Now, now, wifey. You gave me a key, reme