He was leading her, and she was following him. All her life, she had never felt the desire to follow someone, but today, things changed, because right now. Xander Castillo was freaking leading Nicole Hart to their room.It all seemed so real.The familiar color of the room hit her hard, the gentle breeze that flowed in the room."Sit." He says, and obediently, she sat down, still folding her arms."Don't you think I am supposed to know who that guy is?" She racked her brain to remember his name. "Xavier, who is he?""He's my cousin." His voice came out cold, like he hates talking about his cousin, his hands were etched around his pockets, standing there, his dark hair sprawling around his face making him look so extremely gorgeous. He was still standing while she sat on the bed."Don't you think I should know him? What's he like? What does he do?" Nicole peered into his deep dark eyes, she tried to read it, but she couldn't. It was all dark and scary in there so she pulled away from h
Lucas expected to see a bear with three faces, since that's how Zane, his brother always described mafia women.According to Zane words, women who struck violence were the real deal, and even better, he never got along with any mafia women, except Leto Brookes, that woman was the real deal. She never smiled, and even when she did, it ended up being twitched, her voice was always so cracked when she was drinking beer. Why? Because she forced him most every time to have beer with him.He had expected Nightwalker to be a middle aged woman, probably in her late thirties or something, but this woman stepped into light. She wasn't old, she was gracing with beauty.Her chestnut brown hair was wired into the nape of her neck, her sliding sapphire blue earrings seemed to dazzle right above her ear, her strapped blue jeans and her white crop-top, his eyes fixated around her.Her smirk was dangerous, leaning into her lips, her face so angelic, she walked closer, and then noticed she was wearing
Nicole sprawled out of bed, inhaling the sweet scent of Xander, she stared at the other side of his bed, he wasn't there. He was probably training, she pushed her legs into her slippers, standing up from the bed.Her phone chimed loudly, groaning, she placed it between her ears."Hello?""Someone's grumpy today."Another groan. "Emily?" She rasped her throat, her eyes growing bulgy, "What's up?""How are you enjoying your time in Italy?" She winked, even though Nicole couldn't see it. She could feel it. "The city of love?""Pretty sure it was Paris that's the city of love, not Italy." Nicole rolled her eyes, before walking towards the window, the phone still pressed against her ear. "Whatever, so Father wants to ensure that you are working in Italy, so he sent Azura here.""What?" Nicole felt her throat getting dry."Yep, gotta go, Azura will be in Italy soon, and don't forget to smooch that husband of yours.""Pretty sure it's kisses." Nicole shook her head, something about her sis
Xander followed her into the bedroom, his gaze watching the way her shoes met with the floor, so astonishing, he had never seen this type of confidence before.She was a freaking goddess, and when she came into the room, she finally breathed out, calming her breath. She tilted her head to see Xander Castillo right there, standing beside the door, his gaze struck firmly to her body.Gosh, he wasn't supposed to admire her damn boldness, he was supposed to dislike her, that was what he had done for pretty much all his life, despise her."Why do you want to stay?" Another thing for him to be angry at her, like what the hell? When she said those words, his plan of getting out of this shitty dungeon was bursted, and Nicole Hart did this, the woman ruined things for him, she made him feel lay down.She stepped back, swiping her hair to the other side of her neck- Was it even dark or brown? He couldn't tell.She bounced on the bed, kicking away her shoes until it landed far away to the other
"There are some rules you have to know if you want to live with me." He was explaining while standing beside the bed, countless of times, he took a peek at her, but she was staring at her little sister instead, showing her around the room."First, don't walk around naked. I know." She sighed, her hand still wrapped against her younger's sister.He widened in eyes in surprise- rather than shock because he had been planning that all his life, for one girl to just step in and say nope, not happening.He wondered, was this the lady he presumed to be Nicole's secretary, the woman who acted all professional and hardworking, was finally telling him not to walk naked around the room.He couldn't pinpoint, but as soon as she stepped in, the smell of fresh strawberries hit him extremely hard. It was official, they were going to be roommates.Should he say something right now?"Nice that you are here." He finally said, slicing the silence. "What's your name?" He took a peek at the little girl wh
At night, Lucas was already at the bar across town. He was sitting there, rimming his hands against the table slowly, even when the waitress had come to him and asked him what he wanted, he said water was just fine.And, now, staring at the cup filled with water, he felt even his throat dry, for the first time in his life, he didn't know what to do. Nightwalker already attacked the were-house even when he told her not to.She disobeyed him even when they made a promise. Last time she kissed him, what was he even thinking about kissing her back?Oh shit. He ran his hands along his hair giving a silent grunt."Did someone miss me already?" He recognized that voice from anywhere, gazing higher, he saw that face he already imagined for days.She gave him a silent grin, before flopping herself into the chair. He took a while to study her features, her chestnut hair was tied into a bun even though it hid under a scarf. Her lips were perfectly moist, and what in the hell was he thinking?Rig
Nicole didn't know whether she woke up well, for instance, her back didn't ache, and her bones were perfectly okay, just like what her mother always says.Speaking of her mother, it has been long since she heard her mother's soothing and calming voice. She propped her laptop, and clicked video call to her mother's and Aunt's Nova contact.The screen split into two showcasing her mother, Natasha wearing a scarf, or was it a hat? And Aunt Nova, her mother's best friend sipping something that couldn't be described as coke."Niccy! Good morning." Aunt Nova's voice rang in her ears. "I still don't get why you are calling at 4am." Nicole could see Aunt Nova, leaning against the counter, her hands supporting her laptop, while she sipped her coke or was it coffee?"Time difference," Nicole grunted, well, damn that."Oh. Dear." Her mother squeezed her face in worry, "How's Italy over there? I hope they aren't stressing my cutie pie." Nicole loved her mother, sweet and dedicated.She also love
"So, are you sure that Nightwalker won't disturb us anymore, according to your words, you said you would take care of her." It was a norm for Xander and Lucas to talk about work while drinking a mug of hot cocoa, while trampling down the hall.Lucas appeared defeated. There was something the latter wasn't telling him, he wanted to know, but he didn't press further, he would just find out himself."Yes." His voice shook."Okay." Xander lifted the mug over to his lips, before sipping, his eyes darkening, "Where's my father?""He's out busy, he hasn't been in since yesterday,"Xander sighed heavily, his mother had been pestering him with calls he didn't pick, which he would receive an amount of scolding for, and finally texts messages he left as seen. He was as good as dead."Did my mother sent you those messages too?" Xander glanced at his right hand man.The latter nodded while flipping the notebook in his hand. Great, we are both in hell together.He would just give his mother a call
Morning arrived far earlier than Nicole thought, she groaned into her pillow, shutting her eyes away from the light that had blinded her, last night, when she hopped into bed in her undergarments. She had wished for Xander to join her so they could talk.It's surprising how she, Nicole Hart, wanted to actually talk with Xander Castillo, not flirting, just talking. Natural talking, but he said he had somewhere to be, she couldn't forget the disappointment that panged her heart when he left her alone.She had stared up at the ceiling before she finally closed her eyes to the web of sleep, now she was awoken and wondering how she would start her day.The door pushed open and a maid trolled in, her face white as morning, "Young Mistress, I already picked out your clothes for the morning, also. I picked the hairstyle you would like to braid."Nicole threw the sheets over her body, before her feet touched the ground, she faced the maid and said bluntly. "Pick a shirt and a trouser for me, I
Nicole's hand flicked towards the pages, she stared at the type-written words on the paper, it didn't seem to fascinate her one bit.She was on the swing in the garden, inhaling the fresh smell of flowers. Her mind darted around.Xander. She almost scoffed at the perspective, he didn't trust her, yet after everything they had shared. He didn't fucking trust her.She snapped the crisp book shut before bobbing out of the swing, she was thirsty, so she headed towards the kitchen.After taking out a bottle of water, she walked towards the dining room. Xander's father was there. His hands skimming through a book, she thought of going, but when he eyes met her. He said simply."Come and sit."She took a seat as instructed, and peeled open the bottle of water.He chuckled lightly, staring at her. "You look so much like your father. Those gray eyes are always watching me, like he was trying to read me." He snapped the book shut. "That's what you are doing too.""Oh." She hadn't even realized,
Zane's shoe huffed on the floor hurriedly, as he passed by the halls, something unsettling was deep down in the pit of his stomach, it twisted his gut. He had felt that sickening feeling years ago when he knew something was going to happen.Because he knew. The past was almost resurfacing itself into the present and down unto the future. Lucas had informed him of the letter, now. He had tons of worries to do.He spread out his jacket and threw it on the rack, his heavy breathing constantly telling him it was going to be okay.It wasn't, because his mind was distorted and then- He heard a string that made him pause in his steps.Not a string, music. Calm, gentle playing of the keyboard, he was astounded, no one played the keyboard that well, he traced the music to the room. The oak door stared back at him, without knowing, he pushed it gently.The person behind the large keyboard didn't look up, it was as though he wasn't even there. Azura was concentrated on the keyboard, her hands mo
"I must say, darling. You look absolutely splendid today. What's the occasion?" Camilla said as she spread jam over her toast.Xander studied his wife from under his lashes, a faint blush appeared in the base of her neck, she was dressed in a white turtle neck top with jeans, her hair was braided, he could almost see the brown curls tucked neatly behind her ears.He wanted to devour her, to undress her, to run his fingers through her soft silk skin, memories of last night torment him, he wanted to do it again, and again, and gosh, those lips. He just wanted to-"Xander." His mother looked at him worriedly as if to tell him to get his shit together, apparently she had just said something, and he wasn't listening. Breakfast with his mother never tended well.Lucas was minding his own food, something about his demeanor was different. He was quiet, unusually quiet. His dark hair styled behind his ears. His dark eyes fixated on the food. Azura ate her food quietly. Zane, Xavier and his fat
When Xander arrived in Italy, night had stretched far, he could hear the owl's peaceful music, hooting through his own ears. He said goodnight to Lucas in the hallways, and walked along the halls.It was eerily quiet, he passed the doors as he walked, his breathing whisking, in any minute from now, he was going to see Nicole. Her peaceful face- maybe, her angry face.He stood in front of the door. Here goes nothing: He pushed, the room was exactly how he had left it a week ago, the sheets were arranged, and on it was Nicole in the shortest nightgown.His throat bobbed. He walked towards her slowly, afraid that each step would wake her up, careful.Damn careful.He sat on the bed, her lashes curled together perfectly, her head struck on the pillow.She was marvelous even when she slept.Her eyes bobbed open, "Took you a while."His lips stretched into a smirk.__Nicole sat up straight, staring deep into his eyes, she could spot the circles under his eyes, his tired shoulders."You sho
Xander breathed heavily, he was feeling feverish, mainly because he wanted to be home right now, Nicole. It's been a week, and he hasn't even stepped foot into the manor. She hasn't called, nor text, nor even...His expression was still gruff when Lucas stepped into the office. In just a few days, he was back in New York, when Lucas had told him what happened, they flew together to New York to meet Kane in his office."This is not funny." Xander grinded his teeth, his demeanor changing, stiff as a rock, just the way they nicknamed him, "She's completely burnt half of my were-houses here in New York, and that note. She's playing with me." His hands fisted, his eyes growing red. Damn, he could literally hurt someone right now.His breath grew ragged.Kane stared at him from under his lashes, Xander had got to admit: His friend was looking quite like any normal guy, there wasn't any bottle of whiskey lying on his table, and his papers seemed arranged. His office even smelt of women's per
There's a rapt knock on the door, so gentle, and then a warm voice follows. "Breakfast is ready,"Xander was the first to flutter awake, his lashes pushed themselves open. Light brimmed into his face, the familiarity of his bedroom hit him hard, and that's when he knew, his hands were entangled over a waist.He gazed at his other side.She was sleeping. Do people sleep and look so beautiful while asleep? Because, this was Nicole Hart, and she slept so beautifully. Her lashes were arranged in order, he studied her, the gentle breathing that escaped her nostrils.He could do this all day: she looked so calm in her sleep, like nothing was her concern. He stirred from the bed, headed to the bathroom, and after his morning routine, he headed to the kitchen. It was eerily quiet, a maid had told him that the family just had breakfast, and thank goodness. He walked over to the pan, standing beside the kitchen."Young master. What are you doing?" A young maid rushed over to him, her eyes almo
As Nicole stared at the phone in her hand, her heart tugged with something unknown."Let me guess." Ryder said dryly, "That's your husband."Nicole tucked her phone elsewhere. "Sometimes, you just have to remind me to blow your nose.""You funny me. You know that, Nicole?" He said, jerking from his chair, before mimicking a teenager's voice, "Go on. Meet your crush."She mouthed a 'Fuck you,' before walking out of the bar, the air blew her hair brightly, making it seem like she was coming out of a photoshoot, and he was right there, dressed in black, leaning against his car. Here goes nothing.Holding her chin up, she strutted towards him, "Xander."He looked down at her, and she swore she saw the tiniest of smiles hiding right there behind his lips, and damn. He was gorgeous whenever he smiled like that."Nicole. Get in the car." "What's happening?" She gazed around, why was he here?"Just get in the car." He raised his hands up in the air. "Please.""Oh my God, fine." Nicole gasped
Nicole stared at the blank screen for quite a long time, she tried to figure out what went wrong, but here she was, for what seemed like hours, she couldn't even bring herself to work.This was getting annoying, she pushed away her work glasses from the rim of her nose and placed them on the table. Xander's father had been really considerate and had even found her a space in the manor for her office. She had set her laptop, a desk and chair, in a room filled with books."Nothing?" Azura said, walking towards her, balancing two cups of coffee on her hand.Nicole blinked. "I think so." She accepted the cup from Azura's hand, and sipped. "I don't know what my father would think if he knew I am not working. He would drag my ass from here and get me to work back in New York."Azura offered her a pitiful smile, "Your father loves you."They did love her. Today Azura was looking good in her office blazer and skirt, even though Nicole told her not to dress like that, she still did. They were