[KHALI]
“You’re changing,” Jey muttered. I shot her a questioning look as my hands fumbled with the cards.
“Changing? What do you mean?” I asked.
“I think Jane has a good influence on you,” she didn’t answer my question yet struck me again with her confusing statement.
"I'm not sure what you're on about. So, is she okay?” I replied, trying to maintain a casual demeanor in order to avoid additional probing by my best friend. When she got back to my flat, that was the first thing she said to me; that I’m changing. I'm not sure what she and Jane talked about, but it gives me the creeps.
“I would be lying if I tell you that she’s fine,” I paused from shuffling the cards and stared at her, expecting her to continue. I know she’s not fine, and I think I'm the one to blame.
"What have you been up to this time? Jane is my friend; you can’t do that to her,” she scolded, and I simply averted my gaze. I sighed and cli
[JANE] I tried to hide my flushed cheeks from her. Her words totally embarrassed me, and I couldn’t look at her until I felt her face leaning near my ear again. "That dress looks good on you," my heart fluttered with her compliment, and I couldn't help but bite my lip to suppress my growing smile. This is so weird. Why is she doing this? I inhaled silently and breathed out to calm myself. "Thank you," I finally managed to say. I was expecting her to tease me even more, assuming her compliment wasn't real, but all I heard was silence. "Where is the arrogant Khali Luciano? What did you do to her?" I half jested. Part of me wants to know why she is acting this way. Why is she teasing me? And then complimented me, making my heart flutter, but then she didn’t want me to
[KHALI] Jane asked for a week to make her decision before signing the contract, and I agreed with it. I know this set-up is unusual for her, so it's only fair to allow her ample time to prepare, but it's been about a week, and I haven't heard from her. I decided to call her phone just to see whether she had made up her mind about accepting the contract. Honestly, this isn’t something she can just refuse since her life is on the line. I started to call her phone, but it only directed me to the network operator. Did she change her number? I tried again but received no response. My mind questioned aloud where she was. I hate overthinking things, so I asked Jey for help in contacting Jane. I'm not sure whether she ever blocked my phone number, but it’s absurd if she did. “Dude, can you call Jane’s number? I couldn’t reach her,” I told Jey as soon as she answered my call. “Why? Did anything happen?” Of course, it’s natural for Jey to ask. She’s a person full of curiosity and suspicio
[JANE] ~Flashback~ "Tell me this isn't happening," I huffed on my seat as my dad just told me on the phone that I have to go on a 5-day business trip in Thailand tomorrow. Attending a business meeting is fine for me, but if Nicholas will go with me, and we're going to stay there for 5 days, that will be a big NO for me. There’s no way I can stay there with him. "Girl, what's up? I just got back from Hawaii, and you're in distress again?” Reese Posie flashed me a look of concern after I talked with my dad on the phone. "My dad asked me to go on a business trip with Nicholas to Thailand,” I said, propping the side of my face on the palm of my left hand while my elbow was placed on the desk for support. I glanced at Reese with a dejected expression on my face. "Is this a crucial business meeting?" Reese inquired, pulling the dolphin key chain from her small pouch and wiggling it in front of me. "Look, I got your dolphin key chain! And it's a pink one, just like what you wanted," sh
[JANE] I'm completely exhausted and spent right now. We just met the new investor of our company and his name is Mr. Andrew Bufalino. He is the CEO of ND Telecom, Thailand's largest telecom company. My mind is worn out from constantly preventing myself from exploding during the meeting. We didn't talk about business at all, and I didn't even get to speak for the entire time. Nicholas was the only one who was speaking. They were discussing golf, girls, vices, and everything else that wasn't related to our business. We'll have another meeting tomorrow, and they'll take us on a tour of the company so we can meet the board members. At the very least, I have something to look forward to, for if my presence here is all for the show, I swear to God, I will literally cut Nicholas' throat. "It's nice meeting you, Jane. I'm looking forward to you and Nicholas's wedding," my brows automatically furrowed with what he said, and the idea of me marrying Nicholas disgusted me so much. I glared at
[JANE] "You fucking asshole!” I heard her voice. I tilted my head, and I saw her. Khali! She punched Nicholas in the face repeatedly, which made him stumble on the floor. "Jane, let's go!” She grabbed my hand and dragged me out of the room, sprinting down the hallway. It happened far too quickly that it was hard for me to process everything. Why is she here? How did she figure out where I was? I just let her drag me to the elevator and quickly closed it. Nicholas was shouting and coming after us, but he was already late, and the elevator door had already closed. I just stared blankly at the elevator door. Khali was panting beside me. I gulped and felt as if my adrenaline had been depleted. My knees felt weak and started to tremble, but Khali was quick to catch me in her arms. I felt my tears pouring down my cheeks again. Khali stroked my hair as she drew me closer and hugged me tightly. "I'm here. Don't worry. I'll protect you," I heard her murmur. I didn't speak. I just cried
[KHALI] "So, she's the kitten?” My dad asked as I went downstairs. I know he's curious and surely astonished seeing me with a girl since I never introduced any girl to them after Carmine left me. "Yes, dad. She's Jane Terranova, the CEO of JT Telecom," I muttered. "JT Telecom?” My dad questioned as he peered over his glasses at me. I grabbed a sandwich that our house helper had made and bit into it. "Yes, sounds familiar to you?” I asked inquisitively as I swallowed the sandwich. "What a coincidence, I suppose. I think she's the person I'll be meeting tomorrow. Remember when I told you that I'll be representing Mr. Bufalino tomorrow? But I don't understand; why did you bring her here looking like that? Did something happen?" I was surprised by what my father said. What a total coincidence indeed. I guess fate truly goes with me this time. I smirked, finished the sandwich, and grinned at my dad in amazement at what he had said. "I saved her from the perverted asshole. Dad, can
[JANE] "I'm not capable of caring and loving someone, Jane. I'm sorry, but this is me," she said. That hurts. That fucking hurts. My tears were about to fall, but I swallowed the lump in my throat to stop my tears. Please don’t cry. I repeatedly told myself. I can’t break down this time. I can’t let her see that I’m hurting. I need to pretend that this doesn't affect me. My tongue slid on my lips, and I heaved a deep sigh. When I felt my tears halt falling. I mustered all my courage to turn around. I forced an arrogant grin and looked straight at her. "Good, because I don't want to fall for you, too," I managed to utter. She was silent for a while. I didn't let her see the pain inside me. I can pull this off. After a few seconds of silence, she spoke. "Then sign the contract." "Okay," I immediately answered. Since this is what we both wanted in the first place, there is nothing else I can do. She proved that she’s capable to protect me and my company. At least, I can hold on to t
[JANE] By the time I left the dining area, Khali and Mr. Luciano weren’t in the living room anymore. I went upstairs to look for Khali, but all I found was a phone and a note on the bed. . . I got you a new phone in case you need to contact someone - From Khali . . I just found myself smiling with her thoughtfulness. Even if she constantly lets me know that she’s not hearts and flowers kind of person, her actions nevertheless make my heart flutter. There’s really something wrong with me? Why am I attracted to a person who has a commitment issue? Not to mention a person who is a possible sadist and likes to boss me around. I just rolled my eyes on myself and shook my head. “You’re really crazy for this, Jane,” I murmured to myself. I opened the phone and started to look through the contacts. It’s funny that it already has Khali’s number and is already on my speed dial. I have a guess that she might be possessive at some point, but I’m not complaining. I noticed that she got th
[JANE]A week passed after the incident happened. For me, the last two years have been a roller coaster journey. I never thought my life would change after I met Khali. My life had turned upside down, but I have never regretted it because I met the most amazing person in my life.I felt a pair of soft lips kissing my cheek as I opened my eyes. My favorite set of brown eyes was staring at me lovingly.“Good morning,” she whispered and gave me a peck on the lips this time. I found myself smiling unconsciously. I could get used to this, waking up with her by my side. This is the life I could always wish for, and now, I’m living with it.I wrapped my arms around her torso and leaned my head on her chest. I don’t want to get up yet. I just want us to stay like this for a little while. She kissed the top of my head and brushed my hair, making me feel sleepy once again, but before I could drift into sleep, she
[KHALI] As soon as we walked in, the suite seemed warm and inviting. I wasn't exhausted earlier, but the instant I saw our bed, it felt so tempting that I wanted to take a nap for a while. However, I can’t do that as I have to call my dad and inform him what had happened today. I need to know who the mysterious sniper was because I have a feeling that he’ll come after us. If the sniper knows where we are, hiding in this hotel won't help, and I still don't know his face. Jane was already settled on our bed, and it made me somehow feel at ease that she could finally rest. I'm well aware that I've put her in a difficult situation, and a part of me still feels responsible for risking her life. “You can take a rest. I'll just talk to dad,” I told Jane who just nodded in response. I smiled and kissed her on the forehead. As I headed back to the living room of the suite, so many things were running in my mind. I tri
[KHALI] A loud gunshot roared in the middle of our conversation. I was trying to calm Carmine down, who had a slew of bombs strapped to her body, ready to detonate at any moment. I couldn’t risk everyone’s safety in here. The gunshot, however, did not come from our side. I didn't give the order to kill Carmine. I was about to go near her when the sniper aimed near my foot. I couldn’t get the detonator from her. It seems like the sniper was preventing me to do so. Carmine was shot in the head. She collapsed like a log, and I couldn’t do anything at all. I looked around to see where the sniper was hiding. The bullet definitely came from behind from where Carmine was standing earlier. “Find the sniper!” I yelled. Carmine was already lying on the ground, lifeless. Another gunshot echoed in the field, and one of my subordinates was shot dead. Shit! I’m certain that the sniper wants us all dead. I ran inside the house to find Jane. We need to survi
[JANE]“You stay here. I’ll have to deal with her,” she told me before she pulled her gun and went out of the room. I was apprehensive about what was about to happen. It came as a shock to me to know that Carmine has a son, and Nicholas is probably the father. As much as I want her to pay for all the bad things she’d done, her child has nothing to do with it. The child shouldn’t suffer for what his mother did.I just stayed inside the room and waited for Khali to come back. I’ve been imagining things in my head that maybe Khali already killed Carmine, yet I haven’t heard any gunshots. I took my phone out to see if any of my friends texted or called me. I felt worried about Reese since she told me she was heading to Paris to see me, but I hadn't informed her I was already with Khali. What if Carmine’s underlings got her?I won’t be able to forgive myself if something happens to her. I sighed a
[KHALI]“She doesn’t want to negotiate,” Teddy said over the phone a few hours after I asked him to communicate with Carmine. I heaved a sigh and gulped. I have to try for one last time.“Direct me to her line; I’ll talk to her,” I told Teddy. This will be the last time I’ll negotiate with her. I’ve been planning this for a long time, and I thought of using this plan when there’s no other way to reach an agreement with her.“Alright, I’m dialing her number,” Teddy remarked. After a few moments of silence, I heard the other line ring. There’s a static noise in the background, and finally, she answered.“I said, I don’t want to negotiate. It’s either I die, or she dies!” I heard her voice at the end of the line. I scoffed and laughed cynically.“If you prolong this, you’ll lose everything. Are you that insane enough
[KHALI] I almost regret agreeing to punish her. I was worried she'd hate me again once she woke up. But then she's mumbling my name, saying "I love you" over and over. Hearing such words from her made my heart leap with delight. She meant it. She meant it when she said she loves me and accepts me wholeheartedly. After I untied her wrists and ankles, I went beside her and scooped her in my arms. I never knew cuddling with her could make me feel contented and happy. She's the only person whom I wanted to spend my life with, and at that moment, it's as if everything fast-forwards. I could see myself with her in the future. I'll support whatever she wants to do in life as long as she's here with me. There's just one person I need to get rid of before I can feel at ease. I need to find Carmine and kill her. As long as she's alive, I can't guarantee Jane's safety. I won't be able to forgive myself if something bad would happen to Jane.
[JANE] “I want you to tie me up and punish me,” I told her, and I pulled her close to capture her lips again. I wanted to show her that I love her and I accept her; that rather than changing for me, she can embrace her flaws, and I will gladly accept her wholeheartedly. I understand that she told me not to tolerate her darker side, but I can’t deny that I needed the dominant Khali in my life. I’ve learned to love her sadistic side. There must be something wrong with me, but I couldn’t care less. I love her so much. I could sense a loud thumping of pulses in my ear, and I’m not sure if it’s hers or mine. She gasped for air and pulled away. She was panting as she looked at me. Her eyes were dark in lust, and I could tell I finally pulled her out, the Khali I’ve always loved. She took my hand in hers as she slid off the bed, leaving me seated on the edge. “Hold out your hand,” she ordered. She was looking intently at me as she to
[KHALI] This time, our roles were reversed. I looked for Carmine for days, but she was nowhere to be found. My subordinates were unable to locate her, but I'm not going to give up looking for her, and if I do, she’ll be dead. There's no other way to put an end to this game of hide and seek. Jane stayed on the ranch with me. When she's with me, the days pass by, and there was never a dull moment. It felt like a dream come true for me, having her in my arms when I wake up in the morning. It seemed unthinkable just a year ago, but now, I’m living my life with her. I went to the stable early in the morning. Checking on my horses has become a habit of mine. I named my favorite horse ‘Santiago’. Among the other horses, he is the most well-behaved and powerful. I was patting his head and brushing his long silky hair when I felt a pair of arms wrapped around my waist. I looked back, and there she is, the love of my life. She kissed my nape an
[JANE] I had a nice dream, but it faded the moment I opened my eyes. I was sure I heard someone speak those words.Was it all just a dream? Or did it actually happen? The sunshine streaming in through the window lit up the room where I was resting. Perhaps it wasn't a dream after all. I'm lying in an unfamiliar bed, in an unfamiliar room. I stared too long at the wooden ceiling before I decided to get up and bring my feet to the cold wooden floor. The atmosphere wasn't eerie or spooky. Since meeting Khali, I've grown accustomed to waking up in a different bed, in a different place.Oh, Khali! Where is she? My eyes were all over the place, and my feet brought me out of the room. Her warm gaze greeted me as soon as I opened the door. She's standing there with a tray of food in her hand, which I assumed she had prepared for me.Thoughtful. It wasn’t a dream. Maybe it happened. She u