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Brandon isn’t on his side of the bed when I wake up. He isn’t anywhere in the penthouse, either. The restlessness I feel heightens more from last night’s conversation, knowing it ended in a complete misunderstanding.He would misinterpret everything. That was a given, I admit it. I can’t tell him everything because I’m afraid of losing him.He’d think I’m dirty if he knew about Drake and me. I’m not proud of what I did, especially if it concerns Drake.Leaving only a small note on the breakfast tray, I know Brandon has already left for New York before I even look at the notice."Don’t stay out late"I crumple the paper and toss it away. I’m not upset that Brandon left me a message on a note, but I’m mad at myself. I could’ve tried to talk to him more when I felt the bed move last night. I wasn’t able to sleep. I should have been more open.I just couldn’t.I’m such a coward.And he even prepared breakfast for me. I was supposed to do this for him.Crying, I eat the food on the tray. I
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I joined Dennis and Rexy after we closed the restaurant. John, as expected, follows us to the bar, and Rexy can’t stop asking about my bodyguard already. Of course, I can’t explain that because I’d have to tell them the reason.Although, I basically end up spilling everything to my friends, minus the complicated drama.“So, your ex-boyfriend found you after so many years, and your current boyfriend finds out about him only recently. You fought, and this morning he left without even letting you know.”“I know he’s leaving today, but he left without even talking to me,” I explain as we make our way to the bar.“Is your ex someone you can’t forget and still have feelings for?” Rexy asks.“I don’t have feelings for him,” I answer without hesitation.“Then what’s the problem?” Dennis asks, taking a drink of his cocktail.“The ex is pursuing her again,” Rexy concludes.“You can just ignore him until he stops,” Dennis offers.“That’s the problem. This is only the beginning. He won’t stop,” I
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“You didn’t have to go through that by yourself. As you have said, it’s all in the past. I think it’s time to tell your boyfriend. He doesn’t really love you if he leaves you because of this. Don’t you think so?” Rexy says positively, and her gaze doesn’t falter. She looks at me like everything is completely normal.Brandon loves me. I know that for sure.“Or maybe I’m afraid because I’m ashamed of what we did. I’m ashamed that I’m not good enough for him.”“That’s a lack of self-confidence coming from you, Alayna,” Dennis remarks. “And you are not that type of person.” He gives me a half-smile.Rexy hooks her arm around my shoulder. “You know, I was shocked, but it’s okay. You were the victim here.”I guess it wouldn’t be that bad if I’d be honest. If my friends could be open-minded about my past, Brandon could do the same, right? He always had before. Why would he stop now?“That’s—” I inhale plenty of air, “—reassuring.”“We all need a friend sometimes. You can’t keep something lik
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As usual, Mom is waiting for me in the living room. I didn’t have the chance to call her last night, but I didn’t hear from her either.I now know the reason.Arianna jumps at me and squeezes me against her. Jason stands up as well, slipping his hands in his pocket.“A!” I hug her back. “Why didn’t you tell me you were coming back?”“We wanted to surprise you!” She releases me, smiling. “We’ve missed you, Laynie!”“You have some explaining to do, young lady,” Mom says to me. “But I’m still preparing Jason’s bed, so I’ll leave you here. Arianna, you can sleep in Laynie’s room.”“Just like the old times.” Arianna smiles with glee. “Thanks, Mom. We’re good here.”We slump on the couch and can’t stop looking at each other’s faces. “It’s been tough, isn’t it?” I say.“I should be the one saying that. Brandon sent us. Drake is bothering you, isn’t he? We were worried,” Arianna reveals.“I’m fine. He hasn’t done anything. We actually just met again.” I look at Jason, remembering Drake’s advi
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“So, care to tell me what’s going on?” she asks as Jason walks away from us.“I’ve never shared this with anyone before.” I press my lips. “I can’t even see myself recalling that nightmare, so I wanted to tell Brandon first.”Her shoulders relax, and she touches my face. “It’s okay. How about you tell me about your unfortunate reunion with Drake?”“It was… a disaster.” I give in. “He paraded himself in front of Brandon, and he showed up today, and he will again, I’m sure. He’s not going to stop, A.”“He’s obsessed with you, I know. We didn’t know what was going on, but there wasn’t a day that passed that he didn’t mention you.” Her face turned concerned. “At first, I thought he just loved you so much, until Chris noticed something was wrong. He hurt you, Laynie. That was one thing Jason and I knew, but I didn’t know there was more to it, whatever it was.”And I hate that after everything the devil did to me, whenever he was near, I found myself submitting. “I don’t know how Brandon wi
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“Welcome home!” I greet with a broad smile when Brandon steps into his penthouse. Behind him is Oliver, accompanied by a gorgeous honey-blonde-haired woman, I assumed his fiancée, and Cassius, who looks as stylish as ever. However, I am much more delighted when Casey appears.“Case!” I scream.“Alayna!” Her eyes widen, dropping her suitcase and running towards me. She squeezes me against her. “Oh my God, it’s really you! I’ve missed you goddamn much.”I sob on her shoulder. “You’re here!”“Of course, I wouldn’t miss this vacation Brandon offered me as soon as he called two days ago!” She releases me but holds my face and stares at me. “You still look so anxious. Damn, are you still getting enough sleep?”“Of course I am!” I chuckle.“You better be. I’m so worried about you!” Casey shakes her head. “I heard about it, you know. How are you?”“I’m fine. Especially when you’re all here now.” I look at everyone’s faces. My gaze stops at Brandon, watching us with a blank expression. God, it
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Arianna has already set the table when we come to the kitchen. We prepared an entire course of French dinner tonight since I assumed everyone wanted something else. I’ve always cooked Italian at the restaurant, and I’d always love to try something new.Brandon quietly sits at the head of the table, and I settle on his right side, so I’ll be close to the prep area and if he wants me to get something else.I ask Arianna to sit with me because I don’t wish to be more awkward, and having her here and Casey makes me feel less anxious.We silently start putting food on our plates and then begin the feast. It also doesn’t help the tension with Arianna since she sits across from Cassius, so I opened up a subject.“Guys, um, how’s the dinner?” I ask.“Delicious as always.” Ollie smiles at me as he chews, then takes another bite. “And you’ve improved even more.”“We made seventeen percent more of our monthly proceeds in the restaurant, Ollie,” I inform proudly. “And more patrons for us.”“Wow.”
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“Hey, Mom. I won’t be home tonight, and Arianna, of course. She’s with me,” I say on the phone, with Brandon watching me while standing by his bedroom window.“Even without your sister, I know you’d be there,” she points, then puffs a sharp breath. “Darling, I know you like that man, but I’d like you to be extra careful.”I look up at Brandon’s dead serious expression. “I understand where you’re coming from, but I’m okay. More than okay. Can you trust me?”“I trust you, of course. I’m just being cautious,” she mumbles.“Mom, he’s not the guy you should be concerned about,” Jason speaks from the other line. “You should be more concerned about me.” He chuckles pleasantly. “But seriously, give them a chance. Laynie knows more of what she’s doing than the rest of us. Plus, Brandon Lucien is super-rich.”“Jason! You know I don’t care about any of those as long as she is happy!” Mom scolds.“I am happy,” I declare without hesitation. “That’s all that matters, right?”I see a little gleam in
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BRANDON They said nothing lasts forever, but that phrase might not be entirely true. Yes, I’ve lived a wretched life in the past. I was driven by guilt, anger, and revenge for as long as I could remember. I couldn’t do anything because I thought I was weak. I thought it was how I was going to die. Hopeless and a failure. Until she came into my life and changed everything. Alayna turned my world upside down and showed me a different side of reality I hadn’t yet seen. She made me realize it wasn’t too late to hope or win—the exact opposite of what I had lived for all along. For when I was hopeless, she showed me hope. I felt despair; she granted me peace. I thought I had more guilt than anyone else in the world, but she gave me her love. With her, my journey truly begins. Our marriage. My forever. We should enjoy every second of it now in a summer townhouse resort in Varkiza, one of the estates we owned in Athens. I am now tangling my wife’s hair as she devours my shaft by the
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I walk them to the end of the venue, greeting the guests as we pass. Then I meet up with Cary and Stan by the garden’s exit. The twins step aside to introduce me to a man of nearly sixty—who did his best to appear formal with the suit I sent him. I immediately recognize the features of his face.The man opens his arms. “Brandon, my favorite boy…”I approach him immediately and briefly drape my arm around his shoulder. “Uncle Basil, you came.”“Of course. I won’t miss your special day.”“Um, hello?” Casey steps forward and joins in.“Ah, it must be you now. You’re Elysia,” Uncle Basil says. I step back, giving them space.Casey blushes. “I go with a different name now, um… but…”“No, you are Elysia. Elga’s younger sister. I held you as a baby.” He smiles in awe. “You look so much like your brother and your father—Oh!”Casey instantly embraces him. “Brandon said you look like him too.”Our uncle nods, stroking her back. “I’m sorry for what happened to you, child.”She snivels. “I alread
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BRANDON“I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride…”My wife selected a garden house by the beach in East Hampton for our wedding. Her dream wedding. She looked exceptionally royal in her white long trail wedding dress today. Omar did a remarkable job, as usual. I honestly can’t wait for this celebration to end, so I can finally have my wife for myself.Alayna wanted an intimate celebration with our families, but some press always finds a way to invite themselves. At least a hundred people are present today to witness our most awaited union compared to the five hundred who attended our engagement party.My beautiful wife is now in my arms, having our first dance as a married couple.“Hello, husband. You look very handsome.” She traces the line of my suit with her fingertips, and the diamond wrap around her finger flickers.“You look like I’m ready to eat you.”She giggles, and I always love the sound of it. “Behave,” she says, but her smile says otherwise.I raise a
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ALAYNAOne week later“Senator Donovan Mallory is arrested for child trafficking, distributing child pornography, and the murder of Dr. Richard Hart, the former chair of Lifeline Foundation. The trial for his case will begin in two weeks…”The report switches the frame over to a desperate old man being hauled by the cops.“Let me go! This is not over yet! The mayor of Seattle is mentally sick! Do you hear me? I cannot accept this! He is lying!” he yells over the reporters surrounding him in front of the courthouse.“This is Luis Crawford from AAC News, reporting.”Cassius shuts off the news. We are now gathered in the living room, silently waiting for someone to speak.Last week, Cassius and Carmelo visited the senator to let him know Drake abducted me, but he only chased them away and denied his son. He told them he had no business in Drake’s escapades. However, during Drake’s interview, he disclosed everything he knew about his father and apologized to me in public.“Drake didn’t me
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Brandon returns with a bare torso, flaunting his delicious abs and toned muscles. He’s changed into gray sweatpants. I watch him turn off some lights, raise the thermostat, and turn the stereo on.“Get onto the bed and lie down,” he says while heading toward me.We now have pleasant room temperature, dim, romantic lights, and a mellow piece of music.Okay. I’m not getting dressed then.I slide my buttocks along the bed’s cushion and move over the middle. I swallow dryly.Brandon crawls on the bed. Gradually, he positions himself on top of me and snatches off my robe.“Let me just remind you…” he whispers. “You asked for this. You’re too persistent that I have to do something about it.” He pushes himself up then yanks down his pants and boxers without breaking eye contact. His erect shaft swells up.No matter how many times I see him in this state, I just can’t get enough. Everything about him is just too beautiful. At times, I find him hard to handle.He lowers himself again. “Spread
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ALAYNAMy body aches everywhere, but I stiffen. It hurts too much to move.I’m still alive.Right, yes. I remembered being saved, and I saw Oliver’s face. He told me Brandon came.Around me, I smell antiseptic and undertones of the artificial fragrance. Judging by the scent of my surroundings, I’m aware of where I am. Bit by bit, I blink my eyes and try to open them.My beautiful man’s face is the first thing I see.“Hi…”He kisses my knuckles and brings my palm to his face. “Hey.”I force a smile. “I love you.”His eyes redden and start to swell. “I love you too.”“Oh, don’t cry. I can still feel my limbs—no broken bones. No sign of permanent damage,” I manage a joke, chuckling.“Don’t,” he says gruffly. “You scared me back there.”I grunt, adjusting my back. “But you saved me. Like always. What is it about restrooms? Dangerous place.”“Very.” He frowns hard, remembering the past. “Back then, it was different. Next time, you don’t leave alone, okay?”I nod. “Next time.” I brush away
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BRANDONReporters disperse in front of the hospital when I arrive after a call from Oliver, but I’m more anxious about Alayna’s state. What did this son of a bitch do to her? I still have no idea what happened because Ollie and Stan don’t have time to explain everything.I break through the crowd that won’t let us pass. Some reporters ask about me, that fucker Drake, and his crime, but most are random; I can’t understand them. My mind is somewhere else to even try to fucking understand, so I couldn’t care less. I need to see my fiancée right away.“Just keep going. I’m right behind you,” Jason instructs, then he and some security block the reporters and let me through.“We are not answering questions for now, please. Give my family some privacy!” he yells, and his voice trails off as I go further.Oliver is impatiently treading back and forth in front of the emergency room while on the phone. Stan, on the other hand, is sitting quietly on the bench as if in deep thought.“Oliver. Stan
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ALAYNAI have fallen asleep on the couch. It’s already morning. I’m not in my bed, nor Brandon’s penthouse, but in an unfamiliar room somewhere in Wichita. It turns out I’m not dreaming. The devil who’s asleep on the bed right now really kidnapped me.He’s sleeping! Maybe I can get away…I cover my mouth from squealing at the possible opportunity to get away from Drake.I take light steps toward the bed to make sure he’s unconscious. Drake’s forehead is wrinkled, and exhaustion is marked on the lines of his face. He must be unsettled with all this bullshit he got himself into, but he’s clearly tired because no matter how difficult the nightmares are, he doesn’t wake. I know because I’ve seen him in this state in the past. Whenever he was anxious, he’d just sleep it out.I instantly think of making a call, so I need a phone. Brandon has to know where I am. So bravely, I sneak back to the living room and open Drake’s stuff. I dig inside his suitcase to look for his phone and money. I ne
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I knock on the door of an old townhouse, then a dark-blonde-haired woman appears at the door. She smiles when she sees us, but the bliss on her face quickly fades and turns into confusion.“Jason?” she says.Jason frowns. “Mariel?”“You know her?” I ask him.“Yes, she’s in the gang with me. I mean, was. Mariel Miller. What are you doing here?”The woman’s face turns red. “I don’t know why you’re here, but you need to leave.” She glances at me but then attempts to shut the door. However, Jason is swift. He shoves himself to the door and steps inside.“Mariel. I am asking you a question. Why are you here?” Jason questions as he steps further. I follow him.“She’s his sister. The twins found out in the family records,” I say. I see quite a resemblance.Jason nods, then shifts his attention back to the woman. “Where is Drake, Mariel?”She steps back. “He’s not here.”“But you’re expecting him.”She doesn’t answer.“You vanished, and now you’re here? You’re Drake’s sister?”She nods.Jason
