Facing Brandon’s cold side reminds me of the first time I met him—the man I thought couldn’t be defied. Especially now.We’re sitting on what feels like miles apart in the backseat of his Mercedes without talking, but the tension between us is thick and palpable. I ache to reach out to him, run my fingers over his chest, embrace him, and ask him what I can do for him, but I’m afraid he will reject me.I watch the window quietly, wondering where we are going. A couple of minutes later, we stop by a towering building in the middle of the city. Brandon steps out of the car first and lets John open the door for me.“What are we going to do here, exactly?” I ask, but John doesn’t answer and lets me walk first. Brandon waits for me patiently and unexpectedly holds my hand possessively.“I want you to be on your best behavior today. Can I count on that?”I swallow dryly. “Yes. I think I can do that.”“Good.”When we walk to the building, several men in suits approach him immediately, and Bra
“Lydia,” Brandon greets the elderly woman standing at the villa’s front door with three attendants behind her.“I thought this wasn’t planned,” I remark, frowning at Brandon.“Alayna, it’s great to see you again,” she greets me first, smiling so sweetly, then answers my question, “Master Brandon called us only a few hours ago.”I hug her immediately. “I’ve missed you, too, Lydia! It’s been a long time.”She strokes my back before releasing me. “Very well. Dinner will be served shortly, but we’ve already prepared your room. I think you should rest first,” she suggests politely. “And if you need something else, just ask the maids.”“That’s all for now, Lydia. Thank you.” Brandon then grabs my hand. “Come.”“I’ll see you later.” I smile at Lydia.Brandon isn’t talking and is still tugging me along with him to the stairs, toward the room we used before. A lot has changed in the house. The bed is new, the furniture and lighting are brighter than before, and all curtains are open; I can see
I can understand his reaction to my recent admissions. I just disclosed how much Drake still affects me. If I put myself in his shoes, I’d probably be pissed at him too, or worse, I wouldn’t speak to him. I can imagine he still has some lingering feelings for Pauline or some ex-girlfriend from his past. But how Brandon handles matters like this is a surprise. I’m in disbelief about why he’s even still speaking to me.Though I feel he has different plans. He’s not the type to let this go, either.After he’s done with dinner, he wipes his mouth then glances at my plate. “Done?”“Yes.” I clean my mouth with a napkin as well.“Very well. Come.” He shifts to the side then springs up.I hesitate.“Alayna?” Brandon cocks his head then reaches out his palm, beckoning me to come to him. Eventually, I hold his hand, and he clasps his fingers with mine possessively.Great. Now, I have officially become a child, obeying everything he asks of me.Brandon takes me to the bedroom, pointing to the wh
No, I can’t do this with him. It is already too much to share a part of me that I tried so hard to bury—let alone relive it. I won’t survive it this time.“If I understand correctly, you want me to show how Drake ruined me? Is that what you want to say?” I say incredulously.Brandon nods. “Yes.”“You’re just as insane if you ask me to relive every terrible memory!” I point a finger. My insides burn, and I feel the heat around my neck.“I’m not trying to hurt you or force you, Alayna.”I shove his shoulder away and stand up. “I can’t believe you.” I embrace myself. “You, of all people, should understand what I’ve been going through. You went through hardships before. You knew how it felt, and you’re making me relive everything.” I snivel back my tears.Brandon’s presence moves behind me and grasps my arms. His fingertips softly press on my flesh. “It’s not like that,” he whispers. “I’m telling you now that it’s not.”He then presses a small kiss on my cheek, close to my ear, then down
“You and I are equals.” Brandon places my hands on his chest. “You’ll never have to do something against your will. Not with me. Do you hear me?”“I don’t understand. How can you accept me? After all that disgusting—” I gulp dryly.He cups my face. “You tried to save him, and he didn’t want to be saved. You saved me for who I was once too, and I wanted to be the one you’d be proud of. Now, do you like what I’m doing to you?”“Yes… I love what you do to me.”“Am I forcing you now? Tell me because I’ll stop.”“No. Don’t stop, please. I want this with you.”He softly kisses the back of my head. “Yes. Now, see the difference?”“You love me. He didn’t.”“Exactly.” He nods. “I love you. I told you, right? Nothing can change what I feel for you.” He tucks my hair behind my ears. “But it doesn’t mean I won’t do anything, and you will not stop me. I will kill that fucking devil if I have to.” He groans. “What he did to you is unforgivable.”“What will you do?”“That’s up to me now. You just ha
I breathe hard as I feel my next one until Brandon stops. He moves up to kiss my forehead. I smell my scent in his mouth.“You okay?” he asks.“Very much so.”“Tired?”“I am. Thank you very much for that too.”His eyes sparkle as he chortles. “You’re welcome.”“You know, I think I finally understand,” I start.“Really?” He rests his elbow on the cushion to watch me at ease, then pulls the blanket up to cover our bodies with it, then begins to stroke my hair.“I’m not there yet, but I will be.” I gaze into his mesmerizing gray eyes, thinking how fortunate I am that he’s mine—thankful that a man like him chose me. “I understand now. I don’t have to hide anymore. Brandon, we started this relationship full of secrets, and that’s what held us back. Can I be more open? Can I trust myself with you? Can I finally trust myself fully to be with someone?”“Darling, you don’t have to ask. I would like to be more open with you too.” He nods, agreeing.“We’ll tell each other what we do every day. I
“You’ve just made someone very happy, so I’d like to return the favor. Step out of bed and turn around,” he commands.Biting my lip, I get on my feet, and Brandon hastily spins me around, then bends me over the bed. I gasp at his aggressiveness. He then cups my sex and lunges two fingers into me. My eyes flutter shut as his fingertips slowly fumble with my G-spot.“Ohh…”“So ready… and so fucking wet.” His voice grows raw, and I moan when he pulls his fingers out.“No!” I beg breathlessly. “Please…”“Weren’t you curious about what I thought of you the first time I saw you?” His hands slip up my belly, up to my breast, and masterfully massage me with his thumb brushing on my erect nipple.“W-what…”“That you’re a strong woman—opposite of the person you thought you were,” he murmurs roughly as his palms squeeze my breast.“Well, y-you might be wrong,” I almost cried in pleasure.“No, I wasn’t.” He plucks my nipple between his fingers. “You naturally made me want to own you. I wanted you
In the morning, I call my family to tell them Brandon and I are returning the day after tomorrow. Chris won’t leave until the weekend, so we still have time for the family reunion I promised him.Brandon takes me downtown, holding each other’s hands as we walk on the streets as we decide to go on a food tour. It’s because it’s what I usually do when I go on a trip. Brandon seems fine with it, even though I know he’s picky.We go to an all-Asian restaurant and force him to try everything I ordered. I have Korean, Chinese, Japanese, and Thai food on our table.Brandon grimaces, eating some portions of kimchi. “It’s spicy!” He looks at me. “And sour?”“What? You don’t like it? I like kimchi, though. Try this one.” I pick up a piece of dumpling using chopsticks and offer it to him.He chews the food carefully and stares in space as though he’s thinking. “This is much better but still spicy. It’s delicious.”“That’s a wonton, and I love spicy food. You’re not the only one with a favorite.”
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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