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I cooked one of my bestsellers from my restaurant, a braised beef ragu with pappardelle and pudding for dessert. Brandon then returns to the kitchen, now leaning on the counter, waiting for the food to be served. I prepare two servings for us and then dig into our dinner.“How was the food?” I grin, biting my bottom lip.“Delicious as always.” He swallows. “But I didn’t remember eating this before,” he says, then eats another portion.“I didn’t?”“You should make this more often. Or maybe because the spiciness of that Asian food lingered on my tongue.”I laugh. He’s enjoying the food, so I take it as the right time to ask about his uncle. “Hey, what happened? Did you get the information you’re waiting for?”His brows knit together. “I did.”Brandon grimaces. “He knows something. He also doesn’t have a choice but to tell me.”“Brandon, what did you do?”“Cary and Stan had some work done.” He sighs. “This doesn’t sound like something I would do, but I allowed it when the twins suggested
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I head back to the kitchen to finish cooking, and I’ll be serving Brandon the usual Greek dishes I used to cook in the mansion. Satisfied with my masterpiece, I start arranging the table when my phone suddenly rings. I pull it up from my pocket and see Jason’s name on my screen.“Jason,” I answer right away.“It’s me.” It’s Chris who responds.“Chris, hi. What’s up?”“I was going to ask you when you were planning on coming back?”“Oh, I’m coming back tomorrow. I’m sorry, C. I owe everyone one dinner, but something came up.”“I know, and it’s okay.” He chortles. “How are you?”I smile. “Better.”“Is he being good to you?”I press my lips together. “Mm. Very.”“But does he know?”“About—” I pause, unsure of what he means, but the notion pops up. He might be referring to him or Drake, but regardless, Brandon knows everything about me now. “Oh right, of course, so don’t worry about me.”“Then that’s good enough for me. As long as you’re happy.”“Thanks, C. I know we’ve been apart for a lo
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Brandon is at the veranda in front of his laptop, looking exasperated by how he presses his temples many times. He has been in the meeting for an hour. I’m already tempted to go there and give him a massage, but that would be inappropriate in front of the camera, so I just made him lemonade to ease his frustration.Quietly, I appear to his side, place the pitcher on the table, and pour him a glass. He glances at me, then shifts his attention back to the screen.“What do you propose, Mr. Thompson?” Brandon says.“But Mr. Lucien, what Mr. Katrakis is proposing hasn’t been done before—”“Did you think Oliver and I started with something that has been done before, Mr. Thompson?” Brandon challenges. “I’m not expecting a revision either.”There is a long silence in the background, and Brandon speaks again. I glance at the screen, away from the camera, and find about a dozen people sitting on a long table.I watch Brandon’s beautiful face while assertively giving a speech. I perch silently n
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He grips my sides as he rams relentlessly into me. I lift my hips—encouraging him for more. I have many reasons why I would never tire of making things work between us. It is because we are compatible like this—as if he knows me deep within my roots… my bones… my soul.I shut my eyes as he buries his head on my neck and whispers how fucking good he feels. Small tremors begin to build inside me, and as much as I want this to last a little longer, my legs are giving out. The pleasure is too intense. I don’t think I can hold it in anymore.“Brandonnn…” I whisper his name as my hips shake and orgasm takes over me.Brandon’s thrust quickens as he reaches for his. Seconds later, he pulls out of me, and I collapse on the couch.Brandon kisses my forehead then lies beside me. He pulls me against him, and we stay like that long without saying a word. When I finally find the strength to talk, I whisper to him.“I love you.”“I love you more.” He kisses my head again and looks into my eyes.“I h
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The clear sky stretches out thousands of shimmering stars tonight. The air’s humidity is just right for the ambiance, making the surroundings tranquil. A piece of beautiful instrumental music is being played by a quartet instrumentalist when I step into the garden house.What astonishes me the most is when I see Brandon in an immaculate tuxedo, standing by a stunning candlelight table surrounded by fairy lights and a red carpet beneath my feet. Lydia and her assistants are standing at a distance. I notice the excitement in her eyes, too. I clasp my mouth as my chest explodes in bliss, and butterflies flutter in my stomach, making my eyes water.Brandon reaches out his palm to me, inviting me to come to him, but I make no attempt to move. I am too dazed to move my feet, and my knees suddenly feel frail.He chuckles and walks toward me instead. He cocks his head as he looks at my face, then takes my hand and kisses my knuckles. “Don’t hide your face from me,” he whispers.“All this…” I
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Arianna squeezes me against her fit and toned body when we arrive at the house this morning. The family is gathered in the living room except for Mom—she’s in the kitchen, but she’s aware I’m coming home, and the other kids are in school, except for Mira and Martin, the younger ones are playing in their room.“Wow.” Ari studies me from head to toe, although I’m sure there’s not much difference in my appearance from the day I left three days ago. “You look… beautiful. Happy.”I grin. “Thank you.”“Brandon.” Arianna smiles at my fiancé as well and greets him. “Congratulations to both of you.”“Thank you, Arianna.” Brandon tenses up behind me, then greets Jason next with a shoulder pat but already eyeing Chris.“Well.” C opens his arms, and I embrace him as well. I feel a soft squash in his arms before he releases me. “Welcome home, Laynie.”“Thank you for waiting for me, C.”“I only have three favorite women in the world. I wouldn’t miss your announcement.” He beams.“Yeah, thank you. O
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After a few minutes of silence, Mom speaks.“Chris, when are you leaving?”“Right after this meal,” he answers. He seems to enjoy our mother’s cooking; he must’ve missed it so much.“Already?” She sighs. “Is everything alright with your job?”“Everything is fine, mother. I have some important matters I need to attend to.” He eats his food delightfully.“And when are you coming back?” Mom asks.“Saturday, I guess. I already told Alayna I’m clearing my schedule so I can stay longer.”I nod, remembering I was supposed to announce Brandon and I’s engagement this weekend. “That’d be great timing, C.”He looks at me. “What is?”“Okay, um…” I wipe my mouth then look at everybody. “We also want to tell you we’re having a formal engagement party for both our families to meet. Brandon is inviting his grandfather and some close relatives from Greece. We can make it on Sunday. What do you think, Brandon?” I ask, holding his arm.“Sunday is fine, darling,” he approves.“Is everyone okay with Sunda
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BRANDON“That’s pretty complicated,” Oliver comments after I tell him who that fucking mayor is to Alayna’s life, minus the most sensitive parts of her story. We’re in my penthouse in Belltown, killing time while the girls are at the spa.I’d been inconsiderate of her feelings because I was fucking angry—not with her—but with our situation. I can’t imagine Alayna in another man’s hands, not to that disgusting piece of shit. So, knowing that something is still holding her back is driving me insane.But I understand. No, I’m really trying. She’s more important to me than anything else I have now, and I’d rather lose everything than lose her. Not again. Theoretically, if that happens, I’d probably have to beg her to hold my hand.I pinch my nose bridge, thinking of what else I should do. Honestly, I have no concrete plan. I’m not sure how I can help Alayna with her problem. Her problems are mine now too. I am claiming it all, so her burden won’t be so heavy.“He’s a mayor,” I say somethi
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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
