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Cassius appears in the dining room a few minutes later and walks toward me. “That looks good,” he says, looking at the food on the table.“Thanks.” I smile. “Where’s Ollie?”“He’s still with Brandon.”“Is Brandon going to be okay? Is he unwell? Did he ask for something? I can prepare it for him and—”Cassius cuts me off and chuckles. “Relax. He’s fine, and he’s eating the breakfast you prepared. He’s doing great, so don’t worry,” he assures with a small smile.The thorn in my chest finally stops pricking. I sigh in relief. Last night, he didn’t seem very well when he asked me to leave him right away. “Thank you. I was so worried.”“He’ll be fine.” He grins once again and looks back at the food on the table. “Can I have a taste of this?” he says, pointing to the sweet side dish I made of mascarpone cream cheese laced with vanilla.I chuckle. “Of course, you can.” I offer him a fork, then he slices off a small portion, tasting the food.He hums in approval. “Wow, tiramisu crepes?”“Yes.
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I’ve never wanted anyone as much as I desire him. I never wanted to kiss anyone like this in my life. I lean into him, so I can taste more of him, but he shifts his face away.He frowns. “But if I don’t send you away, you won’t have the life you deserve.”I ignore him and cup the unmasked side of his face, and he doesn’t seem to mind. I feel his warmth and the cold, metallic touch beneath my skin. No, he is burning... feverish.“You couldn’t know that.”Brandon shuts his eyes as if in pain. He grits his teeth, and his face turns bright red. Unexpectedly, he stands and holds his chest, suddenly panting.“Hey, are you all right? Oh my God!” I exclaim as he brusquely collapses on the floor. I instantly run to his side. “Brandon, what’s wrong?” I try to touch him, but his hand stops me.I back away, but he grasps my wrist and looks at me instead.“Alayna,” he whispers hoarsely. “I don’t want you to see me like this. I’m sorry, but you have to leave now.”I touch my mouth, preventing my te
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It’s been three weeks since I last saw Brandon’s face, and Oliver told me he will be taking the food to him instead of me for now. After the night his illness struck, I gave him space. It was also Oliver’s advice since his cousin needs to heal again. I have no idea how this illness can affect people; I’m afraid that I might hurt him again, so I keep my distance.I told Brandon that I wasn’t bothered by any of the things I was told, but after learning about his situation, I have to be more careful around him. Any skin-to-skin contact with him can trigger pain. That is the reason he doesn’t want to be touched.But unwilling to cut our connection, we were sending each other notes about his meal or how our day had gone. I sometimes went to his now-less-creepy white room so I could hear his voice, his laughter... until he stopped answering me. No more notes and he doesn’t answer my calls anymore in the white room.It’s bothering me now, wondering what happened to him, and all I can do is w
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BRANDONWhy the fuck is she still out at this hour?I emptied a bottle of whiskey, but I still feel nothing. The alcohol won’t affect me. I frown at my wristwatch to check the time, and it’s already past two o’clock in the morning.What else can I do? Is this the life Alayna’s hoping for? Going out, dancing in a club with someone else? Is this the price of everything I can’t do for her? Has she already chosen this path? I almost died by fighting against myself. Is everything I fought for the past month for nothing?A knock on the door interrupts my thoughts. I open it immediately, hoping to see Alayna.“Brandon?” It’s Oliver, but he’s alone. He steps inside and closes the door.“Where is Alayna? Is she in her room?”He doesn’t answer right away. “She’s with Cassius,” he breathes. “I’m sorry, Brandon. I had a small misunderstanding with my girlfriend.”I frown hard. “When did you get a girlfriend?” I start to ask, but that isn’t important. “She’s still there? Why did you leave her with
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ALAYNA“Going somewhere?”I look up at the man blocking the way. It is that mask, the same gray eyes, and melodious baritone voice. I’m still not sure if I’m dreaming or if the alcohol has already affected me.How is this possible?“Brandon,” I say, still unsure. “No... It’s impossible.”A deep groan vibrates in his throat, and his chest tenses up. He grabs my wrist, his thumb pressing on my pulse. I can feel the warmth of his palm on my skin.“Do you not know when to stop or when to come home?” he asks, sounding furious.I shake my head. “This must be a dream,” I murmur. “I must be dreaming. You seem so real!”His jaw clenches. “Because I am!”I gawk at him, still astounded. It’s him. He’s really here.“Wait!” I jerk my hand away, but his grip tightens. “How are you here?”“Is that important?”I manage to pull my hand back and glare at him. “Why are you touching me? I thought you hated it so much.”He leans closer and shuts his eyes as he moves away. “Come on now. Let’s get you home.
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Brandon stands, his eyes not leaving mine. Then he pulls off his black shirt over his head, exposing the scar on his chest. The scar covers almost half of his left chest. The dry, yellowish, dead skin around it is almost painful to see, but I don’t look away. I can’t. Instead, I stare at his imperfection.“Touch me, Alayna,” he says tenderly; it’s almost a whisper.I swallow hard. “Are you sure?”He doesn’t respond, but I lift my hand and begin tracing his oblique muscle with my finger. I slowly move to his rock-hard abdominals. I finally stand; my hands are still on the flatness of his stomach.Brandon lets out a hitched breath. I stop.“Are you okay?”He nods. “Don’t stop.”He holds my hands and brings my palms to his chest. I can slightly feel the texture of his scar against my fingertips.Gently, I trace the scar. The skin is oddly soft, but the surface feels thick. I shut my eyes and stop. I’m not sure anymore if I can carry on. He’s panting, and I can see that he’s trying to bea
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I feel a bit refreshed after a cold bath, but my head is still throbbing. It’s my rest day, but I want to check my supplies. Ms. Lennie is in charge of Brandon’s meals on the weekend. I find her at my station with a new girl.She looks so young and charming. She has wavy, dark brown hair, pouty red lips, and curvy hips. She is wearing a similar uniform as a cook, only simpler. I can’t help but wonder: Did they hire new kitchen staff? If so, why is she at my station?“Good morning, Ms. Lennie,” I greet her. “I’m just going to check the supplies so I can ask the grocer for refills.” My attention wanders to the brunette beauty next to her. She’s slicing the salmon into thin strips.“Good morning, Alayna. No need, dear. I already asked someone to fill up the supplies,” she says. “And Alayna?”“Yes?”“I’d like you to meet Casey. She’s going to be your assistant, and she’s only in charge of cooking on the weekends. Oliver decided to leave the kitchen to you, and Casey will deliver the food
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“So... are you close to Brandon?” I ask.“Very. We all used to hang out together. My brothers and Elga as well.”“I hadn’t heard that before.”“Brandon and his family always lived here in Manhattan. They used to have a small house in Queens, and we moved there too for a brief time. But then we all moved back to Athens when Aunt Grethe and Elga passed away. Since Brandon needed someone at his side, Oliver and Cassius stayed with him here. Then he inherited this mansion.”I nod. “Is it all right if I ask you something else?”“Shoot.”“I heard of this rule, that women in the family should only marry someone from these other two families—I’ve forgotten the names.”She nodded. “Stavros and Dragoumis. I’m surprised you know this. That could be my fate too, even though I’m adopted. What about them, anyway?”“Did Brandon’s mother marry someone else?”“You are very perceptive, Alayna. Well, yes, our family has always been complicated. Our grandfather cut his ties with Aunt Grethe when she marr
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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
