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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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BRANDONI throw the last pin on the dartboard, but it doesn’t hit the bull’s eye. I blow out a sharp breath of frustration. “I can’t do it, Ollie. Not again.”“Relax, man.” He stands, pulls the pins, and hands them back to me. “When are you telling her, then?”“I told her it won’t take a month, but it’s been another week.”I can only connect with her by eating the meals she prepares for me. She’d always leave a note, saying, “Enjoy your day” or “I miss you,” and I can’t even write back.Oliver sits on the corner of the desk. “You still have to tell her.”“This is too much.” I aim for the bull’s eye once more and throw the pin. It barely hits the center. I groan. “How am I supposed to tell her that I am going to be away for such a long time?”“It’s going to take a year,” Ollie reminds me. “You need a lot of time to completely change yourself. You need to learn everything again. It’s like, back to basics. So, you have to tell Alayna about this.”I stop. “Did he agree to perform the surg
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ALAYNACasey has been so much help in the last few days. She’s easy to work with, she doesn’t brag about her skills and is a good listener. She gets easily fascinated by the simple things I tell her, especially about my culinary experiences. She also speaks about not having a boyfriend for a long time because Oliver and Cassius don’t approve, but she respects her brothers so much.The more I look at her, the more she reminds me of Brandon. They have the same shade of eyes and hair; the way they smile and gaze at people is so similar. She told me that the Katrakis genes are pale-skinned, with blue and green eyes just like Oliver and Cassius, and a lot of them are blond.I’m always attracted to blonds. My exes are blond, so I wonder why I’m attracted to Brandon. He’s so different from any other man I’ve met. He is mysterious and caring in his way.A knock on the door interrupts us. Oliver’s voice echoes in the kitchen. “Is dinner ready?”“Yes, I’m just making a sauce.” I lift the bowl,
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I go out of the room for a bit after our little dinner. When I return later, Brandon is sitting on his bed with his legs crossed, holding his iPad. I realize that he’s changed the bed covers as well.He smiles at me. “I just thought it might be more comfortable for you.”“Are we going to sleep now?” I ask. It’s kind of early, and I still want to spend more time with him while conscious.He puts his iPad down. “Would you like to?”I move closer to him and run a finger over his bedsheets. “Not yet.”“Good.” He steps off the bed and takes my hand. “Come, I want to show you something.”Wondering where he’s going, I just let him take me. We walk back to his living room, and he opens a door I hadn’t noticed before.I frown. Just how many secret doors does he have? It didn’t look like a door at first, more like a part of the wall.I can feel his hand tightening around mine as he flips on the light. My jaw drops when the place flashes before my eyes.A wall made of tinted glass is filled with
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My chest tightens. How can I tell him about the abusive relationship I’ve been through and the nightmares that still haven’t let go of me? I have had tremendous heartache in the past. I’m not sure if I’m ready to tell him. Or perhaps I’m afraid of how he’s going to take it.I don’t know how he’s going to take it.“What’s important now is you, with me,” I say and wrap my arms around him.“I’ve just shown you my weakness; now I want to hear yours. I want to be close to you.”“Honestly, unlike yours, nothing is exciting about my life.”“I’m all ears. What can be more surprising than meeting a man who wears a mask?”I snort. “You even make jokes about that. It’s not funny, Brandon. You are more than that. You are strong. You survived all of this, and you are kind, and most of all, compassionate.”Brandon heaves a sigh and rolls to his side, so he can touch my hair. “I sound like the most perfect man in the universe.” His thumb brushes my lip.“Because you are.” I gaze into his eyes.He nu
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Brandon is still serenely asleep when I go back to my room at four in the morning. I need to pack my things for the trip, and I don’t want to disturb him.I hadn’t felt so safe sleeping with someone next to me for a while, other than my mother, but something inside me just doesn’t want to surrender all. I had to move out of the room, at least for the night.The sky is clear and sunny as I go out at six. Oliver is standing next to a black SUV, settling the luggage inside. He’s dressed in a casual polo shirt, khaki shorts, and a pair of brown leather topsiders.“Good morning, Ollie.” I approach him. My voice is still croaky.“Wow, someone’s happy,” he remarks. Taking my suitcase, he shoves it into the compartment.“That’s a lot of baggage. I thought we were only going to stay for a night and two days?”“Betty’s coming too, but we’re going to meet her later.” He shuts the compartment door. “You ready?” He grins.“Yes, where’s Brandon?”“He’s inside the car. Get in.”Oh. I didn’t notice h
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A gray sky covers the city. There’s nothing in the view except tall trees, and the road is tranquil. A few houses dot the highway, miles away from each other. Only a few people are walking on the streets. I’d never been to this part of the US.Brandon was silent on the drive. He just kept staring at the streets or the thick gray clouds. I don’t want to ask him what he’s thinking, but his quietness bothers me.We turn onto another road. I can see the beach from this side of the road, but it looks dull, probably because of the gray sky.Why did he choose this place? I was expecting him to take me to a lovely, sunny, dry place where we could stroll around—or at least do something outdoorsy. It’s so gloomy in this part of Portland. It’s not that I’m complaining; I’m fine wherever he takes me as long as I’m with him.But an hour later, we head to the coast. The ocean and townhouses are already in sight, so it isn’t gloomy anymore.“Hey.” Oliver’s voice cuts the stillness.“Oh, hey...” I re
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I choose eggs and crêpes, and Brandon pours me a glass of juice. I didn’t want to ask Brandon during a meal, but I’m curious about what he means by the real him.I watch him as he eats, fascinated by him. Brandon is gorgeous, even if I only see half his face.“What?” He stops.“You’re not aware of how insanely attractive you are, are you?” I rest my chin on my palm, gawking at him.He smirks. “I was. I was aware, until this.” He points to the masked side of his face. He continues to eat.“Are you ever going to tell me what happened?”I’m dying of curiosity. I want to know him more deeply. I know it isn’t proper to ask him about it over a meal, but I can’t help to want to find out more about him. Sure, I know small things about him—stories from his cousins, but none from him. I want to know his side of the story.I munch on the last of my pancake. I'm waiting for him to answer. All I hear are his heavy breaths.“Are you finished?” he asks, looking at my empty plate, soaked in maple syr
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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
