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I instantly catch his hand to stop him from removing it. His fingers are quivering. I know he is afraid, and it isn’t the best time for him to reveal everything. Maybe later, or tonight, or perhaps another day.“I would love to see you, Brandon. I just don’t think now is the right time.” I kiss his mouth softly. “But I did mention that you are beautiful, right? Whatever happened to your face doesn’t reflect how great a person you are.”His eyes soften. “This is what I love so much about you. You lift me all the time. I don’t know what I’ve done to deserve you.”I smile. “You make me happy. What else should it be? You are mysterious, but you’re kind, you’re generous, and you’re honest. But you are hurting too, so I want to take care of you.”“I should be the one who’s protecting you and taking care of you, but I can’t if I’m like this,” he murmurs.“But you are getting better,” I remind him.“I am, but it’s not enough.” He sighs, staring back at me. “I think I should give you a tour fi
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BRANDONDamn. This is bad timing. Just when I thought everything was going my way, another fucking issue arises. But this isn’t just any problem. This is about Alayna’s and everyone’s safety. I can’t believe they’ve tracked us this far.I call Cassius, and he answers right away.“Thank God!” he breathes out. “I thought you weren’t going to call. Have you read my message?”“Yes, but did you find out who the sender is? Oliver got it as well. I’m freaking out right now, and we still don’t have a trace.” I rake my fingers through my hair.“No, it was sent anonymously. Did you tell Oliver the plan? What the heck is wrong with you? You know that it is still dangerous for you to go out that far, and you went there with Alayna?” His tone is furious.“I know, but I was planning to tell her about our plan—your plan.”“I just got back home, Brandon,” he complains. “Mother’s going to kill me if I leave again. You know the risk. Alayna could be in danger too, and my brother and his fiancée. Tell A
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BRANDONI contact Cassius after Alayna leaves with John.“Where are you now, Cassius?” I ask as soon as he picks up.“I took an immediate flight. Expect me there in ten hours. How’re the girls?”“Alayna’s going to town now with Betty.”“Good. What you need to do is wait,” he instructs. “I already told Oliver to call for security to escort you. You okay?”“I’m fine,” I assure him. “No one’s tried to harm me up to this point.”“Don’t be so sure,” he warns. “You still need to be watchful. The security will be there in an hour. Did you tell Alayna?”“Not yet.”“What? Brandon that is the plan. You’re there because you’re supposed to tell her.”“But she’s not ready yet, and I can’t if she’s—” I pause, massaging the back of my neck. “She likes it here, Cassius.”“She’s never going to be ready.” He exhales. “But there’s nothing we can do about that for now. Just stick to the plan and don’t go out alone.”“Thank you, Cassius. I owe you this time,” I finally say, after the long cold war we just
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ALAYNAChills travel down my spine, making me colder than I already am.How can someone steal Betty’s phone when there’s no one else in the house but us? How can they know that I’ll be meeting her at the resort?Oh my God! The traitor must be in our circle.Is it John? No. John spoke to Brandon and Ollie and told them where we are.How about Betty? We don’t know much about her. However, she wouldn’t do anything that obvious. No sane person would betray us by using their own phone number.I jolt in fear when someone suddenly knocks on the window a few minutes later, but relief floods through me as I find Brandon standing outside.I push the car door open, and he instantly catches me in his arms, holding me tight against him.“I’m all right,” I assure him, wrapping my arms around his body.“You are certainly not all right because of me. I thought I'd lost you,” he says breathlessly.I gaze into his eyes. “You didn’t, so don’t worry, okay? What happened back there?”“Brandon.” Oliver app
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The moonlight is the only source of light in the hot spring, but the beauty of the clear water still stands out. The spring water falls into a rectangular marble pool. Around it are bamboo parapets and cherry blossom trees. The lights are warm and almost solemn. It’s so peaceful here.Brandon walks close to the water first, then he pulls off his shirt, revealing his broad back. Gradually, he strips off his pants. My throat dries up, but oddly my mouth salivates at the sight of his immaculate buttocks. I remember seeing him the first time this way, and his body is exactly the same as I remembered.He slightly shifts his body to face me, preventing my eyes from looking down. “Come, Alayna,” he invites softly and steps in the spring water.I take my clothes off, letting them drop to the ground before I stride into warm spring water. I blow out a breath of relief, shutting my eyes as the soothing liquid touches my skin. I follow Brandon to the middle of the pool.“Beautiful, isn't it?” Br
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After that promise, he lowers his head and kisses me. This time, his lips aggressively coax mine. I groan as tiny bolts of electricity rush inside me. His kiss grows demanding. I tighten my arms around his neck, and my nails dig into his back. He thrusts his tongue into my mouth, and his mouth devours me... possessing me.He grips my waist, and leisurely he slides his hand up to my breast, pinching my nipple softly.“Ahh...” I can’t help but moan loudly.“Shh...” He laughs. “Come. Let’s get you out of the water.”I shiver with the anticipation that he wants this to lead to something more. He takes my hand, but I stop. I cover myself with my arms. “I’ve never walked in this state outside.”“No one will come here. I promise,” he assures me. “Come on.”Brandon emerges from the water, and his erect shaft stands before me. I had no idea he would be this big. I feel the space between my thighs moisten. “Brandon...” My throat dries up, and my eyes widen.He takes me again, heaves me out of t
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I wake up in the middle of the night after a terrifying dream, and when I open my eyes, Brandon is staring at me.He wipes away my tears. “Are you okay? You were crying.”“Hey...” I bury my face in his chest and embrace him. “I thought you left without saying goodbye.”“Alayna, I’ll never do that to you. But are you sure you’re okay with this?”“I am okay with this,” I whisper. “I’m happy that you wanted to finally do this.”“Then what are you worried about?”“We don’t know what’s going to happen. Everything is going to change.”“My feelings for you will never change.”I force another smile at his vow. “You should have decided to do this a long time ago, you know?”A soft murmur escapes his lips, and he embraces me. “It will be torture without you.”“That is why you have to heal fast,” I tell him. “I’m looking forward to seeing you succeed.” But I then laugh softly between tears. “Is this going to be our last night together?”He does not bother to reply because we both know the answer
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Six months laterAthens, GreeceALAYNA“I found Brandon, Alayna,” Oliver says, reappearing at our table.We are now at the annual family reunion in the Katrakis Manor in Athens. Hundreds of guests have attended, and I spot a sea of blond heads. Ollie said some guests are from the Stavros and Dragoumis family and others are close friends. Everything around us looks luxurious. I’m glad I listened to Casey; she had me wear her sparkly, emerald evening dress. As usual, Oliver is very handsome in his designer tuxedo.I feel my face brighten up, but my heartbeat quickens. I gulp the champagne and grimace at it. “Where is he?”“I suggest we wait for the party to finish. He’s... occupied.”“Alayna? Ollie, Casey!” Cassius suddenly appears with a bright grin across his face. He is dressed in a white designer tuxedo, and his blond hair is brushed back.With open arms, I embrace him. “Cassius, it’s good to see you.”“It’s only been six months, but it seems like forever.” He gently strokes my back
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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
