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The Billionaire's Mask (A Dark Steamy Romance) 46
BRANDONA few hours earlier“Cassius, I need a favor. We are still in front. Come here and take Alayna.”He and Oliver come in a flurry. I step out of the car and open the door on the passenger side.Cassius rushes to her and gently shakes her shoulder. “Alayna? Alayna, can you hear me?” He caresses her flushed cheeks with his thumb, but she doesn’t respond. “What happened to her?”I curse under my breath. The way he holds her is too familiar. I fucking want to tear his arms off, but I calm myself. “She fainted.”“What did you do?”“We never had a chance to talk. She was crying the whole time,” I say.“God, I think she needs to give this a rest. You just couldn’t wait until she’s ready,” he snarls and looks at his brother. “You both know it’s not good for her.”Oliver doesn’t answer, but he nods.“Alayna?” He touches her face. “Oh, God. Are you okay?”“Don’t wake her. She fell asleep.”“Don’t tell me what to do because you can’t take care of her!” Cassius snaps. “I’m taking her from h
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BRANDONI wake up with a throbbing head, the loud bell of my phone chiming. Lazily, I grope for the phone on the side table and force my eyes open. I’m hoping to see her name, but instead only see Oliver’s.I jump off my bed—no, not my bed but a plush king mattress in Vermont. I remember now. I pretty much drank half the bar in the club last night and passed out the moment I entered the suite. I gawk at my phone screen, thinking of excuses to give him. But if my memory serves me correctly, I was out of my goddamn mind last night.I answer the call after another ring.“Damn it, Brandon. Where are you?” he curses.“Hey, I’m sorry. I didn’t tell you. Something came up.” I massage the back of my neck.“Oh, so something came up at the club last night, and then you just disappeared?” he mocks. “Tell me, did you go home with that woman?”I scowl. “What woman?”“The one with the blue hair... or violet, I can’t remember.”I squeeze my temples. “I’m all alone in this suite, Ollie. What kind of
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ALAYNAThree weeks of vacation in the place where I was born seemed like a short time, so naturally, I wished I could stay. I’ve missed my family terribly—my mother and my twelve siblings. If I go back to New York, I’m only going to remember the hell I’ve been through with Brandon, and it’s a reality I can’t avoid. Nonetheless, it’s impossible for me to move on. Brandon and I never really had a long time to get to know each other, but it still hurts so much that I’m afraid it’d take long to finally let go of my feelings for him. To heal.Cassius believes that this is for the best. I’ve tried hard to put the negativity away and give myself more time to adjust. He wants me to enjoy myself with my family, but it’s not that easy. I know everything is temporary.Mom thinks Cassius is my boyfriend—and my boss’s cousin. I told her we’re only friends, but she wouldn’t believe me. Who would? Every day he’s in our house, and he only returns to the hotel after dinner.I don’t give much thought t
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BRANDONAs promised, I take Pauline to my house. There’s no other safe place for her but here. Of course, everyone will think it isn’t smart, given my whole fucked-up situation. Alayna is in Kansas with Cassius, and there are still things I need to figure out about the death of my family. But I need Pauline’s help. Besides, she is partly my responsibility now. I can never let Silvanus hurt her again, knowing that she was hurt because of my poor decisions.If only there weren’t a goddamn family rule, she wouldn’t be hurting right now.“I’ve always wanted to see where you live,” Pauline says as she cautiously gets out of the car. Lennie is already at the front door with her two assistants.“Welcome to the mansion, Ms. Pauline.” Lennie greets her with a small smile. “Master Brandon.”“Good afternoon, Lennie,” she greets back. “It’s been a long time.”“Yes, you were just a child back then.”Pauline holds Lennie’s hand. “Just call me Pauline. I’ve missed you. You still look as young as eve
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ALAYNA“Mom, don’t cry, please? I know it’s hard that we’re going to be apart again, but you know I have to leave, right?” I hold her face between my palms then brush her tears away. “Elman, can you take care of everything for me? Can I count on you?” I ask him as the eldest.Elman sniffs back his tears and wipes his nose with his shirt. “Yes, Laynie.”They are all crying like there’s no tomorrow. It breaks my heart every time I leave home.“Oh, Alayna.” Mom envelops her arms around me. She can’t stop crying. “Can you call me face-to-face when you return to New York?”“Yes, I will, of course.”“Laynie,” Cassius calls, using my nickname. “Everything’s packed. We’ll leave whenever you’re ready.” He closes the cab’s trunk after settling our things inside.“Your boyfriend.” Mom looks into my eyes. “He’s a good man. You better be good to him.” She sniffles again. “No one’s going to check my blood pressure every morning now,” she adds, a final attempt to get us to stay.I chuckle between te
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ALAYNA“Alayna, dear.” Ms. Lennie is at the front door when we arrive and greets us with a sweet smile and widespread arms.“Ms. Lennie!” I curl my arms around her and squeeze her against me. “I missed you so much!”“I’ve missed you too, but I’m sure Casey misses you more,” she says kindly and releases me.I giggle. “Yes. She texts me every day.”“This house has lost its light without you, I must say.” Her remark is so sweet, but Ms. Lennie’s tone remains firm. Typical Ms. Lennie; yet, her words are words of motherly affection. I finally see that after living with her for a year.“Alayna? Did I hear my best friend’s name?” Casey’s voice suddenly echoes throughout the hallway. I lift my head and see her coming from the stairs. “Alayna!”I grin. “Casey!”“Oh, my God!” She holds me in her arms as if we hadn’t seen each other for years. “I’ve missed you so much. I thought you wouldn’t come.”I return her affection. “Happy early birthday! I wouldn’t miss your special day.”She releases me
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ALAYNAI’m not used to seeing Ms. Lennie without the maids around her, but Oliver helped her set the table with the food we prepared. It’s not often we eat together, but Casey already notified me that Brandon eats with everyone now. From the moment I heard it, my heart just couldn’t stop pounding.I knew it was time to face my fear, otherwise I wouldn’t get any better. At least that’s what Cassius told me.Cassius first comes into the dining room, obviously fresh from the bath. He greets me with a sweet smile and fondly sniffs my hair. “Laynie.”Ms. Lennie notices, but she doesn’t react. Oliver grimaces a little.“Cass...” I fidget away. I got used to gestures like this from Cassius in the past three weeks; his flirting is like a habit now. I’m still uncomfortable with the display of affection in front of his siblings. He might be forgetting where we are now, but I definitely am not.“I’m sorry,” he apologizes, chuckling. “Can’t help myself, but I should probably keep that in mind.”“
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ALAYNAAfter the intense dinner, we wait for Pauline and Brandon to leave. I admit I felt a little bad for her when Brandon dismissed her like that. Honestly, I can say I hardly know him or his character anymore. Knowing someone isn’t always sharing your past or telling a person your struggles, but giving yourselves time to learn from each other. Brandon and I barely even dated before he left for Athens. We never really had a normal relationship, so I shouldn’t be as demanding as I am.He could make me crazy for him with the little things he did, but he could also make me feel like crap when he tossed me aside like yesterday’s trash. I would never know how his mind truly works. Is it maybe because we led a different life in the first place? Or because a normal person like me wouldn’t be able to understand a wealthy man with great responsibilities on his shoulders?However, much as I want to move on, I can’t stop my heart from loving him. I want him to take me back, and nothing I, or a
Last Updated : 2022-10-18
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The Billionaire's Mask (A Dark Steamy Romance) 172
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
