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Author: Margarette Grey
last update Last Updated: 2024-10-29 19:42:56

ALAYNA

After 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
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    ALAYNAAfter finishing my chores, I go to my room to get ready for tonight. I don’t know how long I’ve been standing in front of my limited wardrobe, but I still can’t think of anything to wear. I see the dress I wore last time I went clubbing with Oliver, but of course, I can’t wear that again.I pick up the fancy, shimmering, black and silver off-shoulder dress Casey gave to me on my birthday two months ago. It’s lovely, but I haven’t worn it yet because I have never tried to wear anything this short on normal occasions. I guess this is the right time to wear it.Honestly, I’m expecting tonight to be fun because Brandon won’t be there. Besides, we’re celebrating Casey’s birthday, so it will be extra entertaining. I just love being with her. She’s a breath of fresh air and has always looked at things positively—which I need more of in my life.I slide the dress on and grab my silver stilettos. I only wear them on formal occasions, so I hope I can still walk in them. Shortly after, I

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    ALAYNAFor the entire hour, as we wait for midnight, we drink, talk, and mostly listen to Casey sharing her experiences in university. She’s into the third year of her second undergraduate degree, which I find awesome. But our conversation jumps to an annoying cooking partner who pretty much made her do all the work. However, he was also an excellent condiment mixer. Whenever she speaks about him, I’m not sure if she hates or admires him.“Wait.” I laugh. “Did you say ‘him’?”She sips her drink. “Yes.”“Aha!” I snap my finger. “You like him!”“What?” she shrieks. “No, no, no, way! He’s lazy, and he’s rude, and he’s—”“Hot,” I add.“And hot...” Her mouth drops. “No. Alayna!”I burst out laughing. “I knew it! What’s his name?”“E-Eric.” Her face turns so red that she avoids my eyes. “But I don’t like him. I swear!”“We can hear you,” Oliver interjects. “The last time you had a boyfriend was two months ago, Casey. And you came running to me, crying your eyes out.”She puffs. “It’s a part

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    ALAYNAI open my eyes, but I see nothing. Oh my God!“Hmmph! Hmmph!” I struggle in horror, but the arms around me are so firm, I can’t let go. Shivers travel my whole body. I feel my blood pressure rising, and my heart is violently pounding.Cassius! Oliver! Casey! I scream inside.Am I being kidnapped? Is this how I am going to die? Is this man going to rape me?The thought instantly brings disgust all over my body.No, I can’t go through that hell again!I struggle more against him.“Hmmph! Hmmph!”Let me go! I cry inside, but the man tugs me to the deepest, darkest side of the room.Then my kidnapper suddenly releases me. The adrenaline slithers through me, and as I’m about to scream, the kidnapper spins me around and covers my mouth again.“Hmmph!”“Hey, hey, hey. Shh... It’s me,” he whispers, and he sounds too damn familiar. “It’s Brandon.” He takes his hood off and reveals his face.“Brandon?” I say, and my eyes seem to have adjusted. I can somewhat see his face now.“Hmm.” He n

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    ALAYNAAt first, I think I’m dreaming as if it were the first time Brandon kissed me. He feels so familiar—a lost lover I’ve yearned for. I give in to the kiss, letting him devour my mouth. He groans at my response. His kiss grows relentless and more demanding. And right when we can’t get enough of each other, wishing to feel more, he picks me up and brings me to his lap. His hands are all over my body, pulling me harder against him. We are panting between each other’s mouths, my nails slashing into his shirt as I try to pull him closer.I moan, and it doesn’t matter. At this moment, he is mine and mine alone. My fingers grip his back as his tongue plunges into my mouth aggressively, gaining much more access. Brandon has become fierce and confident. He used to be gentle with me, and I was always careful while touching him before. My hands are freely gripping his biceps, then his muscular chest, tangling in his hair. He is so passionate, and he knows exactly what I need.I can taste th

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    BRANDONI invite Cassius privately to the hotel’s executive suite. I had John, Oliver’s chauffeur, prepare a computer, and he is standing right next to it waiting for my arrival.“Master Lucien,” he says politely.“John. Are they ready?”“Yes, sir.”“John?” Cassius hesitates a little.“Good evening, Mr. Katrakis,” John says and turns on the computer.I pull the chair in front of the computer and invite Cassius to have a seat beside me. “Come, sit.”His eyebrow rises. “What’s going on?”“Just come.”He sighs deeply and takes the seat. “How is this supposed to find Oliver?” he asks again but doesn’t demand an answer as the video conference starts at last.“Good evening there, Brandon, Cassius.” My cousin Constantine’s cozy, accented voice reverberates from the speaker.Next to him is his twin brother, Carmelo. “You have not been careful again, Brandon,” he says, his tone accusing. “First Aunt Grethe and your sister Elga, Now, it’s Oliver. Who’s going to be their next target? How disgust

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    ALAYNA I knock at the door next to mine in the hotel the next morning, and Brandon answers it immediately. His expression softens when he sees me. The cut on his lip from Cassius’s assault last night is still swollen and red.“Alayna.”“I heard you stayed.”“Yes, would you like to come in?”Either way, I came here to talk to him. “Yes, please.”He steps aside and holds the door open. I move into his suite.His room is just as spacious as his room in the mansion, but it is sunny inside. I slump on the couch in front of the fireplace, leaving ample distance between us.I watch Brandon walk to the kitchen, pour coffee in two cups, and stroll back toward me. “I already asked for room service. Have this for now.” He hands me the cup.“Thanks.”“You’re welcome.” He sits at the other side of the couch and takes a sip of his coffee.“I thought you’d left,” I say.“I couldn’t.” He looks at me sincerely. “You’re here.”I smile a little and sip my coffee. The warmth calms my senses. “What happen

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    ALAYNAIt’s been more than twenty-four hours now since Oliver has gone missing. There’s still no sign of where we can find him or any news from his abductors. I feel genuine helplessness and anxiety because it was supposed to be me. I was supposed to be in his place. But instead, I’m here—staying in this luxurious suite with a nice bed and delicious hotel food while he’s out there. He probably hasn’t had anything to eat. I didn’t want to get kidnapped either. Who wants something like that? However, because of me... he’s...I shake my head. Blaming myself now won’t help us either.I go back to my room, thinking I should probably get myself prepared. Brandon said we’re leaving the hotel in a few minutes. I tap the keycard at my door and step inside. But to my astonishment, Cassius and Casey are inside.Cassius is on the couch, massaging his eyebrows while his elbows rest on his knees, and Casey is standing by the window, looking as restless as I am.“How did you guys get in here?” I ask

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    BRANDONPauline shows me the text message from an unknown number, but I believe it’s Silvanus’s doing. The message is very precise and simple: "Give us Pauline and you will have your cousin."That’s all. No locations. No further contact information.I curse under my breath, knowing they didn’t want to make this easy. They want to torture me for it.Pauline is shedding tears nonstop, and her hands are quivering. Casey is impassive, and her eyes contemptuous whenever she looks at Pauline.“I knew it!” Casey barks, walking back and forth in my living room. “Who else would want this woman but him? Why don’t we just give her to them?”“Casey, it isn’t that simple,” I answer. “And for God’s sake, can you please sit down for one second. My head hurts watching you walk around.”She finally stops and throws a glare at me. “How can I be calm? They didn’t even give you the information. Nothing. Nada. And there’s only one possible way to get Ollie back, and that is if you give her to Silvanus.”“N

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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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    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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    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

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