JamesI carefully lay Katniss down on the bed, making sure that her skin is not touched in the least. being gentle, considerate, and mindful of her every breath, treating her as though she were a queen. I hesitate for a second as her arms come apart from our embrace. "May I?" I inquire quietly as I keep my gaze on her still-perfectly-fitting clothing. Despite our intense yearning for one another, I couldn't take action without her consent.Katniss didn't respond directly. Instead, eager, urgent, her lips speaking a language of their own, she drew me in with her arm and brought me back into her kiss. "Katniss had no control over herself because the drug was taking hold of her more strongly than I had anticipated."I wondered for a moment if I should be happy or worried. What if she believed I was using her weakness, grabbing hold of a moment when her body and mind were no longer within her control? That was the dread that kept coming back to me. Damn it, though, I was also losing con
Katniss "Hmmm..." I groaned as the sunlight touched my face. Oddly, my alarm didn’t go off this morning—usually, it rings before the sunlight has a chance to sneak in, signaling the start of my morning routine. Luckily, I remembered today was a holiday, so I didn’t have to rush out of bed or race to the office. I rubbed my forehead; a throbbing ache pulsed in my head. What happened last night? Why does my head hurt so much? I tried to piece together memories, my eyes still closed, still drowsy, not ready to face the morning yet. But as I was trying to recall, something suddenly landed on my waist—a weight, warm and unmistakable. And then, I felt the gentle warmth of someone’s breath behind me. "Erhhmmm..." A deep sound, resonating—definitely not a woman’s voice. It was a man’s. My eyes shot open, wide and unblinking, my entire body freezing in place. My heart pounded furiously in my chest, a quick rhythm of confusion and panic. "L-Last night..." All the memories from
JamesI had a feeling Katniss would completely forget what had happened. It was disappointing because I genuinely wanted her to remember our night together.“Are you out of your mind? Why would you do that?! You have a wife, James!”“And our relationship is anything but okay! I came to hear you out, and you decided to use that against me?! You’re insane! Absolutely insane!”Katniss looked both embarrassed and furious at the same time. She quickly scrambled out of bed, the blanket twisting around her.“Ah! Ugh!”I jumped off the bed and rushed to her side as she stumbled.“Are you okay?” I asked, concern edging my voice.“It hurts,” she said, wincing.Her brow was knitted tight. “My... it hurts. My body feels like it’s been through a war,” she muttered, more to herself than to me.When she realized I was in front of her, she shoved me away again. Her face, which had calmed down, now flared with embarrassment. I knew what she meant by “it hurts.”“Sorry, I might’ve gotten a bit carried a
KatnissEven now, I still can’t forget what happened. My car is parked in the basement, and I’m driving again, lost in thought.“What did I say? Why does everything between us keep running through my head?”I check the rearview mirror, embarrassed when I see a red mark on my neck. I can’t go home like this. If Giselle sees, she’ll ask too many questions with that curious look of hers.“My phone! Where is it?!”I search around the dashboard, but it’s not here. Did I leave it in the hotel room? If so, James probably has it now.“Damn it,” I mutter under my breath.Being around James is already frustrating enough. We still have work to finish, and his jealous, crazy wife makes things worse.Then, a new worry hits me. 'Did he use protection?' I wasn’t using anything. 'What if I…?' My heart races. I can’t think straight the entire way home.When I finally get to my apartment, feeling exhausted, I open the door—and freeze.“Katniss, I’ve been waiting for you.”“Oh, God!” I gasp, my wide ey
Katniss“What? Is that true, Katniss?” Mr. Corleone’s voice was sharp, and his eyes were locked on me.My face burned with anger. James was lying. And he was enjoying every second. How could he do this? I had told him to forget everything. He was a married man, for heaven's sake! And now he was hinting that we’d shared a hotel room?“Katniss?” Mr. Corleone’s intense gaze dug into me, waiting for answers I didn’t know how to give.“It’s true,” James said, his voice smug. “Why ask again? Isn’t it obvious? I even have her phone.”“You two…” Mr. Corleone’s voice was cold, careful. “Are you in a secret relationship?”My breath caught, and I choked, barely able to respond.“You okay?” James reached out, touching my arm softly, his face pretending to look worried. I yanked my arm back, glaring at him, my eyes warning him to stop. But he didn’t care. Just as I tried to explain to Mr. Corleone, James jumped in.“No, sir. You’re just misunderstanding. James and I—”“And is that really any of yo
JamesNo. That’s my only answer.I refuse to let Mr. Corleone's words sway me. I’m sticking to my decision, and I won’t let what he wants happen.I’ll fight to get my family back.“Too bad,” I say, my voice cold. “What you’re saying means nothing to me.” He stops walking. I’m sure his hands, still in his pockets, are clenched into fists.I stroll over to him casually, and once I’m close, I lean toward his ear and whisper, “If you think you can have her, keep dreaming, sir. She’s mine. Remember that.”I start walking away, but he speaks up again.“All right, if that’s what you want,” he says, his tone sharp and solid as steel. “You’re declaring war, and I’ll gladly accept it.”A small smirk pulls at my lips.“Good. At least I know my rival isn’t a coward. You’re a worthy opponent.”And with that, I keep walking.“Well, this is going to be an interesting fight. But I don’t lose.”***Renata kept calling, so I decided not to go home. Now, I’m at the airport, ready to head back to my fath
KatnissI opened the drawer in my bedroom, the one where I kept pieces of my past locked away. I hadn't touched it in ages because every time I did, tears would come. A longing that I couldn't express, a kind of heartache that only tears could understand.Inside, I pulled out an old photo album, my hands trembling as I shut the drawer again. With a slow breath, I opened the first page, and there she was—the beautiful face I’d almost forgotten. She had the same hazel eyes as mine, full of warmth, and her long, slightly wavy brown hair framed her smile. She held me on her lap, and I was beaming, the joyful grin of a three-year-old who knew nothing but happiness.Those were the days. My childhood was truly beautiful. “Why did something so perfect have to end so soon, God?” The question echoed in my mind, knowing there was no way to turn back time.“Mama, I miss you. I really, really miss you.” That was my mother’s face in the photo, and these pages held so many memories of us together. Th
KatnissWith hands still wet from tears, I turned page after page. The photos seemed alive, pulling me back to the moments when Mom was still here. It was as if I could feel her beside me, even though reality kept hitting me hard.When I finally closed the album, exhaustion washed over me. Sadness had drained my energy, and the tears wouldn’t stop. Falling asleep with a head full of memories, I could no longer tell what was real and what was just a dream.Unconsciously, I lay down on the bed, the photo album resting beside me. My eyes slowly closed, and just before sleep completely claimed me, I felt a faint glimmer of hope in my heart. Maybe, in my dreams, I’d see Mom again, hear her voice, feel the warmth of her embrace that always made me feel safe.In a half-awake state, a soft voice echoed in my dream, "Katniss, my love. Don’t be sad; I am always here, in your heart." Her words felt like a promise, soothing me even though the sorrow still lingered.Finally, I drifted off, wrapped
JamesGiselle had been moved to her own private room, no longer in the ER. Katniss was fast asleep on the couch, and Giselle remained unconscious.I decided to step out of the room to grab something for Katniss, but as soon as I exited, I came face-to-face with Ethan. He’d been waiting outside, probably for quite a while.I wasn’t sure why he didn’t just come in—perhaps he was afraid of another confrontation like the last one.His eyes immediately locked onto my face, cleaned and tended to by Katniss. He scoffed, the disdain evident. “You really have no shame, huh?” he sneered.“Ruining someone’s relationship? Shamelessly vying for attention from someone else’s wife?” he continued, his voice dripping with venom.I slid my hands into my pockets casually.“So what? You want me to apologize to you?” I replied, my tone deliberately provocative.Ethan’s attempt to stay calm unraveled quickly. Without warning, he lunged at me, grabbing the collar of my shirt with both hands.“I know it’s yo
JamesNot for a second did I loosen my embrace, even as Ethan stormed in, his hawk-like eyes glaring at me. His stare was a warning—demanding that I release Katniss immediately. He punctuated the word “my wife” with venom, as if staking a claim on her, but it only fueled my defiance.My woman.Yes, Katniss belongs to me. Only me. And I’ll make sure the whole world knows it, no matter the cost.Katniss looked up at me, her eyes wide, silently pleading for me to stop, as though she could read the reckless determination in my mind. She shook her head, desperate to halt my next move.“I said—take your filthy hands off my wife.” Ethan’s words lashed out like a whip, his voice cold enough to chill anyone’s blood.Anyone but me.I wasn’t intimidated. Not one bit.“Let go,” Katniss whispered, her voice trembling. Her hands slid between us, forming a weak barrier as she pushed against my chest. Her effort was small, hesitant. Still, I refused to let go.I turned to her, losing sight of Ethan i
KatnissI received a call from an unknown number. Without hesitation, I answered it.“Hello?”“Katniss, it’s me, Ethan,” said the voice on the other end.I shot up from where I was sitting, my heart pounding. “Ethan! Tell me—did you find Giselle? Is she safe?” My voice trembled as a surge of fear and worry overtook me. My grip on the phone tightened, my teeth sinking into my lip as if the pain could suppress the growing anxiety.It felt like my heart was being shocked with electricity every passing second.“Giselle... We found her. Jack and I got her to safety,” Ethan replied.A heavy breath I hadn’t realized I was holding escaped my lips. Relief rushed through me like a tidal wave.“Thank God. Thank you, God,” I whispered over and over, tears welling up in my eyes as gratitude flooded my heart.“But she’s unconscious,” Ethan continued. “She’s been admitted to the nearest hospital, in the emergency ward. The doctors are checking her now. I’ve sent someone to pick you up. Wait there, o
James I looked at them as they sat in the car, making sure to flash them the most disgusting look I could muster. I offended the driver’s privacy and I saw the reaction straight on its pupils, which were shrinking with panic as soon as our eyes met.My body reciprocated with the violent bouncing of what I guessed was a deliberate attempt to unbalance me. But they underestimated me. With a lot of force, I managed to kick the car window and it made a faint crack. I aimed at the same area near the driver which distracted him from the way forward. My gaze remained focused on the road in front that way if things turned ugly the car wouldn’t stray too far off course.‘But I need to be cautious now,’ I told myself. ”I can’t risk my daughter getting hurt.”Where I was standing I could see that Giselle was seated next to two men, and there were two more men in the back row. As I thought all along—there are six men in total.CRASH!I landed another solid kick, deepening the cracks in the windo
James: I sprinted down the dimly lit street, stealing a quick glance behind me to ensure Ethan was still on my heels. He was. My focus snapped forward, eyes adjusting to the oppressive darkness as I pushed myself harder. Most of the streetlights were out, leaving the path shadowed and treacherous.Damn it. Why were all the lights turned off tonight of all nights?I didn’t have time to dwell on it. My heartbeat quickened as I spotted them—those bastards. The kidnappers. Two men dragging Giselle toward a waiting black car. Cold sweat dripped down my temple.I didn’t think twice. “Ethan! They’re using a car!” My voice cut through the silence, sharp and commanding, nearly a shout.Ethan nodded grimly, his expression darkening as we watched the car start moving—quickly, too quickly—already a good distance away and fading into the shadows.“Your car! Where’s your car?” I snapped at him, desperation lacing my tone.“Shit! It’s too far from here!” he replied through gritted teeth.“Damn it!”
JamesThe feast was in progress, there was an eerie feeling there that I could feel– not a joyous one, but something wrong. "Strange. Why now is there a festive air? I looked into the schedule before we got here, and nowhere was this indicated. Or… could this be one of Renata and Scarlett’s plans?”I just observed Katniss, Ethan, and Giselle while hiding behind the shadows. Some of them were laughing and chatting carelessly which struck the ears of the dancing crowds. Giselle who did not see anything wrong continued spinning around while music and dancers flooded the beach. It was beautiful and Giselle with her bubbly spirited character who never for a moment was worried about anything spun around in joy as the music and dancers illuminated the night. Then, Katniss looked unsure, her forehead was creased with worry.“Are you sure this is safe, Ethan? It feels… too sudden, doesn’t it? A celebration like this and no one said anything before?” she muttered to Ethan. She was standing wa
JamesI still remember their conversation at the restaurant—Scarlett and Renata scheming, plotting. They made it clear Giselle would become a problem for them again.“You’re right. Giselle is their weakness. That’s what I know for sure,” Scarlett had said, her tone dripping with malice.I decided to follow them, careful not to be noticed. But as luck would have it, I saw their attention shift abruptly—they had spotted Katniss and Giselle in the distance.Renata grabbed Scarlett’s arm, pulling her behind a pillar. Scarlett looked startled at first, but then her composure returned, her sharp gaze following where Renata’s finger pointed. Ethan, Katniss, and Giselle stood not too far away, walking together like a picture-perfect family.I clenched my fists, frustration bubbling inside. I was too far to hear their conversation. Quietly, I moved closer, pressing my back against the wall of a nearby building, peeking just enough to keep my eyes on them.“Ethan wasn’t supposed to be here,” Sc
KatnissEthan looked at James suspiciously.“Him? What about him?” Ethan asked, his tone sharp, clearly forcing the answer he desperately wanted.“He’s actually—”“Daddy!”I froze, my words caught in my throat as a familiar small voice interrupted me. I turned my head quickly, looking down to see Giselle, her face lit up with a bright, beaming smile.Then I looked at Ethan. His face mirrored my surprise, his expression caught between shock and confusion after hearing Giselle call him ‘daddy.’“You’re here, Daddy? Ah, I missed you so much! I’m so happy to see you!” Giselle squealed, rushing forward to hug Ethan’s legs tightly.Ethan and I locked eyes briefly, both of us stunned, speechless. But despite the awkwardness, there was no mistaking the small, triumphant smile creeping onto Ethan’s handsome face.Slowly, he crouched down until he was level with Giselle, their faces now inches apart.“Daddy?” he echoed softly, his smile widening into something more tender as his large hands cra
James: Rip!“James?!”I was utterly shocked when my fake mustache was suddenly ripped off, and Katniss, who had been slightly dazed from the alcohol and the intensity of our earlier moment, seemed to regain her senses.She furrowed her brows, blinking repeatedly as if trying to confirm whether what she was seeing was real.“James?” she said again, her voice trembling.Katniss covered her mouth with one hand, then touched her lips with her fingers. Her cheeks flushed red once more.“I-I…”Katniss stuttered, as if struggling to find words to explain what had just happened—the kiss.I never thought my disguise would be exposed this quickly.“Katniss,” I called her name softly, attempting to reach for her hand.Her eyes widened even more. “Your voice! It wasn’t like that earlier!” she exclaimed, her voice growing sharper.“James… this can’t be! So, all this time, you… you were Jack in disguise?”Katniss took a step back, retreating further from me.“Careful!” I warned, knowing she was ti