“Tara, what are you doing here?” Chris looks stunned. Mia doesn’t fail to notice the hand he still places intimately on this woman’s shoulder. Who is she? “I knew I will run into you here. I’m so glad I came here instead of Spain.” Tara beams. Her light hazel eyes, which are bright with happiness, give her away. She is in love with the same man Mia is falling for. The way a woman looks at a man never lies. “You know me too well.” Chris shakes his head. A smile creeps into his face, replacing the gloomy expression just a few minutes ago. Mia suddenly grows envious of this woman. There is a closeness between them she won’t be able to forge with Chris. The woman is able to light up Chris’s face in an instant while Mia is racking her brains to find ways to comfort him. “Well, aren’t you going to introduce us?” Tara suggests in Mia’s direction. “Yeah, right. Tara, this is Mia, a friend of mine.” A friend of mine. Mia feels her heart ripped apart at the words. She doesn’t object openly
The minute Mia steps out of Mr. Powell’s home office, she is greeted by Anderson who has a huge smile plastered on his face. “Are you living in your parents’ home now?” Mia arches her eyebrows. For the past two weeks, she seems to have kept bumping into him in his father’s mansion. She has warmed up to him for his lighthearted spirit and become more and more relaxed when he is around. Of the three sons of Mr. Powell, Anderson is the innocuous one. As with the other two, one sexually harassed her and threatened to beat her up, the other hurt her emotionally and made even breathing difficult for her. Do not go there anymore, Mia gives herself a mental shake of the head. “Nah, I believe girls will dart away the minute they know I share a flat with my parents. ” Anderson chuckles. “It is not a flat. It is a huge billion-dollar mansion,” Mia reminds him, “and any girl would love to date you.” “Really? I can name a girl who doesn’t want to date me right away.” He says with his blue eyes
The group turns in unison at the loud high-pitched noise. Much to Mia’s horror, it is Anthony, the last person she wants to see in the world. She counted herself lucky that she hadn’t run into him after his threat in the hospital. It looks like she has run out of her luck tonight in several ways. Anthony swaggers cockily with a wicked and malicious smile on his oily face. He is by himself and clearly, he is walking toward their table. Just the sight of him makes Mia feel nauseous. While she takes a breath and tries to calm herself, she meets Chris’s gaze accidentally. He watches her intently with a concerned look. He seems to want to say something but stops short. Mia tears her eyes away from him. There is no future between them. Lusting after something that is doomed not to happen will only bring her deeper into the mire. Without being invited, Anthony sits beside Chris for the only seat available which earns a disgusted look from Chris. “A family reunion, huh?” Anthony scans the
Independence Day, 9 PM “Alright, thank you, bro. Be extra careful.” Jack hangs up the phone. “They are at the last stage of airplane delivery,” Jack says, shifting from one foot to another. He looks a bit nervous for a veteran and an ex-mafia member who has seen blood and death first-hand. What will happen tonight is nothing compared to what he had experienced before. “Good,” Chris nods, his eyes still fixating on the book he is reading. Donna Tartt’s The Goldfinch. His favorite. “Have we notified our FBI friends?” Jason asks. “Already did. They should be there as we speak.” None of them say a word for a brief while for Jack’s words to sink in. The news will break out in the next hour, shocking enough to shake the world and rock the Pinnacle empire. A trap they meticulously set five years ago finally captures its prey. But Chris knows better that he won’t get what he wants easily with just one try. Sure, the old man will spare no efforts to save his most beloved son from the a
The first thing Mia notices when she arrives at the Powell mansion is silence. If a pin drops, she is definitely going to hear the sound. It is like everyone in the huge mansion is holding his or her breath to wait for the lion to roar or the thunder to blast. The maids who usually busy themselves with dusting, brushing, or cleaning in the living room, corridor or garden are nowhere to be seen tonight. Maybe it is because it is late. 11 pm already. The job pays well but it also comes with frequent overtime. But it is still way better than unemployment and returning to the bleak job market. Mia sighs internally. “Miss Johnson, you are wanted in the study. They are all waiting for the young Mr. Powell now.” Mia nods her head and thanks the maid who reminds her kindly. The large study room looks smaller with a crowd in it. In addition to the Powell family that is short of Anthony, the company’s Vice Presidents Teri Lee, Hanser Limbaugh, and PR Manager Steven Hatcher are also here. Mr.
They stare at each other for a moment that feels like as long as ages until Chris breaks the trance and moves his long legs in strides towards her. His smell, the familiar scent of freshly cut grass, fills Mia’s nostrils when he stands just two steps away from her. It is until then Mia realizes how badly she had missed him, his smell, his blue eyes, his body, his everything. “I miss you terribly,” Chris whispers, his eyes settled on her firmly. Mia almost chokes at his words. Isn’t it the same for her? But is she ready to have him back? To swallow her pride and dignity and continue to live in the shadow as his “friend”? No, she cannot do that anymore. Shaking her head, she says, “you shouldn’t.” The hurt in his eyes was visible. Mia knows that for a man with looks and wealth, he is not used to women saying no to him. She continues before her determination gives way to her longing for him, “It’s time for us to go separate ways. You just need another woman to get over me.” “No, I’
Chris: Where are you? You should have let me arrange a car to pick you up. Mia smiles at the notification showing on her cellphone. She is on the metro heading from Manhattan to their secret love nest in Brooklyn. She quickly texts back. You should have let me know who I am going to meet tonight. Chris: You have already met most of them. Nervous? They already love you. Mia shakes her head with a smile spreading on her face. How can you be so sure?Chris: Because they will love whom I love. Mia could imagine the cocky smile he is having right now. Aren’t you smug? She teases. Chris: Just stating the obvious. I’m a man of taste. You are so adorable you will win their hearts without making an effort. Mia couldn’t help grinning like a goofy high school student. You said you are not a man of sweet words. You didn’t give yourself enough credit. The subway announces the station she should get off at. Mia stands up and quickly texts back, I’m getting off the subway. See you in ten mi
“What are you thinking?” Chris whispers while kissing Mia’s earlobe. They are lying in the darkness snuggling against each other, legs entwined, hands laced. “Nothing. Just a little tired.” Mia turns her face to him, smiling. “Something is bothering you. I can tell that. Is everything okay?” Chris asks with concern visible in his voice. “Yeah. It is too okay that makes everything so unreal.” Mia turns her body to face him. “What do you mean ‘too okay’?” Chris muses. “I was afraid they wouldn't like me before I met them,” Mia stops, followed by the booming laughter from Chris. “You are the most adorable, beautiful woman on earth. Of course, they will love you! And they always love whom I love.” A smug smile appears on his face. Mia rolls her eyes. “Including your ex-girlfriends?” Mia raises her eyebrows and waits to see his reaction. “I never brought anyone to them. You are the only girlfriend they meet.” Chris flashed her a knee-weakening smile, making Mia feel the butterflies
Six Months Later Chris takes a seat in the corner of the visiting room of Hudson Correctional Facility, waiting for his father to be brought up to him. His father has been sentenced to 10 years for bribing a federal judge in addition to some other economic crimes. The empire he built from scratch with his mother almost toppled overnight with his conviction together with Anthony’s. Not wanting his mother’s work to go to waste, he helped Anderson get through the most difficult time. Now Anderson is leading the company with Chris as the biggest shareholder. Anthony got what he deserves the most. Life imprisonment in a maximum-security prison for kidnapping, multiple rapes, and murder of a victim’s brother. The last count of conviction surprised almost everyone and helped put Anthony in prison for good. He is going to rot in prison and Chris doesn’t plan for him to enjoy the prison too much. He has made sure that Anthony would be “well taken care of” in that Wisconsin facility. After
The long hallway is dim and quiet without a single soul in sight. Mia walks in the hallway cautiously, wary of any movement. After a few minutes, she finally reaches the elevator hall. Pressing the down button, she waits for the lift to arrive on her floor. She steps into the elevator when the door opens, without giving much thought to the man standing in it with his back on her. At the exact moment, the elevator door closes, fear grips her heart, and the hair on the back of her neck stands up. She pushes the open button furiously but it doesn’t work. “Got you!” A familiar and sinister voice sounds behind her. A cold ugly hand comes from behind and drags her to the corner.Mia tries to scream, but no sound comes out as if she is mute. Tears begin to roll down her cheeks. She feels so helpless. The man is too strong to fight off. “This time you are not gonna get away. I’m gonna make you pay!” the man whispers gruffly, his one hand starting to tear her clothes from her. No, no, n
“The tracker has been installed in your watch. They will search your body and probably will make you take it off. But it’s worth a try.” Agent Thomson who is in plainclothes says calmly, handing Chris his watch. Chris nods absentmindedly. All he could think about right now is Mia. He squeezes his eyes shut and doesn’t dare to think about what she is suffering now. It is all his fault. He only brings her pain and misfortune. First her sister, now her. He is going to let that son of bitch really pay. “The call clearly requires you to go alone. We’ll tail you but keep a safe distance so that Anthony won’t cash in his promise.” Thomson continues. “I get it. I only want her safe and sound even if it's at the price of my life.” Chris says solemnly, thinking of Anthony’s threat. “Come alone. I know you have called the police. But if I see any sign of police showing up when you come, I’ll shred her into pieces, believe me or not.” Anthony warned when he called this morning at 6 am. Chr
“What the hell are you talking about, Tara?” Chris snarls, anger simmering in his eyes. He pushes her off of him and steps back to put distance between them. Tara stumbles onto the desk, hurt written over her face. “You said you have something concerning Anthony that you want to talk with me about. But instead, you are putting on this little show and saying nonsense. What is wrong with you?” Chris waves his hands in frustration. “I…I just want to be with you. I love you.” Tara mutters, tears starting welling up in her eyes. “Don’t you get it that nothing is going to happen between us? I love Mia. As I said to you before, you will always be my friend. But don’t make me end our friendship because I won’t hesitate if you make another advance.” Chris threatens. “But that is not what you said to me when you had that mental breakdown. You said I was the only one who truly understood you. You said you love me.” Tara cries out in desperation. Heaving a sigh, Chris runs his hand down his
Mia stands in front of the mirror and does the last check of her light makeup. Everything looks perfect. She is ready to go downstairs. An arm snakes around her waist, pulling her closer to the owner of a strong body that screams masculinity and sexiness behind her. Chris buries his face in her bare shoulder, nipping at her slightly, sending a shiver down her spine. “You look breathtaking,” he mumbles while continuing to suck the sensitive spot between her neck and the collarbone. Mia bites her lips hard to stifle a moan. “You don’t look so bad yourself,” she manages to say breathily, peering from the corner of her eyes at him. He wears an expensive tailored black suit that fits him nicely, showcasing his muscles and long legs. “Like what you see?” his lips pull into a mischievous smirk. Blood rushes to Mia’s cheeks. Chris presses his body tightly against her, letting her feel his hardness poking at her bottom. One of his hands slides up to squeeze her breast underneath the thin
Lily enters the study with her usual elegance, the only thing changing is her attitude. She acts less haughty. She sits down crossing her legs in the chair facing Chris, who sits behind the heavy oak desk with an unreadable expression. She takes out a small black object from her white Chanel bag. Squinting her eyes, Mia recognizes it as a flash drive. Lily stares at the flash drive in her hand, hesitating to hand it out. Looking up, she gazes into Chris who stares at her with a pair of cold eyes. “Here is what you want,” she slides the flash drive to Chris’ side. With a gesture from Chris, Jack grabs the flash drive and disappears from the room. “I’ve done what you demanded. You must honor your promise.” Lily says, straightening her shoulders. “Usually I’m a man of words,” Chris says, his lips curling up into a smirk. “But we still have things unsettled, Casey.” Lily’s lips twitch, and her expression changes into shock. She tries to move her lips but nothing comes out of her
Drumming his fingers on the desk, Chris presses his lips and reads the document in his hand carefully. “So what do you think?” Tara asks in anticipation. “Has our legal team given it a green light?” Chris raises his head from the document. “Yes, they looked into the open letter and the list of newspapers and their contacts. They okayed it yesterday. We can send the open letter to the newspapers in the afternoon. ” Tara says. “Put the plan on hold until I give it a go.” Chris pinches the bridge of his nose. “So what are we waiting for? Everything is ready.” Tara says, looking confused. “Waiting for a lethal secret,” Chris says. “What?” Tara sounds even more confused. Mia knocks on the door lightly, “Am I interrupting?” “Not at all, come in, Mia,” Chris lights up at her. “I thought you guys might need a cool refresher,” Mia says, putting two cups of iced coffee on the desk. “Right on time, thank you, beautiful,” Chris beams and grabs her hand for a kiss. Mia smiles and sits b
“Good morning, pretty,” Chris’ husky voice sounds near her ear, his breaths fanning on her neck, making her body tingly. “Morning, Mr. Sexy,” Mia turns to face her, stretching her body lazily. “I have good news for you,” Chris raises himself up on one elbow. The other arm pulls her closer to his naked torso. “What is it?” Mia’s curiosity is piqued, distracting her from Chris’ tempting hard chest and bulging muscles. “Kimberly is in,” Chris grins.“Really?” Mia says with excitement.“And here is more, she wants to write an open letter with Ruby.” Mia screams with delight. “Schuh, little monster, you are waking up our neighbor,” Chris teases. “That is so far better than I thought. I thought she was going to reject joining us.” Mia beams. “She said you and Ruby gave her courage, especially your promise on my behalf.” “Are you mad that I made a promise without telling you and acquired your consent first?” “Not at all. You did the right thing, my smart, beautiful, sexy girlfriend
The meeting with Kimberly is set in the floral shop she owns in lower Manhattan.Chris doesn’t like the idea of Mia being involved in the plan, but he sees how much Ruby trusts Mia and how clever her plan is. He gives his approval of her involvement with one condition: She will have bodyguards around her whenever she is out of his sight. Mia thinks it is a little dramatic but agrees to make him feel better. So there she is. In the small floral shop with Ruby. The three buffy bodyguards headed by John in dark suits standing by her side make the shop even smaller. Kimberly is a blonde with a supermodel’s body and a Hollywood actress’ face. She makes Mia wonder if all his ex-girlfriends are as gorgeous as her. After getting to know each other, Kimberly guides them to sit at the table in the corner of the shop. The bodyguards stand by the door, guarding the shop and sending an intimidating aura. “Oh my, they are going to scare my customers away,” Kimberly jokes. “I’m sorry,” Mia win