ArcherI was in my home office, going through some files I’d brought home from work when the landline sitting on my table rang. I reached for it and picked up.“Yes?”“Sir-” It was my driver. “I just got to the hospital now and the nurse here said Mrs. Patraki has been discharged”I guess they ran those tests faster than I thought.“Alright then, bring her home.” I responded and made to drop the call.“Sir-” There was a long pause at the other end which made me feel somewhat worried.“What’s the problem? Speak!” I growled into the phone.“The hospital said you were the one who ordered for her discharge. Mrs. Patraki isn’t here, sir”“What, what do you mean by you can’t find her?!” I screamed into the phone, my blood began boiling.I only left there a few hours ago, how come she’s missing now?And what do those people mean by, I ordered for her discharge?Did they think that if I was aware that was a thing, I wouldn’t have done it?!I felt a mixture of feeling run through me.I clench
ArcherWhile the CIA agents were working round the clock, trying to track the text message in every way possible, Aolo was on a call with Ruby’s sister, Ethel. He informed her about the kidnap and promised to keep her updated if there was any progress.I stood up from the edge of the table where I sat and made my way to the window. I stared out at the busy road below and sighed.Breathing in the wet air, I shut my eyes and tucked my hands in my pocket.This whole process was taking too much time, we’ve been here all day and still, no progress.I really didn’t want the day passing without finding Ruby. I felt helpless and useless.I had to do something but right now I had no idea what to do.My phone rang, I checked who the caller was.Jordan.I picked up and placed the phone on my left ear.“Hey bro” His voice came in from the other end. “I just got to the hospital now, our driver told me what happened”I sighed again.“Do you have any idea of who it might have been? Have they contact
RubyI blinked open, the room was covered in stark darkness.Shit! The back of my head hurts. Sophie must have hit me to put me out. I tried to touch it but I found out my hands were tightly bound together.Where am I?I could feel a wall behind me, I leaned back, placed my hands on the floor and pushed myself up to sit. Just then, a door creaked open and beams of sunlight washed into the room, lighting it up and temporarily blinding me in the process. I squinted.“You’re awake” A masculine voice said. I looked up, trying to figure out who it was but the light kept getting in my eye.The figure walked to where I sat and squatted in front of me. My eyes adjusted and I could see who it was.Diavolo.He had on a smile on his lips as he peaked me on the lips.“I’m sorry it had to be this way” He said softly, reaching for my face again but I avoided his hand.“I love you Ruby and I’ll do anything for you. I miss us you know?”I kept mute, glaring at him.The rope used to tie my hands was b
Ruby's POV“I can’t do this, Dad.” “I can’t marry a man I don’t know.” I try to protest while my father, Aolo Ferretti speaks, his voice reflecting the finality of his decision. “It’s for the best, Piccolo,” he responds. “You know I love you and wouldn’t do anything to hurt you. This will benefit you and the family.” “Benefit me?” I exclaim in outrage. “How can marrying a man I don’t know possibly be good for me, Dad?” “Ruby, I know the Petraki family. They are good people. Urso has been my best friend since we were kids,” he says, pacing. “This marriage is in your best interest.” “He’s going to move to Milan. He’ll join you in the family business, and we’ll merge our businesses together. You won’t have to leave home,” my dad explains. I can never believe that my dad is doing this solely for my well-being. I gently shake him off and walk over to the window in his study, gazing out at our estate. “What about Diavolo?” I ask, my gaze outside. Diavolo, my boyfriend for over a y
Archer's POVComing to Milan to find a wife is already a crazy idea, but meeting a stunning stranger who looks like a fallen angel is entirely unexpected.When that angelic beauty kisses like a goddess, all my well-laid plans go out the window. The woman in my arms is oblivious to how she looks.When she walks into the bar this evening, every man in the room turns to watch her, captivated by her long, smooth legs, creamy white skin begging to be touched, a slender figure with enchanting golden-brown eyes. But the most astonishing thing about her is her striking red hair, so vibrant it can only be described as Ruby red.As she approaches the bar, fidgeting as if she’s a housewife about to meet a secret lover, I can’t resist striking up a conversation with her. To my surprise, she not only responds but checks me out enough for me to know she’s interested.I deepen the kiss, and when I raise my hand to cup her firm breast, she shudders, making me groan. This is completely unexpected; I h
Ruby's POVOne minute, we’re talking, and the next, I can’t get enough of him. I run my hand through his hair and sigh into his kiss. Archer kisses like a god. He tastes like sunshine and sin. His body pressed against mine is sculpted, and I can’t feel an ounce of fat.Kissing him is a revelation; it feels as good as I remember. It isn’t the drink; it’s us.He moves me until my back is against the dining table. Neither of us wants to stop the kiss. I hop on the table, kicking off my heels, and he walks in between them, pressing his center to mine.“Archer,” I moan loudly as I run my hand down his back. I arch my back and rub against his erection, then wrap my legs around his back.He kisses my jawline down to my collarbone, then my neck, where he suckles on the spot where my pulse runs.He grinds his erection into me, and I gasp. He’s so hard and hot. I drag his lips back to mine and continue our kiss.His hand goes to my thighs and moves up steadily. Just as he presses on the spot wh
Archer's POVI’m having breakfast at precisely the moment the flowers I sent to Ruby are being delivered. I’m enjoying a simple breakfast and wondering how long it will take before Ruby calls me. A smile creeps onto my face as I recalls what I wrote on the note I sent to her.“To the mysterious lady who swept me off my feet before I even knew she was mine. I fall asleep and wake up with thoughts of you. I eagerly await the day you will be mine. Yours, Archer.” I’m not sure if revealing the depth of my feelings is a wise move, but I don’t want Ruby to feel alone in this connection between us. My last experiences with women have led me to believe I’m incapable of developing attachments to them. With Ruby, though, it’s entirely different. The intense emotions I feel for her prove I’m capable of deep feelings. As my phone rings, I hurry to answer it. “Hello.”“Archie, how have you been?”“Jordan?” I ask as I take a seat on the bed.“Yup. Do you have any other sexy friends? How’s Milan
RubyAs I watch Archer playing with the kids, my heart aches, endearing him to me even more. I find myself smiling as he kneels down to pick up little Isabella, who couldn’t keep up with the other kids, and puts her on his shoulders. Isabella throws her hands up and laughs gleefully, and I can’t help but imagine him with our kids.I shake my head to clear these thoughts. It feels too soon to be falling for him so quickly, doesn’t it?Suddenly, I feel a hand on my shoulder, and I jump out of my reverie. “He is good with the kids,” Julia says as she stands close to me with her hands folded on her chest. “Yes, he is.”When I first met Julia, I thought she was too hard and solemn to care for these children. However, through the years of working with her, I’ve come to realize that her tough exterior hides a heart as soft as a mushroom. She’s a kind-hearted woman who lost her husband to war. At 48 years old, with her lean body, bronze skin, and dark eyes, she’s a beauty.In one rare moment,