Chapter 74“How could it be for show? You kissed me first!” Arlo insisted. You see when you are desperate for something, you want to hold on to anything that gives you hope. It may have been pathetic but holding on to that kiss, clinging onto that gesture was Arlo’s only hope. “I was only proving a point,” she shot back, walking past him. But Arlo was not having. Before she could pull the door open, he pulled her by the arm, pinning her to the wall. His gaze lingered on her eyes before dropping to her lips. “You’re driving me crazy,” he confessed, “You don’t know what you’ve just done.”Ivory wriggled from his hold, aching to be free from his suffocating presence.“You drove me to prison, I guess we are even now.”At that accusation, Arlo narrowed his eyes shut, clenching his jaws.“Would I ever be forgiven of that sin?” He asked, his voice barely audible. “I don’t know, Arlo. Would you forgive me if the cases were reversed?”If he said yes, then he would have been lying.But he
Ivory’s POV My husband was working late again. He had been working late every day for the last six months.And some days he wouldn’t even come home. For every night I woke up alone, every business trip, and every impromptu weekend meeting, I repeated one line to myself like a mantra— “Damian loves working, and he loves me.” With that, I turned a blind eye to all his excuses, the ones that made sense and the ones that didn't. I endured them all. I never confronted him, never asked for more. It was another late night, and I thought to bring him some dinner. I shouldn’t have bothered. I should’ve stayed home, at least, I wouldn’t have to watch my husband thrust into another woman like a sex-starved wild animal. He seemed to be enjoying himself so much that he didn't notice me standing there, he didn't even care that he was fucking another woman with our wedding ring on his finger. Tears rushed to my eyes, blurring my sight. I wiped them away quickly and turned to walk away, but
Ivory’s POV The blindfold dropped and I came face to face with a man glaring at me like a wounded lion. His eyes were a darkened shade of midnight blue, cold and analytical, with an intensity that seemed to pierce through my very soul. His face was all sharp angles- chiselled jawline, highcheekbones, and a hint of stubbles scattered across his chin. He had a charming face that would sweep anyone away under the right circumstances. But right now,the dangerous aura hovering around him had my heart racing uncontrollably. As if he could smell my fear, his lips curled into a slight, predatory smirk. "Did you really think you could hide from me?" He said in a low, steel voice that sent chills down my spine. "No one hides from me, Lori, no one..." "Lori?" I muttered silently, tilting my head in confusion. "What's going on?" My name is Ivory, I wanted to say but did I really need to correct my brooding captor? "Where's my money?" He demanded, his voice rising."Look, if Camille and
Arlo’s POV For the last four years, I dedicated my time and resources combing through the surface of this earth for Lori. I was blinded by rage when I discovered Lori’s betrayal and went in search of her. I had spent so much time looking for her, that part of the rage I felt had now been replaced with something I didn’t want to feel- worry. Finally, I found her under the most upsetting circumstances.She got married? To what? A good-for-nothing dog that kept cheating on her? I should’ve blown out his brains when I had the chance but Willis, my second-in-command wouldn’t let me leave any trace of myself behind. We were now on air, going back to my home which I have missed for four years now. No one would have ever thought that I would pause my life, or my business in search of a girl. But Lori wasn’t any other girl, she was my girl, I loved her, more than anything else. And because I loved her, I was hurt by her betrayal. I was more than just hurt, I was broken. And now, she w
IVORY’s POV Outside the house, I found him waiting at the garage. My stomach churned with a mix of anticipation and dread. He gestured for me to get in the car and I reluctantly complied. Partly because I was hungry, and partly because I had a bad headache. I wanted to ask where we were, what he did for a living, why he had so many men around, where he was taking me, but I decided against all ofthat. I stared out the window, trying to make sense of my scattered thoughts. How would I get out of here? Would I ever be free? How much exactly is Lori owing this man? Who is this man for fuck’s sakes? And who isLori? The car came to a halt and our first stop was a luxurious boutique. I hesitated at the door, glancing at him. “Come out,” he demanded, “You need a few clothes.” “If I had known I would be kidnapped, perhaps I would’ve packed some clothes.” Scary man’s lips lifted in a smirk as he turned to face me. “Kidnap is nothing compared to fraud and betrayal, pet.”“I don’t se
IVORY’s POV I could barely taste the food, but at least one of us was having a good time. The drive back home was silent, and weighing on me heavier than I expected. As the day progressed, my breathe grew even narrower. What if I got caught and I really didn't come back alive?Would anyone mourn my death? Knowing the answer to that question made this mission even harder. But I had to give it a try and I swear, I wouldn't look back when I finally gained my freedom out of this beautiful hellhole. As the sun began to set, I became more and more determined to come out successful. I stood in front of my mirror, scanning my reflection. "There's nothing you can't do, Ivory. You can do it!" On the other hand, scary man had a refined taste in clothes.I wore a deep, striking red dress that clung to my curves. The sides were bare, giving a seducing view of my boobs. It was meant to draw attention and turn heads when I arrived at the party. I took a deep breath and adjusted the silve
ARLO'S POV All night, I struggled to hold myself together, pacing restlessly, sitting and unsitting. Sending Lori to that party was like sending her into a den of dogs and wild predators. For each passing moment, my fear deepened. What if I lose her again? What if she never comes back? "I put the tracker on her for a reason," Willissaid as if he could read my thoughts. "But..." He added, "I am about to say something that may upset you." "Then don't say it," I snapped. I was already in torture, anything else would ruin me.But I knew Willis, he would say it anyway. "She is not Lori." Willis's words silenced every voice and thoughts in my mind and all I could hear was "Not Lori," As the words sank, rage built up inside me. “You were right, I am upset." I growled, storming away.Furious, and disoriented, I pulled out my phone and dialed her number. I didn't care if she was successful or not, I was going to get her from that party. Seeing her at the exit of Sheraton Hotels, W
Ivory’s POV I needed to be sure, did my brooding captor really kiss me?Did he really lean over and take my lips? Yes, he did. I stiffened, filled with a need to break away from this madness. But my body responded differently as soon as his lips brushed against mine. Perhaps I was sex-starved, or maybe it was his possessiveness, my insides turned into a buttery jittery. For the first time, I experienced what it felt like to be smothered in firm arms yet be graced by its warmth- it felt like heaven. It felt right in all the wrong places but I threw caution to the wind when his hands moved from my waist to my neck, cupping my chintenderly. His tongue came lashing at me in a desperate search for my tongue, and as soon as they met, he let out a soft groan. And oh, the placebetween my legs exploded in excitement. I wrapped my arms around his broad shoulders, leaning even closer into his body. That was when I felt it. A hard throbbing dick, poking my stomach. I pulled back, breath