After finishing his breakfast, Alex carried his dishes to the kitchen, walking beside Michael. Once there, he stood back as Michael took over, washing them himself.“You do know I can handle this, yeah?” Alex said, settling behind the center kitchen cabinet, watching him. “I’m not some spoilt brat who can’t wash his own plate after eating.” His voice held a teasing edge, but Michael only laughed and shook his head.“I never said you were,” Michael chuckled. “I just want you to sit there and watch me while I take care of you—and everything that concerns you.” He stole a quick glance at Alex before turning back to the sink.Alex rested his head on his palm, a wide smile creeping onto his face as he studied Michael. “Why do you like me?” He tilted his head slightly, his expression laced with curiosity.Michael smirked. “You seriously don’t know?” He wiped his hands on a napkin, then turned to lean against the cabinet, their faces now inches apart. “Have you looked in a mirror lately?”Ale
Alex’s lips found Michael’s lips without hesitation. He covered his lips and began to kiss him deeply, their tongues swaying and dancing rhythimically. While still kissing, Alex’s two moist fingers found their way into Michael’s hole and slowly drove them in. Michael’s lips parted in an inaudible gasp and he took a pause from kissing. “Look into my eyes,” Alex whispered against his lips, but Michael could barely open his eyes because of what was going on behind him. “I can’t…” He mumbled, as if almost in tears, throwing his head backwards. “I need to stretch you out well. Do you have a lube?” Alex asked as he drew his fingers out of him. Michael could finally open his eyes and their gazes met. “I have one in the room.” He responded in a low, hungry voice. Alex, without hesitation, grabbed him and lifted him of the couch. He wrapped his legs around his torso as Alex began to walk to the room. Alex gave him a spank on the butt, “Ahhh!” Michael’s breath hitched. Though it was a lo
As Jaxon worked, he kept stealing glances at Isla through the transparent office wall, his eyes tracking her every move. She could feel his gaze on her, making her stomach tighten with nerves.After finishing up some important scheduling, Isla pulled out her phone and typed a message to Sophie.“I think I’m about to start a romantic relationship with Jaxon Waverly.”The message delivered instantly, and as if Sophie had been waiting for it, her response came almost immediately—a voice note.“Took you long enough, girl!” Sophie’s excited voice burst through Isla’s speaker. “I was starting to think something went horribly wrong when I didn’t hear from you this morning. So, are you serious, or are you just messing with me?”A small smile crept onto Isla’s lips. “You know I’d never joke about something like this. Honestly, I’m just as shocked as you are, Sophie.”“I told you he was into you! But you kept convincing yourself there was no way he’d like you differently from the others,” Sophi
After working hours, Isla remained in the office, following Jaxon’s instructions. Meanwhile, Jaxon hurriedly wrapped up his tasks for the day. Before stepping out of his office to meet her, he went online one last time, ensuring everything was set for their official first date.The venue was ready. The meals were ready. He was ready. There was no turning back now. Grabbing his briefcase, he strode out of his office.As soon as he stepped into the room and his eyes met Isla’s, a wide smile stretched across his face. Moving closer to her desk, he let out a sigh. “This has got to be the longest workday ever. Felt like closing time would never come.”Isla smiled shyly, lowering her gaze. “I thought I was the only one stealing glances at the clock.” She chuckled softly.Jaxon leaned on her desk, his gaze locking onto hers. “I want to take you somewhere.” His voice was calm, deliberate.Isla furrowed her brows. “Oh?” She blinked, caught off guard. She had assumed they’d be staying back at t
Isla sat gracefully in the car, exuding an effortless charm that had Jaxon completely mesmerized. Ever since their makeover—his idea, of course—she had looked even more breathtaking.Her makeup was subtle, just enough to highlight her striking features. She wore a flowing white dress with a daring slit up to her thigh, its fitted bodice accentuating her figure before cascading into a soft, flared skirt. To complete the look, Jaxon had chosen a pair of gold heels and a matching purse for her.Jaxon on the other hand decided to get a new set of suit and he wore that. He didn’t want her to think he was not intentional about his own looks. He was also in his office outfits. “You’re absolutely stunning,” Jaxon murmured, leaning in close, his voice laced with admiration.Isla’s cheeks burned as she glanced at him. “If I’m counting right, that’s the sixth time you’ve said that since we left the mall,” she replied, her tone shy yet teasing.He chuckled. “Can you blame me? I can’t stop lookin
Alex pulled up in front of Michael’s apartment and took the stairs to the second floor, where his place was. The elevator was out of order, but Alex hardly cared.He needed to make things right with Michael after what had happened that morning.Reaching the door, he knocked and waited.“Michael?” He called out, raising his hand to knock again when the door suddenly swung open.Michael stepped out hastily, shutting the door behind him in one swift motion.“What are you doing here?” he whispered, grabbing Alex’s wrist and pulling him toward the stairwell.Alex frowned, confused by his urgency. “What’s going on? Why are you acting so nervous?” He studied Michael’s tense expression and restless movements.Michael exhaled sharply, letting go of his hand. “Why didn’t you tell me you were coming? Just because you know where I live now doesn’t mean you can drop by unannounced.”The words caught Alex off guard. “I didn’t mean to just show up. I was going to call, but I realized I don’t have yo
For a moment, Jaxon pulled back, their lips parting as they both caught their breath. Isla’s eyes fluttered open, her warm gaze meeting the hunger in his.“That was good,” Jaxon murmured, his face still inches from hers. “Your lips taste exactly how I imagined.”Isla arched a brow. “You imagined my lips?” she asked, a shy smile playing on her face.“And every part of you,” he admitted. “Might sound a bit mad, but it’s the truth. After last night, I couldn’t stop thinking about all the things I wanted to do for you… and to you—even the filthy ones.” His breath, laced with champagne, skimmed her skin as he whispered.“Then why’d you stop?” Isla asked before she could think, her voice just as soft. Their foreheads brushed as she met his gaze.“Because I needed to know you want this as much as I do.” He cupped her face, his thumb grazing her cheek. Her eyes fluttered shut as she leaned into his warmth.“I made the first move twice… remember?” she murmured, still resting against his palm.
Sophie soon drifted off, her head resting on Michael’s shoulder, the soft glow of the television still illuminating the room. Careful not to wake her, Michael gently moved the popcorn bowl from her lap before slipping his arms beneath her. Lifting her in a bridal carry, he carried her to the bedroom.As he laid her down, her eyes fluttered open, meeting his gaze.“Are you not coming to bed?” she asked sleepily as he tucked her in.“Not yet,” he said with a small smile. “I’ve got a few things to do. You go ahead. I’ll join you soon.”Leaning in, he pressed a soft kiss to her forehead before pulling away. “Do you want me to adjust the air conditioning?” he asked.She shook her head, snuggling deeper under the duvet. “Nah, it’s perfect.”Michael reached for the light switch. Just as he was about to turn it off, Sophie whispered, “I love you.”A warm smile spread across his face. “I love you too.”He switched off the light and quietly stepped out, shutting the door behind him. Letting out
As Isla lay silently in the cage, exhaustion and thirst weighing her down, the sudden sound of keys jingling against metal snapped her out of her haze. The cell gate creaked open.Her heart pounded violently in her chest, dreading what was coming next. Before she could react, rough hands clamped around her ankles and yanked her forward.“Aghhh!” she cried out as her skin scraped against the cold, hard floor, sharp stinging cuts forming along her arms and legs.“Shut the fuck up, woman!” Bianchi snapped, irritation lacing his voice. A trail of smoke curled from the cigarette hanging at the corner of his lips. “Tie her to the chair,” he ordered.His men wasted no time. They grabbed her, forcing her onto a chair as she thrashed against their grip. A thick, coarse rope was wound tightly around her, pinning her arms to her sides. Blood trickled from the fresh cuts on her skin, staining her already filthy blue shirt.“Let me go!” she screamed, but Bianchi only chuckled, shaking his head.“N
Mrs. Bennett sat in Jaxon’s living room, her gaze sweeping across the grand interior while he settled into the couch opposite her.The room was silent, save for their presence, as his men waited outside for further instructions.“Mrs. Bennett, I appreciate you coming here with me. I have so many questions, and I’d really appreciate it if you could answer them,” Jaxon said, his tone steady.She exhaled, a weary sigh escaping her lips. “I’m already here, aren’t I? Not like I had much of a choice,” she murmured, leaning back against the couch.“I know you need rest, so I’ll keep this brief.” He met her gaze, and she gave a small nod before he continued, “How did Teresa Blackwood become Isla Bennett?”A soft sigh left her lips. “I changed our names and identities after your father killed my husband. Don Westerly wasn’t a man of mercy—he was ruthless, powerful. My husband made the mistake of getting entangled with him, and it cost him his life. I knew that settling the score wouldn’t be en
Austin waited in his usual secluded spot, anxious for the meetup. At last, he had the money, one final payment before cutting ties with the loan sharks for good.Right on cue, a car screeched around the corner, nearly clipping him. Austin quickly stepped back, cursing under his breath.The vehicle jerked to a stop, engine cutting off. As the driver slid out, Austin exhaled sharply. “You really need to stop pulling that stunt,” he muttered, irritation lacing his voice.The man grinned, flashing a set of crooked teeth. “Austin! You’ve got my money. Finally.”Without a word, Austin reached into the inner pocket of his suit and pulled out a thick brown envelope. He extended it with a firm expression. “This is the last time we do business.”The man took the envelope, nodding as he peeled it open. He sifted through the cash, eyes narrowing. “I trust you wouldn’t be stupid enough to short me.”Austin shrugged. “Count it if you want.”The man scoffed, gave a brief nod, then tossed the envelop
Alex stepped aside and reached for his phone to call Jaxon, but just as he was about to dial, he spotted Jaxon’s car pulling into Mrs. Bennett’s compound.Lowering his phone, he strode toward the vehicle, barely waiting for Jaxon to cut the engine before speaking."I was just about to call you," Alex said as Jaxon unfastened his seatbelt and swung the door open.Alex continued, "No sign of her at the hospital yet. We just got here, so we’re not sure if she’s here either. We knocked, but no one has—""Someone just answered," Jaxon cut in, his eyes fixed on the house. He barely acknowledged Alex as he advanced toward the entrance. His men stood still, awaiting orders, while Alex trailed behind him.The door swung open, revealing Ivy. The moment she stepped outside, her gaze locked onto Jaxon, her expression hardening. ‘Of course, it’s him,’ she thought in disgust, shutting the door behind her."Don’t you think this is a bit dramatic?" Ivy scoffed, folding her arms. "We get it—you run a
"Jeremy wants a divorce." Ivy's voice was steady, but the weight of her words filled the room. She sank into the chair beside her mother’s bed, exhaustion lining her face. They had just returned from the hospital—Mrs. Bennett needed to rest before her next chemo cycle."What?!" Mrs. Bennett’s voice came out weak, yet the shock was evident in her expression.Ivy simply shrugged. "It’s Isla. Again," she muttered, and the confusion on her mother’s face deepened."What do you mean? What does Isla have to do with this?"Ivy scoffed. "If they hadn’t seen each other the day before, divorce wouldn’t even be on Jeremy’s mind. He claims they’re still in love, and apparently, she feels the same."Mrs. Bennett shook her head in disbelief. "That’s impossible. It doesn’t add up. Isla has a boyfriend—things are serious between them. I don’t believe she would say something like that to Jeremy. He must have misunderstood."A bitter laugh escaped Ivy’s lips. "Of course. I knew you’d defend her. You alw
“Isla!” Jaxon burst into his mansion, breathless. “Isla!” he called again, his voice echoing through the eerily silent house.Charlie’s words replayed in his mind as he rushed toward the stairs."Teresa has been here all along! Her mother changed their identities and appearance, terrified your father would come after the rest of the family. She fled Rome and has been hiding in a small house in Naples."“Isla!” he shouted once more, but the silence remained unbroken.Then he froze.Down the hallway, his study door was ajar.“Fuck!” he cursed, sprinting toward it.The moment he stepped inside, her scent lingered in the air. His stomach tightened as he rushed to his desk—only to find his journal missing. The rest of his belongings had been disturbed.“Fuck! She knows!” His pulse pounded as he bolted out of the study, slamming the door shut behind him. Without hesitation, he headed straight for her bedroom.The door was slightly ajar, and a cold dread settled in his chest. His worst fears
Isla strode straight to the desk, her gaze sweeping the room in search of any clue—anything to prove she wasn’t just being paranoid.Reaching the desk, her eyes flicked over its surface. A few files lay scattered on top. She skimmed through them, but they were nothing more than work-related documents and contracts.Crouching slightly, she turned her attention to the drawers attached to the desk. Just as she was about to place her phone down and pull one open, her screen lit up with an incoming call.She frowned, glancing at the name. It was Austin. Her jaw tightened. ‘Bad timing.’ Without a second thought, she silenced the call and set the phone on the desk.Returning to the drawers, she tugged at one—locked. She tried another. Also locked.‘Locked drawers inside a locked room? That’s beyond suspicious.’ She tested each one, but none had been carelessly left open. ‘Great. Now I have to find the keys. And they better not be hidden too well.’Shifting her focus, she moved to the bookshe
Jeremy sped off in his car, heading to work. His eyes flickered to his phone screen once more, hoping for a message from Isla, but nothing.‘Did she know he was in the mafia before?’ The thought gnawed at him. He shook his head, refocusing on the road. He remembered clearly how much Isla despised the mafia when they were together. She never held back her disgust, always speaking about them with pure contempt.He had often wondered why, but she never gave him an answer. Sure, everyone knew the mafia was powerful, ruthless, and knee-deep in illegal business, but Isla’s hatred ran deeper. It was personal. And he knew that.‘There’s no way she knew and still got with him. He must’ve hidden it from her. But... why hasn’t she responded after reading the message?’ His jaw clenched as he tilted his head in thought.As he approached the turn under a bridge, he made the sharp curve, and caught sight of a car sticking unnervingly close behind him. His brows furrowed. Checking the rearview mirror
Isla woke up with a deep yawn, stretching her arm toward the empty space beside her. She expected to feel Jaxon lying next to her, but he was nowhere to be found.Her brows furrowed as she blinked her eyes open, glancing at his side of the bed. Letting out a quiet sigh, she sat up, rubbing the sleep from her eyes with the back of her hand."Jaxon?" she mumbled drowsily, stifling another yawn.Sliding out from beneath the sheets, she swung her legs over the edge of the bed and reached for her phone. Unlocking it, she found everything exactly as she had left it the night before.Slipping on her flip-flops, she padded toward the door and stepped into the hallway."Jaxon?" she called again, her voice echoing slightly as she made her way toward the stairs.The night before, after her conversation with Austin, she had made up her mind—she was going to tell Jaxon about it. Something about Austin wanting to meet up before explaining himself felt off to her. It almost seemed like he had nothin