ACE
That morning, the sun was shining brighter than usual, as if trying to interfere in this family's complicated affairs. The tennis court behind the estate was way too fancy—green fences, perfect white lines, and a small spectator stand that, surprise surprise, was totally empty. This kind of game didn’t attract anyone except us—the players. But I was not here to capture the audience's attention, I had a more specific target in mind.
I twirled the racket in my hand, standing at the side of the tennis court in a relaxed manner. Cal, as always, was in good spirits. Last night I had overheard him almost begging Beck to come play. Cal was trying too hard to bring us together who clearly didn't want to be together.
However, what really caught my attention was Damon. I hadn’t seen him since that night—since he c
DAMONI leaned against the net post, enjoying the brief respite after the first game. Ace, with that annoying winning smile, was clearly satisfied. But I didn't care about this game. I knew he was just trying to provoke me, especially with what he said about Sera. But I knew, he also didn't know what was in my head... or what was between me and Sera.My eyes followed Sera's approaching movements. Her slender legs stepped gracefully, her white dress swayed lightly, as if the whole world stopped spinning and there was only her. That face full of curiosity—oh, she had something to say, didn’t she?I gave her a lopsided smile, a smile that I knew would make her curious. “Something on your mind, princess?” My voice was low, teasing, carrying just the right edge of challenge.
SERAAfter Damon left with a sardonic smile still in my mind, I looked over to Ace who was being handled by Cal. Beck was standing not far away holding his racket. Instantly, I felt worry creep into my chest, even though I knew Ace was a strong person. I tried to suppress the annoyance that was still bubbling up, and focus on this situation.I knelt down beside Ace who was still sitting on the field, clutching his ankle which was starting to swell. His facial expression was a mixture of pain and annoyance that he tried to hide behind a faint smile.“Ace, are you okay?” I asked, even though he clearly wasn't.Cal crouched on Ace’s other side, his hands moving efficiently as he examined the injury. “It’s not a fracture, but it looks like a sprain. We need to get him to his room and ice it.”I nodded. “Should I call a doctor?”Cal let out a small laugh, glancing up at me. “Sera, I’m a doctor, remember?”Oh. Right. Feeling slightly foolish, I just nodded again, more seriously this time. “
DAMONThe door creaked as I opened it, the small sound was enough to make Sera turn her head with a sudden movement. She was sitting on the edge of the bed, her body tense like someone who had waited too long in too narrow a space. Turner mentioned she was waiting for me, but I didn’t expect her to actually stay up this late—and in my room.Our eyes met, and I could see it in hers—anger. Sharp, blazing, and brimming with things she was dying to say.But I beat her to it. “What are you doing here?” My voice was flat, almost casual, though we both knew that wouldn’t last long.She stood up, her jaw tight as she faced me. “Where the hell have you been? Everyone’s been looking for you, but you just disappeared.”
SERA“Don’t hold back, Sera.” His words were a dark, whispered command. “I want to hear every sound you make.”I shook my head slightly, my body trying to resist the overwhelming friction. “I don’t understand what you’re doing to me, Damon,” I whispered. But when his hot hand slid to my back, pulling me closer, I knew I’d already given in.Ignoring my words, his lips returned to my neck, his tongue teasing me there as his hand expertly unclasped my bra. “I can’t stop,” he said in a husky voice that made my heart race.He didn’t give me a choice. There was no escape. I knew I should be angry, should demand an explanation, but somehow, something deeper drew me into this game. “Then don’t.”He stripped away the rest of our clothes with swift movements. I stare at his body with increasingly heavy breathing as he puts on the condom. The tattoos wrapped around his body seemed to tell a dark, unspoken story. And my stomach felt like it was twisting at the sight of how ready he was for me.Hi
SERAThe room was quiet, dimly lit, with nothing but the sound of our breathing filling the space. I lay next to him, staring at the ceiling, trying to catch my breath. But my eyes kept drifting to him—to that tattoo-covered body lounging lazily against the headboard. My hand moved on its own, tracing my fingers over the ink—lines so intricate, so mesmerizing.My fingers stopped at the wolf howling at a full moon, beautifully etched across his chest, covering most of his left side and stretching to his shoulder. “A wolf,” I murmured, my voice softer than usual. “Like your name.”I tilted my head, looking at the wolf that seemed to be howling helplessly at the moon. “Why does it seem bound to the moon? Wolves are supposed to be free,” I asked, trying to understand.Damon looked at me with an expression I couldn’t quite read, something unspoken lingering in his eyes. “Because the moon isn't just light to him. It gives him strength, but is also his greatest weakness,” he replied softly.W
CALTurner sat in the driver’s seat, fiddling with his phone while waiting. I leaned back in the rear seat, gazing out the window and enjoying the crisp morning air.“Turner,” I called, breaking the silence as I glanced at his reflection in the rearview mirror.“Yes, Mr. Cal?” he replied politely.“You’re pretty close with Damon, aren’t you?” I asked, keeping my tone casual.Turner turned slightly, then fixed his gaze back on the front. “You could say that. It’s nice having someone to talk to about spare parts and such.”I nodded thoughtfully. “Seems like he treats you nice. He talks to you more than he does with me or anyone
CALLos Angeles greeted us with typical early fall air, slightly warmer than in San Francisco. The blue sky was cloudless, and the leaves were beginning to turn yellow on some of the trees along the streets. Vehicles passed by without stopping, creating a chaotic harmony that felt typical of this big city.In front of the terminal, a young woman stood with a professional posture. Her shoulder-length brown hair was neatly styled, and she wore a chic yet understated business suit. It was Gia, Sera's secretary. Despite her youthful appearance, she exuded an aura of confidence that was hard to ignore.“Miss Sera, Mr. Cal.” Gia greeted us with a warm smile as we approached. “Welcome to Los Angeles. The car is ready.”Sera returned it with a faint smile that was more friendly than formal. “Thank you, Gia. Everything go well?”“Of course,” Gia replied as she signaled the driver to take our luggage.I watched their interaction. There was a familiarity there, something I rarely saw in professi
CALWe stepped into the main hall of Aspire Heights Kindergarten. The room was spacious and vibrant, its simplicity infused with warmth. Rows of tables were adorned with children’s crafts—colorful paper cutouts, small vases holding fresh flowers, and family names written in tiny, clumsy handwriting. The air carried the comforting scent of baked goods and coffee, a nostalgic contrast to the buzz of adult conversation.I walked beside Sera, one step behind her, keeping my stride relaxed yet purposeful. As per our earlier agreement—my suggestion, of course—I’d play the role of her personal bodyguard. Though hesitant at first, Sera had eventually agreed, considering that my status as Reggie's son was yet to be announced at an event like this.Sera, as usual, was the center of attention. Her appearance was stunning, dressed in a soft blue dress with a simple yet graceful cut. A calm and confident air emanated from her. Her eyes scanned the room quietly, occasionally nodding or smiling at t
SERAI was buried in financial reports when my office door swung open without a knock. Gia stepped in, her expression something I rarely saw—a mix of tension and caution, like she’d just discovered a ticking time bomb in the middle of the office. I raised an eyebrow, silently asking.“We have a problem,” she said, urgency lacing her voice.I gestured for her to sit, but she remained standing in front of my desk. “How bad?” I leaned back in my chair.Gia exhaled before handing me a tablet. “Dominic Marsh. He made a deal with Parkinson & Co. without full approval from Reggie.”My pulse picked up. I took the tablet and scanned the document on the screen. Clause after clause unfolded before me, and the more I read, the tighter my jaw clenched.Dominic Marsh, Blackwood Group’s in-house attorney—the one handling the company’s legal affairs—had brokered a deal with a major investment firm to fast-track the acquisition of a struggling tech company.“This is basically a gamble. If that tech co
DAMONI was in Sera’s bedroom, sprawled across her bed, my eyes locked on her figure at the desk. She sat there with her laptop open, fingers dancing over the keyboard, her brows furrowing every now and then like the fate of the world depended on every word she typed.I’d promised her I wouldn’t bother her, and for once, I was keeping my word. I stayed quiet, just watching her. Time felt like it stopped in this room. Maybe only minutes had passed. Or maybe hours. I didn’t know, and I didn’t care. All I knew was the way her brows creased, the way she sighed every so often, the way her sharp glances shot in my direction like daggers. Thirteen frowns. Six deep breaths. Ten glares. I counted every single one because when I was with her, I couldn’t help but notice every detail.I knew from the moment I first saw her, she was special. There was just something about her, something I couldn’t put into words. It was not just about her beauty—though that alone could undo a man like me. But more
SERAIt all felt like a carefully laid trap. His stare, his smile, even the way he said my name in that low, almost teasing tone. Ace always knew how to create tension in a room, and me… yeah, I was way too aware of it.I took a slow breath, trying to calm my heartbeat—which, for some reason, was racing faster than it should’ve been. My steps down the hallway felt heavier than usual, even though I knew there was no reason for Ace to follow me.Once I was done with Ace, I had to do the same with Damon—give him his gift. It was ridiculous, really. I felt more like a mom with four teenage sons than anything else.I knocked on Damon’s door a few times, but there was no answer. He was probably in the garage. But tonight was way too cold for me to bother looking for him there, so I decided to push it to tomorrow. Besides, I had other things to prep for—like the important presentation Reggie and I had been talking about earlier.Opening my bedroom door that night felt like walking into a tra
ACELooking back at the chaos I’ve stirred over the past few days, I’ve come to a stark realization: my strategy was flawed. Utterly flawed. And as much as I hated the idea, I aimed at the wrong target. I was too obsessed with my little game to forget my main objective.And I had to reconsider my strategy. Not out of guilt—regret isn’t something I romanticize—but because the outcome was far from what I'd hoped for. Maybe Beck’s idea of “making peace” with Damon was a move I need to consider. Not because I actually wanted to make peace—God, no—but because Reggie was watching. And if playing nice got me the “maturity” points Reggie was so desperate to see, then so be it.Still, I didn’t anticipate tonight’s surprise.Sera. She showed up at my door, knocking like some uninvited but very welcome guest. Wearing one of those button-up sweaters she seems to favor. Simple enough, but the way it fits her? Yeah, that threw me off for a second—a very brief second.“Sera? Can I help you?” I asked
CALI walked down the corridor after spending some time in the library, my steps light and steady. But I came to an abrupt halt when the sound of loud punches and shuffling feet echoed from the direction of the gym. That kind of noise was unusual in this house—especially in the gym, which was usually my private training space, occasionally shared with Damon or Ace. Curiosity tugged at me, drawing me to the gym door.As I opened it, I froze, my mind struggling to process the scene before me.Ace and Damon. Together. Practicing boxing.I stood there, rooted in the doorway, too stunned to move forward. Ace—his posture tall and commanding—threw a punch that came dangerously close to Damon’s protective headgear. Damon, focused in a way I rarely saw, dodged with precision before delivering a counterpunch that nearly grazed Ace’s shoulder. The heavy breaths they exchanged filled the room, mingling with the sharp sound of gloves colliding.No taunts. No anger. Just focus.Ace lifted his chin
BECKLiving at Blackwood Estate, I felt like a part of me was missing. I never touched a brush or scribbled a sketch, there was no spark of color burning on the canvas. Life here was too quiet, too controlled, making me feel like a bird that had lost its wings.But when Sera told me I could use this pavilion as my own personal art studio, hope flickered back to life. I spent my free time ever since doing a major renovation—with a little help from some of the super reliable house staff. And though she might not realize it, Sera gave me more than just this pavilion. She gave me hope, freedom, and a reason to live again.“I want to take a look around,” she said softly, her eyes sparkling with curiosity, mixed with a little bit of challenge.I chuckled a little as I bowed my head—God, she’s something else. I kissed her lips quickly before lifting her off the table. She gave me a small smile, her cheeks flushed, then stepped away while gently shaking her hair back over her shoulder.She wa
SERAComing home from work, I felt too tired to go straight into the house. Upon returning from LA this morning, long meetings and endless discussions immediately filled my head. Yet, as I pulled into the driveway, one calming thought stood out amidst the chaos: Beck.“The Brothers are all home, right?” I asked Turner.“They came back from their class around three this afternoon, Miss. I’m not sure if anyone has gone out again.”“All right,” I replied. The least I was sure of was that Beck couldn't have left. He must be in the pavilion, doing God knows what in his newly revamped art studio.After getting out of the car, I decided to bypass the main door and sneak into the back garden. The sky was starting to turn red, giving a beautiful golden hue around Beck's small pavilion.Back then, this pavilion in the back garden was like a building forgotten by time. The paint on the walls was faded, with tiny cracks running through it like a secret map. I could count on one hand the number of
SERAI smiled at the short message Beck sent me. It was a picture—a selfie of him in front of the newly renovated pavilion in the backyard. Underneath it, he wrote: missed you already.I typed back: We’ll see each other tomorrow afternoon.The bathroom door creaked open, and Cal stepped out, already dressed in a loose white shirt and tartan-patterned pajama pants. Our eyes met briefly before his gaze shifted to the sofa I was sitting on—now neatly prepared with a pillow and blanket.“I think I’ll sleep here. The couch is comfortable enough for me,” I said softly, avoiding Cal’s eyes.“Don’t be ridiculous, Sera.”I gave him a stubborn look. “I don’t want you to feel uncomfortable. Besides, it’s my fault for not making sure the extra room was booked.”Cal let out a long sigh, walking over to grab the pillow and blanket. “If you keep this up, it’ll feel like you’re the one uncomfortable. And if that’s the case, I’ll sleep on the couch, not you.”I snapped my head up, frowning. “That’s no
CALWe stepped into the main hall of Aspire Heights Kindergarten. The room was spacious and vibrant, its simplicity infused with warmth. Rows of tables were adorned with children’s crafts—colorful paper cutouts, small vases holding fresh flowers, and family names written in tiny, clumsy handwriting. The air carried the comforting scent of baked goods and coffee, a nostalgic contrast to the buzz of adult conversation.I walked beside Sera, one step behind her, keeping my stride relaxed yet purposeful. As per our earlier agreement—my suggestion, of course—I’d play the role of her personal bodyguard. Though hesitant at first, Sera had eventually agreed, considering that my status as Reggie's son was yet to be announced at an event like this.Sera, as usual, was the center of attention. Her appearance was stunning, dressed in a soft blue dress with a simple yet graceful cut. A calm and confident air emanated from her. Her eyes scanned the room quietly, occasionally nodding or smiling at t