Glass shattered. Boots thudded.Instinct kicked in for River. He grabbed his gun and dove behind the cabinet while Ellie scrambled to her feet, grabbing Lucas's hand. She didn't hesitate for a second, and neither did Valerie and Tiffany. Valerie had Landon in her arms. All of them ran upstairs immediately.Gunfire cracked through the house, bullets splintering wood and punching holes in the walls. River peered around the cabinet and spotted masked men swarming inside, assault rifles blazing.This wasn't just a break-in. It was an attack.River squeezed off a shot, dropping one of the bastards. The others scattered, ducking behind furniture and returning fire.He heard his men rushing in, shouting. Bullets zinged by, chewing into the cabinet inches from his face. He leaned out and took aim, squeezing the trigger in a steady rhythm. The intruders fell one by one, their blood pooling on the hardwood.The gunfire slowed, then ceased. Silence descended, broken only by River's ragged breath
Antonio wiped a hand over his face, blood smearing across his cheek. "Ah. I guess I was shot. It's probably just a flesh wound. Nothing I can't handle." He grinned at Valerie. Valerie shook her head. Was this man for real? "I need to see to that," she said, her tone firm. "Why? Are you worried about me amore mio?" he smiled sheepishly. Valerie sighed, exasperated by Antonio's flirtatious antics. "Not the nickname, please." She looked at Ellie. "Would you mind watching Landon while I take care of Antonio?" Ellie nodded. "Of course." Valerie grabbed his arm. "Come with me," she said. "Ahem..." River cleared his throat. "I don't think you should be alone with him, Val." Valerie glared at River. "He just helped us, didn't he?" River hesitated. "Yes, but..." "Let Valerie help Antonio," Ellie scolded River and motioned Valerie to carry on. Valerie looked at Antonio. "Come with me." Antonio nodded and obediently followed Valerie out of the room. Valerie led Antonio to the bathro
River's voice barked out, sharp and urgent, as Valerie packed up her belongings into suitcases to move in with Antonio. Her hands trembled with nervous energy, and her heart raced in her chest. "Don't do this, Valerie. This is insane," he pleaded.It was two days after the event, and she had told Antonio to prepare for them to live with him. Antonio looked very excited and his excitement had seemed a little too much for her liking. River constantly badgered her about changing her mind but Valerie was firm with her decision.Valerie turned to face River, trying to stay calm and composed. "River, please. Just let me go. It's going to be okay," she said, though doubt gnawed at her insides.Desperate for support, River turned to Ellie, who stood beside Valerie with a worried expression on her face. "Ellie, tell Valerie she's making a mistake," he implored.Ellie let out a heavy sigh, her gaze shifting between the two of them. "Valerie, are you absolutely certain this is what you want?" sh
Suppressing a laugh, Antonio watched as Valerie jumped in surprise. Apparently, she hadn't heard him approaching from behind."Hello, beautiful. I'm here to check if you need anything," he said with a smile.Valerie nervously bit her lip. "That won't be necessary," she responded shortly."Nonsense." Antonio waved off her protest. "What can I help you with? Unpacking? Babysitting? I'm a jack of all trades," he said as he eyed Landon in his crib.Valerie scoffed. "For some reason, I don't see you as a babysitter.""I will prove you wrong," Antonio challenged, raising an eyebrow.Valerie looked at him for a moment, then, without another word, turned and walked away. But Antonio knew that was just part of the game, the push and pull they found themselves in. He wasn't going to let her go that easily.He followed, keeping a few steps behind her.She went to the room next to hers and looked around. For a moment, her facial expression softened. "You have a library," she stated."Yes," Antoni
Valerie stared at herself in the mirror.Dinner with Antonio.It was such a simple thing, and yet, she felt nervous, though she had no idea why.Taking a deep breath, she smoothed out the fabric of her dress, trying to steady the flurry of emotions swirling inside her. This was just dinner, nothing more. Still, there was something about Antonio that made her feel both on edge and oddly intrigued.Landon had finally settled, her tiny breaths even and calm. Lucas was taking a nap in the other room, seemingly at ease in this new environment. Valerie had to admit that Antonio had done everything possible to make them feel comfortable here. But was it a genuine concern or part of a larger scheme?"You are thinking too much," Valerie whispered to herself.Valerie shook her head, trying to clear her doubts. Tonight, she needed to stay focused, be present, and be watchful. This was an opportunity to learn more about Antonio, to understand his motives, and to figure out if he could be trusted.
Valerie's heart skipped a beat as she saw the imposing figure of a large man standing in her bedroom doorway. It wasn't unusual to be surrounded by Antonio's henchmen, but it still put her on edge. "Can I help you with something?" she asked, trying to hide her nerves.The man cleared his throat and spoke in a gruff voice. "Signora Costello requests your presence, Miss Valerie."Valerie furrowed her brows in confusion. The first thought that came to mind was that he must be talking about Antonio's wife. Who else would have the same last name as him?But then she realized that couldn't be possible. After all, why would Antonio make her live with him if he had a wife? And he also threatened to make her his!?Unless...Unless he was planning on making her his mistress and keeping her under the same roof as his unsuspecting wife.No, that's ludicrous.It sounded like something out of a soap opera, but knowing Antonio, it could very well be true.Valerie's head spun with these thoughts as s
Valerie's heart leaped with joy as she watched Lucas and Tiffany behind her brother. "Aunty Val!" he squealed, running up to her with his arms outstretched for a hug."Hey! I want a hug too," Tiffany giggled, rushing toward Valerie.Valerie couldn't help but smile widely. Seeing them here felt like a small piece of normalcy returning to her life.River pulled Valerie into a tight, protective hug after the kids let her go. "Are you really okay?" he whispered, concern lacing his voice.Valerie nodded, pulling back to look at him. "I'm fine. Antonio has been... considerate."River's eyes flicked to Antonio, who was watching them with a guarded expression. "Good," he said, his tone clipped. "We're here to make sure it stays that way.""Where is Landon? Is he in her crib?" Ellie asked. "I want to hold him."Valerie laughed. "I will grab him for you," she said.The anticipation in Ellie's eyes sparkled like stars. "I can't wait. I miss cuddling my nephew."With a smile, Valerie made her way
Heat pooled in Valerie's stomach and then spread through her entire body. Antonio's eyes, his words, and even his simple request were affecting her deeply, whether she wanted to admit it or not."What?" she whispered, even though she knew exactly what he was asking for."Kiss me, and I'll let you go," he promised.Valerie tried to retort, her voice betraying her inner turmoil. "You can't make me kiss you."Antonio shrugged casually. "I'm not making you. I'm requesting you to pay up.""How is that not a blackmail?" she exclaimed.Antonio grinned. "I suppose it is. I am a terrible man, so what else do you expect?"Valerie was torn, her thoughts a whirlwind. There was something about Antonio that piqued her curiosity, and for some reason, she found it hard to refuse him outright.And it didn't help that she found him insanely attractive too.Antonio took a lock of her hair and twisted it around his finger. "It's a simple kiss, Valerie. Nothing more, nothing less.""Just a kiss?" she aske
Lucas couldn’t shake off the feeling of emptiness in his chest as he drove away from Amy’s apartment and back home. He couldn’t understand why he was suddenly in such a bad mood, but the hollowness in his chest only grew stronger with each passing mile. It was as if something was missing.And the car ride was too quiet.Lucas leaned back against the seat, rubbing his temples. His fingers drummed against his thigh, restless, irritated.His mind kept drifting back to the face Amy had made when he had left her at her apartment. She looked so sad, almost near tears.The little Harpy.His jaw tightened as he exhaled sharply. He should be happy she was back home and away from him. He was finally from her constant chattering.Then why did it feel like he’d lost something instead?Silly.He hadn’t lost shit. He could see her whenever he wanted to. It’s not like she lived in another state or something.Lucas nodded to himself. That’s right, he will just go see her. Maybe bother her at the litt
Lucas’s car halts to a stop outside Amy’s apartment building.Amy’s heart raced as she stared at the building, realizing their unexpected adventure was coming to an end. She swallowed hard, her mouth suddenly dry.Lucas cleared his throat. “Well, here we are.”“Yep. Home sweet home,” Amy replied, her voice unnaturally high. She fumbled with her seatbelt, fingers trembling slightly as she tried to unlatch it. The damn thing seemed determined to keep her trapped in this moment.“Need some help?” Lucas asked, his voice laced with amusement.The seatbelt finally released with a soft click. Amy’s hand lingered on the buckle, her mind racing for some excuse…any excuse to prolong their time together.“I, uh…” Amy started, then trailed off, unsure what to say.Lucas turned to her, one eyebrow raised slightly. “Yes?”Amy’s breath caught in her throat as their eyes met.She opened her mouth, then closed it again. What could she possibly say that wouldn’t make her sound desperate or clingy? This
“…and then I told her, ‘If you think that’s bad, you should see what happens when I try to use chopsticks!’” Amy’s words tumbled out in a frantic stream, her hands fluttering like startled birds as she gestured wildly. Her leg bounced incessantly, causing the entire row of airplane seats to vibrate subtly.Lucas gritted his teeth, trying to focus on the e-book displayed on his tablet.Amy had not stopped talking ever since they boarded. At this point, Lucas was used to her talking too much, but this time, it was excessive.“Oh! And did I ever tell you about the time I accidentally used dog shampoo for a month? My hair was so shiny, people kept asking if I’d had work done!” Amy let out a high-pitched laugh that set Lucas’s nerves on edge.He exhaled slowly through his nose, thumb hovering over the tablet’s screen as he debated whether to increase the volume on his noise-canceling headphones. It wouldn’t make a difference, he knew. Amy’s chatter seemed to defy the laws of physics, penet
“Sit down on that little table, and I’ll go get your drink,” Lucas offered, shrugging out of his jacket. “Hot chocolate, right?”“Right,” Amy said with a small smile.Amy turned her gaze to the window, focusing on the view instead of the flutter in her chest. This was just a fun day out. Don’t overthink it. This was one of her many flaws. Overthinking things.A few minutes later, Lucas returned with two steaming mugs of hot chocolate, each topped with a generous swirl of whipped cream. “One for you and one for me,” he said, sliding hers across the table.Amy took a sip, the warmth spreading through her and momentarily chasing away her thoughts. “Mmm, this is amazing.”“Told you this place was worth it,” Lucas said, taking a sip of his own. “So, how does it feel to have conquered your first ski slope?”She set her mug down and leaned back in her chair. “Honestly? It feels good. I didn’t think I’d enjoy it as much as I did.”“Told you you would,” Lucas said, his eyes fixed on hers.“So…
Amy’s eyes widened as she took Lucas’s hand, allowing him to pull her to her feet. “Skiing? Are you serious?” she exclaimed.Lucas smirked, enjoying her surprise. “Completely serious.”She bit her lip, a flicker of uncertainty crossing her features. “But I’ve never skied before. No, it is too scary. I can’t.”He chuckled, tugging her hand gently. “Don’t be a chicken. I will teach you.”She shook her head no. “I will fall down the hill and break something. And then, you will be forced to take care of me for another six months. You will never find the time to woo Alicia at that pace.”Lucas stared at her in amusement. “You have no confidence in yourself, do you?”“ZERO. Now, can we do something else? Like…I don’t know…something does not involve me rolling down from high places?” Amy asked nervously.Lucas tightened his hold on her hand. “Nope. We are going skiing, and that’s final.”Amy groaned loudly, dragging her feet as Lucas led her toward the ski rental area.He rolled his eyes, ha
“What’s wrong now?” Lucas asked.Amy looked at him questioningly. “What do you mean? Nothing is wrong.”“Bullshit,” Lucas said, furrowing his brows. “You look like you are about to cry again. Is it something I said?”Amy shook her head no.Lucas stared at her for a long moment before clearing his throat. “Well…” he started. “Maybe you don’t need to leave just yet. I mean…there’s no rush, I guess.”Her eyes lit up. “Really? I can stay?”Lucas shifted uncomfortably, scratching the back of his neck. “Yeah, I mean, if you want to. The mansion’s big enough, and it’s not like you’re taking up space.”Amy’s lips twitched, fighting a smile. “Are you sure? I don’t want to overstay my welcome.”He rolled his eyes but couldn’t suppress the smirk creeping onto his face. “You’re already a pain, so what’s a little more? Besides, you shouldn’t go back to the USA without doing some sightseeing in Sweden. There are some cool stuff we can do here during winter.”Amy’s eyes widened with surprise, and th
Lucas woke up to the bright sunlight assaulting his eyes and the feel of a plump ass pressed against his groin.He groaned inwardly as he looked at the time. It was already past noon.He couldn’t believe he let Amy talk him into having sex for the second time.And then again this morning.Lucas sighed, running a hand over his face as the events of the past twelve hours replayed in his mind. He had no idea how Amy managed to seduce him so easily.Little nymph.He shifted slightly, trying not to wake her, but the feel of her bare skin against his sent a jolt through him. His cock stirred despite his better judgment.Get a grip, he scolded himself.Amy stirred, letting out a contented hum as she stretched lazily, pressing her body even closer to his. “Mmm, morning, Slut,” she murmured sleepily, her voice thick with satisfaction.Lucas groaned, burying his face in her hair. “It’s noon, and don’t call me that.”“Sorry. I shall call you Timmy’s Dad instead,” she muttered.Lucas sat up. “Tha
Amy had never been taken like this before - with such raw, animalistic intensity. It was overwhelming, all-consuming, obliterating every thought beyond the feel of him inside her, stretching her, claiming her.She could feel the coil of tension winding tighter and tighter in her core, threatening to snap at any moment. Her thighs began to quake, her walls fluttering around his thick length as he hit that sweet spot inside her again and again.“Lucas,” she gasped. “I’m… I’m going to…”“Not yet,” he commanded roughly, reaching between their sweat-slicked bodies to circle her clit with his thumb. “I want to feel you come on my cock. I want to watch you fall apart.”A strangled cry escaped her lips as she came.Lucas didn’t let up, pistoning into her with deep, powerful thrusts.“Oh god,” he rasped. “I can’t control myself.”With a guttural groan, he buried himself to the hilt one final time, finding his own release. She felt the hot spurts of his seed painting her inner walls as he shudd
The kiss caught Amy off guard, her eyes widening as their lips met. She froze for a split second before parting her lips and allowing him to slip his tongue inside.And oh, was she glad she did.Amy’s heart pounded in her chest as Lucas flipped her on her back and deepened the kiss, his hands moving to her waist, pulling her closer. It felt so good—the way his lips moved against hers, his weight pressing on her, the heat that spread through her body like wildfire.This was wrong. So wrong. She barely knew this man. They just met less than twenty-four hours ago!And yet, she couldn’t bring herself to make him stop.His fingers tightened on her waist, his touch possessive.Amy’s hands, which had been hovering awkwardly in the air, found their way to his shoulders, gripping tightly. Every rational thought screamed at her to push him away, to put an end to this madness, but her body refused to obey.When they finally broke apart, both were breathless, their faces mere inches apart. Lucas’