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
The moment their lips touched, electricity sparked through Antonio's veins. Hours later, he couldn't stop thinking about her. About Valerie.His sheets were tangled around his legs as he tossed and turned, craving the feel of her in his arms. He could still taste her on his tongue. The memory of her soft curves pressed against him made his blood burn.He groaned. This was madness.He'd never lost control like this, never wanted a woman with such relentless desperation. His body burned for her, but it was more than that. He wanted to know her, all of her—her secrets, her dreams, her fears. He wanted to share his life with her, protect her, and please her.Valerie had gotten under his skin, into his soul, in a way no one else ever had. He was drowning in her, consumed by her, and he didn't want to surface for air.What the fuck was wrong with him?The familiar urge rose, an itch he'd always scratched without a second thought. His body cried out for release as he thought about touching h
Lucas turned to Amy and smirked. “Well…”Amy raised an eyebrow. “Well?”Lucas sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Some date night, huh?”Amy let out a laugh that was half-exhaustion, half-hysteria. “Oh yeah. Kidnapping, gunfights, your sister going all James Bond on us. Is this really what your life is like?” she asked, sinking onto a nearby sofa.Lucas sat beside her, close enough that their shoulders touched. “Not usually this dramatic.”“Says the man who kidnapped me the first time we met,” Amy pointed out.“That was a special circumstance,” he defended with a small smile.Amy leaned her head against his shoulder. “I should be running for the hills right now.”“Are you going to?” he asked softly.She turned to look at him, her eyes meeting his. “Not after your confession. Did you really mean it?”Lucas’s face. “I meant what I said back there, Amy. I love you.”Amy put her arms around him, drawing him closer. “When did you know?”Lucas leaned down and brushed his lips over hers
Taking a deep breath, Lucas reached for the bar. His hand hesitated for only a second before he pushed it.The door groaned open, and for a split second, neither of them breathed.No alarm.Lucas let out a sharp exhale and grabbed her hand. “Move.”They bolted outside into the chill night air, the sharp scent of gasoline and metal in the wind. The alley was empty, dimly lit by a single flickering streetlamp at the far end.“Which way?” Amy whispered, adrenaline surging through her veins.Lucas pointed left. “There’s a road a few blocks down. If we can make it there, we can steal a car or flag someone—”A gunshot cracked through the air, splintering the bricks near their heads. They both ducked instinctively, pressing themselves against the side of the building.“They know,” Amy gasped.Lucas clenched his jaw. “Run.”They took off, weaving through trash bins and broken crates. Another shot rang out, ricocheting off metal behind them.“STOP! Or I will shoot your head this time!” A voice
Lucas shifted in his chair, the zip ties digging into his wrists as he avoided her gaze. “Not exactly the most romantic setting for this conversation.”“I think we’re past worrying about ambiance,” Amy said dryly. “So?”He exhaled slowly. “I was going to say… I love you, Amy.”No one said anything for a while.“You… what?” Amy finally asked.“I love you,” he repeated, his voice steadier now. “Have for a while. It’s why I couldn’t stand seeing you with Asa. Why I acted like such an idiot.” He gave a short, self-deprecating laugh. “And now I’ve gotten you kidnapped by the mafia. Stellar boyfriend material.”Amy blinked rapidly, processing his words. “You love me.”“Yes.”“And your way of showing it was to tell me to kiss another man?”Lucas winced. “It was a stupid thing to say.”“So you stalked my date and then jumped me in a bathroom to prove it?” she asked, unable to hide her amusement. And her happiness.“When you put it that way…”“And now we’re tied to chairs in some abandoned war
Amy and Lucas were marched across the parking lot toward a black SUV with heavily tinted windows. Two more men in suits opened the rear doors.“Ladies first,” Scar-face sneered, shoving Amy forward.“Touch her again and I’ll kill you,” Lucas growled, the threat so cold and certain that even the thug hesitated.“Big words for a man in zip ties,” Baldy laughed.They were forced into the backseat, the leather cool and buttery soft against Amy’s bare legs. The door slammed behind them. The bearded man slid into the passenger seat while Scar-face took the wheel.“Where are you taking us?” Amy asked, her voice steadier than she felt.No one answered.Lucas shifted closer to Amy, his bound hands awkwardly seeking hers. When their fingers touched, she clung to him, drawing strength from the contact.“I’m sorry,” he whispered, so quietly only she could hear. “I never wanted you involved in this.”“Involved in what, exactly?” she whispered back.Before Lucas could answer, the bearded man turned
Amy knew she should stop this madness. They were in a public bathroom, for God’s sake, with her date sitting just outside. But Lucas’s fingers were working magic, and rational thought was rapidly abandoning her.“This doesn’t change anything,” she gasped as he slid one finger inside her, her hands still fumbling with his zipper.Lucas smirked against her neck. “Doesn’t it?”“No,” she insisted, even as her body arched into his touch. “You can’t just—oh!—show up and expect me to—”He curled his finger just right, and whatever argument she was building dissolved into a soft moan.“What was that?” he murmured, adding a second finger.“You are insufferable,” she managed to say, finally getting his zipper down.Lucas chuckled, the sound vibrating against her skin. “And you’re still on a date with the wrong man.”He entered her in one smooth thrust, swallowing her cry with his mouth. The feeling of fullness, of rightness, was overwhelming. Amy clung to him, her nails digging into his shoulde
“Oh, Hi, Harpy,” Lucas said casually as he leaned against the closed door.He drove as fast as he could to get there, and he would not leave until he got a real answer from Amy. He was tired of playing games.“Lucas. What the actual fuck? You can’t be here. This is the women’s restroom,” Amy hissed.“Actually. This is a unisex bathroom,” Lucas declared.“It doesn’t matter!” she screeched.Lucas moved fast, and soon, he was towering over her, pressing his palm to muffle her voice. “Shh…you want us to get caught?”Amy’s golden hazel eyes widened above his palm. She pried his fingers away from her mouth.“Caught?” she whispered fiercely. “You’re the one barging into bathrooms like some deranged stalker! How did you even know I was here?”Lucas ran a hand through his hair. “I had someone watch you.”“You had someone—” Amy closed her eyes briefly. “You are insane.”“How could you kiss him?” Lucas asked abruptly, his jaw clenching.Amy stared at him, incredulous. “Are you kidding me right n
Asa paused before getting in the car and looked at Amy, a small smile teasing his lips.“What?” Amy narrowed her eyes and asked.“You’ve got something in your hair,” Asa said, reaching out to pluck a tiny piece of confetti from her curls. “Looks like the victory fountain at the eighteenth hole got a little enthusiastic.”Amy touched her hair self-consciously. “Is there more?”“No, just that one.” His fingers lingered near her temple for a heartbeat longer than necessary.Amy felt a flutter in her chest that had nothing to do with the strange man who’d been following them. “Thanks for getting it.”“No problem,” he said. “I’m having a really good time,” Asa said, his voice genuine.“Me too,” Amy said.“I’ve been wanting to ask you out for a while.”“You have?” Amy couldn’t keep the surprise from her voice.“Since the day you helped me carry groceries up the stairs when the elevator broke. You were wearing paint-splattered overalls and complaining about your sister borrowing your car wit
“What are they doing now, Jimmy?” Lucas texted the man he hired to spy on Amy and Asa.Lucas stared at his phone as the message sent, his fingers tapping impatiently against the edge of his desk. His thoughts churned, the irritation growing with every passing second.His phone buzzed with a reply.Jimmy: They’re still on the mini golf course. No sign of anything strange. They’re just playing, talking, looks like having fun. She seems relaxed.Lucas narrowed his eyes, his mind racing.Lucas: Keep watching. I want to know if they kiss.Jimmy: They are on the last hole now. Looks like they’re finishing up. Could be wrapping up soon.Lucas: I want to know everything. Stay close, don’t miss anything.He stared at the screen, watching the little dots indicating Jimmy was typing. The delay felt agonizing, each second stretching longer than the last. Finally, the message came through.Jimmy: They are finishing up now. No kiss yet, though. She’s laughing at something he said. Looks like a prett
Amy paced across the bedroom.Seventeen steps to the window, pivot, fifteen steps back to the mirror. Her new sundress swished around her knees – impulse purchase, one size too optimistic. Twenty-seven minutes until he arrived. Twenty-six, actually. The clock on her microwave was fast.“You are a grown woman,” she told her reflection, which stared back with unconvinced eyes. “You’ve been on dates before.”“Why am I so nervous?” she asked herself in the mirror. “It’s just Asa, your nice neighbor.The sundress was yellow – “Daffodil Dream” according to the tag – with tiny white flowers scattered across the fabric like stars on a summer night.She’d spent forty-three minutes and all her remaining dignity in the fitting room deciding between this one and a blue number that made her look like a corporate retreat brochure. The yellow won because it didn’t take itself too seriously. Amy wasn’t sure she could say the same about herself right now.Amy paused at the window, fingers fidgeting wi