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 found himself staring at Amy, feeling irrationally happy. The aftermath of their lovemaking left his muscles relaxed just like it did when they did this back in Sweden. But somehow, this time felt even better than that time.“Stop looking at me like I grew a second head,” Amy teased.The corner of his mouth quirked up in a half-smile. “Sorry. You look really pretty,” he said.“Pfft,” she scoffed, but Lucas could see that her cheeks were turning pink.He loved it when her cheeks turned pink like that.“Come on, Lucas,” Amy nudged him, her eyes twinkling. “Drive me home now. I have work in the morning.”“Let’s go,” he said, standing up.Amy chattered about random things on the way home, but Lucas only half-listened. A tightness coiled around his chest, an unfamiliar pressure attacking him.He didn’t want to take her back to her apartment yet. He missed her already.“I want to show you my Penthouse, Harpy. How about now?” he asked.Amy furrowed her brows. “What? Now? No way. I am d
This wasn’t fair.Amy thought as Lucas slowly, almost lazily, kissed her.This just was not fair.How was she supposed not to fall in love with him when he kissed her like that—like he had all the time in the world, and he simply didn’t care what he was doing to her?Amy’s fingers curled against his chest, torn between pulling him closer and pushing him away. She knew this was dangerous, knew it would only complicate things further, but when his lips moved against hers with that maddening patience, every rational thought vanished.Lucas made a low sound in the back of his throat, his hand sliding up her spine, his touch warm and steady. He wasn’t in a hurry, wasn’t rushing to take more. He was simply enjoying this, enjoying her.It wasn’t fair.Because the way he kissed her made her believe that she could have him all to herself.Amy knew better. She really did!Lucas wasn’t hers. He never had been, and he probably never would be. But in a moment like this, when his fingers traced her
Lucas lay beside Amy, his hands folded behind his head as he gazed up at the stars projected above them. The soft hum of the planetarium filled the air, but all he could focus on was the quiet rhythm of Amy’s breathing beside him.He felt at peace. No expectations and no responsibilities here. Just him and his Harpy.He turned his head slightly, glancing at her. She looked mesmerized by the stars, her eyes reflecting the soft light of the projection. Her lips were slightly parted as if she were drinking at the moment, and Lucas felt something tighten in his chest.“I think this is the calmest I’ve ever seen you,” he murmured, a small smile tugging at his lips.Amy turned her head to look at him, an amused glint in her eyes. “Are you trying to tell me again I talk too much?”Lucas chuckled. “Oh, absolutely.”Amy laughed softly, shaking her head. “I guess I do talk too much. I am sorry if it bothers you. I can’t help it sometimes. I promise I will try to be more quiet.”Lucas frowned sl
The lunch rush has started.Amy zipped between the tables of the crowded diner, a tray balanced effortlessly on one hand.She delivered a steaming plate of meatloaf to Mr. Henderson, the retired schoolteacher who always insisted on extra gravy.“Guh. I need this today. Kids in my class are complete brats,” he complained.“Remember, Mr. H., it’s the digital age,” Amy quipped. “These kids can probably program your TV better than you can.” She laughed as he snorted into his coffee cup, waving a dismissive hand at her while hiding a grin behind his bushy mustache.“Ah, what do they know?” he grumbled.The bell above the diner door jingled.More customers, Amy thought. She was hoping today was a slow day, and she could go home early, but it didn’t seem like it was happening.“Look who decided to grace us with his presence,” Joanne murmured nearby, her voice low and teasing.Amy followed Joanne’s nod toward the entrance, where Lucas stood.Amy froze.“You go, Amy. You must’ve charmed his so
They all ate in silence. When they were done, Ben suggested that everyone go to the porch for some fresh air.Once they were out, the crisp evening air wrapped around them. Amy wrapped her arms around herself, trying to keep warm, but Lucas noticed the slight shiver that ran through her.Without hesitation, he shrugged off his jacket and draped it over her shoulders. Before she could protest, he pulled her closer against his side, his arm wrapping securely around her.Amy blinked up at him, surprised. “What are you—”“You are cold,” he said simply, his voice firm but gentle.Over Amy’s shoulder, he caught Alicia watching them.She stood near the porch railing, her expression grim.Lucas wondered if this whole plan was already a success, and Alicia was jealous.Lucas held her gaze for a beat, then smirked, tightening his arm around Amy just a little more.Alicia looked away, her lips pressing into a thin line.Amy hissed near his ear. “What are you doing, Lucas?”“Keeping you warm,” he
Lucas immediately spotted Alicia as soon as he entered the dining room.As soon as her gaze met his, her mouth hung open, and her eyes turned wide.Lucas grinned. This was the exact reaction he was hoping for. “Hello, Alicia,” he said in a smooth voice.“You two know each other?” Amy’s mother asked.“I went to college with him,” Alicia said, her voice tight.“YOU DID! NO WAY!” Amy exclaimed in a high-pitched, exaggerated voice, and Lucas could barely contain his laughter.Someone give this girl an award for the worst acting performance.Alicia shot Amy a look. “Yes, I did,” she said, regaining some composure.Amy gasped dramatically, placing a hand over her chest. “Oh my god, were you two, like… a thing? This is so awkward.”Lucas snorted while Alicia visibly clenched her jaw.“No,” Alicia said sharply. We were just acquaintances, that’s all.”“Oh, thank goodness. Because this would’ve been so weird if my date was your boyfriend or something,” Amy said in a conspiratory tone.Alicia w
Saturday night came too fast for Amy.She wasn’t prepared. Not mentally, anyway.She was anxious about seeing Lucas again and doubly stressed about spending time with her mother and her new family. Every time she was in their presence, her mom found a way to make her look bad.She stood in front of her mirror, smoothing down her sundress, debating whether she should change for the third time.Her mother was always so critical about how she dressed and how she looked. What if she thought Amy was overdressed? Or underdressed?A knock at her door made her jump. She took a deep breath and opened it to find Lucas leaning against the door frame, looking effortlessly handsome in a fitted jacket and dark jeans.“Ready to go?” he asked, flashing that boyish grin that made her stomach flip.“You are here too early,” she said, forcing herself to sound casual.Lucas raised an eyebrow. “I am?”He glanced at his watch, then back at her with an amused smirk. “Pretty sure I’m right on time.”Amy huff
Lucas took a bite of the cheeseburger and grinned. “Not too bad. Definitely better than what I expected from a diner.”“It’s no fancy food you are used to, that’s for sure,” Amy said.“What’s your favorite item on the menu?” Lucas asked.Amy’s eyes brightened. “The apple pie!”“Oh really?” he raised an eyebrow. “I am more of a peach cobbler kind of guy.”“With Vanilla ice cream?” Amy inquired.Lucas chuckled. “Is there any other way to eat it?”Amy leaned towards him, her tone conspiratory. “By the way. Did you have something to do with the whole…sick grandma situation?”Lucas paused, his burger halfway to his mouth, a smirk tugging at his lips. “Maybe,” he said, setting the burger down and leaning back in his seat, his eyes glinting with amusement.“How did you do that? You sound nothing like me,” Amy joked.“I called in a favor. My younger sister, Sky, called your boss and pretended to be you,” he said. “She loves acting, so I figured, why not give her something she would enjoy?”“N
“Amy, you are back! I am so sorry about your grandma,” Joanne exclaimed, giving Amy a big hug.Amy blinked. “My grandma?”Joanne released her from her embrace and looked at her, her eyes full of sympathy. “Brian told me you called and told him you needed a week off to visit your sick grandma in Tennessee.”“I did?” Amy asked but then quickly recovered. “Ah, yes. I did. Poor granny,” she said, thinking about both of her grandmas, who had been dead for years now.Joanne patted Amy’s arm. “You did a good thing by going to her. Family comes first.”Amy forced a tight smile. “Thanks, Joanne. She will be fine. Where is Brian?”Joanne glanced toward the back office. “He’s in the back office.” Joanne gave her another sympathetic smile. Amy swallowed down the guilt bubbling up inside her. “Yeah… thanks, Joanne.”Amy made her way toward Brian’s office. So she wasn’t fired because someone called Brian and made up the fake grandma story.She lightly knocked on his door.“Come in,” Brian called o