Jacob wasn’t sure whether he should trust Tiffany’s dad or not. He was so hot and cold. But as soon as he felt Tiffany reaching out and holding his hand, all of his doubt disappeared. Who cares if her dad acted confusing? He had Tiffany now. Jacob smiled at her. They were at some expensive restaurant, celebrating graduating high school. He could’ve never dreamed of being at a place like this if he hadn’t met Tiffany’s family. Her mother didn’t even remember it was his graduation day today. Jacob glanced around the lavish restaurant, feeling out of place. The clinking of crystal glasses and the soft hum of conversations surrounded him, but his focus remained on Tiffany. She sat beside him, her hand warm and steady in his. She looked over, catching his gaze, and offered a reassuring smile. “You okay?” she asked softly, leaning closer so only he could hear. “Yeah,” Jacob replied, squeezing her hand. “Just… not used to all this.” Tiffany’s brow furrowed slightly. “You deserve this,
One year later…Tiffany danced across the mat, her eyes locked on her instructor’s movements. Sweat beaded on her forehead, trickling down her temples as she ducked and weaved, her breath coming in quick, controlled bursts.“Keep your guard up!” her instructor barked, launching a swift jab towards her face.Tiffany pivoted, her arm snapping up to deflect the blow. She countered with a lightning-fast cross, connecting solidly with the mitt.“Good! Now combination!”Her muscles burned as she unleashed a flurry of punches, each one landing with precision. Left jab, right cross, left hook. The rhythm of the strikes matched the pounding of her heart.As she reset her stance, Tiffany caught a glimpse of herself in the mirrored wall. The girl staring back at her was a far cry from the carefree teenager she’d been just months ago. Her eyes held a steely determination that both thrilled and terrified her.Pride swelled in her chest as she executed a perfect combination, earning a nod of approv
Jacob’s hand rested lightly on the small of Tiffany’s back as he guided her into his cramped office. The door closed with a soft click, sealing them off from the bustling restaurant beyond.Suddenly, the clamor of dishes and chatter faded away, leaving only a charged silence between them.Tiffany’s eyes darted around the tiny space, taking in the cluttered desk and filing cabinets. Her heart raced as she realized how close they were standing in the confined area. “What are we doing here?” she whispered, even as a thrill of excitement coursed through her.He gave her a roguish grin. “Relax, Tiff. I just wanted a moment alone with you.”“But what if someone comes looking for you?” Tiffany bit her lip, imagining the scandal if they were discovered by one of their employees. Yet she made no move to leave, drawn in by Jacob’s magnetic presence.“They won’t,” he assured her, his voice low and intimate in the quiet room. “I told Enzo I was doing paperwork. We’ve got time.”He leaned down and
A small smile teased her lips. “I don’t know what you mean by. ‘other stuff,’” she said coyly even though she could guess what he meant.Jacob trailed his fingers along her thighs. “Why don’t I show you?”“I think I like the sound of that,” she managed to say, her voice breathy with anticipation.Jacob’s lips curved into a roguish smile. “I thought you might.”Jacob’s hand slipped under her skirt, teasing the lace edge of her panties. Tiffany shuddered, aching for his touch. He took his time, savoring her reactions, stoking the flames higher with each passing second.Just as his fingers dipped beneath the fabric, a sharp knock sounded at the door. They froze, eyes locked on each other as reality came crashing back in.“Boss? You in there?” a voice called from the other side.Jacob let out a frustrated groan, resting his forehead against Tiffany’s. She couldn’t help but laugh softly at the interruption, even as her body thrummed with unfulfilled desire.“Tell him I am not supposed to t
As soon as Tiffany stepped inside the mansion, she felt something was off. The usual controlled calm of her family’s home had been replaced by tension so thick it felt like a storm cloud hovering above.She strode inside, her senses on high alert. The air smelled faintly of copper. She didn’t have to go far to find the source.The main dining hall, usually reserved for family meetings or quiet dinners, had been transformed into a war room. Men and women in dark suits flanked the walls, their expressions grim.In the center of the room, sprawled across the pristine white tablecloth, was a chilling sight. A blood red message: “We see you, Red Vipers. The Black Serpents strike soon.”Tiffany’s father, River, stood at the head of the table, his imposing figure radiating authority. Despite his composed demeanor, Tiffany could see the strain in his tightly clenched jaw, and for the first time, she noticed how tired he looked.“What happened here?” she asked.River’s sharp gaze flicked toward
Vargas chuckled, but there was a dangerous edge to his laughter. He leaned back in his chair, appraising Tiffany with a calculating gaze.“Alright, princess, you want to talk business? Let’s talk.” He gestured to the empty chair across from him. “Have a seat.”Tiffany hesitated for only a heartbeat before sliding into the offered chair, her back ramrod straight. She met Vargas’s stare head-on, refusing to be cowed.“I’m listening,” she said coolly.Vargas’s smile widened, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “You’ve got spirit, I’ll give you that.”Tiffany arched a perfectly shaped eyebrow. “Thanks. Now tell me why you sent that message. Are you planning an attack on Red Vipers?”Vargas’s smile faltered slightly as he leaned forward, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the table. His gaze darkened, and Tiffany could feel the shift in the atmosphere, like a storm brewing just beneath the surface.“You’re direct, I’ll give you that,” Vargas said, his voice taking on a more menacing tone. “We h
Vargas’s grin widened, his amusement deepening as he leaned back in his chair and clapped his hands twice. The sharp sound echoed in the room, and a moment later, the door behind him creaked open.Two burly men dragged in a scrawny, disheveled figure who looked terrified.The man was dumped carelessly on the floor. Vargas gestured lazily toward him.“Meet the Rat,” Vargas said, his tone almost casual. “His name’s Eddie. Loyal to your family for years—or so you thought.”Tiffany’s gaze flicked to Eddie. She felt a twist in her stomach, but she forced her expression to remain cold and detached. This was a test, she reminded herself. She couldn’t afford to show weakness.Eddie’s bloodshot eyes widened as they focused on her. “Miss Foster,” he croaked, his voice barely above a whisper. “Please, I didn’t mean to—”“Shut him up,” Vargas snapped, and one of the men delivered a swift kick to Eddie’s side, silencing him with a pained grunt.Tiffany turned her attention back to Vargas. “You wan
Tiffany stared at her reflection in the vanity mirror, her jaw set with determination. Vargas’ words echoed in her mind, fueling a fire within her.“I’ll show him,” she muttered, clenching her fists. “I’ll show them all.”The encounter with Vargas had shaken her, but it had also awakened something - a fierce resolve to prove herself as a leader within the Red Vipers. Tiffany took a deep breath, squaring her shoulders.“I’m not just some princess,” she told her reflection. “I’m River Foster’s daughter. This is my birthright.”But even as the words left her lips, doubt crept in. Was she really cut out for this life? Could she handle the weight of leadership, the constant danger?Tiffany shook her head, pushing the thoughts aside. She had to stay focused.Standing from the vanity, Tiffany moved to her closet and selected a sleek black dress. As she slipped it on, Tiffany felt confident.“You’ve got this,” she whispered, smoothing down the fabric. “Just remember what Dad taught you.”Her
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